A God We Could Believe In

A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today.

We're looking at the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. Whether you're a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you've never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com

  1. Live: How would Jesus 'Unite The Kingdom'?

    May 22 ·  Bonus

    Live: How would Jesus 'Unite The Kingdom'?

    Back in March, we welcomed Revd Dr Helen Paynter to the Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds to question just how Jesus would ‘Unite The Kingdom’, a reference to the rallies held in London by Far Right figurehead Tommy Robinson, the second of which took place just this weekend. In this talk she explores the ways that groups are fusing Christianity with nationalism, ethnic identity, and anti-immigration rhetoric in ways that threaten liberal democracy and distort the message of Jesus. She then points to some ways that Christians can engage with these groups from across the political divide without resorting to the same hostility and power-driven politics. About Helen: Helen is the Director of the Centre for the Study of the Bible and Violence in Bristol, has written and edited several books on Christianity and extremism, and has recently edited a volume titled ‘The Church, the Far Right and the Claim to Christianity’. Coming up Our next live Café Theologique event is taking place on Thursday 4 June and features Professor Thomas Jay Oord on the topic of ‘What’s left of God after deconstruction?’. Space is limited and tickets are going fast so if you’d like to join us, book your place asap. About A God We Could Believe In: A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com Stay in touch Email: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe

    47 min
  2. Q&A: Towards a different sexual ethic

    Apr 27

    Q&A: Towards a different sexual ethic

    Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. In particular, this episode includes discussion of sexual assault, rape and drugging in the context of the recent ‘online rape academy’ story. That section lasts from 6.20 until 19.30. As always, please look after yourselves. We’re picking up your questions in response to our final episode, Towards a Different Sexual Ethic. How does asexuality fit into the picture? What about gay hookup culture? Will gender equality and lgbtq+ affirmation ever be mainstream, and what do we do until then? Coming up We’re taking a break to plan and record our next series, but there’ll be ad hoc episodes popping every now and then. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you. You can message us via our Substack, Facebook or Instagram and you can also email us at agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com. About A God We Could Believe In: A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. New episodes are released every other Monday. Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com Stay in touch Email: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe

    56 min
  3. Towards a different sexual ethic

    Apr 13

    Towards a different sexual ethic

    Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. Please look after yourselves. In our last full episode of the series. we’re taking stock of all our conversations from the last 8 months and exploring what a positive and inclusive Christian sexual ethic might look like today. Coming up Next up is our final Q&A which will land on Monday 27 April. If you’ve got a question in response to today’s episode, make sure you send it over by this Friday 17 April to feature. You can message us via our Substack, Facebook or Instagram and you can also email us at agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com. After that we’ll be taking a break to plan and record our next series, but there’ll be ad hoc episodes popping every now and then. About A God We Could Believe In: A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. New episodes are released every other Monday. Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com Stay in touch Email: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe

    56 min
  4. Q&A: Two genders and a spectrum walk into a bar

    Mar 30

    Q&A: Two genders and a spectrum walk into a bar

    Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. Please look after yourselves. How toxic is traditionalist teaching on gender, and is there a nuanced way to navigate the conversation around trans-inclusion in church spaces? Also, how did we end up recording an episode twice without realising?! Coming up Our final episode in the series will be released on Monday 13 April where we take stock and examine if we can reclaim a more positive, inclusive view of human sexuality. A Q&A will follow, and we know we’ve still only scratched the surface of this topic so there will be more ad hoc episodes to follow. Please get in touch if there’s anything we’ve not touched on that you’d like to hear about. About A God We Could Believe In: A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. New episodes are released every other Monday. Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com Stay in touch Email: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe

    52 min
  5. Two genders and a spectrum walk into a bar - part II

    Mar 23

    Two genders and a spectrum walk into a bar - part II

    We take a deeper dive into the Bible to look at how gender and sexuality is talked about in scripture and its interpretation. Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. Please look after yourselves. The dominant viewpoint within many church traditions is that there are two genders, male and female, and that men should play the leading role. If this is the hierarchy God intended, why do so many people not fit the mould? Can church communities create space for people who don’t conform to traditional gender roles? A quick parish notice We are really aware that many listeners will want us to cover LGBTQ+ inclusion in church communities. We’re keen to talk about it too, but as a team we know we’re lacking the kind of lived experience needed to do the conversation justice. With that in mind, we will be returning to the topic soon, in conversation with people who can speak directly from their lives so please stay tuned. Coming up Part 2 will be released next Monday 23 March. We’ll be taking a deeper dive into the Bible to look at how gender and sexuality is talked about in scripture and its interpretation. Our Q&A will then follow on Monday 30 March. Please get your questions on gender and sexuality by this Friday 20th March to feature - you can message us via our Substack, Facebook or Instagram. You can also email us at agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com. About A God We Could Believe In: A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. New episodes are released every other Monday. Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com Stay in touch Email: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe

    49 min
  6. Two genders and a spectrum walk into a bar - part I

    Mar 16

    Two genders and a spectrum walk into a bar - part I

    Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. Please look after yourselves. The dominant viewpoint within many church traditions is that there are two genders, male and female, and that men should play the leading role. If this is the hierarchy God intended, why do so many people not fit the mould? Can church communities create space for people who don’t conform to traditional gender roles? A quick parish notice We are really aware that many listeners will want us to cover LGBTQ+ inclusion in church communities. We’re keen to talk about it too, but as a team we know we’re lacking the kind of lived experience needed to do the conversation justice. With that in mind, we will be returning to the topic soon, in conversation with people who can speak directly from their lives so please stay tuned. Coming up Part 2 will be released next Monday 23 March. We’ll be taking a deeper dive into the Bible to look at how gender and sexuality is talked about in scripture and its interpretation. Our Q&A will then follow on Monday 30 March. Please get your questions on gender and sexuality by this Friday 20th March to feature - you can message us via our Substack, Facebook or Instagram. You can also email us at agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com. About A God We Could Believe In: A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. New episodes are released every other Monday. Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com Stay in touch Email: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe

    52 min
  7. Q&A: Do christians just need a good wank?

    Mar 2

    Q&A: Do christians just need a good wank?

    We're responding to your questions on our latest episode, 'Do christians just need a good wank?' Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. Please look after yourselves. Can sex toys and pornography help people to become more confident, empowered and sexually aware? And should churches be encouraging congregations to use these in their own sexual fulfilment. Coming up Episode 8 – Two genders and a spectrum walk into a bar – is released on Monday 16 March. Few issues within christendom are more divisive than that of sexuality. Many mainstream, global churches are facing existential collapse while they try to reconcile progressive and traditionalist voices. While the battle rages, we examine the cultural and biblical claims that make up the debate and explore whether the church can embrace an inclusive view of sexuality and gender. About A God We Could Believe In: A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. New episodes are released every other Monday. Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com Stay in touch Email: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe

    54 min
  8. Do Christians just need a good wank?

    Feb 16

    Do Christians just need a good wank?

    Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. Please look after yourselves. Now that the average age of marriage in western societies north of 30, is sexual purity really worth two decades of bottled up urges and internalised shame? If I never get married should I just pretend those bits aren't there? And what about whiplash of a culture that expects women to go from chaste and pure to innate pleasure seekers at the sound of an 'I do'? Coming up Our next Q&A episode is on Monday 2 March, so if you’d like to ask a question on anything you’ve heard from the podcast so far, then make sure you get your question to us by Friday 20 February to feature. Contact us via email, social media or our Substack page. Episode 8 – Two genders and a spectrum walk into a bar – is released on Monday 16 March. Few issues within christendom are more divisive than that of sexuality. Many mainstream, global churches are facing existential collapse while they try to reconcile progressive and traditionalist voices. While the battle rages, we examine the cultural and biblical claims that make up the debate and explore whether the church can embrace an inclusive view of sexuality and gender. About A God We Could Believe In: A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. New episodes are released every other Monday. Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com Stay in touchEmail: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelieveinInstagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 11m
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About

We're looking at the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. Whether you're a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you've never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Simon Hall
  • Show Website
    A God We Could Believe In

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