Summary

In this conversation, James Sholl and Danielle Strickland engage with Brian Recker, author of ‘Hell Bent’, discussing his journey from fundamentalism to a more expansive understanding of faith. They explore themes of deconstruction, the implications of hell in Christianity, and the importance of justice over punishment. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in spirituality and the liberating experience of finding Jesus beyond traditional frameworks.

‘I began, very strongly, to feel that who we were in Evangelicalism did not reflect the spirituality of Jesus’

Takeaways

* Brian Recker’s book ‘Hell Bent’ explores the fear of hell in Christianity.

* Deconstruction often begins with questioning fundamental beliefs.

* The political climate can significantly impact one’s faith journey.

* Grieving the loss of traditional faith structures is a common experience.

* Finding Jesus outside of traditional frameworks can be liberating.

* The concept of hell often reflects a punitive view of God.

* Justice in Christianity should focus on restoration, not punishment.

* Fear-based spirituality can hinder genuine connection with God.

* Authenticity in faith leads to deeper belonging and community.

* The journey of faith can be both challenging and transformative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background Noise

01:53 Introducing Brian Recker and His Book

03:51 Brian’s Journey from Fundamentalism to Evangelicalism

07:26 The Impact of Politics on Faith

11:23 Deconstruction and the Search for Authenticity

14:45 Encountering Jesus Amidst Deconstruction

18:33 Prayer and Spiritual Practices

22:04 Listening to Marginalized Voices

25:40 The Concept of Hell and Its Implications

29:57 The Nature of God’s Justice

32:20 Rethinking Judgment and Redemption

33:56 God vs. Empire: A New Perspective

35:56 The Consequences of Spirituality

37:48 The Role of Hell in Faith

42:56 Love Over Fear: A New Approach to Faith

47:36 Connecting with the Right God

53:51 Finding Genuine Belonging

Join us for an incredible conversation with Zach Lambert about his book ‘Better Ways to Read the Bible’ where we talk about just what is happening with Christianity today, the ways that the Bible has been weaponized, and the way that we can reclaim it!

Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and Bette Dickinson explore the themes of spiritual flourishing, the importance of embodied encounters, and the need to dethrone the powers of industrialization in our spiritual lives. They discuss the significance of quality over quantity in spiritual growth, the role of relationships in flourishing, and the concept of creating an understory of mutuality. The conversation also delves into the cyclical nature of life, the importance of rest and dormancy, and God’s desire for our flourishing. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for a prophetic imagination to awaken us to a different way of living that prioritizes connection and community.

00:00 Introduction to The Art of Vine Making

01:19 Spiritual Flourishing in a Productivity-Driven Culture

03:55 Embodied Encounters and Spiritual Formation

05:45 Dethroning the Powers of Disconnection

09:38 The Contrast Between Industrialized and Organic Approaches

13:26 Quality Over Quantity in Ministry

17:00 Creating an Understory of Flourishing

18:25 The Role of Shepherding in Deliverance

22:59 Awakening to Prophetic Imagination

27:46 Flourishing vs. Productivity

33:16 The Cycles of Life and Ministry

38:52 Seasons of the Soul

44:25 Embracing Flourishing and Surrender

‘Does God view us like a microwave?’

Takeaways

* Spiritual flourishing is a journey that requires community engagement.

* Embodied encounters with nature can deepen our spiritual experiences.

* Dethroning the powers of industrialization is essential for spiritual growth.

* Quality of spiritual life is more important than quantity of output.

* Relationships are key to flourishing in our spiritual lives.

* Creating an understory of mutuality fosters a sense of belonging.

* Shepherding is a model for liberation and care in our communities.

* The prophetic imagination can awaken us to new possibilities.

* Each season of life has its own significance and purpose.

* God desires for us to flourish and grow in our spiritual journeys.

Check out Bette’s wonderful website here -

https://www.bettedickinson.com/

Summary

In this conversation, Joash P. Thomas discusses his book ‘The Justice of Jesus’ and explores the themes of justice, faith, and the impact of colonization on modern Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of centering marginalized voices and the need for the church to engage in justice work without the constraints of colonial frameworks. The discussion also touches on the complexities of mission work, the role of empathy, and the call to live a flourishing life now, rather than focusing solely on the afterlife.

‘Justice is a communal exercise’

Takeaways

* Joash wrote a book called ‘The Justice of Jesus’.

* Justice should not be pigeonholed into biblical or social categories.

* All justice is ultimately God’s justice.

* We can’t change the past, but we can be faithful in the present.

* The gospel centers marginalized voices.

* Decolonization is essential for understanding justice.

* Empathy is crucial in addressing historical injustices.

* The church must engage in justice work today.

* Mission work can have both beautiful and harmful outcomes.

* Living a flourishing life now is a key aspect of faith.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Joash P. Thomas

02:41 The Justice of Jesus: A New Perspective

05:45 Decolonizing Justice and Faith

08:04 The Impact of Colonization on Justice

10:50 Understanding the Complexity of Colonization

13:37 The Duality of Good and Harm in Mission Work

20:04 The Complexity of Divine Action Amidst Human Atrocity

21:59 The Now of the Gospel: Living in Abundance

23:44 Reckoning with Colonial Narratives and Their Impact

26:09 Centering Marginalized Voices in the Gospel

27:56 Transformation Through Empathy and Understanding

29:43 Navigating the Tension Between Prophetic and Priestly Calls

32:16 Historical Trauma and Its Effects on Power Dynamics

36:16 Co-opting Liberation: The Need for Reflection

37:52 Hope in the Global Church: Moving Forward Together

Summary

In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, hosts Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage in a profound conversation with Karissa Sovdi about the complexities of singleness within the church. They explore the societal and theological implications of viewing singleness as a problem to be solved rather than a valid and fulfilling life choice. The discussion touches on the idolatry of marriage and family, the importance of celebrating life milestones beyond traditional markers, and the need for genuine community and friendship. Karissa shares her personal journey of dismantling the ‘future wife’ identity and embracing the gift of singleness, while also addressing the burdens and misconceptions surrounding it. The episode concludes with practical advice for living a fulfilling single life and the importance of inclusivity in church communities.

Check out more from Karissa at Surviving Christianity Unmarried

‘I never really identified as a person; I identified as a future wife’

Takeaways

* Singleness is often viewed as a problem rather than a valid life choice.

* The nuclear family is idolized in North American Christianity.

* Celebrating milestones beyond marriage is essential for community.

* Eternal life and fulfilment can start now, not just in marriage.

* Celibacy and singleness can be gifts that allow for deeper connections with God.

* Friendship is crucial and often overlooked in discussions about singleness.

* Comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness.

* The church needs to create inclusive spaces for singles.

* Marriage should not be seen as the ultimate goal or solution to loneliness.

* Practical steps can help individuals embrace and celebrate their singleness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Karissa Sovdi

01:32 Exploring Singleness in the Church

03:50 Dismantling the Future Wife Identity

07:43 The Idolatry of Family and Marriage

11:02 Celebrating Life Beyond Marriage

14:41 The Gift of Singleness and Celibacy

18:50 Understanding Celibacy and Singleness

21:15 The Role of Friendship in Singleness

24:54 The Burden of Singleness in Church

29:37 Reimagining Community and Connection

32:11 Jesus’ Example of Singleness

35:17 The Crisis of Loneliness and Friendship

38:29 Practical Steps for Living Singleness Well

42:52 Conclusion and Resources

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Sheila Wray Gregoire discusses her groundbreaking work, 'The Great Sex Rescue,' which reveals the dissatisfaction of evangelical women in marriages due to toxic beliefs about gender roles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, healthy communication, and the need for empowerment and non-compliance in challenging patriarchal structures and her latest book ‘The Marriage You Want’. Sheila highlights the role of religion in relationships and the necessity of addressing toxic teachings within the church. The conversation concludes with a call to action for individuals to seek healthier, more fulfilling marriages based on equality and partnership.

“Healthy communication is the key to a successful marriage.”

"Healthy communication is key to a successful marriage."

Takeaways

* The Great Sex Rescue highlighted the dissatisfaction of evangelical women in marriages.

* Toxic beliefs about gender roles can lead to harmful practices in relationships.

* Religiosity can be beneficial, but toxic teachings can negate those benefits.

* Healthy marriages are built on mutual respect and partnership.

* Women should not feel obligated to fulfill male desires at the expense of their own needs.

* Doubt and deconstruction can lead to a deeper understanding of faith.

* Empowerment and non-compliance are essential for women in toxic environments.

* Healthy communication is key to a successful marriage.

* The church must address and change toxic teachings about gender roles.

* Jesus' teachings promote equality and mutual respect in relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sheila Wray Gregoire

00:58 The Great Sex Rescue: A Turning Point

04:34 Research Findings on Women's Satisfaction

09:13 The Impact of Toxic Beliefs

13:48 Challenging Patriarchy in Marriage

18:52 The Role of Religion in Relationships

23:44 Navigating Toxic Church Environments

28:29 Building Healthy Marriages

33:10 Empowerment and Non-Compliance

38:04 The Importance of Mutual Respect

42:49 The Future of Marriage and Relationships

47:42 Conclusion and Call to Action

56:29 Black and White Bold Modern Podcast YouTube Intro.mp4

Jemar Tisby is a New York Times bestselling author, national speaker, and public historian on a mission to deliver truths from the Black experience with depth and clarity.

Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Scholl engage with Dr. Jemar Tisby, a historian and author, to explore the complex relationship between racism and spirituality. They discuss Tisby's personal journey into racial justice, the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the importance of moving from racial reconciliation to racial justice. The conversation delves into the historical context of racism in America, the role of the church, and the spiritual nature of racism. Tisby emphasizes the need for collective action, the significance of unsung heroes in the fight for justice, and the importance of discipleship in addressing systemic injustices. The discussion concludes with practical steps for church leaders to foster a commitment to justice within their communities.

Take-aways

* Racism is a spiritual issue that requires a collective response.

* The church has a responsibility to address systemic injustices.

* Racial reconciliation often lacks the depth needed for true justice.

* Understanding history is crucial to addressing current racial issues.

* The Curse of Ham has been misused to justify racism.

* Women played a vital role in the civil rights movement.

* Discipleship should include a commitment to justice.

* Awareness, relationships, and commitment are key to racial justice.

* Activism often starts with small groups or individuals.

* Hope exists in the ongoing fight for justice.

Links

Follow Dr. Jemar Tisby on Substack