We speak of it in hushed tones. Calling for its’ erasure from American society is considered blasphemous. Millions of dollars are spent by individuals and corporations alike to lobby Congress to protect it. We trust it to protect our material possessions. We trust it to protect us from harm and keep our families safe. We trust it to give us victory over other nations in war. We put our faith in it no matter what we say to the contrary... Read more
Sometimes, the world seems like a messed up place. When considering matters of injustice, political manipulation, or religious exploitation, there’s a lot to be angry about. Many of us have been simmering in our frustration and rage for the last couple of years. So what do we do with our anger? A few thoughts… Feel It You have the right to feel whatever you feel. That should go without saying, but we sometimes need reminders about these things. There is... Read more
Prolific author Keith Giles rounds out his incredible “Jesus Un…” series today with his seventh and final volume, “Jesus Unarmed: How the Prince of Peace Disarms Our Violence“. Here’s my quick review from Amazon: “There has long been an ideological disconnect between the non-violent Prince of Peace and many of the people who call themselves by His name. While claiming to worship the One who taught us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek, we have stubbornly... Read more
This morning I had a beautiful and life giving conversation with my friend, Joe Machuta, that will eventually be released as a new episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast. I couldn’t wait to share it with you so I wanted to go ahead and share the uncut video with you all here. In this conversation, we discuss Joe’s eclectic spiritual journey as well as his stubborn love for Jesus. It really is worth an hour of your time and I... Read more
First Baptist Church of Dallas held its’ annual “Freedom Sunday” this week. Basically, it’s a star spangled Sunday morning celebration of the United States of America, its’ military, and our nation’s alleged “Christian heritage” featuring flags, the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem, patriotic hymns, congregational singing, and preaching. A Disclaimer I am a very grateful American. I know what a blessing and privilege it is to be born into a country where we enjoy freedoms that the citizens of... Read more
Official Description from Amazon What happens when two philosophically-minded friends sit down around a firepit to chat about life’s biggest topics? Within these pages, you’ll find out. In The Bonfire Sessions: A Year of Shadow and Flame, authors and podcasters Matthew J. Distefano and Michael Machuga give their readers a glimpse into their very real lives, modeling for others what they believe conversation should look like. With rawness and vulnerability, as well as a large dose of salty language, this... Read more
In this episode of the podcast, I speak with author Anita Grace Brown about how her practice of yoga has deepened her connection with Jesus and the world around her. Anita helps prepare hearts and minds for a loving relationship with Mother/Father/God/Creator by facilitating practices like yoga, prayerful meditation, and chants. Her strength in moving toward human suffering, and witnessing it, has allowed her to glimpse profound healing in relationships. Surrendered to Christ, her faith is forged through an East... Read more
On the latest episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast, I talk to two of my favorite voices on social media, Derek and Rachel Myers from “Your Favorite Heretics”. You can listen here. We have an open and heartfelt conversation about walking away from toxic faith and finding healing. To engage more with Rachel, Derek, and their work, you can follow Your Favorite Heretics on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. While you’re on social media, please follow our podcast on Facebook,... Read more
We kick off season two of the podcast today with a beautiful conversation with author, speaker, and podcaster Jonathan Puddle. You can listen to it here. Jonathan Puddle is an award-winning writer, speaker, husband and father who hosts the popular interview show, The Puddcast. Having traveled the world and lived in many nations, Jonathan teaches from a culturally rich & spiritually inclusive framework. Before becoming a writer, Jonathan spent 10 years in charity leadership and administration, and he remains a... Read more
My guest on our latest “Messy Conversations” BONUS episode of the podcast is Matthew J. Distefano. Matthew is a brilliant writer, theologian, musician, podcaster, social worker, and Patheos contributor. He is one of four co-hosts of the insanely popular Heretic Happy Hour podcast and also hosts a solo podcast, “Apostates Anonymous”. He is the author of the Amazon bestselling books Heretic!, All Set Free, From the Blood of Abel, Devoted as F*ck, and the multi-volume “The Bonfire Sessions” co-written with... Read more
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