It Comes Back to Community: An Interview with R. Scott Okamoto

We’re joined this week by R Scott Okamoto who is a writer and musician from Los Angeles. He is passionate about AAPI identity and politics, fly fishing, sex and sexuality, cooking, and religious deconstruction. Scott is the creator and host of the Chapel Probation Podcast and the author of Asian American Apostate: Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University. In this conversation, Scott shares his transformative journey from a conservative evangelical upbringing to becoming an advocate for LGBTQIA students at Azusa Pacific University. He discusses the challenges of deconstructing his faith, the importance of community support, and the impact of evangelical culture on identity. Scott emphasizes the need for critical thinking and openness in navigating personal beliefs and experiences. He discusses his journey of deconstruction from evangelicalism, the importance of community and storytelling, and the challenges of addressing systemic issues like racism within Christianity. He emphasizes the need for ongoing personal growth and the role of music and creative expression in finding joy and connection after leaving religious spaces. 

Takeaways

• Scott grew up in a conservative evangelical environment.
• His journey of deconstruction began after meeting LGBTQIA individuals.
• He became an advocate for LGBTQIA students at APU.
• Community support was crucial for students facing rejection.
• Evangelical culture often perpetuates harmful ideologies.
• Deconstruction is a complex and personal process.
• Critical thinking is often discouraged in evangelical settings.
• Sharing personal stories can foster understanding and empathy.
• Navigating faith and identity can be challenging for many.
• It’s important to embrace knowledge and openness in personal growth. Once you start moving, it’s hard to stop.
• Finding community is essential for continued growth.
• Deconstruction is not just a personal journey but a communal one.
• Storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.
• Christianity has a significant racism problem that needs addressing.
• Building relationships with diverse communities is crucial.
• It’s important to engage in uncomfortable conversations.
• Music can be a source of joy and connection after deconstruction.
• Creative projects can help explore complex topics like sexuality.
• Acknowledging suffering in others can lead to deeper understanding and empathy.

Chapters

(03:56) Journey of Deconstruction at APU  

(07:22) Community and Support for LGBTQIA Students  

(13:21) The Impact of Evangelical Culture on Identity  

(16:01) Navigating Deconstruction and Its Challenges  

(21:10) Encouraging Critical Thinking and Openness  

(28:12) Final Thoughts and Reflections  

(29:04) Navigating Deconstruction and Personal Growth  

(31:10) The Challenge of Moving Beyond Evangelicalism  

(33:27) Finding Community in Deconstruction  

(37:44) The Power of Storytelling and Connection  

(42:35) Addressing Racism in Christianity  

(47:51) Future Projects and Creative Endeavors

Resources:

• Asian American Apostate: Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University by R Scott Okamoto
• Chapel Probation Podcast
• Learn more about Scott at https://www.rscottokamoto.com/ 
• Join the Sanctuary Collective Community 

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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