Spiritual Misfits Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Christian thinker Mitch Forbes explores fresh interpretations of Jesus' death and resurrection. He critiques traditional views of atonement, emphasizing how they can portray God as violent and wrathful. Instead, he proposes liberation imagery, linking the cross to the exposure of human violence rather than divine punishment. Forbes introduces René Girard's scapegoat theory, revealing how communities often blame outsiders to restore peace. The conversation culminates in a call to embrace nonviolent love and reconciliation this Easter.

 In this thought-provoking episode Will Small welcomes back Karl Hand to explore the often misunderstood concepts of sin and grace. As part of our series examining challenging theological concepts, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on terms that have sometimes been weaponised against marginalised communities.About Karl HandKarl Hand is a pastor with the Metropolitan Community Church and recently began working with the Australian Student Christian Movement, helping to revitalise campus ministry. With his background in theology and experience ministering primarily to LGBTQIA+ communities, Karl brings unique insights to these complex topics.Key Themes ExploredReclaiming the Language of SinKarl discusses how the word "sin" has been traumatic for many, especially in queer communities, where it's been used to shame and exclude. Yet rather than abandoning the term, he suggests reclaiming it—similar to how the word "queer" has been reclaimed—to access its transformative power when properly understood.Beyond "Crime and Punishment"The conversation traces how our understanding of sin has been shaped by Augustinian theology and mistranslations that frame sin as a crime demanding divine punishment. Karl offers alternative frameworks from theologians like Irenaeus, who viewed sin more as an interruption in our journey toward becoming who we're meant to be.Sin as SeparationRather than viewing sin as primarily about rule-breaking, Karl suggests understanding sin as "anything that comes between us and God." This reframing helps us see sin as exile or separation rather than as moral failure requiring punishment.The Relationship Between Sin and GraceKarl shares his personal experience of grace at age 13, describing how the recognition of sin created space for transformation. "If there's nothing wrong with where I'm at now, then I don't feel the need to cling onto grace quite as much," he explains, highlighting how sin and grace work together in our spiritual journey.Collective Sin and RepentanceThe conversation explores how sin operates not just individually but collectively through systems, structures, and intergenerational patterns. Karl points to global political movements and social injustices as evidence of our deep interconnectedness and shared responsibility.Queer Theology's GiftsKarl highlights how queer theology offers valuable perspectives on sin and grace, including the reclamation of pride as a virtue rather than a sin, the importance of hybrid identities, and the power of collective liberation.Recommended Reading:Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

In this episode, Will talks with Kevin Sweeney about his new book "The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus: Mystics, the Black Prophetic Tradition, and Why I'm Still a Christian."Kevin shares how the mystics gave him the Cosmic Christ, while the Black prophetic tradition offered him the Concrete Jesus. Together, these traditions help us embrace both the universal presence of divine love and the urgent call to justice and liberation.Key Topics Covered:The difference between experiencing Christ and just believing in JesusHow the Black prophetic tradition reveals Jesus as both liberator and threat to empireWhy being "safe" in Christ allows us to become "dangerous" to injusticeThe transition from pastoring to hospice chaplaincyWhy unity with Christ transcends religious boundariesThe Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus is out on May 6th. Follow Kevin Sweeney for updates. Connect with Kevin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinsweeneynow/Website: https://www.kevinsweeneynow.com/Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

What happens when the word "salvation" drops out of your vocabulary? In this thoughtful conversation, Will Small is joined by Becca De Souza and Carolyn Meers to explore how our understanding of salvation can evolve beyond formulas and altar calls toward something more communal, justice-oriented, and present. Together they wrestle with questions of what we're being saved from, who's doing the saving, and whether salvation can be meaningful for progressive Christians today.We explore:How our early understandings of salvation were often tied to transactional spirituality and individual "soul-saving" Exploring salvation as solidarity rather than rescue"Salvific resources" and our participation in God's work of healing and restorationReimagining salvation as "salvage work" - what can be rescued and repurposed from the shipwrecks of our worldThe connection between personal salvation and collective liberationWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

Welcome back to another Pub Theology episode! Will Small reunites with the good Rev Mitch Forbes to revisit a spicy topic: hell and the afterlife. "Is justice in God's realm retributive or restorative? That's the whole question."What We Cover:The three main theological perspectives on hell and the afterlifeWhy Mitch and Will have both embraced Christian universalismHow our understanding of justice shapes our view of the afterlifeThe philosophical problems with eternal conscious tormentWhy psychological continuity matters in any vision of heavenWant to hear Mitch and Will's earlier conversations about hell from the podcast backlog?Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1925719/episodes/10513489Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1925719/episodes/10598997Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

In this powerful episode Will Small welcomes Chalise van Wyngaardt (they/them), also known as Boy Renaissance, for a deeply moving conversation about faith, queerness, and finding belonging in spirituality and expression through poetry.Episode Highlights:Chalise's Journey: From growing up in Baptist and Pentecostal churches to discovering their queer identity at 16, Chalise shares their experience of being confronted by church leadership and choosing to walk away rather than deny their authentic self.Faith Fluidity: Chalise describes their "non-binary faith" - embracing days when they feel more atheist than Christian and vice versa, finding beauty in the mystery rather than rigid definitions.Spiritual Transformation: After exploring various spiritual traditions, Chalise found healing when they discovered West End Uniting Church with its pride flag and inclusive communion, allowing them to reconnect with Christianity on their own terms.Poetry Performance: Chalise shares two powerful poems - "God is Non-Binary" and "Shooting Stars Fall into My Mouth" - exploring their spiritual journey, gender identity, and relationship with God.Future Church Vision: The conversation concludes with reflections on creating more inclusive spiritual spaces where diversity is celebrated and no one feels like an outsider.Connect with Chalise:Instagram: @boyrenaissanceWatch the "God is Non-Binary" video by Boy Renaissance featuring Froonky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1rqWCYUtogWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

LIVE: Is Christianity Still Good News? (Panel Discussion from 2023)Originally recorded June 2023In this timely replay from our archives, we revisit a powerful live panel discussion that feels more relevant than ever. As we navigate 2025's challenging landscape of rising Christian nationalism and global uncertainty, four thoughtful voices offer alternative perspectives on Christianity's role and relevance today.Featured Panelists:Gregg MorrisSally DouglasWill NicholasCarlynne NunnKey Topics Explored:Woman wisdom and Jesus as the feminine divineThe 'cultural tale' we carry with usUsing sci-fi and storytelling to explore theological questionsFinding good news in failure, disappointment and ordinary momentsEpisode Highlights:Beautiful alternatives to dominant Christian narrativesFresh perspectives on what "good news" means todayThoughtful engagement with contemporary challengesHope-filled possibilities for faith in uncertain timesImportant Update: Spiritual Misfits is now being supported by the Sydney Central Coast Presbytery of the Uniting Church. For those who support the podcast or wish to begin supporting, please note our new bank account details are available at spiritualmisfits.com.au under the 'Support Us' tab.Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

The conversation revolves around the Religious Trauma Collective, a group formed by Jane Kennedy, Samantha Sellers and Elise Heerde. They discuss the importance of recognising and addressing religious trauma, the context of this issue in Australia and New Zealand, and the differences between healthy and unhealthy religious environments. The Collective aims to provide resources, support, and community for those affected by religious trauma. In this conversation, the group explore the complexities of community, the importance of diversity in faith spaces, and the nuances of navigating online influences and deconstruction. They discuss the journey of healing from religious trauma, the balance between public and private healing, and the significance of therapy in this space.Learn more here: https://www.thereligioustraumacollective.com/Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

Join Will and Marla Taviano for a wholefarted conversation about creativity, authenticity, and finding freedom beyond religious labels. From writing conservative marriage books to creating protest art from James Dobson literature, Marla shares her journey of unlearning and discovering what it means to truly come alive.In this episode we discuss:The origin story of "living whole farted"How poetry became Marla's language of resistanceMaking protest art from evangelical literatureThe influence of Rachel Held EvansFinding authenticity beyond strict religious frameworksThe relationship between creativity and spiritualityConnect with Marla: https://itsmemarla.com/ Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

Mikenzie Ling shares her journey as a proud Wiradjuri woman navigating her identity and faith. She discusses her roles in community engagement and Indigenous theology, reflecting on her experiences growing up with challenges at home and a strong sense of emerging spirituality. Mikenzie explores the complexities of her relationship with God, the impact of her cultural background, and the integration of Aboriginal spirituality with her Christian faith. Through her story, she highlights the importance of embracing one's identity and the healing power of connection to Country and community. The conversation explores the journey from fragmentation to wholeness, the significance of land in Aboriginal theology, and the complexities of identity within the context of colonisation. Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com