Liminal Living

takeaways Jeremy identifies as a skeptic pastor, balancing doubt and faith. Choosing beliefs that promote love and acceptance is crucial. The role of a pastor is to help people connect with the divine. Deconstruction is a lifelong process of questioning inherited beliefs. The damage caused by rigid belief systems is often pervasive. Philosophy and theology are distinct fields with different tools....

In this RECAST conversation with Peter Rollins , we discuss the themes of loss, death, and redemption. He shares his experiences growing up in Northern Ireland and how it shaped his work on scapegoating and peace. Rollins emphasizes the importance of embracing our contradictions and the inherent loss and death that is part of being human. He critiques the idea of a pre-traumatic state and highligh...

takeaways Jon has worked at Costco for 30 years and has a diverse personal life. He grew up in a religious household but questioned church teachings from a young age. Jon's early questions about the Bible led to feelings of rebellion during his teenage years. His experiences in theater challenged his views on homosexuality and church teachings. Jon's journey included studying various religions and...

takeaways Catching the Northern Lights was a long-awaited dream. Growing up in evangelical communities shaped my worldview. Fear-based teachings can lead to obsessive faith practices. Experiencing spiritual abuse can lead to complex PTSD. Questioning beliefs is a crucial part of personal growth. YWAM provided both community and indoctrination. Different theological perspectives can expand understa...

Leslie's childhood was marked by instability and a search for connection. She experienced a significant faith shift after a traumatic event involving her daughter. The journey of deconstruction led her to question long-held beliefs. Leslie emphasizes the importance of community and authenticity in faith. She learned to think critically and trust herself after leaving the church. The fear-based tea...

Scot expresses discouragement over the political alignment of evangelicals with Trump. The conversation highlights the importance of character in leadership. Young people are increasingly disillusioned with the church due to its political affiliations. Scot emphasizes the need for political discipleship in the church. The rise of authoritarianism is a concern for many Christians. Scot believes tha...

takeaways Mattie moved to New York City driven by a strong instinct. Growing up in Branson felt like living on a movie set. Her upbringing was wholesome but came with pressures. She recognizes the good and bad in her evangelical background. Stability in community provided comfort during her teenage years. Questioning beliefs began at a theater camp in New York. Evangelicalism often conflates knowi...

takeaways Hiking the Camino was a transformative spiritual experience. Reflecting on life in three-month segments helps maintain focus. Faith was a spacious concept in Cassidy's upbringing. Questions about existence began at a young age for Cassidy. Deconstruction of faith can lead to deeper self-understanding. Thomas Merton's writings opened new avenues of contemplation. Queering contemplation in...

takeaways The journey of life often involves navigating liminal spaces. Emotional transitions can be profound and transformative. Writing is a deeply personal and exploratory process. Names hold significant power in shaping identity. Self-definition is an essential part of personal growth. Grief can be processed in various ways, including observation. Self-awareness must be balanced with self-comp...

Takeaways Bradley Jersak emphasizes the importance of community in spiritual growth. He reflects on the trauma experienced within his faith journey. The problem of evil is a significant challenge for many believers. Jersak advocates for a nonviolent interpretation of atonement. He believes the cross represents God's love rather than divine violence. The intersection of goodness and suffering is a...

Takeaways Transparency and clarity are essential in church communities, particularly when it comes to issues like LGBTQ inclusion. Churches should clearly communicate their theological stance and actively work towards creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The concept of covenantal relationships, where individuals are bound together in a covenant of community, allows for diversit...

Take Away Ideas Deconstruction isn’t about losing faith, but about re-centering on Jesus. Doubt and curiosity are essential tools in questioning rigid religious structures. The power dynamics of church leadership need reevaluation; Christ-like leadership centers on humility and service. The shift from religious laws to virtues (like love, peace, and self-control) is essential for spiritual growth....

takeaways Tom Rundel reinterprets the Book of James for modern understanding. Suffering is a common experience, not to be glorified. Spiritual bypassing dismisses the reality of suffering. Prayer should be an honest engagement with one's situation. Lament is a significant part of spiritual practice. Community support is crucial for those who are suffering. The role of elders in providing care and...

takeaways The current political and cultural moment in the United States is characterized by the erosion of trust in democracy and the weaponization of fear and anger. Apocalyptic language is used in political discourse to create a sense of urgency and to rally support, but it often hinders productive conversations and solutions. Economic realities, such as rising prices and income inequality, are...

n this episode of Non-Fundamentalist Bible Studies, Tom Rundel explores the end of chapter three and the beginning of chapter four of the book of James. He emphasizes the importance of understanding wisdom and knowledge in a non-weaponized context, encouraging listeners to seek genuine wisdom through a beautiful manner of living rather than through superficial appearances. The conversation delves...

Takeaways Mystics experience the divine in everyday life and see the holiness in others. Mystics can be both heavenly minded and earthly good, working for peace, justice, and the well-being of all people. Political discourse should involve empathy, understanding, and dialogue, rather than demonization and polarization. Finding common ground and holding space for different perspectives is essential...

The book of James addresses the power of speech and its implications. Teachers in the church are held to a higher standard. Controlling the tongue is crucial for personal and communal integrity. Words can shape perceptions and influence actions. Righteousness is fundamentally linked to justice. Inconsistency in speech reflects deeper issues in the heart. The Moloch principle illustrates the danger...

Takeaways Caleb's upbringing in a conservative home shaped his early views on faith. His experience with neo-Nazi skinheads led to critical questioning of ideologies. The rise of American Christian nationalism has created a divide in churches. Many church members are influenced by external political narratives. Christian nationalism is a blend of political ideology, tribal identity, and spiritual...

Faith without action is dead. The early Christian community emphasized caring for one another's needs. Treating all people equally is important and goes against favoritism. Love for our neighbors and living out the social vision of Jesus is crucial. Sponsors Quoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://...

Takeaways Faith can provide an organizing center, meaning, and purpose in life. Gushee's journey of faith involved a conversion experience as a teenager and a broadening of perspectives through studying Christian ethics. Democracy is a system of government that belongs to the people and is based on a constitution and the rule of law. Authoritarianism poses a threat to democracy and can be fueled b...

Reinterpreting scripture passages can help avoid harmful and wounding interpretations that have been used in a religious and fundamentalist context. Understanding the cultural context in which scripture was written is crucial for interpretation. Every good and perfect gift comes from God, and it is important to recognize and appreciate the goodness in the world. Being quick to listen, slow to spea...

Links Pre-order Chuck's New Book: [ click here ] Chucks Author Page: [ click here ] Chuck's Amazon Page: [ click here ] Takeaways Chuck DeGroat's faith journey was shaped by a mix of embodied spirituality and disorientation due to brokenness in his parents' marriage. He found a broader understanding of faith through the contemplative tradition and the mystics, which opened up a more expansive lang...

Introductions  Climbing Mt. Whitney  Facing Internal Demons on the Mountain Spiritual Roots in Catholicism  Grace in Community & Abuse on Church Staff  Abusive Leadership Embraces Power and Causes Trauma  Using Your Voice with Clarity and Humility  Spiritualizing the Poor is a Hermeneutic Mistake  The God of Mammon, Power, Money, and Economy  What “Love of Money” Actually Looks Like  Exposing Unde...

Chapters  Introductions Cherokee roots My Oppressive Missionary Colonizer Years Colonialism woven into the Christian faith The Violence of Christian Supremacy Conservative politics picks up the torch of colonialism The Problem of Disembodied Theology Shalom and the Failed Western Experiment Decolonizing the Faith Colonial Theology that needs to Go: Hell, Exclusivity, and Original Sin The Practice...

Chapters Introductions Good Coffee Spiritual Roots in the Korean Church in Chicago Renting church space and false hospitality Rethinking Hospitality as the Church Loving Disagreement what it is and is NOT Love is not nice Toxic Positivity The Moving Goalposts of expectation False apostolic authority used to create exclusive dogma What loving your enemy can look like Conclusions Sponsors Quoir Squa...