Everyone’s Agnostic

May 8, 2015 By Reba Riley

A couple weeks ago, I was interviewed on Everyone’s Agnostic Podcast with Cass Midgley & Bob Pondillo. These two interview people you don’t know, on a subject no one wants to talk about, using purely speculative terms. What’s not to like? I shared my story of what lead me from the comfort of being Jesus’ head cheerleader, to letting go of my certainties about God and eventually writing Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome: a Memoir of Humor and Healing. I had a great time talking with Cass and... Read more

Why Women Love the Dog Bod

May 7, 2015 By Reba Riley

The internet is abuzz with ladies who love the “Dad Bod”, but please allow me to introduce one body type that will never, ever, go out of style: The Dog Bod. I do not understand this #DadBod trend. Apparently, biceps are “out” and bellies are “in”. I have a Dad. I do not want my husband to want my Dad’s Bod. (In more ways than one.) (No offense, Dad. Love you.) (But far be it from me to question the... Read more

A Field Guide to Losing Your Religion (But Not Your Soul)

May 1, 2015 By Reba Riley

Field Notes for the Journey A guest post by: Susan Gray Blue Growing up an earnest, evangelical fundamentalist, I wanted nothing more than to please Jesus. I eventually saw that man-made, God-themed blueprint of compliance for what it was: a limited view. So I un-converted myself. Like, all the way. I didn’t want to let go of the beliefs but hang onto the patterns — become a judgmental atheist, for example, or a dogmatic yogi. After dismantling my life,... Read more

Jesus Has Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome

April 29, 2015 By Reba Riley

Jesus was the original victim of Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome. Since I named this Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome thing, I’ve discovered that not only am I not alone; there are thousands–even millions– of people who have sustained spiritual injuries. But Patient Zero was Jesus. Think about it: Jesus did all the things we do when dogma stops making sense: – He challenged authority— “You have heard it said but I say” – He got angry—See, table being overturned – He talked to people... Read more

50 Shades of Shame: “The Rules” of Modesty

February 20, 2015 By Reba Riley

When “Jesus” says the length of your skirt is a measure of your heart, body shame is unavoidable. Where there is unavoidable body shame, you’ll find rampant sexual shame. Where you find rampant sexual shame, you find women who think abuse is okay. That pisses me off. Kate Schell’s blog post Immodest Proposals: The Rules so perfectly encapsulates the confusing, shame-inducing world of religious modesty that I asked her permission to repost it here: If you didn’t grow up in an evangelical context, a... Read more

Biblical Sexting: A How-To Guide

February 14, 2015 By Reba Riley

This Valentine’s Day, spice up your relationship the Bible way. Step #1: Open with a Biblical compliment Sweet The Lord is with thee, mighty man of valor. (Jud 6:15) You are a woman full of good works and alms deeds. (Acts 9:36) You are perfect and upright. (Job 1:1) Slightly racy Your lips are like a crimson thread, and your mouth is lovely. (Songs 4:3) You have ravished my heart with a glance of your eyes. (Songs 4:9) Honey and... Read more

I’m in love my husband…and other people, too.

February 11, 2015 By Reba Riley

I’m going to talk about something that isn’t talked about, so if you’re squeamish, or have very recently fallen in love, please look away. I’m in love my husband, but I love other men, too. And women, for that matter. Not in a sexual way– not even in a romantic way. But in a goddam “I am wildly attracted to this person and must know more immediately” kinda way. I’ve been with my wonderful, caring, gorgeous, adoring partner for very... Read more

A Response to the 10 Types of Women Christian Men Shouldn’t Marry

February 9, 2015 By Reba Riley

10 thoughts on the “10 Types of Women Christian Men Shouldn’t Marry” After reading the recent blog post “10 Types of Women Christian Men Shouldn’t Marry”*, my husband, Trent, exclaimed, “UGH! I’ve made a HUGE MISTAKE! You’re like every one of those things, almost, all in one! How did I go so wrong?”….Before dissolving into laughter and adding that every millennial woman he knows shares at least half of these “fatal” qualities. I wish I could laugh so easily. I... Read more

Dear Katy Perry: If You Have Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome, You Are Not Alone

February 4, 2015 By Reba Riley

Dear Katy, Since the Super Bowl (where you totally ROCKED it, sister!), I’ve seen articles pop up in the religious blogosphere about how you sold your soul to the devil for fame; your half-time show was all demons and witchcraft and sexual perversity; you ought to be ashamed of backslidden, sinful, lascivious self and get thee to a convent, stat, to repent –preferably with much weeping and gnashing of teeth. And, if you have any hope of Jesus forgiving you,... Read more

Is God Aloof?

January 22, 2015 By Reba Riley

“What are we to do with a God who hides?” This is the question Tony Kriz asks in his book Aloof, and I must share that my immediate and visceral reaction to the question was: Wait, God doesn’t hide. Not in my life. Not anymore. The God I use to know, pre-Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome, that God was absent all the time. I was constantly playing cosmic hide ‘n seek with a companion who had the power of invisibility. (Not a... Read more