Liminal Living

Take AwaysLiminality is the space between what was and what will be, where we are trying to figure out how to be in a rapidly changing world.High-control religious environments can be toxic and manipulative, exerting authority over individuals and stifling personal growth.It is important to recognize and reject religious jargon that seeks to control and manipulate others.Reclaiming common human experiences, such as compassion, honesty, and justice, can help transcend religious boundaries and foster understanding.When confronted with high-control individuals, it is important to remember that you are not crazy, not engage in their games, and find a way to exit the conversation.ChaptersIntroduction to Liminal Living PodcastThe Impact of Liminality on Individuals and SocietyCriticism of Christian Supremacy and Institutional ChristianityThe Manipulative Nature of High-Control Religious EnvironmentsRejecting Religious Jargon and Embracing Human UniversalsDealing with High-Control IndividualsConclusion and Invitatio

Take AwaysMeeting tangible needs in the community is an important expression of faith.Faith is a journey of growth and evolving perspectives.Extending grace and love to others is a central aspect of the Christian faith.The stigma of tattoos in the Christian context can be challenged and reevaluated.Personal expressions of art, such as tattoos, can be a way to build relationships and express one's faith. The cultural acceptance of tattoos in the church is influenced by historical and societal factors, such as the sexual revolution and the Reformation.Art, including tattoos, can be a powerful tool for communicating the gospel and bridging the gap between the sacred and the secular.God can be found in secular spaces, and Christians should strive to embrace and engage with the world around them.The church should value and appreciate creativity and the arts as a means of expressing and experiencing God's presence.ChaptersIntroduction and BackgroundFrom Atheism to FaithThe Evolution of FaithThe Love for TattoosChal

Highlights:Embrace the ongoing process of spiritual growth and recognize that there is no arrival point.Question expectations that God will make everything smooth sailing and happy.Allow God the freedom to be creative in how He works in your life and the lives of others.Recognize the tension between the objective and subjective experiences of God and embrace both.Don't compare your spiritual journey to others, as each person's experience is unique. Experiencing God cannot be forced or limited to specific activities; it requires openness and a release of expectations.The lack of space for doubt and lament in Christian worship songs, sermons, and church spaces can hinder authentic expression and growth.Knowing the stories of God's people throughout history, including their struggles and questions, can provide comfort and perspective in times of doubt and anger.A theology that acknowledges suffering and difficult questions is essential for a mature and authentic faith.Faith is a fluid journey, and it may not fit

InsightsThe Gospel of Thomas is a collection of the sayings of Jesus and does not have a narrative like the other Gospels.The Gospel of Thomas was suppressed by early church leaders, particularly those who opposed the Valentinians.The Gospel of Thomas was found in 1945 in a clay jar buried in the desert.Scholars have dated the Gospel of Thomas to the early second century and believe it may have served as a Q document.The teachings in the Gospel of Thomas emphasize the oneness and connection with God and challenge hierarchical structures in the early church. The early Christian church adopted hierarchical, patriarchal, and uniform beliefs and practices after the Roman Empire adopted Christianity as its national religion.The Gospel of Thomas offers wisdom for steering the church towards a more egalitarian and community-based structure.Realizing our connection with God and one another is essential for loving and caring for others.The early church practiced secret teachings, and the shift towards hierarchical str

The importance of stripping away layers of interpretation to reveal the true essence of Christ.The challenges of countering Christian nationalism and the significance of speaking the truth in love.The concept of God as a being and the implications of this understanding.The connection between spiritual formation and the inspiration behind the book 'Jesus Unpainted.' The nature of God is explored through the lens of personal relationship and the concept of 'I thou' rather than 'I it'.Faith is validated through personal relationship with God, not just by accepting principles or statements of faith.The LGBTQ community faces challenges within religious institutions, often experiencing a lack of genuine love and acceptance despite the language of inclusion.Inclusive churches should not only welcome but also empower and involve all individuals, ensuring accessibility for everyone in the community.Engaging with the local community and serving the parish is essential for meaningful church impact and relevance in the p

Advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Church of the Nazarene is a complex and challenging endeavor, involving theological, social, and personal dimensions.The conversation sheds light on the tensions and complexities within the church and society regarding LGBTQ+ issues, highlighting the need for thoughtful dialogue and understanding.Thomas Jay Oord's journey of advocacy and the challenges he faces within his denomination provide insight into the evolving landscape of Christianity and the ongoing pursuit of inclusivity and social justice. The evolving understanding of LGBTQ+ issues has led to a shift in language and terminology, reflecting a broader and more inclusive perspective.Personal experiences, including interactions with LGBTQ+ individuals, have played a significant role in shaping perspectives and fostering empathy and understanding.The intersection of faith, science, and love is a complex and evolving space, with implications for theological discourse and social justice.The challenges faced by th

Key Take Aways:Embrace the contradictions and dividedness that are inherent in being human.Loss and death are fundamental aspects of existence that shape our experiences.Grief should be acknowledged and processed as a natural part of life.The death of God and the tearing of the temple curtain challenge the idea of liminality as a space where the finite and infinite meet. Certain objects capture a sense of transcendence and the eternal within them, rather than behind them.Christianity is radical in its belief in the death of God and the alienation within the divine.Hope is the driving force that motivates us to work for something better in the present moment.A better understanding of God in the modern world embraces self-division and ontological unknowing.Living in the present moment and embracing self-division can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic experience of life.Chapters:-Introduction and Espresso-The Northern Ireland Peace Process-The Apocalyptic Perspective and Psychoanalysis-The Redemptive Power

Buy the book: https://www.ivpress.com/when-god-became-whiteListen to the pod: https://www.christiancentury.org/podcast/madangRead her Blog: https://gracejisunkim.wordpress.com/Subscribe Substack: https://gracek.substack.com/ Names hold deep significance in Korean culture, connecting individuals to their family and generations.Understanding race as a social construct is essential in dismantling racism.Whitewashing biblical stories perpetuates whiteness and reinforces white supremacy.Theological creedal development should be reexamined to ensure it does not reinforce whiteness.Solidarity and hope are necessary in the fight against racism and the decolonization of the Christian faith. Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingAll Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

Check out Ben's Website here: https://www.benjaminkatt.com/ Grab Ben's Book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250910447?tag=macmillan-20Leaving the familiar and falling into the unknown are two distinct stages of a transformative journey. Leaving the familiar involves recognizing the need for change and making a decisive break from the past, while falling into the unknown is the disorienting and challenging period of transition.Returning home after a transformative journey can be difficult, as one may no longer fit into the social identity or conformity of their previous community. It may require setting new boundaries, rearranging relationships, and finding new soul friends who understand and support the journey.Practices such as meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature can help center oneself and maintain a sense of stillness and internal reference amidst change. These practices can also foster self-discovery and a deeper connection with one's own soul and purpose.The hero's journey, as seen in li

You can buy the book here: https://upperroombooks.com/book/looking-inward-living-outward/You can connect with Daniel here: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.wolpert.1Contemplation frees individuals from habits and patterns that cause suffering and promotes compassion and care.Contemplation is not just an individual practice, but also a communal one.Contemplative psychology explores the concept of the human person as a bundle of habits and activities that create our sense of self and the world.Contemplation can dissolve ego habits and projections, leading to more humane and loving relationships.The integration of contemplation and action is essential for social transformation. The ego constructs a sense of self based on our sensory input, leading to patterns of confirmation bias and repetitive behavior.Contemplation allows the mind to slow down and see the construction process of the ego, leading to a more open and expansive sense of self.Powerful presence is not about charisma or ego-driven leadership, but abou

You can preorder the book here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250893277/life-after-doom You can find Brian's work here: https://brianmclaren.net/ IntroductionThe Conflict Between Conservative Faith and Love for NatureFacing a New SituationThe Impact of Climate Change and Rising DepressionThe Importance of Spiritual HelpThe Power of Naming GriefThe Complicated Nature of HopeSuperficial Hope vs. Deeper HopeRethinking Economic ParadigmsLiving in Harmony with NatureCreating Safe Landings and Imagining a Sustainable FutureQuestioning History: European Intellectuals and Atrocities of WarThe Role of RepentanceFinding New Ways of Being and Centers of GravityRecognizing and Dismantling Abusive Power StructuresExpressing Gratitude and Building Connections Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving  

"Have you ever had a difficult time reading Paul’s Epistles? Ever felt like your questions were not part of the preapproved rhetoric of the groupthink? Zach felt the same way growing up in the Southern Baptist Church and lived at the edges of inclusion, fading further away from his faith. And then he read the Gospels and wondered why his church was not talking about this Jesus guy at all. Today’s conversation is about progressive Christianity and the inclusivity of the early church. We discuss the shift from a way of living and embodying the teachings of Jesus to an emphasis on intellectual agreement with a set of doctrines. We also explore the misinterpretation of Paul's letters and the need to understand them in their historical and cultural context. Zach shares his personal journey from growing up in a conservative evangelical church to finding a radical encounter with Jesus and reconstructing his faith. We highlight the importance of engaging with the life and teachings of Jesus and the need to move away

"Have you ever wondered how much of what you believe to be true is actually influenced by the quirks of your own mind? In this solo episode of the Liminal Living podcast, we delve into the fascinating realm of cognitive biases and their impact on our perception of reality. We use Brian McLaren’s list of 13 cognitive biases that cloud our judgment, revealing how they shape our understanding of truth and certainty. Through a philosophical lens, we examine the notion of absolute certainty, suggesting that acknowledging the presence of biases allows us to embrace uncertainty with an open hand.The path to truth lies not in clinging to a rigid sense of certainty, but rather in maintaining a humble acknowledgment of our own limitations. Truth can be best grasped in a mindset where being 95% sure of something allows room for the remaining 5% of uncertainty. Embracing this openness enables us to navigate the complexities of truth with greater clarity and humility. Ultimately, we hope this is a compelling invitation fo

"Have you ever always hated the doctrine of eternal conscious torment but felt like it was too central to the faith to discard? Chad is the guy to talk to. Today we deconstruct the theology of ECT, discuss its origins, its evolution, and its future home in the proverbial lake of fire. We also discuss open and relational theology, evangelicalism, liminality, contemplation, and more views of the afterlife. It was an invigorating conversation that let me see that my academic mind can still come out and play every once in a while.Chad Bahl is a DThM candidate at Northwind Theological Seminary, studying under Dr Thomas Jay Oord, where he specializes in the study of Open and Relational Theology. He also has hosted a podcast series: Deconstructing Hell. And is the author of God Unbound: An Evangelical Reconsiders Tradition in Search of Truth, author/editor of Deconstructing Hell: Open and Relational Responses to the Doctrine of Eternal Conscious Torment, and author of the upcoming Mornings with Schleirmacher.You can

"Have you ever wondered how one finds their voice in a world that often seeks to silence them? Today, we're diving deep into that question with author and advocate-minister Ally Henny, as we explore her journey of resilience, faith, and empowerment. Ally is the brilliant mind behind "I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You," a wonderful work that delves into the complexities of navigating societal pressures and finding one's voice amidst adversity. As the Vice President of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, Ally is dedicated to empowering Black Christians toward liberation from racism, offering profound insights into the intersection of faith and social justice. Throughout our conversation, we'll journey through Ally's experiences and perspectives, exploring the differences of black and white Christian culture in this country, the effect it has on politics, economics, society, and religion. Also, Ally offers invaluable insights into the tensions of Black freedom and the

Have you ever been made the “prayer request” of a community because your story didn’t match the triumphal testimony narrative? Justin grew up in the Southern Baptist Church as a conservative labeled by his high school peers as “God boy.” He was handing out tracts, evangelizing, and really good at obeying purity culture rules when it came to women. Then he realized that he was gay. He went on a long journey of wrestling with faith and identity, and we talk about his story today. For over 25 years, Justin Lee has been a leading voice in navigating contentious issues with depth and empathy. As the author of "Talking Across the Divide: How to Communicate with People You Disagree With—and Maybe Even Change the World," his work has been adopted as a college textbook, guiding students through areas of disagreement. Beginning his journey in the 90s as a spokesperson for Bridges Across the Divide, Justin later founded a nonprofit dedicated to fostering dialogue within Christian communities on LGBTQ issues, g

Has your faith community become a breeding ground for spiritual abuse? Today I talk to Amy Fritz, host of the podcast "Untangled Faith," and we delve into the complexities of spiritual abuse within faith communities, drawing from her personal experiences and her husband's encounters while working for Dave Ramasey. Through occasional articles, Amy shares insights on faith, parenting, and simplifying life while fostering meaningful connections. In this insightful interview, she discusses pivotal moments in her faith journey, theological perspectives that reshaped her thinking, and sustaining practices that offer hope. Touching on topics like reorganized religion, abusive tactics, and the impact of the Evangelical industrial complex, Amy explores where the church could head in the next decade with honesty, humility, and openness. We also talk about failing religious leadership, and the transformation needed to address systemic issues within the church. You can find Amy’s blog here: http://amyfritzwrite

Have you struggled with finding community and belonging after deconstruction? Many do, because you are in a liminal space of development, unsure of who you are, what you believe, and therefore, who your people are. Matthew Paul Turner, no relation to Tina, has been on a journey of belonging that he illustrates with a new Children’s book, You Will Always Belong. Matthew takes deep spiritual truths around the concept of identity and makes them accessible to children, and therefore, that inner child in you that desires to belong. The starting place: learn to belong to yourself so that you know what people it is safe to belong to. Matthew Paul Turner has traveled the globe as a photographer, journalist and humanitarian documentarian. But he has truly made his mark in the world of children's literature. The #1 New York Times bestselling author brings an unmatched gift for rhyme and powerful storytelling to his inspiring books for young readers. Whether documenting the struggles of impoverished communities through

Have you ever felt like your faith tradition put you in a box, stifling your curiosity and ability to ask real questions? If so, then you'll want to hear this interview with author Trey Ferguson. Trey's book "Theologizin Bigger" takes a refreshing look at how to "theologize" - to wrestle with faith and theology in an embodied way that embraces mystery, questioning, and diverse perspectives. In our conversation, Trey unpacked how the Western evangelical desire for a uniform, objective understanding of faith has alienated and dismissed voices from the margins. He made an insightful distinction between merely studying theology as an expert versus the active, effortful work of "theologizing." Trey also painted a powerful picture of Pentecost as the antidote to the Tower of Babel - where the miracle was the ability for truth to be expressed in many languages, not conformity to one standard. With wisdom and lyrical profundity, he issued a call to hold a non-polarized space that allows

What happens when you get two deconstructed pastors in a zoom conversation together? A talk that spans from Thomas Merton’s mysticism, faith evolution, open and relational theology, Christian nationalism, and beer. Today’s conversation is the sharing of two deconstruction journeys and the evolution of faith that took place. Today we talk with Josh Patterson, who runs the (Re)thinking Faith Podcast which explores Christianity and spirituality from a progressive, deconstructed perspective. Coming from an evangelical background, Patterson interviews guests from various faiths and backgrounds to have honest dialogues about questioning long-held Christian beliefs, the intersection of faith and reason, finding meaning outside rigid doctrines, and reconstructing one's spiritual worldview with integrity. Through storytelling, Bible analysis, and respectful discourse, the podcast aims to create a space for those rethinking, doubting, or evolving their faith to engage with the doubts, struggles, and spiritual evolution