Liminal Living

TakeawaysBradley 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 central theme in his theology.Jersak highlights the need for healing and recovery in faith communities.He discusses the importance of acknowledging complicity in societal issues.The conversation calls for bridge-building across ideological divides.Jersak's work at St. Stephen's University focuses on peace and reconciliation. We are training bridge builders for reconciliation.The exhaustion from political entanglement may lead to healing.Fear of existential crises leads to doubling down on beliefs.Deconstruction should not lead to spiritual arson.Religion gestures towards a greater mystery.The incarnation should not justify

TakeawaysTransparency 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 diversity of theology while maintaining a sense of unity.Churches should prioritize open and honest conversations, embracing the mystery and wonder of God rather than trying to control or limit understanding.Pastors should focus on meeting the spiritual needs of their community and creating spaces for diverse spiritual exploration and community. Shifting from winning people to walking with them allows for a more authentic and compassionate approach to relationships.Questioning and letting go of beliefs, such as eternal conscious torment, can lead to a deeper understanding of God's love and grace.Creating spaces of love and serv

Take Away IdeasDeconstruction 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.The church should create space for dialogue, shared meals, and mutual support to foster genuine community.People are drawn to authenticity—leaders who admit their doubts and embrace communal wisdom.Introduction:Tommy is introduced as a musician and pastor with a love for art and church life. He shares about his background growing up in a Southern Baptist family, his love for music, and the early influence of church culture.Journey into Ministry:Tommy discusses how he found himself leading a church in his early 20s, dealing with church scandals, and eventually growing his congregation into a space for those questioning fa

takeawaysTom 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 support is vital.Healing is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual.Spiritual practices should be integrated into daily life.The church's role is to love and support those in need. Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

takeawaysThe 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 often blamed on political leaders, but the underlying problems are complex and require systemic changes.The current economic system is profit-centered, prioritizing growth and wealth accumulation over human flourishing. This has led to the exploitation of resources and the neglect of social services.Building a more egalitarian and pluralistic society requires a shift in values, prioritizing love, faith, and truth over domination, coercion, and control. Evaluate economic policies based on their impact on real people's livesPastors can address political issues from the pulpit while maintaining the separation of church an

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 into the nature of true wisdom, the inner conflicts that lead to community disputes, and the necessity of aligning oneself with God through humility and authenticity.Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living  All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree    

TakeawaysMystics 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 for progress and positive change.Mystics challenge the status quo and work towards a more inclusive and compassionate society. Love and understanding are essential in our interactions with others.Practicing gratitude and mindfulness can bring peace and fulfillment to our lives.Embracing the past and working towards healing and justice is important for personal and societal growth.Mysticism can guide our actions and inspire us to make a positive impact in the world.Living with intention, compassion, and a sense of responsibility can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.ChaptersIntroduction and Discussion of Brit

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 dangers of short-term thinking.Charisma can be a double-edged sword in leadership.Our words can either contribute to justice or injustice.Self-reflection on how we are perceived is essential for growth. Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

TakeawaysCaleb'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 idolatry.The decline of trust in the church is linked to political affiliations.Engaging in conversations requires self-reflection and emotional health.Flipping tables is sometimes necessary, but setting tables is more common.True change happens at the heart level, not through confrontation.Hope can be found in the faith of global Christian communities.\ChaptersIntroduction and Symbolism of the Leviathan StickerCaleb's Journey: From Conservative Roots to Pastoral LeadershipThe Impact of 2016-2020 on Faith and CommunityUnderstanding American Christian NationalismThe Identity Crisis within American Christian NationalismThe

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. Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

TakeawaysFaith 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 by religious or ideological beliefs.It is important to defend and uphold democratic principles, including free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, and the protection of individual rights. Support for democracy among Christians has eroded since the 1960s, leading to a sense of alienation and fear among conservative Christians.Conservative Christians perceive culture and politics as dominated by their enemies and feel oppressed, which has been exploited by political figures like Donald Trump.Identity-oriented politics and the rejection of pluralism are not aligned with the teachings of Christianity.The rise of aut

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 speak, and slow to become angry can lead to better understanding and more compassionate interactions.Religion should be demonstrated through actions, such as caring for those in need and avoiding power schemes. Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

LinksPre-order Chuck's New Book: [click here]Chucks Author Page: [click here]Chuck's Amazon Page: [click here]TakeawaysChuck 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 language for his experience of God.Chuck DeGroat's work as a counselor, spiritual director, and author is rooted in his own experiences of pain and the desire to help others navigate their own wounds.Narcissism in church communities can lead to alienation, disconnection, and the multiplication of pain and abuse.Self-awareness is crucial in navigating narcissistic tendencies, and it allows for growth, transformation, and the ability to acknowledge and repair the impact on others.The dynamic between narcissistic leaders and followers is often characterized by mirror hunger and ideal hunger, where the leader seeks validation and the fo

Introductions Climbing Mt. Whitney Facing Internal Demons on the MountainSpiritual 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 Undercover Idolatry Mammon’s Weapon is Fear of Death  What Really Causes Inflation Gatekeepers of the Bible Don’t Actually Like the Bible  Mammon “Works” and Why We Can’t See It. How to Love our Neighbor Conclusions Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

Chapters IntroductionsCherokee rootsMy Oppressive Missionary Colonizer YearsColonialism woven into the Christian faithThe Violence of Christian SupremacyConservative politics picks up the torch of colonialismThe Problem of Disembodied TheologyShalom and the Failed Western ExperimentDecolonizing the FaithColonial Theology that needs to Go: Hell, Exclusivity, and Original SinThe Practice of Vulnerable ConversationConclusions Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

ChaptersIntroductionsGood CoffeeSpiritual Roots in the Korean Church in ChicagoRenting church space and false hospitalityRethinking Hospitality as the ChurchLoving Disagreement what it is and is NOTLove is not niceToxic PositivityThe Moving Goalposts of expectationFalse apostolic authority used to create exclusive dogmaWhat loving your enemy can look likeConclusions Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

ChaptersIntroductions  Faith Rooted Organizer Anthony vs Confederate Statue An Ecumenical Exorcism of White Nationalism and RacismAn Apocalyptic moment and call Christians call to apocalyptic action Hyper individualism and its damage on society The Gospel and White Jesus made an atheist The Gospel evolve to meet us White Christian Nationalism is a form of bad Atheism Christianity as ideology for the nation state is bad news A Heart attack and an existential crisis The Sound of the Genuine Don’t live apologetically Pay attention and find purpose Conclusions Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

Chapters Intro Theology and Art Where does art come from? What does art do? Art involves us in the truth Art opens us up to truth  Imagination and Faith Sweaty Pentecostalism  Knowing more about demons than about God  Bonhoeffer  A true place to belong  Incarnation shows us what God is like  Conclusion Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

Key points include:• The unhealthy balance between individual well-being and community demands in evangelical settings.• The symbolic and inspirational aspects of Tolkien’s stories and how they relate to real-life experiences.• The importance of continuing to do good without relying on miraculous interventions.• Reflections on the role of marginalized voices in pursuing true justice and equity.The episode delves into the deeper, often overlooked, emotional and spiritual struggles within religious communities, emphasizing the need for genuine connection and personal growth.Links:Buy the Book [click here]check out God Squad [click here]check out Heretic Happy Hour [click here] Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

TakeawaysHold beliefs loosely and be open to subjective experiences and objective evidence.Recognize the limitations of creedal faith and the need for a more contextualized understanding of God.Explore the concept of oneness and the connection between mysticism, science, and different religious traditions.Embrace a sense of awe, gratitude, and responsibility towards everyone and everything.Question and challenge traditional beliefs and seek a more expansive spirituality.Contextualizing God in the modern culture requires holding beliefs more loosely and embracing the diversity of religious and theological perspectives.Reflecting on what is essential to one's faith and being open to different interpretations can help address improper understandings of God.Moving away from a fear-based understanding of religion and focusing on love, compassion, and service can lead to a healthier and more inclusive spirituality.Exploring different spiritual practices and engaging with diverse religious traditions can deepen one'