Episodi

  • Summary:

    In the Season Two trailer, Matt Stine provides a sneak peek into a series of deep, thought-provoking conversations about religious trauma, healing, and self-discovery. Joined by guests like Kandi Zeller, Lyn Smith Gregory, Arielle Lanning, and John Sundman, they explore complex topics such as the psychological impacts of high-control religions, the intersection of narcissism and Christianity, and the journey of spiritual awakening. Each episode highlights personal stories of overcoming trauma, finding individual paths to healing, and questioning societal and religious norms. From the commercialization of witchcraft to examining the roots of religious cults, this season offers diverse perspectives and practical insights for those on their healing journey.

    Contemplating Resonance is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Takeaways:

    * Spiritual paths can be inclusive and financially accessible, and healing does not require expensive rituals.

    * High-control religions often set unattainable standards, leading to guilt, repressed rage, and depression.

    * There are deep psychological parallels between narcissistic relationships and Christian trauma, leading to trauma bonds.

    * Religion and cults share more similarities than people realize, with many established religions originating from cult-like beginnings.

    * Tools like tarot can provide personal clarity and act as a practical way to access deeper parts of oneself.

    Thanks for reading Contemplating Resonance! This post is public so feel free to share it.

    Soundbites:

    * "You don't have to do all these rituals and spells."

    * "A recipe for repressed rage and depression."

    * "They're both trauma-bonded to one another."

    * "It started out as a cult, and then it became established."

    * "It's a tool that you're using to access yourself."

    Chapters:

    * [00:00] Introduction to Inclusive Spirituality: Discussing financial accessibility and inclusivity in spiritual practices, particularly within witchcraft.

    * [01:13] The Impact of High-Control Religions: Exploration of perfectionism, guilt, and emotional repression in religious contexts.

    * [02:13] Narcissism and Christianity: Parallels between narcissistic abuse and the psychological impact of Christianity, leading to trauma bonding.

    * [03:00] Religion and Cult Origins: A reflection on how established religions often began as cults, and how theology has evolved over time.

    * [03:45] Practical Spiritual Tools: The personal empowerment of using tools like tarot for self-reflection and emotional clarity.



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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.

    Contemplating Resonance is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    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



    Get full access to Contemplating Resonance at contemplatingresonance.com/subscribe
  • 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



    Get full access to Contemplating Resonance at contemplatingresonance.com/subscribe
  • 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



    Get full access to Contemplating Resonance at contemplatingresonance.com/subscribe
  • 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



    Get full access to Contemplating Resonance at contemplatingresonance.com/subscribe
  • 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