

Liminal Living
Dr. Thomas J Rundel
Welcome to the Liminal Living Podcast, where we dive deep into the realm of liminal spaces—those transitional phases where uncertainty is our companion. I'm your host and curator of conversations, Dr. Tom Rundel, and it's my pleasure to serve as your guide through these uncharted territories. With a doctoral background in spirituality and leadership from Portland Seminary, my research has centered on the spirituality found in the narratives of liminality in the Bible, but I have expanded my research to include other faith traditions and cognitive science. Since our launch in 2023, we've been dedicated to exploring the nuances of dark nights and deconstructions, but our journey expanded to include insights from a diverse array of modern-day thinkers and artists. Through a blend of stories, practices, and perspectives, we provide valuable guidance for fellow travelers navigating their own liminal spaces. So, join us as we embark on this journey and embrace the uncertainty in order to uncover the hidden wisdom that lies within the liminal spaces of life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 10min
104: David Hayward: Pursuing Spiritual Autonomy, with the Naked Pastor
takeawaysDavid's early experiences shaped his adventurous spirit.He has a diverse background in various Christian denominations.His journey in faith has been marked by exploration and questioning.A pivotal moment in seminary led to a crisis of faith.David emphasizes the importance of navigating between faith and doubt.He experienced a profound flash of insight about the oneness of all things.David's blog, Naked Pastor, became a platform for his thoughts on spirituality.He believes every theology has something to contribute.David's departure from ministry was both traumatic and liberating.He encourages others to explore their own spiritual journeys. Existential crises can lead to profound insights about faith and ministry.Redefining pastoral roles can create a more inclusive community.Love must manifest in policies to be truly effective.Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and connection.Diversity within communities enriches the spiritual experience.The church has both pastoral and prophetic responsibilities.Spiritual independence is crucial in the deconstruction process.Personal spiritual practices should resonate with individual desires.Exploring what you truly want is a vital spiritual exercise.The journey of deconstruction is unique for everyone.Links:https://www.jacciturner.com/www.nakedpastor.comwww.thelastingsupper.com
SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off) Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise) ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
103: Dr. Andrew Bauman: Safe Church, How to Guard Against Sexism in the Church
takeawaysDr. Bauman's book addresses sexism and abuse in the church.He conducted extensive research with over 2,800 women.The church has a history of silencing women's experiences.Authenticity is crucial in addressing personal and communal trauma.Patriarchy fosters a culture of secrecy and shame.Weaponizing forgiveness can harm victims of abuse.Theological beliefs should evolve and shed outdated ideas.Men's insecurities often lead to abusive behaviors.The church must confront its complicity in abuse.Healing requires facing pain rather than bypassing it. Forgiveness can sometimes be weaponized in abusive situations.Emotional and spiritual abuse often goes unrecognized.Healthy shame encourages accountability, while toxic shame dehumanizes.Entitlement can stem from suffering, leading to harmful behaviors.Trusting our bodies is essential for spiritual health.Men must actively work against sexism and objectification.Systems in the church often prioritize power over people.Jesus's actions challenged the patriarchal norms of his time.Small community models can foster deeper connections and healing.Personal growth requires confronting our own shadows and ego.Chapters00:00Introduction to Dr. Andrew Bauman and His Work02:53The Need for a Safe Church05:51Personal Journey and Background09:08Deconstructing Faith and Theology11:52The Impact of Evangelical Upbringing14:47The Secret Life and Authenticity18:02Patriarchy and Its Consequences20:56Weaponizing Forgiveness24:01Confronting Abuse in the Church32:26The Impact of Forgiveness in Abuse Dynamics34:49Understanding Shame: Healthy vs. Toxic36:31Navigating Suffering and Entitlement37:48Reclaiming the Body: Trusting Our Intuition39:29The Role of Authority in Spiritual Development41:10Listening to the Marginalized: A Christian Imperative43:14Jesus and the Rejection of Patriarchy45:09Men's Responsibility in Addressing Objectification48:10Confronting Sexism in Church Culture50:09The Challenge of Changing Systems52:07The Value of Small Community Models54:20Ego, Affirmation, and Personal Growth57:58Practices for Centering Faith and SelfLinks:Book: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/safe-church/419431Workshops: www.Christiancc.orgBlog: www.AndrewJBauman.com
SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off) Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise) ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 22, 2025 • 60min
102: Taylor Thomas: Getting Existential; Tillich, Merton, and Horror Films
takeawaysTaylor is currently fascinated by Nosferatu and its historical context.Nosferatu represents a preconception of vampires before they became romanticized.Horror films often reflect societal anxieties and fears.Taylor's upbringing in Appalachia was marked by a unique blend of faith traditions.A progressive preacher changed Taylor's perspective on Christianity.Thomas Merton's teachings had a profound impact on Taylor's faith journey.Taylor distinguishes between a personal God and a more abstract ground of being.Tillich's philosophy offers a nuanced understanding of divinity.The conversation highlights the tension between traditional and progressive theology.Philosophy encourages exploration of complex questions in faith and existence. Metaphysics is inherently theological, addressing fundamental questions of reality.Existentialism encompasses both religious and atheistic perspectives.Freedom can be both empowering and stifling, leading to anxiety about choices.Justice should be the foundation of societal structures, not religious identity.Thomas Merton's views on capitalism and alienation remain relevant today.Finding meaning often requires looking beyond isolation to community.The rapid advancement of technology poses ethical challenges for humanity.Engaging with our communities is essential for personal fulfillment.Self-reflection is crucial in understanding our beliefs and motivations.A contemplative approach can help us connect with others and find deeper meaning.Links:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tillich_today/?igsh=bGUwZ2JnMjZmcjVt&utm_source=qrWeb: https://taylormariethomas.squarespace.com/YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@BYTE-GEISTPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tillich-today/id1725855909
SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off) Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise) ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 7min
101: Liz Charlotte Grant: Let the Scriptures Breathe
Take AwaysLiz became a birth doula after her own experiences with childbirth.The process of becoming a mother can be isolating and taboo.Doulas provide emotional and psychological support during childbirth.Birth is a transformative experience for families, not just individuals.Liz's work as a doula involved helping families navigate their expectations and fears.Women in leadership roles often face unique challenges in church settings.Liz's faith journey involved significant personal and familial dynamics.Therapy played a crucial role in Liz's faith deconstruction.The Bible's interpretation can vary greatly depending on cultural context.Liz's book explores seeking God in Genesis after losing faith in the Bible. Reading Genesis requires a surrender to the story.Ancient texts reflect a deep commitment to preservation.Understanding characters in Genesis offers rich insights.Hagar's story represents themes of liberation and survival.Diverse perspectives enhance our understanding of scripture.The craft of writing ancient texts is complex and laborious.Historical context is important but not the sole focus.The Bible is a collection of voices from marginalized communities.Letting the scriptures breathe allows for deeper engagement.Exploring midrash can reveal hidden meanings in the text.Links:Preorder the book: https://tinyurl.com/mvj7ndh5Amazon Book: https://tinyurl.com/556zwv4a Web: https://lizcharlotte.com/Substack: https://tinyurl.com/97n95fzsElizabeth Elliot Article: https://tinyurl.com/yej3dwe7Avivah Zornberg Resource: https://www.avivahzornberg.com/books.html
SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off) Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise) ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 6min
100: Andrew M Davis: Philosophy, Theology, and the Universe
takeawaysThe course 'Whitehead's Universe' aims to introduce beginners to process philosophy.Whitehead's thinking is described as a prism, requiring multiple perspectives to understand.Experience is fundamental to both science and spirituality, shaping our understanding of reality.Process philosophy sees the world as fundamentally verb-like, emphasizing becoming over being.God is not static but dynamic, growing and changing with the world.The relationship between God and humanity is reciprocal; we form God through our actions.The need for a new metaphysics that reflects contemporary understanding of the world.Mystery should be honored in both theology and metaphysics, allowing for wonder and exploration.Dynamic perfection suggests that God is ever-evolving rather than static.The Christian tradition is an ongoing process, not a settled doctrine. Metaphysics is fundamentally about human experience.We must honor the mystery within ourselves.Science has its own metaphysical assumptions.The present moment connects the past and future.The church's knowledge is also unfinished.God is the foundation of being and becoming.Supernaturalism is in retreat; ultra-naturalism offers a new perspective.God's presence is not detectable by scientific means.The universe seems fine-tuned for conscious beings.God continuously saves the world from moment to moment.Links:Course: https://www.whiteheadsuniverse.com/Books: https://tinyurl.com/52bk3fc5Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Andrew-M-DavisWebsite: https://www.andrewmdavis.info/
SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off) Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise) ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 1, 2025 • 59min
99: Jeremy Steele: The Skeptic Pastor, Balancing Faith and Doubt
takeawaysJeremy identifies as a skeptic pastor, balancing doubt and faith.Choosing beliefs that promote love and acceptance is crucial.The role of a pastor is to help people connect with the divine.Deconstruction is a lifelong process of questioning inherited beliefs.The damage caused by rigid belief systems is often pervasive.Philosophy and theology are distinct fields with different tools.Authenticity in spirituality can lead to personal growth.Spiritual beliefs can provide mental health benefits.The importance of critical thinking in faith matters.Community and shared mythology are essential in religious contexts. Apologetics can be harmful and create a combative view of faith.Faith should not be positioned as something under attack.Teaching apologetics can lead to indoctrination into narrow viewpoints.The Lord, Liar, Lunatic argument is a false dichotomy.Churches often prioritize institutional survival over genuine faith.Control and manipulation are central to maintaining religious institutions.Skepticism can coexist with pastoral roles in certain denominations.Community can thrive outside traditional church structures.Honesty about doubts is essential in spiritual discussions.Personal experiences shape one's understanding of faith and belief.Links:https://jeremy-steele.com/linkshttps://www.tiktok.com/@skeptic.pastorhttps://jeremy-steele.com/suck-book
SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off) Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise) ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 25, 2024 • 1h 26min
98: Peter Rollins: Is God Dead? A Peek Into Radical Theology
In this RECAST conversation with Peter Rollins , we discuss the themes of loss, death, and redemption. He shares his experiences growing up in Northern Ireland and how it shaped his work on scapegoating and peace. Rollins emphasizes the importance of embracing our contradictions and the inherent loss and death that is part of being human. He critiques the idea of a pre-traumatic state and highlights the redemptive power of encountering our own dividedness. The conversation also explores the role of grief and the need to acknowledge and process loss. Rollins connects these ideas to the concept of the death of God and the tearing of the temple curtain, challenging the notion of liminality as a space where the finite and infinite meet. In this conversation, Peter Rollins and Tom Rundel discuss the concept of God and the different ways it is understood. They explore the idea of sublimation and liminality, with Rollins arguing that the eternal exists within certain objects rather than behind them. He sees Christianity as radical in its belief in the death of God and the alienation within the divine. They also discuss the concept of hope and the importance of living in the present moment. Rollins suggests that a better understanding of God in the modern world is one that embraces self-division and ontological unknowing.
Find Peter on the Web: https://peterrollins.com/
Find Peter on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCweF6BScvFnbsymouI-znDA
Find Peter's Books on Amazon: https://rb.gy/yu7zje
Find us on the WEB! - https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Sponsors
Quoir Square 2 Class:
https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo
code: Liminal for 10% off)
Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal"
in Application for $100 off)
Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)
Connect
Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving
Follow us on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow
Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 1min
97: Jon Turney: This is Not Church
takeawaysJon has worked at Costco for 30 years and has a diverse personal life.He grew up in a religious household but questioned church teachings from a young age.Jon's early questions about the Bible led to feelings of rebellion during his teenage years.His experiences in theater challenged his views on homosexuality and church teachings.Jon's journey included studying various religions and ultimately identifying as agnostic.He reconnected with faith through the hyper grace movement, emphasizing God's unconditional love.Jon became a worship leader and preacher but struggled with the church's teachings on hell and salvation.His departure from the church was driven by a desire for authenticity in his beliefs.Jon maintains a friendship with his former pastor despite differing beliefs.The conversation highlights the complexities of faith, control, and personal growth. Universal salvation was a leading belief before modern teachings.Engaging in online arguments about faith can be exhausting.Identifying as a follower of Jesus rather than a Christian reflects personal beliefs.Christian nationalism has a loud platform that many reject.Political tensions are affecting faith communities today.Understanding the roots of anger can lead to healing.The church's connection to politics is concerning.Deconstruction can lead to new beginnings and perspectives.Creating a podcast allows for diverse voices in faith discussions.Community is essential in navigating faith journeys.LinksPodcast: https://thisisnotchurch.com/Book: https://amzn.to/3OIjubx
SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off) Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise) ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 4min
96: Blair Coyle: Escaping Evangelical Indoctrination
takeawaysCatching the Northern Lights was a long-awaited dream.Growing up in evangelical communities shaped my worldview.Fear-based teachings can lead to obsessive faith practices.Experiencing spiritual abuse can lead to complex PTSD.Questioning beliefs is a crucial part of personal growth.YWAM provided both community and indoctrination.Different theological perspectives can expand understanding.The journey of deconstruction is often painful but necessary.Finding supportive communities is essential for healing.Books and podcasts can be valuable resources for exploration. Listening and taking a lot of input and learning is crucial.Music can reflect the struggle of faith and personal growth.There is a narrative of death and resurrection in belief systems.Finding grounding in new perspectives can lead to freedom.Community can provide stability but can also become cult-like.It's important to navigate the balance between individuality and community.Influences from music and thinkers can guide personal journeys.Spiritual practices like meditation can aid in personal growth.Beliefs can evolve beyond traditional dogmas.Authenticity in spirituality is a continuous journey.Links:https://www.blaircoylemusic.com/https://www.youtube.com/@blaircoylemusic
SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off) Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise) ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 16min
95: Leslie Nease: Free From Toxic Theology
Leslie's childhood was marked by instability and a search for connection.She experienced a significant faith shift after a traumatic event involving her daughter.The journey of deconstruction led her to question long-held beliefs.Leslie emphasizes the importance of community and authenticity in faith.She learned to think critically and trust herself after leaving the church.The fear-based teachings of her past created anxiety and isolation.Leslie's experiences on Survivor China opened her eyes to diverse perspectives.She began to research and question the teachings she was raised with.The shift from destination-focused faith to journey-oriented spirituality was profound.Leslie aims to support others in their journeys of faith and self-discovery. I don't believe in hell anymore.I'm not turning my back on my Christianity.God is love.Discipline is for rehabilitation, not punishment.You don't have to do anything you're not ready to do.I was taught I was disgusting and unlovable.We've been putting the blame on everything else for so long.The kingdom of God is already here and it's in you.You can't take somebody someplace they're not ready to go.Honoring the journey looks different for both of us.LinksPodcast: https://honoring-the-journey.simplecast.com/Book: [Click Here]
SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off) Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise) ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


