In my best evaluation, people have always been drawn towards things like religion to try to explain the things we could explain. The ceremonies and communities we built around our understanding and misunderstanding helped us shape some meaning into the world. I believe we can honor those traditions and, sometimes, even memorialize them while boldly…
Recently I listened to a discussion about a book I’m involved with called Parenting Deconstructed. It’s a great book for people that are making changes in their spiritual life and exploring different options, commonly known as deconstruction. A couple of the authors that I love talked about making space for their children. What they meant…
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Austin Noll studied screenwriting at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television before moving to Austin, Texas to continue pursuing his writing endeavors. He is a first time author of the book “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers.” Though his focus has primarily been writing for the screen, his…
A native Delawarean, residing on the ceded lands of the Nanticoke and Lenape tribes, Joanne McAfee – Maldonado lives in Delaware with her husband, Carlos, and two adult children. She’s served in roles such as youth pastor, assistant pastor, Bible Study teacher, and healing ministry facilitator, but left traditional church in 2019 to follow a…
I know the metaphor doesn’t make much sense, but I wanted to get your attention and ask for your help. Recently, our new book, Out Into the Desert reached best seller status. Help us ride the wave by sharing this amazing news with people you know. Good News! The Kindle version is 99 cents for…
Laura and I sat down to have a conversation about spiritual life and how deep and simple our practices are now. This a list of 10 things but not in any way a prescription. Let’s keep evolving and having these discussions. Check out our new book, Out into the Desert to help do the evaluation.…
Lola is a cosmetologist from Birmingham, AL who left the Church of Christ cult in 2019. After a devastating divorce, she deconstructed her faith and began exploring new paths to grow closer to spirit. She is a co-host for The Messy Spirituality Podcast. She is currently pursuing a spiritual path filled with witchery and enlightenment.…
by Karl Forehand (Adapted from my blog on Patheos) Before we even get started, let me just say this. I know that many of you might have had good experiences with your church. It’s better than a fundamentalist, evangelical church that you know of and you are more accepting, affirming, and generally more progressive. I…
by Karl Forehand While it’s true that many millions of people are deconstructing their faith, some of them will be convinced to stop short of total deconstruction. I don’t want to judge or criticize them for this. Deconstruction is hard. But for many of us, it was necessary to continue on the journey that we…
Sherri has been in leadership positions and ministry in Independent Baptist Churches from the time she was saved at the age of 11. her and her husband planted a church after leaving the Independent Fundamental Baptist denomination due to waking up to the spiritual abuse we both suffered from the-pulpit-to-the-pew all our lives. They desired…
The Desert Sanctuary 