Fkd Up By Faith

In this special Winter Solstice episode of Fkd Up byFaith: UNFKD , recorded on the solstice, in darkness, in the Galloway Forest Park in Scotland, I explore the meaning of the longest night of the year — a threshold between darkness and returning light. I share reflections on the spiritual depth of darkness. There is a gentle invitation to  reflect, to rest, to embrace stillness and the hidden bea...

"No hate like Christian love" - was the prompt for this episode. A comment on a social media post was met with this response. And I get it. Recorded in the calm before storm Floris from a campervan on the west coast of Scotland, I share a brief reflection on love from a Christian theological perspective. My take is that we are compelled, as Christians, to love. And for me, this means pra...

In this episode of UNFKD I tackle one of the most 'harmful,misunderstood and just plain wrong' concepts in theology - HELL. It's one of those projects that, as a theologian, you kind of wish you'd never started. Thank God that there are some wonderful theologians and historians whose work I have relied on in this episode. I took as my starting point the phrase - oft repeated in my Scots childhood...

In this episode of "UNFKD," Jude explores The Ascension. The discussion covers its historical and theological aspects, including its celebration in Catholic and Anglican traditions, and its (sometimes rather amusing) depiction in art. Jude then shares one of her sermons on the Ascension in which she explores the meaning of Jesus being taken "up" into heaven, wondering if heaven...

I had an absolute blast talking to Emily Larsen and Trey Comstock from Divine Provisions Co. They are both United Methodist pastors based in Houston Texas, and together as Divine Provisions Co. they produce no less than three podcasts. We move from Trey and Emily's Fkd Up By Faith stories - OMG is all I can say - to talking about the theology of pool party baptisms and ministry as a game of Du...

In this Easter Monday episode of UNFKD, Jude Mills explores the theological significance of resurrection, exploring various interpretations and beliefs surrounding the event. From the traditional Easter vigil service to the different perspectives on Jesus' resurrection—whether physical, spiritual, or metaphorical—Jude examines how these views shape Christian doctrine and the hope of eternal li...

I am delighted to release new episode and indeed a whole new season of Fkd Up By Faith! I had a great conversation in this episode with Ann Russo (she/her). Ann is a licensed clinical social worker, mental health advocate, educator, and thought leader specializing in addressing complex and often stigmatized topics such as religious trauma, sexual empowerment, ethical non-monogamy, queer identity,...

In this episode, host Jude Mills examines Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's recent address at the National Cathedral, where she directly appealed to the POTUS for mercy toward LGBTQ+ people and migrants. The episode explores Liberation Theology's origins in 1960s Latin America, its core principles including the "preferential option for the poor," and its influence on modern progressive Christ...

In this episode of Fkd Up by Faith: UNFKD , as we step into 2025, I indulge a pet peeve, reflecting on the way we always seem to label the previous year as a 'bad' year and hope that the next one will be better! I explore how the privilege of geography, culture and history shapes this perspective. I also consider the significance of the Christian feast of Epiphany—a celebration of revelation and l...

In this final episode of my Advent series, I delve into the rich symbolism of the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. I reflect on my previous themes of hope, darkness, and liminality, exploring how this season invites rest, transformation, and the anticipation of light's return. I also address the misconception that Christians "stole" the solstice, uncovering some history and the deep...

This week, I’m reflecting on liminality —those in-between spaces of life that can feel so uncertain yet hold incredible potential for transformation. Inspired by my conversations with fellow creatives and theologians, I explore what it means to exist on the threshold—whether it’s the exposed seabed when the tide is out, the transition between life and death, and waiting and unknowing of Advent its...

In this week’s episode of Fkd Up by Faith: UNFKD , I reflect on the often-overlooked theme of darkness during Advent. I explore how darkness is necessary and sacred and share wisdom from John O'Donohue, Richard Rohr, and the great Christian mystics. I also invite some gentle practice: inner; outer and collective. Enjoy! Sources of quotes etc. 'Anam Cara - Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World' by...

In this episode, Jude reflects on the season of Advent and particularly on the theme of Hope. Not as pie-in-the sky optimism but as a courageous, rooted act of trust, even - perhaps especially - amidst uncertainty. Highlights from the episode: What is Advent and what do "Christians" believe? Advent as a season of hope: What does it mean to prepare for hope in a broken world? Personal story: A rain...

In this episode of UNFKD , I dive into the theology of baptism, influenced this week by recently baptised comedian Russell Brand posting a photo of him, in his underpants, baptising someone else. The episode tackles key questions about what baptism is and what it's for, who is 'allowed' to perform baptisms ( spoiler - it's not usually stand-up comedians) the theological differences across denomina...

In this episode of UNFKD , I take on one of the biggest misconceptions: that science and Christianity are incompatible. I look at how a long-debunked 19th-century idea still manages to convince us that the two have always been at odds. I explore insights from several scientists, thinkers and theologians like Saint Augustine, who believed all truth points to God, and Elizabeth Johnson, who argues t...

What a gift it was this week - for someone who podcasts about the worst bits of religion - for some Christians to lose their sh1t over the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris. I would say thank you if I wasn't so busy face-palming at the ridiculousness of it all. So, in this episode of UNFKD, I am unpacking BLASPHEMY. I start with a brief look at the theological underpinnings of bla...

As we approach a general election in the UK on July 4th, this episode of UNFKD looks at the intersection of theology and politics. Political theology is a vast and complex subject and I don't attempt to cover the depth and breadth of it here. What I do examine is whether religion and politics mix, what it means to be political AND Christian and why I resolutely believe you cannot be genuinely...

Following a recent Podcast interview with Matthew Remski, I was challenged by one of his co-hosts on the Conspirituality Podcast - Julian Walker - to answer a few questions. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to craft these questions into a few episodes of UNFKD To begin with I want to tackle the question of why - if you follow progressive beliefs - do you continue to call yourself a Christian...

UNFKD is the bonus series to FKD UP BY FAITH in which I explore theological (& related) ideas. Specifically, those which are harmful or misunderstood or just plain wrong! The Day of Pentecost marks the end of the season of Easter - fifty days since Easter Day. It is the day in the Church calendar when Christians mark and celebrate how God’s Holy Spirit was given to the disciples after Jesus’ a...

Here it is - the second episode of UNFKD. The bonus series to FKD UP BY FAITH in which I explore theological (& related) ideas. Specifically, those which are harmful or misunderstood or just plain wrong! Here, I tackle the contentious topic of spiritual abuse. Content warnings apply for the subject matter, although I do not discuss any specific cases. If you are a Fkd Up By Faith listener, you...

In this episode I had a wonderful and wide-ranging conversation with Gary Alan Taylor, who is co-founder of The Sophia Society & Co-Host of the Holy Heretics podcast. Gary Alan is also an international speaker, content creator, and writer. He describes himself as being in recovery from fundamentalist Christianity and his passion is to see others free themselves from toxic expressions of faith....

This is the first in the new bonus series which I am calling UnFkd. Along with some guests, I will be examining and deconstructing theological ideas - the harmful, the misunderstood and the just plain wrong! In this first episode, I didn't choose one of the more obvious ones - like hell, sin or the devil ( we'll get there, I promise) Instead, I tackled something which is very close to my o...

I had a wonderful conversation with Mike Maeshiro for this episode. Mike is the founder of Numa, an organization that supports people recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. Mike is a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, best known for his class, “Discerning of Spirits.” He now teaches on emotio...

I had a great conversation with queer, neurodivergent speaker, preacher, teacher, worship leader, coach, and consultant, Erin Mieskowki. We spoke about being Queer and evangelical, about inclusive worship spaces, and about her wonderful "ADHDevotional." Erin uses their intersecting marginalizations to help support her clients in creating mutually-inclusive cross-cultural spaces. Erin is a Qualifie...

This episode, the first in... quite a while... is the start of a new Fkd Up By Faith season, and also a tribute. Very sadly, on 27th September this year, my dear (and oldest) friend David Goodall died. David, as you may know, is the composer of the theme music for the podcast. He was an actor, composer, musician and award-winning director of theatre and film. You can find out more about him - whil...