Faith Lab

We trust ancient biographies that were written 450 years after the fact. So why do so many Christians get told the gospels can't be trusted as history?New Testament scholar Craig Keener (author of Christobiography and a four-volume commentary on Acts) is on the show with us. He was a self-described smug atheist before he became one of the most published New Testament scholars alive, and the path he took to find out whether any of this is actually true is worth listening to.🙏 Faith Lab is a listener-supported show. If these conversations are helping you, you can support the show at https://faithlabshow.com/support ★ Support this podcast ★

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

Most of us were taught the gospel is a ticket to heaven. New Testament scholar Nijay Gupta says that is not what Paul was actually preaching.Nijay Gupta is professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and author of Paul for the World. He, Shane Rosenthal, and Nate work through what Paul's gospel actually was, where "I'll fly away" theology came from, and why he thinks C.S. Lewis got heaven wrong.🙏 Faith Lab is a listener-supported show. If these conversations are helping you, you can support the show at https://faithlabshow.com/support ★ Support this podcast ★

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

The hardest critiques of the cross target one version of the gospel. The earliest Christians were teaching something bigger.For a thousand years before penal substitution became the dominant framework, the church proclaimed something wider: that God entered into death to destroy it from the inside. Irenaeus, Athanasius, and Gregory of Nyssa all described it, and their version answers the questions that trip most of us up.🙏 Faith Lab is a listener-supported show. If these conversations are helping you, you can support the show at faithlabshow.com/support ★ Support this podcast ★

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2026

Most Christians were taught to trust the Gospels without ever being shown why they should. The historical evidence is stronger than you think.New Testament scholar Lydia McGrew explains what she calls the "reportage model," a case that the Gospel authors weren't just passing along stories. They were close to the facts, trying to get them right, and highly successful. She walks through the kind of evidence that's hard to explain any other way.🔓 Get the full unedited interview with Lydia McGrew, including her argument that John's long speeches could be real memories and why she thinks Luke's anointing story is a completely different event than the other Gospels describe. https://faithlabshow.com/premium ★ Support this podcast ★

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2026

Most Christians quietly carry a question they rarely say out loud: after the apostles died, what happened? There's a gap in the story, and in that gap, a worry lives.One man fills it. He was born 35 years after Jesus, personally knew people who personally knew Christ, and his own words still survive on paper. His name was Polycarp, and the chain connecting him to the eyewitnesses is shorter than you think.🔓 Faith Lab premium members get full unedited interviews with every guest episode, plus early access and bonus content. Support the show at https://faithlabshow.com/premium ★ Support this podcast ★

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2026

Most Christians assume the end of the story is leaving earth for heaven. N.T. Wright says that is not the story the New Testament is telling. (Listen to Part 1 here, and the full interview here.)If Christian hope is really resurrection and new creation, then death, salvation, and the church's mission all start to look different.🔓 Get the full unedited interview with N.T. Wright, including his unused answer on why Paul carries so much weight in Christianity and why he sees Paul as a trophy of grace, at https://faithlabshow.com/premium ★ Support this podcast ★

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2026

The resurrection isn't a theological idea. It's a historical claim. And most people have never heard the actual evidence historians evaluate. (Listen to Part 2 here, and the full interview here.)NT Wright, one of the world's leading scholars on early Christianity, walks through the case, and explains why the standard skeptical alternatives keep falling apart. Get Surprised by Hope and God's Homecoming🔓 Members get the full unedited conversation with NT Wright, including his extended breakdown of what the New Testament actually says about the afterlife. faithlabshow.com/support ★ Support this podcast ★

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2026

Matthew and Luke don't give us the same family tree, and the census in Luke has been called a historical invention. So why would anyone still trust the birth narratives?

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2026

For decades, scholars have claimed that ancient birth narratives were never meant to be taken as history. Then one scholar went and actually read them.

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2026

Tim Mackie explains how the Bible uses design patterns, narrative riddles, and intentional gaps to communicate, and why that changes everything about how we read it.

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2026

Tim Mackie explains how the Bible uses design patterns, repeated keywords, and narrative hyperlinking to build meaning across the entire Hebrew Bible.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2026

Rebecca McLaughlin joins Faith Lab to confront Christianity’s hardest objections and ask whether Christian faith can actually stand up to serious scrutiny.

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2026

This is a preview, listen to the full bonus episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/148177291 Faith usually doesn’t disappear all at once. It tends to erode slowly when questions feel unsafe or when certainty is treated as a requirement. In this bonus episode, Nate reflects on the first two episodes of Faith Lab: Deconstruction Led Me Back to Christianity. Faith Isn't Supposed to be Blind with Shane Rosenthal Nate responds to an idea from Shane Rosenthal that reshaped how he thinks about faith as trust rather than certainty. He shares how that shift helped him make sense of deconstruction, answers a couple listener questions about the direction of the show, and reads a listener story that captures what it feels like to find faith again through honesty and time. This episode is a quiet reflection on rebuilding trust without pretending and following questions without fear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2026

For most people, faith means believing without evidence. A leap. A feeling. Something you are told to accept rather than question. That isn't how the scriptures talk about faith.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2026

Nate Hanson reflects on his journey with the podcast Almost Heretical, discussing the process of deconstruction and how it led him to a deeper understanding of Christianity.

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2025

Could one ancient cloth change how we see the resurrection? Dr. Jeremiah Johnston joins us to unpack the Shroud of Turin, its baffling science, strange history, and the image that no one can explain. Does this relic prove Jesus physically rose from the dead, or is it just a misunderstood artifact? We explore what happens when modern science collides with first-century faith. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

To listen to the full episode, become a premium member here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-did-jesus-133702952 Shelby and Nate tackle your biggest questions about hell, Paul, and the authority of Scripture. Did Jesus really teach eternal torment? What do we do with parts of the Bible that no longer reflect our values? And are we all just picking and choosing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

Shelby and Nate explore the intriguing question of why Jesus did not write anything down during his lifetime. They discuss the implications of this question on our understanding of faith and scripture, emphasizing the oral tradition of the time and the significance of Jesus' teachings in a present-tense context. The conversation also touches on the historical perspective of Jesus as a local rabbi and the lack of immediate written records from his followers, suggesting that the movement was seen as urgent and relevant to their time rather than a long-term religious institution. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

What if the stories at the end of Genesis weren’t just family drama—but political storytelling? In this episode, Nate and Shelby revisit six key moments from Genesis 27 to 50—including Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing, Dinah and Shechem, Judah and Tamar, and Joseph’s rise in Egypt—to explore how these stories may have been written to explain Israel’s political identity, tribal dynamics, and national origin. We talk about: Why Jacob and Esau’s rivalry reflects Israel vs. Edom What Jacob’s wrestling match really says about the name "Israel" How the story of Dinah might not be about justice at all The subversive role of Tamar and why she’s called righteous Why Joseph marrying an Egyptian priest’s daughter created tension later And how Genesis closes by blessing tribes that already existed These aren’t just ancient stories—they’re layered political texts that reveal how Israel saw itself and its neighbors. Join us as we read Genesis a little more historically, and a little more honestly. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Listen to the FULL episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/128901088 Listeners sent us 49 pages of questions and comments—and in this bonus episode, we tackle some of the best. We explore whether Paul’s theology rewrote the faith, how James and Paul define “salvation” differently, and why First Timothy might not even be Pauline. We also dive into whether Jesus really talked about hell more than heaven, what “saved through childbearing” could mean, and why Acts and Galatians paint two conflicting timelines of Paul’s journey. Other highlights include: Did Paul influence the Gospels? Why doesn’t Paul quote Jesus? Is Acts trying to legitimize Paul? What even is Gehenna, and should we rethink hell? Where do Nate and Shelby land with their own faith? Plus, an honest conversation about community, politics, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and how to live together with deep differences. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

→ Download the Practice Christianity Without Paul reflection booklet here (https://www.patreon.com/posts/jesus-faith-and-128319083) → Access the Paul-Free Church Statement of Faith (https://www.patreon.com/posts/church-statement-128321301) What does it mean to be a Christian without Paul? In this series finale, we walk through five alternate paths the Jesus movement could have taken—and still can—without relying on Paul’s theology. From mystical wisdom to Jewish observance to political resistance, we explore practical ways to follow Jesus that aren’t rooted in Pauline doctrine. Nate and Shelby also unveil a brand new “Paul-Free” Statement of Faith and share a reflection booklet for premium members. Paul Series:Part 1 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/123045409)Part 2 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/124165907)Part 3 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/125186503)Part 4 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/126248455)Part 5 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/128318250) Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Existence of Paul and His Influence 12:06 Imagining Christianity Without Paul 22:28 The Ebionites and Early Christian Movements 23:26 Exploring Early Christian Beliefs 28:35 Potential Paths of Early Christianity 30:05 Modern Reflections on Following Jesus 37:36 Paths of Justice and Action 41:31 Reimagining Faith Without Paul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

This is a preview of one of our bonus episodes. To get the full bonus episode (37 minutes long), click here. How did Paul’s teachings overshadow James’s vision for Christianity? Could a Paul-free faith have survived as a Jewish sect? Does the Didache reveal a Christianity untouched by Paul? Why do Paul’s words sometimes feel at odds with Jesus’? We also explore faith, works, and navigating today’s political divides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Bonus ep 1 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-what-is-123011688 Bonus ep 2 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-did-paul-125106095 Why does Paul’s voice dominate the New Testament? How did his letters become so central to Christian theology, and what happens when we begin to question that authority? Are all the Pauline epistles actually written by Paul? What if the Paul we know today is a constructed figure—reshaped by the church over time to fit emerging doctrines? And what about the voices that didn’t get amplified—texts like James or the Didache that present a very different version of the Jesus movement? Nate and Shel explore how canon formation, authorship debates, and theological evolution all intersect in the story of Paul, and why rethinking his role might change how we read the entire Bible. (Paul Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Chapters 00:00 The Battle of the Texts 04:08 Paul's Authentic Letters 07:22 The Gospels and Their Influence 12:40 The Book of Acts: A Retrospective 28:25 The Jerusalem Movement's Legacy 29:19 The Jesus Movement vs. The Christ Movement 35:11 Understanding the Oral Tradition and Textual Limitations 41:23 The Impact of the Jewish-Roman War on Early Christianity 45:36 Exploring Alternative Early Christian Texts 48:20 The Canonization Process and Its Implications 53:31 Paul's Dominance in Early Christianity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

This is a preview of one of our bonus episodes. To get the full bonus episode (43 minutes long), click here. Did Paul’s vision of Jesus redefine faith, or did James’ focus on works hold the truth? In this bonus episode, we tackle your burning questions about faith vs. works, Paul’s outsized role in Christianity, and what might have been if the Jesus movement prevailed. Join Nate and Shelby as they dive into listener debates, challenge assumptions, and rethink biblical narratives. Share your thoughts in the comments—what do you think Christianity would look like without Paul? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

What if Paul’s vision of Christ reshaped Christianity in ways Jesus’ own brother, James, never intended? In this episode, we explore the intense clash between Paul’s Christ movement and the Jesus movement, led by James in Jerusalem, as they battled over the faith’s direction. Paul’s independent gospel, born from a divine encounter, drove him to spread his message to Gentile cities like Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome, outpacing the Jewish-focused Jesus movement. As the Jerusalem community waned after the city’s fall in 70 AD, Paul’s universal vision took root, defining the Christianity we know today. Join Nate and Shelby as they uncover these pivotal shifts, question Paul’s authority, and ask: could the Jesus movement have changed history if it had prevailed? Tune in to rethink the origins of your faith. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium #apostlepaul #earlychristianity #biblepodcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Christ Movement 03:03 Understanding Paul and His Background 05:31 The Conflict with Jerusalem Leadership 08:35 Paul's Independent Revelation 11:40 The Divergence of Movements 16:28 The Tension of Jewish Customs 19:01 The Jerusalem Council and Gentile Inclusion 22:45 Paul's Distinct Gentile Christianity 25:13 The Expansion of Paul's Movement 35:22 Grassroots Movement and Rituals 40:19 The Decline of the Jesus Movement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

(Part 1 here) Who should guide your faith—James, Jesus’ brother, or Paul, the visionary apostle? We dive into early Christianity history to explore a battle of beliefs. James rooted his leadership in the Jewish roots of Christianity, blending faith with works. Paul preached faith alone, shaping a global faith. We uncover their clash—faith and works: Paul vs James—through the Didache and the Ebionites’ rejection of Paul. Tune in to decide whose voice speaks to you today. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and after shows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Paul contradicts Jesus, with the Apostles’ Creed skipping Jesus’ life... mirroring Paul’s letters that ignore his teachings and miracles. They share personal struggles with Paul’s towering influence on Christian theology and leadership, kicking off a must-hear series on Christianity’s origins. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

Sodom and Gomorrah is one of the Bible’s most infamous stories, but was its destruction really about homosexuality? What does the Bible actually say about the sin of Sodom? And why did Abraham nearly sacrifice Isaac—was child sacrifice common in his time? Plus, what’s the real meaning behind Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt? We unpack these troubling Genesis stories, explore their ancient context, and reveal how Jewish interpreters wrestled with them for centuries. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a premium member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a premium member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2025

Listen to the after show with Dr. Perrin In this engaging conversation, Dr. Andrew Perrin, an expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls, discusses the significance of these ancient texts and their impact on our understanding of the Bible. The dialogue explores the human element behind the texts, the intersection of faith and academia, and the importance of critical thinking in religious education. The conversation also touches on conspiracy theories surrounding the scrolls and the ongoing relevance of these discoveries in contemporary discussions about scripture and spirituality. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2025

Listen to the Full Episode! Abraham’s story is packed with unexpected twists, but two figures often get overlooked—Melchizedek and Hagar. Who was Melchizedek, and why did New Testament authors care so much about him? What do the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about his strange biblical role? And why does Hagar, an Egyptian slave woman, end up being the only person in the Bible to name God? Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2025

➡︎ Listen to the after show Tony Jones opens up about his journey from the pulpit to the wilderness, sharing how personal struggles led him to rediscover spirituality in nature. He challenges the ethics of modern meat consumption, advocates for mindful hunting, and critiques the church’s failure to support struggling pastors. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and after shows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: https://almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

Listen to the after show Marianne Williamson joins us to discuss the transformative power of love, her unique spiritual insights, and her take on political division in America. From her groundbreaking ideas in A Course in Miracles to being kept off the debate stage by the DNC, Marianne offers a thought-provoking conversation on faith, unity, and the path forward. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member:  almostheretical.com/subscribe  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2024

Listen to the after show Marianne Williamson opens up about her experiences running for president in 2020 and 2024, including how the DNC and media outlets like CNN silenced alternative voices, blocking fair competition for candidates like herself and RFK Jr. We also explore her perspective on choosing love over division in an era of political polarization, and the spiritual transformation needed to heal our fractured society. This conversation challenges us to rise above tribalism and embrace a deeper, more unifying approach to both faith and politics. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member:  almostheretical.com/subscribe  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2024

Listen to the after show for our conversation with Liz Charlotte Grant as we explore deep questions around faith, gender, and scripture. Liz challenges traditional views, examining God beyond a masculine lens and delving into the complexities of divine inspiration. Together, we discuss the struggles of women in ministry, the tension between tradition and spiritual independence, and the transformative power of therapy. Join us as we seek to understand God in new and unexpected ways. Visit her work at lizcharlotte.com. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and after shows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2024

Listen to the after show: Is Jesus Just One Way? Part 1 of 2: Marianne Williamson joins us to discuss her journey with A Course in Miracles and why its teachings are so relevant today. We dive into her reimagined view of Jesus, the meaning of salvation, and the role of love in shifting our mindsets. Marianne also challenges traditional views on heaven and hell, offering a perspective that’s both mystical and transformative. Find more of her work at marianne.com. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and after shows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2024

In light of the 2024 presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, we delve into the idea of “neo-fundamentalism”—the tendency to replace one rigid ideology with another after deconstruction. Join us as we explore how to hold space for complex, evolving beliefs and embrace wisdom and open dialogue over dogma. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and after shows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

Listen to the aftershow Part 2 of 2: Liz Charlotte Grant returns to delve even deeper into faith and scripture, questioning the Bible’s patriarchal interpretations and exploring whether divine inspiration is real. Join us as we discuss how gender influences our view of God, the tension between tradition and spiritual independence, and what it truly means to seek God in unexpected places. Visit her work at lizcharlotte.com. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

Listen to the aftershow Part 1 of 2: Liz Charlotte Grant joins us to challenge traditional views of faith, gender, and scripture. Together, we explore how God is portrayed beyond the masculine lens and dive into the transformative power of therapy, the struggles of women in ministry, and reimagining spiritual autonomy. Visit her work at lizcharlotte.com. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

Listen to the aftershow where we talk about kids, iPads, and spirituality Dana Hicks discusses the journey from conservative pastor to deconstructing faith and redefining spirituality. We delve into how deconstruction can lead to trading conservative dogma for liberal dogma, the role of psychedelics in spiritual experiences, and the importance of awe in cultivating a deeper connection with the divine. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2024

Listen to our after show where we talk about Garrick's thoughts on Pastors, Revelation and Hell Dr. Garrick Allen uncovers truths about how the Book of Revelation has been misunderstood for centuries, reshaping our view of Scripture. Discover how ancient manuscripts and hidden texts challenge modern beliefs in unexpected ways. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

Listen to the Jon Foreman aftershow here. Jon Foreman of Switchfoot (link) discusses the journey of faith, doubt, and the rejection of labels. We delve into the topics of deconstruction, being hurt by people claiming Christianity, and the complexities of using “Christian” as an adjective. We also explore the idea of embracing community over tribalism in today’s divided culture. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

Listen to the After Show Candida Moss, a leading theology professor, returns for part two of our conversation, diving into her groundbreaking research on the manuscript traditions and writing processes of the New Testament. Discover how dictation, collaboration, and the roles of enslaved individuals shaped the creation of early Christian texts. Learn how this reshapes our understanding of biblical authorship and the intricate process behind the Gospels. Get Candida’s book God's Ghostwriters. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2024

Listen to the After Show Candida Moss is a leading theology professor, about her groundbreaking research on the enslaved Christians who helped create the New Testament. Discover how this reshapes our understanding of biblical inspiration, ancient authorship, and Christianity’s historical complicity in slavery. Get Candida's book God's Ghostwriters. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

To become a supporter of Almost Heretical and get more bonus episodes like this, click here: http://almostheretical.com/subscribe In this bonus episode of Almost Heretical, Nate Hanson and Shelby dive into the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11. They discuss its significance, the cultural context, and various interpretations, including its implications for language and unity. Join them as they explore how this ancient story relates to contemporary issues of pride, diversity, and unity. This episode offers fresh insights and reimagines a well-known biblical tale in a new light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

Listen to the Frank Kenny after show! How has our understanding of God evolved over time? Nate & Shelby talk with Frank Kenny about his book, The God of War: How an Ancient God Shaped a Modern World (link), exploring the historical contexts and conflicts that have shaped modern Christianity. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2024

Listen to the after show for the Brian episode where we talk about why the Church tries to control beliefs What if being a Christian wasn't about what you believed? Nate & Shelby talk with Brian McLaren about his influential works, including Do I Stay Christian? and his latest, Life After Doom. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of our after show for each interview 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2024

Listen to the after show where we talk about favorite books, women missionaries, and being anti-academia Olivia Jackson interviewed hundreds of Christians about their deconstruction experience. We talk about why people changed their faith. Is it different in America compared to the UK, Australia, etc? Olivia's book. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2024

Listen to the after show where Nate & Shelby talk about Tim's more traditional beliefs... Why did they have Tim on? Tim Alberta reflects on how his Christian upbringing shapes his approach to politics, emphasizing critical thought over tribalism. He advocates for a church response that mirrors Christ's love and grace, facing societal challenges with a focus on the eternal kingdom of God. This episode explores restoring the church's mission as an agent of healing and social welfare. Tim's book is The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2024

Listen to the after show where Nate & Shelby debrief and shore more thoughts about this conversation with Tiffany Tiffany Yecke Brooks discusses her evolution from fundamentalist roots, questioning long-held doctrines, and identifying spiritual anxiety as a trauma response. She advocates for reinterpreting biblical stories and emphasizes the importance of self-trust and questioning authority within religious contexts. Her insights encourage a deeper, more personal exploration of faith, free from the constraints of traditional interpretations and control. Tiffany's website. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: https://almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2024

Listen to the Utterly Heretical after show episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with Thomas Jay Oord Dr. Thomas Jay Oord delves into open relational theology, highlighting a non-controlling, relational God and rethinking traditional omnipotence. Check out his book God After Deconstruction with Tripp Fuller. We addresses deconstruction, the afterlife, and inclusivity beyond Christianity. Oord's perspective challenges conventional views on prayer, spirituality, and divine interaction, advocating for a faith that embraces questioning and experiential understanding of the divine. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: https://almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2024