Best Dillon Naber Cruz Podcasts (2025)

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121: Catherine Cowell: Finding God's Feminine Side 1:09:08

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13h ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Catherine experienced her faith journey in small, incremental shifts. Questioning beliefs can lead to deeper understanding and growth. Maturity in faith involves embracing uncertainty and mystery. The divine can be understood through both masculine and feminine imagery. Catherine's experiences with church communities shaped her views on faith. The …

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#046: Oligarchs, Kleptocrats, and Billionaire Bozos 1:02:54

6d ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Tune In for your weekly dose of Faith, Sanity, and Politics with Dillon & Desimber as we tackle another week in News, Religion, and a Nation under the rule of Oligarchs, Kleptocrats, & Billionaire Bozos. The silver lining is at least we can speak freely about it... for now, let's see how our Democracy and First Amendment Rights are holding up live …

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120: Lauren Cibene: Navigating Faith, Trauma, and Healing in India 59:16

8d ago59:16

59:16

takeaways Lauren's required reading is 'Life of Pi' for its depth. 'Grapes of Wrath' illustrates systemic evil in society. Growing up in a fundamentalist bubble shaped her faith. Trauma led to a painful deconstruction of her beliefs. Emotional prosperity gospel can distort faith expectations. Therapy was a crucial step in her healing process. Trave…

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Bruce Epperly: What Would Jesus (not Trump) Do? Part 2 1:11:34

11d ago1:11:34

1:11:34

As Bruce Epperly regularly writes to the Speaker Mike Johnson , "Please consider what Jesus, not Trump, would do." Using this petition as a starting point, we talk with Epperly, who is a theologian, spiritual guide, pastor, professor, and prolific author, about Christianity and US politics today. Listen as he explains how conservative efforts to ho…

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#045: "When the Saints Go Flying In" with Special Guest Joseph Yoo 1:12:38

13d ago1:12:38

1:12:38

The God Squad is joined by Special Guest Theologian, Social Media Influencer, and TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUPPORTER, Joseph Yoo, Priest & Vicar of Mosaic Episcopal Church of Houston, TX. We'll be discussing his unique approach to the Gospel, how he uses social media to spread the radical message of God's unconditional love, and his book, "When the Saints…

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119: Michael Gungor: Holy Integration: Music, the Sacred, and the Self 1:11:12

15d ago1:11:12

1:11:12

takeaways Bach's music exemplifies a pure expression of creativity. Creativity flows from a dance between internal and external influences. Individuality is a unique expression of the universal flow. Consciousness transcends the boundaries of ego and identity. The sacred can be found in everyday moments and experiences. Rituals can help us recogniz…

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Bruce Epperly: What Would Jesus (not Trump) Do? PART 1 43:49

16d ago43:49

43:49

As Bruce Epperly regularly writes to the Speaker Mike Johnson , "Please consider what Jesus, not Trump, would do." Using this petition as a starting point, we talk with Epperly, who is a theologian, spiritual guide, pastor, professor, and prolific author, about Christianity and US politics today. Listen as he explains how conservative efforts to ho…

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#044: "Heretic" with Special Guest Catherine Nixey 1:04:10

20d ago1:04:10

1:04:10

The God Squad is joined by Special Guest Author & Journalist Catherine Nixey! They dive into her latest book "Heretic: The Many Lives and Deaths of Jesus Christ" which leaps from century to century across continents and eras into little known images and iterations of Christ long forgotten and even deliberately buried to prop up and promote the West…

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118: Andy Root: Evangelism in an Age of Despair 55:38

22d ago55:38

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takeaways Andrew Root feels most comfortable surrounded by his books. The connection between humans and dogs is mystical and profound. Andrew's childhood experiences with grief shaped his faith. Lutheranism has a unique cultural context in the Midwest. Evangelism should focus on consolation rather than mere conversion. The church's role is to walk …

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Jay Bakker: Fight Better with Each Other (it's the Christian thing to do) 57:20

25d ago57:20

57:20

Bakker is back, and he wants you to argue better! "Can't we all get along?" sounds like one of the most naive questions in the world, but in truth, it's one of the most Christlike things we can do. Our guest Jay Bakker, punk-rock pastor, author, and independent scholar, has long been a champion of arguing well, giving others grace, and also calling…

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#043: The Weaponization of Judaism against Women, Immigrants, and Democracy with Rabbi Seth Goldstein 1:11:42

27d ago1:11:42

1:11:42

Rabbi Seth Goldstein of Temple Beth Hatfiloh in Olympia, WA will be joining The God Squad This Thursday for an in-depth discussion on The Weaponization of Judaism against Women, Immigrants, and Democracy. Christian Nationalists in the government have created a false equivalency between speaking out against the genocide of Palestinians and Anti-Semi…

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117: Nolan Rundel: The Art of Meaning: Blending Love, Logic, and Liminal Spaces 37:13

29d ago37:13

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Take Aways Life experiences broaden your understanding of meaning. Family significantly impacts one's perspective on life. Cultural and community influences shape personal values. Art and beauty provide a deeper understanding of existence. Navigating societal expectations can be challenging. Authenticity is crucial in personal and professional spac…

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Dr Mark Karris: Healing Religious Trauma and Rediscovering Yourself 43:08

1M ago43:08

43:08

There is a growing awareness of the impact that religious trauma—damaging things we’ve been told, that have been done to us, and that we’ve believed in negative religious environments—can have a lasting affects on our self-esteem, our relationships, and can even get down into our very nervous systems. This is a heartfelt conversation with Dr Mark K…

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#042: The First 100 Days of the Trump Regime 1:02:00

1M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

We're 100 Days Into the Trump Regime, are we there yet?! The Squad is back this week with Dillon & Desimber trying to make sense of the world through faith, politics, and a side of sanity. Tune In to hear us break it down the twilight zone marathon that is the United States and tackle the rise of Christian Nationalism in US Politics.…

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116: Keith Giles: Reading Romans Right, an Unfundamentalist View 1:01:46

1M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Keith Giles has written extensively on biblical topics, including the Book of Romans. The collaborative project with Matthew de Stefano was born out of a shared concern about the misinterpretation of Romans. Romans is often misused to justify negative ideologies, which the authors aim to correct. Understanding the structure of Paul's arguments is c…

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Starlette Thomas: The Apocalypse of White Body Supremacy 53:31

1M ago53:31

53:31

On March 10, a demolition crew tore up the pavement of Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington DC, and Reverend Starlette Thomas was there to bear witness. With this moment of government-ordered erasure as our starting point, we talk with Thomas about the protest and community that happened on that very ground after the killing of George Floyd in 20…

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#041: Deconstruction and Biblical Misconceptions with Professor Scott Baker 1:10:54

1M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

We welcome Special Guest Professor Scott Baker, as we dive into common biblical misconceptions, how we counter them, what atonement means from the Episcopalian perspective and how that factors into deconstruction. Of course we gotta touch the hot topics in the news and this weeks' round of politics under the oligarchy. Tune In!…

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115: Kevin Sweeney: A Cosmic Christ Meets a Concrete Jesus 1:06:10

1M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Show Outline: Podcast Reflections & Growth Tom’s journey from uncertainty to confidence in hosting. Lessons from awkward interviews and maintaining consistency. Peter Rollins & Parables Kevin’s college story using Rollins’ parable of the mystic, evangelical, and fundamentalist. The role of mysticism in challenging dogma. Kevin’s New Book: Cosmic Ch…

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Melanie Hood-Wilson: They're saying the quiet part out loud about DEI 47:33

2M ago47:33

47:33

What’s so crazy about diversity, equity, and inclusion? We are so glad to welcome back Melanie Hood-Wilson, DEI consultant and educator, to talk about her work and mission in the midst of the current administration’s attacks on programs it calls “Radical and Wasteful.” Melanie is incisive, bold, and clearly lays out the issues we’re facing as Ameri…

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#040: Doing the Hard Work of Justice with Dr. Angela Parker and Dr. Chris Davies 56:34

2M ago56:34

56:34

The Squad is Back with a Fabulous Guest Host, none other than THE Rev. Dr. Angela Parker, also known as "The Boozy Bible Scholar", and we are ecstatic to welcome Special Guest, Rev. Dr. Chris S. Davies, a Celtic Spiritualist, Christ-Following, Queer Femme, Beekeeping Liturgist (YES, She's ALL THAT!) AND the Executive Minister of the Southern New En…

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114: Bruce Epperly: Progressive Christianity Can Save Us 1:10:54

2M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

takeaways Howard Thurman is a significant figure for understanding hope in difficult times. The current political climate creates a crisis of hope for many. Progressive Christianity can serve as a counterforce to conservative ideologies. Empathy is essential for ethical behavior and morality. There is a divide in Christianity that reflects differin…

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Tamice Spencer-Helms: Experiencing an Unleavened Faith 1:02:23

2M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Tamice Spencer-Helms (they/she) riffs on wisdom. They take us on a vast, universe-spanning theological journey that is rooted in our bodies, our ancestry, and our feet right here on the ground. In the church and in our culture in America, there is something hidden and pervasive, Tamice says, and it will continue to eat at us until we find it, name …

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#039: White Christian Nationalism with Angela Denker 1:05:53

2M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

We are back with a Special Guest! Author, Pastor, and Journalist Angela Denker joins us tonight to discuss her book "Disciples of White Jesus", The Radicalization of American Boyhood. Everywhere you look from social media to the White House, it is clear that there has been a measurable shift toward White Christian Nationalism that is disproportiona…

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113: Dillon Naber Cruz: Untangling Faith, Fundamentalism, and Nationalism 1:05:24

2M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

takeaways Dillon discusses the cultural diversity in Lancaster County, highlighting the coexistence of Amish and Christian nationalists. He emphasizes the importance of love and neighborly kindness in his theological approach. Dillon's writing project critiques Christian nationalism through the lens of Jesus and Paul's teachings. He expresses a des…

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Kevin Sweeney: Where Cosmic Christ meets The Concrete Jesus 54:31

2M ago54:31

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For Kevin Sweeney (author, speaker, spiritual director), Christian faith is all about experiencing God, not in having abstract beliefs about God. And the experiences that have kept him a Christian, even after his first dogmatic teachings about the Bible fell by the wayside, have been at the intersection of the great, transcendent, mystical Cosmic C…

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#038: The Trump Tariff Tumble and Reading Romans Right with Keith Giles and Matthew J. Distefano 1:02:35

2M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

The Trump Tariff Tumble is in full effect, and the global markets are reeling with uncertainty. But one thing you can count on is Dillon & Desimber hitting you with your weekly dose of Faith, Sanity, and Politics! Keith Giles and Matthew Distefano, authors of "Reading Romans Right," will be joining us tonight for a theological dive into the Book of…

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112: Amanda Tyler: How to End Christian Nationalism 53:43

2M ago53:43

53:43

Key Takeaways Christian Nationalism Defined: A political ideology merging American and Christian identities, often excluding non-Christians and enforcing conservative, white supremacist norms. Historical Roots: Christian nationalism is intertwined with the doctrine of discovery, slavery, and segregation, using faith to justify oppression. Power Ove…

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Dillon Naber Cruz: Speaking truth to "F@$%wittery" for the Kingdom of God 58:27

2M ago58:27

58:27

“The Tattooed Theologian” has something to say about all of it: racism, LGBTQIA bigotry, ecology, capitalism, fundamentalism, Christian nationalism, “F*CKWITTERY” & the questions — and revelations — that drive his work. This week’s conversation with public theologian Dillon Naber Cruz covers the gamut of his musings about theology through the lens …

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#037: Lies, Lies, and More Lies from the Trump Regime 1:07:20

2M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Lies, Lies, and MORE Lies from the Trump Regime this week... Upsets in Ruby Red District Special Elections... and plenty of Fundamental F*ckwittery to go around... let's talk about it!By Desimber Rose, Dillon Naber Cruz

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111: Aaron Niequist: Faith, Liturgy, and Navigating Disillusionment 1:06:09

2M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

Key Takeaways From Beliefs to Practice: Aaron advocates for shifting from a beliefs-based faith to a practice-based spirituality, where doing (e.g., forgiveness, liturgy, service) shapes belief more than intellectual assent. Ecumenical Future: The future of faith communities lies in crossing denominational silos, integrating traditions (e.g., evang…

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Matthew Distefano & Keith Giles: Reading Romans Right 48:44

2M ago48:44

48:44

The authors, Matthew Distefano and Keith Giles, are both accomplished writers and teachers in their own right, as well as being the hosts of the popular Heretic Happy Hour podcast. They are also the co-publishers at Quoir Publishing, an author-focused publishing company that publishes work about life, the universe, and everything. They are also the…

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#036: Dismantling the Country One Executive Order at a Time 1:09:44

3M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

Ya'll know what time it is... let's get into the latest news and fundamental foolery all around the United States in the age of Donald Trump -- whether it's the Administration's purge of the Department of Education, Erasure of Historical Contributions of People of Color, or the violation of due process and civil rights. Tune in for your weekly dose…

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110: Preston Sharpe: Liturgical Rhythms, Resurrection Hope 1:05:17

3M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

🔑 Key Topics Covered: From Charismatic to Anglican: Preston’s journey from a Tulsa megachurch upbringing to embracing sacramental, liturgical traditions. Why Easter Matters for 50 Days: Rediscovering resurrection as a way of life—not just a doctrine—and its implications for justice, forgiveness, and hope. Liturgical Living: How ancient rhythms (lik…

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Dina Nina Martinez: Can't erase us--Trans people are here & getting stronger 48:44

3M ago48:44

48:44

In the USA right now, every day brings another attack on transgender identities, lives, and existence. We were eager to check in with Dina Nina Martinez--public servant, activist, comedian, queer minster, and so much more--to understand the current crisis from her point of view. Moreso, we wanted to know where she is turning for hope, community, an…

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#035: Tariffs, Taxes, and Trump, Oh My! Featuring Dr. Angela Parker 1:22:33

3M ago1:22:33

1:22:33

Will we survive another round of Tariffs, Taxes, and Trump? If we gather at the table of The God Squad it's highly likely we'll get through it with a weekly dose of faith, sanity, and politics. Let's call out the clowns and shine a little light in the darkness of daily news. Featuring Dr. Angela Parker!…

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109: Chad Bahl: God is Not Supernatural? 1:06:37

3M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

🔑 Key Topics Covered: Why Supernaturalism Fails: Unpacking the medieval roots of supernaturalism and its incompatibility with modern questions of suffering (theodicy) and free will. Process Theology 101: Discover how thinkers like Alfred North Whitehead, David Ray Griffin, and Thomas J. Ord redefine God as a relational, persuasive force within—not …

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Faith Under Fire? The Truth About Christianity in America Today 54:59

3M ago54:59

54:59

Has the US become a bad place to be a Christian? In a recent NY Times feature, writer Aaron Renn, who has been called the "Malcolm Gladwell of Conservative Christianity," claims that America has shifted into a "negative world" where Christianity is a social liability. In this episode, Mark and Kelly wrestle with this idea that Christianity is losin…

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#034: Oval Office Ambush, Gutting the Government, and a Trump-Sized Economic Crash 1:19:14

3M ago1:19:14

1:19:14

In this week's episode of The God Squad we're hanging on to our sanity together as we look back over another week of Disgraceful Leadership by The Trump Administration, the Oval Office Ambush of President Zelensky, Gutting of Government Administrations, and a Chaotic Stock Market following unprovoked Tariffs. And it wouldn't be The God Squad withou…

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108: Jacci Turner: How to Survive this Presidency 52:51

3M ago52:51

52:51

takeaways Grounding in spiritual practices is essential during chaotic times. Community support can provide strength and resilience. Limiting social media exposure can help maintain mental health. Deconstruction can be a transformative process, akin to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Creativity can serve as a pathway to hope and healing. Intent…

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Jon Turney: When grace is too big for the church to hold (PART 2) 50:59

3M ago50:59

50:59

(Part 2 of 2) Sometimes faith just doesn’t fit within the church walls—or it even breaks those walls down. This week we talk with Jon Turney, co-host of the popular THIS IS NOT CHURCH podcast, which challenges mainstream religious narratives and flips a few tables along the way. We talk about so many things we needed two episodes (!), including dec…

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#033: The Trump Gaza Video, More Shenanigans, and Cruel Immigration Policies 1:27:52

3M ago1:27:52

1:27:52

This week's episode covers the FF of the week, this MF, and the horrific Trump Gaza video. Plus, some thoughts on immigration in America. Let's stay sane together... It's been another Chaotic Week in the United States. The God Squad is LIVE every Thursday at 5 PM PST to bring your weekly dose of Faith, Politics, and Sanity. Tune In for our collecti…

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107: Danny Bryant: Healing After I Escaped a Cult 1:05:29

3M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

takeaways Danny Bryant grew up in a religious cult that emphasized moral perfection. Literature played a significant role in shaping Danny's worldview and personal growth. Leaving the cult was a long and complex process for Danny, taking over a decade. Danny's experience in the cult led him to question many beliefs and seek a more inclusive faith. …

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Jon Turney: When grace is too big for the church to hold 55:17

3M ago55:17

55:17

(Part 1 of 2) Sometimes faith just doesn’t fit within the church walls—or it even breaks those walls down. This week we talk with Jon Turney, co-host of the popular THIS IS NOT CHURCH podcast, which challenges mainstream religious narratives and flips a few tables along the way. We talk about so many things we needed two episodes (!), including dec…

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#032: The Chaos Administration, Reckless Downsizing, and a little bit of Good News 1:10:00

3M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

BREAKING NEWS: The God Squad is Back to recap another week of chaos in the news, and to bring some hope and sanity to our listeners. The Trump Administration is making reckless unprecdented cuts to government agencies, firing career public servants, directly impacting employment across the country especially in red states. Dillon tackles the Fundam…

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106: Trey Ferguson: Bad Theology is Killing Us 1:00:27

4M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

takeaways Bad theology shapes harmful societal priorities. Our understanding of God influences our actions. Genesis 1 introduces God as a creator from chaos. Jesus embodies the Word that brings order. Creation reflects a rhythm of forming and filling. Humans are stewards of God's creation, not slaves. Rest is essential for sustaining life and faith…

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Liz Charlotte Grant: Losing Faith in the Bible (But Learning to Love it Again) 50:48

4M ago50:48

50:48

How does one learn to love the Bible again? For Liz Charlotte Grant, it is almost like a story from a movie: girl meets Bible, falls in love, discovers Bible’s secret past, falls out of love with Bible, but eventually realizes she was really in love the whole time, once she learned how to look at the Bible in a new way. This is an eye-opening conve…

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#031: The Meaning of Elon, the Grift of Sean Feucht, and How to FAFO 59:22

4M ago59:22

59:22

This week's episode features a familiar face, as Keith Giles is back to fill in for Desimber Rose. In the episode, Keith and Dillon talk about Elon Musk, Sean Feucht, and how some Trump supporters are now in the FO phase of FAFO. Let's stay sane together... It's been another Chaotic Week in the United States. The God Squad is LIVE every Thursday at…

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105: Brandon Andress: Navigating the Circumference of Belonging 1:09:21

4M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Takeaways Brandon's morning routine includes ice baths for wellness. Experiencing a sense of goodness at a young age shaped Brandon's faith. Faith can provide structure but should not be overly rigid. Questions about faith can lead to feeling on the fringes of religious communities. Confession and vulnerability can deepen community connections. Boo…

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Dana Hicks: Connecting with the Divine After Deconstruction 54:49

4M ago54:49

54:49

Is there spirituality after deconstruction? Public theologian and “ecclesiastical disrupter” Dana Hicks shares the story of his exploration of the ways in which the post-deconstruction or post-Christian soul can find those “thin places”—areas in our lives where we can connect with the divine without dogma or fundamentalism—where practices such as m…

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#030: Paper Tigers & Paperbacks 1:12:14

4M ago1:12:14

1:12:14

Tune in for another week of faith, politics, and sanity with The God Squad LIVE! We have a Featured Guest, Eric Scot English, Author of New Release "Kingdom of Man" a deep dive into Evangelicalism and the Distortion of Christianity. It's been quite a week, tune in and wind down with the Squad!By Dillon Naber Cruz, Desimber Rose