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Almost HereticalBonus: Hell, Paul, and the Bible’s AuthorityTo 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
2025-07-0912 minAlmost Heretical#162 – Why Didn't Jesus Write Anything Down?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...
2025-07-0232 minAlmost Heretical#159 – Paul Made ChristianityBonus ep 1 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-what-is-123011688Bonus ep 2 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-did-paul-125106095Why 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...
2025-04-091h 04Almost Heretical#155 – Sodom and Gomorrah, The Binding of Isaac, and Lot’s WifeSodom 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.comBecome a premium member and get:1. Bonu...
2025-02-1249 minAlmost Heretical#154 – Dr. Andrew Perrin: Unlocking the Secrets of the Dead Sea ScrollsListen to the after show with Dr. PerrinIn 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...
2025-02-051h 12Almost Heretical#153 – Abraham: Who the Heck is Melchizedek?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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episod...
2025-01-2942 minAlmost Heretical#152 – Tony Jones: Hunting for Spirituality (Pt 1)➡︎ Listen to the after showTony 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and after shows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: https://almostheretical.com/premiu...
2024-11-2737 minAlmost HereticalMarianne Williamson (Full Episode)Listen to the after showMarianne 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners...
2024-11-251h 14Almost Heretical#151 – Marianne Williamson: Choosing Love Over Political Division (Pt 2)Listen to the after showMarianne 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.comBe...
2024-11-2040 minAlmost HereticalLiz Charlotte Grant (Full Episode)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.comBecome a member and g...
2024-11-141h 03Almost Heretical#150 – Marianne Williamson: Jesus as Our Guide (Pt 1)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.comBecome a member and get:
2024-11-1342 minAlmost Heretical#149 – The Election (Against Neo-Fundamentalism)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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and after shows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe
2024-11-0638 minAlmost Heretical#148 – Is God male? (Liz Charlotte Grant, Pt 2)Listen to the aftershowPart 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3...
2024-10-3034 minAlmost Heretical#147 – God as a Mother (Liz Charlotte Grant, Pt 1)Listen to the aftershowPart 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a m...
2024-10-2337 minAlmost Heretical#146 – Dana Hicks: Trading Conservative Dogma for Liberal DogmaListen to the aftershow where we talk about kids, iPads, and spiritualityDana 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to...
2024-10-091h 06Almost Heretical#145 – Garrick Allen: Revelation Isn’t What You ThinkListen to our after show where we talk about Garrick's thoughts on Pastors, Revelation and HellDr. 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a me...
2024-09-2556 minAlmost Heretical#144 – Jon Foreman: Leaving the Christian LabelListen 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our pr...
2024-07-1753 minAlmost Heretical#143 – Candida Moss (Part 2): Uncovering Biblical Authorship MysteriesListen to the After ShowCandida 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our p...
2024-07-0341 minAlmost Heretical#142 – Candida Moss (Part 1): Enslaved Authors of ChristianityListen to the After ShowCandida 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almost...
2024-06-1242 minAlmost Heretical#140 – Frank Kenny: Unveiling the God of WarListen 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBec...
2024-05-2255 minAlmost Heretical#139 – Brian McLaren: Christianity Beyond BeliefListen to the after show for the Brian episode where we talk about why the Church tries to control beliefsWhat 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of our after show for each interview2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a me...
2024-05-0857 minAlmost Heretical#138 – Olivia Jackson: Why Christians DeconstructListen to the after show where we talk about favorite books, women missionaries, and being anti-academiaOlivia 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.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/su...
2024-04-2443 minAlmost Heretical#137 – Tim Alberta: Reject Trump, Embrace JesusListen 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
2024-04-171h 11Almost Heretical#136 – Tiffany Yecke Brooks: Spiritual Anxiety & Religious TraumaListen to the after show where Nate & Shelby debrief and shore more thoughts about this conversation with TiffanyTiffany 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.comBecome a member and get:
2024-04-101h 04Almost Heretical#135 – Thomas Jay Oord: Open Relational TheologyListen to the Utterly Heretical after show episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with Thomas Jay OordDr. 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.comBecome a m...
2024-04-031h 10Almost Heretical#134 – Dr. Laura Anderson: Sex, Dating, Courtship and TraumaListen to the 20-minute Utterly Heretical after show episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with Dr. Laura AndersonDr. Laura Anderson tackles religious trauma, explaining it as our physiological response to religious experiences, distinct from the events themselves. She critiques purity culture for its detrimental effects on personal development and relationships, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the Bible and recognizing its flaws. The conversation extends to the challenges churches face in addressing trauma, the variety of Christian views on mental health, and navigating relationships amid political and religious differences.Become a...
2024-03-201h 04Almost Heretical#132 – Elaine Pagels: Trump and Doubting ThomasElaine Pagels presents the compelling theory that the Gospel of John might have intentionally silenced the Gospel of Thomas. This interview not only explores the hidden gospels but also challenges us to rethink the foundational narratives of Christianity through the insights of Elaine Pagels.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Lear...
2024-03-061h 06Almost Heretical#110 – Canon: The Criteria of the New TestamentHow did the early church determine which texts would go into the canon and which would not? Are all texts outside the New Testament heretical or dangerous? Does the truth of the canon formation process change how we think about the Bible we have? Nate & Shelby look at how we got the books we have in our bibles and debunk some myths about the process.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes
2022-12-071h 11Almost Heretical#109 – Canon: Is the Bible Inspired, Inerrant and Infallible?Is the Bible the inspired words of God? What does it mean for the Bible to be infallible? If the Bible isn't inerrant, is it worthless? Nate & Shelby continue to explore the canonization of the New Testament Bible. How did we get the Bible that we have? In this episode, we answer listener questions and dive into what the "word of God" means.Notes:Do the scriptures claim to be inspired?
2 Timothy 3:16 (theopneustos = "giving by inspiration of God")
1 Thessalonians 2:13
John 17:17
Revelation 22:18
What do we mean by inspired?Psalm 19
2022-10-191h 05Almost Heretical#98 – Audrey Assad - Psychedelics, Christian Music and ParentingWhat does it feel like to change your beliefs? What can we teach our children when we're not sure what we believe? Nate talks to Audrey Assad who was part of creating and then leaving the evangelical culture through conservative Christian music.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more abou...
2021-04-2855 minAlmost Heretical#97 – Dr. Mario Livio - Galileo and science deniersWhy is science denialism more prominent in the Christian church? What are the consequences of suppressing scientific curiosity in the Church? How do we have conversations with friends and family who deny scientific findings and new information? Nate talks with world renowned astrophysicist Dr. Mario Livio about his new book Galileo: And the Science Deniers.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersB...
2021-03-241h 07Almost Heretical#96 – Krispin and D.L. Mayfield: Mister Rogers, Dave Ramsey and Attachment TheoryWhy is Mister Rogers' message to children better than Sunday school? How did Dave Ramsey make the accusation of money a christian value? How can Attachment Theory shine a light on shame-filled messages we often hear in the church? Nate sits down with his friends Danielle and Krispin Mayfield to discuss all of this and more. You can also check out Krispin's podcast Attached to the Invisible and their joint podcast The Prophetic Imagination Station.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our...
2021-03-101h 39Almost Heretical#95 – Julie Anne Smith - Spiritual and Sexual AbuseIn light of the scandal involving Ravi Zacharias, Nate talks with Julie Anne Smith about Lori Anne Thompson's survivor story and power structures in the Church that allow for both spiritual and sexual abuse. What are good comebacks to many of the common responses we hear from Christian's about sexual abuse scandals? What needs to change to break this cycle? We get into all of that.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length epi...
2021-02-241h 19Almost Heretical#94 – Kristin Du Mez: From Jesus to TrumpHow did a suffering servant named Jesus of Nazareth lead to Christians in America electing and defending someone so opposite in Donald Trump? When and why did voting Pro Life become the main issue in evangelicalism? For all of us that see the problems with Trumpism and evangelicalism already, where do we go from here? Nate talks with Dr. Kristin Du Mez about her book Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus e...
2021-02-101h 10Almost Heretical#93 – What happened in 2020Why did we take a break from the show for almost a year? Nate and Tim share about what happened to them personally in 2020 and talk about what is coming next for the show.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2021-02-0324 minAlmost Heretical#90 – Sacrifice after JesusHow did the early church think about the Levitical system and sacrifices after Jesus? Nate and Tim discuss this common and problematic question while seeking to avoid antisemitic supersessionism and find a more sensible understanding of things.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
2020-02-261h 04Almost Heretical#89 – Shower first, spirit secondIs baptism really just a bath? Does God really only forgive ignorant people? What is the order of operations related to atonement? Nate and Tim respond to a few more listener questions.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-02-121h 00Almost Heretical#88 – Atonement must be UniversalNate and Tim respond to a few listener questions, discussing how forgiveness itself is tied to liberation as well as why universal atonement isn’t just a possibility but a necessity.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-02-051h 12Almost Heretical#86 – Chemistry and ScapegoatsWhat do ancient science, the “scapegoat” of Yom Kippur, and holy tree branches have to do with Jesus’ death? And what does resurrection have to do with everything? Nate and Tim continue discussing how the contagious nature of holiness undergirds much of the New Testament theology about Jesus and discover some fascinating ideas along the way.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBeco...
2020-01-221h 08Almost Heretical#85 – Did Jesus have to die?Did Jesus have to die, or is that not even how we should think about it? And why is blood both a source of holiness and defilement? Also, what do menstruation, “nocturnal emissions” and masturbation have to do with each other in Leviticus? Nate and Tim discuss a few listener questions as well as some of their own.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+...
2020-01-151h 10Almost Heretical#84 – Holiness is the GospelHoliness and purity were two of the central concerns of the entire Levitical system. Neither were moral categories, but rather had to do with something like chemical states. In this episode, Nate and Tim discuss the idea of holiness and how the New Testament authors believed the gospel was that Jesus had made the world holy.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners
2020-01-081h 09Almost Heretical#83 – Hillary McBride: Getting healthyMany of us are rethinking faith and leaving old beliefs behind, but how do we get healthy? Nate and Tim talk with Dr. Hillary McBride about what it actually takes to build new community, how to deal with the trauma our bodies carry, why maintaining relationships with people from our past can be so hard, and much more.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of...
2019-12-111h 02Almost Heretical#81 – ContagiousWhy sacrifice animals? Why send some people outside the camp? Why all the rules? Nate and Tim discuss how the threat of viral contagion is the primary principal underlying the Levitical system, and how that is why the Torah talks so much about separation and mixture. When anything comes into contact with something “unclean”, the defilement spreads. Therefore, prevention, quarantine and cleansing are the name of the game. But is it possible there’s even more going on? Is it possible something could be so holy that it cannot be defiled? And what if that is precisely how the gospel...
2019-11-131h 13Almost Heretical#80 – Cosmic campoutWhat all is required in order to camp out with God? And what is holiness anyway? Nate and Tim discuss all this and more, including why there are so many long lists of detailed instructions in the Torah and how to read them. Also, what do the golden calf, Nadab and Abihu, and the tragedy of Uzzah and the cart all have in common?Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3...
2019-11-061h 19Almost Heretical#78 – Priests are holy bouncersDid you know that Adam and Eve worked as security guards in the Garden of Eden? And what does it mean to be a priest? And once again, why is there a snake in the garden? Nate and Tim discuss the role of priests and how Genesis 2 depicts Adam as a priest representing Israel.Get the SECOND PART of this episode on Utterly Heretical, just for supporters of the show. You can listen to that here!Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes o...
2019-10-231h 04Almost Heretical#77 – God might kill usAre we supposed to be afraid of God? Why did the ancient Israelites fear the Lord? What was it that scared them exactly? Nate and Tim discuss how we may have gotten this all very wrong for a long time and maybe we shouldn’t be so scared after all.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/su...
2019-10-161h 07Almost Heretical#76 – Distance and SeparationThe New Testament claims Jesus is helping reconcile humanity and God, but why were they ever separated in the first place? Does God want to separate from us because we’re awful, or is there something entirely different going on? Nate and Tim discuss the biblical authors’ surprising assumptions about why God is so distant and what is actually required to bridge the gap.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Ac...
2019-10-091h 14Almost Heretical#75 – Blood and GuiltWhat were the sacrifices for? What did blood do? What is the main problem which the tabernacle and temple and then Jesus were trying to solve? Nate and Tim introduce a new series on Leviticus, atonement, and the crazy idea of blood as a kind of cosmic insulation. In this first part, they highlight some of the big ideas soon to be discussed and reflect on why it matters.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2...
2019-10-021h 26Almost Heretical#74 – Should you go to church? (Bonus Episode)This is an episode of Utterly Heretical, Nate and Tim’s second podcast for Patreon supporters. They have a candid conversation about the emotionally complicated topic of going to church.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-09-251h 21Almost Heretical#73 – Did Jesus just call her a dog?Did Jesus really call a Canaanite woman a dog? Was this as heartless and mean as it sounds, or is something else going on? Nate and Tim discuss this startling passage in Matthew 15 and more.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
2019-09-181h 08Almost Heretical#72 – The clearly unclear BibleIf the Bible is clearly sufficient for all our needs and sufficiently clear so that we can understand it, why doesn’t it feel that way? Nate and Tim discuss the history of these ideas, the role they’ve played, and whether or not they’re still helpful today. Once again it all seems to come down to power - who has it? Or, as they ask in this episode, “Who is the pope?” (More)Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private p...
2019-09-111h 22Almost Heretical#71 – Who is the Bible?When we say, “The Bible says,” what do we really mean? Who exactly are we talking about? Nate and Tim try to answer that question and more as they discuss the relationship between the people who wrote the Bible and our own modern ethics. (More)Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn...
2019-09-041h 23Almost Heretical#70 – Choose your own adventure BibleWhat if many of the texts are written in order to place us at a crossroads between two valid interpretations? And how does understanding the Bible as a mosaic of texts help us deal with troubling passages in the OT? Nate and Tim reflect on why reading the Bible is more complicated than taking it “literally” or not. LISTEN TO THE PARENTING EPISODES HERE.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Ac...
2019-07-241h 20Almost Heretical#69 – Does the Bible Permit Sexual Violence? (Part 2)Does the Bible justify or permit exploitation? While some passages condemn it, others raise difficult questions about ancient biblical laws and power dynamics. In this episode, Nate and Tim explore the David and Bathsheba story, examine key Bible verses, and discuss how these texts have been interpreted over time. LISTEN TO TIM'S LIST HERE. (More)Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of...
2019-07-101h 27Almost Heretical#68 – Bathsheba and David: A Story of Power and Betrayal (Part 1)Did David abuse his power over Bathsheba? In this episode, Nate and Tim take a closer look at one of the most debated stories in the Bible. This is the first part of a conversation on difficult narratives in Scripture, exploring power dynamics, consent, and how we interpret ancient texts. They discuss the David and Bathsheba story, the role of troubling accounts in the Hebrew Bible, and why context matters. (More)Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every mon...
2019-06-261h 02Almost Heretical#67 – Christena Cleveland: Toxic ChristianityAt some point we have to ask ourselves do I really want to be free? Freedom is no longer caring whether we’re crossing the lines that other people are creating for us.Nate and Tim sit down with renowned scholar Dr. Christena Cleveland. They discuss getting free from toxic Christianity, finding sustenance for a life of activism, what the gospel really is and much more. Dr. Cleveland also shares what she believes the gospel is for black trans women. It’s brilliant and beautiful!Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecom...
2019-06-121h 12Almost Heretical#66 – LGBTQ: Why do people marry?Did God really define marriage? Or is it just something people have often done? And what did Jesus really say about men and women? Nate and Tim continue the conversation about whether the Bible ever asserts a divine ideal for marriage. (More)Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more abou...
2019-06-051h 13Almost Heretical#65 – LGBTQ: The so-called Divine IdealIs the Bible even about a return to original ideals? Or is the idea that of a forward march through history where humans partner with God to usher in new and unknown territory? Nate and Tim begin a discussion on sexuality and gender, asking whether the so-called divine ideal for marriage is really a good argument in defense of traditional views.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our...
2019-05-311h 06Almost Heretical#62 – The Heaven EthicThe Bible’s cosmology can be weird and hard to believe. What is there for us if we can’t get excited about ruling over angels? Nate and Tim wrestle with this question, discussing the profound and practical strategy that Paul and the early Christians took from all this craziness, which is the ethic of relinquishing power. (More)Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+...
2019-04-2444 minAlmost Heretical#61 – Bodies for Both WorldsThis is where things start to get weird. Nate and Tim look at the Bible’s strange hope that humanity would one day come to rule not only on earth but over the gods in the heavens. And to Paul, for that to happen, we’ll need bodies fit for inhabiting both heaven and earth simultaneously. This one got so nutty and went so long that it had to be split into two parts, so look out for the second half in the next episode. (More)Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a mem...
2019-04-1752 minAlmost Heretical#60 – Heaven as a RevolutionGod will one day lead a revolution to overturn the power structures of the world. The biblical writers call this "heaven." Those at the bottom will be put at the top and vice versa, and it may have nothing to do with how good or righteous we are. The conversation leads to more questions and even some concerns, which Nate and Tim begin to address.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes
2019-04-031h 09
Almost Heretical#59 – I'll fly away, old gloryDid you used to picture flying away to be in heaven? Or, maybe you've thought of new creation as what heaven is. After spending 3 episodes talking about hell, Nate & Tim work to complicate the conception of heaven, in keeping with the biblical writers. (More)Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Lear...
2019-03-271h 05
Almost Heretical#58 – Who the hell knows (Hell Part 3)What if Matthew and Luke imagine life after death differently? And why don’t Paul or John ever mention anything like Hell? And lastly, if there is no consensus on a singular notion of Hell, then how the hell ought we to think and feel about all this? In Part 3, Nate and Tim further examine the complexity and inconsistency in the so-called “Biblical worldview” on Hell. (More)Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-leng...
2019-03-201h 17
Almost Heretical#57 – To hell with hellWhere did "hell" come from? What is Sheol? Hades? Gehenna? And who goes to these places (or are they are even places?) In Part 2, Nate and Tim look at several passages in the scriptures to begin analyzing how various authors conceived of what we’ve come to call Hell. We’ll see how our idea of Hell is actually an amalgam of various concepts related to multiple different questions.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. Al...
2019-03-131h 07
Almost Heretical#56 – Scared to Death (Hell Part 1)Many of us are terrified of Hell, but should we be? Is Christianity supposed to ease our anxieties around death or exasperate them? And is Hell really about torture? In this first conversation in a series on Hell, Nate and Tim ditch the Bible and traditional ideas for a bit to try to imagine the theoretical possibilities for some sort of future judgment. (More)Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3...
2019-03-061h 20
Almost Heretical#54 – Brandi Miller: Racial Justice and EvangelicalismIt took Brandi ten years of following Jesus as a Black woman to realize that her theology was whiter than a North Dakota snowstorm. Nate and Tim talk with writer and minister Brandi Miller about pursuing racial justice within evangelicalism, what the gospel really is, how American Christianity trains people to be controlled, and much more.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners
2019-02-061h 08
Almost Heretical#53 – John Piper says to marry the bibleJohn Piper, Desiring God and The Gospel Coalition say things like "Marry the Bible". Have we made an idol out of the Bible? In the third segment of question and response, Nate and Tim discuss whether the story of the Exodus ought to be taken literally, whether Christianity has made an idol out of the Bible, and more.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of...
2019-01-3049 min
Almost Heretical#52 – Is divine healing real?Is it your responsibility to call out your racist uncle? Does God heal people and is it helpful to believe that? Are the women heroes in the Bible messiah figures? Nate and Tim continue responding to your questions.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
2019-01-2342 min
Almost Heretical#50 – 1 year inIn 2018, we launched the podcast and recorded 49 episodes. Nate and Tim reflect on what they've learned.Top 10 episodes:
03: Why is there a snake in the garden?
20: Rachel Held Evans - Using and abusing the Bible
02: In the beginning
31: Authority over her own damn head (1 Corinthians 11:2-16)
30: Jesus ended hierarchy
01: Ex-pastors in a shed
32: Husbands and slave masters (Ephesians 5:22-6:9, Colossians 3:18-4:1)
15: Mako Nagasawa - Beyond penal substitution
33: Silencing women (1 Corinthians 14:34-35)
35: Adam, then Eve (1 Timothy 2:11-15)
Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:
2019-01-091h 15
Almost Heretical#49 – Making Hezekiah Great AgainHave you ever thought about Hezekiah as one of the main characters in the Old Testament? And what if we told you that the child named Immanuel spoken of in Isaiah referred not to Jesus but to Hezekiah (at least at first)? Nate and Tim look again at the literary technique of “snowballing” and discuss how biblical characters and even biblical texts are presented as disappointing failures that will have to be recycled and repurposed in the future.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Ut...
2018-12-1934 min
Almost Heretical#48 – Old Testament jerksEver notice how all the “good guys” in the Old Testament turn out to be jerks? Tim and Nate talk about a narrative technique Tim calls “snowballing”, where the Biblical authors intentionally try to get us excited about each new hero figure, only to let us down in the end. It is this pattern that allowed Jesus to look back and say all these stories pointed to him.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-le...
2018-12-1242 min
Almost Heretical#47 – Tim Mackie: Homosexuality and the Bible (Part 2)Listen to the full interview here.(Also, listen to PART 1 here.) Dr. Tim Mackie (Bible Project) talks about LGBTQ and the bible, and continues talking with Nate and Tim about the Bible and ethics. Does the Bible end conversations about ethics or start them?Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe
2018-12-0536 min
Almost Heretical#46 – Tim Mackie - Deconstructing Christianity and the Bible (Part 1)Listen to the full interview here.(Also, listen to PART 2 here.) Dr. Tim Mackie (Bible Project) talks with Tim and Nate about the often missed literary designs in the Bible. What kind of patterns and repetitions do we often overlook? And what does it mean that the Bible contains riddles and texts with multiple meanings?Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ lis...
2018-11-2831 min
Almost Heretical#45 – Why Seams & Stitching MatterAll the talk about stitching and literary complexity got Nate and Tim talking about why this stuff even matters. What does thinking of the Bible as a literary mosaic change? How does paying attention to redaction and arrangement affect our views of Christianity and how we relate to one another?Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com...
2018-11-0132 min
Almost Heretical#44 – Ancient Scroll TechnologyNate and Tim discuss how ancient scroll technology led to literary binding techniques evident in the Bible. Collections of texts were stitched together through canonical seams and enclosed within literary introductions and conclusions. This seam work is how we got a Bible.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more abou...
2018-10-3037 min
Almost Heretical#42 – Copy, Paste & Psalm 108If the Bible is a mosaic, then the meaning is in the stitching. Nate and Tim look at how Psalm 108 is an example of clear editing and repurposing of texts within the Hebrew Bible, and how the Gospel of Luke is tracking with this literary mechanism at work.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe
2018-10-2431 min
Almost Heretical#41 – How does the Bible work?Nate and Tim open up a new series of conversations exploring how the Bible actually works. They introduce the idea of the Bible as a literary mosaic in which various texts are pieced together to form a kind of theological portrait. This episode is the first in what will be an ongoing series called How The Bible Works.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of...
2018-10-171h 19
Almost Heretical#39 – Science Mike McHargue - Anger and HopeMike McHargue (Science Mike) sits down with Nate and Tim to talk about sexual assault, the Bible, why so many people are over church, finding hope amidst cynicism, and much more. The conversation happened on the heels of a long and emotional week relating to how our society and the church treats women and victims of sexual assault in light of Christine Beasley Ford's testimony at Brett Kavanaugh's hearing. It made for a raw and honest discussion.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Ut...
2018-10-021h 22
Almost Heretical#37 – What does Paul think about Women Elders? (1 Timothy 3)Part 8 of the gender series. Nate and Tim discuss Paul’s words to Timothy concerning “elders” and “deacons”. Can women be elders? Or is Paul mandating male leadership? Is he even creating formal “church offices” at all? And what do these titles even mean? We seek to answer these questions and more while showing how and why we usually get Paul so wrong.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our pri...
2018-09-121h 09
Almost Heretical#36 – How Do Women Experience Gender Dynamics in the Church?Part 7 of the gender series. Nate and Tim host their moms as well as some friends and listeners for a round table discussion on the topic. If you only listen to one episode in the series, listen to this one. Hear our five guests - Molly, Julia, Emily, Ada and Julie Anne - as they share their perspectives on how gender ideologies play out in relationships, church and the broader culture. The conversation covers an array of view points and, in the end, answers the question, “What do Christian men and pastors really need to hear from women like yo...
2018-08-291h 33
Almost Heretical#35 – Adam, then Eve (1 Timothy 2:11-15)Part 6 in a series on gender, power and hierarchy. Nate and Tim wrap up the discussion on 1 Timothy 2, discussing Paul’s reference to Adam being created first and the concluding line about women being saved through childbirth. Is this Paul rooting patriarchy in “God’s creation order” or is Paul once again saying the exact opposite of what it sounds like he’s saying?Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access t...
2018-08-221h 10
Almost Heretical#34 – Authority over a man (1 Timothy 2:11-15)Part 5 on Christianity and gender. Nate and Tim begin to tackle 1 Timothy 2 by considering the context of the letter, the significance of the goddess Artemis, and the Greek word translated as “exercise authority”. Once again we see that paying close attention to the gender passages in light of their original context opens up whole new avenues of interpretation.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+...
2018-08-151h 03
Almost Heretical#33– Silencing women (1 Cor 14:34-35)Part 4 in a series on gender. Nate and Tim discuss some of the more infuriating ways complementation theology affects Christian women and explore the frustrating passage where Paul seems to tell women to sit down and shut up. But what is Paul really saying? And how could he tell women to be silent while simultaneously encouraging them to preach and prophecy in the church gatherings?Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes
2018-08-061h 06
Almost Heretical#32 – Husbands and slave masters (Eph 5:22-6:9, Col 3:18-4:1)Part 3 in a series on Christianity and gender. Nate and Tim discuss two more key passages related to gender, trying to understand why Paul grouped husbands & wives, children & fathers, and slaves & masters. What do wives, children and slaves have in common? And what does Paul say to them? And how does he address husbands, fathers and slave masters? Listen to see how Paul’s theology of power makes surprising sense of it all and shows how these passages mean the exact opposite of what many claim they mean.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comB...
2018-07-2349 min
Almost Heretical#31 – Authority over her own damn head (1 Cor 11:2-16)Part 2 in a series on gender and the Bible. Nate and Tim discuss the first of six key New Testament passages pertaining to gender that have traditionally been used to support male authority. What is Paul really getting at about women covering their heads? Does “the head of the woman is man” really mean men are supposed to be in charge? Who gets authority over women’s bodies? And what in the world do angels have to do with any of this? All this and more as Nate and Tim take a closer look and show how most of us wer...
2018-07-1937 min
Almost Heretical#30 – Jesus ended hierarchyPart 1 in a series on Jesus and gender: Nate and Tim discuss some prerequisites to looking at New Testament texts pertaining to gender. Jesus explicitly taught that his disciples were to follow his example and abandon all sense of status, power and hierarchy. This was Christianity 101 to the apostles and early church and therefore any interpretation of the gender passages that today seem so offensive to women must acknowledge this overarching Christian ethic. If Jesus said there weren’t even supposed to be positions of status in the church, and Paul believed every Christian was to lay down their po...
2018-07-1635 min
Almost Heretical#27 – Kaepernick, #churchtoo, and Christian nationalismWhat is the connection between rampant pastoral abuse in evangelical churches and evangelicalism’s collusion with conservative politics? Nate and Tim discuss how American slaveholder religion instilled a reverence for authority that is the root of both these issues. Listen in as they touch on #churchtoo, Colin Kaepernick, protecting the status quo, the notion that we’re all just supposed to be grateful for authorities, and more.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-le...
2018-06-201h 06
Almost Heretical#24 – Post Traumatic History DisorderAcknowledging the truth of our history can be painful, overwhelming and even traumatic. The history itself is also one of traumatization. Nate and Tim continue the conversation about the tragic truth of American church history by reflecting on last week’s discussion with Mark Charles and more.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe
2018-05-2356 min
Almost Heretical#22 – The risk of believing differentlyIs it worth losing the certainty you once had to pursue a better picture of God? What if God becomes harder to believe in? Tim and Nate talk about doing better and deeper theology and how that might make for a harder story to believe.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Le...
2018-05-0934 min
Almost Heretical#20 – Rachel Held Evans: Faith and DoubtNate & Tim explore the multifaceted nature of the Bible with special guest, author Rachel Held Evans. Delving into her book Inspired, we discuss religious pluralism, how the slippery slope of deconstruction is actually wonderful, and the power of questioning faith. Rachel shares her insights on the Bible and its dual-edged capacity as a weapon and a tool for liberation. Join us as we uncover the Bible's complexities and learn how to navigate its teachings responsibly in today's world.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes o...
2018-04-251h 20
Almost Heretical#18 – Wrath and LiberationHow does getting crucified liberate anyone? Is liberation the central driving force behind the gospel? And is the wrath of God something we need to be liberated from or instead something that liberates? This week Nate and Tim examine atonement through the lens of liberation.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Le...
2018-04-1145 min
Almost Heretical#16 – I used to be terrified of GodNate shares why he used to be afraid of God. We explore why penal substitution is worth fighting back on. Part 2 in a series of discussions on what happened at the cross, we continue the critique of PSA and the uglier aspects of Calvinistic theology and answer questions from Nate’s grandma about hell, judgment and universalism.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ liste...
2018-03-2153 min
Almost Heretical#11 – The Bible is a story about power (Part 1)So much abuse and hurt is rooted in issues of power, yet power is rarely discussed in church. Though it’s been largely ignored, the danger and corrupting influence of power is a theme that runs throughout the entire Bible. Nate and Tim start a new series exploring how the Bible tells a vitally important story about power that evangelicalism desperately needs to listen to.References:
Bergsma and Hahn’s: Noah’s Nakedness and the curse on Canaan
Naked Bible Podcast episode 159: Noah’s Nakedness, the Sin of Ham, and the Curse of Canaan
Gen 6:1-5 4.Gen 9:20...
2018-02-071h 00
Almost Heretical#10 – When theology hurtsLast week Tim and Nate discussed why theology even matters. It matters because ideas have consequences and bad theology hurts people. This week we stop talking and listen to stories from people who have been affected by bad evangelical theology.References:Held by TimThoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe
2018-01-3159 min
Almost Heretical#9 – Taking responsibility for our theologyNate and Tim step back from the Old Testament theology to reflect on why theology matters at all. Ideas trickle downstream. The affects of this trickle-down and the consequences of our theology matter, especially when they’re coming from the top of white evangelicalism and may be propping up some of our nation’s ugliest ideologies.References:
Altar on the Water by Tim Ritter
White Evangelicals Must Ask, “Why Does Our Theology Lead to Republicanism?” by Jemar Tisby
#ITSNOTUS: Being Evangelical Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry by Timothy Gloege
Among white evangelicals, regular churchgoers are the...
2018-01-241h 03
Almost Heretical#7 – Is God more tolerant of other religions than we are?The reinterpretation of the Fall sparked further questions, so Nate and Tim slow down to reflect on some its implications. How does this all affect the theological debate about God being in control? And what does it imply about the Bible’s attitude toward other religions?References: N.T. Wright, Greg Boyd, Michael Heiser, Pete Enns, Brian Zahnd, Tim MackieThoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to ou...
2018-01-1155 min
Almost Heretical#6 – God gives up (sort of)Nate and Tim take a fresh look at the strange story of the Tower of Babel and piece together some surprising biblical passages that tell of God giving up and delegating other gods to rule the nations.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
2018-01-0844 min
Almost Heretical#5 – Eve and a war for powerRethinking the Fall (Part 3) — Nate and Tim continue re-examining the Fall by piecing together clues in the Bible that point to a war for power initiated by the gods.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-01-0557 min
Almost Heretical#4 – Nate has questionsNate has some good questions in response to the previous episode on the Fall and Tim tries to answer them.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-01-0246 min
Almost Heretical#3 – Why is there a snake in the garden?Tim and Nate kick off the first episode in a series rethinking the Biblical idea of the Fall. There’s more to the Adam and Eve story than we’ve been led to believe.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-01-011h 05