Shows
Sacred TensionAmerica's Forgotten War on Gay People | Jonathan RauchI am joined by journalist, author, and gay marriage activist Jonathan Rauch to discuss his recent article in The Atlantic, which is an investigation into America’s long assault on the humanity of gay people. For the majority of the 20th century, the United States waged a war of psychic terror against its gay population. This history is largely forgotten, even by LGBT people. Read Jonathan Rauch’s article.Do you agree with us? Disagree? I love hearing back from my audience. Share your thoughts on this conversation in the comments section. If your comment is e...2024-03-2245 min
Sacred TensionHow to Be a Border-Stalker | Jon WardIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I'm joined by Jon Ward to discuss his new book Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement that Failed a Generation. We discuss his role as a border-stalker between cultural and religious boundaries, why the Evangelical movement struggles with understanding minority experience, his own religious journey after leaving evangelicalism, and much more. Jon Ward is senior political correspondent for Yahoo News, author of Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement that Failed a Generation (Brazos Press, 2023) and Camelot's End: Kennedy v Carter and the Fight that Broke the Democratic Party (Twelve Books, 2019), and host of “The...2023-05-2442 min
Sacred TensionThe Death of Roe V Wade | Chalice BlytheIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I am joined by Chalice Blythe for a follow-up episode about the demise of Roe V Wade. Chalice and I discuss strategies and principles for long-term resistance against theocracy. Find my previous conversation with Chalice here: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/2022/06/04/sacred-tension-the-struggle-for-justice-is-ongoing-chalice-blythe/Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction: https://www.patreon.com/StephenBradfordLongJoin my Discord server: https://discord.gg/PrDU4zxMy work is sponsored by The Satanic Temple TV: a streaming platform featuring documentaries, live str...2022-07-1258 min
Sacred TensionGodless Awe with Matt Langston of EleventysevenIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I speak with long-time friend and colleague Matt Langston of Eleventyseven. We discuss his new album Revenge of the Mountain Medley, his journey out of the Christian music industry, and our spiritual journeys away from conservative Christianity.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction: https://www.patreon.com/StephenBradfordLongJoin my Discord server: https://discord.gg/PrDU4zxMy work is sponsored by The Satanic Temple TV: a streaming platform featuring documentaries, live streams, conversations, rituals, and more. Use my...2021-12-111h 08
Sacred TensionMini Episode: I'm An Intellectual Groupie and You Probably Are TooFind the transcript of this mini-episode here: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/2021/05/12/im-an-intellectual-groupie-and-you-probably-are-too/ This episode is written and performed by Stephen Bradford Long and produced, edited, and scored by Dante Salamone. Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction: https://www.patreon.com/StephenBradfordLongMy work is sponsored by The Satanic Temple TV: a streaming platform featuring documentaries, livestreams, conversation, rituals, and more. Use my code SACREDTENSION at checkout to get one month free. https://thesatanictemple.tv/Read my dozens of articles on Satanism, skepticism, reli...2021-06-0505 min
Sacred TensionSatanic Abortion Ritual, feat. Jane Essex of The Satanic TempleIn this episode of Sacred Tension I'm joined by Jane Essex, spokesperson for the Reproductive Rights Campaign of The Satanic Temple, to discuss TST's controversial new abortion ritual. Learn more about the abortion ritual at https://announcement.thesatanictemple.com/rrr-campaign41280784Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment or writing an email: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/contact/Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction: https://www.patreon.com/StephenBradfordLongRead my dozens of articles on Satanism, skepticism, religion, etc.: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/Joi...2020-08-121h 06
Sacred TensionPanpsychism, feat. Philip GoffIn this episode of Sacred Tension I talk to philosopher Philip Goff about Panpsychism, which posits that consciousness is a fundamental feature of the universe. Find Philip Goff at https://www.philipgoffphilosophy.com/Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment or writing an email: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/contact/Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction: https://www.patreon.com/StephenBradfordLongRead my dozens of articles on Satanism, skepticism, religion, etc.: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/Join my Discord server: https://discord.gg/PrD...2020-08-051h 09
Sacred TensionWhat's Going On With Evangelicals? Feat. John MoreheadIn this episode of Sacred Tension I'm joined once again by my favorite Evangelical John Morehead to discuss the psychology of evangelicals and why they do what they do. John details his research into the emotions that drive toxic evangelical behavior. Pew Research Center - "How Americans Feel About Religious Groups," July 16, 201https://www.pewforum.org/2014/07/16/how-americans-feel-about-religious-groups/ Pew Research Center - "Americans Express Increasingly Warm Feelings Toward Religious Groups," February 15, 2017https://www.pewforum.org/2017/02/15/americans-express-increasingly-warm-feelings-toward-religious-groups/ Pew Research Center - "US Evangelical Christians are Chilly Toward Atheists, and the Fee...2020-07-281h 00
Sacred TensionWhat Took You So Long? Feat. Ally HennyIn this episode of Sacred Tension Ally Henny gives an intro on how to be good allies to the black community. She defines basic terms and gives white people some hard, probing questions. If you are new to conversations about race, this episode is for you. Ally has been writing about race, identity, culture, and racial conciliation on Twitter, her personal Facebook profile, and on her blog, The Armchair Commentary, since 2014. She is a regular contributor for The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, where she writes about black motherhood and other topics related t...2020-07-221h 16
Sacred TensionQAnon, Satanic Panic, and New Religious Movements with Prof. Megan GoodwinIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I'm joined by religious studies professor Megan Goodwin to discuss abuse within religious communities, Satanic Panic, New Religious Movements, QAnon, her new book Abusing Religion, and more. Find Professor Goodwin here. My work is sponsored by The Satanic Temple TV: a streaming platform featuring documentaries, livestreams, conversation, rituals, and more. Use my code SACREDTENSION at checkout to get one month free.Let me know your thoughts on this episode by leaving a comment or writing me an emailBecome a patron so I can conti...2020-07-1459 min
Sacred TensionBubble&Squeak, feat. Peterson ToscanoIn this episode of Sacred Tension I'm joined by actor, quaker, and LGBTQ/climate activist Peterson Toscano to discuss his show Bubble&Squeak. We talk about formative queer experiences, the importance of storytelling, our awkward gay sex experiences, and more. Listen to Bubble&Squeak here.My work is sponsored by The Satanic Temple TV: a streaming platform featuring documentaries, livestreams, conversation, rituals, and more. Use my code SACREDTENSION at checkout to get one month free.Let me know your thoughts on this episode by leaving a comment or writing me an email2020-07-0756 min
Sacred TensionHellfireside Chat with Black Mass AppealIn this episode of Sacred Tension I'm joined by the hosts of Black Mass Appeal -- the largest Satanic podcast on the planet -- to discuss Satanism, cats, conspiracy theories, theism, and so much more. Find Black Mass Appeal at blackmassappeal.com.Note: this episode was recorded prior to the BLM protests.Let me know your thoughts on this episode by writing me an email.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Read my dozens of articles here.Join...2020-06-301h 44
Sacred TensionProtests, Racism, and ViolenceThis episode of Sacred Tension is from my patrons-only podcast House of Heretics. My cohost Timothy and I discuss the recent protests, misguided liberal narratives about "violence," how we as white people can elevate black voices, the Satanic Temple's response to the protests, and much more.Let me know your thoughts on this episode by writing me an email.Visit my bookshop here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Read my dozens of articles here.Join my Disco...2020-06-091h 01
Sacred TensionHouse of the Devil, feat. Common CreativesIn this cross-over episode I'm joined by Will and Joe from the Common Creatives podcast to discuss the brilliant horror movie House of the Devil. We talk about religious horror, Satanism, The Satanic Panic, growing up Evangelical, and much more. If you love this show, please go check out their other episodes and subscribe to them on your favorite podcast app.Find Common Creatives here.Let me know your thoughts on this episode by writing me an email.Visit my bookshop here.Become a patron so I c...2020-05-251h 24
Sacred TensionSatanic Ritual, feat. Shiva HoneyIn this unedited, stripped episode of Sacred Tension I talk to Shiva Honey, author of The Devil's Tome: A Book of Modern Satanic Ritual. We discuss her liberation from an abusive religious setting, the fusion of nontheism and ritual, how ritual can bring empowerment and catharsis into an individual's life, and much more.Find Shiva Honey here. Let me know your thoughts on this episode by writing me an email.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Join my Discord server here...2020-05-191h 12
Sacred TensionSelf Care, Politics, and Big Data with Priest PenemueIn this stripped-down, unedited episode of Sacred Tension, I'm joined by my friend Priest Penemue for a long conversation about leftist politics, how we are practicing self care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his insider perspective on digital privacy and big data.you can watch the video version of this conversation on Penemue's patreon Here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Join my Discord server here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Join my mailing list here.2020-05-122h 16
Sacred TensionMusic, Bad Movies, and Blasphemy with Lucien GreavesIn this stripped down, unedited episode of Sacred Tension I hang out with Lucien Greaves to discuss terrible Christian movies, Satanic blasphemy, the corruption of social media, his new music project Satanic Planet, and much more. Find Lucien Greaves here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Join my Discord server here.Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Join my mailing list here.Follow m...2020-05-042h 09
Sacred TensionBit Tyrants, feat. Rob LarsonIn this episode of Sacred Tension I'm joined by socialist economist, professor, and author Rob Larson to discuss the horrors of big tech, and what we can do about it. While we are all social distancing and more reliant on technology than ever, now is the best time to think deeply about how we can socialize the tech and digital worlds. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and my heightened work load/stress level/existential horror, these episodes are unedited. That means they are a bit more rough around the edges than they normally are. However, I w...2020-04-271h 34
Sacred TensionWhy Nontheistic Religion is Essential, feat. Lucien GreavesIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I'm joined by Lucien Greaves, co-founder and spokesperson for the Satanic Temple. We discuss the challenge of maintaining a religious community during the COVID-19 pandemic, common misunderstandings about the Satanic Temple, and why nontheistic religion is essential. Find Lucien Greaves here.Join my Discord server here.Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Join my mai...2020-04-201h 29
Sacred TensionBeing An Essential Worker During COVID-19Welcome to the new, stripped down, unedited Sacred Tension. Due to the incredible stress I've been under in recent weeks, I'm now releasing chill, unedited conversations for your listening pleasure. In this episode, I'm joined by longtime friend and occasional Sacred Tension co-host Danielle, who interviews me about what it's like being an essential grocery store worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a word, it's terrifying. Join my Discord server here.Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a pa...2020-04-1353 min
Sacred TensionBasic Glitches Pt. 4: We're the Ones With the Shelf LifeIn this episode, Matt and I conclude our commentary of Eleventyseven's new album Basic Glitches. Listen to Basic Glitches on Spotify here.Join my Discord server here.Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Join my mailing list here.Follow me on twitter here.Follow me on Instagram here. This is a public...2020-04-0744 min
Sacred TensionBasic Glitches, Pt. 3: Put a Fist Through a Rich Kid's MouthMatt Langston and I continue our conversation about his latest album Basic Glitches, which explores themes of religious trauma, deconversion, the digitization of our world, and much more. In this episode, we get to the silly half of the album.Listen to Basic Glitches on Spotify here.Join my Discord server here.Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Join my ma...2020-03-1043 min
Sacred TensionBasic Glitches, Pt. 2: Toxic Inner MythologyMatt Langston and I continue our conversation about music, evangelicalism, religious trauma, and more. Listen to Basic Glitches on Spotify here.Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Join my mailing list here.Follow me on twitter here.Follow me on Instagram here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with oth...2020-03-0355 min
Sacred TensionBasic Glitches, Pt. 1: You're Killing my VibeIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I'm joined by friend and colleague Matt Langston to discuss his latest album Basic Glitches. We talk about our long and traumatic journeys out of evangelical Christianity, sexual purity culture, and much more. Listen to Basic Glitches on Spotify here.Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Join my mailing list here.Follow me on twi...2020-02-2457 min
Sacred TensionOn Satanism and AtheismFind the transcript of this mini episode here. Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Join my mailing list here.Follow me on twitter here.Follow me on Instagram here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2020-02-1707 min
Sacred TensionScience, Satanism, and Supernaturalism, feat. Priest PenemueIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I’m joined once more by Priest Penemue of the Satanic Temple to discuss supernaturalism, theism, and the Fifth tenet of the Satanic Temple. The fifth tenet reads, “Beliefs should conform to our best scientific understanding of the world. We should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit our beliefs.”Find Priest Penemue here.Support Priest Penemue on Patreon here.Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a patr...2020-02-101h 10
Sacred TensionLove and Quasars, feat. Paul WallaceIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I speak with pastor, author, and astrophysicist Paul Wallace about his journey as an astrophysicist who can't shake his faith in God. We discuss Galileo, quantum physics, the interactions between faith and science, why I personally don't believe in God, and much more. Find Paul Wallace's work here. Join my Discord community here.Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content cr...2020-02-0356 min
Sacred TensionThe Satanic Temple vs. Church of Satan, feat. Priest PenemueIn this episode of Sacred Tension I'm joined by Priest Penemue -- a Satanic content creator and director of ministry at The Satanic Temple. We discuss the difference between Church of Satan and The Satanic Temple, and why those differences matter.Find Priest Penemue here.Support Priest Penemue on Patreon here.Read TST vs. CoS article here.Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling...2020-01-1448 min
Sacred TensionOn Forfeiting the Word "Atheist"Find the transcript to this mini episode here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2020-01-0715 min
Sacred TensionDebunking Conspiracy Theories with Logic and Respect feat. Mick WestIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I speak with professional conspiracy theory debunker Mick West about cognitive biases, aliens, real conspiracies, and much more. You can find Mick West here. Read my articles and send me hate mail here.Find other Rock Candy podcasts here.Become a patron so I can continue my crippling content creation addiction here. Join my mailing list here.Follow me on twitter here. This is a public episode. If you'd like...2019-12-3156 min
Sacred TensionAn Evangelical and a Satanist Have a ConversationIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I'm joined by evangelical John W. Morehead for an ecumenical conversation about Satanism, Evangelicalism, multiculturalism, and more.Love my work and want to support it? Please consider becoming a patron so I can continue to bring you interesting content every week. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list so you don’t miss another podcast, blog post, or cat picture. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subs2019-12-1655 min
Sacred TensionFighting the ApocalypseEnvironmental scientist Melissa Wilson joins me to talk environmental collapse, and how we can fight it. Find Melissa hereDrawdown ProjectFind other Rock Candy Shows here.Read my work, comment, or get in touch with me here.Support me on Patreon. Join my mailing list. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-11-051h 08
Sacred TensionThe Satanic ConversionFind the full transcript of this mini episode here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-10-2908 min
Sacred TensionSatanic Q&A with Jack MatirkoIn this episode of Sacred Tension, Jack Matirko of For Infernal Use Only answers questions about modern religious Satanism. Love my work and want to support it? Please consider becoming a patron so I can continue to bring you interesting content every week. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list so you don’t miss another podcast, blog post, or cat picture. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-10-081h 09
Sacred TensionMeaning in a Godless UniverseFind the full transcript of this mini episode here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-09-2409 min
Sacred TensionSex WorkIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I speak with sex worker Kit Bauer. We discuss the stigma of sex work, a day in the life of a sex worker, the benefits and importance of sex work, and much more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-09-1754 min
Sacred TensionWhen People Tell You You're Deceived, Damned, Or SinfulFind the transcript to this mini episode here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-09-0907 min
Sacred TensionVaush the Nazi FighterIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to controversial online leftist provocateur, edgelord, and de-radicalizer Vaush. We discuss his methods of argumentation with the far right, why he does what he does, and how the Left often fails in responding to our critics. We also address his recent sexual misconduct allegations.Content warning: this episode does address sexual abuse.You can find Vaush’s work here.My article about Sam Harris. My interview with Professor Ben BurgisListen to other Rock Candy shows.2019-09-031h 17
Sacred TensionI Won't Leave Church Because I'm a SatanistFind the full transcript of this mini episode here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-08-2707 min
Sacred Tension#Metoo and Confronting Evangelical AbuseIn this episode of Sacred Tension, environmental scientist Melissa Wilson returns to the show to tell us a harrowing story of abuse at a small Christian college in Appalachia. Instead of assuming this incident is an anomaly, or a tempest in a teacup, it is best to see it as a microcosm of the abuse and crisis sweeping all of evangelical Christian culture. Melissa B. Wilson, A.L.M and M.S. is an active conservationist and environmentalist who happily lives in paradise (the U.S. Virgin Islands) working to create STEM career pathways and networks f...2019-08-211h 06
Sacred TensionCreative Wells and Getting BoredThe good news: my partner and I are buying a house this week, and soon I will have a brand new studio space. The bad news: I'm way behind on the show because of the move. Instead of a Sacred Tension episode, here is an interview I did with Matt Langston of Eventylife. We talk about creativity, love, coming of age as a queer person, and much more. We will be back to regular Sacred Tension episodes soon. Join the Sacred Tension community here.Find...2019-07-221h 13
Sacred TensionAmerican HereticsIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to Reverend Lori Walke: a badass lady preacher, public theologian, and social activist who is prominently featured in the new documentary American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel. We discuss her work as an activist fighting against encroaching theocracy in Oklahoma, her journey to becoming a heretical female pastor, and her work to provide sanctuary for our undocumented fellow human beings. American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel takes audiences into the buckle of Bible belt where a group of defiant Oklahomans are rising up to...2019-07-1558 min
Sacred TensionHouse of HereticsThis is an episode of my patrons-only podcast House of Heretics. If you like what you hear, please go support my work on Patreon, and you will help me grow this show and pay the bills. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-07-021h 00
Sacred TensionWhy Satan?In which I explain why Satanism works for me.Find the full transcript of this mini episode and comment on it here. Find other Rock Candy Podcasts here.Read my dozens of articles, comment on this episode, or contact me here.Love my work and want to support it? Please consider becoming a patron so I can continue to bring you interesting content every week. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list so you don’t miss another podcast, blog post, or cat picture.2019-06-2415 min
Sacred TensionOdin Meets JesusIn this episode of Sacred Tension, Kodiak joins us once again to explain his sudden and unexpected conversion from Odinism to Christianity. Find other Rock Candy Podcasts here.Read my dozens of articles, comment on this episode, or contact me here.Love my work and want to support it? Please consider becoming a patron so I can continue to bring you interesting content every week. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list so you don’t miss another podcast, blog post, or cat picture. This...2019-06-1849 min
Sacred TensionGiving Up on Calling Myself ChristianFind the full transcript of this mini episode here.Love my work and want to support it? Please consider becoming a patron so I can continue to bring you interesting content every week. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list so you don’t miss another podcast, blog post, or cat picture. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-06-1006 min
Sacred TensionPraise OdinIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to my longtime friend Kodiak about his journey into Odin worship. Along the way, we talk about the significance of ritual, blood sacrifice, and the rise of white nationalism in some pagan circles.Love my work and want to support it? Please consider becoming a patron so I can continue to bring you interesting content every week. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list so you don’t miss another podcast, blog post, or cat picture.Other Rock Candy Shows: Bible Bash, El...2019-06-0357 min
Sacred TensionDestroying the Right with Facts and LogicIn this episode of Sacred Tension I sit down with author and logic professor Ben Burgis to discuss his latest book, Give Them an Argument, and what figures on the right like Peterson, Harris, and Shapiro get wrong.Other Rock Candy Shows: Bible Bash, Eleventylife. Love my work and want to support it? Please consider becoming a patron so I can continue to bring you interesting content every week. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list so you don’t miss another podcast, blog post, or cat picture. ...2019-05-211h 07
Sacred TensionThe Satanic ReformationIn this episode of Sacred Tension, Jack Matirko joins me to talk atheism, nontheistic religion, and Satanism. We discuss the rise of the Satanic Temple, what his own personal Satanism looks like, why religion does not mean supernaturalism, and much more. Jack Matirko is a Satanist, activist, and creative professional in Arizona. As a member of The Satanic Temple, he tries to champion ideals of rational inquiry, personal sovereignty, separation of church and state, and individual freedom. Since 2012 he has co-hosted and produced podcasts including Left Hemispheres and his current show, Naked Diner. He is also th...2019-05-0652 min
Sacred TensionLeatherbound TerrorismChris Kratzer wants you to know that conservative evangelicalism is destroying the world. In this episode of Sacred Tension, he tells us why.Chris Kratzer is a husband, father, pastor, author, and speaker. Captured by the pure Gospel of God’s Grace, his focus is communicating the message of wholeness, equality, affirmation, and the beauty of Jesus particularly as it relates to life, culture, and church.As a pastor of 22 years, he enjoys being a husband, father of four children, writer, and spiritual encourager. Find his work here.I'd love to...2019-04-3053 min
Sacred TensionHail, Satan?The excellent film Hail, Satan? released to select theaters over the weekend (Easter weekend, no less) and to celebrate I had director Penny Lane come onto Sacred Tension to talk atheism, religion, and Satanism.Hail, Satan?is a marvel of a film: funny, provocative, beautifully shot, and unexpectedly moving. It chronicles the rise of The Satanic Temple (of which I am a member) and it was everything I hoped it would be. In this episode, Penny Lane talks about what led to her interest it the Satanic Temple and how the process of making the film cha...2019-04-2231 min
Sacred TensionFailed MissionaryIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to Corey Pigg, producer and host of the excellent Failed Missionary podcast. We discuss our post-Christian journeys, Buddhist spirituality, and his harrowing experience as a missionary in Youth With a Mission.Other Rock Candy Podcasts: EleventylifeLove my work and want to support it? Please consider becoming a patron so I can continue to bring you interesting content every week. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list so you don’t miss another podcast, blog post, or cat picture.stephe...2019-04-1545 min
Sacred TensionWhite Supremacy and the Christchurch ShootingIn this episode of Sacred Tension I talk to multi-faith activist Tahil Sharma about white supremacy, violence, and overcoming oppression. Tahil Sharma is a Southern California native born to a Hindu and Sikh Indian family. He is a nationally recognized leader promoting religious and secular pluralism, human rights, social justice. Tahil works as the Faith Outreach Manager for Brave New Films, an organization that champions social justice issues by using a model of media, education, and grassroots volunteer involvement that inspires, empowers, motivates and teaches civic participation. Tahil also serves as an Interfaith Minister in Residence f...2019-04-0859 min
Sacred TensionBlack, Trans, QueerJ Mase III is a Black/trans/queer poet & educator based in Seattle, by way of Philly. He is the author of “If I Should Die Under the Knife, Tell my Kidney I was the Fiercest Poet Around”, as well as “And Then I Got Fired: One Transqueer’s Reflections on Grief, Unemployment, and Inappropriate Jokes about Death”. As an educator, J Mase has worked with thousands of community members in the US, the UK, and Canada on the needs of LGBTQIA youth and adults in spaces such as K-12 schools, universities, faith communities, and restricted care facili...2019-03-2649 min
Sacred TensionDismantling Supremacy CultureIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, PhD about the process of dismantling toxic power within our culture. We talk about my gradual journey of understanding what, exactly, racism and sexism are, and the process of overcoming them. Robyn ultimately advocates for radical courage and imagination, and I found this conversation deeply moving.Knowing intimately that the borderlands are a place of learning and growth, Dr. Robyn draws on their identity and heritage as a queer Latinx in everything that they do. From doubt to divine and everywhere in between, their call...2019-03-1255 min
Sacred TensionFrazzleDrip, Satanists, and Other Moral PanicsThe history of the United States is dotted by moral panics: delusional mass hysterias over complete fictions like the Illuminati, 9/11 trutherism, Stranger Danger, and Pedophilic Satanists. Now, in a climate in which the fertile jungle of the internet seems to produce new conspiracy theories by the day, we need to understand the importance of moral panics, how they warp minds, and destroy lives.Joining me today is Chelsea Webber-Smith, producer of the excellent podcast American Hysteria. In this conversation we explore the causes of moral panic, the current moral panics in our culture, what led Chelsea...2019-03-0556 min
Sacred TensionThe Theology of Heaven's GateIn March of 1997, Heaven’s Gate committed ritual suicide to the astonishment and horror of the world. Over 20 years later, we are still piecing together the mystery of this fringe UFO religion: who were they, what did they believe, and why did they end so horribly? Joining me for today’s Sacred Tension podcast is Benjamin Zeller, widely considered the leading authority on Heaven’s Gate.Zeller walks us through why he calls Heaven’s Gate a religion and not a cult, the theology of Heaven’s Gate and how it is, at its most basic level, Chr...2019-02-1956 min
Sacred TensionA Theist and a Nontheist Have a ConversationOur culture is rife with unproductive conversations about God and religion. Donald and I attempt to rectify this by sitting down and talking about our belief and unbelief in God. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-02-1258 min
Sacred TensionWhen Maggie Met MollyDespite the social taboo against certain psychedelic and psychoactive drugs, the medical world is now experimenting on previously forbidden drugs with promising results. In this episode of Sacred Tension, I speak with Maggie Eli about her clinical trial on MDMA, AKA Molly or Ecstasy. We talk about PTSD, living with mental illness, religious trauma, Christianity, and how MDMA helped her heal from debilitating mental illness.If you love my work and want to support it, please go to my Patreon page and pledge a monthly amount for some exclusive perks. You can also f...2019-02-0450 min
Sacred TensionOn Not Believing in God but Experiencing Him Anywayhttps://stephenbradfordlong.com/2019/01/24/on-not-believing-in-god-but-experiencing-him-anyway/#more-5805 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-02-0105 min
Sacred TensionWhy I Still Call Myself a ChristianFind the full transcript of this mini episode here: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/2019/01/17/why-i-still-call-myself-a-christian/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-01-2503 min
Sacred TensionDemon PossessionIn this episode, Joseph Laycock joins us again to discuss demon possession. What is it? why do humans experience it? What does the experience of demon possession say about religion and human nature in general? Joseph and I discuss these issues and more.Love this show and want to support it? Please support my work at Patreon.com/stephenbradfordlongOther Rock Candy podcasts: EleventyLife This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.c...2019-01-2253 min
Sacred TensionMini Episode: A Few Questions You Might Have About SatanismFind the link to this blog post here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-01-1817 min
Sacred TensionGod and Gay SexIn this episode of Sacred Tension, Donald and I sit down to answer questions from patrons of the show. We talk about why I went into yoga, what parts of my faith remain intact after going through deconstruction, how straight allies can better serve the LGBT community, what we wish someone had told us about gay sex, and much more.You can become a patron of Sacred Tension by going to patreon.com/stephenbradfordlong, and for $5 a month you will get a separate, patrons-only podcast.Other Rock Candy Shows: EleventyLife ...2019-01-151h 09
Sacred TensionMini Episode: This is What I Mean When I Say I Don't Believe In GodFind the full transcript to this mini episode here: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/2019/01/03/this-is-what-i-mean-when-i-say-i-dont-believe-in-god/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2019-01-1009 min
Sacred TensionGamification and the SingularityIn this episode, I talk to Douglas Lain about his latest novel Bash Bash Revolution: a young adult novel that explores Marxism, revolution, artificial intelligence, and the gamification of human society. We discuss utopia, mental health, the consequences of digitization and gamification on the mind and spirituality, and much more.Douglas Lain is the publisher of Zero Books, a novelist, a podcaster, and most recently a youtuber.Lain’s previous novel After the Saucers Landed was nominated for the Philip K Dick Award. Douglas Lain is also the host of the Zero Books podcast. His...2019-01-0856 min
Sacred TensionEvangelicalism's BetrayalIn this episode I talk to film-maker Christopher Maloney about his latest documentary, In God We Trump, which explores the confounding relationship between Trump and the evangelical world.Evangelicals — one of the largest voting blocks in the United States — are wedded to Trump, and are largely responsible for getting him into office. Despite their supposed commitment to sexual morality, family values, humility, and truth-telling, they have gotten into bed with one of the most dishonest, immoral, and arrogant con-men the presidency has ever seen.Christopher’s documentary attempts to understand this betrayal — how can a gr...2018-12-1854 min
Sacred Tension(Repost) Cults and New Religious MovementsThis holiday season has been crazy, so I am reposting this fascinating conversation with cult expert Joseph Laycock about New Religious Movements. We will be back on schedule with new shows next week. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-12-1158 min
Sacred TensionFace the Music and Dance: Responding to Climate ChangeEarlier this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change dropped a horrifying ultimatum on the world: we have a mere 12 years to to mobilize a World War II level effort to change the effects of climate change to avoid a cataclysmic future.Like many people, I try to be a conscientious and informed citizen. I try to stay abreast of all that is happening in the world, and I try to effect change in my own small way. But this IPCC report completely paralyzed me with terror. How do we even begin to effect change in...2018-12-041h 04
Sacred TensionInside the Catholic Sex Abuse ScandalI'm joined by former priest David Yocis to discuss the Catholic sex abuse scandal and the recent Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report. Find the Grand Jury Report here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/apps/g/page/local/report-on-pennsylvania-church-sex-abuse/2319/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-11-191h 06
Sacred TensionWhat is Marxism? Feat. Rob LarsonIn this episode of Sacred Tension I sit down with socialist professor and author Rob Larson to give some basic definitions for oft-misrepresented terms, primarily Marxism and Socialism. We also discuss the existential threat of capitalism as it relates to climate change, why figures like Jordan Peterson are so popular, and much more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-11-121h 13
Sacred Tension(Repost) Christian Movies Suck, feat. Say Goodnight Kevin(Repost) I talk to YouTuber Say Goodnight Kevin about why Christian movies are so horrible. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-11-0558 min
Sacred TensionAfter School Satan, feat. Chalice Blythe of The Satanic TempleLogic, science, and reason are coming for your children. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-10-3046 min
Sacred TensionTheology and Social Justice Pt. 2Danielle and I conclude our conversation on social justice and the gospel. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-10-231h 32
Sacred TensionTheology and Social Justice Pt. 1Danielle and I sit down to discuss the recent statement on social justice and the gospel from various evangelical leaders. In the process, we talk about priviledge, race, science, and much more. For more resources on this subject: Minoirty Korner PodcastThe New Jim Crow White RageContraPoints This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-10-151h 27
Sacred TensionOut of Evangelicalism, feat. Blake ChastainIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to Exvangelical Podcast host Blake Chastain about recovering from evangelicalism, the importance of ritual, the harms of purity culture, and much more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-10-0853 min
Sacred TensionGetting Naked With the Naked PastorDavid Hayward, AKA the Naked Pastor, is a retired minister who now helps guide people through the challenges of theological deconstruction. He leads the Lasting Supper online community, and is the cartoonist behind the Naked Pastor comics. In this conversation we discuss his journey out of traditional Christianity, his deconstruction, and the road to healthy spirituality.Love my show and want to support it? Please take a moment to give this show five stars on itunes. You can also financially support my work at www.patreon.com/stephenbradfordlong, where you will receive a se...2018-10-0248 min
Sacred TensionResponding to Revoice, Pt. 4: Homosexuality and ShameTimothy and I conclude our 4-part response to the Revoice conference with our reaction to Wesley Hill's talk. We discuss shame, homosexuality, the supposed immutability of God's law, and why God's law is wrong anyway. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-09-2556 min
Sacred TensionResponding to Revoice, Pt. 3: Homosexuality and Freedom in ChristTimothy and I continue our response to the Revoice conference. In this episode, we respond to a testimony by Becca, who says that, while she is still attracted to women, she has found freedom in Christ, and that the gay "lifestyle" will ultimate disappoint. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-09-1845 min
Sacred TensionResponding to Revoice, P1. 2: Homosexuality and LamentTimothy and I continue our response to the Revoice conference, and in this episode we respond to talks by Nate Collins and Ray Low on the topic of homosexuality and lament. We explore where we agree and disagree, and while we affirm the grief expressed in these talks over the mistreatment of LGBT people, we worry about the consequences of the theology Revoice espouses.Love my work and want to support it? Please go to www.patreon.com/stephenbradfordlong to financially support my work, and you will get a seperate, patrons only podcast every week. I c...2018-09-1057 min
Sacred TensionResponding to Revoice, Pt. 1: Homosexuality and FriendshipIn this episode of Sacred Tension, Timothy Wilds and I sit down to discuss the recent Revoice Conference. Revoice is a conference for LGBT people who affirm the traditional ethic on homosexuality. Timothy and I unpack the first keynote address, parsing out what we think is positive and negative. Love this show and want to support it? Go it www.patreon.com/stephenbradfordlong and for five dollars a month you will get a seperate, patrons-only weekly podcast. Reach out to me on twitter @stephenblong and at www.sbradfordlong.com 2018-09-031h 14
Sacred TensionPastors Gone Wild, Pt. 2Donald and I continue our mad tour of delusional, abusive, and paranoid pastors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-08-2955 min
Sacred TensionPastors Gone Wild, Pt. 1I'm joined by Pentecostal minister Donald Guffey to go throughg a rundown of misbehaving pastors. In the process we discuss the nature of their corruption, whether they actually believe what they preach, and why the Evangelical church is drawn to charlatans. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-08-2040 min
Sacred TensionHonest Religion, feat. Steve DaughertyIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to pastor, author, and artist Steve Daugherty. We talk about honesty within faith, living in the spectrum between belief and agnosticism, his journey out of fundamentalism, and much more. Find Steve Daugherty's work here: http://www.stevedaugherty.netCheck out Eleventylife here: http://eleventylife.libsyn.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-08-1355 min
Sacred TensionRenegade Christianity, feat. Jay BakkerIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to Jay Bakker, pastor of Revolution Church, an LGBT ally, and son of the notorious televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. We discuss what it was like growing up in the Bakker family, why he came out in support of LGBT people, his agnostic christianity, his struggles with alcoholism and depression, and much more.Enjoy this show? Please go support my work at www.patreon.com/stephenbradfordlong This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...2018-08-0647 min
Sacred TensionSurviving Ex-gay Therapy, feat. Peterson ToscanoIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I sit down with quaker, actor, activist and Biblical scholar Peterson Toscano to discuss his time in the ex-gay movement. Peterson discusses what he went through in the Love in Action program, and his long, hard road of recovery.You can find Peterson’s work at https://petersontoscano.com. Please go support his work and follow him on social media.Love my work and want to support it? Please share this episode with your friends and family, and take a moment to give this podcast 5 stars on iTu...2018-07-301h 01
Sacred TensionDeconstructing With Tarot, feat. Caleb RoweIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I'm joined by podcaster Caleb Rowe for a demonstration of the life-changing power of Tarot. Through the reading we cover many topics, including: millenial anxiety, deconstructing Christian faith, the struggles of being an LGBT minority, developing our own rites and systems, and much more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-07-231h 16
Sacred TensionGreg The Satanist Answers Your QuestionsCan you be religious and an atheist? Can you disbelieve in spirits while also defending your religious freedom? We live in a culture that has hard boundaries between these territories, and they are enforced by all sides, atheists and religious alike. The assumption that religion = theism is deeply imbedded in our culture, but it might be blocking progress to a more rational, reasonable, and humane religion.Greg Stevens of the Satanic Temple joins me to discuss non-theistic religion, the activism of The Satanic Temple, the importance of religion for atheists, and to answer questions from my...2018-07-1052 min
Sacred TensionCatching the Faith SuperbugIn this Episode of Sacred Tension, Danielle and I chat about what would make us lose faith in Christianity, what still scars us from our evangelical pasts, our favorite Catholic saints, why we eventually came to affirm gay relationships, and much more.Love this episode and want to support it? Please take a few seconds to give this podcast 5 stars on itunes.Patreon: patreon.com/stephenbradfordlongTwitter: @stephenblongRead my dozens or article at sbradfordlong.com This is a public episode. If you'd like...2018-07-0250 min
Sacred TensionOut of the Closet, Pt. 3: TheosisMatt and I wrap up our conversation with Timothy by discussing, among many other things, Theosis: the spiritual concept that ultimately led Timothy out of the closet. Theosis is the belief that God is working to unite all things to Himself, and what this taught Timothy about his own sexual orientation is profound. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-06-251h 02
Sacred TensionOut Of the Closet, Pt. 2: Theological MetamorphosisMatt and I continue our conversation with Timothy, unpacking his journey of coming out. Timothy discusses the gradual theological transformation that led to his liberation and fundamental shift of worldview. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-06-181h 00
Sacred TensionOut Of the Closet, Pt. 1: The Gay Evangelical GhettoIn this episode of Sacred Tension, Matt and I are honored to share our conversation with Timothy, an old friend in the process of coming out of the closet. He shares what life was like as a conservative Christian, the importance of authenticity, the health consequences of the closet, the Gay evangelical ghetto, and much more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-06-111h 04
Sacred TensionCults and New Religious Movements, feat. Joseph LaycockIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I have a fascinating conversation with cult expert Joseph Laycock. He answers questions from me and my audience about new religious movements, and sheds enormous clarity on our culture in the process. We talk about why we differentiate between cults and religions, the history of the cult wars, new religions that have emerged in the past five years, whether or not cult brain washing is real, whether cults are an American phenomenon, and much more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or...2018-06-0558 min
Sacred TensionExploring Satanism, Pt. 2: Carnal ReligionIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I continue my conversation with Satanic Temple spokesperson Greg Stevens about the core seven tenets of the Satanic Temple. Along the way, we talk about freedom of speech, bodily autonomy, the significance of how we treat our neighbor, the importance of science in shaping belief, and much more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-05-2845 min
Sacred TensionExploring Satanism, Pt. 1: Satan the OutsiderIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to Greg Stevens, a leader and spokesman of the Satanic Temple. In part one of this interview we discuss nontheistic religion, worship, atheism, the 7th tenent of the Satanic Temple, and much more. You can find Greg at Gregstevens.com. You can find the Satanic Temple at thesatanictemple.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-05-2132 min
Sacred TensionChristian Movies Suck, feat. Say Goodnight KevinIn this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to the hilarious and insightful youtuber Kevin McCreary of Say Goodnight Kevin fame. We discuss his childhood as a Christian homeschooler, his firing from Focus on the Family, and why Christian movies are so gag-inducingly terrible. Kevin makes a living critiquing terrible Christian movies on youtube. Find his channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/saygoodnightkevin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-05-1458 min
Sacred TensionGender Apocalypse: The Danvers Statement, Pt. 2Donald, Danielle and I continue our breakdown of the Danvers Statement. In the process we discuss women in leadership, privilege, the American Evangelical persecution complex, and much more.Love this show and want to support it? Please take the time to write a kind review of this podcast on itunes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2018-04-3048 min
Sacred TensionGender Apocalypse: The Danvers Statement, Pt. 1In this episode of Sacred Tension, Danielle, Donald, and I discuss the Danvers Statement. The Danvers Statement is a statement from the Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood on gender roles in the church, home, and culture. Danielle leads the charge with a complete breakdown on why the statement falls apart at the seams.While the Danvers Statement seems dusty, arcane, and out of touch, it is still important. It still shapes the way many people understand family, gender, and culture. Underlying the Danvers Statement is an infallible reading of scripture which, like a house of c...2018-04-2349 min
Sacred TensionRight Wing ConspiraciesDo gay people cause straight men to commit adultery? Is cannabalism rampent in Hollywood? Do drag queens have their way with your children? In this episode, Stephen and guest cohost Danielle explore the terrifying world of right wing conspiracies, and why they should alarm us. All articles and audio clips featured used with the permission of People For the American Way. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2017-11-131h 09
Sacred TensionDeconstructionIn this episode of the Sacred Tension podcast, my good friend Justin and I have a long, raw, late-night conversation about our tumultuous religious upbringing in fundamentalist pentecostal and charismatic homes, our spiritual experiences, and the deconstruction of our faiths. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredtension.substack.com/subscribe2017-09-041h 13