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It's challenging to communicate when emotions and passions are at their peak.  To be honest, many times we aren't really taught how to discuss difficult topics with those whom we may disagree. With polarized opinions about almost everything at an all time high, having conversations on difficult subjects can feel like landmines we would rather avoid entirely.   But we were made for connection. We are wired to learn and grow from and worth each other. How do we talk about difficult topics with those we love? What are some of the polarities we must navigate in our current society? In this episode, we talk about a few of the polarities evident today and share together about the struggles and joys of staying engaged.   Hosts: Amy & Craig Andrews, Jeff Bell Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

If you could choose to live forever, would you want to?  If a scientific advancement could make it possible for you to reverse aging, would you make a jump for the fountain of youth?     In this episode, we talk with Dr. Calvin Mercer, co-author of Religion and the Technological Future.  Dr. Mercer has spent the last several decades researching the intersection of radical human enhancements and increased human longevity with the areas of spirituality and faith.  What are the spiritual implications of technologies like artificial intelligence, cryogenics, mind uploading, super intelligence and super longevity?  How do faith and science interact with human advancement as these technologies become realities?   You don't want to miss out on this mind-blowing conversation that brings light to the actual possibilities that used to only be considered science fiction.  This was a fascinating conversation and we could have talked with Calvin all night!   Explicit Content: Language Hosts: Amy & Craig Andrews, Jeff Bell Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

New Milestone Unlocked! We passed 10,000 downloads! We are celebrating 10,000 downloads for Finding Free Podcast with laughs, champagne and a trip down memory lane. Hear our reflections on the best parts of podcasting and what we have found to be the most challenging. We wrap it up with a few off-the-cuff Top Ten lists (because Top Ten-Thousand would have taken too long) just for fun!    We could not be celebrating crossing the 10,000 download threshold without each of YOU, our badass listeners. So thank you for making this possible and for sharing our words with others.   Pound Bakes Link: https://www.facebook.com/PoundBakes.NC?mibextid=LQQJ4d   Pound Bakes Order Form Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2R4TTWFS-WE3tap8o4TvsyYAhNta7A30e9JIM6BMNhRTAPg/viewform   Explicit Content: Language Hosts: Amy & Craig Andrews, Jeff Bell Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

You don't have to be paying close attention to current events to have heard about Christian Nationalism.  Christian Nationalist ideas have been swimming in the water of society for centuries but has certainly emerged as a hot topic, especially during this election year.   In this podcast, Amy, Craig and Jeff sit down with Aaron Saufley, pastor at Jesus House in Greenville, NC and local hospice chaplain.  We break down some of the ideas of Christian Nationalism, give some definitions and talk about how we see this concept impacting society.  What is the history behind this movement and where is it heading?  It's definitely a timely conversation that you don't want to miss.   Explicit Content: Language Guest: Aaron Saufley Hosts: Amy & Craig Andrews, Jeff Bell Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

In order for the Church to continue to be God's presence in the world, people must be wiling to dream, think, plan and prioritize differently.  Sometimes this means rethinking long-held beliefs or traditional ways of thinking.   What does God think of us?  And how does "the work of the Church" reflect that?  Are we desiring a new way of being the Church, yet still mired in a concept of God that is based on original separation?   Stan Mitchell joins us to explore the intrinsic connection between humanity and God that has always been present, and how living into that connection can create a more free and responsive way to be faithful.   Join us for a deep and thought provoking conversation as we talk with Stan about how this mindset is an integral part of changing church culture.   Explicit Content: Language Hosts: Amy & Craig Andrews, Jeff Bell Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

It is very common for us at Finding Free to talk a lot about the Church. What are the trends we see happening? What seems to be on the horizon for the Church to tackle?  Most especially- we spend a lot of time on what the Church has missed, trailed woefully behind on, or just seemingly flat out ignored.   If you could change something about church culture, what would it be? Like snap your fingers and things be different kind of change. Forget the "change curves" and "giving people only as much as they can handle" and "people resist change because they resist losing what they know and love" ideologies for a minute—what would need to be different right now? In this episode, we talk about just this, asking ourselves and a few others to name the changes that are needed pronto for the church to continue to be the presence of Christ in the world. Yes, talking about the "but how do we get there" is important, but first we must name the issues that need to be different.   Explicit Content: Language Hosts: Amy & Craig Andrews, Jeff Bell Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

If you grew up in the evangelical church culture, you are probably no stranger to rapture theology. Maybe you remember hearing detailed stories told about what the end of the world would be like or you may have poured over the Left Behind book series, using it as a map for what was to come.  Where did this theology come from and is this the only way to view the "end of the world as we know it?" (If you are now singing REM, you are welcome).   If that rings a bell for you (or sounds like a trumpet with some type of being riding in on a white horse) then you will feel right at home with our conversation on all things rapture.  Joining us on this episode is Megan Joyner, a chaplain with the U.S. National Guard.  We discuss how growing up with a fear based rapture theology impacted our thoughts and faith both then and now.   Explicit Content: Language Hosts: Amy & Craig Andrews, Jeff Bell Guest: Megan Joyner Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

What if God saves everyone? Christian Universalism (the idea that God will save everyone and the earth somehow in the end) is one theory of atonement that theologians have discussed for centuries.  Though the idea of universal reconciliation was the most prominent atonement theory among early Christ followers, after around the 4th century multiple atonement theories began to surface.   Penal substitutionary atonement theory (the idea that humans are objects of God's wrath and destined to eternal torment in hell unless making a personal decision to believe that Jesus' death on the cross paid the sin debt humans owe to God) holds the space as the most prevalent theory among Christian evangelicals today.     In this episode, we dive into this topic with Aaron Saufley, local hospice chaplain and Cedarbridge partner who shares his wisdom and love of learning of all things, especially Christian Universalism.  So whether you like to geek out like we do about topics like this or you are just hearing conversations like this one for the first time, we invite you to learn and laugh with us!   Resources: Graces Saves All by David Artman Christ Triumphant by Thomas Allin Her Gates Will Never Be Shut by Bradley Jersak Destined for Joy by Alvin Kimel That All Shall Be Saved by David Bentley Hart   Explicit Content: Language Hosts: Amy & Craig Andrews, Jeff Bell Guest: Aaron Saufley Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

The way we think about Jesus impacts the way we talk about faith and how we treat those around us.  Who is Jesus to you?  Where did that frame of reference come from and has it ever changed?     We don't do a lot of sermon discussion focused podcasts on Finding Free Podcast but there was so much dialogue around Amy's sermon at Cedarbridge on March 3rd that we wanted to dive a little deeper into this conversation.     Our discussion is lively and in our typical style, we laugh a lot as we each discuss, 'Who is Jesus to Us'!  We give each other a safe space to talk without the need for any one of us to be right or wrong, knowing we can always learn something from each other.  Even if you don't partake in sermons regularly, we think you will find this conversation insightful and thought provoking.  You might find it helpful to listen to the sermon we reference before or after you listen to this podcast.  You can find her sermon at the link below.  Thanks for listening!   Link to Amy's March 3rd Sermon https://www.cedarbridgechurch.com/media/4kss46m/march-3-2024-worship-gathering   Explicit Content: Language Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

Grab your comfiest blankets and a mug of something great and listen to some stories of holidays past.  Laugh as Craig talks about the time his grandpa accidentally got sloshed at a family gathering.  Giggle as Amy shares her most memorable Christmas present (double AA batteries required).  And Jeff has a family "oops" moment that will have you in stitches.  And much more!    In this episode we share memorable holiday moments from our growing up years.  Some are "remember when" stories that have been talked about at family gatherings time and time again.  Others are more serious and somber, as we talk about loved ones who are with us no longer.  It's funny, sentimental and also a reminder to slow down and let the light of love in where possible.    Explicit Content: Language Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

When Craig and Amy started Finding Free Podcast in 2020, they thought a lot about the podcast name.  They settled on Finding Free Podcast because they wanted to focus on the freedom and liberation that can come from pushing yourself to break out of the metaphorical places where you feel stuck and bogged down.  This podcast was designed to give space to talk about hard topics with authenticity and vulnerability and for the Finding Free listening community to gain strength in hearing and sharing stories of growth.     In this episode, Craig, Amy, and Jeff talk about the practices and activities that enable them each to live life from a space of generosity and freedom.  From looking at beautiful mountain views to time spent at the beach or doing creative things, they discuss several different ways they have found to feed their souls.  Whether through travel or nature, people or adventure, making time to do things that are life-giving and spirit-freeing is crucial to one's personal physical, mental and spiritual health — and it's often the first thing to go when life gets busy and overloaded.  When life gets busy and hectic, how do we give ourselves permission to breathe and how do we become grounded once again?   What are the activities, places, rituals, or people that help you remember who you are at your core?  When do you remember feeling most alive, unhindered and free?  We hope this episode will inspire you to reflect on what brings you joy and freedom and will encourage you to prioritize doing just that.   Explicit Content: Language Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews

"The next hard road for the Church will be walking with and beside those that are deconstructing their faith, taking it apart either in small bits and pieces or altogether, putting it back together in part or sometimes not at all.  The question is, how will the Church show up for people in this space?" ~ Amy Andrews The topic of faith deconstruction can be a hot button issue…but does it have to be?   As we grow in faith we often grapple with questions that are no longer satisfied with easy answers.  We need more.  Sometimes we begin the process of letting go of what no longer fits.  Like old clothes that just don't wear well, sometimes we find out our old ideas don't comfort us like our favorite sweatshirt, and we need something to change.  Sometimes just a few things need adjusting in the way we understand how God works in the world.  Sometimes it is much more comprehensive and involves taking apart every last bit of what we have held dear for so long and deciding what needs to stay and what needs to go. In this episode, we discuss how lonely the deconstruction process can be, what it's like when spouses have different faith beliefs and how the church can respond.  This is an important conversation about holding space for "what is" for each us.  The process of asking questions and waiting for answers doesn't have to provoke fear, though it often is riddled with anxiety and worry from those in the process themselves or those watching others walk that path.  How can the Church hold space, create stopping points of peace and allow room for the process of deconstruction? Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews   References https://cac.org/daily-meditations/how-did-jesus-approach-scripture-2023-02-09/

TW: purity culture, rape culture, sexual abuse Explicit Content: Language, Sexual Content - masturbation, orgasm gap, general make-you-blush adult content. In Part 2 we continue the conversation about purity culture and its impacts.  We talk more about how conversations about purity and sex can be done better, focusing on dialogue about consent, body autonomy and integrity rather than shame and silence. If you grew up in an Evangelical church in the 1990's, chances are you were exposed to the purity culture mindset. Though purity culture began with the intention of encouraging teens to postpone sexual encounters until marriage, the lasting effects have had significantly negative residual consequences. So what was purity culture exactly, what was its impact and where do we go from here? We bring back our friend Jeff Bell to talk openly and honestly about our personal experiences with purity culture, sex and the church. We discuss everything from the orgasm gap to masturbation and how the lasting impacts of the purity culture mindset still impact many people today. It's time to hand purity culture, sexual shame, purity rings and lack of positive conversations around sex back to the church and simply say "We can do better!" This is a two part series that you don't want to miss! Music by:  Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by:  Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews  Articles/References/Books https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-are-the-dangers-of-purity-culture.html https://www.seaglassohio.com/purity-culture-recovery The Great Sex Rescue, Sheila Gregoire She Deserves Better, Sheila Gregoire, Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach and Joanna Sawatsky Come As You Are, Emily Nagoski The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work, John Gottman of The Gottman Institute Eight Dates, Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, Gottman Shameless, Nadia Weber

TW: purity culture, rape culture, sexual abuse Explicit Content: Language, Sexual Content - masturbation, orgasm gap, general make-you-blush adult content. If you grew up in an Evangelical church in the 1990's, chances are you were exposed to the purity culture mindset.  Though purity culture began with the intention of encouraging teens to postpone sexual encounters until marriage, the lasting effects have had significantly negative residual consequences.  So what was purity culture exactly, what was its impact and where do we go from here?   We bring back our friend Jeff Bell to talk openly and honestly about our personal experiences with purity culture, sex and the church.  We discuss everything from the orgasm gap to masturbation and how the lasting impacts of the purity culture mindset still impact many people today.  It's time to hand purity culture, sexual shame, purity rings and lack of positive conversations around sex back to the church and simply say "We can do better!"  This is a two part series that you don't want to miss! Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews Articles/References/Books https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-are-the-dangers-of-purity-culture.html https://www.seaglassohio.com/purity-culture-recovery The Great Sex Rescue, Sheila Gregoire She Deserves Better, Sheila Gregoire, Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach and Joanna Sawatsky Come As You Are, Emily Nagoski The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work, John Gottman of The Gottman Institute Eight Dates, Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, Gottman Shameless, Nadia Weber

In this episode, our friend Jeff Bell joins us to talk candidly about what it was like to grow up in and be a part of Christian fundamentalist evangelical organizations and churches in the 80's and 90's.  We discuss what it was like to have this as our main faith experience during our formative years and what it was like to come out of that way of thinking.  What did we have to unlearn?  What evangelical teachings never set well with us?  What was our journey to move past evangelical fundamentalist thinking?  Christian fundamentalism had big impacts on our lives that took us years to unravel.  In this episode, we share the highs and lows of what we learned and what we learned to unlearn as we grew up and out of Christian fundamentalism.  And of course, Jeff Bell brings his much needed humor to what can be a hard and triggering conversation.      Chances are that if you are a regular Finding Free Podcast listener, you have spent significant time thinking about the Church.  Maybe you grew up going to church and you think differently now about church than you used to.  You could struggle with how what many Americans think of as church looks nothing like the actual Jesus of the Bible.  You may have even left the whole church thing behind and not given it another thought.  Wherever you find yourself in this mix, or if you are just looking at it from afar - you are not alone.  Come share a few drinks with us and listen as we laugh (and at times cuss) our way through sharing our breakup with Christian evangelical fundamentalism - because well, IYKYK (If You Know You Know). Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox