This Quoircast episode is brought to you by The Seeds of De(con)struction by Nat Turney. Published by Quoir and available now In this episode we talk with Niq Ruud Niq Ruud, whose unique name bears the influence of a father's quirky spelling but is pronounced akin to a beloved Christmas saint, is a true Pacific Northwesterner at heart. Growing up amidst the scenic wonders of the region, Niq developed a passion for outdoor activities, embracing pursuits such as alpine climbing, sailing, surfing, skiing, cycling, and more. Niq's academic journey led to a profound exploration of religion. Graduating from Walla Walla University with a focus on this field, Niq took on the role of a pastor while concurrently pursuing theological studies at Grand Canyon Theological Seminary. Currently a postgraduate student at the University of Edinburgh, Niq delves into the intricate intersectionality between philosophy, science, and religion, with a particular focus on the human perception of God. A polymath at heart, Niq's intellectual interests span a wide array of subjects, including religious pluralism, philosophy of science and religion, eschatology, diversity, and ethics. These diverse pursuits converge around the central theme of understanding how humanity perceives the divine. Niq is also a published author, having penned a book titled "Only Love: How Everything Was, Is, and Will Be." This work advocates for a broad-minded perspective on God and, consequently, a more inclusive outlook on human relationships. Niq's writing encourages readers to embrace a more open-minded view of spirituality, fostering understanding and unity among individuals. The author holds a genuine affection for the book and invites others to explore its pages, suggesting that they might find resonance with its message of love and inclusivity. You can follow Niq on: Facebook Twitter Instagram You can find all things Niq Ruud related on his website Check out his TedTalk HERE You can purchase Only Love on Amazon.com You can connect with This Is Not Church on: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Also check out our Linktree for all things This Is Not Church related Please like and follow our Quoircast Partners : Heretic Happy Hour Messy Spirituality Apostates Anonymous Second Cup with Keith The Church Needs Therapy Ideas Digest The New Evangelicals Snarky Faith Podcast Wild Olive Deadly Faith Jonathan Foster Sacred Thoughts Holy Heretics Reframing Our Stories Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!