This episode is a special one for me. As cairns (i.e., rock piles) are used way out in the wilderness to keep hikers on a trail, so the concepts in this episode might keep those in a psycho-spiritual wilderness on trails, too.

I'm trying not to be dogmatic about any of this, but the intensity of the wilderness (or what I'm calling "the darkness" in this episode) has given me plenty of reason to reflect and offer some opinions. As you'll hear, I've identified three general responses that people have (and that I've certainly had) while going through the darkness.

If you've been finding yourself in unknown existential territory, first, I feel for you; second, I think you'll find this interesting, particularly if you're looking for a Jesus-oriented way to navigate your own challenging events; and third, I hope you'll be reminded of the critical role that wilderness plays within the biblical narrative. In other words, you're in good company!

Also, if you've been through loss, I suspect you'll appreciate indigo: the color of grief. Meanwhile, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and if you need a place to support before the end of the year (or into the new year), don't hesitate to check out all the good things happening at lovehaiti.org.

Peace my friend, don't give up!

PS - I only realized after the fact, that I published this a few hours away from the longest night and shortest daylight of the year. Pretty appropriate timing I think.

j_f substack
j_f insta
lovehaiti.org

Hey, everyone, I'm happy to introduce you to Liz Charlotte Grant and her forthcoming book: Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible. Instead of seeing the book of Genesis as a weapon in the culture wars, Grant interprets the Bible’s inspired book of beginnings as a work of art and that is why I was happy to have her on the show. We need more of that. :)

Take a moment to like and share the show and while you're taking moments to do cool things, you should go to lovehaiti.org and think about supporting the amazing work happening there.

Peace everyone,
J

j_f substack
j_f insta
lovehaiti.org

Hey, this is my friend, psychoanalyst, and author, Quique Autrey. I've had the chance to be on his Psyche Podcast a couple of times, so when he decided to write a book, I knew I wanted to have him on and talk about the project. Btw, if you're into Rick Boothby, Todd McGowan, Peter Rollins kind of stuff, like me, then Quique's podcast is a great resource.

Today, we're talking about his new book, which is is called Green Flags: How to be the Kind of Person You Need in Your Life. Green Flags is practical and helpful and by reading it, you'll not only enhance your own life but also become a more supportive and understanding presence for those around you. The book is accessible (despite Quique's depth of knowledge around all things philosophcial and psychological). Hope you check it out, and I hope can like, share, and review this show!

To keep up on all things J_F, please subscribe to my Substack Newsletter.

Finally, at this time of the year when, hopefully, we're all thinking a bit more about giving to others, consider youself invited to check out what's going on at LoveHaiti.org.

Peace,
Jonathan

j_f substack
j_f insta
lovehaiti.org

It was great to be with my friends Tom Oord and Tammy Vogt recently, talking about our experience(s) with The Church of the Nazarene—both the good and the bad. I think this will be helpful for any of you who have lost faith in your denominational, church, or religious affiliation. And unfortunately, there are a lot of us who fall into this category.

None of this means that all religious communities are entirely dysfunctional, and none of this means that we shouldn't stop attempting to improve upon the next iteration of religion. Religion is never, ever going away. It will always be with us, so we must name the stuff we've been through as best we can and move forward in health. Well, in a tiny way, this episode is trying to do just that.

For more info about Tammy see her soultogether.com website and for Tom, check out thomasjayoord.com.

Thanks everyone. Hope to see you on my substack page.

Peace!

j_f substack
j_f insta
lovehaiti.org

It's great to have author and friend, Dana Hicks back on the show to talk about his latest book: The Quest for Thin Places: How to Find Spirituality after Deconstruction. I highly recommend this book to anyone going through some type of disassembling and reassembling of their faith.

Thanks for your support. Make sure to like, leave a review, and share with a friend. And don't forget to sign up for my Substack newsletter at jonathan_foster.

If you like this podcast, you might like other Quoir Cast podcasts. Check it out at our patreon page.

j_f substack
j_f insta
lovehaiti.org

It's always fun to interact with Mason Mennenga, and this time around, we talk about his faith journey, filled as it's been with open and relational insight. We also talk about theology beer camp and football (of course), so I don't know what more people could want!

Find Mason on his podcast, A People's Theology, and all the stuff he's up to (including his merch!) at his website, magsonmennenga.com.

Meanwhile, while you're out perusing the interwebs, you should jump on the J_F newsletter. It'd be great to have you. ✌🏼

j_f substack
j_f insta
lovehaiti.org

Mattie Jo Cowsert is an actor and author. I think the courage she displays unpacking her story around, you guessed it, God, sex, and rich people is something that a lot of people are going to benefit from. I love her spirit and her energy for finding healthy ways forward for young people (all people). We had a lot of fun on this episode.

Her book is out today (as of the release of this episode). I hope you'll find it. God, Sex, and Rich People: A Recovering Evangelical Testimony. Also, find Mattie Jo at mattiejocowsert.com and or follow her on social media like I do. :)

Meanwhile, feel free to subscribe to my substack newsletter. It'd be fun to have you. Oh, and it'd be awesome to see you at Theology Beer Camp this October. Make sure you introduce yourself!

Finally, like and share this episode. No really, do it.

Peace!

j_f substack
j_f insta
lovehaiti.org

Loved chatting with Justin Scoggins about his brand new book, Inking Christ: A Theological Approach to Tattoos. It's a timely, interesting, important read. Plus the cover is awesome. Hope you'll check it out.

Peace,

Jonathan
Substack
Theology of Consent
indigo: the color of grief

j_f substack
j_f insta
lovehaiti.org