383. How I Changed My Mind: from Fundamentalist to LGBTQ+ Affirming

In today's episode, Tim engages in a deep conversation with Jonathan Merritt, a prominent thought leader at the intersection of faith and culture. They explore Jonathan's journey from growing up in a conservative evangelical household to navigating his identity as a gay man. Jonathan's Website | Jonathanmerritt.com Highlights 04:01 Jonathan Merritt: A Journey Through Faith and Culture 11:08 Coming Out: The Intersection of Faith and Identity 17:19 The Impact of the Religious Right on LGBTQ+ Lives 29:59 The Role of Media in Shaping Narratives 39:42 The Evolution of Christianity in America 51:35 Hope and Transformation in Charismatic Christianity _______________________________________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals 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. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 Part 3 of our series on Iran, Tim and Daniel Hummel delve into the complex relationship between dispensationalism, rapture theology, and Christian Zionism, exploring their historical origins, theological implications, and the impact on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Iran. Daniel's Website | Danielghummel.com Highlights 09:43 The Origins and Evolution of Rapture Theology 19:30 The Intersection of Dispensationalism and Christian Zionism 29:11 The Role of Iran and Other Nations in Prophecy 39:24 The Human Cost of Theological Beliefs 49:19 Future of Dispensationalism and Its Cultural Relevance ____________________________________________________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals 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. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 engages in a profound conversation with Nazanin Nour, an Iranian human rights activist. They explore the stark contrast between the oppressive Iranian regime and the resilient Iranian people, who are fighting for their rights and freedoms. Nazanin's Podcast | Mehmooni with Nazanin Nazanin on Instagram | @iamnazaninnour Chapters 02:12 Understanding the Iranian Regime vs. the People 12:09 The Impact of Sanctions and International Relations 14:52 Recent Events: Israel and Iran's Tensions 29:00 Gender Inequality Under the Iranian Regime 42:08 How the West Can Support Iranian Voices ____________________________________________________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals 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. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

Donate to ⁠⁠⁠⁠"Sins of Empathy"⁠⁠⁠ In this episode, Tim and Kevin Carnahan delve into the complex geopolitical landscape involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. They explore the historical context of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, the Iranian Revolution, and the rise of the Islamic Republic. Kevin's Author Page⁠ Kevin on TikTok: ⁠@kevincarnahan2 Highlights 05:26 The Role of the United States in Iran's Politics 11:25 The Rise of the Ayatollah and Shia Governance 17:29 The Impact of the Iraq War on Iran's Power 42:32 The Nuclear Dilemma: Iran's Intentions 57:40 Escalation: Israel and Iran's Ongoing Conflict 01:09:10 The Potential for Wider War: Analyzing the Risks ____________________________________________________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals 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. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

Donate to ⁠⁠"Sins of Empathy"⁠ In this episode, Tim speaks with Eric Feltes, a life coach specializing in helping gay men overcome shame and embrace their identities. They discuss the impact of cultural and religious backgrounds on self-acceptance, the importance of community, and the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, especially in the context of Pride Month and rising Christian nationalism. Eric Feltes: Website | ⁠Lifecoachingbyfeltes.com⁠ Instagram | ⁠@ericfeltes⁠ Highlights 03:48 Breaking Free from Shame 18:05 Finding Community and Belonging 23:56 Navigating Shame and Acceptance 28:48 Diverse Experiences of Clients 32:05 The Pain of Living in the Closet 37:17 Pride as a Movement 44:45 Finding Your Role in the Movement ____________________________________________________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals 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. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 introduces Malynda Hale, who shares her profound reflections on Juneteenth, emphasizing its significance in American history and the need for truth-telling within the church. She discusses the personal impact of Juneteenth on her life and the importance of acknowledging historical injustices to foster genuine reconciliation and justice in faith communities. Donate to ⁠⁠"Sins of Empathy"⁠ ____________________________________________________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals 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. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

Donate to ⁠"Sins of Empathy"⁠ In this episode, Tim shares his transformative journey from a conservative Christian upbringing to embracing the LGBTQ+ community. He reflects on the theological and cultural influences that shaped his initial beliefs, the pivotal encounters that challenged his views, and the process of reinterpreting biblical texts. 05:51 The Journey of Understanding LGBTQ+ Issues 12:05 Personal Encounters and Their Impact 17:46 Revisiting Biblical Interpretations 23:48 Embracing Diversity and Community ____________________________________________________ ⁠⁠⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals 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. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

Donate to "Sins of Empathy" In this episode, Tim engages in a deep conversation with Tripp Fuller about the intersection of social media, algorithms, and the evolving landscape of community and faith. They explore how social media algorithms shape our perceptions and relationships, the cultural context of political polarization, and the challenges of fostering genuine community in a digital age. The discussion also touches on the importance of having conversations across ideological divides and the need for a more inclusive understanding of community that transcends digital interactions. Come to Beer Camp! | Theology Beer Camp 2025 Tripp's Podcast | Homebrewed Christianity Tripp's Substack | Process This Highlights 05:10 The Impact of Social Media Algorithms 22:09 Conversations Across the Divide 36:54 The Crisis of Community in the Digital Age 51:20 Narcissism and Self-Branding in the Digital Age 01:12:53 Navigating Identity and Community in Modern America 01:32:28 Navigating Personal and Professional Identity 01:43:02 The Complexity of Online Community Engagement 01:55:19 The Value of In-Person Community at Beer Camp ____________________________________________________ ⁠⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals 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. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

Donate to ⁠"Sins of Empathy"⁠ In this episode, Tim interviews Molly Worthen, author of 'Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump.' They explore the concept of charisma, its historical significance, and its role in both religious and political leadership. Worthen shares her unique journey to evangelicalism and discusses how charisma has been a driving force in shaping American history, from the Puritans to contemporary figures like Trump and Rush Limbaugh. The conversation delves into the dual nature of charisma, its moral neutrality, and its impact on social movements and media. Molly's Faculty Page Molly's Author Page Chapters 02:49 Molly Worthen's Journey to Evangelicalism 09:07 The Evolution of Charisma Through History 14:55 Charisma in Political Leadership 27:12 Rush Limbaugh and the Age of Gurus 39:00 Trump's Charisma and Political Strategy 46:32 The Role of Storytelling in Politics 52:12 Navigating the Landscape of Christian Nationalism 01:01:18 Understanding the Complexity of Voter Behavior ____________________________________________________ ⁠⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals 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. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 today's round table discussion, Tim, Malynda Hale, Eric Feltes, and Elizabeth Booker Houston unpack the impact of content creation on mental health, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month. They share personal stories of grief, trauma, and the challenges of navigating online spaces filled with hate and criticism. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, self-care, and finding balance in the face of overwhelming demands from social media and the current political climate. Malynda Hale: Website | Malyndahale.com Instagram | @malyndahale Eric Feltes: Website | Lifecoachingbyfeltes.com Instagram | @ericfeltes Elizabeth Booker Houston: Linktree | @Bookersquared Instagram | @bookersquared Chapters 02:54 The Toll of Content Creation on Mental Health 08:54 Community and Healing Through Shared Experiences 15:14 The Intersection of Mental Health and Content Creation 21:13 The Role of Identity in Online Spaces 31:30 Navigating Difficult Conversations 49:12 Mental Health in a Chaotic News Cycle 01:00:45 Finding Balance and Community Support ____________________________________________________ ⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals 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. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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