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The Parable of the Two Hot Mess Brothers EPISODE 53

Weve been reading the Prodigal Son all wrong. Its not just about a bad kid and a good kidits about two lost sons : one outwardly reckless, one inwardly rotten. We break down greedy older brothers, younger brothers desperate enough to work with pigs, and a God who refuses to leave anyone out of the party, no matter how messed up they are. patreon.com/skepticpastor

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A Podcast for People Who Don't Church: Introducind UnBelief
Episode 0
A Podcast for People Who Don't Church: Introducind UnBelief
In this introductory episode, Jeremy shares his personal journey of questioning and skepticism, and why he's creating a space for others who are also searching for spiritual beliefs that work for them. We're going to explore sacred texts, have candid conversations with individuals unraveling their beliefs, and have interesting discussions with scholars and authors. Whether you're deconstructing your faith, seeking a purpose greater than yourself, or just curious about what it means to be a skeptic pastor, this episode sets the stage for the conversations to come. Welcome to a journey of honest questioning, thoughtful exploration, and building a spirituality that truly resonates with you.
Genesis 1 is not About Science
Episode 1
Genesis 1 is not About Science
In this first book club episode of The Unbelief Podcast, we dive deep into the opening chapter of Genesis, exploring its rich layers of meaning and cultural context. Genesis 1 is not a scientific account but a profound philosophical poem that offers insight into ancient views on existence, order, and humanity's role in the world. This episode breaks down the structure of the creation narrative, revealing the symbolic parallels and patterns present throughout the text. It challenges modern interpretations that attempt to extract scientific truths from the chapter, encouraging listeners to appreciate the deeper theological themes, including the intrinsic goodness of creation and the idea of humans as bearers of God's image.
Navigating Cancer Anti-Vaxers and More: Drinks and Deconstruction with Michele
Episode 2
Navigating Cancer Anti-Vaxers and More: Drinks and Deconstruction with Michele
Michelle Legro shares her journey of deconstruction from Evangelical Christianity from family with health issues and antivax friends. She talks about finding solace in nature and centering activities like kayaking and tending to her chickens.
Genesis 2 Layers of Meaning from Why Bad Things Happen, to the Beginning of Science
Episode 3
Genesis 2 Layers of Meaning from Why Bad Things Happen, to the Beginning of Science
Dive deep into the many layers of meaning in the second story of creation. It's obviously not about science or evolution, but it guides us into considering much deeper questions about our daily lives. Why do bad things happen? How do we deal with consequences, and could this be the beginning of science? All that and a healthy dose of a similar story called the Epic of Gilgamesh!
Why do Preachers Suck with Dr. Sam Parkes
Episode 4
Why do Preachers Suck with Dr. Sam Parkes
So many preachers do such a bad job at communicating. Not only that, many end up using that moment to inflict real harm. Dr. Sam Parkes has a Doctoral degree in preaching. He helps us process the question: why do preachers suck?
Noah's Ark Isn't Real: Another Book Club in Genesis
Episode 5
Noah's Ark Isn't Real: Another Book Club in Genesis
The story of Noah's Ark is not some sort of Indiana Jones Treasure map that needs to be decoded by some guy in a helicopter. There wasn't a guy named Noah who had to find enough large trees in the desert to build a boat big enough to hold all the animals needed to repopulate the earth. But just because it didn't literally happen doesn't mean it's not important. This story dives deep into some of the most important human experiences there are and has the power to help you weather hard times and come out on the other side in one piece.
A Catholic Lets go and Comes Back: Drinks and Deconstruction with Juliette
Episode 6
A Catholic Lets go and Comes Back: Drinks and Deconstruction with Juliette
Juliette grew up in the catholic church and is in the middle of keeping the institution at arm's length while she figures out who she is and what she believes. Her story of Deconstruction is one that millions of Catholics share.
Tower of Babel is about the iPhone
Episode 7
Tower of Babel is about the iPhone
Yes, there was likely an actual tower of Babel (we'll explain that in the show), but the story is not really about the tower. It's about something much bigger. It's about, ultimately, the iPhone.
An Interview with an Actual Heretic: Matthew Disefano
Episode 8
An Interview with an Actual Heretic: Matthew Disefano
Matthew Distefano is the Author of Heretic Too, a book that explores the nature of sin, hell, capital punishment, the connection between Christianity and other religions, and many, many more taboo topics. This interview explores the many heretical paths that Matthew charts in his newest book.
The Secret of Finding Purpose is Ancient Genealogy
Episode 9
The Secret of Finding Purpose is Ancient Genealogy
The shocking start to Abraham's story is full of insights into our everyday lives, but we start with something surprising. An ancient genealogy often overlooked by readers unlocks some of the most profound insights into how we find purpose and create fulfilling lives for ourselves.
A mental health diagnosis led to doubting and freedom from evangelicalism: Anna Gazmarian
Episode 10
A mental health diagnosis led to doubting and freedom from evangelicalism: Anna Gazmarian
Join Author Anna Gazmarian, author of Devout: A Memoir of Doubt, as we talk about her journey from evangelicalism to freedom through an unlikely beginning. Her diagnosis with Bipolar type 2 was the catalyst for a huge life change and a new experience of freedom.
An acient bloody ritual that helps loneliness
Episode 11
An acient bloody ritual that helps loneliness
Abram is a doubter and keeps wondering why God isn't keeping God's promises to Abram. Then an ancient ritual, a smoking firepot, and a torch change everything.
Circumcision, Anxiety, and the Origins of Islam
Episode 12
Circumcision, Anxiety, and the Origins of Islam
Sometimes we act out of our anxiety and make rash decisions. That's part of the insight we get in these two chapters of Genesis. Also, the story of Ishmael, who is the beginning of the Isalm traditions, and of course, there's the part about... circumcision?
Drinks and Deconstruction: Rocking the Boat with Doubts and Justice - a Conversation With Craig Mendoza
Episode 13
Drinks and Deconstruction: Rocking the Boat with Doubts and Justice - a Conversation With Craig Mendoza
You can find our wonderful "Not Church" community of people trying to find beliefs that work for them by subscribing for $3 to out Patreon. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Biblical Sitcom and Why Sodom and Gommorah is not about Homosexuality
Episode 14
Biblical Sitcom and Why Sodom and Gommorah is not about Homosexuality
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Drinks and Deconstruction: A Japanese Deomon, Tarot Cards, and the Celtic Fire Festiva l.
Episode 15
Drinks and Deconstruction: A Japanese Deomon, Tarot Cards, and the Celtic Fire Festiva l.
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The Pagan Origins of Christianity and Exactly How Many Year's It's Been Since the First Christmas
Episode 16
The Pagan Origins of Christianity and Exactly How Many Year's It's Been Since the First Christmas
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Drinks and Deconstruction: Kali and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Episode 17
Drinks and Deconstruction: Kali and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
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When Santa Claus Slapped a Guy in a Church Meeting
Episode 18
When Santa Claus Slapped a Guy in a Church Meeting
Join the Not Church community: patreon.com/skepticpastor Get some great merch: noomacommunity.com/merch
The Christmas Story through a Queer Lens and The History of the LGBTQ Relationship with the Church
Episode 19
The Christmas Story through a Queer Lens and The History of the LGBTQ Relationship with the Church
Join the Not Church discord: patreon.com/skepticpastor Get fun merch: noomacommunity.com/store
A Feminist Geneology? In a Patriarchal Culture?
Episode 20
A Feminist Geneology? In a Patriarchal Culture?
Murder, prostitution, and even a verse that has been used to tell people masturbation is a sin are all wrapped up in the Geneology of Jesus that is full of something unexpected: women.
An Ancient Ritual to Make 2025 Better then 2024
Episode 21
An Ancient Ritual to Make 2025 Better then 2024
Don't make resolutions. They suck and don't work. You need to set intentions, that's where the power is. This episode uses a ritual that is over 500 years old to help make that happen.
Attempted Genocide Thwarted by Two Unlikely Women
Episode 22
Attempted Genocide Thwarted by Two Unlikely Women
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A Mars Scientist Becomes a Medium
Episode 23
A Mars Scientist Becomes a Medium
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Moses the Murderer and the Basket Baby
Episode 24
Moses the Murderer and the Basket Baby
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Life After Doom and Should You Stay Christian with Brian McLaren
Episode 25
Life After Doom and Should You Stay Christian with Brian McLaren
If you've ever wondered how to deal with the immense number of things in the world that are on fire or are in the moment when you are trying to answer the question of whether you should stay Christian, author and public theologian Brian Mclaren is here for you. patreon.com/skepticpastor noomacommunity.com/store
An Introvert Saves the World
Episode 26
An Introvert Saves the World
One of the most famous stories in the book of Exodus reveals something profound bout one of Moses' secret powers, and it pushes back hard against one of the most deeply held values in the Western world. patreon.com/skepticpastor noomacommunity.com/store
The Faith of a Nerd, Geek and Gamer
Episode 27
The Faith of a Nerd, Geek and Gamer
Become part of the "Not Church" community: patreon.com/skepticpastor Hilarious, irreverent merch: noomacommunity.com/store Nathan Webb is leveling up community for nerds, geeks, and gamers everywhere. From Dungeons & Dragonscampaigns to epic anime arcs, we explore how these fandoms bring people togetherand maybe even closer to something bigger than ourselves. Roll initiative, and join the adventure!
Speech Impediments Freee Slaves
Episode 28
Speech Impediments Freee Slaves
Moses wasnt exactly Pharaohs first pick for a TED Talk, but that didnt stop him from becoming one of historys most legendary leaders. This week, we talk about overcoming insecurities, finding your voice, and rebuilding community after losing the one you thought was home. patreon.com/skepticpastor noomacommunity.com/store
And then I had an Out of Body Experience
Episode 29
And then I had an Out of Body Experience
Robs faith journey had everything: church corruption, Christian heavy metal, deep philosophy, and an existential crisis. Oh, and an out-of-body experience. Join us as we unpack his wild deconstruction story and how he finally found spirituality in a place he never expected. patreon.com/skepticpastor noomacommunity.com/store
Moses, Murder, and a Mystery Foreskin
Episode 30
Moses, Murder, and a Mystery Foreskin
Nothing says divine calling like running from murder charges, getting ambushed by God, and being saved by your wife wielding a freshly cut foreskin. Exodus 4 gets WEIRD, and were here to make sense of (or at least laugh at) it. patreon.com/skepticpastor noomacommunity.com/store
Time is a Lie, the Universe is a Mess and Religion is a Paradox
Episode 31
Time is a Lie, the Universe is a Mess and Religion is a Paradox
Time is fake, particles dont know what they are, and reality is a messbut dont worry, your GPS still works. In this episode, astrophysicist Brian Jones joins us to explain why everything we think we know about time, space, and even spirituality might be wrong. Get ready for a wild ride through relativity, quantum weirdness, and why the universe refuses to make sense. patreon.com/skepticpastor noomacommunity.com/store
How to Make an Authoritarian Really Mad
Episode 32
How to Make an Authoritarian Really Mad
Lesson of the day: If you want to make an authoritarian really mad, tell them theyre not actually in charge. Moses demands freedom, Pharaoh retaliates, and things get significantly worse before they get better. We talk about the politics of power, why reading the room matters, and why sometimes, yelling at God is theologically sound. patreon.com/skepticpastor noomacommunity.com/store
How to not Suck as a Christian
Episode 33
How to not Suck as a Christian
Evangelicals love a good debate, but maybe we should just stop arguing and start being decent humans instead. In this episode, we dive into my book How to Not Suck as a Christian and talk about why apologetics is a waste of time, how to avoid churches that only pretend to be affirming, and how to rebuild a spiritual life after religious trauma without all the baggage. How to Not Suck Book patreon.com/skepticpastor noomacommunity.com/store
The Bible: Now with 100% More Dysfunctional Families and Insecure Leaders
Episode 34
The Bible: Now with 100% More Dysfunctional Families and Insecure Leaders
God reminds Moses of His promises, but Moses is still strugglingthis time, with his old insecurities and a speech impediment that wont stop haunting him. In this episode, we unpack how faith doesnt erase your wounds, why biblical families were an absolute trainwreck, and how evangelicals obsession with the perfect family completely misses the point. patreon.com/skepticpastor
A Reformed Southern Baptist Comes Out - Yeah, You Read that Right
Episode 35
A Reformed Southern Baptist Comes Out - Yeah, You Read that Right
You know whats fun? Realizing your theology says youre predestined for hell and still showing up for staff meetings. Austin tells us about growing up as a reformed Southern Baptist, discovering he was gay, and trying to survive church life while slowly coming out. Its deconstruction with a side of existential dreadand the fallouts just getting started. Howtonotsuckbook.com
Snakes, Plagues, and DenialThe Real Exodus Story
Episode 36
Snakes, Plagues, and DenialThe Real Exodus Story
It starts with a giant snake, gets messy with blood and frogs, and finishes off with gnats and fliesclassic Exodus chaos. But what if these plagues arent just about punishing Egypt? We explore how God partners with humanity to tackle big issues and why embracing your weak spots might be your own personal plague-buster. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Southern Baptist Illuminati outs a Gay Deacon and Ruins His Life
Episode 37
Southern Baptist Illuminati outs a Gay Deacon and Ruins His Life
Austin was just living his lifedeconstructing, working as a deacon, and making spicy tweetswhen the Southern Baptist Illuminati (okay, not their real name, but might as well be) outed him to his church who fired him and kept ruining his life. But plot twist: when evangelicals cast him out, the LGBTQ community did something wildthey actually acted like Jesus. This is the second part of his story, and it is tragic and hopeful. patreon.com/skepticpastor
No, the Bible Doesnt Say Being Queer Is a SinLets Prove It (also it's Pro-Trans)
Episode 38
No, the Bible Doesnt Say Being Queer Is a SinLets Prove It (also it's Pro-Trans)
Step one: debunk every anti-LGBTQ verse with actual biblical scholarship. Step two: show how the Bible is pro-trans. Step three: remind ourselves that forcing ancient cultural norms onto modern society is a terrible idea. This week, were breaking down why the Bibles big-picture message is radical inclusivityno matter how hard fundamentalists try to make it about exclusion. patreon.com/skepticpastor
From Church Pews to the Solstice - a Theatre Kid Rediscovers God
Episode 39
From Church Pews to the Solstice - a Theatre Kid Rediscovers God
She loved church. The rituals, the architecture, the sacred feeling of it all. But then came seminarya place where evangelical theology goes to die. We talk about how actualbiblical study led her to deconstruction, how Celtic spirituality filled the void, and why she now finds God in nature, ritual, and yeseven the theatre. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Why Purity Culture Messes Up KidsAnd Why Atheists Might Be Onto Something
Episode 40
Why Purity Culture Messes Up KidsAnd Why Atheists Might Be Onto Something
Purity pledges? Bad idea. Arguing with atheists? Also bad idea. This episode features two chapters from How to Not Suck as a Christian, covering why purity culture does more harm than good and why debating atheists is a waste of time. Instead of fear-mongering about sex and winning souls through arguments, maybe its time to try something revolutionarybeing a decent human. patreon.com/skepticpastor noomacommunity.com/merch
This Story Is Not a Childrens LessonBoils, Hail, and the Final Plague
Episode 41
This Story Is Not a Childrens LessonBoils, Hail, and the Final Plague
Locusts, darkness, and a final plague so brutal it makes everyone uncomfortableyep, were in the deep end of Exodus now. In this episode, we wrestle with plagues 6-10, Pharaohs terrible decision-making, and why we love making desperate promises to God they never keep. Plus, a reminder that even in the worst moments, good things can happenand rejecting them doesnt make you noble, it just makes you miserable. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Leaving Mormonism, Preaching Atheism, and Finding a More Chill Path
Episode 42
Leaving Mormonism, Preaching Atheism, and Finding a More Chill Path
Dan Beecher wasthis closeto spending two years knocking on doors for Mormonismthen he decided he didnt believe any of it. In this episode, we talk about his journey from devoted Mormon to full-blown atheist, how hebecame an evangelist for atheism, and why he now chooses to partner with some religious people instead of trying to convince them they're wrong. Plus, he drops some solid advice for anyone going through deconstruction. patreon.com/skepticpastor
God is not a Magical Genie
Episode 43
God is not a Magical Genie
Its the part of the Exodus story everyone remembersGod parts the sea, the people escape, Pharaoh gets wrecked. But this week, we dig deeper into how that miracle actually happened (spoiler:strong wind all night), why magical thinking screws up our theology, and how to make rituals that help us actually remember the things we learn instead of just waiting for another dramatic rescue. patreon.com/skepticpastor
The Bible: What It Is, What It Isnt, and Why Constantine Didnt Make It
Episode 44
The Bible: What It Is, What It Isnt, and Why Constantine Didnt Make It
No, Constantine didnt choose the books of the Bible. No, the Bible isnt a culture manual for modern life. And no, youre not supposed to just read ityoure supposed to let it read you. In this episode, we get into what the Bible actually is, how it came to be, and how to study it without turning into a fundamentalist meme. patreon.com/skepticpastor
The Wilderness Sucks - Even Moses Needed a Dance Break
Episode 45
The Wilderness Sucks - Even Moses Needed a Dance Break
The Israelites just escaped Egypt, and what do they do first? Throw a party. In this episode, we dive into the songs of Moses and Miriam, explore how feasting and celebration are just as spiritual as prayer and fasting, and talk about why you shouldnt try to do faith aloneespecially when the wilderness hits. Oh, and that manna? Mightve been natural. Still holy. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Deconstruction, Patriarchy, and the Atheist Boyfriend Who Got It
Episode 46
Deconstruction, Patriarchy, and the Atheist Boyfriend Who Got It
It started with one book. One idea: maybe the Bible wasnt written outside of patriarchy. That thread pulled Gabies faith wide open. In this episode, she shares her journey through doubt, the atheist boyfriend who got it more than her evangelical friends, and how she found a new spiritual home in Not Church. If youre deconstructing, shes got one thing to sayIt's going to be OK patreon.com/skepticpastor
Why You Keep Making the Same MistakesAnd Why You Cant Fix Them Alone
Episode 47
Why You Keep Making the Same MistakesAnd Why You Cant Fix Them Alone
This episode has it all: people whining in circles, Moses burning out, and a surprise intervention from his father-in-law. We talk about how to spot the toxic patterns in your own life, how community can carry you when you cant do it alone, and why having someone speak the hard truth isnt meanits holy. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Romans: The Book Thats Been Misused for Centuries
Episode 48
Romans: The Book Thats Been Misused for Centuries
Ever felt like Romans was used against you? You're not alone. This episode dives into a conversation with Keith Giles and Matthew DiStefano the authors of Reading Romans Right , revealing how a fresh perspective can transform this misunderstood text into a message of hope and inclusion. Reading Romans Right: https://amzn.to/4j6kNOP patreon.com/skepticpastor
Easters Pagan (kind of), Words Change, and the KJV Is Horrible
Episode 49
Easters Pagan (kind of), Words Change, and the KJV Is Horrible
Were talking pagan goddesses, changing language, and why the King James Version is definitely not the most accurate Bible translation. Gabie (our favorite linguist) joins to unpack the pagan origins of the word Easter, how meanings shift over time, and why thou shalt not doesnt mean what you think it means anymore. Spoiler: English has evolvedand so should your theology. patreon.com/skepticpastor
What the Hell Is Hell, Anyway?
Episode 50
What the Hell Is Hell, Anyway?
If you died tonight, do you know where youd spend eternity? We open with that classic evangelical guilt-trip and immediately start breaking it down. Gabie and Jeremy deep dive into the biblical non -basis for modern hell, expose how mistranslations (and Dante) created most of what we picture today, and explore how ancient views on punishment were way more complex than fire and brimstone. patreon.com/skepticpastor
The Ten CommandmentsYouve Been Reading Them Wrong
Episode 51
The Ten CommandmentsYouve Been Reading Them Wrong
You think the Ten Commandments are about judging everyone else? Wrong. Theyre written to you. In this episode, we break down how the commandments are personal, why taking the Lords name in vain has nothing to do with cussing, and why Sabbath isnt just a nice ideaits a full-on rebellion against hustle culture. Oh, and yes, its dont murder, not dont kill. Get it right. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Hell Houses, Fistfights, and Breaking the Cycle for Our Kids
Episode 52
Hell Houses, Fistfights, and Breaking the Cycle for Our Kids
Step one: convince a 10-year-old shes actually dead and headed for eternal damnation. Step two: act shocked when she punches a racist in church and bails on the whole thing. Amanda shares her wild church trauma story and what its like trying to parent through that pain, building a better, gentler spiritual world for her kids. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Burning CDs for JesusAnd Other Regrets
Episode 54
Burning CDs for JesusAnd Other Regrets
Christian music good. Secular music bad. Thats what we were told. But it turns out, that binary cuts us off from art, from emotion, and from understanding who we are. We talk about music, Moana, Black Panther, burning CDs (oops), and how its all connected to the evangelical fear of trusting your own heart. Albums that will lead you astray playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53CQL4me7h2toNO6i7cfZB?si=G31YXDUYTPS1FRYGmGTM7Q&pi=BiDRtA_yTiO1d
The Petty Soap Opera of Herod and Cleopatra The Parable of the Talents
Episode 55
The Petty Soap Opera of Herod and Cleopatra The Parable of the Talents
Spoiler: The parable of the talents isnt about investment advice or religious performanceits about empire. We follow the messy political history behind the nobleman (ahem, Herod) and explore how Jesus used storytelling to expose and challenge systems of injustice. Its not a sermon on successits a call to resist. patreon.com/skepticpastor
The Faith Healing Was FakeBut the Damage Was Real
Episode 56
The Faith Healing Was FakeBut the Damage Was Real
This episode gets personal. We share two raw, painful stories of being hurt by faith healers and talk about the long-term spiritual damage that comes from fake supernatural claims. Healing shouldnt be a performance. And at the end, we drag a few viral Christian TikToks that made us scream into the voidincluding one truly cringe campus preacher. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Why Matthew Probably Didnt Write Matthew: unlocking the Four Soils and the Mystery of the Kingdom,
Episode 57
Why Matthew Probably Didnt Write Matthew: unlocking the Four Soils and the Mystery of the Kingdom,
The parable of the four soils isnt about locking you into good or bad foreverits about staying open to transformation. In this episode, we break down why Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John didnt actually write those gospels, how the texts share sources but shape different messages, and why wealth and power often show up as the biggest obstacles to growth. In the end, its about mysteryand the curiosity that gets you closer to it. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Altar Calls, Emotional Manipulation, and the Psychology of Come Forward
Episode 58
Altar Calls, Emotional Manipulation, and the Psychology of Come Forward
Altar calls arent always about salvationsometimes theyre about control. In this episode, we break down the psychological tactics behind the come forward moment, tell our own trauma stories, and ask whether the so-called demon manifestations are actually something else entirely. Spoiler: religious psychosis is real, and so is spiritual abuse. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Excuses, Entitlement, and Why You Might Get Uninvited
Episode 59
Excuses, Entitlement, and Why You Might Get Uninvited
In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus roasts the self-important by showing what happens when entitled people flake on an invitation: God gives their seats to the outsiders. We dig into the honor/shame culture behind the story, why those excuses were actually public insults, and how the host turns his anger into radical inclusion. This hits hard because... what are you doing with your anger? patreon.com/skepticpastor
Deconstructing the LGBTQ Clobber Versesand Our Own Deconstruction
Episode 60
Deconstructing the LGBTQ Clobber Versesand Our Own Deconstruction
Its the conversation every deconstructing queer (or ally) eventually has: what does the Bible actually say about LGBTQ people? We bring receipts, cultural context, and a healthy amount of side-eye to the verses used to excludeand flip the script completely. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Jesus Told a Story About Classism, and We Made It About Hell... It's Not
Episode 61
Jesus Told a Story About Classism, and We Made It About Hell... It's Not
Were not here to scare you with hellfirewere here to tell you this parable is about injustice, privilege, and how hard it is to see your own biases. The Rich Man never figured it out. Maybe this episode will help the rest of us do better. patreon.com/skepticpastor
How to Have Relationships with Unaffirming Friends and Family (and when to let them go) Interview with Sharon Roggio Director of 1946 the Movie
Episode 62
How to Have Relationships with Unaffirming Friends and Family (and when to let them go) Interview with Sharon Roggio Director of 1946 the Movie
What happens when your evangelical dad reads your diary and finds out youre a lesbianand hes also your pastor? Sharon Roggio, director of 1946: The Movie , tells her story of heartbreak, leaving home, and somehow finding a way back into relationship. We also talk about how homosexual ended up in the Bibleand why that mistranslation still haunts us today. patreon.com/skepticpastor
The Parable of the Mustard Seed: Read It However You WantThats the Point
Episode 63
The Parable of the Mustard Seed: Read It However You WantThats the Point
Universal salvation, anti-authoritarianism, and maybe a warning about neat little spiritual clichsall from one tiny seed. In this episode, we dig into the parable of the mustard seed and why reading and looking for the truth that presents itself might be the most faithful move you can make. patreon.com/skepticpastor
The Only Gay Kid in Town: A Story of Communally Inflicted Trauma
Episode 64
The Only Gay Kid in Town: A Story of Communally Inflicted Trauma
What happens when the Baptist pastor in your town preaches an entire sermon about you, because youre the only openly gay kid? Our guest tells the story of being publicly shamed and slowly rebuilding his spiritual life. From Baptist trauma to a surprising homecoming in Judaism, this episode explores what communal harm looks likeand what healing can become. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Ancient Jewish Secret for Reading the Bible
Episode 65
Ancient Jewish Secret for Reading the Bible
Turns out, the rabbis were way ahead of their time. In this episode, we take a deep dive into PaRDeS. This multi-layered way to read scripture embraces metaphor, meaning, and mysteryperfect for those of us whove been burned by fundamentalism but still find the Bible intriguing.
The Rapture isn't Real: a Verse-by-Verse Guide
Episode 66
The Rapture isn't Real: a Verse-by-Verse Guide
You've heard the Left Behind version?but what if the Bible never promised a cosmic vacuum sucking up all the good Christians? We walk through every so-called "rapture" verse, dismantling the theology one line at a time. Spoiler: Jesus wasn't talking about disappearing in your khakis.
The Rapture isnt Real: a Verse-by-Verse Guide
Episode 66
The Rapture isnt Real: a Verse-by-Verse Guide
Youve heard the Left Behind versionbut what if the Bible never promised a cosmic vacuum sucking up all the good Christians? We walk through every so-called rapture verse, dismantling the theology one line at a time. Spoiler: Jesus wasnt talking about disappearing in your khakis.
What is Religious Trauma?
Episode 67
What is Religious Trauma?
Religious trauma isnt just in your headit lives in your body. In this episode, we talk to a religious trauma therapist about what it is, how it shows up, and how healing actually works. From EMDR to somatic therapy to finding a therapist who gets it, this is your intro guide to unlearning spiritual harm.
When Jesus Threw Wine in the Pharisees Face
Episode 68
When Jesus Threw Wine in the Pharisees Face
Jesus didnt just forgive the womanthey had a whole theological mic drop right in the middle of dinner. We unpack the ancient hospitality customs the Pharisee ignored, how Jesus publicly re-centered the one everyone tried to erase, and what it means to be both messy and full of faith. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Purity Culture Damage from Being "Unequally Yoked"
Episode 69
Purity Culture Damage from Being "Unequally Yoked"
Lets talk about that time purity culture told you dating a non-Christian would ruin your soul. We dig into the myth of being unequally yoked, how that verse isnt even about marriage, and why courting culture stunts your growth like a purity ring with a chokehold. patreon.com/skepticpastor
The Parable of the Weeds and Why People Aren't who You Think They Are
Episode 70
The Parable of the Weeds and Why People Aren't who You Think They Are
The Parable of the Weeds isnt about judging peoples soulsits about waiting before you yank people out of your life. We break down the cultural background, the dangers of playing spiritual police, and why people might not be who you think they are. Spoiler: sometimes the wheat and the weeds look exactly the same. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Deconstructing Purity Culture: Cohabitation and Living in Sin
Episode 71
Deconstructing Purity Culture: Cohabitation and Living in Sin
Purity culture wants you to believe marriage solves everythingexcept it doesnt. We dig into stories of people rejected for cohabitation, the dangerous lie that consent disappears once youre married, and why reducing life to two bad choices is just bad theology wrapped in shame. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Parable of the ten bridesmaids and being open
Episode 72
Parable of the ten bridesmaids and being open
Turns out the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids isnt a warning about heavens velvet rope. Its a call to be ready for the unexpected. We unpack the cultural backdrop, the spiritual arrogance of the prepared, and how first-century people missed Jesus because they werent openand how we still do the same thing today. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Deconstructing Purity Culture: Damaged Goods
Episode 73
Deconstructing Purity Culture: Damaged Goods
If you ever felt guilty for making out , this ones for you. We tear into abstinence-only education, the purity ring industrial complex, and the horror show that is the born-again virgin. Plus, we clap back at the toxic theology that says youre not worthy of heaven if you love your own life too much. Yes, really. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Deconstructing Purity Culture: Masturbation Addiction
Episode 74
Deconstructing Purity Culture: Masturbation Addiction
They said if you masturbate, you're broken. They lied. We dive into the toxic shame of purity cultures masturbation addiction claims, clear up what Onan was really doing, and open a thoughtful (not preachy) conversation about porn and ethics. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Ruth: an Anti-patriarch Bible Book about Inclusion and Political Protest
Episode 75
Ruth: an Anti-patriarch Bible Book about Inclusion and Political Protest
Ruth isnt your typical Bible heroine. Shes a Moabite, a woman, and the star of a book that basically tells Ezra and Nehemiah to sit down. This episode explores how Ruth smashes purity codes, upends patriarchy, and makes a case for radical inclusionwithout ever preaching a sermon. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Old Maid at 22 Comes Out a Decade Later
Episode 76
Old Maid at 22 Comes Out a Decade Later
She was told her worth was tied to being a wife and motherand that at 22 was practically a geriatric bride. So she got married, made sure obey was in the vows, and followed the evangelical script. Years (and one major deconstruction) later, shes out as bi, still married, and thriving. Spoiler: the husband stayed. The evangelical friends? Not so much. patreon.com/skepticpastor
Ruth: The Relationship We Are All Looking For
Episode 77
Ruth: The Relationship We Are All Looking For
Sometimes God feels absent. Bitter, even. Naomi gets that. But Ruth shows us that when everything collapses, the right person by your side can be sacred. This episode is about that kind of lovethe loyal, no-matter-what kindand what it teaches us about faith and friendship. patreon.com/skepticpastor
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