For the longest time, Paul's Epistle to the Romans has been used to justify misogyny, homophobia, eternal conscious torment, and blind allegiance to the State. But the truth is that the Apostle Paul never intended his letter to Jesus gatherings in Rome to teach any of those things. Authors Keith Giles and Matthew J. Distefano join Michael to discuss their new book that corrects these misunderstandings and illuminates the true meaning of Paul's theological masterpiece. Drawing on leading "Pauline" scholars, this content is a must-watch-listen-read for anyone who claims to align with Christ or is deconstructing conservative Christianity. Grab the book, Reading Romans Right, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1964252393 Keith and Matthew are also publishers at Quoir. Discover other books that aren't afraid to challenge assumptions, see beyond comfort zones, and expand the collective consciousness: https://quoir.com/

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/

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/

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/

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=en The Spiritual Brewpub: https://www.spiritualbrewpub.com/

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/

Michael chats with Gloria Beth Amodeo (goes by Beth) on her journey into and out of evangelical Christianity. Learn how a charming, insecure girl from a troubled family became a NYC evangelist for a Christian fundamentalist movement that sought to govern her every thought and action. We discuss Beth's book, God's Ex-Girlfriend, a wry, poignant, and unflinchingly honest memoir that unveils the cult-like operations of Campus Crusade for Christ and much of evangelicalism. Listen and learn the lessons Beth learned. Is the evangelical Jesus the real Jesus? Visit or contact Beth at: https://www.gloriabethamodeo.com/ Grab a copy of her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Ex-Girlfriend-Memoir-Leaving-Evangelical-ebook/dp/B0BKW2433Q/ The Spiritual Brewpub: https://www.spiritualbrewpub.com/ More episodes of The Spiritual Brewpub: https://the-spiritual-brewpub.simplecast.com/

Michael has a conversation with Larry Jordan, author of The Way: Meaningful Spirituality for a Modern World. Larry deconstructed conservative Christianity, left 25 years of investment banking, and then dedicated his life to serve the world. Working for the Red Cross, helping Veterans, teaching children in Africa and now serving in Rotary International, a non-religious, non-political service organization. And all in the context of a spiritual journey that landed him following Jesus outside church with a Zen practice. Listen to the conclusions he came to incorporating an Eastern view of spirituality into life and faith. Find Larry's book, The Way, here: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Meaningful-Spirituality-Modern-World-ebook/dp/B0CGCG1FMG/ Larry's website: https://larryjordanauthor.com/ Larry's blog: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/youmightberight/ Learn Michael's journey at The Spiritual Brewpub: https://www.spiritualbrewpub.com/

Through serving 10 years at San Quentin, Dorsey Nunn witnessed firsthand how completing a prison sentence does not guarantee the end of restrictions to freedom, especially for people of color and low-wage workers. Nunn has been a recognized leader in the criminal justice reform movement for nearly forty years. He joins Michael to share his experiences getting a life sentence when he was 19 years old, his work today in helping the incarcerated and their families, and other stories from his book, What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly: A Memoir of Resilience and Resurrection. Learn how restorative justice works, what it means to “ban the box,” how a form of slavery still exists in prisons, and other insights on securing civil rights to current and formerly incarcerated people. Get Dorsey's book: https://www.amazon.com/What-Kind-Bird-Cant-Fly-ebook/dp/B0CKZKDHYF/ Visit his organization, Legal Services for Children of Prisoners: https://prisonerswithchildren.org/ Visit The Spiritual Brewpub: https://www.spiritualbrewpub.com/

A former educator in evangelical and public schools, Dan Henderson joins Michael to discuss his new book and "The Spiritual Journey to Anti-Racism: A Travel Guide for White People." Dan explains a subtle, normally overlooked version of white privilege and the critical distinction between being nonracist and antiracist. He puts us squarely in the shoes of black and brown Americans, revealing discriminatory attitudes and behaviors usually unseen by whites and particularly by the church. Listen in to embark on this path that reveals our racist history, what we often get wrong about racism, an enlightened road of reckoning, and avenues of empathy, compassion, and action. A provocative, challenging, and extremely rewarding experience awaits those who pursue this transformative journey. To learn more about Dan and his work visit: danhendersonauthor.com Grab the book "The Spiritual Journey to Anti-Racism" here: https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Journey-Antiracism-Travel-People-ebook/dp/B0D9KDHZS6/ Visit The Spiritual Brewpub here: spiritualbrewpub.com

Keith Giles joins us to share about his new book, The Quantum Sayings of Jesus: Decoding the Lost Gospel of Thomas. Learn the history of this sacred Christian text, how to read it through the lens of divine oneness, and some of its noteworthy encouraging sayings. We also talk about how the New Testament was compiled, e.g., before the NT canon was finalized in the 4th century, there were many lists of Christian scriptures without "church" insistence that everyone use only one compilation. That came much later. It's a fascinating history lesson that can show you a new paradigm on scripture and a more responsible, historical way to view the Bible. Enjoy! Find Keith's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Sayings-Jesus-Decoding-Gospel-ebook/dp/B0CW1FXSF2/ Find Keith's new podcast, The God Squad: Faith, Politics, Sanity here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-god-squad/id1754574318 Visit The Spiritual Brewpub here: https://www.spiritualbrewpub.com/

Does your picture and understanding of God need to be redeemed? Listen to Michael's conversation with JD Myers and decide. Myers, a former pastor and current prison chaplain, has laid out a way to differentiate between a retributive and restorative God. Join us as JD answers these thought provoking questions: Why do most Christians misunderstand the concept of sin? What are the two types of forgiveness? Why do most Christians misunderstand "the Law"? Why is the popular view of atonement (that Jesus on the cross was a substitute for us) so misguided and problematic? What is the wrath of God? Does forgiveness really require the shedding of blood? How does a nonviolent view of atonement reveal the path of peace? How does criminal justice reform reflect a healthy view of God? Learn more about JD Myers and his books here: https://redeeminggod.com/ Learn about Michael's book on exposing retribution and violence in popular theology here: https://www.spiritualbrewpub.com/

Michael is joined by podcast hosts Sharon Madere and Tracey Phalen, former Last Days Ministries (LDM) / Keith Green cult members who are breaking the silence about the culture of authority, abuse, and control so often found in evangelical/fundamentalist spaces. Hear their stories coming into LDM, becoming indoctrinated, working with Keith and Melody Green, and how they realized and finally left the movement's cultish beliefs and practices. Go back and listen to Part 1 if you haven't already.

Michael is joined by podcast hosts Sharon Madere and Tracey Phalen, former Last Days Ministries (LDM) / Keith Green cult members who are breaking the silence about the culture of authority, abuse, and control so often found in evangelical/fundamentalist spaces. Hear their stories coming into LDM, becoming indoctrinated, working with Keith and Melody Green, and how they realized and finally left the movement's cultish beliefs and practices. Look for Part 2 of this interview coming soon.

Leslie Nease was a contestant on Survivor China Castaway, best remembered for refusing to finish the Buddhist welcoming ceremony due to her Christian beliefs. She was also a host on several evangelical Christian radio shows. She joins Michael to share her story of faith deconstruction and rebuilding a more healthy faith based on love. Hear what changed inside her to put her on this new path.

Tiffany Yecke Brooks joins Michael to discuss her newest book, Holy Ghosted and her previous book, Gaslighted by God. If you struggle with spiritual anxiety—fear of hell, God's judgment, obsessive religious ritual, or feelings of never measuring up—then you need to hear what Tiffany says about methods of control in toxic religious communities and how to respond to them in a healthy way. In a much needed follow-up, Holy Ghosted: Spiritual Anxiety, Religious Trauma, and the Language of Abuse, she equips readers to understand and name tactics of spiritual abuse and manipulation. She joins Michael in discussing different methods of control found in toxic religious communities—including legalism, indoctrination, praise, and fear—and how to identify and respond to them in a healthy way.

Michael is joined by author and theologian Jonathan Foster who shares how he came to rethink the concept of atonement and the meaning of the cross. We discuss unhealthy aspects of penal substitutionary atonement, where it comes from, how it impacts people's image of God, and how Rene Girard's mimetic theory can help us see the cross and the good news in a new light.

Palestinian Americans and Israelis in Palestine. Lamis Diab, a Palestinian American and Academic Counselor living in Illinois, joins Michael to talk about the situation in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank in the context of the 75-year history of the Israel-Palestinian Conflict. Hear stories about her time in the West Bank as a Palestinian American, her family living in Palestine, and the history of the region.

Michael Camp sits down with exvangelical authors Desimber Rose, Angela Herrington, and Keith Giles to respond to the book, "The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It's Destructive, and How to Respond" by Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett.

Join Reverend Derek Kubilus and Michael having an amazing conversation on the doctrine of hell and how Derek came to reject it as a mistranslated, misinterpreted, and illogical concept that totally contradicts God's love. Derek addresses these questions below. Don't miss his insightful answers: * How are some people haunted by hell? * What are the major glaring contradictions of the notion of a hell that is created and maintained by a loving God? * If Christians truly, really, honestly believed in hell and truly, really, honestly loved their neighbors, how would they live their life? * What are the most interesting examples of mistranslations of terms referring to hell in the New Testament? * What does Jesus mean when he says “everyone will be salted by fire?” * Where did modern Christians get the idea that God is retributive—to the point of punishing people infinitely if necessary? * What is your response to those who claim that death is the ultimate cutoff for securing one’s salvation? * How does the concept of “remedial punishment/rehab of the age” equate with purgatory? Is purgatory in the Bible under a different term? * How do you define being a universalist? Why does it not mean all religions are alike all lead to the same God? * How does Jesus expand the borders of those to be saved?* How do you answer the objection that we need hell to maintain human freedom? * What are the wonderful, beneficial implications of no longer believing in hell? Find Derek's book, Holy Hell: A Case Against Eternal Damnation here (out Feb. 27 and available for preorder now): https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Hell-against-Eternal-Damnation-ebook/dp/B0CBVLY23F/Michael Camp's Spiritual Brewpub, Deconstruction Workshop, books, and blog: https://www.spiritualbrewpub.com/ More episodes: https://spiritualbrewpub.podbean.com/