10 episodes

There are lots of podcasts and articles about why so many people are leaving religion, but a more interesting question to ask is why people stay, especially those who have been judged, shamed, demonized, or abused by their religious communities. In Why I Stay, we tell stories of faithfulness in the face of judgement, hurt, and betrayal.

Why I Stay Patheos Podcast Network

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.7 • 12 Ratings

There are lots of podcasts and articles about why so many people are leaving religion, but a more interesting question to ask is why people stay, especially those who have been judged, shamed, demonized, or abused by their religious communities. In Why I Stay, we tell stories of faithfulness in the face of judgement, hurt, and betrayal.

    Greg Johnson on Being Gay and On Trial

    Greg Johnson on Being Gay and On Trial

    Pastor Greg Johnson talks with us about what it's been like to be the only senior pastor in his entire denomination who is publicly celibate and same-sex attracted.

    • 34 min
    Brian Zahnd on Discovering a Rich, Substantive Faith

    Brian Zahnd on Discovering a Rich, Substantive Faith

    Brian Zahnd came straight out of the Jesus Movement and was comfortable in his brand of Christianity. Until he wasn’t. Brian went through a public transformation of faith in his 40s. In that process, he was accused of heresy and lost many members of his church, but he continues to press on.

    • 34 min
    Greg Coles on Being Single, Gay, & Christian

    Greg Coles on Being Single, Gay, & Christian

    Dr. Gregory Coles describes himself as a single, gay Christian. He has been working to help others find acceptance and community in the Church precisely because it has been so difficult for him. His story is full of setbacks and hope and will surely bring a smile to your face.

    • 31 min
    Andy Mineo on Race, Rap, and Paid Religion

    Andy Mineo on Race, Rap, and Paid Religion

    Andy Mineo is known for being one of the top rappers for Reach Records. Being a white man inside of Black culture means he has made some mistakes and learned some lessons from which we could all benefit. Andy talks about how he got into the rap game and the pitfalls of being a professional Christian.

    • 30 min
    Dan Stringer on Struggling with Evangelicalism

    Dan Stringer on Struggling with Evangelicalism

    Rev. Dan Stringer talks about his struggles with Evangelicalism, why he hasn't left, and what he hopes will change. Dan grew up all over the world, from Africa To North America to Asia. With his experiences and perspective you're sure to be challenged and encouraged wherever you are in your faith.

    • 34 min
    Jennifer Knapp on Kindness, Empathy, and Humility

    Jennifer Knapp on Kindness, Empathy, and Humility

    Jennifer Knapp talks about her upbringing, what Wikipedia gets wrong about her, and her time with Lilith Fair. Plus, the central role her faith plays in her life, even after so many Christians were so cruel to her.

    • 35 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
12 Ratings

12 Ratings

noelhilst ,

Timely and Helpful Discussions that Matter

I have been blessed by this podcast and it’s stories of faithfulness and wrestling with God and the church. I especially enjoyed Brian Zahnd’s story, and his helpful distinction between renovating and deconstructing, as well as his encouragement that Christianity is bigger than evangelicalism and that there are other faithful expressions of allegiance and love for Jesus. I hope they continue to put out more episodes in the future!

MamaMmegh ,

Perfect timing for this podcast!

Thankful for this podcast capturing how it feels to be somewhere between “deconstruction” and “this is what I always believed so it must be true” about Jesus and faith.

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