Snarky Faith

This week on Snarky Faith, we're thrilled to have Jon Turney, the author of In an engaging blend of literary scholarship and accessible philosophy, Matthew J. Distefano offers readers a fresh perspective on J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved creation, focusing on the unassuming yet profoundly wise Hobbits. 

Through the application of mimetic theory, the book examines how desires are influenced and shaped by those around us, using Hobbit socie...

This week on Snarky Faith, we're thrilled to have Jon Turney, the author of RJ the Astronaut, for a revealing conversation about his groundbreaking novel. Turney opens up about the inspiration behind RJ's character — an astronaut embroiled in a profound existential and spiritual journey across the cosmos. The discussion unveils the depths of questioning and understanding that form the core of the narrative, highlighting the novel's...

Join me as I take you on a wild journey through the latest episode of Snarky Faith. Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride as I open up about my personal journey through grief and loss in the bleak landscape of 2024, where political turmoil looms large. But that's just the beginning!

In this episode, we fearlessly dive into the absurdities of American Christianity with the Christian Crazy segment (including some Taylor Swift/Evan...

In this episode of Snarky Faith, we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Foster, a theologian and author, to discuss his latest work, "Indigo - the Color of Grief." This book is more than just words on a page; it's an immersive journey through the depths of sorrow and the resilience of the human spirit. Dr. Foster shares his personal experience with the tragic loss of his daughter and how it shaped his perspective on grief.

Our discussion is ...

In today's episode of Snarky Faith, we're venturing into a space that's often skirted around with discomfort or outright hostility. That's right—we're digging into the delightful mess that is religious diversity, but not in the way you might expect. We're not here to throw shade or to spotlight the foibles of faith; instead, we're talking about the rich gifts that diversity brings us, especially when we shut up and listen.

Our guide...

Brace Yourselves, This is Theology Unfiltered

Hey Snarky Faith listeners, brace yourselves! We've got a treat for you—a theological espresso shot that'll jolt you awake, whether you're ready for it or not. I sat down with Dillon Naber Cruz, the mind behind Theological Musings: Collected Essays of a Tattooed Theologian, Vol. 1, and let me tell you, this isn't your run-of-the-mill theology talk. This is more like a high-speed...

The Forehands: Not Your Typical Spiritual Guides

Let's get one thing straight: Karl and Laura Forehand aren't here to sell you the same old, tired spiritual clichés. Nope, they're here to wrestle—wrestle with beliefs, wrestle with trauma, and maybe even wrestle with you a bit. So, buckle up, because this episode of Snarky Faith is about to get real.

Deconstruction: More Than Just a Buzzword

Ah, deconstruction—the buz...

We've got a special treat for you today. We're diving deep into the murky waters of faith, spirituality, and the church with none other than Nat Turney, the author of the provocative book "Seeds of De(con)struction." Trust us, this is one episode you don't want to miss.

The Book That's Shaking the Foundations

"Seeds of De(con)struction" is not your typical faith book. It's a raw, unfiltered look at the complexities of spirit...

Join me again on Snarky Faith. Our guest is none other than Michael Camp, the author of "Breaking Bad Faith," a book that's as much a mental workout as it is a spiritual journey. Join us for our conversation - it's a fun ride. 

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the turbulent waters of religious and social issues, with Camp serving as our fearless guide. 

His new book, "Breaking Bad Faith," is not your typical Sunday school less...

Join me for another episode of "Snarky Faith" as we wade through the stormy intersection of faith and politics, exploring the emotional landscape marked by anxiety and depression. In these tumultuous times following the downfall of Roe v Wade and the erosion of LGBTQ rights, we're on a mission to make sense of it all and find our footing.

In this episode, I'll share candid insights about these challenging times, refusing to gloss ov...

On today's show, we'll reflect on how Easter has become a religious shit-show and we're also joined by Keith Giles and Matthew Distefano to talk about Quior Publishing's new venture into class literature - and why books matter and shouldn't be banned. 

Let's just be honest for a moment. Easter has lost the plot within modern Christendom and reveals the rot within the faith. Easter is supposed to be a high holy day that is supposed...

In this episode of Snarky Faith, we delve into the discussion of our collective struggles with the state of the world and the overwhelming noise surrounding everything. Drawing from Brene Brown's idea that faith minus vulnerability equals extremism, let's talk about the questions around why Americans seem to be doubling down on religious culture issues as religion declines in the country.

The faith seems to be obsessed with things ...

"We could be the people who risk with God in the face of apocalypse rather than the people who trust in a god who authors apocalypse."

Jonathan J. Foster ~  Theology of Consent: 

Mimetic Theory in an Open and Relational Universe

Coincidences happen and paradoxes occur. 

In life, there are rare occurrences where cosmically divergent concepts combine, almost as if naturally intended - like peanut butter and jelly.

In his new book, ...

"I’m a Christian, and I say it proudly, we should be Christian nationalists."

Marjorie Taylor Green ~ Politician and Conspiracy Theorist 

You may have heard about Christian nationalism... 

It's the hip (not) new trend all your Bible-beating relatives, and red-hat-wearing neighbors are talking about. Christian nationalism is a casserole of the worst parts of both the 4th of July and Christmas paired scrumptiously with a fine assor...

"If we aren’t careful, we can become so bitter about the journey that we aren’t able to see how much we’ve grown along the way."

Desimber Rose Wattleton ~ The Church Can Go to Hell

Rarely do we hear honest and raw confessions and testimony from pastors and clergy. Usually, the Lords of the Pulpit carefully craft a public, pious persona and live it out - cosplay style. The rules of this game do not include being honest and authent...

"It should come as no surprise when

So-called Christian powerhouses fall

Corporate greed dressed in Sunday best

od has always been in the business

Of toppling empires"

Meagan Ruby Wagner ~ Jericho

Presently, language is purposefully abused and exploited, often for evil ends, to benefit those in positions of power. How can we combat this? There are many ways to push back. Yet, one of those is frequently brushed aside as being un...

"Will we ever arrive at our destination? Who can say? But, God is not far away. God is alive within; living and breathing along with us in every moment. How do we know this? We can stop, be still, listen, and experience God’s presence anytime we need to. We can trust, by faith, that God will never leave us or forsake us. We can believe that Jesus is in the Father, and the Father is in us, and we are in Christ."

Keith Giles ~ Sola...

"When you say to yourself. 'I don't care what happens,' 

it just gives you a broader perspective."

- George Carlin 

There are times when we must wrestle with baggage from the road traveled as we progress in our faith. Questions begin to arise, and easy spiritual answers no longer soothe as a salve to the itching reality of balancing the trauma of living with the vastness of the divine. 

Either we give in to the itch, or we learn ...

"People are finding acceptance, love, and healing outside of the organizational church. They feel like they were supporting the organization of the church and the church was not supporting them." 

Karl Forehand ~ Out Into The Desert

Karl J. Forehand was a bi-vocational pastor for 20 years and has training in spiritual leadership coaching, plant-based nutrition, and spiritual direction. He’s the author of The Tea Shop, The Hotel, ...