242. TNE RESPONDS: Why You Should Ignore This Pastor's Wedding Advice // Tim Whitaker

Summary In this conversation, Tim and April discuss various topics, including their preferences for living in different states, Tim's love for New Jersey, and April's love for Mexican food. They also touch on the concept of a daily live show, a prayer for lactose intolerance, and a prophecy update regarding the rapture. They discuss the ongoing investigation into the death of Micah Miller and the controversy surrounding Lake Point Church's attempt to skew a traffic study. In this conversation, Tim and April discuss a controversial commencement speech given by Harrison Butker, the kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs. They analyze Butker's comments about women and their roles in society, as well as his views on Catholicism and Christian nationalism. The hosts critique the speech and highlight the harmful and patriarchal messages it conveys. They also address the hypocrisy of Christian nationalists who claim to be persecuted while advocating for discrimination against marginalized groups. The conversation touches on the broader themes of feminism, cancel culture, and the role of men in society. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Living in Different States: Tim's Love for New Jersey 07:03 The Idea of a Daily Live Show 10:21 Prophecy Update: The Rapture 42:20 Introduction: Harrison Butker's Controversial Speech 45:07 Butker's Views on Cultural Values and Media 47:05 Butker's Critique of Catholicism and Pro-Choice Catholics 51:53 The Role of Women in Butker's Speech 55:41 The Importance of Marriage and Motherhood in Butker's Speech 01:09:25 Absentee Fathers and Violence Rates 01:14:06 Reaction to Butker's Speech: Twitter Responses Register for Faith and Politics for the Rest of Us Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode, Tim responds to a video by Alisa Childers, a prominent figure in the apologetics space. Tim addresses the claim that the deconstruction movement exists only because of social media and argues that deconstruction is not a unified movement but rather an explosion of individuals with different perspectives. He also challenges the idea that words have objective meaning and explores different interpretations of the Bible. Tim concludes by discussing the concept of truth and the limitations of proving historical events like the resurrection of Jesus. Takeaways Deconstruction is not a unified movement but an explosion with a diverse individuals with different perspectives. Social media has played a significant role in the deconstruction movement by providing a platform for people to share their experiences and access alternative perspectives. Christianity has different metanarratives depending on the particular stream of Christian thought. The concept of truth in Christianity is complex, and the ability to prove historical events like the resurrection is limited. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation and Background on Alisa Childers 02:04 Deconstruction as an Explosion, Not a Unified Movement 05:12 The Influence of Social Media on the Deconstruction Movement 08:37 The Challenge of Objective Meaning in Words 13:02 The Diversity of Interpretations in the Bible 16:32 Different Metanarratives in Christianity Register for Faith and Politics for the Rest of Us Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary Ryan George grew up in the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist (IFB) church and experienced both abuse and healing within the church. He shares his story of growing up in a conservative and abusive environment, where rules and regulations were enforced to an extreme degree. Ryan's father, a pastor in the IFB network, was later exposed as a serial sexual predator. Ryan reflects on the spiritual and physical abuse he endured, as well as the ways in which the IFB culture justified and perpetuated this abuse. It was through therapy, healthy relationships, and experiencing true love and community that Ryan began to recognize the abuse he had endured and find healing. Ryan George shares his journey of healing and redemption after experiencing spiritual abuse and the harm caused by his father. Despite the pain and trauma, Ryan found healing in the church through authentic relationships and a personal connection with God. He emphasizes the importance of finding safe spaces and supportive communities where individuals can share their hurts and doubts. Ryan's story highlights the power of redefining one's understanding of God and finding healing in unexpected places. Takeaways The IFB culture enforced extreme rules and regulations, leading to spiritual and physical abuse. Through therapy, healthy relationships, and experiencing true love and community, Ryan began to recognize the abuse he had endured and find healing.  Authentic relationships and supportive communities in the church can play a crucial role in the healing process. Redefining one's understanding of God and finding a personal connection can lead to healing and transformation. Safe spaces where individuals can share their hurts and doubts are essential for healing and growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Hurt and Healed by the Church 07:37 The Dark Side of the IFB: Serial Sexual Predators 26:59 Introduction and Background 37:07 Navigating the Church After Spiritual Abuse 45:02 Finding Healing and Redemption in the Church Register for Faith and Politics for the Rest of Us Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode April and Tim discuss the Mica Miller case. The hosts discuss the controversy surrounding the viral video of the pastor announcing his wife's death during a sermon. They mention Mica's mental health struggles, reports of abuse, and the couple's separation and divorce filings. They explores how the evangelical world broadly addresses allegations of abuse, the toxic positivity within evangelicalism, and the need for a more inclusive and supportive church culture. The hosts emphasize the importance of mental health support and resources for those in abusive relationships. They also discuss the flaws in gun laws and the dangers of overlooking red flags within church leadership. They also discuss which tweet will be awarded "the tweet of the week". Takeaways When discussing sensitive topics like mental health and abuse caution and sensitivity is key. Information in the Mica Miller case is still being released and it's important not to jump to conclusions without waiting for more data. The conversation raises questions about Mica's husbands' behavior and the dynamics of his relationship with his wife. Mica Miller's death highlights the need for mental health support and resources for those in abusive relationships within the church. Toxic positivity within evangelicalism can prevent individuals from seeking help and acknowledging mental health struggles. Gun laws should be more thoughtfully created to prevent individuals in vulnerable mental states from accessing firearms. Church leadership must be held accountable for overlooking red flags and enabling abusive behavior. Contact the National Domestic Violence Line Contact the National Mental Health Crisis Line Pre-Order Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith by April Ajoy Register for Faith and Politics for the Rest of Us Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tim sits down with Matthew Vines from The Reformation Project to discuss Rosaria Butterfield's problematic anti LGBTQ+ theology, and her impact on the larger conservative Christian culture. Register for Faith and Politics for the Rest of Us Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tim sits down with Billie Hoard to discuss her thoughts on Tim's experience at the Exiles in Babylon Conference. Listen to episode 133 of the podcast with Billie Hoard Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this conversation, Tim and April discuss various topics including April's super villain chair, their confessions about being involved in multi-level marketing schemes, the recent overturning of the ban on LGBTQ+ clergy in the United Methodist Church, and the student protests in solidarity with the Palestinian people. They also touch on the militarization of the US police force and the need for the evangelical church to repent for its harmful theology. In this conversation, Tim and April discuss the controversial statements made by John MacArthur regarding mental health. They highlight the problematic nature of his views and the harm they can cause to individuals struggling with mental health issues. They also critique the dismissive and judgmental attitude towards those who seek medication and treatment for their conditions. The conversation touches on the dehumanization of children and the harmful beliefs about women's roles in the church. Despite these negative perspectives, the hosts also highlight some positive news and victories in the fight for justice and equality. Chapters 00:00 Confessions: Tim and April's MLM Experiences 03:14 United Methodist Church Overturns Ban on LGBTQ+ Clergy 15:04 Student Protests in Solidarity with Palestinians 32:55 Introduction and Background on John MacArthur 36:18 John MacArthur's Controversial Views on Mental Health 44:44 The Dehumanization of Children and Rigid Gender Roles 01:05:06 Positive News and Victories in the Fight for Justice Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary Rev. Dr. Angela N. Parker, a theologian and professor, is interviewed by Tim. They discuss Dr. Parker's work and the upcoming book by Richard Hayes titled:'The Widening of God's Mercy: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story,' which challenges traditional non-affirming views on sexuality and presents an affirming standpoint. Richard Hayes is an influential New Testament scholar known for his work on the faithfulness of Christ. One of his influential books is The Moral Vision of the New Testament, which includes a chapter on homosexuality. The conversation explores the problematic idea of trying to change the sexual orientation of LGBTQIA+ Christians. It discusses the pressure for LGBTQIA+ individuals to conform to a monolithic identity in order to be accepted by churches. The conversation also highlights the dominance of mostly white men in the field of biblical scholarship and the need for diverse perspectives. The conversation discusses the impact of Hayes' earlier teaching against queer affirming theology and the harm caused by his narrow perspectives. The conversation touches on the need for white men to listen to and learn from queer scholars who have already done extensive biblical scholarship. It emphasizes the importance of not overshadowing or dismissing the work of marginalized voices. Takeaways The field of biblical scholarship needs more diversity and representation Listening to diverse perspectives can help challenge and broaden our understanding of the world  Acknowledging and making amends for past harm is an important part of personal growth and repentance. White men should listen to and learn from marginalized voices, particularly queer scholars, who have already done extensive biblical scholarship on queer affirmation. The conversation highlights the need for humility and a willingness to learn and change. The work of white evangelicals should involve fighting against Christian nationalism and working towards justice and equality. We need to critically think about who we invite into our spaces and the perspectives we prioritize. Treating marginalized groups as monolithic is dangerous and perpetuates stereotypes. Living in cognitive dissonance is challenging but can lead to growth and change. There is a need for liberation from hateful rhetoric against LGBTQIA+ individuals within denominations and churches. Flourishing and full participation should be possible for all members of the community. Recognizing and amplifying the work of queer scholars and biblical scholarship is important. Biblical scholarship has a significant impact on shaping Christian culture. Faith should be a catalyst for social justice and dismantling systems of oppression. Follow Rev Dr. Angela N. Parker's work. Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary Christina Dent, author of the book, Curious: A Foster Mom’s Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drug Addiction, shares the journey that changed her perspective on drugs and addiction. Ultimately, it led her to start the organization End It For Good. She discusses the importance of understanding the underlying causes of addiction and the need for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy. Takeaways Changing deeply ingrained beliefs and challenging the status quo can be difficult but necessary. There are financial incentives that perpetuate the current drug policy system. Faith can play a role in shaping one's perspective on addiction and compassion. A more compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy is needed.  Legal regulation is crucial to ensure consumer safety and reduce crime related to drug addiction. Accessible healthcare, livable wages, and social infrastructure are essential in supporting individuals with addiction. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:31 Changing Perspectives on Drugs and Addiction 08:19 Challenging the Status Quo in Drug Policy 13:16 The Role of Faith in Shaping Perspectives 23:46 The Need for a Compassionate and Evidence-Based Approach 28:45 Approaching Loved Ones with Addiction 31:32 The Ineffectiveness of Arresting Drug Dealers 35:29 Addressing Contaminated Drugs through Legal Regulation 39:36 The Need for Accessible Healthcare and Livable Wages 46:36 Switzerland's Innovative Approaches to Drug Addiction Read Curious by Christina Dent Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this conversation, Tim and April discuss Taylor Swift's new album and the criticism it has received from some conservative Christians. They address the accusations of blasphemy and witchcraft, as well as the critique of explicit lyrics. They also highlight the hypocrisy of supporting Donald Trump while condemning Swift's music. The conversation reveals the subjective nature of art interpretation and the need for self-reflection within religious communities. In this conversation, Tim and April discuss the misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding the concepts of witchcraft, demons, and Christian nationalism. They critique the views of Sean Feucht, a Christian musician and activist, who uses buzzwords like witches and demons without fully understanding their historical and cultural contexts. They also highlight the financial motivations behind Feucht's activism and his association with other controversial figures like Mark Driscoll and Eric Metaxas. The conversation touches on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of Christian Zionism, as well as the harmful effects of fear-based ideologies and the importance of respecting individual beliefs. Takeaways The criticism of Taylor Swift's album by conservative Christians reveals the subjective nature of art interpretation. Accusations of blasphemy and witchcraft are based on selective reading and misinterpretation of lyrics. The hypocrisy of supporting Donald Trump while condemning Swift's music exposes the double standards within some religious communities. Misunderstandings and misconceptions about witchcraft and demons are prevalent, often fueled by a lack of historical and cultural context. Some Christian activists, like Sean Feucht, use buzzwords without fully understanding their meanings, leading to misrepresentations and fear-based ideologies. Christian nationalism often promotes a narrow and exclusionary view of Christianity, disregarding the diversity of beliefs within the faith. Respecting individual beliefs and avoiding the imposition of one's own beliefs on others is crucial for fostering understanding and dialogue. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mispronunciations 07:06 Engaging with Different Perspectives on LGBTQ+ Affirmation 27:27 Sean Feucht's Urgent Message and Misguided Critiques 35:26 The Subjectivity of Art Interpretation and the Need for Self-Reflection 45:52 Navigating the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict with Nuance 52:56 Respecting Individual Beliefs and Avoiding Imposition Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices