This Week In Heresy

In this episode we talk with Rachel Cohen Yeshurun of Women of the Wall in Israel who regularly reads the Torah at the Western Wall in defiance of law on the New Moon with other women. We talk about the history of why women haven’t been allowed to pray equally at the Wall, the role of the current government in that discrimination, and how it relates to Israeli LGBTQA rights. What does it mean to be able to pray together? Why is it important to have equality for all genders in religion? Note: This interview was recorded at the beginning of October. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get it released before the prayer times mentioned in the interview. However, Rachel does mention that the prayers at the Wall happen monthly, and that you’re welcome to join them on the new moon from wherever you are to pray in solidarity with them. Rachel Cohen Yeshurun was schooled at Bais Yaakov of Montreal and was active with Beth Ora Synagogue youth. Rachel made aliyah in 1989 but took 22 years to discover Women Of the Wall! She

In this episode we talk to Matthew Becker who used to be a minister in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), a conservative denomination of the Lutheran church that does not ordain women. We talk about Matt’s personal growth in the LCMS, how he came to question the more conservative doctrines of the denomination (specifically Creationism and women’s ordination), and the heresy charges and tribunals that he had to go through, which, ultimately, lead him to leave the LCMS all together. Dr. Matthew Becker, M.Div., M.A., Ph.D. was born in Salem, Oregon, in 1962. He attended public schools there and graduated in 1984 from Concordia University, Portland, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the liberal arts. That same year he entered the Master of Divinity program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. After receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in 1988, he entered a doctoral program in theology at the University of Chicago. While a student in that university, he was privileged to s

In this episode of TWIH, we talk to Debra Jenson, Chairperson of the organization Ordain Women, which seeks to change the LDS church’s stance on ordaining women (and girls) into the priesthood. Debra gives us an overview of Mormonism and what it was like to grow up as a young girl in the faith. We also talk about what it is like to be a female parent in an organization where your role in the spiritual life of the community is limited and  why it’s important to the life of the church to include women in the same sacraments as men. Note: This episode was recorded before the announcement by the LDS church about LGBTQA parents and the restrictions of baptizing their children. This post from the Ordain Women website discusses this decision. Debra Jenson is from Ogden, Utah and is the current Chairperson of the Ordain Women Executive Board. She writes: “I am lucky to be married to a wonderful man I don’t deserve and we have three great kids. I love movies, biking and swimming, and Neil Diamond! I am finishing a PhD

In this episode we talk to Paul Schneider, one of my good friends and Baptist seminarian about his journey, and his church’s journey into affirming LGBTQA people and radical inclusion. We also talk about the realities about the way that traditions can be used to harm people, regardless of faith path and how clergy need emotional and personal support in order to help them avoid harming those they serve. How does clergy isolation create the idea that we have to “do it all ourselves” and not ask their communities for help? (Even Jesus has his disciples…) Note: Apologies for the lack of episodes recently. One of my covenmates was suddenly ill and is in the ICU. If you can help them in any way, prayer or otherwise, we would all greatly appreciate it. Paul Schneider was born, raised and still lives in Oakland, California. Raised at the First Baptist Church of Berkeley, Paul was part of the church leadership when they were joining the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists. Now a father, husband, and semina

In this episode we talk to Maria Vorontsova, who is a botanist at Kew Gardens, who was born in Russia and came to the UK when she was young. We talk about her experiences of religion and atheism in regards to her Russian roots and in her interactions with people during her field work in Africa. What does it mean to be an atheist? Does atheism mean that someone doesn’t have a moral compass? Where does atheism fit in with interfaith dialog, and why does the interfaith dialog NOT include atheism? Maria Vorontsova studies grasses and everything about them at the Kew Botanic Gardens in the UK, with a particular focus on tropical African diversity and poorly known lineages, their evolutionary history, and the history of tropical grasslands and savannas. She is also interested in the history and development of classifications and in botanical nomenclature and bibliography. She looks after GrassBase and develop it to bring together global taxonomic knowledge across all Poaceae and to build it into a broad research ut

In this episode, that was recorded at The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries Convocation in July, I talk with Davie Floyd about her multi-faith practice that includes Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Sufism (amongst other work). How do we become a personal sanctuary of inclusion for people to help them discover their own paths? How do we support the seeker, and how can we help people find what they need? What does it mean for someone to be spiritual? How are we evolving as a society and as human beings? This episode was recorded on location at City of Refuge UCC during The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries Convocation on July 17, 2015. Davie Floyd is a life-long member of the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, TX where Rev. Curtis W. Wallace is the pastor. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Cognitive Studies and Education at Columbia University in New York. While in New York, she has joined Romemu, a Jewish renewal synagogue where David Ingber is Rabbi. She also regularly attends service

In this episode we talk about interfaith dialog and religious education with Denise Cush. How do people learn about interfaith and mutli-faith practices? What are the differences between the way religion is viewed and taught in the United States and the United Kingdom? What is the importance of face to face dialog and experience in interfaith work? Denise Cush (BA/MA Oxford, MA Lancaster, PhD Warwick) is currently Professor of Religion and Education at Bath Spa University. She has taught Religious Studies in a sixth form college, trained both primary and secondary teachers in religious education, and taught Study of Religions at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Until recently she was Head of the Department of Study of Religions (now Religions, Philosophy and Ethics) at Bath Spa. She is deputy editor of the British Journal of Religious, a major international journal. In addition to religious education, her teaching and research interests include Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and alternative spirituali

In this episode we talk with author Deborah Blake about daily practice and how we can get hung up on what “proper” daily practice is. We explore how daily practice can be just a part of our mundane practices, and that what is right and “proper” depends on your own spiritual needs. How do we cultivate a practice that works for us? How do we determine the regular practices in our groups or covens? Are we walking our talk? We also talk about the advantages and disadvantages of both group and solo work, and the ins and outs of working in community.    Deborah Blake is the author of the Baba Yaga paranormal romance series, including Wickedly Magical, Wickedly Dangerous and Wickedly Wonderful (Berkley) as well as eight books on modern witchcraft from Llewellyn Worldwide. She has an ongoing column in Witches & Pagans Magazine and was featured in The Pagan Anthology of Short Fiction.    Links Author Website: http://www.deborahblakeauthor.com Blog: http://deborahblake.blogspot.com   Books The Circle Within: Creati

In this episode we talk to Rev. Wilma Jakobsen, the first ordained woman in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, and an anti-apartheid activist during the worst, and last years, of apartheid South Africa. We not only talk about her story, but we also talk about her reactions to Ferguson, and working through white privilege. We also talk about the future of not only her home country, but of the civil rights movement here in America. What does it mean, as a white person, to be a witness and ally to the experiences of People of Color? What does it mean when we say people are equal in the eyes of God?   Wilma Jakobsen was born in Cape Town, South Africa of immigrant parents from Denmark and Britain. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Cape Town, worked as a high school physical science and math teacher, then came to the United States in 1984 to attend Fuller Seminary, Pasadena. After obtaining her Master of Divinity from Fuller, she returned to South Africa to be ordained as a deacon. Four

This week we talk with Schmian Evans about education, marginalization, and what we can do about it. What is considered normal? How do we educate and empower people, especially children, when they have be constantly told by the system they are stupid, can’t learn, or not worth people’s time? How do we navigate the grey areas? We also talk about spoken word. how their spoken word ministry can connect to others on a deep level, and how art is treated in our (U.S.) culture.   This episode was recorded on location at City of Refuge UCC during The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries Convocation on July 17, 2015.    Schmian Evans is a Master of Divinity and Certificate of Sexuality and Religion student at Pacific School of Religion. She also serves as the student representative on the Inter-Cultural Justice Committee and student trustee on the Board of Trustees. She holds a Certificate of Ministries Studies from PSR and a B.A. in Gender Studies from California State University Stanislaus. Schmian has served as an adv

In this episode, recorded after the multi-faith traditions panel at The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries Convocation, we talk to Queen Mother about syncretism and the way that spirit works in the world. She describes the traditions that she belongs to and how they work together for her. We discuss the responsibilities of priests, aspects of initiation, and how magick, and the gospel, is a tool of spirit that can be used for both good and ill.  We also discuss her role at City of Refuge and how she relates to Jesus. What can both traditions learn from each other and how do we navigate the misinformation and misconceptions of each?   This episode was recorded on location at City of Refuge UCC during The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries Convocation on July 17, 2015.    Oloya Adedapoidle Tyehimba-Ford carries the title of MaShiAat (Queen Mother), and is co-founder and presiding Queen Mother and Spiritual Leader of the Temples and Kemetic Spiritual organization: The Kindred of ShiEndra and its conglomeration o

What is Druidry? In this episode, Dr. Brendan Howlin explains his Druid path and how to be a urban Druid. We also discuss how science and spirituality coexist together, and how it’s not automatically the case that you have to give up your religion to be a scientist.    Dr Brendan Howlin is a professional scientist and Druid.  He’s been a scientist longer than a Druid but has been a member of OBOD (the order of Bards, Ovates and Druids), the largest Druid order worldwide, for 18 years. He is science correspondent for the Druid journal Touchstone regularly writing articles on where science and Druidry meet and touch.  He acts as a mentor (tutor) for Bards and Ovates, which he has been doing for 15 years. Last year he published ‘The Handbook of Urban Druidry’ with Moon Books, which seeks to show how the principles of Druidry are accessible to all regardless of religious belief or location. He cofounded the local Druid Grove in Surrey, which is called the Light of the Oak, which has been running for 3 years now.

Monica Joy Cross joins us in this episode to talk about her experiences as a transgender Person of Color in a primarily white denomination. What do we need to do to have the conversation about race in our society? Do we need a more radical solution? How do we, both black and white, see beyond our personal experiences to see the systems that keep us in this cycle of mutual destruction and create change? How do we create the Kingdom of God in us to create the Kingdom of God around us?   Monica Joy Cross is a Transgender Scholar-Activist who serves as an Associate Minister at Tapestry Ministries, Disciples of Christ, Christian Church in Berkeley, Ca.  Monica received a Masters in Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in 2012 and a Masters in Religious Leadership for Social Change from Starr King School for the Ministry in 2014.  Her Journey with the Holy has led her from the citadels of conservatism to the liberal bastions of enlightenment and queer realities.  Monica is a Board Member of The Community Collab

What is inclusive Wicca? In this episode we talk to author Yvonne Aburrow about her new book  "All Acts of Love and Pleasure: Inclusive Wicca" which was also recently reviewed on The Wild Hunt. How does this manifest in traditional British Wicca? How has the craft evolved over the years? Why do people still cling to these outmoded and outdated traditions, and why are they so resistant to change?    Yvonne Aburrow has been a Pagan since 1985 and a Wiccan since 1991. She has an MA in Contemporary Religions and Spiritualities from Bath Spa University, and lives and works in Oxford, UK. Her most recent book is "All Acts of Love and Pleasure: Inclusive Wicca". She has also written four books on the mythology and folklore of trees, birds, and animals, and two anthologies of poetry. She is genderqueer, bisexual, and has been an anarchist socialist green leftie feminist for the last thirty years.   Links Patheos blog: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/sermonsfromthemound/author/yvonne/ YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.

In this meandering and irreverent episode, we talk to YouTube personality and magician Billy Brujo. We talk about many things including the nature of magick, why he started “The Black Magick Cooking Show,” why art is an important way to tell us about ourselves, and why we shouldn’t take ourselves quite so seriously. Also, Batman. And Fight Club. And DragonBall Z.    Note: This episode meanders quite a bit and contains some colorful language.    Formerly employed by the L.A.'s most high-end and renown occult shops, Billy Brujo retired due to his disgust with his employer's mob-style sales tactics and the overabundance of charlatans in the spiritual business. However, the master has come out of retirement. Billy Brujo is back, teaching the right teaching, and offering the best custom magical objects available. He also has a little show on YouTube.   Links Website: http://www.billybrujo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Billy-Brujo/100006261589089 YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzgX

In this bonus episode, Lasara Firefox Allen and I discuss her upcoming book which is tentatively titled “The Five-Fold Goddess,” which reconstructs the phases of the Goddess to move away from the more body-centered lore of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. Is the feminine divine, as most Pagan traditions practice it outdated? Why do some groups who claim a feminism that is meant to make us more than our bodies cling to rituals that are based on the uterus? Why does our society assume these roles of women when there are many examples of exceptions to the rule? What does this say about our societal attitudes about a woman’s (cis-, trans-, or otherwise) bodily sovereignty?   Lasara Firefox Allen is the author of the internationally published bestseller, Sexy Witch (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2005), The Pussy Poems (Treasure Finder Press, 2012), and numerous anthologies. She is currently working on her second book for Llewellyn, with the working title of “The Fivefold Goddess.” Lasara is also a clergy member, teacher, coach,

In this episode, we talk to Rev.Fred-Allen Self, who tells his story about realizing his true self, leaving his fundamentalist Christian background, and how he got to where he is in his ministry today. We also talk about how representation is not only important but can literally save lives, how “Fundamentalism” transcends religious or political tradition, and the promise of youth and the internet.  Note: The prisoner on death row who writes about the prison system is Mumia Abu-Jamal. (Apologies for not remembering his name in the interview.)  Fred-Allen Self is a minister of the Progressive Christian Alliance. A one time fundamentalist Christian, he is now passionate about a more inclusive view of the Gospel. He is currently a MDiv Student at Chicago Theological Seminary. In his downtime he loves nothing more than to spend time with his husband and three beautiful daughters.   Links Progressive Christian Alliance Email: fred-allen.self@outlook.com or dadself@gmail.com

This week we talk to Mark Green, an Atheopagan (or Atheist Pagan). Do you need to believe in deity, spirits, or God in order to have a fulfilling spiritual practice? What is the difference between dogma, belief, and practice (or craft)? And sure, we throw in a little politics in for good measure.    Mark Green is a nonprofit and political professional who has devoted most of his career to environmental protection efforts. He is the creator of Atheopaganism, an Earth-honoring, science-based Pagan path, and manages both the Atheopagan blog and the Atheopagan Facebook group. He lives in Northern California.   Links Atheopaganism Blog The Atheopagan Facebook Group The Spiritual Naturalist Society    

In this episode we talk to River Devora, Santera and Heathen, and learn about what Santeria is and is not. What are the misconceptions, and how much has been distorted or twisted by fear? Why do other pagans fear this tradition? What role does racism play in the reactions of people who are outside the tradition? What about animal sacrifice? How do we show respect, not only to this tradition, but to those who practice it? River Devora is a multi-trad spirit worker, medium, and clergyperson. She has been actively involved in pagan and polytheist communities since 1994, and has led numerous classes and rituals.  She initiated as a community priestess with Waxing Muse Coven in 1996, made Ocha to Ochun in 2011, and is oathed to Odin, Freyr, Loki, Juksakka, the Morrigan and the Matronae. She leads a monthly online and in-person class series on polytheist practice called Strong Roots and Wide Branches. She lives with her living and non-living family in a quiet home with a bossy garden.   Links Email: river.devora@gm

This episode, we welcome Diana Morningstar, who tells us about her coming out and transition as a transgender woman. She also talks about her life in the pagan and queer communities, pre- and post-transition. Diana gives an honest look at herself, her certainties and doubts about transitioning, and her gravitation towards Goddess culture and the issues she ran into in that culture.    Diana Morningstar has been involved in the neopagan movement since the mid 80's and has participated in Church of All Worlds, NROOGD, Umbanda, and Feri tradition rites among others. She is an initiated witch, a shameless eclectic, and an amazon forest warrior. She has been involved in activism with Earth First! and Queer Nation, and lately with trans issues. She is a transsexual woman living in Sonoma County, CA and is 56 years old. She has journeyed beyond the ninth wave to reach the Isle of Women, and is immensely grateful to be at last on that shore. She writes software, makes graphic art, plays piano and harp, and loves to c