About a year ago I got a message from Christian, who asked if I’d be interested in being interviewed for their podcast, Drunk Ex-Pastors. Well, that name alone…!. We exchanged messages over several months…
“We have a lot of listeners who are struggling as they come out of religion. My co-host is Catholic but we both lost a lot leaving evangelicalism behind. I eventually left Christianity behind completely. I think our listeners will appreciate hearing your story simply because I know many of them are facing losing a lot or have lost a lot. Many of our listeners are still Christians but hold their beliefs less dogmatically than they previously did. I’m agnostic but relate to atheism more than theism, and my co-host, Jason, while largely agnostic, leans towards theism. It’s possible you’ll get some pushback from him. He states often that he thinks atheists are just like fundamentalists. Just to prepare you. Also, we both grew up listening to Undercover!”
We finally sat down to chat just after New Years, and it was clear right out of the gate that these guys knew their stuff, had struggled like so many of us do, and as a result knew just where the fulcrum questions were regarding faith, faith and the arts (“Are the people you know in Christian music sincere, or…”), and the dynamics of deconstructing. They were gracious hosts and I consider them both new friends. I hope you’ll give it a listen and perhaps a share, and if you enjoy it, check out some of their other episodes.
Listened to this today. When I was in Christianity you were one of my favorites that probably kept me in the fold. LOL. I have deconstructed from it after years in ministry etc etc. Very similar path as yours. I am glad to say you are still one of my favorite people. Do you have other music out there besides the Christian flavors? Would love to know. Thanks for being you Joe. Appreciate you.
Ernie