Rephonic
Artwork for Almost Heretical
Christianity
Hell
Religious Trauma
Purity Culture
Deconstructing Faith
Genesis 6:1-4
Faith Evolution
Gender Dynamics
Deconstruction Movement
Justice Issues
Age Demographics In Faith Deconstruction
Anxiety Related To Faith
LGBTQ Justice
Church Abuse
Nephilim
Divine Beings
Mental Health
Women Missionaries
Deconstruction
The Book Of Watchers

Christianity isn’t about pretending to believe something you know isn’t true. Former pastor Nate Hanson and Bible scholar Shelby Hanson sit down with leading scholars and thinkers to hear their best case for Christianity. We bring the tough questions, the doubts, the pushback, and the "but what about…" not to tear it down, but to show why it’s worth holding on to. With over 2 million downloads, Al... more

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Religion & SpiritualityReligionEducation

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Artwork for Almost Heretical

Latest Episodes

Could one ancient cloth change how we see the resurrection? Dr. Jeremiah Johnston joins us to unpack the Shroud of Turin, its baffling science, strange history, and the image that no one can explain.

Does this relic prove Jesus physically rose from ... more

To listen to the full episode, become a premium member here: www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-did-jesus-133702952

Shelby and Nate tackle your biggest questions about hell, Paul, and the authority of Scripture. Did Jesus really teach eternal torme... more

YouTube

Shelby and Nate explore the intriguing question of why Jesus did not write anything down during his lifetime. They discuss the implications of this question on our understanding of faith and scripture, emphasizing the oral tradition of the time and t... more

YouTube

What if the stories at the end of Genesis weren’t just family drama—but political storytelling?

In this episode, Nate and Shelby revisit six key moments from Genesis 27 to 50—including Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing, Dinah and Shechem, Judah and Tam... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Dr. Andrew Perrin
Leading expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls, award-winning scholar, and professor
Unknown
Episode: #154 – Dr. Andrew Perrin: Unlocking the Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls
Marianne Williamson
Renowned author, activist, and spiritual advisor
Episode: Marianne Williamson (Full Episode)
Liz Charlotte Grant
Award-winning non-fiction writer with a popular newsletter called The Empathy List
Upcoming book 'Knock at the Sky, Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible'
Episode: #147 – God as a Mother (Liz Charlotte Grant, Pt 1)
Dana Hicks
Retired pastor and professor, author of 'The Quest for Thin Places'
Episode: #146 – Dana Hicks: Trading Conservative Dogma for Liberal Dogma
Dr. Garrick Allen
Senior lecturer in New Testament Studies at the University of Glasgow, specializing in the transmission and reception of New Testament manuscripts, particularly the Book of Revelation.
University of Glasgow
Episode: #145 – Garrick Allen: Revelation Isn’t What You Think
Candida Moss
Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham and a research associate at NYU's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World.
University of Birmingham, NYU
Episode: #142 – Candida Moss (Part 1): Enslaved Authors of Christianity
Brian McLaren
Author and speaker, known for his work in the emerging church and deconstruction of faith
Episode: #139 – Brian McLaren: Christianity Beyond Belief
Olivia Jackson
Author of 'Uncertain: A Collective Memoir of Deconstructing Faith'
Episode: #138 – Olivia Jackson: Why Christians Deconstruct
Dr. Tiffany Yecke Brooks
Lead or contributing author on more than two dozen books, including Gaslighted by God and Holy Ghosted.
Episode: #136 – Tiffany Yecke Brooks: Spiritual Anxiety & Religious Trauma

Hosts

Nate Hanson
Co-host discussing biblical narratives; former pastor with a focus on critical and nuanced interpretations of Christian faith.
Shelby Hanson
Co-host and Biblical Studies expert; contributing insights on biblical stories and interpretations.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 817 ratings
  • Healing and Insightful

    This podcast has been a powerful guide in deconstructing my evangelical Christian upbringing. It has helped me unpack my discomfort with church and start identifying what I actually believe—based on truth, not fear. This podcast is thoughtful, honest, and truly healing for anyone questioning their faith. I tell anyone from my upbringing who is also questioning their faith about it and highly recommend giving this a listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Shlee Whitener
    United States4 months ago
  • Just discovered - I can breathe

    This podcast continues to connect with my heart and my walk within the evangelical church. Ive just discovered it and I’ve listened to episodes 1-12 so far. Episode 12, on power, resonates so much with me. I’m 58, a former high school teacher, a believer, and we have left our church because of the group-think and the inability to question theology or leadership. Questioning=learning. Thanks for speaking truth. Thanks for bringing me back to center and validating my need to question.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bamc-Mich
    United States9 months ago
  • Wonderful

    While the new stuff is great, make sure you go back and listen to episode 1-8, so happy I did, made so many passages that just never made sense clear, just love aha moments

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kenda3
    United Statesa year ago
  • Excellent!!

    I love to have the opportunity to hear lots of different views, interpretation of theology and ideas. I’m used to being in Christian environments where questions were actively discouraged. To hear from others is beautiful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kblsrd
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Take it the 'almost' and you'd have an appropriate podcast name

    Podcast Addict
    1
    GoatJedi
    2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some have expressed frustration about the exclusive content for paid subscribers.
Critical voices express concern about the hosts' theological directions.
Listeners appreciate the opportunity for honest exploration of faith and theology.
Many feel a sense of community and support in questioning traditional beliefs.
Overall, feedback indicates a mix of enthusiastic support and constructive criticism regarding the podcast's approach.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Bonus: Hell, Paul, and the Bible’s Authority
Q: How do you reconcile your interpretation of Gehenna and hell as metaphorical with early church views of it as literal?
They note that early church fathers had varying interpretations that were shaped by cultural influences and that Jesus' teachings might have been metaphorical rather than literal.
Bonus: Hell, Paul, and the Bible’s Authority
Q: Can you clarify your views on the resurrection of Jesus?
The hosts express skepticism about the resurrection, discussing its importance and questioning if it truly matters for faith.
Bonus: Paul’s Shadow on Jesus
Q: How would you address the idea that the Didache might be influenced by Paul?
There were definitely groups that rejected Paul, meaning the Didache might have been written by those who specifically did not adhere to Paul’s theology.
Bonus: Paul’s Shadow on Jesus
Q: What practical implication does Paul’s teachings have for us?
The final episode of the series is going to dive into what Christianity would have looked like without Paul and what it can look like for us today.
Bonus: Did Paul Get the Gospel Wrong?
Q: Is Paul’s Christ largely devoid of the original Apostles' influence, then how did Peter become the head of the true Catholic Church?
The hosts offer insights that point to the historical complexities of early Christianity and the differing influences between Paul and the original Apostles, hinting at internal conflicts and varying interpretations within the faith.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Almost Heretical

What is Almost Heretical about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content is centered on re-examining biblical narratives and Christianity through critical discussion and inviting various guests from different backgrounds. It challenges listeners to rethink conventional interpretations of scripture, often addressing the complexities within faith and the cultural implications of biblical stories. Regular themes include historical context in biblical interpretation, the roles of prominent figures in early Christianity, and the intersection of spirituality and contemporary life. With its focus on nuanced discussions rather than clear-cut answers, it provides a space for those navigating their faith journey outside conventional conservative or liberal frameworks. Unique in its approach, it emphasizes comm... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Almost Heretical?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Almost Heretical:

1. The Bible For Normal People
2. Religion on the Mind
3. Homebrewed Christianity
4. Nomad Podcast
5. Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman

How many episodes of Almost Heretical are there?

Almost Heretical launched 8 years ago and published 205 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Almost Heretical?

Recent guests on Almost Heretical include:

1. Dr. Andrew Perrin
2. Marianne Williamson
3. Liz Charlotte Grant
4. Dana Hicks
5. Dr. Garrick Allen
6. Candida Moss
7. Brian McLaren
8. Olivia Jackson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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