In this episode, EDJ interviews Adam Harris, the Executive Pastor at God Why? Church—a church built on people's raw and unfiltered questions. He earned a B.A. at Oral Roberts University, a Masters of Theology at Vanderbilt University, and a Doctorate of Leadership at Portland Seminary. He is dedicated to integrating spiritual formation and education for a faith equipped for the 21st century.
Adam shares his journey to God Why? church, discussing the impact of purity culture, the challenges of deconstruction, and the stages of faith as outlined by James Fowler. He reflects on the emotional turmoil of navigating faith and doubt, the role of conscience shaped by cultural constructs, and the importance of complex conversations across different beliefs. He emphasizes the need for liberation from shame and the value of community in spiritual growth.
In this conversation, EDJ and Adam explore the evolution of their own faith journeys, the complexities of belief, and the importance of love and compassion. They discuss personal experiences with loss, the impact of near-death experiences and research, and the challenges of dogmatism and political division within faith communities. The dialogue emphasizes the need for civil discourse, understanding, and the role of community in fostering spiritual growth.
Breakdown:
- Pastor Adam Harris shares his journey to God Why Church: www.GodWhy.com
- The church's name reflects a commitment to addressing questions about faith.
- Growing up in purity culture led to feelings of shame around sexuality. One youth pastor taught that nocturnal emissions were sinful.
- In some ways marrying young helped alleviate shame for Harris, but he urges that the broader framework of purity culture—the shame and the fear of punishment—needs to be deconstructed.
- Exposure to biblical criticism challenged Adam's understanding of faith.
- Navigating faith and doubt is a common experience for many.
- James Fowler's stages of faith provide a framework for understanding spiritual development.
- Stage four of faith often involves emotional turmoil and confusion.
- The shift to stage five allows for more complex conversations about faith.
- Peer pressure can manifest in various ways within faith communities. Embracing a new concept of God can lead to profound changes in faith.
- Personal loss can significantly impact one's faith journey and facilitate a shift from one stage to another
- Universalism and progressive Christianity can be just as dogmatic as conservative Christianity.
- EDJ and Adam explore universalism and the universality of God's love
- Adam shares research into near-death experiences and the insight they offer to the love of God.
- Perception of God influences mental and emotional health.
- Positive thinking can rewire the brain for better emotional health.
- Adam mentions the book "How God Changes Your Brain" by Andrew Newberg.
- Truth can be subjective and vary from person to person.
- Experiential faith emphasizes the importance of lived experiences.
- Compassion is essential in navigating faith and relationships.
- Deconstruction can lead to humility and a deeper understanding of others.
- The illusion of separation can hinder our understanding of community.
- Political division can stem from different stages of faith development or from reverting back to the same mental operating system despite changing beliefs.
- Civil discourse is necessary for bridging divides in faith communities.
- Experiencing love can transform perspectives on others. Adam shares a powerful spiritual experience he had in 2025.
- Listening to people at all different points on the political spectrum is crucial to stage five and beneficial to broader society.
- Fighting injustice should be done with love and compassion.
- Boundaries are important in maintaining healthy relationships.
- Community and connection are vital for spiritual growth.