In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with David Butler, teacher, author, and tour leader, for a thoughtful conversation on faith, imagination, and what it means to believe in a God bigger than we often dare to picture. David shares his story of growing up in Texas, teaching seminary and institute, and navigating a faith journey shaped by encounters with world religions, moments of doubt, and unexpected experiences in places like China and Rome that reshaped his view of God’s reach. He reflects on why the opposite of faith is not doubt but false certainty, and how embracing questions can actually deepen trust. Together, they explore themes of sin and repentance through fresh lenses, the importance of language in shaping our spiritual lives, and why patience, curiosity, and humility matter in both leadership and discipleship. David also opens up about leading “holy envy” tours, posting weekly reflections that serve as “church” for many, and walking through personal loss while holding onto hope. This conversation is an invitation to entrepreneurs, leaders, and seekers alike to expand their perspective, embrace the tension of growth, and live with more wonder, courage, and compassion. 00:00 | Welcome & why David’s voice resonates 01:56 | Faith as the most personal conversation 03:21 | Texas roots, diversity, and early influences 07:48 | Faith in the South vs. Utah culture 10:42 | India plans & the idea of “holy envy” 14:11 | China moment: “I will take care of all my children” 17:08 | Teaching restoration & world religions—holding tension 19:36 | Rethinking “only true and living church” 21:39 | Identity, the ‘favored child,’ and letting others wear the coat 25:19 | Casey’s journey: certainty, curiosity, and what he knows 29:24 | Thomas the Apostle and the holiness of doubt 32:18 | The Chosen, a loving Christ, and belonging 32:59 | Scripture needs your imagination 35:14 | Language matters: sin = missing the mark; repentance = return 36:53 | Why teaching mattered: people over programs 38:48 | “Saturday night posts” as church for the weary 40:48 | Grief, miracles, and finding solace through others’ gifts 49:20 | A much bigger God that gathers all truth 51:47 | Doing the work: growth comes through the journey 53:14 | Loving God, loving people—the north star 56:41 | Personal revelation stories that anchor faith 58:17 | The opposite of faith isn’t doubt—it’s certainty 59:32 | Why people leave faith: betrayal, hurt, story, and effort 01:03:28 | Voices that inspire—rabbis, pastors, builders 01:05:22 | Joy in what people create (even Vegas!) 01:06:14 | Breathwork, presence, gratitude, wonder 01:09:39 | Seeing goodness everywhere—multiplying and replenishing 01:10:53 | “It’s good”: embracing hard things that form us 01:13:30 | Eden as imagistic wisdom, not literal stenography 01:16:32 | Holding to what you know while staying open Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
