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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
Mental Health
Bipolar Disorder
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 monthlyEpisodes101Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianityReligionReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for Holy Heretics: Losing Religion and Finding Jesus

Latest Episodes

Episode Summary:What if humanity didn’t begin with a fall, but with a blessing? What if your original identity wasn’t sinful, but good?In today’s Holy Heretics podcast episode, I’m joined by the renown Dr.Matthew Fox, one of the most provocative and ... more

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

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Recent Guests

Matthew Fox
Theologian, activist, former Dominican priest, author
Creation Spirituality, Theosis, Original Blessing
Episode: Ep 96: From Original Sin to Original Blessing w/Matthew Fox
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

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.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep 96: From Original Sin to Original Blessing w/Matthew Fox
Q: What role does the Divine Feminine play in creation spirituality, and how does it contrast with traditional patriarchal spiritual frameworks?
Fox argues that the Divine Feminine grounds wisdom, compassion, and interconnectivity, balancing masculine rationalism with intuitive, nurturing dimensions essential for a just and creative universe.
Ep 96: From Original Sin to Original Blessing w/Matthew Fox
Q: How do the four paths of theosis translate into practical spirituality for people who were raised with Original Sin frameworks?
The four paths—via positiva, via negativa, via creativa, and via transformative—offer a holistic approach: wonder and awe; contemplation and suffering; creativity with the Holy Spirit; and social justice, culminating in compassion.
Ep 96: From Original Sin to Original Blessing w/Matthew Fox
Q: Can you explain why you argue that the universe is fundamentally good and that Original Sin is not the core starting point for humanity?
Fox explains that Genesis 1 depicts creation as inherently good, and that Original Sin is a late, non-biblical concept often tied to imperial power; theosis and compassion emerge as essential path and purpose of humanity.
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.

Audience Metrics

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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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this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 101 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. Matthew Fox
2. Mariann Edgar Budde
3. Mark Vernon
4. Dr. Jesse Nickel
5. Regina Cates
6. Dr. Angela Parker
7. John Dominic Crossan
8. Dr. Rupert Sheldrake

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