{"id":32105,"date":"2025-08-18T03:00:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T09:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/johnbeckett\/?p=32105"},"modified":"2025-08-18T07:31:59","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T13:31:59","slug":"unpacking-your-religious-baggage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/johnbeckett\/2025\/08\/unpacking-your-religious-baggage.html","title":{"rendered":"Unpacking Your Religious Baggage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

The eleventh online course from Under the Ancient Oaks is now open for registration. Unpacking Your Religious Baggage So You Can Live A Magical Life<\/a> begins September 4 and registration is now open.<\/p>\n

\"photo<\/a><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve written a lot about my spiritual journey over the years, especially in posts like Escaping Fundamentalism<\/a>, Exorcising Fundamentalism: The Steps On My Journey<\/a>, and more recently Dear Exvangelicals: I\u2019m Rooting For You<\/a>. I had to learn the hard way that it\u2019s not enough to say \u201cI don\u2019t believe that stuff anymore.\u201d That\u2019s a good first step, but all the stories and songs and sermons I heard as a small child were still buried in my brain \u2013 and in my soul. They kept popping up at the worst times.<\/p>\n

I had to unpack my religious baggage, understand why these things were still there, and then begin the process of replacing toxic religion with something that spoke to my soul.<\/p>\n

A couple years ago I gave a presentation I called \u201cExorcising Toxic Religion From Your Soul.\u201d It went over very well at Pagan gatherings, but there\u2019s only so much material you can cover in an hour. I realized this needed a much more in-depth approach, in a format that helps people work through their own baggage.<\/p>\n

The outcome of all that is this new eight week online class Unpacking Your Religious Baggage So You Can Live A Magical Life<\/a>. It starts September 4th and I hope you\u2019ll join me.<\/p>\n

The Modules<\/h2>\n

0. Introduction (free)<\/a>
\n1. What Makes Toxic Religion Toxic?
\n2. The Baggage of Belief
\n3. The Baggage of Sin and Guilt
\n4. The Baggage of Controlling Relationships
\n5. Stopping the Bleeding
\n6. Exploring Alternatives
\n7. Cutting the Cord
\n8. Living a Magical Life<\/p>\n

Module 7 will include a Cord Cutting Ritual. I\u2019ll provide the script and a video of me doing it, but it\u2019s something you\u2019ll need to do on your own.<\/p>\n

There will be a video Q&A after Module 2 and after Module 5.<\/p>\n

Class Logistics<\/h2>\n

As with all UTAO courses<\/a>, Unpacking Your Religious Baggage will be on-demand. Video classes will be released once a week \u2013 do them on your own schedule. I expect most of them will run 40 to 50 minutes.<\/p>\n

Module 0 \u2013 the syllabus module \u2013 is available now. Module 1 will go up September 4, and a new module every week after that for eight weeks.<\/p>\n

K.D. Echols has once again graciously agreed to provide written transcripts for those with hearing difficulties, and for those who like to read as well as listen.<\/p>\n

Homework<\/h2>\n

If there\u2019s one thing I learned in my own unpacking process, it\u2019s that you have to do the work. It\u2019s not enough watch a few videos and then go back to what you were doing. You have to think about what you\u2019ve learned, figure out how to apply it to your life, and then begin the process of replacing toxic religion with something good and helpful.<\/p>\n

Each module will include short readings, things to contemplate and write about (in your private journal, which you\u2019re encouraged to keep), and then implement in your daily life.<\/p>\n

I will show you how to do the work, but you have to do it yourself.<\/p>\n

Who should take this class?<\/h2>\n

Unpacking Your Religious Baggage is for anyone who wants to exorcise toxic religion from their soul.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s designed for Pagans and witches, but it can be used by those who want to move onto generic spirituality, or even to the progressive and inclusive forms of Christianity. It will be presented in a Pagan context, but it\u2019s not designed to recruit for Paganism. It\u2019s designed to help you break free from harmful and controlling religion so you can follow the path that calls to you, whatever that may be.<\/p>\n

Costs and Registration<\/h2>\n

Registration is open now. Send me an e-mail or use the contact form on the Under the Ancient Oaks<\/a> website and tell me you want to sign up. I\u2019ll send you a PayPal invoice. Once you pay it, I\u2019ll register you for the class. Most times this will be done within 24 hours, but if you catch me while I\u2019m occupied it may take longer.<\/p>\n

The cost is $99 for the entire course.<\/p>\n

Recommended Reading<\/h2>\n

There is no textbook for this class. There will be a few required online reading assignments \u2013 links will be provided.<\/p>\n

As an accompaniment, I recommend my first book The Path of Paganism \u2013 An Experience-Based Guide to Modern Pagan Practice<\/em><\/a> (2017). It provides a framework for an honest and helpful religious and spiritual practice \u2013 even if you don\u2019t follow my path exactly, you can still learn from the process. But if you don\u2019t want to buy the book you can do the class just fine without it.<\/p>\n

This is not therapy<\/h2>\n

I\u2019m a Druid and a priest \u2013 I am not a mental health professional. If you have deep psychological trauma from religious malpractice, I encourage you to find a therapist. Mental health care is beyond my expertise.<\/p>\n

What I am is someone who\u2019s walked this spiritual path and come out far better than I went in. I escaped a religion based in fear and control and found this path that is meaningful and helpful and supportive, even if it isn\u2019t always easy.<\/p>\n

What I did, you can do too.<\/p>\n

Questions?<\/h2>\n

If you have any questions, contact me here or at any of the usual places.<\/p>\n