Faith Undone: Recent Episodes
Tony Wuerfel
In this episode we discuss the various epic narratives and the origin stories. We’ll also take time to consider how to approach these stories when one becomes aware of the ancient practice of narrative borrowing.
If you’d like to partner with us in providing more great content like this please consider giving a monthly donation at www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel
The post Episode 165 | Borrowed Heroes appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll consider where the phrase advocating for the devil comes from and the roles we often played while living in religious communities.
The post Episode 164 | Advocating for the Devil appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Many of us developed a habit early in life for searching for the loopholes in every rule we were given. We’d push the envelope just enough until guilt and shame caused us to take a step back. Today we’ll consider the loophole and why and what this search was really all about.
The post Episode 163 | Loopholes, Wham and Shabbat Elevators appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
For many of us Christian praise music is something we’ve outgrown, or maybe simply doesn’t seem to fit. In this podcast I’ll discuss some of the oddities of this music, why it may not fit anymore for so many of us and what alternatives we are finding to tap our feet to.
The post Episode 162 | Wooing Jesus appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
I see a lot of social media posts lately placing Jesus on THIER political persuasion, promoting mandatory masks and vaccinations or the opposite with freedom to choose. Jesus to some wears a MAGA hat while others would argue vehemently that he would have a George Floyd chanting I can’t breathe. So– WHO WOULD JESUS SIDE […]
The post Episode 161 | Jesus Sides with Juan appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Don’t let the title fool you– this is going to be a fun, in depth look at taking responsibility for our own actions and leaving behind worn out, guilt driven narratives.
The post Episode 160 | My Asshole Son appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
After a long year of silence, a year of reflection and giant shifts I am back with some new positive perspective and eager to deconstruct and reconstruct faith with you again!.
The post Episode 159 | Bringing Her Back to Life appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
This new year has already brought with it some interesting shifts– positive and negative. Loss of jobs, new pushes for sustainable energy, triple masking and anal swabbing — it’s looking to be an uncomfortable year. SO how should we engage with people during this time, especially those we drastically disagree with over issues ranging from […]
The post Episode 158 | Managing 2021 and Difficult People appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll look at liberation theology, socialism, capitalism and whether or not Jesus sided with either. We’ll consider the words, teaching and actions of Jesus while making use of our grey matter to determine how our culture can find real relief. Please consider supporting the work we do by giving a donation at http://www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel to […]
The post Episode 157 | Jesus the Socialist? appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Our culture right now is terrified of conflict, terrified of germs, terrified of anything that creates unwanted shifts. We will scream micro-aggressions at every laugh emoji, sanitize every surface of our home, and fight tooth and nail when someone questions our preconceived ideas. BUT, and big but–what if this very action is the very thing […]
The post Episode 156 | Making Peace with Your Dirt appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
My friend’s the Riveras are some of the most creative, loving, generous friends I have. Not only have we shared family holidays, countless gatherings and family outings we’ve also walked together as families in the deconstruction process. Today I introduce you to two incredible people who will share their own journeys through reconstruction covering topics […]
The post Episode 155 | Meet the Riveras! appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Some of us have felt deep anxiety, fear, sadness, excitement and cycled back all during this last month. Today I want to give a very ancient message of hope some new life, new perspective that may bring some hopeful news during such a divisive time in our nation’s history.
The post Episode 154 | Arks, Hope and the Decisive Act appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I will share some new perspective on an old story about an angry son and a loving dad as well as a beautiful experience I had while leading a discussion in my classroom. What is your center? Are you worthy of being loved? How important is affirmation and how does the brain receive it? […]
The post Episode 153 | Jack Frost, Eldest Sons, and My Center appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
We live in a time where everyone seems to be a victim, or at the very least claims it. From coffee lap spills to drive by squirt gun shootings (I’ll explain in detail on the cast) people in our culture today have developed a certain aptitude at playing the victim card every chance they can. […]
The post Episode 152 | Victim Cards and Deadly Squirt Guns appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
There’s a new virtue signal trend on social media that is highly reminiscent of the religious guilt and shame many of us left when we began the difficult work of deconstruction. Today I’ll take time to discuss the “I am the problem” virtue signal and show the highly dangerous effects of these kinds of messages […]
The post Episode 151 | You are NOT the Problem appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I had the opportunity to interview an old friend who’s journey is both heroic and chaotic and yet has found ways to find peace and community in the midst of it all. Matthew has been many things from an international speaker, church planter, writer, owner of a successful non-profit and life coach and will […]
The post Episode 150 | That Time Matthew Gamble Opened Up Some Shoe Boxes appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll discuss the art of deconstruction from two very different lenses. One lens we have observed as of late in the riots, looting, screams for abolition of various social and political systems while the other lens has a more thoughtful approach. Join me as we delve into the two and seek a better, fuller […]
The post Episode 149 | Chisels or Hammers? appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I talk with Michele Snyder, the Redheaded Ragamuffin. She is the great (12 greats) granddaughter of Martin Luther, wife, mother, and theologically insightful person who will share her journey through deconstruction, reconstruction and learning to live in the human liminal spaces. If you’d like to help support this podcast please consider giving to www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel […]
The post Episode 148 | The Redheaded Ragamuffin appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I want to take some time to consider the idea of hope, because honestly it’s been difficult to have these days. What does it mean to be hopeful? How does one experience hope if they’ve left various “hopeful” traditions? Join me as we delve into this idea as well as consider the Jesus message […]
The post Episode 147 | We’re Going to Be Ok appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Our social and political climate in 2020 has become so charged and yet so surface focused that it’s almost near impossible to have real conversations without labels being given and large assumptions being made. Today we’ll discuss the Black Lives Matter push to remove images of white Jesus, whether Jesus was black and why it […]
The post Episode 146 | Black Jesus appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll discuss the chaos that is happening in our nation and how it affects us personally and communally. We’ll consider the biases we hold and look at the other perspectives as well. We’ll hover over the waters, dip our wings in and observe patterns that can lead to larger, fuller life. As always, please […]
The post Episode 145 | Black Lives Matter and the Butterfly Effect appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I want to introduce you to professor of sociology and secular studies at Pitzer College in Claremont, California Phil Zuckerman. Phil specializes in the sociology of secularity and authored “Living the Secular Life” and “What It Means to Be Moral.” Today we’ll delve into his story, his study of religion and anthropology, secualr parenting, […]
The post Episode 144 | Living the Secular Life with Phil Zuckerman appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever hear someone tell you to follow “God’s will” and feel confused about what that really means? Is there really a literal map planned out for you? Today I’ll answer an email from a new friend in Georgia over the idea of pre-determined life paths. As always please consider supporting this podcast by going to […]
The post Episode 143 | God’s Will, My Will, Kill Bill appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
I’ve been observing lately — a lot of things. One is that people are beginning to look to a certain book again. They are quoting it in conjunction with Bill Gates, mandatory vaccination cards, and unscientific biases. Is what’s happening right now already been predicted? Is the book of Revelation actually pointing out what will […]
The post Episode 142 | Is This the End? appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I talk to my good friend, scholar, and fantastic human being Chris Anderson. We talk about his own journey into deconstruction, reconstruction, leaving faith and finding deep spirituality outside of traditional faith. If you found this podcast helpful please consider giving to www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel
The post Episode 141 | Meet My Good Friend appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
I’ve observed an interesting trend lately with people who claim science — and it comes from both sides of the spectrum whether conservative or liberal. What I’ve observed lately is that SOME people’s departure from evangelical faith followed them closely out the door and into their new religion — science. Listen along as we delve […]
The post Episode 140 | Religious Science appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we discuss the term cognitive dissonance, consider what it means to live during a liminal period, and what the tell tale signs are that you and I may be avoiding moving through the dissonance. AND, we’ll talk about peacocks peacocking!! As always please consider supporting this podcast through a monthly donation of your choosing […]
The post Episode 139 | Peacocking Christianity appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we will finish with our series over the effectiveness of boarding schools. We’ll cover questions: 1. Would you send your child to a boarding school? 2. Are you still assocaited with your religous tribe? 3. And did it affect your connection with your parents? As always please consider giving to www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel to help continue […]
The post Episode 138 | Good Enough for My Kids? Part 3 of Boarding Schools appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
The Easter Sunday practice is an interesting one with many thematically disunified ideas and narratives. In this podcast we’ll consider Easter as well as the deep ritual that Jesus and his followers practiced in the first century. As always, please consider giving to http://www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel if you found this material helpful and interesting.
The post Episode 137 | Passing Over the Eggs appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
This is part two of a series of podcasts over the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of boarding academies. I’ve had hundreds of conversations with people over the past 20 years since my high school graduation and always find it interesting to hear how divided people are over boarding schools. In this podcast we’ll discuss question one: Did […]
The post Episode 136 | Sexuality and Boarding Schools appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
This is part one of a series of podcasts over the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of boarding academies. I’ve had hundreds of conversations with people over the past 20 years since my high school graduation and always find it interesting to hear how divided people are over boarding schools. In this podcast we’ll discuss question one: Did […]
The post Episode 135 | Growth or Stagnation in Boarding School appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll discuss the theory of Survival of the Fittest and how it actually is a beautiful, hopeful theory in a time of deep fear and social distancing. I will flip the idea back to its oroginal context as well as connect to an old narrative about a sea being calmed in the middle of […]
The post Episode 134 | Survival of the Fittest and Sailing COVID Seas appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
We are in an interesting moment in history again where mass hysteria, media fear mongering, and social distancing in the norm. People are fist fighting in lines at Costco over toilet paper while our elderly are panicking inside their homes quarantined. What I find interesting about all of this is not the conspiracies, the election […]
The post Episode 133 | COVID- 19, Mass Hysteria and Pattern Interrupts appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Many of us left churches that had central figures, leaders whose writings were immortalized and often used to this day in conversations of truth. Today I respond to a question about the historical Seventh- day Adventist figure Ellen G White and whether I believe her writings are compelling or not. As always, please consider giving […]
The post Episode 132 | Ellen Gangsta White appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
For many of us the conversation of sex was always a mysterious one surrounded by guilt, fear and shame. Premarital sex was considered a sin and connected to adultery and Bible verses were handed out by the droves in efforts to keep young people “pure”. But what if I told you most of what we […]
The post Episode 131 | The Death of Purity Culture appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever hear someone say “All I need is Jesus” and wonder what they actually meant beyond the cliche? Where did this phrase come from and just how “Biblical” is it? Join me today as we delve into this worn out phrase and into the heart of what it means and doesn’t mean. And as always, […]
The post Episode 130 | Jesus All and Other Cliches appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What did Jesus mean when he said, “You are the salt and light of the world”? What if I told you salt and light had a very different meaning for the 1st century people than it does for 21st century Christians? Join me as we huamnize this beautiful and yet often misused passage together. If […]
The post Episode 129 | Salty People appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Where did the idea come from that this world — Earth– is not our home? Today we’ll delve into the history behind this, consider its ramifications and then meet an astronaut with a new perspective! As always please consider giving to www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel if you found this podcast helpful and please WRITE A REVIEW!
The post Episode 128 | Your Home on the Moon appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What a way to begin 2020! Our nation has found itself once again in the middle of a potential escalation of violence in the middle east and the divisions have become increasingly more obvious. What I’ve also noticed is that there is one specific growing rhetoric that is masking itself as Christian and yet their […]
The post Episode 127 | Trump Bombs and American Jesus appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I want to respond to a younger listener and their frustrations over worn out arguments from their tribe concerning issues like jewelry and modesty as well as give some practical advice when dealing with various systems and people. And as always, please consider giving to www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel if you’ve apprecaited the concent provided.
The post Episode 126 | Evil Jewelry and Sacred Tattoos appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
There’s a discussion that happens every Christmas season that I find in online forums that seems to divide people. The discussion of course if whether the word virgin meant what’s it’s been translated in the 21st century birth narrative. This one word has two different connotations which could be very dangerous to some who hold […]
The post Episode 125 | The V Word appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll delve into the birth story moving past literalism into a far deeper and closer understanding that the writers and audience had that offers a far richers application to our lives today. As always please consider giving to patreon.com/tonywuerfel if you found this podcast helpful. And please don’t hesitate to share these with others […]
The post Episode 124 | Virgins, Camels and Unexpected Births appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I want to consider this past holiday season and the deeper meaning behind rituals and why we keep them. We’ll discuss Pilgrims and Indians, Black Friday, the gift of remembering and a story that brings the ritual back to life. As always please consider giving to www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel if you’ve appreciated these and other podcasts. […]
The post Episode 123 | Worthless Rituals and Things that Make Us Puke appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What do we do with all those odd Levitical laws in the Old Testament? What makes one rule more important or relevant than others? Why is it some people continue using these verses to make dogmatic assumptions and yet seem to be cherry picking with no real explanation? Join me today in a fun podcast […]
The post Episode 122 | I Like Pig Butts And I Cannot Lie appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
There’s this really interesting, pivotal moment in the Gospels where Jesus goes up on a mountain and begins talking about a new way to understand the laws. For most of us in the 21st century we’ve had certain ways of interpreting this narrative but what if I told you the majority of interpretations, fine as […]
The post Episode 121 | Blessed Are the Poor? appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever have moments when shame and guilt seem to storm their way into your day? You begin getting lost in the “what if’s” and “should haves”? When I think about these moments, these shame storms; I’ve begun to consider the Fig Tree. Join me today as we look at ways to deal with shame and […]
The post Episode 120 | Shame Storms and Fruitless Trees appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
We live in a culture of dependence. Most of our society is contingent on people NEEDING things. What’s interesting though is when one begins to connect this dependence to the spiritual journey of freedom and life more abundantly. Can one truly live a life of freedom while being so deeply dependent on religious structure? Join […]
The post Episode 119 | Graduating from Church appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever keep yourself awake thinking about past mistakes in which you wish you’d said or done things differently? Ever get stuck dwelling in the past? Today I want to consider what this action does and ways in which to step into the present borrowing from some sage voices from the past! As always, if you […]
The post Episode 118 |Tools- If I Only Knew Then What I Know Now appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever read this verse in John 14 with Jesus describing leaving to prepare a place and scratch your head at the meaning of the text? Is he really leaving to build actual space mansions? Why in space? Why not build them right here? And if that’s the case, that he is literally building mansions, why […]
The post Episode 117 | Preparing a Place and Dining Room Tables appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What is I told you that the message of the Bible is less about being certain and more about learning to live fully in the unknown? What if the act of wandering is valued more than being safely penned? The parable of the Shepherd and the 99 sheep is a deeply spiritual and also deeply […]
The post Episode 116 | Sheep Need to Wander and Other Stinky Parables appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Sometimes we move into seasons of change, times where we re-invent ourselves. These seasons can be terrifying and yet can also offer some amazing new perspectives if we would only take long enough to let them sit and ask questions of them. As always please consider giving monthly to support this podcast at www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel
The post Episode 115 | Sabbath and What I’ve Learned from The Move appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
After years of studying this topic and the various ways in which these two words and doctrines have been understood I want to share how Jesus viewed both and how to understand them in an applicable way that doesn’t cause one to lose their grey matter or even sleep for that matter. If you found […]
The post Episode 114 | Heaven and Hell According to Jesus appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Every hear someone say “there is no absolute truth?” Or maybe you’ve had someone ask you this very same question. Today we’ll delve into this question and others as we do some Q & A time. As always please consider giving to patreon.com/tonywuerfel to help support the workings of this community building podcast!
The post Episode 113 | Absolute, Ambiguous Truth appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll fill you in on some important info regarding the direction of our community Ethos as well as share some interesting perspectives on how to view the Bible in its entirety. Does someone NEED a church to be spiritual? Why are so many people leaving churches? We’ll discuss all of this and more. And […]
The post Episode 112 | You Are Ethos appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What does the word faith mean? Ask three people and you may get three very different answers. Today I’d like to look at this word in some practical ways as well as some theological ones. We’ll also consider an often misunderstood metaphor Jesus uses in the mustard seed. If you’ve found this podcast helpful please […]
The post Episode 111 | Moving Mountains and Honest Faith appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever look back at your past, see an old photo and think “man, I am so different now?” Ever look back and remember the things we thought were so important and yet, in hindsight, laugh as life has shifted priorities for us? Today we’ll consider a parable centered in this idea of finding the THING […]
The post Episode 110 | Boy Bands and Finding Home appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
If you’ve ever uttered the phrases “I’m forgiven”, “He’s given a sinner like me grace”, “I’m not worthy” during church services and yet later began to see these mantras as destructive, this episode is for you. What if this groveling, shame and guilt self-talk was never actually part of the conversation for the writers of […]
The post Episode 109 | For Christ’s Sake, It was Only a Mistake! appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever hear people use the Bible to build a case for gender roles? Use odd diagrams to say that women are the subordinate to man and this is the original plan for all mankind? If you’ve ever heard anything like this and felt an odd sensation deep in your stomach that this all sounds a […]
The post Episode 108 | Barefoot, Pregnant and in the Kitchen appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I want to consider this question of violence from BOTH perspectives? Is there ever a time when violence SHOULD be used? What of the teachings of Jesus? How is a Christian nation whose very freedom came in part from violence? Join me today as we delve into this controversial topic. As always please consider […]
The post Episode 107 | Is Violence Ever the Answer? appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever have someone you are in extreme conflict with? Ever have difficulty wishing them well? Today we’ll consider our enemies and gain valuable insight into how to dance more humanly from the advice of Harper Lee in her novel To Kill a Mockingbird. As always, if you value the content here please consider giving to […]
The post Episode 106 | Friends and Enemies appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll consider some of those mini-shifts that seemed small at the time but when looking back made an incredible difference in your journey. Today we’ll consider what it means to be a child again and embrace those shifts. As always please consider giving to patreon.com/tonywuerfel to help keep this valuable conversation going forward.
The post Episode 105 | Earthquakes and Mini Shifts appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll start our new series “Life According to Scout” where I’ll delve into the deep, holy messages of love, forgiveness, and peace in the midst of class struggles, racism, and prejudice. As always please consider giving to www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel
The post Episode 104 | It’s All Holy (To Kill a Mockingbird Series 1) appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
In this episode we leave the book of Revelation behind with some beautiful imagery and new ways of viewing our response to conflict. We’ll move through this ancient letter of protest and find peace with a misused book. If you’d like to help us continue to grow this community and produce the work that brought […]
The post Episode 103 | When We’re Ready to Eat Fruit Again appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll consider an ancient community that wasn’t living up to its potential and consider how we can begin finding ways to live up to our own. We’ll also hear from you over the three questions asked on the podcast. As always please consider giving to patreon.com/tonywuerfel to help support this content reaching more and […]
The post Episode 102 | Meeting Your Potential and Long Ass Names appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever put all your energy, time, and resources into something only have feel defeated in the end? Ever have these moments when you feel so broken down that your soul feels dead inside? If so, this beautiful letter to a community in that same kind of space may be a great insight for you today. […]
The post Episode 101 | When You’re Feeling Defeated (Sardis) appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today marks our 100th episode!!! I want to celebrate this monumental episode by having a very special guest ask some very difficult questions and also give a challenge to all our listeners. I can’t wait to hear your response! And as always please consider giving to keep this very important podcast going by giving to […]
The post Episode 100 | 100th Episode!!! appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
In this podcast we’ll discuss ways in which to discern whether a movement is true/ legitimate or not. Whether the movement is worth following or to be avoided. We’ll consider this by using this ancient apollytic letter as a springboard. And as always, please consider giving to www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel
The post Episode 99 | How to Discern Truth-Thyatira/Pergamum appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
If you’ve ever questioned the Easter Sunday services, the violence, the odd promises of escaping death, the guilt and shame so often associated with the narrative of god needing to be appeased through the death of…god, then you will find this new perspective, a healthier perspective on how to celebrate this historic weekend. Join me […]
The post Episode 98 | Reshaping Easter appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
The book of Revelation was never intended to be used for decoder rings, future predictions, and geopolitical/religious posturing. The book of Revelation was a 1st century piece of literature used to help bring a very real protest against a culture of violence and oppression. In this podcast we’ll consider the second way in which a […]
The post Episode 97 | Smyrna – Better Together appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
The book of Revelation is how I actually started by career as a speaker and after 10 years of speaking about this book and its letters many ideas have shifted. In this series I’m going to give some new, and in many ways big shifts in how to view this misunderstood book by viewing the […]
The post Episode 96 | Ephesus- Finding Your Inner Child appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
If much of the Old Testament is filled with metaphorical and often borrowed stories and not historically accurate accounts, what do we do with the teachings of Jesus? How do we process stories like people being brought from the dead, blind healed by spit and dirt, and bread and loaves multiplying into the tens of […]
The post Episode 95 | Is Jesus’ Magic True? appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Growing up I was told the Ten Commandments were literally given to a guy named Moses on a mountain for ALL the world, not just Jews apparently, but everyone to follow. If one chooses not to follow they will lose their golden ticket rewards. But what if I told you these commandments aren’t actually new […]
The post Episode 94 | Borrowed Commandments appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I’m going to take some time and dialogue with you over three great questions that came in. What is that weird eerie feeling we sometimes seem to get that we often call an “evil presence”? Where did the idea of Satan as a fallen angel come from if not originating in the Bible? If […]
The post Episode 93 | Eerie Feelings, Fallen Angels, and Questions of Existence Part 5 appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever hear those stories about people who’ve been “possessed”? Those stories of voices changing, eyes glowing red, holy water shot from the good pastors hands? What do we do with these stories today? What’s REALLY going on in these incidents? Join me as we delve into case studies and various experiences about the truth behind […]
The post Episode 92 | Campfire Demon Stories Part 4 appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Where did the idea of Satan being a literal fallen angel come from? If he was truly an angel that took 1/3 of heaven why would he be allowed to come to Earth to torment and tempt mankind and what would that suggest about the power of the god that created him? Join me as […]
The post Episode 91 | Fallen Angel or Heightened Myth? Part 3 appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Why are snakes always considered evil in most fundamental churches? How much of this hate is because of the Genesis account and how much of it should be taken as metaphor and how much literal? Today join me as we delve into part two of this series over the evolution of the character Satan in […]
The post Episode 90 | Blessed, Holy Snakes Part 2 appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Where did the Devil originate in ancient writings? Is there really a man or woman in red, horns on head wearing red pajamas and prada shoes creating chaos throughout the world and tempting humanity into sinful blunder or is there a deeper narrative happening between the lines of history? Join me in this in depth […]
The post Episode 89 | The Devil Wears Prada in Her Pajamas Part 1 appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
With all the crazy press surrounding the MAGA hat catholic boy and his friends I wonder what we can learn from the response and how it can help shape future discussions on racism, triggers, media, and the role we ALL play in shaping our nation’s narratives. Join me as we talk about MAGA hats, lynching […]
The post Episode 88 | MAGA Hats, Lynching Trees, and Real Empathy appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever hear communities use the phrase “we are like sheep”? Or hear children referred to as “little lambs?” Today I would like to spend some time considering this white, wooly four legged animal and why so many religious communities see themselves as sheep following a Shepherd and then give an alternative view that may lead […]
The post Episode 87 | Be a Goat appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we will talk with Keith Paige, a Celebrant/ Death Doula and dear friend to learn how to morn properly as to avoid the band aid approach of so many religions institutions that simply pass by death and grieving and promise half hope for the future and a life of pain and sadness in the […]
The post Episode 86 | Grieving The End Times with Keith Paige Part Five appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
In this podcast we'll consider what was meant when the writers of the gospels said Jesus is preparing a place, what was meant when Paul writes that he would come exactly as he left, and how to take a view of the world that doesn't end with fire, murder, escape and general pessimism.
The post Episode 85 | Lose Your Fire Insurance – Ending the End Times Part Four appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What if the only literal resurrection that resulted from Tim Lahaye’s books is Kirk Cameron’s career? In part three of Ending the End Times we’ll consider a couple more verses and how to responsibly interpret them especially in regard to the image in Matthew of sudden disappearances of a man and woman and how they’ve […]
The post Episode 84 | Leaving Behind Kirk Cameron’s Rapture: Ending the End Times Part 3 appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
If you’ve ever sat through a Revelation sermon or seminar and walked away feeling like you just watched a two hour c rated conspiracy documentary on Netflix, wondered why Jesus would come a second time to murder and destroy the planet and the inhabitants of it or how EVERY eye would see him descending like […]
The post Episode 83 | Rocket Man Jesus – Ending the End Times Part 2 appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
For many people they’ve grown up in a religious system that told them some day the world would end in fire and destruction as Jesus floated down on clouds to carry away the good people to heaven leaving behind wreckage and misery, death and despair. For some people this worked as long as they were […]
The post Episode 82 | Ending the End of Times : Part 1 appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Who is the person of Jesus? Was he a demigod who came to the earth to die in place of man to satisfy his Zeus- like father? Was he more of a mixture of various rabbinical voices and teachings in Judaism written to give hope and meaning to a specific people or was he simply […]
The post Episode 81 | Jesus: Man, Myth, Mystery, God appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Wow, episode 78 really blew up! It seems many people have MANY opinions concerning short term mission trips. Some find them extremely dangerous and uncompelling while others are amazed they would ever be questioned. So today I’d like to take a few minutes and consider why “sharing the gospel” overseas may be more destructive than […]
The post Episode 80 | Queer Eye Gospel and Overseas Missions appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
For many of us we were never taught how to deal with our anger. Our religious systems taught us to simply ignore it or worse minimize it out of existence. Today I want to invite you to be angry, to allow yourselves to feel the emotions and learn to use that energy in constructive ways […]
The post Episode 79 | Are You Angry? appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I answer a great question posed to me online a couple months ago. The question is, “Can someone have faith without belief?” This question was so good I wanted to chew on it a bit; and after some chewing, I thought it was time! So today we’ll consider this question and wherever it lands […]
The post Episode 78 | Faith Without Belief appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
I believe our political and religious colonialism has to be left behind— we have to learn to overcome these mindsets especially in regard to oversea short term church mission trips. Join me today as we discuss the dangers of voluntourism, how it affects local economies overseas, and what we can potentially do differently to be […]
The post Episode 77 | Why Your Mission Trips Suck appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
There are hundreds of verse pulled from the narrative of the Bible that are often used as weaponized missiles directed at people who see the world differently than others. They’ll often pull the verse from its original context and strip it of its real beauty in an attempt to control behaviors or protect ideologies. Today […]
The post Episode 76 | Unscrambling Unequally Yoked appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
We all grow and form at different times and in different spaces. To say everyone fits neatly into one stage or another is almost lunacy when considering the universe and the way it reflects growth and change. Today we’ll consider how each of us grows, explodes and becomes the new you and why it’s important […]
The post Episode 75 | Exploding Like Stars appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
As I’ve been sharing these podcasts I’ve had many people ask me this same question; it seems to be THE question lately. I wonder if this question is gaining more momentum for a reason? Could it be that as we grow and become more aware as a society we are outgrowing some of our worn […]
The post Episode 74 | Knowing When It’s Time to Leave appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll discuss how damaging faith systems can be when they embrace methods of echo chambers and brainwashing doctrinal affirmation. We’ll consider what the first century people did to create honest, inclusive space for EVERYONE to thrive and how you can do the same. Join me today as we consider this. And as always please […]
The post Episode 73 | Echo Chambers, Brainwashing, and True Misfits appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever find yourself exhausted by the constant messages of work, work, work? Ever tire from all the memes telling you that life will be fulfilling only if you grind way, put in ALL your time and energy, essentially have no life apart from your occupational career goals? Today I want to look at the ancient […]
The post Episode 72 | Rest: Learning to Be Human Again appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
There’s this ancient idea that says whatever we spend our time and resources on are the things that ultimately shape who we become. Today we’ll delve into this a bit deeper and consider what we are presently beholding and how it positively or negatively affects our lives. And as always please consider giving at http://www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel
The post Episode 71 | The Things That Shape Us appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Why is it we sometimes are so terrified to celebrate or even accept the celebration that’s happening over us? Today I want to consider what to means to celebrate, why we celebrate and what often blocks us from truly celebrating the goodness all around us. And as always, please consider giving to http://www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel
The post Episode 70 | The Art of Celebration appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
After we’ve learned to walk through suffering with a grateful attitude the next path in the Christ narrative is the journey toward Emmaus. This is the very real moment when we’re tempted to go back toward places of safety; to undo the potential lessons learned. Today join me in this “sermon style cast” over what […]
The post Episode 69 | The Path to Awakening appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll start a two part series where we’ll dissect the two paths of the Christ. We’ll consider the first path which is the path of suffering. How do we navigate pain and suffering? What good could possibly come from it? Is it something we seek out or does suffering inevitably find us? Join me […]
The post Episode 68 | The Path of Suffering appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Science and religion haven’t always had the best relationship. Sometimes the two appear to act like a married couple at odds, unable to even broach the cognitive dissonance felt in the space between them. Other times the two have been bitter enemies striking each other sometimes leading to painful deaths. Today I hope to show […]
The post Episode 67 | When Science and Religion Hold Hands appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Where did the idea of angels come from? Where did we get the pictures of cute feathered babies with harps on clouds or guardian angels assigned to each child when born? Today we’ll look at what the Bible actually reads and then consider historically where these winged messengers were birthed and the purpose behind them. […]
The post Episode 66 | Angels, Wheel Monsters and the Messengers All Around You appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
This is the last of our series “Framing the Divine.” Today we’ll consider how the process of becoming, growing, evolving has helped shape and move us as a culture. We’ll consider the positives and negatives of this and how we as individuals and culture can slowly begin to use the Divine as a process in […]
The post Episode 65 | The God of The Process appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I want to delve into how I’ve personally learned to navigate the changes and pain of breaking up with my former church community. This has been a hard journey but I’ll start the conversation with sharing some steps I’ve learned to take through the journey that you may find helpful in your own breakups […]
The post Episode 64 | Breaking Up with Church appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I’ll share a scary experience I had over the weekend involving a plane, smoke, and near death conversations. We’ll discuss ways to live and ways to move through discussions of death and grief. We’ll discuss some of the unhelpful ways in which religion often views death and reconstruct better vantage points to bring about […]
The post Episode 63 | Facing Death and Living Courageously appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Where did the idea really come from that when you die you will be eternally burned for the 60-80 years of your life? And with that, what kind of frame does this place you and I and the Divine in? Today we’ll discuss the history behind this, how it’s affected culture as well as our […]
The post Episode 62 | God in the Hands of Angry People appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I’ll attempt to tackle the growing number of questions you’ve sent in over the months. Today we’ll look at three questions revolving around fear, stepping out, and the journey toward true community. In order to help us continue this podcast please consider giving a one time donation or a monthly one at http://www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel Also, as […]
The post Episode 61 | Blasphemies, Adventists, and the Myth of Perfection appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
For many of us it’s easy to see the Divine in outward images and ideas but deep within most religious constructs is a different framework that observes the miraculous deep within one’s self. From the ancients to Jesus, this idea is found everywhere. From the music we sing communally to the words spoken over us; […]
The post Episode 60 | The Magic is In You appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
I had the opportunity to interview a friend at our Ethos gathering who’s wisdom, stories, and openness makes her an absolute rockstar to everyone who knows her. She’ll share her story of growing up in a divided religious family, struggle through addiction, evolving view of God, and lots of wisdom on how to steer life […]
The post Episode 59 | Carolyn O’Neill is A Rockstar appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll look at how the ancients moved from a single image to a duplicitous one. We’ll discuss awkward families, the difficulty of leaving our tribes and how to make new friends all while learning another way in which to view the large unfolding mystery we call the Divine. To continue supporting this podcast and […]
The post Episode 58 | The Divine in Community appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
This podcast was recorded live at Ethos with my friend Terry Rice, chaplain, speaker, and growing voice for the LGBTQ community. Terry and I talk about everything from accepting vs affirming communities, how to forgive people and systems that turn you away, and much more. This is a long podcast so sit back, relax, and […]
The post Episode 57 | A Conversation with Terry Rice appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Our understanding of God often says more about us than it does the Divine mystery unfolding all around us. Today well look back and understand where this tendency to mold the Divine in our image came from, some of the dangers, and some ways in which we can learn to be in conversation with others […]
The post Episode 56 | God in Our Image appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever been somewhere spectacular and attempt to take a picture and laugh when you see your failed attempt to capture the full beauty of the thing? I believe this is not just a moment with nature but also very much applied to the Divine. When we look at a person’s theology, their view of the […]
The post Episode 55 | A Breathy God appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I had the privilege of having a friend join me today as we talk about life, deconstruction, the Bible, Heaven and whatever else comes to our minds. Enjoy this conversation about deconstruction and re-construction! As always please consider becoming a patron to support what we’re doing weekly! http://www.patreon.com/tonywuerfel
The post Episode 54 | A Conversation with Emily Saenz appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
I believe the power of Easter — the power of the death and resurrection story has been castrated by promises that you and I won’t die and the Easter Bunny manufactured celebrations. When I look at the original meaning behind this celebration from both the Jews and early Christian church it becomes apparent they were […]
The post Episode 53 | Beyond the Bunny and Golden Ticket Promises appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Many of us grew up with the ideology that it is better to give than to receive and yet I would argue there are hidden downsides to prioritizing giving over receiving. I’m referring to interpersonal relating, not social policy, which could use a hearty dose of the golden rule. Is it difficult for you to […]
The post Episode 52 | Learning to Receive appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
There’s this verse in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that states, “Jesus became sin who knew no sin…” My question is, what does that MEAN!? How does one BECOME sin? If, like me, you have outgrown Augustine’s Original Sin theory that we are all inherently bad and need the murder of Jesus to satisfy a wrong decision […]
The post Episode 51 | He Became Sin? appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
I’ve had many of you message me over questions concerning the book of Daniel, a book that is almost as commonly misused as the book of Revelation. What do we do with the three friends and the fiery furnace? What do we do with the lions’ den and Daniel’s diet? And what do we do […]
The post Episode 50 | Throw Your Time Charts in a Fiery Furnace appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I’ll attempt to answer the growing pile of questions that have been sent. Today we’ll delve into what label do I give myself, why the Christian faith is dying, do I believe gay marriage is good, and why all the philosophy talk lately? Join me in this fun Q and Q time together! If […]
The post Episode 49 | Questions, Answers, and Guesses appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
How does one approach the Bible? What if I told you 99.9% of Christians in churches have been using an irresponsible approach that was not originally used by the ancients who compiled these letters, poems, political cartoons and epic narratives to view the Bible? Join me today we we delve into the last of our […]
The post Episode 48 | Hallmark Promises and Biblical Promises of Mass Destruction appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
For many of us the tradition of Baptism revolved around detailed performances, indoctrination, and struggles with not feeling like we measure up afterwards. What if the tradition of baptism was actually very different than what we see today in most faith communities? Join me today as we look at this sabotaged tradition and attempt to […]
The post Episode 47 | Getting Dunked and Drinking the Right Koolaide appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Where did society get the idea that one should and must dress well when attending faith gatherings? Where did we get this idea that the Divine needs mankind to dress well when worshipping? Where is this found in the Bible? Is this more Biblical or historical? Join me today in this series “Church Undone” as […]
The post Episode 46 | The Costumes We Wear appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Where did the position and idea of a pastor come from? Ever hear people talk about individuals in this role as if they were the actual mouthpiece of the universe held in such high regard as to never be questioned? What if I told you this position is more anthropological than Biblical? What if this […]
The post Episode 45 | We Don’t Need a Pastor; We Need Community appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever wonder why all church services seem to have the same flow of welcome, praise, sermon etc? Ever have someone tell you you can’t do it THAT way because it’s not Biblical? Today we’ll delve into where the Christian church got it’s common service flow and also where our culture is moving in the art […]
The post Episode 44 | Pagan Church Services and Reclaiming the Art of Gathering appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
After facing the dragon, the conflict, the issue you knew you would have to face one day there is an important step before sharing your journey with others. Today we’ll go through what processing looks like as well as a fresh view of a misunderstood word– ATONEMENT. As always please share this podcast with friends, […]
The post Episode 43 | ASKholes and the Gift of Coming Home appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Our culture is terrified of death. We do everything we can to sweep it and our deceased loved ones under proverbial rugs simply to avoid the truth; we will someday die. Today I’ll do some free spinning, no notes discussion over an experience I had with death and how we can learn to accept death […]
The post Episode 42 | Learning to Accept Life AND Death appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Deep inside all of us is a fear that we are not accepted and loved. Questions like, “If they really knew the REAL me would they still accept me?” “If they knew I am not perfect would they still be my friends?” These are the deeper questions of the self and I would argue the […]
The post Episode 41 | Facing the Dark Side of Self appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
For many people the birth narrative is simply too hard to swallow. Others will vehemently wage holy wars to prove that it was absolutely historically accurate. Today we’ll look at some of the arguments and then I’ll share a way in which I think everyone wins. I believe there is a way to approach this […]
The post Episode 40 | Enjoying the Birth Story and Seeing the Art appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
We’ve all watched the pageants. We’ve laughed and smiled as our adorable kiddos play their parts in various nativity scenes. There will be camels, donkeys, and sometimes even lobsters, yes, nativity lobsters. While this is all very cute we often miss the far reaching depth of this narrative. What if the first century Jewish writers […]
The post Episode 39 | The Birth Story and Choosing Better Weapons appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever have sleepless nights when you simply can’t get out of your own head? Ever get caught up in overthinking? Along our Hero’s Journey there are these moments when the Hero potentially loses their way; they overthink the very simple steps forward before them on the path. Sometimes they get lost. Today we’ll discuss how […]
The post Episode 38 | Why Overthinking Will Kill You appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
We all face trials. We all have these moments after stepping away from something destructive. These moments can blindside us if we’re not prepared. So how does one handle the trials and hangups, setbacks and frustrations that come when you’re stepping into the new idea, endeavours, job, etc? Join me today as we explore how […]
The post Episode 37 | Trials, Temptations, and Finding Your Bliss appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
When you step away from the comfortable, when you bravely step away from home there is a beautiful moment that takes place. There’s this brilliant moment when others begin walking that journey with you. Joseph Campbell calls this step the “Assistance” step when the hero is accompanied by traveling friends. I would argue for each […]
The post Episode 36 | Friendships, Critics and Hobbits appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Jospeh Campbell observes that every good story has common characteristics that make it compelling. He calls those common characteristics the Hero’s Journey. For the hero to become the hero they must first step away from home or the comfortable. For the character to become more than just a flat, unmoving person they have to be […]
The post Episode 35 | Smashing Idols and Kissing Santa Claus Goodbye appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
How we view ourselves is crucial to how we navigate the world, how we find value and purpose. Join me today as we consider the ways in which the world moved from king worship to judicial systems and how that caused our worship and self image to shift as well. And as always, please consider […]
The post Episode 34 | Abusive Kings, Angry Judges, and Cheesy Chris Tomlin Praise appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever have someone seek to give you comfort during a difficult time and they said things like, “Hey, it’s all part of God’s plan.” Has that ever struck a wrong chord for you? Ever wonder, couldn’t there have been a better plan? Why would this terrible thing be part of a plan? What of the […]
The post Episode 33 | There is No Plan, So Learn to Dance appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Sometimes you have to leave. Sometimes there are voices telling you it’s time. Sometimes the place you’re in no longer works. Sometimes it’s hard to walk forward. Today we talk about walking in the new direction, the pain involved and my own current move from the previous church ministry to something new. Please help support […]
The post Episode 32 | Walking in the New appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What do you do when your words are used against you? How do you respond when you’re feeling beat up or scapegoated? I’m choosing to continue on doing the things that bring joy and life — here are some pieces of advice I’m learning to follow in the middle of conflict. I’ll also respond to […]
The post Episode 31 | Why I Won’t Quit appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I’ll work through a couple more questions that have been sent via email. What does the Bible really say about sex before marriage? Does an atheist really need God to have a sense of morality? Join me as we discuss these two topics and as always, if you don’t agree or vehemently agree please […]
The post Episode 30 | Sex Before Marriage and Atheist Morality appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
In Exodus there’s this crazy image of Moses’ god stalking Moses while he sleeps. In order to stop Israel’s god from murdering Moses, his wife does what any other mother would do in this difficult situation– she cuts off her son’s foreskin and throws it on Moses’ leg. What do we do with this barbaric […]
The post Episode 29 | God Wants Your Foreskins appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Sometimes, humbly admitting you don’t know is a holy act. Sometimes, it’s in the vulnerable act of admitting that something is a mystery rather than attempting to explain it away with poorly used arguments and proof texts is the beginning of a journey toward healing and answers. Join me as we look at three stories […]
The post Episode 28 | Scaly Eyes, Burning Bushes and Facing My Greatest Foe appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What do we do in the wake of events like Charlottesville? How do we show sympathy and empathy with those who’ve been hurt? Where do we find real justice? Join me in this conversation today about true justice.
The post Episode 27 | Charlottesville and Taking to the Street Justice appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever try something new and it feels like an epic failure at launch? Are you in a place where you’ve put energy and time into something that simply doesn’t seem to be panning out positively? For the Hebrews, the book of Exodus and their journey starts in this same place — the muck, the mire. […]
The post Episode 26 | Fighting the Tides and Earning Your Black Eyes appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Is the world really getting worse? Is our culture truly going to hell in a handbasket? What if I were to tell you that statistically we are actually moving toward a much brighter future than a darker one? What if we chose to listen to a different voice than fundamentalist churches and mainstream media? Join […]
The post Episode 25 | To Hell in a Handbasket appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
How literal do you interpret the miracle stories? What happens when science disproves certain “miraculous” events found within the Bible? Does one simply ignore the cognitive dissonance that has been created or step into the deeper challenges of interpretation? Join me today as we look at Joshua and the day the sun stopped rotating around […]
The post Episode 24 | When Time Stood Still appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
No relationship is perfect; there are struggles and disagreements. The people we love have a tendency to change, evolve, morph. Today my partner of 13 years and I will share a couple things that have helped us along the journey because it’s a journey. The person you’re with will change but if you’re committed to […]
The post Episode 23 | Committed to the Journey appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
The wisdom tradition of the Bible is rich with application, real world advice if read responsibly. Today we’ll start looking at some of the wisdom found in the book Ecclesiastes and observe how the ancients answered the question, “What’s the meaning of life?” as well as learning how to be more present in our own […]
The post Episode 22 | Pour Out Your Cups appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today I’ll start the work of answering some of the questions that have been emailed. I asked for questions and my inbox was flooded; so exciting! Today I’ll look at the idea of God’s “original plan” for marriage, how to view Paul’s writing without the transactional view, and why we should or shouldn’t ask difficult […]
The post Episode 21 | Adam and Steve, Paul, and Dangerous Questions appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
How do we understand a book that’s filled with cryptic language, beasts, odd numbers and 1st century political cartooning? I would argue we first look at the culture and time period it was written. When viewing Revelation this way, you might be surprised at how applicable this letter really is for our current political and […]
The post Episode 20 | Her Gates Are Always Open appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever wonder why our culture is so patriotic, so invested in its flag rituals and pledges? Ever wonder why every sports event now has an Army or Navy advertisement attached? The book of Revelation is a deeply subversive critique on powerful militaristic empires. It is a peaceful protest against forces that use their powers to […]
The post Episode 19 | Pledge Your Allegiance appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
The book of Revelation is filled with crazy beasts, cryptic language, and odd numbers. This book has become one of the play books for the conspiracy theorist masses to use when making odd geopolitical predictions as well as demonizing various groups they don’t agree with. Today, we will start the process of deconstructing the various […]
The post Episode 18 | Losing the Decoder Rings appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever receive a letter from someone that you’re not sure what to do with? How should we handle criticism from well-meaning people? In today’s podcast I will read segments of a letter and the interesting information I found within various phrases and words as well as discuss my thoughts on the future of Christianity.
The post Episode 17 | A Letter from a Concerned Saint appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Are there things that you find yourself struggling with, cycles that you can’t seem to break? As you grow in new understandings of the world, do you find yourself fitting in less — feeling homeless? What do you do when those things no longer fit? Today we’ll look at three different ways of navigating change […]
The post Episode 16 | It’s Time to Say Goodbye appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What if I told you we need to re-think the way we’ve understood the discussion of homosexuality? What if our interpretations and translations of certain popular texts used to discriminate and label groups of people and their actions as sinful is actually not at all what the writers were referring to when writing? What if […]
The post Episode 15 | Sodomites, Homosexuals, and Mishpat appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever hear anyone say, “Christians shouldn’t be political because Jesus wasn’t political”? Today I want to discuss how the actual writers and the audience of that time saw the message and its implications differently. We’ll look at what politics actually means and what the message of a new system of being in community meant for […]
The post Episode 14 | Why Christians Should be Concerned with Politics appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever get frustrated with politics, economics, or your religious system’s conventions? Ever observe as these systems take advantage of people, abuse their power, or cause more pain than good? If so than you are not alone. Jesus’ message was actually an extremely controversial one that not only aimed at change for religious systems but also […]
The post Episode 13 | Jesus Goes Postal appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What is the Good News? For some people their good news revolves around an arbitrary test in a magical garden, an angry god intent on blood sacrifices and the sacrifice of this god’s son as an act of redemption. For many – this is simply not good news. But what if I told you that […]
The post Episode 12 | A New Reality appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Did Jesus’ death finally put God in a good mood? How can we talk about the cross without using archaic language that doesn’t involve satisfying a god’s wrath, payment for my sins, or a masochistic savior? I believe there are some ways in which we can talk about the cross and find real meaning and […]
The post Episode 11 | No More Victims and A New View of the Cross appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Why would God need the murder of his son to accept humanity? Why is such a gruesome murder celebrated by so many Christians all across the world? And what does all this have to do with the Easter Bunny and eggs? Join me in the first of three teachings on how the cross has been […]
The post Episode 10 | Monster God, Slain Lambs, and the Easter Bunny appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Today we’ll delve into the third part of the four part journey: Crossing the Jordan. Sometimes in our journeys we come to a place where we have to choose to be fully in, put the past behind and walk fully in the new life. This isn’t always easy or comfortable, though, and the promises of […]
The post Episode 9 | Crossing the Jordan and Shining Away Our Monsters appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
What is the purpose of wandering the desert for forty years? Were the Hebrews REALLY that bad at directions? Were the Israelites really even slaves in Egypt in the first place? Who really built the pyramids? We’ll delve into this and more as well as answer the deeper questions of how to re-navigate life after […]
The post Episode 8 | What Charlton Heston Never Knew and the Journey of Unlearning appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
The stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and others all share the same four elements as Israel’s story. Each story is a reflection of Israel’s struggle to find wholeness. In this episode, we’ll discuss the first common element, the idea of exile, and how it can actually be an essential part of growth and change. Sometimes […]
The post Episode 7 | Exile, Rock Bottom and Lunch with a Billionaire appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Ever wonder about the story of the flood? What would an actual world-wide flood look like? Was this a literal event that happened in history? Did Israel’s God really get mad enough to wipe out 99.99% of all of creation because they weren’t behaving well? Join me in this podcast about what this story really […]
The post Episode 6 | The Death of a Friend – Tyrant Gods that Flood the World appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
The first murder in the garden is a far deeper story than first meets the eye. If Israel is retelling their story than this first murder is really a bigger picture of what happens when we choose to ignore wisdom. What if this story is really about the escalation of violence and the bigger decisions […]
The post Episode 5 | Cain and Abel, Poor Decisions and Rubberband Balls appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
The Genesis narrative shares a story about curses, curses that comes when one chooses the wrong path. Some have taken this to mean that there is a god that curses ALL mankind because they chose they wrong produce. But, what if this is not the direction the ancients intended the readers to understand? What if […]
The post Episode 4 | Taking the Blue Pill and Why You Will Never Be Satisfied appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
Is the Genesis narrative to be taken literally, a scientific explanation of how we came to be or is there a deeper understanding the ancients desired to share with their people while in captivity? How can this be applied today?
The post Episode 3 | Fresh Off the Assembly Line Our Dirt Shows appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
The creation narrative is a far reaching story going further than scientific questions of how we literally came to be. The Genesis narrative is actually a deeply compelling story of how humanity is called to live and move in the world following in the steps of the Divine.
The post Episode 2 | Making Room at The Table appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.
How does one read a book, written thousands of years ago and to a specific audience, in a responsible way that doesn't cause one to demonize the humanities and sciences? Follow along as we delve into how to find meaning over literalism.
The post Episode 1 | The Bible Tells Me So appeared first on Tony Wuerfel.