Liminal Living

takeawaysGrounding in spiritual practices is essential during chaotic times.Community support can provide strength and resilience.Limiting social media exposure can help maintain mental health.Deconstruction can be a transformative process, akin to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.Creativity can serve as a pathway to hope and healing.Intentionality in actions can turn everyday activities into spiritual practices.Listening to marginalized voices is crucial for rebuilding faith and community.Open conversations about political differences can foster understanding.Betrayal can stem from political choices that affect loved ones.Hope is vital for navigating through difficult times. Empathy can be challenging when political views clash.Cocooning is a valid way to protect oneself from harm.Storytelling humanizes experiences and fosters connection.Finding voices that inspire hope is crucial in difficult times.Creating safe spaces in community is essential for open dialogue.Speaking up for justice is a responsibility

takeawaysDanny Bryant grew up in a religious cult that emphasized moral perfection.Literature played a significant role in shaping Danny's worldview and personal growth.Leaving the cult was a long and complex process for Danny, taking over a decade.Danny's experience in the cult led him to question many beliefs and seek a more inclusive faith.The trauma from his upbringing continues to influence Danny's life and work as a pastor.Danny aims to prove that pastoral care can be done with integrity and love, not control and shame.He draws parallels between cult mentality and systemic issues like whiteness and social justice.Danny believes that understanding whiteness is crucial for addressing social injustices.He emphasizes the importance of being in touch with our bodily existence and emotions.Danny's journey reflects a broader narrative of healing and transformation in the face of trauma. The richness of truth can be overwhelming and transformative.Assimilation into dominant cultures often leads to heartbreak an

takeawaysBad theology shapes harmful societal priorities.Our understanding of God influences our actions.Genesis 1 introduces God as a creator from chaos.Jesus embodies the Word that brings order.Creation reflects a rhythm of forming and filling.Humans are stewards of God's creation, not slaves.Rest is essential for sustaining life and faith.The biblical narrative invites trust in God's provision.The chaos of society mirrors the darkness in Genesis 1.God's creation is abundant and meant for thriving. The Tower of Babel story reflects the temptation to empire.God's desire is for humanity to enjoy life without the chaos of empire.Our quest for efficiency can harm our relationship with the earth.Scarcity is a human construct, not part of God's design.God is actively working in ways we may not immediately see.The Holy Spirit represents a divine exhale for humanity.Unity in diversity is a key theme in the reconciliation of Babel.God's mercy is widening to include all of humanity.Chaos introduced by humanity can le

TakeawaysBrandon's morning routine includes ice baths for wellness.Experiencing a sense of goodness at a young age shaped Brandon's faith.Faith can provide structure but should not be overly rigid.Questions about faith can lead to feeling on the fringes of religious communities.Confession and vulnerability can deepen community connections.Books can profoundly impact one's understanding of faith.The essence of faith may be mistaken for its constructs.Asking questions about the gospel can challenge traditional beliefs.Personal experiences shape one's understanding of spirituality.Navigating faith involves balancing personal beliefs with community expectations. The gospel is fundamentally about the Kingdom of God.Many Christians focus solely on the death and resurrection, neglecting the broader gospel message.Embodiment is crucial in living out the gospel in our daily lives.The journey of faith often involves significant transformation and personal growth.Shalom represents a deep, holistic peace that encompasses

takeawaysDavid's early experiences shaped his adventurous spirit.He has a diverse background in various Christian denominations.His journey in faith has been marked by exploration and questioning.A pivotal moment in seminary led to a crisis of faith.David emphasizes the importance of navigating between faith and doubt.He experienced a profound flash of insight about the oneness of all things.David's blog, Naked Pastor, became a platform for his thoughts on spirituality.He believes every theology has something to contribute.David's departure from ministry was both traumatic and liberating.He encourages others to explore their own spiritual journeys. Existential crises can lead to profound insights about faith and ministry.Redefining pastoral roles can create a more inclusive community.Love must manifest in policies to be truly effective.Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and connection.Diversity within communities enriches the spiritual experience.The church has both pastoral and prophetic responsibiliti

takeawaysDr. Bauman's book addresses sexism and abuse in the church.He conducted extensive research with over 2,800 women.The church has a history of silencing women's experiences.Authenticity is crucial in addressing personal and communal trauma.Patriarchy fosters a culture of secrecy and shame.Weaponizing forgiveness can harm victims of abuse.Theological beliefs should evolve and shed outdated ideas.Men's insecurities often lead to abusive behaviors.The church must confront its complicity in abuse.Healing requires facing pain rather than bypassing it. Forgiveness can sometimes be weaponized in abusive situations.Emotional and spiritual abuse often goes unrecognized.Healthy shame encourages accountability, while toxic shame dehumanizes.Entitlement can stem from suffering, leading to harmful behaviors.Trusting our bodies is essential for spiritual health.Men must actively work against sexism and objectification.Systems in the church often prioritize power over people.Jesus's actions challenged the patriarchal

takeawaysTaylor is currently fascinated by Nosferatu and its historical context.Nosferatu represents a preconception of vampires before they became romanticized.Horror films often reflect societal anxieties and fears.Taylor's upbringing in Appalachia was marked by a unique blend of faith traditions.A progressive preacher changed Taylor's perspective on Christianity.Thomas Merton's teachings had a profound impact on Taylor's faith journey.Taylor distinguishes between a personal God and a more abstract ground of being.Tillich's philosophy offers a nuanced understanding of divinity.The conversation highlights the tension between traditional and progressive theology.Philosophy encourages exploration of complex questions in faith and existence. Metaphysics is inherently theological, addressing fundamental questions of reality.Existentialism encompasses both religious and atheistic perspectives.Freedom can be both empowering and stifling, leading to anxiety about choices.Justice should be the foundation of societal

Take AwaysLiz became a birth doula after her own experiences with childbirth.The process of becoming a mother can be isolating and taboo.Doulas provide emotional and psychological support during childbirth.Birth is a transformative experience for families, not just individuals.Liz's work as a doula involved helping families navigate their expectations and fears.Women in leadership roles often face unique challenges in church settings.Liz's faith journey involved significant personal and familial dynamics.Therapy played a crucial role in Liz's faith deconstruction.The Bible's interpretation can vary greatly depending on cultural context.Liz's book explores seeking God in Genesis after losing faith in the Bible. Reading Genesis requires a surrender to the story.Ancient texts reflect a deep commitment to preservation.Understanding characters in Genesis offers rich insights.Hagar's story represents themes of liberation and survival.Diverse perspectives enhance our understanding of scripture.The craft of writing a

takeawaysThe course 'Whitehead's Universe' aims to introduce beginners to process philosophy.Whitehead's thinking is described as a prism, requiring multiple perspectives to understand.Experience is fundamental to both science and spirituality, shaping our understanding of reality.Process philosophy sees the world as fundamentally verb-like, emphasizing becoming over being.God is not static but dynamic, growing and changing with the world.The relationship between God and humanity is reciprocal; we form God through our actions.The need for a new metaphysics that reflects contemporary understanding of the world.Mystery should be honored in both theology and metaphysics, allowing for wonder and exploration.Dynamic perfection suggests that God is ever-evolving rather than static.The Christian tradition is an ongoing process, not a settled doctrine. Metaphysics is fundamentally about human experience.We must honor the mystery within ourselves.Science has its own metaphysical assumptions.The present moment connects

takeawaysJeremy 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.Authenticity in spirituality can lead to personal growth.Spiritual beliefs can provide mental health benefits.The importance of critical thinking in faith matters.Community and shared mythology are essential in religious contexts. Apologetics can be harmful and create a combative view of faith.Faith should not be positioned as something under attack.Teaching apologetics can lead to indoctrination into narrow viewpoints.The Lord, Liar, Lunatic argument is a false dichotomy.Churches often prioritize institutional survival over genuine faith.Control and manipulation are central to maintaining religious institutions.Skepticism

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 highlights the redemptive power of encountering our own dividedness. The conversation also explores the role of grief and the need to acknowledge and process loss. Rollins connects these ideas to the concept of the death of God and the tearing of the temple curtain, challenging the notion of liminality as a space where the finite and infinite meet. In this conversation, Peter Rollins and Tom Rundel discuss the concept of God and the different ways it is understood. They explore the idea of sublimation and liminality, with Rollins arguing that the eternal exists within certain objects rather than behind them. He sees Christia

takeawaysJon 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 ultimately identifying as agnostic.He reconnected with faith through the hyper grace movement, emphasizing God's unconditional love.Jon became a worship leader and preacher but struggled with the church's teachings on hell and salvation.His departure from the church was driven by a desire for authenticity in his beliefs.Jon maintains a friendship with his former pastor despite differing beliefs.The conversation highlights the complexities of faith, control, and personal growth. Universal salvation was a leading belief before modern teachings.Engaging in online arguments about faith can be exhausting.Identifying as a foll

takeawaysCatching 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 understanding.The journey of deconstruction is often painful but necessary.Finding supportive communities is essential for healing.Books and podcasts can be valuable resources for exploration. Listening and taking a lot of input and learning is crucial.Music can reflect the struggle of faith and personal growth.There is a narrative of death and resurrection in belief systems.Finding grounding in new perspectives can lead to freedom.Community can provide stability but can also become cult-like.It's important to navigate the balance between individuality and community.Influences from music and thinkers can guide personal journeys.Spi

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 teachings of her past created anxiety and isolation.Leslie's experiences on Survivor China opened her eyes to diverse perspectives.She began to research and question the teachings she was raised with.The shift from destination-focused faith to journey-oriented spirituality was profound.Leslie aims to support others in their journeys of faith and self-discovery. I don't believe in hell anymore.I'm not turning my back on my Christianity.God is love.Discipline is for rehabilitation, not punishment.You don't have to do anything you're not ready to do.I was taught I was disgusting and unlovable.We've been putting the blame on eve

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 that America will survive political turmoil.The church should not be tied to any political party.There is a trend of rightist leaders being elected globally.Scot argues that the evangelical church has failed to teach political engagement.The need for reevaluation of political engagement is crucial for the church. Our devastation is an indicator of our discipleship.Christians can care at a completely different level.Politics is about compromise; dissent is necessary.We should dissent as Christians when policies harm the least of these.Pastors need to create a culture of political discipleship.The church must resist becoming a

takeawaysMattie 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 knowing and believing.Love should not have an agenda in evangelism.The historical context of women in Christianity is often overlooked.Diversity in theater challenged her previous beliefs. The concept of divine love is often restricted by societal norms.Personal identity struggles can lead to questioning established beliefs.The pressure to conform to evangelical ideals can be overwhelming.Many truths taught in evangelicalism can be challenged and deconstructed.Faith should accommodate human growth and change.Questioning beliefs is a difficult but necessary process.Control within religious contexts often masquerades as love.Famil

takeawaysHiking 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 invites a broader understanding of spirituality.Engaging with political issues is crucial for community support.Hope can be found in the innocence of children.Silence holds infinite possibilities for personal growth.ChaptersIntroduction and Background StoriesThe Camino Experience: A Spiritual JourneyReflections on Life and Time ManagementFaith and Spirituality: Early InfluencesThe Journey of DeconstructionThomas Merton: Influence and ImpactQueering Contemplation: A New PerspectiveEngaging with Political PolaritiesFinding Hope in Local ConnectionsSilence and Its Infinite PossibilitiesLiminality and Queerness: Embracing Uncerta

takeawaysThe 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-compassion.The present moment is all we truly have.Creative expression can lead to deeper self-understanding.Life's experiences shape our understanding of ourselves and others. Learning how we became us is essential for growth.Personal histories can illuminate patterns in our lives.Trauma is rooted in our cellular nervous system.Understanding our emotions can lead to healing.Anger can be navigated without harming others.Being human involves navigating highs and lows.Mythologies provide meaning in our lives.The political is an amalgamation of the personal.Art helps us transcend our pain.We can trust in new futures as old myths d