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Artwork for Holy Heretics: Losing Religion and Finding Jesus

Holy Heretics: Losing Religion and Finding Jesus

The Sophia Society
Evangelicalism
Faith Deconstruction
Patriarchy
Spirituality
Christianity
Spiritual Abuse
Environmentalism
Denial
Bipolar Disorder
Mental Health
Purity Culture
Exploitation
Christian Mysticism
Deconstruction
Trauma
Hope
Injustice
Spiritual Legacy
Rape
Celtic Worldview

Holy Heretics seeks to foster honest conversations about the state of religion in the 21st century. We interview experts, spiritual seekers, scholars, and activists in our quest to examine just exactly how modern-day Christianity lost the Way of Jesus while also discovering how it can be regained through subversive thought and action.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianityReligion & SpiritualityReligion

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Artwork for Holy Heretics: Losing Religion and Finding Jesus

Latest Episodes

Episode Summary:You may have first encountered the Right Reverend Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde in January 2025, when she stood in the pulpit at the Inaugural Prayer Service and spoke directly to President Trump with a clarity that astonished the nation... more

Episode Summary:There are places in the world where history doesn’t sit behind glass—it works directly with the present to shape the future. Broughton Hall is one of those places. Set across 3,000 acres in the rolling countryside of Yorkshire, Englan... more

Episode Summary:We begin Season Six of Holy Heretics in a world coming undone. Evil is on our doorstep. Our democratic norms are no more. A sociopathic madman and his predatorily ghouls are raping and robbing their way through our common life. An ent... more

Episode Summary:Growing up evangelical required a preoccupation with external behaviors and moral performance, or what I now understand as sin management. My spiritual life was fear based. Behaviors like sexuality, masturbation, swearing, or drinking... more

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Recent Guests

Mariann Edgar Budde
Bishop of Washington, D.C.
Episcopal Church
Episode: Ep 95 Bishop Trumps President w/Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde
Mark Vernon
Psychotherapist, philosopher, former Anglican priest, and author of 'Awake! William Blake and the Power of the Imagination'.
Episode: Ep 92 Inner Christianity: Returning to Our Roots W/Mark Vernon
Dr. Jesse Nickel
Faculty member at Columbia Bible College, author of 'A Revolutionary Jesus'.
Columbia Bible College
Episode: Ep 91: The Resistance is Alive and Well w/Jesse Nickel
Regina Cates
Author, activist, podcaster, and founder of Romancing Your Soul.
Romancing Your Soul
Episode: Ep 90: A Call For Bravery, Peace, and Self Love w/Regina Cates
Dr. Angela Parker
A scholar, teacher, and preacher with expertise in womanist theology and Biblical hermeneutics.
Mercer University
Episode: Ep 89: We’re Done: Womanism in MAGA America w/Dr. Angela Parker
John Dominic Crossan
Irish-born American theologian, former Roman Catholic priest, and scholar of the historical Jesus.
Jesus Seminar
Episode: Ep 88: The Historical Jesus w/John Dominic Crossan
Dr. Rupert Sheldrake
Biologist and author recognized for his work in science and spirituality, particularly around the theory of morphic resonance.
Author, Scientist
Episode: Ep 86: The Science of Spirituality w/Dr. Rupert Sheldrake
Dr. Rachel Wheeler
Professor of Christian spirituality, eco-spirituality, and spiritual practices at the University of Portland
University of Portland
Episode: Ep 85: Ecospirituality and ReWilding w/Dr. Rachel Wheeler
Ally Markotich
Artist, poet and creative formative practitioner who guides clients to express their creativity through her platform Soul Kindling
Soul Kindling
Episode: Ep 84: Created to Create w/Ally Markotich

Host

Gary Alan
Host who fosters honest dialogues on spirituality and modern Christianity related to social justice and personal development.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 198 ratings
  • Need voices like this

    This podcast is a treasure. In a world that feels lost, anxious, clinging to crumbling structures that bear no true value, this podcast gives voice to a faith that nourishes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dee117*
    Canadaa year ago
  • Disappointing

    The constant lumping of all evangelicals into one group and bashing them collectively comes across as obsessive and terribly unkind. I could not stomach the bigotry they have toward this one group. I’m drawn toward deconstructing my own faith and finding a more loving and kind approach to faith. I did not find that here.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Justaguynameddan
    United States3 years ago
  • Absolutely fantastic podcast for those looking at Christianity with a critical lens

    I found this podcast through Twitter and from the very first episode I was all in. The hosts are fantastically open, honest and raw on their talking, and the quality of the guests is amazing. Top-notch conversations that have me pausing in every episode just to sit and take in what’s being said. Highly highly recommend if you’re willing to look at faith, Jesus, and Christianity with a critical lens and desire to think about the hard questions.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SparkleKitten
    United States3 years ago
  • Excellent

    I love this podcast. So real and raw. I love honest conversation.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Syd.Vicious
    Canada3 years ago
  • Uplifting!

    I really appreciate that your focus, even during deconstruction, has remained on how to be Jesus-followers, and that your choice of guests supports that focus.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Saffa80
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the honest exploration of faith and spirituality, noting the depth and quality of the conversations.
Some critiques focus on the perceived bias against conservative viewpoints, highlighting a potential area of contention among listeners.
Feedback highlights the supportive community aspect, framing the show as a resource for those questioning traditional beliefs.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep 95 Bishop Trumps President w/Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde
Q: Would you have said anything differently in hindsight?
She would likely adjust some parts but stands by the core call for humanity and mercy, acknowledging room for pedagogical refinements while maintaining the central plea for compassion in the face of power.
Ep 95 Bishop Trumps President w/Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde
Q: What prompted that particular sermon and how did you muster the courage to deliver a prophetic message to the world's most powerful person?
The sermon emerged from preparing a unifying message for a deeply divided nation. She focused on three pillars—respect for dignity, honesty, and humility—and ultimately added mercy as a fourth pillar to temper public rhetoric, aiming to call the president and the country toward more humane leadership.
Ep 94 A Rebirthing of Humanity w/Roger Tempest
Q: What gives you hope for the future?
Hope comes from the inherent goodness within people and the possibility of tapping into that to create a better world together.
Ep 94 A Rebirthing of Humanity w/Roger Tempest
Q: What does rewilding mean to a healthy culture?
Rewilding connects us back to nature, promoting a healthier relationship through the natural world and becoming part of it rather than separate.
Ep 94 A Rebirthing of Humanity w/Roger Tempest
Q: What guidance could you offer for those who want to steward their own corner of the world?
Everyone has something to give, however small, like volunteering or caring for neighbors. It's about kindness and being responsible within one's community.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring contemporary issues around faith and spirituality, the content emphasizes honest conversations about modern Christianity and its relation to traditional teachings. Notable discussions focus on deconstruction of faith, social justice, and the intersectionality of religion with race, gender, and sexuality. Unique perspectives from guests such as theologians and activists provide critical insights into the complexities of lived faith today, making it a compelling resource for those questioning prevailing narratives and seeking deeper, more inclusive spiritual understandings.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Bible For Normal People
2. Homebrewed Christianity
3. Everything Happens with Kate Bowler
4. The New Evangelicals Podcast
5. On Being with Krista Tippett

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 100 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 this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Mariann Edgar Budde
2. Mark Vernon
3. Dr. Jesse Nickel
4. Regina Cates
5. Dr. Angela Parker
6. John Dominic Crossan
7. Dr. Rupert Sheldrake
8. Dr. Rachel Wheeler

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