The Spiritual Brewpub

The Evangelical Distortion of Christianity - Eric English

Today, we discuss a very important book with our guest author Eric English. It's "The Kingdom of Man: Evangelicalism and the Distortion of Christianity." Eric and I discuss the history of the evangelical movement, what the milestones were when things went south, how we got to where we are today, and some critical correctives to go from a "kingdom of man" to a more authentic society, based on divine love. We discuss: How did a small group of religious people become the most powerful political force in the U.S.? Why are Christians leaving this group? What is Christian Nationalism, and how does Donald Trump fit into this? Guest Eric English writes a column on the Patheos Progressive Christian channel and hosts a podcast called UNenlightenment. He holds advanced degrees in philosophy and theology.To grab a copy of the book, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Man-Eric-Scot-English-ebook/dp/B0D5RCSZC3/For more resources, visit: https://thekingdomofman.com/

Gaza Ceasefire Update - And Why You Should Care

I’m excited to have Kathy Shihadah back with us. Kathy is a Writer/Editor/Researcher at "If Americans Knew"—a media organization focused on the Middle East. She’s also a Blogger at Patheos with the title, Grace-Colored Glasses. Moreover, she has close family living in Gaza and at least one family member who has fled Gaza. She has a well-researched and personal perspective on what’s going on in the Israel-Gaza-Hamas War.  We talk about the Gaza Ceasefire and what’s going on today. There is so much to this story that can make your head spin, so we're glad to have Kathy on to help us sort through a lot of stuff—some of it just plain misinformation you hear in the media. The Ceasefire deal, which was supposed to be into Phase 2 last weekend, is hanging by a thread. Learn what's happening now in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank, and where things might be headed. And, why you should care!Get Quick and Easy Gaza News Daily: https://israelpalestinenews.org/category/2023-israel-gaza-war/daily-updates/Israel/Palestine News: https://israelpalestinenews.org/If Americans Knew: https://ifamericansknew.org/

Heretic Too! with Matthew Distefano

Matthew Distefano joins Michael to talk about the sequel to his book "Heretic," called "Heretic Too." It's provocative, insightful, humorous, and healing. We discuss the book and the many issues he addresses therein as an exvangelical, including what it means to follow Jesus, sexuality, women in the "church," corporal punishment, the nature of sin, the doctrine of hell, violent theology, and how to pray to an uncontrolling God. Restorative and healing, the book is a must read and our conversation is a must hear for anyone who continues to question their inherited doctrines.Find Matthew's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Heretic-Too-Matthew-J-Distefano-ebook/dp/B0DFRR3JJB/

Discover Life After Toxic Religion with Laci Bean

Today, we are in for a special treat with our guest, Laci Nikita Bean. Laci is a Certified Religious Trauma Recovery Coach, a co-host of the Deadly Faith Podcast, and Author of the recently released book, "Leaving the Sanctuary: Discovering Life Beyond the Boundaries of Religion." You'll learn her story coming out of a full-blown church cult and finding freedom through deconstructing conservative Christianity. Topics we discuss include, Christian nationalism, Trumpism, conspiracy theories, narcissistic church leaders, abusive religious techniques, setting boundaries, psychological impacts of high-control religion, purity culture, marriage and deconstruction, religious trauma recovery, and reconstructing one's life or faith.  Laci's book: https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Sanctuary-Discovering-Boundaries-Religion-ebook/dp/B0DJ1QN7S1/Laci's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laci__bean/?hl=enThe Spiritual Brewpub: https://www.spiritualbrewpub.com/

The Christian Movement Threatening Our Democracy - Matthew Taylor

Matthew Taylor is a senior scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies. As a specialist in American Christianity, Islam, Christian extremism, and religious politics, he wrote the newly released book, The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian Movement That is Threatening our Democracy. Matthew joins Michael to discuss the book, the charismatic/apostolic movement that has supported Trumpism for years, their harmful tactics and beliefs, and what is going on today. This is a must see and must read to understand Christian Nationalism and its history. You know about people like Steve Bannon and Rudy Giuliani. You need to know about these key leaders behind this charismatic Christian movement called The New Apostolic Reformation. Take a listen and get the word out.  Find Matthew's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Violent-Take-Force-Matthew-Taylor-ebook/dp/B0CTJHYQ9J/Institute for Islamic Christian Jewish Studies: https://icjs.org/More Spiritual Brewpub Episodes: https://the-spiritual-brewpub.simplecast.com/