The Noncast: Recent Episodes
Steven Draeger and Nathan Roberts
An ongoing conversation around the topics of spirituality and culture for those who find themselves wondering and wandering on the fringe of religion. (A safe space for the rest of us to be honest.)
Co-hosted by Nathan Roberts and Steven Draeger.
As promised: PART 2 of "It's Okay To Not Be Okay!" This also happens to be the finale of Season One, but fret not–Season Two will be soon to follow. (And depending on when you're listening to this, Season Two may be a quick play-button away.)
In this episode, Steven and Nathan continue to explore concepts around emotions and Christianity, and invite you to experience the whole range of your human emotions. You'll hear a bit about their own experiences with anxiety, depression, and pride, and why they believe that "negative" emotions aren't bad–they're human (and actually very Jesus-like).
We're taking a week off to spend time with family and friends, but we'll be back next week with the Season One FINALE (!!!) and part two of It's Okay To Not Be Okay.
We live in an "I'm good" society. Seldom, when asked the question, "how are you?" do we actually answer honestly. "I'm good, you?" is the typical response, even if we're not good. Because this trigger-response is so engrained into our psyche, we can easily come to believe that it's not safe to share when we're not okay. And unfortunately, the church isn't much help when it comes to this–because the moment you start sharing how you're actually doing, you run the risk of getting shame-slammed with Bible verses about why you shouldn't feel the way you feel.
But, you know what? It's okay to not be okay! In fact, because there's so much to say about that, Steven and Nathan have decided to devote not just one, but TWO episodes to the topic! So without further delay, press play and let's get started on part 1.
You don't have to spend much time in a church to hear some pretty strange ideas be taught. Or, in the case of this episode, you don't have to spend much time on social media to see a church post something bogus. Here's what's not helpful: self-refuting statements that are taught as non-disputable theology.
So where do these ideas come from? Why are they perpetuated in the Church? And, on a personal level, what can you do about it?
Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. Over the recent weeks, these have become household names, recognizable throughout the United States and several other countries on multiple continents. These individuals experienced horrific, tragic, untimely, heinous, unjust, brutal deaths, which have set the world ablaze in uproar over police brutality and the long-suffering and unacknowledged sanctity of black lives. These names represent countless other black men and women who have experienced racism, prejudice, brutality, and dehumanization, often at the hands of white people.
In this episode, Nathan and Steven start with confession and repentance; as white men, both acknowledge their complicity in racism and prejudice against black people, as well as their ignorance on the topic of anti-racism.* However, Nathan and Steven also acknowledge that remaining silent is not an option and are committed to the well being, flourishing, equal and just treatment of black people. They boldly proclaim and will continue to advocate that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
*As a disclaimer and note to people of color, and particularly black people who may listen to this episode: as you will hear, Nathan and Steven are open to and invite your critique. They are committed to a life of anti-racism and have a desire to grow and learn; however, they don't expect to do it perfectly and want to hear from you if there's something they should be saying or doing differently. So please, don't hesitate to write them if you feel the desire to do so.
Deservedness. It's a concept often co-opted by pastors and authors to communicate the great depth of God's love and grace for humanity. But what if using the word "deserve" actually did more harm than good? What if it actually said or implied something untrue of God and God's love for us? In this episode, Nathan and Steven build a case for why "deserving" has nothing to do with God's love, and why eradicating the word from use in this context is one of the best things we can do moving forward. Spoiler alert, but here's the reason why: because, before anything else, you are loved.
Creation narratives: every religion has (at least) one, and each one carries with it loads of questions. Even non-religious individuals hold to various explanations regarding the origin of the universe. And some people embrace a mixture of theories, adopting certain aspects from both religion and science.
In this episode, Steven and Nathan venture back to the beginning–the first two chapters in the book of Genesis–to explore what the Judeo-Christian creation myth(s) may have actually been communicating (you know...beyond what our Sunday school teachers told us). Why were these stories included? Are they to be understood literally? And just what might they tell us about the role of humanity on the earth?
The story-telling continues, and this time it's Nathan's turn. A lifelong Jesus-follower, Nathan has had his fair share of Christian experiences; ranging from fundamentalism to charismatic prayer circles to massive amounts of doubt and disorienting questions. Although Nathan currently feels more settled now embracing some of the more contemplative values found within Christianity, the journey to this point has been full of twists and turns.
If you've listened to the first few episodes, you've heard small snippets from Steven and Nathan about their backstories; but, there's a lot more to where they land on matter's of life and faith today. In this episode, you get to hear from Steven. You'll hear more about his childhood, Christianity in his younger years, a bit about his time in "atheist-land," and why he still calls himself a Christian today.
Many of us have asked ourselves the question: what's wrong with the Church?! Often times, we're asking the question in frustration, confusion, disappointment, and maybe even disgust. Nathan and Steven have thoughts on the topic, which they explore together in this episode of The Noncast.
Coronavirus, aka COVID-19, has changed the face of human history forever. People of all backgrounds have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the matter, and amongst some of the most vocal are Christians. This episode was recorded early-on during the shelter-at-home orders, but is being released right as some states are beginning to lift restrictions. Nonetheless, Nathan and Steven have some thoughts to share, and a few requests for the Church.
Easter is celebrated by billions of people every year. Sometimes it's for the chocolate bunnies and plastic eggs filled with money; sometimes it's to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus; sometimes, it's both. But for those in the midst of deconstruction, Easter can feel unorthodox and disorienting.
In an effort to model the vulnerability and transparency Steven and Nathan envision for the Church, they both share, in real time, their reflections on Easter 2020.
Meet the hosts of The Noncast: Steven Draeger, a husband, father, and current worship leader and student ministries pastor; and, Nathan Roberts, a husband, and previous worship leader. Both hosts call themselves Jesus followers, but are discontent with the versions of Christianity they've been handed. In a world full of podcasts on spirituality and culture, listen to find out why they've decided to add their voice to the mix in this opening episode of The Noncast.