Spirituality Matters with Rev Karla

I Dislike the D Word Too Deconstructing, Decolonizing, and What Spiritual Honesty Demands Rev Karla has never loved the word deconstructing. For years, it felt harsh. More like demolition than discovery. In this episode, she reflects on why she still uses the term, what it truly demands, and why deconstructing without decolonizing risks rebuilding the same systems with softer language. This is not...

This isn’t just another policy shift. This is a spiritual crisis. In today’s episode, I’m unpacking what’s happening with the defunding of USAID—and why it matters for those of us who are deconstructing our faith, reclaiming our values, and learning to see every life as sacred. Behind the headlines are calculated efforts by billionaires and ideologues to dismantle humanitarian aid, silence compass...

In this episode, I return to the heart of everything I teach: why spirituality matters. For those of us who have untangled from high-control religion, the word spirituality can feel loaded—dismissed, distorted, or used to keep us in fear. But I believe spirituality isn’t about rules or performance—it’s about remembering. Remembering that we are already sacred. Already loved. Already whole. This co...

This one is for the quiet hearts—the ones who feel the ache on Sunday mornings, wondering if they’ve lost something holy, or if they’re somehow failing at faith. In today’s episode, I’m here to remind you: you’re not failing—you’re redefining. You’re shifting into a new kind of faith, one that doesn’t require performance or perfection, but allows for rest, softness, and truth. What may feel like u...

How Understanding the Overton Window Can Help you Decode Trump and Deconstruct Christian Patriarchy In this episode, I’m talking about something many of us on the deconstruction path are feeling right now: disoriented, exhausted, and deeply aware that something is not right. I connect the dots between indoctrination, the Overton Window, and how they’ve shaped not just our faith, but our politics,...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing five of the most common misconceptions about those of us who’ve left church. If you’ve ever been called selfish, bitter, or “just hurt by the wrong church,” this one is for you. I unpack each assumption with honesty and clarity—and speak directly to those of you who have found peace outside of organized religion. Your story is valid. Your path is sacred. And despite...

In this episode, Rev Karla unpacks the manipulative tactics of patriarchal systems—from gaslighting and blame-shifting to spiritual bypassing—and how they echo across our homes, churches, and political structures. Drawing connections between recent headlines and the personal experiences of those deconstructing from Christianity, she offers clarity, validation, and a reminder that your intuition is...

In this episode, Rev Karla confronts the dangerous theology behind the phrase “Drill Baby Drill” and the Christian fallacy of dominion over the Earth. She explores how harmful interpretations of scripture have fueled environmental destruction, justified with faith, and used to silence efforts to protect creation. From endangered species to national parks, this episode is both a warning and a call...

History does not look kindly on those who stood by in silence. From Nazi Germany to present-day America, Christianity has been used as both a tool of oppression and a force for justice. Today, as we witness forced deportations, the stripping of LGBTQIA+ rights, and the systematic erasure of marginalized communities, we must ask ourselves: Where do we stand? Some Christians are embracing oppression...

In this gentle Sunday reflection, Rev Karla speaks to the sacredness of rest and the quiet rebellion of the unchurched. For those feeling pulled to justify, perform, or prove their worth—this is your reminder that rest is not laziness. It is holy. It is healing. And it belongs to you.   🔔 Like, share, and subscribe. Join the conversation and support my work by subscribing to my Substack .  Rev Ka...

For those of us who have left the church, the message is clear: we are not lost, and we are not looking for a way back. Yet, in deconstructing spaces, the loudest voices still belong to the churched. We are treated as a project to fix, an enigma to understand, or a problem to solve. But the truth is, many of us left because we saw the harm church as an institution perpetuates—patriarchy, white sup...

I’m not an alarmist—I’m a realist. I see the patterns, I pay attention, and I take action when I know something is wrong. And right now, I need you to hear this: If you aren’t terrified, you aren’t paying attention. Democracy is being dismantled at a speed designed to keep us overwhelmed, exhausted, and unable to fight back. From forced deportations and gutted workers’ rights to billionaires tight...

Faith should not require fear—but for many of us, that’s exactly how we were taught to believe. Fear of asking questions. Fear of losing community. Fear of what happens if we step outside the lines. In this episode, I respond to a message from a reader whose concerns reveal just how deeply fear-based theology shapes belief systems. From xenophobia to LGBTQIA+ erasure to patriarchal control, fear i...

Deconstructing faith comes with a paradox—the longing for a time when belief felt simple, safe, and certain. But that simplicity was never real. It only existed because we weren’t supposed to question. In this episode, I explore the deep contradictions of deconstruction—the nostalgia for what once was, the pain of seeing the truth, and the sacred transformation that comes when we step beyond the r...

While some voters are waking up to the consequences of Trump’s policies—losing jobs, benefits, and essential programs—MAGA Christians aren’t among them. They aren’t disillusioned. They aren’t questioning. They’re celebrating. In this episode, I break down why MAGA Christianity remains steadfast in its loyalty, how blind faith and Christian nationalism fuel their unwavering support, and why we won’...

Our democracy is crumbling, and Democratic leadership is failing us. Instead of stepping up, too many politicians are more focused on punchlines, social media antics, and optics while real people suffer. ➡️73% of Democratic voters say leadership isn’t doing enough to oppose Trump. ➡️Eric Swalwell is cracking jokes while fascism tightens its grip. ➡️Gavin Newsom is aligning with Charlie Kirk instea...

Defunding education and food programs isn’t just politics—it’s a calculated move that will leave millions of families struggling to survive. The Department of Education is being gutted. Federal meal programs for children have been eliminated. Families who were already on the edge are now facing an even harsher reality. And behind it all? The very people who claim to follow Jesus. In this episode,...

How Speaker Mike Johnson Endangered a Newborn and Punished a New Mother MAGA Christians love to call themselves the party of “family values,” but when it comes to actually supporting families, their hypocrisy is on full display. In this episode, I break down the latest example—how Speaker Mike Johnson forced a new mother, U.S. Representative Brittany Petterson, to choose between doing her job and...

2023 was a year filled with its share of challenges and surprises. I've titled our last teaching of the year: “Spiritual Reset,” drawing inspiration from some of my past writings and experiences, and I am sharing this teaching on my Podcast. In this teaching, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the significant moments of 2023 and how they've shaped us. Let's set intentions for personal growth...

Rev Karla's new podcast titled: "A Practical Spirituality: Finding Holy in Your Everyday," helps those seeking a deeper connection to their spirituality beyond the confines of traditional religious institutions. Rev Karla begins by sharing her personal experiences and insights on leaving the church and beginning a path of practical spirituality.   She reflects on the challenges and joys of transit...

In this episode, Rev Karla discuss the intricate layers of grief. Grief isn't a one-size-fits-all process; it's a lifelong journey that impacts us all at some point. It's not just about losing a loved one; it can be triggered by various life events, from relationship endings to significant societal shifts. Rev Karla challenges the traditional "five stages of grief" model, highlighting that it's no...

In this special podcast episode we are sharing a Sunday teaching from Rev Karla exploring the sacredness of the holiday season. December holds a multitude of holy days, not just for Christians, but for all of humanity. As we enter this busy season, it's crucial to prioritize self-care and pause to find the sacredness in the small moments.   Sundays with Rev Karla is a weekly teaching program. Each...

Spirituality Matters is a podcast hosted by Rev Karla that explores the intersection of spirituality and humanity. In this episode, titled "Authentic Gratitude | 10 Ways for Gratitude to Meet Us Right Where We Are," she addresses how gratitude has been misused in various contexts, and how many of us have been indoctrinated to see gratitude as a sort of punishment. Rev Karla discusses the harmful e...

In this special Q&A podcast episode, Rev Karla answers these questions from her audience:   As a Gay Christian, it is both a relief and confusing because it’s all I’ve ever know. Do you think Jesus will ever return? And what about a new Earth? Can you do a series about interacting with others post-deconstruction? Like when to discuss and when not to, how to respect their journey without trying...

In this podcast episode titled, "Whose Land Do You Stand Upon? Eight Ways to Blend Your Sacred Activism with Your Spirituality and Help Deconstruct Toxic Ideologies," Rev Karla begins by reflecting on the false narratives and indoctrination prevalent during her upbringing in the 1960s, particularly regarding the Thanksgiving story and the mistreatment of Native Americans.   Rev Karla emphasizes th...