The Joshua Tongol Podcast

Life After Christianity with James Peter Jandu (Joshua Tongol Interview)

In this exciting interview, Joshua Tongol shares his story and life experiences on the Xplore show with James Peter Jandu.

You're Awesome! (Cosmic Thoughts Interview 2015)

On this episode, author Joshua Tongol talks about his transition from fundamentalism to a more open spirituality and tells us why "You're Awesome!"

#017 Dean Radin: Are Psychic Phenomena Real? | Telepathy, Precognition, Psychokinesis | (Supernormal)

Are some of the superpowers described in ancient legends, science fiction, and comic books actually real?

Telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition–are these inherent supernormal mental powers?

Is it really possible to perceive another person’s thoughts, influence objects with our minds, and envision future events?

In this episode, I interview Dr. Dean Radin. He is Chief Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. For three decades he has been engaged in frontiers research on the nature of consciousness. He was featured in a New York Times Magazine article; and he has appeared on dozens of television shows ranging from the BBC’s Horizon and PBS’s Closer to Truth to Oprah and Larry King Live. He has given over 350 interviews and talks.

Dean is author or coauthor of over 250 technical and popular articles, three dozen book chapters, and three books including the award-winning The Conscious Universe, Entangled Minds, and the 2014 Silver Nautilus Book Award winner, Supernormal: Science, Yoga, and the Evidence for Extraordinary Psychic Abilities.

IN THIS EPISODE, DEAN ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• Is it possible for us to have super powers like those in science fiction and in comic books?
• What do you mean by “supernormal”? Why not use the word “supernatural”?
• Why is there a big difference between Western culture and India concerning psychic phenomena?
• Are telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis real?
• Why are a lot of people cynical and uncomfortable about the possibility of “something more”?
• How has technology played a factor as to why supernormal abilities have devolved?
• Does everyone have these psychic abilities?
• Are supernormal abilities able to be developed?
• Have you had any experiences that would be considered psychic phenomena?
• In the West, yoga is very trendy. But what’s the essential goal of yoga?
• What are some of the benefits of yoga and meditation?
• How has Quantum mechanics falsified many of the current assumptions of science?
• Are miracles in violation or in contradiction to nature?
• Why are many scientists and scholars hesitant to address the idea of miracles?
• Are mystical experiences hallucinations or do they reflect a truthful picture of reality?
• What are some cases of levitation you can share?
• Can you tell us about any precognition experiments?
• Can you tell us about your psychokinesis experience?
• Is there one experiment that stands out in particular that convinced you supernormal abilities?
• Can practitioners meditating on peace and nonviolence literally lower crime and violence?
• What are some of the limits of the scientific method?
• How has the scientific community accepted you and your work?
• Where do you see science headed concerning embracing psychic phenomena?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• deanradin.com
• noetic.org
• Dean's book Supernormal
• Dean's book Entangled Minds
• Dean's book The Conscious Universe
• Dean's blog
• Dean on Facebook
• Dean on Twitter

#016 Eben Alexander: Is There Life After Death? (Proof of Heaven/The Map of Heaven)

Is there life after death? If so, what is it like?

In this episode, I interview Dr. Eben Alexander. A renowned academic neurosurgeon for over 25 years, he thought he knew how the brain, mind and consciousness worked. But in 2008, all of that changed.

What seemed to come out of nowhere, he went into a coma for a week and had an out-of-body/near-death experience into another realm that transformed his life forever.

Eben is the author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey Into the Afterlife, and his latest book is called The Map of Heaven: How Science, Religion, and Ordinary People Are Proving the Afterlife.

IN THIS EPISODE, EBEN ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:
 
• What happened on November 10, 2008?
• You're a pretty healthy guy who didn't really get sick. So what happened?
• Back in the day you considered strange NDE stories to be "pure fantasy". Why is that?
• What did you experience in these other realms?
• Was it a physical experience, or more of a dreamlike, ghostly appearance?
• You talked about not having a body during your experience? What did you mean?
• You said that "Language, emotion, logic: these were all gone". How did you communicate?
• "Seeing and hearing were not separate in this place". What did you mean?
• Did you see and meet "God"? If so, what did He/She/It look and sound like?
• You claim to have seen heaven, but is hell real, too?
• Can you describe the Realm of the Earthworm's-Eye View?
• What about reincarnation?
• You talked about a girl and a butterfly. Tell us about that experience.
• What were the powerful and moving words the girl said to you?
• What do you say to the skeptic?
• Doesn't the brain create consciousness?
• Can you share a little bit about your new book The Map of Heaven?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• ebenalexander.com
• Eben's book Proof of Heaven
• Eben's book The Map of Heaven
• Eben's books (FREE AUDIOBOOK w/ 30-day trial membership on Audible.com [type in search])
• sacredacoustics.com
• Eben on Facebook
• Eben on Twitter
• iands.org
 

#015 Amit Goswami: Is God Dead? (What Quantum Physics Tells Us)

Can the question of God's existence be settled by scientific evidence? If so, Who or What is the “God” the new science is rediscovering?

Is it a Christian God, a Hindu God, a Muslim God, a Judaic God? Or none of them at all?

In this episode, I interview Theoretical Physicist Dr. Amit Goswami. He's a pioneer of the new paradigm of science called “science within consciousness," and has appeared in the movies What the Bleep do we know!?, Dalai Lama Renaissance, as well as the award winning documentary, The Quantum Activist. A prolific writer, teacher, and visionary, Dr. Goswami is the author of several books such as The Self-Aware Universe, Physics of the Soul, The Quantum Doctor, God is Not Dead, and Quantum Economics

IN THIS EPISODE, AMIT ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• Who or What is God?
• Can the question of God's existence be settled by scientific evidence?
• Is the new science rediscovering a Christian God, a Hindu God, a Muslim God, a Judaic God?
• Is God personal? Can we talk to God and have a personal relationship with God?
• What is reality? Don't we live in a material world, as many skeptics claim?
• What is quantum non-locality? And how is it evidence for God?
• Doesn't evolution demonstrate that there's no need for a Creator or an Intelligent Designer?
• Why are you critical of biblical Creationism and the Intelligent Design movement.
• How does the fossil data support the idea of God's existence?
• How do you deal with the materialist scientist, the Western philosopher, and the Christian theologian?
• How do we know God isn't just some brain phenomenon?
• Doesn't quantum physics only apply to the micro and not the macro world?
• What is consciousness? And what role does it play in our observation of things?
• What phenomena cannot be explained away by material causes alone?
• What are some of the questions materialists can't answer?
• Is love a divine quality? Don't atheists and agnostics know how to love without God?
• Isn't it still possible to have meaning without God as some materialists claim?
• Are we separate from God?
• Are we God? If so, why do we have such a hard time manifesting godly qualities?
• Why did God create and evolve life?
• If God exists, is there life after death?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• amitgoswami.org
• quantumactivist.com
• Amit's  book God Is Not Dead
• Amit's  book Physics of the Soul
• Amit on Facebook
• Amit on Twitter

#014 Sharon Baker: Hell Revisited (Razing Hell, Executing God)

The idea of hell has haunted millions of people all over the world, and continues to do so.

But ... what if the fiery image of an eternal torture chamber, which many religious people have been taught, isn't true?

In this episode, I interview Sharon Baker. She's an associate professor of theology and religion, and has written numerous articles on hell and nonviolent atonement. Sharon is the author of Razing Hell and Executing God. 

IN THIS EPISODE, SHARON ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• When was the first time you found out you were going to hell?
• Is the idea of hell found in the Bible?
• Did any formal doctrine of hell exist in the early church?
• Where does the imagery of hell (fire, torture, screaming) come from? Did it develop over time?
• What does "fire" symbolize in the Bible?
• Doesn't the Bible clearly teach ETERNAL punishment?
• Doesn't the word "eternal" mean forever?
• Didn't Jesus talk about hell more than heaven?
• Can there be a connection between a person's understanding of the cross with hell?
• Did Jesus die to save people from hell?
• Why do so many Christians want to believe in hell?
• What does a person's belief in eternal hell say about the kind of God they believe in?
• What about people like Hitler and Osama Bin Laden? Don't they “deserve” an eternal hell?
• Can you go through some of the problems ("troubles") surrounding the traditional view of hell?
• Does an eternal hell really solve the problem of evil?
• Respond to this: "God is love, but don't forget that he's also a God of wrath."
• Respond to this: "God can send anyone to hell because everything God does is just and loving."
• Respond to this: "It doesn't matter how small your "sin" is, it's who (God) you're sinning against."
• Respond to this: “God sends nobody to hell. People send themselves there.”
• What about the verse, "It's appointed for a person to die once and then face judgment"?
• Doesn't God allow people to suffer in hell so he won't violate their free will?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Razing Hell book
• Executing God book
• Sharon on Facebook

#013 Nadia Khalil Bradley: Jesus Christ Appears and Speaks to a Muslim Woman

If Christ appeared to you out of nowhere, what would you do?

In this episode, I interview Nadia Khalil Bradley. Nadia began her journey in a tight-knit Palestinian-American community located in a suburb of Chicago. A devout Muslim, she followed the traditions upheld in the community and within the culture, having very little knowledge of Christ.

She had been writing to God for years, until one day, he answered her. In 2002, while still a Muslim, Nadia had a vision of Christ that literally changed her life forever. Since then, she has been sharing her experiences and insights through her writing (3 books so far) and podcast show (Christisms). Her books include Little Wing, Origins of Truth, and her latest, Original Love.

IN THIS EPISODE, NADIA ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• What did Christ look like? Was he a ghostly figure? Floating in mid-air?
• What were you feeling at that moment when you saw Christ face to face?
• How has this experience changed your life?
• What did Christ sound like? Was it a voice in your head? A "knowing"? Audible?
• So how do you know it's Christ you're hearing and not just your ego?
• Why did Christ reveal himself to you this way? Are you special?
• What is the main message Christ came to bring you?
• What were some of the questions Christ asked you?
• Do you still hear Christ today the same way you heard him the first time?
• Do you still see Christ in a physical form?
• When you pray, do you make a distinction between God and Christ?
• Who is Christ to you? God? A messenger?
• Do you still consider yourself a Muslim? Or did you become a Christian?
• How do you know there is no hell?
• How do you handle the skeptics?
• Some Christians say your experience was demonic. What is your response?
• Has this experience affected your relationships with friends and family?
• What are some truths you've learned throughout the years?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Christisms Podcast
• Nadia’s new book Original Love
• Nadia on Youtube
• Nadia on Facebook
• Nadia on Twitter
• Nadia on Instagram

#012 Brad Jersak: Asking the Toughest Questions About God and Jesus (A More Christlike God)

What are some of the toughest questions you have ever asked about God and Jesus?

You see, if you grew up in the church like me, chances are, at some point in your life, you started asking some difficult questions about God that your friends and family couldn't answer to your satisfaction. Did it matter? Well, maybe.

Here's the thing: questions have the capacity to strengthen your faith, or possibly even destroy it.

In this episode, I interview Brad Jersak. Brad is an author and teacher based in Abbotsford, BC. He's on faculty at Westminster Theological Centre (Cheltenham, UK), where he teaches New Testament and Patristics. He serves as adjunct faculty with St. Stephen's University (St. Stephen, NB). And he's also the senior editor of the CWR (Christianity Without the Religion) Magazine, which is based in Pasadena, CA. Some of his books include Can You Hear Me?, Her Gates Will Never Be Shut, and A More Christlike God.

IN THIS EPISODE, BRAD ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• Can you tell us a little bit about A More Christlike God and why you wrote it?
• Is there such a thing as "the God of the Bible"?
• Is it possible that we find the kind of God we want to find in the Bible (God of peace/grace/anger/war)?
• Humans have produced a vast pantheon of gods, how do we know what God is like?
• There seems to be as many versions of God as there are people. How is your God the right one?
• Are our ideas of God simply glorified projections of ourselves?
• Walter Wink said, "atheism is the first step toward true worship." What exactly does that mean?
• In your opinion, what are some of the false images of God?
• Why does the "God of the Bible" seem so un-Christlike?
• Why did it take so long for God to reveal himself perfectly in Jesus?
• Mark Driscoll said he can't worship a Jesus he can beat up. What is your response?
• How do we know your understanding of Jesus isn't just an upgraded version of yourself?
• Did God punish Jesus for our sins on the cross?
• What does the cross demonstrate about the nature of God?
• How is the cross a response to the problem of suffering?
• Who or what is Jesus saving us from?
• In what sense do you believe Jesus died for us?
• Can Jesus truly identify with a person who has been married, divorced, molested, or raped?
• Isn't it arrogant to talk about God's nature? Who are we to say?
• Is God free to do whatever he pleases (even things considered to be evil in our eyes)?
• Why is God so violent? Didn't he even command genocide in the Bible?
• Does God have a dark and wrathful side that balances out his goodness and love?
• If God is in control, then why is there so much chaos in this world?
• If God is such a loving Father, then why is there so much suffering?
• Why doesn't God protect us from natural disasters?
• Desmond Tutu says that "God does nothing without a human partner"? Do you agree?
• You say that God operates in the world by consent. What do you mean by that?
• According to you, what is "The Beautiful Gospel"?
• What is "The Gospel in Chairs"?
• Hector Avalos argues, in The Bad Jesus, that Jesus is flawed. What is your response?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• bradjersak.com
• Brad's new book More Christlike God
• Brad Jersak on Youtube
• Brad Jersak on Facebook
• Brad Jersak on Twitter
• Brad Jersak on Instagram
• Clarion Journal of Spirituality and Justice

#011 Wm. Paul Young: The Problem of Suffering and the Goodness of God (The Shack, Cross Roads, Eve)

Why does a GOOD God allow evil and suffering?

In 2007, an unknown author's book was published, and it was like a bomb exploded in the Christian world. Not only did many well-known representatives of the faith embrace the content of the book, there were many others who vehemently criticized it as well, labeling it as heresy.

And boy, did it create a conversation (or should I say many conversations!).

In this episode, I interview Wm. Paul Young. Paul was born a Canadian and raised among a stone-age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of Netherlands New Guinea. He is best known for his highly-praised and controversial book The Shack which has sold over 20 million copies to date. Since the success of his first publication, he has written two more books, one being Cross Roads, and most recently, Eve.

IN THIS EPISODE, PAUL ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• Why did The Shack receive so much attention?
• Within Christianity, God is known as a loving Father. Why didn't you portray God in a masculine form?
• Why is it so hard for many religious folks to accept the idea that God loves unconditionally?
• Is the God of The Shack too nice where "He" no longer matches the God of the Bible (especially the OT)?
• Why does a good God allow suffering?
• It seems like "God allows" EVERYTHING to happen. So is God even necessary?
• Does saying things like "God was with you during those horrible times" do more harm than good?
• In The Shack, what did Jesus mean when he said "I will travel any road to find you”?
• Does it matter what a person believes?
• What are some of the themes found in Eve?
• How is Eve different from your other two books? And what did you want people to take away from it?
• Why was Eve was your most difficult book to write?
• I heard The Shack is gonna be a movie. Can you tell us more about that? Who'll be starring in it?
• Is there a book tour for Eve?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• wmpaulyoung.com
• Eve (FREE AUDIOBOOK w/ 30-day trial membership on Audible [type title in search])
• Paul Young on Youtube
• Paul Young on Facebook
• Paul Young on Twitter

#010 Peter Enns: Why Defending the Bible Does More Harm Than Good (The Bible Tells Me So)

Has defending the Bible made us unable to read it?

What if the Bible isn't meant to be protected and defended? With all the messy, troubling, and weird things found in this ancient book, what if trying to make it behave itself can become a barrier to true faith?

In this episode, I interview Dr. Peter Enns. He's a biblical scholar, theologian, writer and jokester. He's a contributor to the Huffington Post and Patheos. His books include Inspiration and Incarnation, The Evolution of Adam (where he questions the belief that Adam was a historical figure), and The Bible Tells Me So.

IN THIS EPISODE, PETER ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• Where did your desire to study the Bible come from? When did it happen?
• Why is there a lot of fear among Christians to share their honest questions about the Bible?
• Some claim they became atheists because of the Bible. But if the Bible isn't the problem, what is?
• Did your shift in thinking about the Bible affect your faith in God?
• If the Bible isn't a step-by-step manual on how to live, then what value does it have for us today?
• Christians claim to believe in one God. But does the bible affirm that there's only one God?
• If the Bible isn't even clear about big issues like God (!!), should we read the Bible to know God?
• What do you say to someone who tries to justify the violence in the Bible?
• If some of the stories in the Bible aren't historically accurate, what should our approach be to the text?
• How do you feel about Christians apologists defending the Bible? Are they not taking the Bible seriously?
• Should we be surprised by the different versions of the same story in the Bible?
• Are there any contradictions (not just apparent ones) in the four Gospels?
• Do you consider the Bible to be the "Word of God"? If so, in what way?
• Can our "sacred experiences" be added to the "Word of God"?
• If it's not about historical accuracy, what about other religious books, such as the Koran?
• How did Jesus read his Bible? Did he follow it like a rule book?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• peteenns.com
• Peter Enns on Patheos
• The Bible Tells Me So (FREE AUDIOBOOK download on Audible [type title in search])
• Peter Enns on Facebook
• Peter Enns on Twitter

#009 David Hayward (Naked Pastor): Are Questions the Answer?

Are questions the answer?

Well, many who left organized religion--those who are tired of trite answers--seem to think so.

In this episode, I interview David Hayward (aka Naked Pastor). He is one of the most prolific cartoonists of the online world--describing himself as "a graffiti artist on the walls of religion."

He's the author of books such as Without a Vision My People Prosper, The Liberation of Sophia, and his latest one, Questions Are the Answers. He also launched an online community called The Lasting Supper where people can learn and live in spiritual independence.

IN THIS EPISODE, DAVID ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• How did you end up being called "Naked Pastor"?
• When did you get into drawing?
• Is there a tension between "intellectual integrity" and "just believing"?
• What good can questions do for a person that "answers" can't?
• What were the "3 stages of questions" you went through?
• When was your first "crisis of faith" experience?
• At one point you entered a "dark period" in life. What was going on?
• How did your encounter with a street person dramatically impact you?
• Tell us more about what your wife calls your "Gandhi phase."
• How can theology hurt people?
• When you were pastoring, what did your services look like?
• What advice would you give to pastors who are facing a theological crisis?
• When did you realize you were finally done with it all (ministry, attending church)?
• Is it possible to criticize the church and still love it?
• You had a dream where you heard the words "It's time!" What happened?
• What is The Lasting Supper community?

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• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• nakedpastor.com

• thelastingsupper.com

• David's new book Questions Are the Answer book

• nakedpastor on Facebook

• nakedpastor on Instagram

• nakedpastor on Youtube

#008 Kevin Miller: Hellbound? (Does Hell Exist? If So, Who Ends Up There, And Why?)

Does hell exist?

If so, how can a loving God allow millions of people to suffer in a place of eternal conscious torment?

In this episode, I interview award-winning screenwriter, director and producer, Kevin Miller. And we discuss his provocative, critically acclaimed documentary Hellbound? which, in Kevin’s words, “seeks to discover why we are so bound to the idea of hell and what our views on hell reveal about how we perceive God, justice, the Bible and, ultimately, ourselves.”

IN THIS EPISODE, KEVIN ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• Why do so many loving Christians still believe in hell?
• When did you start questioning hell?
• I once heard you say that the “belief in hell creates hell.” What did you mean?
• Where does the imagery of hell (fire, darkness, torture) come from?
• If someone believes in the Christian God, does he or she have to believe in hell, too?
• Is hell part of the Christian message?
• What did the early church believe about hell?
• It’s often said that Jesus spoke more about hell than heaven. Is that true?
• Why are so many people afraid to question hell?
• Does it makes sense for God to give Hitler a free pass into heaven without any punishment?
• Is eternal conscious torment the only view of the afterlife for Christians to hold to?
• If there’s no eternal hell, then why the need for a savior?
• How did the writers of Scripture know with certainty what happens after we die?
• If there were no Bible, would people still believe in hell?
• If people really believe in hell, then why aren’t they sharing their faith 24/7 to save people from it?
• If we’re all trying to make sense of the world, does the idea of hell really make a good story?
• As you toured the film and did Q&A’s, what were some of the responses?

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• hellboundthemovie.com

• Her Gates Will Never Be Shut by Brad Jersak

• Kevin's Patheos Blog

• Hellbound? Facebook Page

• Hellbound? on Twitter

• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

#007 Frank Schaeffer: Why I am an Atheist Who Believes in God

Is it possible to be an atheist and believe in God?

Well, Frank Schaeffer seems to thinks so.

And the description of his new book, Why I am an Atheist Who Believes in God, gives us a glimpse into this seemingly contradictory reality:

Caught between the beauty of his grandchildren and grief over a friend’s death, Frank Schaeffer finds himself simultaneously believing and not believing in God—an atheist who prays. Schaeffer wrestles with faith and disbelief, sharing his innermost thoughts with a lyricism that only great writers of literary nonfiction achieve. Schaeffer writes as an imperfect son, husband and grandfather whose love for his family, art and life trumps the ugly theologies of an angry God and the atheist vision of a cold, meaningless universe. Schaeffer writes that only when we abandon our hunt for certainty do we become free to create beauty, give love and find peace.

In this candid interview, Frank pulls no punches and points out what many of us sometimes think and feel--whether we wanna acknowledge it or not.

So give yourself a break from trying to believe all the "right" things for a moment, and think about whether or not your beliefs now inspire you to give love, create beauty and find peace.

Enjoy the show!

IN THIS EPISODE, FRANK ANSWERED THE FOLLOWING:

• Isn't calling yourself an "atheist who believes in God" a contradiction?
• How has embracing paradox and uncertainty brought healing into your life?
• Doesn't certainty give people hope?
• Do you pray to a God on some days and live as an atheist on other days?
• You feel connected to something bigger than yourself whenever you paint. Would you call that God?
• Where do you find meaning? Is meaning something we create ourselves, or something we discover?
• Why did you join the Greek Orthodox Church? Do you still go to church?
• You talk a lot about your wife. What's her reaction to your theological evolution?

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• frankschaeffer.com

• frankschaefferart.com

• Why I am an Atheist Who Believes in God

• Frank's Facebook Page

• Frank's Youtube Channel

• Frank's Twitter

• Frank's Google Talk

• FREE AUDIOBOOK download when you try Audible for 30 days

• Order Signed Copies of So You Thought You Knew: Letting Go of Religion

• Please support this podcast by making a donation at my Patreon page (any amount helps!)

#006 Darrel Ray: Sex and God (How Religion Distorts Sexuality)

What is the impact of religion on human sexuality?

You see, growing up in the church, I was told all the dos and don'ts of sexuality for "Bible-believing" Christians. Yet, ironically, some of the preachers I'd listen to would contradict one another when it came to "how far" one can go sexually, both before and after marriage. And some would even commit the very "sins" they'd passionately condemn at the pulpit.

Why was there so much hypocrisy going on in the church?
And why were so many of my [natural] sexual desires considered "sinful" in the eyes of God?

In this episode, I have an honest chat with psychologist and author, Dr. Darrel Ray. And let me tell ya, we don't shy away from any topics here.

So put your kids to sleep (if you have any) ... and let's talk about sex, baby.

IN THIS EPISODE, DARREL ANSWERED THE FOLLOWING:

• Why are so many people afraid to talk about sex?
• How has religion shaped our culture and sexual development?
• How is religion often an excuse for bad behavior?
• What's the difference between guilt and shame?
• Why do even non-religious people struggle with guilt and shame when it comes to sexuality?
• Talk about masturbation for a bit. Are there any benefits to it?
• What are some ways parents can address the topic of sex to their kids?
• What have you discovered in your research about porn and porn addiction?
• What would you tell someone who's struggling with shame right now?

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Recoveringfromreligion.org

• Sex and God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality (FREE when you try Audible for 30 days)

• The God Virus: How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture

• Darrel’s Talk on “The Myth of Sex Addiction”

• Sex Education For All Ages Interview With Dr. Melanie Davis

• Kindle Countdown Promo for The Secret to Awesomeness (only for a limited time!)

• Become a Patron and help support this podcast to keep it going (any amount helps!)

#005 Ryan Bell: A Year Without God - What Does He Believe Now?

A Year Without God?

Yup, at the end of 2013, former pastor Ryan Bell announced he was gonna "try on" atheism for a year. And boy, it didn't take too long for the media to take notice.

So what made a life-long Christian, who pastored for nearly 20 years, do such a thing?

Well, it's been over a year since his experiment began, and I had the opportunity to chat with him at his home in Pasadena, California.

So get ready ... this episode is sure to get you thinking.

IN THIS EPISODE, RYAN ANSWERED THE FOLLOWING:

• What events led to your  "Year Without God"?
• What difference does God make?
• How do you respond to skeptics?
• Did you ever "pray" during your atheist experiment?
• Why not "A Year Without Christianity?" instead of God?
• Why atheism? Why not deism? Pantheism?
• How would you define the God you reject?
• How did your "year without God" affect your family?
• How did the atheist community influence your journey?
• Do you ever miss the old notion of God you used to have? (e.g., a loving father, provider)
• Do you ever feel like your religious years were all a waste?
• What would it take for you to believe in God again?

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Ryan's Bell Blog "A Year Without God"

• Ryan's Facebook

• (FREE Audiobook Download) God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything 

• Help support this podcast to keep it going (any amount helps!)

#004 The Real Reasons Why We Believe

What do you believe?

Wait a minute, let me ask that question again. What do you really believe?

In other words, have you ever claimed to “believe” in a particular idea or creed, yet in your heart, you really didn’t believe?

Or have you ever tried to believe in something because you were supposed to believe in it, yet in your mind, it didn’t make any sense to you at all?

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR:

• The senior project on “Christianity” that changed my life
• Some possible reasons why we believe
• Whether or not we choose our beliefs
• How to recognize our blind spots
• How our environment influences our beliefs?
• Two powerful factors that impact a person’s belief
• Is a God who demands you to “believe or burn” being unfair?

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 • FREE audiobook download + 30 day free trial at Audible.com (any book of your choice!)

 • Become a Patron and help support this podcast to keep it going (any amount helps!)