In the world of Harry Potter, there are three curses deemed to be unforgivable.

Curses that cause mind control, torture and death.

These consent someone to Askeban, which is the wizard prison for life, and, you know,

this makes some sense to me.

Growing up as a conservative Christian, I was taught that all sins could be forgiven except one.

But that sin wasn't murder, mind control, or torture of another human.

It was blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

As a matter of fact, a couple years ago, there was a trend on YouTube where people would film themselves blaspheming against the Holy Spirit.

And then they'd keep the video rolling just to prove that they were not struck down by God.

They indeed remained unsmighted.

It's important to me that this not be a particularly religious podcast, so forgive me for the following, but when Jesus and His followers went about forgiving sins and casting out demons,

they always did so by the power of the Holy Spirit.

So I realized the unforgivable sin isn't saying the Holy Spirit doesn't exist.

The unforgivable sin is believing that there is no power to the Holy, meaning it's believing that you are not redeemable or that someone else is not redeemable.

But if people can't change, if we are so cynical as to think human transformation is not possible, then what the fuck are we up to?

I believe in redemption, but not because I'm naive.

I believe in redemption because I am desperate for it myself.

I'm Nadia Bolzwever, and you've stepped into the confessional.

It's like a car wash for our shame and secrets.

And just a warning, there is a minute in this episode where my guest describes a brutal act of violence.

So sensitive listeners, take note.

Hey, confessional listeners, I just want to thank you for supporting this podcast.

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