Conversations about the religious and spiritual life on the other side of fundamentalism
 
Category: <span>Family, Relationships and Faith</span>

378: When the Church isn’t Enough: Tali Aitofi

Some years ago, Tali Aitofi found Mormon podcasts and became hooked.  But Tali isn’t Mormon, he’s Pentecostal.  Yet, his own spiritual and religious journey has played out with the hum of Mormon faith crises in the background.

Tali recently came out as gay; he left his family church, and is currently suffering from a life threatening illness.  All of this has caused deep and searching questions.  

Tali joins me to talk about his life journey and how the Netflix series Midnight Mass spoke to his larger questions about church, God, Jesus, shame and forgiveness.

Bright Spark: The Reconciliation of Artist Trevor Southey: Director, Nathan Florence

Painter and documentary film maker Nathan Florence joins me to discuss ‘Bright Spark: The Reconciliation of Trevor Southey’ For eleven years, artist  Nathan Florence documented Trevor Southey’s life with his heart and with his lens in …

375: Let’s Cancel Christmas! Nicola Petty

If you love Christmas, then this episode isn’t for you. 

Credit: Kevin Dooley @flickr

But, if you or someone you know doesn’t approach Christmas with merriment and cheer, then this conversation between me and my good friend Nicola Petty might be worth listening to.

Both of us are avowed Grinches. As a concession to those who have to put up with our annual disagreeableness, we try to identify our points of dislike for Xmas. 

We tackle the question, ‘Can Christmas be redeemed?’

373: The LDS Church’s Response to Sexual Abuse: Neville Rochow QC

Child sexual abuse in the church is pernicious and confounding. Why anyone purporting to be Christian would sexually abuse a child is beyond the imagination of many. Yet it happens, and far too often to …

372:The Spiritual Formation of Children: Amanda Suarez and Drew Hansen

Author of the Spiritual Child, Professor of Psychology Lisa Miller writes in ‘The Spiritual Child’: “Spiritual development through the early years … provides a protective health benefit, reducing the risk of depression, substance abuse, aggression, …

366: Breaking Up Well: Dr. Nicola Petty

When I began questioning the LDS Church, I did not expect the Stake Relief Society president to join me. 

Nicola Petty went from orthodox and loyal member guided by the priesthood to a Stake Relief Society President who had been woken up by the Ordain Women movement. It was in this capacity that I watched her press priesthood button after priesthood button advocating intelligently and determinedly for the women in our stake. 

When the church was no longer reconcilable, rather than spit the church out, Nicola planned her exit well, and took up the challenge to build a new life. Nicola’s story is a story of integrity, integration, and extraordinary grace for a church she once loved deeply but no longer sees as essential to her human becoming.   

Photo Credit: Shellie Evans

Link to Dr Nick’s Maths and Stats Youtube Channel

365: Sealed: A Memoir by Katie Langston

Born and raised a devout Mormon in Utah, Katie Langston chronicles her unexpected conversion to orthodox Christianity with candor and theological depth. Her remarkable debut memoir explores themes of religious fundamentalism, mental illness, and family …

360: Perfoming Art with Bread: Andi Pticher Davis

As a performance artist, Andi has been feeding her culture with bread for many years.  She bakes, graffitis and gifts her bread warm to those in need. Artistically weaving mountains, fire, lament, and bread comes …

359: When a Woman’s Professional Expertise Becomes a Question of LDS Apostasy: Natasha Helfer

Natasha Helfer (LCMFT, CST, CSTS )is a licensed clinician and mental health professional who has been summoned to a LDS Church trial for her public stance on sexual health. Taking offence at the idea that …

358: The Spiritual Advice Line With Katie Langston: March 2021

This month, our discussion comes from listeners’ questions about; white supremacy, intra-faith marriage, community belonging, spirituality and the true church! (photo credit: Shital Kandar ‘Spirituality’ @Flickr)