Episodes
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Summary
In this episode, Matt interviews Dawn Dickerson-Leger, a pastor and Ph.D. candidate, about her deconstruction journey and experiences in the Anglican Church. Dawn shares her background in evangelical Christianity and her transition to a more progressive faith. She discusses her exploration of Anglicanism and the appeal of its mystical traditions. Dawn also addresses the power structures within the church and the challenges of maintaining a balance between tradition and progress. She highlights the importance of community and finding resonance in one's faith. This conversation explores the power and impact of online community, specifically focusing on the experience of Harbor, an online spiritual community. The conversation highlights the transformational nature of online connections and the deep sense of community and wisdom found in virtual spaces. It also delves into co-creation with God and the importance of following our desires in finding our true calling. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the potential for growth, connection, and spiritual exploration in online communities.
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Takeaways
* Deconstruction involves critically examining the power structures and toxic theologies within one's faith.
* Anglicanism offers a wide tent for different belief systems and provides space for growth and change.
* The church's slow response to issues like clerical abuse and residential schools raises questions about its commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
* Finding community and resonance in faith can be a transformative experience, even outside of traditional institutional structures. Online communities can provide a powerful sense of connection, support, and wisdom.
* Virtual spaces can foster deep spiritual growth and exploration.
* Co-creation with God is a fundamental aspect of our calling as human beings.
* Following our desires and engaging in activities that bring us joy can lead us to our true calling.
Notes
* Dawn’s Spiritual Direction and Coaching Site
* Harbor Online Community
* Instagram
* Facebook
* The Network formerly known as Twitter
Thank you for reading Contemplating Resonance. This post is public so feel free to share it.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Name Mishap
01:11 Introducing Dawn Dickerson-Leger
02:27 Faith Change and Church Leadership
03:32 Appreciating the Beauty of the East Coast
04:51 Nature Photography and Wildlife Encounters
05:59 Deer and Geese Encounters
07:32 Deer and Geese Encounters (Continued)
08:55 Name Mishaps and Goose Stories
09:26 Previous Episode with Harbor Online
10:46 Deconstruction Stories and Backgrounds
11:41 Dawn's Background in Evangelical Christianity
12:27 Exploring Anglicanism and Faith Change
13:55 Challenging Conservative Ideology
16:01 Discovering Bisexuality and Progressive Ideals
17:46 Friendship with a Gay Couple
19:17 Living with a Gay Couple and Expanding Perspectives
21:26 Exploring Anglicanism and Mysticism
23:25 Deconstructing Anglicanism and Power Structures
25:47 Understanding Deconstruction in Anglicanism
27:00 Navigating Same-Sex Marriage Debates
29:42 Addressing Clerical Abuse and Residential Schools
35:19 Retirement from Parish Ministry and Renewed Perspective
38:36 Balancing the Good and Bad in the Church
41:38 Finding Community and Mysticism in Harbor Online
43:34 Discovering Harbor
44:02 Expectations vs. Reality
44:40 The Power of Online Community
45:38 The Realness of Online Community
46:05 The Undeniable Experience
46:59 The Transformational Weekend
48:07 Criticizing the Institution vs. Embracing Mysticism
49:39 Moving Forward and Making Things Better
50:23 The Miracle at Stony Point
52:25 The Theology of Co-Creation
57:34 God's Presence in Creativity
01:05:24 Following Our Desires
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Summary
In this episode, Matt and Jon discuss the importance of community in the process of deconstruction. They share their own experiences and how they found a sense of belonging in online faith communities. John also shares his personal journey of deconstruction, which was prompted by relationships and experiences that challenged his beliefs. They explore the balance between acknowledging the negative aspects of religion while also reclaiming the positive aspects. The conversation also touches on the use of language and the complexity of defining Christianity. In this conversation, Matt and Jon discuss a wide range of topics, from deconstruction to coffee preferences. They touch on the concept of moving the goalposts in discussions and the surprises that can arise in conversations. They also delve into Jon's work at the Christian Century and the history of the magazine. The conversation concludes with Jon sharing web addresses and social media accounts where listeners can find more information about him and the organizations he is involved with.
Contemplating Resonance is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Takeaways
* Community is essential in the process of deconstruction, providing support, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
* Clergy members often have their own deconstruction journeys, but may face unique challenges due to their professional roles.
* It is important to strike a balance between acknowledging the negative aspects of religion and reclaiming the positive aspects.
* Language can be a challenge in deconstruction, as certain phrases may trigger negative associations or be tied to harmful beliefs.
* Christianity is a complex and diverse faith, and it is important to recognize and respect different expressions of the religion. Conversations can lead to unexpected topics and revelations.
* The Christian Century is a magazine that covers diverse topics related to spirituality.
* Jon's work at the Christian Century involves community engagement and connecting with readers.
Thank you for reading Contemplating Resonance. This post is public so feel free to share it.
Notes
* Harbor Online Community
* The Christian Century
* Sign up for The Christian Century’s Newsletters
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:25 The Need for Community
08:34 The Role of Clergy in Deconstruction
14:06 Balancing the Positive and Negative
19:32 Jon's Story of Deconstruction
26:27 The Defining Moment
33:53 Language and Beliefs
42:16 Defining Christianity
44:12 Unexpected Conversations
49:17 The Christian Century
59:47 Web Addresses and Social Media
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Missing episodes?
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Summary
In this episode, Matt talks to Hana, also known as the Suburban Witch, about her journey from growing up in a Pentecostal church to exploring witchcraft and spirituality. Hana shares her experiences of being raised in a strict religious environment and the challenges she faced in questioning her beliefs. She discusses the impact of leaving the church and finding her own path, as well as the realization of the manipulation and control within religious institutions. Hana also reflects on the importance of seeing the church from a fresh perspective and the anxiety that can arise in religious environments. In this conversation, Hana, The Suburban Witch, discusses the harmful effects of religious guilt and shame, particularly in relation to the concept of being born as a sinner. She shares her personal experiences with mental health struggles and how the church exacerbated them. Hana also talks about the emotional manipulation and insecurities perpetuated by charismatic pastors and church camps. She highlights the need for resources and responses for exvangelicals when engaging with religious individuals. Hana then delves into her journey of discovering and embracing witchcraft as a healing practice, finding empowerment in her spirituality, and embracing mystery.
Contemplating Resonance is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Takeaways
* Religious guilt and shame can have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly when individuals are made to believe they are inherently sinful.
* The concept of being born as a sinner can lead to a negative self-image and contribute to mental health struggles.
* Emotional manipulation and insecurities are often used by charismatic pastors to keep individuals tied to the church.
* Church camps can be emotionally distressing, with activities designed to elicit feelings of guilt and shame.
* Discovering and embracing witchcraft can be a healing practice, providing empowerment and a sense of personal agency.
* Letting go of the need for absolute truth and embracing mystery can lead to a more open and fulfilling spiritual journey.
Thank you for reading Contemplating Resonance. This post is public so feel free to share it.
Notes
* All roads lead to Theology Beer Camp
* April Ajoy’s Linktree
* Witch Talks - Episode 005: Mortellus on Death & Pagan Funerals - A Suburban Witchery Podcast
* Witch Talks - Episode 034: Religious Trauma - A Not So Mini Minisode with Hana
* Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed
* Suburban Witchery (Hana’s Business!)
* https://instagram.com/suburban_witchery
* https://www.tiktok.com/@suburbanwitchery
* https://www.youtube.com/suburbanwitchery
* https://www.facebook.com/suburbanwitchery
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:06 Growing Up in a Pentecostal Church
10:27 Questioning and Deconstructing
14:07 Leaving the Church and Exploring New Interests
26:00 Experiencing a Different Church Environment
31:40 Realizing the Manipulation and Control in the Church
36:40 Seeing the Church from a Fresh Perspective
38:56 Feeling Anxious in Religious Environments
40:29 The Harmful Effects of Religious Guilt and Shame
41:57 The Concept of Being Born as a Sinner
42:55 The Impact on Mental Health
43:21 Emotional Manipulation and Insecurities
44:23 The Cycle of Sin and Self-Harm
45:04 The Emotional Distress of Church Camp
46:29 The Manipulation of Children at Church Camp
48:34 The Creation of an Exvangelical Resource
54:37 Discovering Witchcraft as a Healing Practice
59:02 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Witchcraft
01:03:24 The Empowerment of Being a Witch
01:08:13 Embracing Mystery and Letting Go of Absolute Truth
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Summary
In this episode, Marla Taviano shares her journey of deconstruction and how it has shaped her writing and perspective on faith. She reflects on her past beliefs and books, discussing the challenges of having written from a different perspective. Marla also talks about the process of writing and sharing her experiences, including the freedom she has found in breaking free from religious constraints. She emphasizes the importance of meeting people from different backgrounds and expanding one's perspectives. The episode concludes with a discussion of Marla's poem art and her personal favorites. In this conversation, Matt and Marla discuss the power of poetry and the impact it can have on readers. They explore the concept of manifestos and the magic of combining words with art. They also discuss the importance of feedback and the joy of amplifying others. The conversation concludes with a reflection on finding happiness and freedom by embracing imperfection.
Contemplating Resonance is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Takeaways
* Poetry has the power to inspire and connect people on a deep level.
* Manifestos can serve as powerful guiding principles for creating a better world.
* Combining words with art can create a unique and impactful form of expression.
* Feedback from readers can be incredibly meaningful and validating for writers.
* Amplifying others and celebrating their work can bring joy and fulfillment.
* Embracing imperfection and letting go of the need to have it all together can lead to happiness and freedom.
Thank you for reading Contemplating Resonance. This post is public so feel free to share it.
Notes
* Buy some books:
* unbelieve: poems on the journey to becoming a heretic
* jaded: a poetic reckoning with white evangelical christian indoctrination
* please cut up my poems: and make some art! (for real, I'm serious!)
* Connect with Marla:
* Website
* Instagram: @marlataviano & @whitegirllearning
* writing wholefarted (Substack newsletter)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:40 Writing Books from a Different Perspective
10:07 Reflecting on Past Beliefs and Books
16:42 The Journey of Deconstruction
25:12 The Process of Writing and Sharing
30:50 Cursing and Breaking Free from Religious Constraints
36:00 Meeting People and Expanding Perspectives
41:46 Showing Kindness to Others
41:51 Poem Art and Personal Favorites
42:17 Finding Inspiration in Poetry
43:11 Creating a Tinder Profile
44:09 The Power of Manifestos
45:08 The Magic of Poem Art
48:35 Connecting Through Words
51:09 The Power of Poetry
52:08 The Impact of Poetry on Readers
57:15 The Importance of Feedback
58:40 The Joy of Amplifying Others
01:03:08 Finding Happiness and Freedom
01:06:28 The False Scarcity Narrative
01:09:21 Amplifying Others with a Small Following
01:11:43 The Joy of Creating
01:15:07 The Freedom of Not Having It All Together
01:16:26 Closing Remarks
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Summary
In this impromptu episode, I share my experience at a spiritual retreat and introduce the concept of resonance. I explore resonance as a physical and metaphorical concept, discussing how it relates to life, death, creation, and destruction. I also discuss my motivation for starting this podcast and my intention to share my own spiritual journey and amplify the stories of others. I share my goals for the year, including learning about my ancestry, practicing divination, and developing a regular ritual practice. The episode concludes with my reflections on the retreat experience and a promise to continue the podcast.
Contemplating Resonance is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Takeaways
* Resonance is a concept that can be both physical and metaphorical, relating to vibrations and harmonious frequencies.
* My podcast, Contemplating Resonance, aims to share my spiritual journey and amplify the stories of others.
* My goals for the year include learning about my ancestry, practicing divination, and developing a regular ritual practice.
* My retreat experience provided me with quiet, solitude, and an opportunity to deepen my spiritual connection.
Thank you for reading Contemplating Resonance. This post is public so feel free to share it.
Notes
* Rachel Held Evans, Searching for Sunday (via Bookshop.org)
* St. Columba Memphis Episcopal Retreat Center
* Harbor Online Community
* Post about the Harbor Online Community Retreat in 2023
* Terra Qi Goddess Oracle Deck
* Saints and Mystics Reading Cards
* Memphis Conjure Supply (Delta Hoodoo Shop)
* Evil Eye Glass Pendulum (via Lucky Luna)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting
02:12 Contemplating Resonance
04:33 Exploring Resonance in Journal Entries
09:28 Resonance and Love
11:09 Writing Down My Story
13:36 Amplifying Other Stories
16:08 The Purpose of the Podcast
17:39 The Retreat Experience
21:08 Creating a Spiritual Practice
25:20 Embodying and Intuition
31:58 Intentions for the Year
36:22 Nature Walk and Labyrinth
39:33 Conclusion
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I recorded this little trailer episode while testing Riverside, the podcasting platform I think I’m about to roll with. As it turns out, it does a good enough job of talking about one of the directions I intend to head with this podcast, so I thought YOLO… let’s upload it!
Get full access to Contemplating Resonance at contemplatingresonance.com/subscribe
