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Radical Love Live

Alicia T Crosby: Marginalization, Curating Spaces, and Asking Good Questions EPISODE 10

On February 23, 2020, Radical Love Live hosted our 2nd live event on the theme of Marginalization/Wilderness, and were honored to have activist and educator Alicia T. Crosby as one of our featured speaking guests. The night before the event, she talked openly with us about her background in and outside of congregational church spaces, curating spaces built around inclusivity and equity, how wildly different experiences impact conversation between white people and people of color, about the future of spirituality, and more. Join in this lively conversation, and then follow up with our forthcoming audio podcast of the live event (you can also watch video of the even at radicallove.live or on our FB page. To learn more about Alicia Crosby, visit her website at aliciatcrosby.com.

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PREMIERE EVENT of Live Series: "Crisis/Change" feat. Maria French, John Thatamanil, & the Brilliance

PREMIERE EVENT of Live Series: "Crisis/Change" feat. Maria French, John Thatamanil, & the Brilliance

The first event in our live series, featuring conversations about the changing spiritual landscape with faith futurist Maria French of H&Co and author and theologian John Thatamanil of Union Theological Seminary, as well as music that inspires empathy from the band The Brilliance. This unique and dynamic "spiritual variety show" mixes speaker talks, dialogue, music, and spiritual practice to kick off our ongoing discussion about the future of spirituality. For a continuation of this discussion, also listen to our "Day After" podcast with these guests in the podcast studio!

Introducing Radical Love Live

Introducing Radical Love Live

Today's religious and spiritual institutions are in crisis, with declining attendance and the challenge to stay relevant, welcoming, and inclusive, and many spiritual seekers and refugees who have left or never felt welcome to explore at all. Co-creators Mark Dilcom and Kelly Wilson talk about the Radical Love Live series of events at the Cathedral of St John the Divine in NYC and the reasons why we see an urgent need for authentic, honest discussions about the future of spirituality.

Mark and Kelly are back, and talk about what has been going on with their faith, growth, and evolution over the last 3 years.

4-3-2-1-0: On our 4th Anniversary, kicking off Season 3 with 2 guys having 1 wild conversation about "Nones"--& then we go on from there!

4-3-2-1-0: On our 4th Anniversary, kicking off Season 3 with 2 guys having 1 wild conversation about "Nones"--& then we go on from there!

On the 4th anniversary of the first Radical Love Live live event back in 2020, Mark and Kelly reflect on the state of Christianity and religion in general in America, and on the trends that moved us in 2020 that are still impacting American spirituality now. In light of the recent Pew Research study about people with "No religious affiliation" (AKA "Nones") being now the largest single "religious" group in America, we talk about a host of issues that could be driving people away from religious institutions, including differing views on heaven/hell, sexuality, inclusion, politics, money, abuse, and trauma. We also talk about the surprising number of religiously unaffiliated who still believe in a higher power, and what that suggests for where spirituality in America is going. This episode is kind of a wild ride, as we riff on this and that, so pour yourself a cup of coffee and take some time to enjoy!

Meet the hosts of Radical Love Live

Meet the hosts of Radical Love Live

Stories are important to our spiritual identity. Co-creators Mark and Kelly take time to talk about their own very different backgrounds: their earliest spiritual experiences, the crises that sent them onto their separate journeys in the wilderness, the events that led them back to their personal spiritual moments of awareness, and the passions that led to the development of Radical Love Live. Perhaps some of our experiences will resonate with yours!

Breaking points: with Maria Francesca French

Breaking points: with Maria Francesca French

The first of three parts. Mark and Kelly talk with Maria Francesca French, author of Safer Than the Known Way: A Post-Christian Journey. In this episode, we talk about what are the breaking points that changed our direction from the belief systems of our youth.

Finding God after Deconstruction

Finding God after Deconstruction

We have talked a lot about deconstruction and the reasons that people question, test, and sometimes leave their faith. Inspired by this weekend's God After Deconstruction event, Mark and Kelly and special guest Josh Patterson (from the (Re) Thinking Faith podcast) talk about what our individual journeys looked like after deconstruction, and the windows--intellectual, mystical, experiential--through which we caught the first glimpses of our authentic faith.

What is the future of spirituality? A focus group discussion

What is the future of spirituality? A focus group discussion

What is the future of spirituality? We gathered a group of friends, family, neighbors and others with a range of spiritual beliefs and experiences--including those without belief in a spiritual or religious system--to talk about what spirituality is, the current challenges of engaging with spirituality, and what the future of spirituality looks like. Mark and Kelly also share their own unique definitions of spirituality.

Influences and Inspiration: with Maria Francesca French

Influences and Inspiration: with Maria Francesca French

The second of three parts. Mark and Kelly talk with Maria Francesca French, author of Safer Than the Known Way: A Post-Christian Journey. In this episode, we talk about figures who have influenced and inspired the direction of our faith journeys.

Podcasting and Deconstruction: Are Podcasts the New Spiritual Communities? (A panel discussion)

Podcasting and Deconstruction: Are Podcasts the New Spiritual Communities? (A panel discussion)

At last week's God After Deconstruction event at Drew University, Mark and Kelly had the opportunity to join podcasters Tripp Fuller (Homebrewed Christianity), Josh Patterson (ReThinking Faith), and Tim Whitaker (The New Evangelicals) for a moving (and sometimes salty) panel discussion about the inspiration and drivers--personally, spiritually, theologically, and politically--for our podcasts and the communities they support. A really important conversation for our times! https://rethinkingfaith.podbean.com/ https://trippfuller.com/ https://www.thenewevangelicals.com/

On Dualism: The good, the bad, and the other

On Dualism: The good, the bad, and the other

What is Dualism? The idea of either/or has crept into many parts of our lives, including spirituality, and continues to drive theology, policies of exclusion and inclusion, and has a tremendous impact on how our spirituality is lived out in the world. In this episode, we talk about spirituality in terms of dualism and what an alternative way of looking at things might be.

What's Next?: with Maria Francesca French

What's Next?: with Maria Francesca French

The third of three parts. Mark and Kelly talk with Maria Francesca French, author of Safer Than the Known Way: A Post-Christian Journey. In this episode, we talk about what happens after the deconstruction, evolution, and rebirth of faith.

The Shift from Clobbering to Compassion with Colby Martin

The Shift from Clobbering to Compassion with Colby Martin

We welcome the return of our friend Colby Martin, pastor, writer, coach, and LGBTQ+ advocate. This conversation leads off with a heartfelt and personal one-on-one conversation with Mark and Colby about the latter's work in fighting for LGBTQ+ inclusion and greater compassion within religious spaces, then once Kelly gets out of traffic, all 3 of us jump into the fray in a conversation that looks head-on at topics such as "Hate the Sin/Love the Sinner" and what it Really Means to LOVE your ENEMIES (yes, even that ONE guy.) Join us for a funny, authentic, real exploration of the spiritual issues that impact our everyday lives.

Crisis, Change, and Today's Religious Landscape

Crisis, Change, and Today's Religious Landscape

In the last decade, several studies, including the 2014 Pew Research Religious Landscape Survey and subsequent follow-up studies have shown church attendance numbers to be declining across denominations, and for the first time reported that the religiously unaffiliated were the largest "religious" group in the country. In this episode we discuss these data and the reasons why there are a growing number of people struggling with religious institutions.

Let's talk about sex

Let's talk about sex

Mark and Kelly talk about sexuality in the church and different perspectives on what we can and can't talk about. We use Joshua Butler's Beautiful Union and Nadia Bolz-Weber's Shameless as launching-off points.

Action, Not Just Words

Action, Not Just Words

Mark and Kelly challenge one another to talk about how we put our beliefs into action. Is it with our time? Our money? What organizations we support? Is it one-on-one, or community-based? Does talking, writing, or teaching count? (One thing we KNOW it is not is yelling at other people on Facebook and X-Twitter). We've talked a lot over the last couple of years about the state of the church and spirituality and society and where the needs are. This week we talk about how to move beyond words into action. #religion #christianity #society #justice #activism #deconstruction #exvangelical #politics

The concept of "Interspirituality"

The concept of "Interspirituality"

In a world with many different belief systems, Kelly talks about some of the reasons that some religiously unaffiliated give for why they aren't part of a religion or institution and talks about the challenges that people in religion systems with exclusive claims face when engaging with other faiths, and Mark describes the concept of "interspirituality" as a way to look at faith traditions and as a possible approach to coexistence.

Psychedelics, Proselytizing, and more

Psychedelics, Proselytizing, and more

Mark and Kelly talk about items in the recent religious news, including psychedelics and faith, as well as playing religious programming to a captive audience

Who Would Jesus Include?: Testimony from the front lines of DEI

Who Would Jesus Include?: Testimony from the front lines of DEI

We talk with a dear friend Melanie Hood-Wilson, longtime educator and advocate on the front lines of the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion. In a political and religious environment that wants to brand efforts at inclusivity as "too woke," we continue our "Words into Action" series and dive right in on who benefits from the status quo, who would benefit from change, and examples of what Jesus said--and did--on the matter. Melanie is is the leader and Executive Consultant at Melanie Hood Wilson and Associates, an organization involved in education, advocacy, and hands-on solutions to help organizations and individuals in areas of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), disability advocacy and access, job training for neurodiverse individuals, and more, all with an eye to achieving equity for all people.

"Unchurched": Hurt, Honesty, and Finding Home

"Unchurched": Hurt, Honesty, and Finding Home

A discussion about recent data on people who are "Unchurched" (that is, who haven't been in regular church services in the last 6 months), leads to a conversation about the things that can keep people out of spiritual institutions, including hurtful experiences, not being able to be honest and authentic, or being otherwise marginalized. We talk about what happens to wanderers in the spiritual wilderness, how like minded spiritual people find community, and what spiritual "home" looks like in the 21st century.

Transgender Legislation and Faith

Transgender Legislation and Faith

Going solo in the studio this week while Mark is out of town, Kelly takes a look at recent legislation about trangender rights, how different religious voices are reacting to them, and if there is a better, kinder way for the opposing sides to approach these issues

Unity through Diversity: Jay Bakker on Peacemaking in an Angry World

Unity through Diversity: Jay Bakker on Peacemaking in an Angry World

The return of Jay Bakker, punk-rock pastor of Revolution Church, author, speaker, and son of famed televangelists Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye (Bakker) Messner. Jay blasts open the idea of a right/wrong side of the partisan divide, arguing for a radical and very literal acceptance of "Love your Enemy." It's an energetic adventure through the Book of Galatians, and the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, John Hume, Gahndi, Paul Tillich, and other thinkers and philosophers as we discuss how those on the right AND the left turn their beliefs into law for the others to follow, instead of trusting Grace and finding common ground. A fantastic and much-needed talk for our times!

"The Day After": A spirited follow up discussion with David Gungor, Maria French, and John Thatamanil

"The Day After": A spirited follow up discussion with David Gungor, Maria French, and John Thatamanil

A rousing conversation the day after our Premiere Live Event at NYC's Cathedral of St John the Divine, we bring our guests into the studio: David Gungor of the Brilliance, faith futurist Maria French of H&Co, and author and theologian John Thatamanil of Union Theological Seminary. Beginning with our reflections on the previous night's event, the group launches into a wide-ranging conversation about spirituality, the state of the church in America, politics, capitalism, technology, and some deep theology about the relationship between our desires and our spirituality, and the powerful mythic language that can help us orient those desires toward the good.

What I've been reading

What I've been reading

Kelly talks about a couple of books on religious topics he’s been reading lately, Sober Spirituality by Erin Jean Warde and Godbreathed by Zack Hunt.

DIVINE All Along: Fighting to End Religious Abuse of our Queer Family

DIVINE All Along: Fighting to End Religious Abuse of our Queer Family

We talk with our own Mark Dilcom about the new non-profit human rights organization that he founded and is Executive Director of, DIVINE All Along. DIVINE All Along was founded based on the premise that everyone is part of the divine--no matter where they are in life's journey or their personal development--but that flawed theology has separated people from the divine in themselves, and has yielded prejudice, persecution, and exclusion of people who don't fit the church's definition of right sexuality or gender identity. DIVINE All Along is dedicated to opposing religious abuse and trauma against LGBTQ+ wherever it appears, fostering peer support groups and sponsoring public advocacy for Queer Folx everywhere. Listen to find out the what inspired Mark to found this organization, what steps have been taken so far, how to get more information, and how to get involved!

Is the Bible perfect? Conversation with Zack Hunt pt 1

Is the Bible perfect? Conversation with Zack Hunt pt 1

Is the Bible perfect? Would it be OK if it weren't? Mark and Kelly talk with theologian Zack Hunt, the author of Godbreathed: What It Really Means for the Bible to Be Divinely Inspired

Meg Calvin: The Spirituality of Telling Your Story

Meg Calvin: The Spirituality of Telling Your Story

We had an energetic and inspiring conversation with Meg Calvin, author, speaker, and coach who works with "Spiritually Attuned Go-getters" to write, publish, and market best-selling books on Amazon and Audible. We talk about her spiritual background, her life in ministry and why she moved on to do this work, her 5 RULES of writing (VERY deep stuff in a simple format!), the spirituality of the writing process, and more reasons why if you are feeling the call to write that book, you should WRITE THAT BOOK! Meg Calvin https://www.megcalvin.com/ https://www.instagram.com/heymegcalvin/ linktr.ee/meg.calvin https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B074L9XZ4B

How should we read the Bible? Conversation with Zack Hunt pt 2

How should we read the Bible? Conversation with Zack Hunt pt 2

If the Bible isn't "perfect," how should we read it? How do we know what's true? The 2nd part of our conversation with Zack Hunt, author of Godbreathed: What it Really Means for the Bible to be Divinely Inspired.

Getting Schooled by the Internet’s Youth Pastor

Getting Schooled by the Internet’s Youth Pastor

Mark and Kelly talk with Mason Mennenga, “the Internet’s Youth Pastor,” about his journey from Evangelical purity culture through his seminary and theological training that brought him to some radical new understandings of Christianity—and we talk about all the work he does on social media and his podcasts to share his studied theology—in an often hilarious and irreverent way. Mason Mennenga On X: @masonmennenga Podcasts: @peoplestheology & @blacksheeppod YouTube.com/masonmennenga

Live Event #2: "Marginalization/Wilderness" w' Alicia Crosby, Jonathan Merritt, Tash Neal, Jamet Pittman

Live Event #2: "Marginalization/Wilderness" w' Alicia Crosby, Jonathan Merritt, Tash Neal, Jamet Pittman

The 2nd event in our live series featured discussion, music, and spiritual practice around the theme of "Marginalization and Wilderness." Our guests included educator and activist Alicia T Crosby, author and journalist Jonathan Merritt, soprano Jamet Pittman, and guitarist/singer/songwriter Tash Neal, as well as co-creators Mark Dilcom and Kelly Wilson. For more information on Radical Love Live, visit our website at www.radicallove.live

Boundaries of Our Faith

Boundaries of Our Faith

We often talk about what we don't believe or agree with. In this episode, Mark and Kelly talk about what we DO believe, and where the boundaries of our faith are.

Keith Giles: Taking a Quantum Leap with the Sayings of Jesus

Keith Giles: Taking a Quantum Leap with the Sayings of Jesus

We talk with Keith Giles, a former pastor who "left the church to follow Jesus," and author of "The Quantum Sayings of Jesus" and several other books that challenge our understanding of the gospels. Keith talks with us about his journey into faithful uncertainty, the scholarship that helped him open up a new window into some of the otherwise mysterious sayings of Jesus, and how his discoveries have helped him understand what Jesus was telling us to do. In addition to being an author, Keith is also editor at Quoir publishing and host of Heretic Happy hour and other podcasts. Keith Giles www.keithgiles.com https://www.patheos.com/blogs/keithgiles/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063595719168 https://www.instagram.com/keithagiles/ https://twitter.com/keithgiles https://quoir.com/ https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/heretic-happy-hour

Jennifer Allen: Talking about her work restoring the land and restoring people in the process

Jennifer Allen: Talking about her work restoring the land and restoring people in the process

Jennifer Allen is a seminarian at General Theological Seminary who is looking forward to her work in the Bethany House and Garden Project in Topeka KS. This project will bring together diverse groups in the area, including those victimized by poverty, trauma, and trafficking, and create a space that ministers to the soul while restoring the land.

Should women be in ministry?

Should women be in ministry?

Mark and Kelly respond to a recent decision in the Southern Baptist Convention maintaining a ban on women in ministry [Cover photo by Diane Helentjaris on Unsplash]

The Gospel of Not being an A-Hole

The Gospel of Not being an A-Hole

This week we talk with none other than Rhett Wilson: layman, craftsman, family man, and the inheritor of a rich religious legacy of "the Donalds," a family of ministers, missionaries, and devout believers (all of whom in this case share a name)--and the expectations that come from a family heritage of deep devotion. (Side note: Rhett is also Kelly's nephew). Rhett gives an unvarnished look at his spiritual background, what aspects of it he ran away from, and what drew him back in. He also talks about what faith and ministry look like to him now, and how one can be a light to people without a ministry or theology degree, or even necessarily agreeing with them (hint: it may involve beers in the garage.)

Paul Vasile: Making Music and Meaning in a Time of Separation

Paul Vasile: Making Music and Meaning in a Time of Separation

Paul Vasile is a church musician, composer, consultant, and is the director of the organization Music that Makes Community. Paul also serves as Director of Music at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. In this conversation, he talks about the many transformations of his spiritual background, keeping those disparate elements connected, and using music to help heal communities and invite people into a deeper spirituality and humanity.

Are Christians persecuted in the US?

Are Christians persecuted in the US?

Kelly and Mark examine the statistics and realities around Christianity in America and claims that Christians are being persecuted in our culture. [Cover photo by Ben White on Unsplash]

Dr. Thema: Mental Health, Faith, and Reclaiming Yourself

Dr. Thema: Mental Health, Faith, and Reclaiming Yourself

We are so blessed to talk with Dr. Thema Bryant, psychologist, minister, and sacred artist, about the connections between mental health and faith, and how both can work together to help us reclaim our authentic selves! We cover a LOT of ground, from religious trauma to ADHD to sexual intimacy to the power of prayer and, ultimately what it means to live authentically and JOYFULLY. Dr. Thema is author of Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma and Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self and the forthcoming Reclaiming Yourself, a workbook for those who want to practically apply these principles in their own lives.

Aaron Niequist: Liturgy, Spiritual Practice, and an Uncertain World

Aaron Niequist: Liturgy, Spiritual Practice, and an Uncertain World

Aaron Niequist is a liturgist (creator of the New Liturgy series) and author (The Eternal Current). We had the opportunity to talk with Aaron online about the everyday liturgies that form us, the spiritual practices that help us connect with one another and others, the ways that the world is forcing us to make terrible binary choices about what we believe, and what the future of spirituality looks like. Find out more about Aaron at www.aaronniequist.com and look for his Eternal Current podcast on this and other platforms

Reconfiguring: A conversation with Maria Francesca French

Reconfiguring: A conversation with Maria Francesca French

We talk with Maria Francesca French about her new book Reconfiguring: A Collection of Post-Christian Thoughts and Theologies

Thomas J. Oord: Relating to God Again After Deconstruction

Thomas J. Oord: Relating to God Again After Deconstruction

How do you re-engage with God after deconstruction? How do you get over some of those major hurdles--the violence, exclusion, injustice and other problems that make traditional theology hard to swallow? Thomas Oord--theologian, writer, professor, and director of the Center for Open and Relational Theology--talks with us about the book that he and Tripp Fuller just released, God After Deconstruction. Together, these innovative theological minds systematically address the top problems that people have with modern Christianity, and take on each of them head-on. Oord offers thoughtful responses to many of the burning issues that are driving people away from churches, and presents some of the concepts of Open and Relational Theology, which many are finding as a reasonable yet faithful way of encountering God all over again.

Jonathan Merritt: Speaking the language of spirituality in and outside of religious spaces

Jonathan Merritt: Speaking the language of spirituality in and outside of religious spaces

Jonathan Merritt is an award-winning writer on religion, culture, and politics. He serves as a contributing writer for The Atlantic , a contributing editor for The Week , and is author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them. We were pleased to welcome Jonathan as one of the speakers for our recent live event on " Marginalization and Wilderness." [Apologies for the variations in the sound quality--this was our first Skype interview! But we still had some great conversation!]

Do We Need to be Saved?

Do We Need to be Saved?

Mark and Kelly answer the question "Do You Need to be Saved?- and what are we being saved from? They cover Justification, sanctification, original sin, and more.

Jay Bakker: Authenticity, Openness, and the Cost of Love

Jay Bakker: Authenticity, Openness, and the Cost of Love

A conversation with punk-rock pastor Jay Bakker of Revolution Church (and son of TV icons Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker) about the innovative work that he is doing with Revolution Church, including a largely online congregation and an invitation for listeners to comment and dispute the sermon afterward; pastoring a church through pain, doubt, and uncertainty; how study and theology led him to affirm LGBTQIA people even if it meant losing everything; re-learning ways to have meaningful relationships with those we disagree with--including those closest to us; and standing steadfast under public scrutiny as the child of a controversial celebrity family. This is absolutely one of our hottest conversations so far!

Butterfly Angels: A Conversation with Margaret Ann Lourdes

Butterfly Angels: A Conversation with Margaret Ann Lourdes

This week we get to talk with Maggie Lourdes, the author of Butterfly Angels, about faith, the supernatural, conscience and love vs the "canons of the church", and much more.

Dr Thema: Finding spiritual healing in time of collective trauma

Dr Thema: Finding spiritual healing in time of collective trauma

Talking with Dr Thema about finding healing-and maybe even joy-amid religious abuse, racism, inequality, and pandemic. Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and sacred artist who has worked nationally and globally to provide relief and empowerment to marginalized persons. Dr. Thema, a professor at Pepperdine University, is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women. Her contributions to psychological research, policy, and practice have been honored by national and regional psychological associations. You can hear more from Dr Thema on her "Homecoming" podcast, found on most podcast platforms.

Jerusalem Greer: Evangelism and the Future of the Church

Jerusalem Greer: Evangelism and the Future of the Church

We get to talk with Jerusalem Greer, who is the Manager of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Episcopal Church, about the evangelism, the recent "All About Love" Festival, and the future of the church

Interspirituality embodied: following up with Johari Mayfield, Sam Shonkoff, & Devin Zuber

Interspirituality embodied: following up with Johari Mayfield, Sam Shonkoff, & Devin Zuber

A lively conversation about how we are coping spiritually with the rapidly changing news about our world, and where we are finding hope. Johari Mayfield is a dancer, teacher, and healer based in NYC. Dr Sam Berrin Shonkoff is Associate Professor of Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkely, California. Dr Devin Zuber is Associate Professor of American Studies, Religion, and Literature at the Graduate Theological Union. Find out more about Johari's work at http://www.johari-fitness.com/. Find out more about Sam and Devin's work, as well as the unique interreligious and interdisciplinary programs offered by the GTU at https://www.gtu.edu/.

Does Evil Actually Exist?

Does Evil Actually Exist?

Mark and Kelly talk about evil, whether it is real or just an old label for other mental and social phenomena, and what it means for morality today.

Austen Hartke: Transforming the Christian Idea of Transgender

Austen Hartke: Transforming the Christian Idea of Transgender

We talk with Austen Hartke, the author of Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians, and the founder and Executive Director of Transmission Ministry Collective, an online community dedicated to the spiritual care, faith formation, and leadership potential of transgender and gender-expansive Christians.

Jeff Key: A warrior of faith, activism, and authenticity - Part 1

Jeff Key: A warrior of faith, activism, and authenticity - Part 1

Mark and Kelly have the honor of talking with the amazing Jeff Key, who seems to contain multitudes. Jeff Key is an American actor, playwright, veterans advocate and activist He is also an honorably discharged Marine and Iraq veteran. His one-man performance piece, The Eyes of Babylon, is based on journal entries he wrote while at war. We engage in a powerful conversation about faith, sexuality, politics, and a whole lot more. Part 1 of 2.

Jeff Key: A warrior of faith, activism, and authenticity Part 2

Jeff Key: A warrior of faith, activism, and authenticity Part 2

Mark and Kelly have the honor of talking with the amazing Jeff Key, who seems to contain multitudes. Jeff Key is an American actor, playwright, veterans advocate and activist He is also an honorably discharged Marine and Iraq veteran. His one-man performance piece, The Eyes of Babylon, is based on journal entries he wrote while at war. Part 2 of 2.

What is deconstruction? Is it dangerous to faith? Or can it make faith more authentic? Mark and Kelly talk about deconstruction and their own experiences with examining the inner workings of their faith.

What happens after deconstruction? We've examined, evaluated, and picked apart our faith, and it is laying in pieces around us on the floor. In this episode, Mark and Kelly talk about putting it all back together.

Matthew LaBanca: Spiritual Trauma, Hope, and "Communion"

Matthew LaBanca: Spiritual Trauma, Hope, and "Communion"

This week we talk with Matthew LaBanca, writer, actor, teacher, and creator of :"Communion," a one man show about a gay Catholic school teacher who is fired when the church discovers that he married a man. Much like the play, our conversation covers topics of spiritual trauma and hope, and a range of of topics in between. We left really inspired by this one!

Kimberly Stover: Question Everything, or the Work of Deconstruction

Kimberly Stover: Question Everything, or the Work of Deconstruction

This week we talk with Kimberly Stover, writer, blogger, podcaster, and deconstruction advocate. We talk about how questioning everything has fueled her journey, and the freedom and individuality she found on the other side. A really refreshing view of life in the midst of, and beyond, deconstruction.

When the War is Religious

When the War is Religious

In the midst of current wars, particularly in the Middle East, is religion the problem? Using the Israel/Gaza conflict as a starting off point, we talk about what to do when religion seems to be driving individuals and nations apart--and whether religion can still serve a role in finding peace.

Ashleigh Nelson: Embodying an Evolving Faith

Ashleigh Nelson: Embodying an Evolving Faith

This week we talk with Ashleigh Nelson, the Executive Director of Evolving Faith, an annual conference and year-round resource that "exists to cultivate love and hope in the wilderness, pointing fellow wanderers and misfits to God as we embody resurrection for the sake of the world." We reflect on this year's conference and where the "Evolving Faith" movement is going in the future. #religion #evolvingfaith #evolvingfaith2023 #deconstruction

American Idolatry: Talking About Christian Nationalism with Andrew Whitehead

American Idolatry: Talking About Christian Nationalism with Andrew Whitehead

Christian Nationalism has been coming up a lot in our national dialogue, along with the fear, violence, and power struggles that come with it. This week, we talk with Andrew Whitehead, who a leading scholar on Christian nationalism in America and speaks widely on its effects within Christian communities. In this book "American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church," he shares his journey and reveals how Christian nationalism threatens the spiritual lives of American Christians and the church.

Rev. Dr. Robert R.A.Turner: Racial Healing and Creating a Culture of Repair

Rev. Dr. Robert R.A.Turner: Racial Healing and Creating a Culture of Repair

Many people are aware of the injustices Black Americans have suffered over the centuries but feel powerless when it comes to repairing the harm done. This week, Mark talks with Rev. Dr. Robert Turner about his personal journey and experiences; racial healing through peaceful means; his upcoming Book, Creating A Culture of Repair - Taking Action on the Road to Reparations; and how all souls need to come together if we are going to heal from our collective trauma caused by racial injustice.

Deconstructing the Straight White Male: A Conversation with Chris Furr

Deconstructing the Straight White Male: A Conversation with Chris Furr

Is it OK to be a Straight White Male today? What does it mean for a straight White male to look critically at his identity while still being true to himself? Does he have something to lose, or something to gain? This week we talk with Chris Furr, the author of Straight White Male: A faith-based guide to deconstructing your privilege and living with integrity.

Camille Hernandez: A Trauma-Informed Faith

Camille Hernandez: A Trauma-Informed Faith

This week we talk with Camille Hernandez, author of The Hero and the Whore: Reclaiming Healing and Liberation through the Stories of Sexual Exploitation in the Bible. In her book, trauma-informed educator and minister Camille Hernandez dives deep into the Bible’s stories of exploitation and abuse to name the difficult truths buried in Scripture, address the forms such violence takes in modern society, and illuminate a path of healing and hope. We talk with her about her background, her current faith practice, and the modern resonance of these ancient stories of survival. https://www.facebook.com/camillethewriter https://www.instagram.com/writercamille/ https://www.threads.net/@writercamille https://www.facebook.com/wjkbooks/ https://www.instagram.com/wjkbooks/ https://twitter.com/wjkbooks

Barry Taylor: Technology, Radical Theology, and the Future of Belief

Barry Taylor: Technology, Radical Theology, and the Future of Belief

We talk with our friend Barry Taylor, an artist, rock & roll theologian, pop philosopher, and futurist thinker, about the future of faith, the impact of technology on what we believe (and vice versa), and other provocative notions about the everyday expressions of our biggest questions. https://www.instagram.com/ukbloke https://patreon.com/barrytaylor http://ertn.eu/ https://www.instagram.com/h_andco_ https://www.handcompany.org/

Love Without Shame: Amber Cantorna-Wylde’s liberating work for LGBTQ+ folx and other spiritual nomads

Love Without Shame: Amber Cantorna-Wylde’s liberating work for LGBTQ+ folx and other spiritual nomads

This week we talk with Amber Cantorna-Wylde, author of three books, including Unashamed (the first coming-out guide for LGBTQ people of faith). Her newest book is Out of Focus: My Story of Sexuality, Shame, and Toxic Evangelicalism. She is also the creator and host of the Unashamed Love Collective~a beautifully diverse and inclusive online community for LGBTQ+ people and allies. Find Amber at AmberCantornaWylde.com and on social media @AmberCantornaWylde

Unclobber: Rethinking the Bible and LGBTQ+ Folx with Colby Martin

Unclobber: Rethinking the Bible and LGBTQ+ Folx with Colby Martin

We are talking with Colby Martin, digital pastor, spiritual coach, and author of "Unclobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality" and "The Shift: Surviving and Thriving after Moving from Conservative to Progressive Christianity." We jump right into the ways that the church's interpretation of scripture and treatment of LGBTQ+ people have led to religious abuse and trauma, and we explore ways to think about a more loving and inclusive approach. Find Colby at LinkTr.ee/ColbyMartin

Thomas Jay Oord: Does God have to be all-powerful...or is all-loving enough?

Thomas Jay Oord: Does God have to be all-powerful...or is all-loving enough?

We had a mind-blowing conversation with Thomas Jay Oord--theologian, best-selling author of "God Can't" and others, and director of the doctoral program at Northwind Seminary and the Center for Open and Relational Theology. We talk about God's power (or relative lack thereof), about the future of the Church and some of the reasons it doesn't fit any more for many people, about God's love and the inclusiveness for LGBTQ+ folx and others, and more. To hear more from Thomas Jay Oord, join Mark and Kelly on February 9-10 at God After Deconstruction at Drew University in Madison, NJ. More information on our website! Find Tom at ThomasJayOord.com , on social media at Thomas Jay Oord, Center for Open and Relational Theology - c4ort.com , Northwind Seminary - NorthwindSeminary.org , God After Deconstruction Live Event Series - homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/god-after-deconstruction-info-page/

When Narcissism Comes to Church: With Chuck DeGroat

When Narcissism Comes to Church: With Chuck DeGroat

Over the last few years, there has been a lot of discussion about narcissism and the destruction it can do: in politics, in organizations, and unfortunately, in churches. Is narcissism self-love or does it disguise something deeper? Why are the qualities of a narcissist often praised in leaders? How can we encourage cultures of humility, vulnerability, and curiosity instead of narcissism? We talk with Chuck DeGroat, author of "When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse" Chuck DeGroat (LPC, PhD) is professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and senior fellow at Newbigin House of Studies in San Francisco. He served as a pastor at churches in Orlando and San Francisco and founded two church-based counseling centers. He is a licensed therapist, spiritual director, and the author of Toughest People to Love and Wholeheartedness. Find Chuck at ChuckDeGroat.net and social media @ChuckDeGroat

John Thatamanil: Home is Where Your Desires Are

John Thatamanil: Home is Where Your Desires Are

We talk with theologian, professor, and writer John Thatamanil, in a conversation that covers the depth and breadth of religious diversity, how our desires shape and are shaped by what we worship, and how modern spirituality may be expanding beyond the walls of the institutions in which we have tried to contain it. John Thatamanil is a professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York, and is the author of Circling the Elephant: A Comparative Theology of Religious Diversity and the forthcoming book Desiring Truth: Comparative Theology and the Quest for Interreligious Wisdom. He will also be one of the featured speakers at the upcoming God After Deconstrucion live event at Drew University in Madison NJ on Feb 9-10. See our website www.radicallovelive.com for more details!

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