https://simplecast.com Why I Stay There are lots of podcasts and articles about why so many people are leaving religion, but a more interesting question to ask is why people stay, especially those who have been judged, shamed, demonized, or abused by their religious communities. In Why I Stay, we tell stories of faithfulness in the face of judgement, hurt, and betrayal. 2022 Why I Stay by Patheos en Mon, 28 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000 Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:53:44 +0000 https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Why I Stay https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/5aaf7ce8-98a0-41c9-886e-6af646ee92ff/ea788333-2869-436f-bbf7-d194d73a0bcb/3000x3000/why-i-stay-3000px-w-patheos.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay episodic There are lots of podcasts and articles about why so many people are leaving religion, but a more interesting question to ask is why people stay, especially those who have been judged, shamed, demonized, or abused by their religious communities. In Why I Stay, we tell stories of faithfulness in the face of judgement, hurt, and betrayal. Patheos, John Osburn false https://feeds.simplecast.com/SSYMaVuq anti-racism, evangelical, christianity, exvangelical, deconstruction, lgbtq+, patheos, gay rights, interviews, testimony, systemic racism, spiritual abuse, progressive, religious trauma, personal sotries Patheos podcast@radiantdigital.co f8f82720-fe94-47ee-84c5-1fead99e4cec Greg Johnson on Being Gay and On Trial Greg Johnson is the lead pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri and is the only senior pastor in his entire denomination who is publicly celibate and same-sex attracted. Though Greg grew up in an atheist family, that didn't spare him from the shame and embarrassment that so many LGBTQ+ people experience, especially in their youth. Dr. Johnson always had a close community of friends who knew of his wrestling and experiences with his sexual orientation, but it was not public information until he published an article with Christianity Today in 2019. Although the members of his church welcomed and accepted him after he started telling his story, part of the fallout of that public coming-out is that Pastor Greg has been on trial for his sexuality within his denomination (Presbyterian Church of America).

Dr. Johnson has recently released a book about the conversion therapy movement and some of the lessons we can draw from its failure. The book is "Still Time to Care" and you can pick up anywhere books are sold.

You can follow Greg Johnson on Twitter.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000 podcast@radiantdigital.co (Greg Johnson, John Osburn, Clinton Battles) https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Greg Johnson is the lead pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri and is the only senior pastor in his entire denomination who is publicly celibate and same-sex attracted. Though Greg grew up in an atheist family, that didn't spare him from the shame and embarrassment that so many LGBTQ+ people experience, especially in their youth. Dr. Johnson always had a close community of friends who knew of his wrestling and experiences with his sexual orientation, but it was not public information until he published an article with Christianity Today in 2019. Although the members of his church welcomed and accepted him after he started telling his story, part of the fallout of that public coming-out is that Pastor Greg has been on trial for his sexuality within his denomination (Presbyterian Church of America).

Dr. Johnson has recently released a book about the conversion therapy movement and some of the lessons we can draw from its failure. The book is "Still Time to Care" and you can pick up anywhere books are sold.

You can follow Greg Johnson on Twitter.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Greg Johnson on Being Gay and On Trial Greg Johnson, John Osburn, Clinton Battles 00:34:26 Pastor Greg Johnson talks with us about what it's been like to be the only senior pastor in his entire denomination who is publicly celibate and same-sex attracted. Pastor Greg Johnson talks with us about what it's been like to be the only senior pastor in his entire denomination who is publicly celibate and same-sex attracted. presbyterian christian of america, evangelical, pca, ssa, presbyterian, lgbtqia, greg johnson, same sex attraction, conversion therapy, memorial presbyterian church false full 9 1 466564ac-fef9-498c-8962-078cbed2c6c5 Brian Zahnd on Discovering a Rich, Substantive Faith Brain Zahnd is the founding pastor of Word of Life Church in Saint Joseph, Missouri and an author of multiple books. In this interview, Brian talked with us about his Christian journey so far, from finding faith in the Jesus Movement to his involvement in the Charismatic movement to the founding of Word of Life Church and then eventually to the radical and very public renovation of his faith in his 40s (before it was cool). In that process, he was accused of heresy and lost many members of his church. But he continues to press on, now a leading voice for people who cannot find a home in conservative evangelicalism or within liberal mainline communities. He's written several books including Water to Wine and Sinners in the Hand of a Loving God. 

His latest release is When Everything's on Fire: Faith Forged from the Ashes. If you or someone you know is struggling with their faith, then consider this book. It focuses on renovating faith in light of its historical and intellectual richness. 

You can learn more about Brian, his books, and find his blog on his website. You can also Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to find consistent encouragement in your life.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Mon, 21 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000 podcast@radiantdigital.co (Clinton Battles, John Osburn, Brian Zahnd) https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Brain Zahnd is the founding pastor of Word of Life Church in Saint Joseph, Missouri and an author of multiple books. In this interview, Brian talked with us about his Christian journey so far, from finding faith in the Jesus Movement to his involvement in the Charismatic movement to the founding of Word of Life Church and then eventually to the radical and very public renovation of his faith in his 40s (before it was cool). In that process, he was accused of heresy and lost many members of his church. But he continues to press on, now a leading voice for people who cannot find a home in conservative evangelicalism or within liberal mainline communities. He's written several books including Water to Wine and Sinners in the Hand of a Loving God. 

His latest release is When Everything's on Fire: Faith Forged from the Ashes. If you or someone you know is struggling with their faith, then consider this book. It focuses on renovating faith in light of its historical and intellectual richness. 

You can learn more about Brian, his books, and find his blog on his website. You can also Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to find consistent encouragement in your life.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Brian Zahnd on Discovering a Rich, Substantive Faith Clinton Battles, John Osburn, Brian Zahnd 00:34:33 Brian Zahnd came straight out of the Jesus Movement and was comfortable in his brand of Christianity. Until he wasn’t. Brian went through a public transformation of faith in his 40s. In that process, he was accused of heresy and lost many members of his church, but he continues to press on. Brian Zahnd came straight out of the Jesus Movement and was comfortable in his brand of Christianity. Until he wasn’t. Brian went through a public transformation of faith in his 40s. In that process, he was accused of heresy and lost many members of his church, but he continues to press on. word of life church, brian zahnd, jesus movement, christianity false full 8 1 c08db1c7-a87e-4b25-ab36-e538623825c8 Greg Coles on Being Single, Gay, & Christian Greg Coles is an author, speaker, and worship leader. His latest book is called "No Longer Strangers: Finding Belonging in a World of Alienation."

Check out Greg's website for more of his books and speaking schedule.

Greg grew up in the Philippines as the youngest son of missionaries. Whenever his youth group talked about sex and purity, Greg didn't understand why everyone seemed to struggle with lust when it was so easy for him. Then he realized he had it easy because he was not attracted to girls. He was gay.

Greg's experiences in evangelical church have been less severe than other people he knows, but his story is still full of trauma and heart break. Despite so many people judging Greg and being cruel once they discovered his sexuality, he still serves in his local church and helps others find their community within its walls.

Follow Greg on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Mon, 14 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000 podcast@radiantdigital.co (Gregory Coles, John Osburn) https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Greg Coles is an author, speaker, and worship leader. His latest book is called "No Longer Strangers: Finding Belonging in a World of Alienation."

Check out Greg's website for more of his books and speaking schedule.

Greg grew up in the Philippines as the youngest son of missionaries. Whenever his youth group talked about sex and purity, Greg didn't understand why everyone seemed to struggle with lust when it was so easy for him. Then he realized he had it easy because he was not attracted to girls. He was gay.

Greg's experiences in evangelical church have been less severe than other people he knows, but his story is still full of trauma and heart break. Despite so many people judging Greg and being cruel once they discovered his sexuality, he still serves in his local church and helps others find their community within its walls.

Follow Greg on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Greg Coles on Being Single, Gay, & Christian Gregory Coles, John Osburn 00:31:52 Dr. Gregory Coles describes himself as a single, gay Christian. He has been working to help others find acceptance and community in the Church precisely because it has been so difficult for him. His story is full of setbacks and hope and will surely bring a smile to your face. Dr. Gregory Coles describes himself as a single, gay Christian. He has been working to help others find acceptance and community in the Church precisely because it has been so difficult for him. His story is full of setbacks and hope and will surely bring a smile to your face. lgbtq, evangelical, christian, revoice, gay, celibacy, greg coles, gregory coles, church, religion, christianity, celibate false full 7 1 15651679-0889-4cc5-9ae5-fde5f8f341c5 Andy Mineo on Race, Rap, and Paid Religion Andy Mineo is a multi-talented hip hop artist, producer, and director. He's been making music since he was a teenager, and has been signed with Reach Records since 2011.

His latest release is "Never Land II," and you can buy it or stream it anywhere music is sold.

Andy grew up praying for his dad to come back into his life, but it never happened. He's learned over the years that while his dad didn't show up in meaningful ways, God provided men who taught and invested in Andy.

He started producing his own hip hop music while he was still in high school, honing his craft before signing to Reach Records, the label founded by CHH legend Lecrae. Andy's journey to and through Christianity has been full of mountains and valleys while he has wrestled with Christian culture and some of the ways it comes up short.

Visit Andy Mineo's website for links to his albums and books. 

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Mon, 7 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000 podcast@radiantdigital.co (Andy Mineo, John Osburn) https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Andy Mineo is a multi-talented hip hop artist, producer, and director. He's been making music since he was a teenager, and has been signed with Reach Records since 2011.

His latest release is "Never Land II," and you can buy it or stream it anywhere music is sold.

Andy grew up praying for his dad to come back into his life, but it never happened. He's learned over the years that while his dad didn't show up in meaningful ways, God provided men who taught and invested in Andy.

He started producing his own hip hop music while he was still in high school, honing his craft before signing to Reach Records, the label founded by CHH legend Lecrae. Andy's journey to and through Christianity has been full of mountains and valleys while he has wrestled with Christian culture and some of the ways it comes up short.

Visit Andy Mineo's website for links to his albums and books. 

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Andy Mineo on Race, Rap, and Paid Religion Andy Mineo, John Osburn 00:30:32 Andy Mineo is known for being one of the top rappers for Reach Records. Being a white man inside of Black culture means he has made some mistakes and learned some lessons from which we could all benefit. Andy talks about how he got into the rap game and the pitfalls of being a professional Christian. Andy Mineo is known for being one of the top rappers for Reach Records. Being a white man inside of Black culture means he has made some mistakes and learned some lessons from which we could all benefit. Andy talks about how he got into the rap game and the pitfalls of being a professional Christian. rap, andy mineo, christian, black lives matter, religion, christianity, hip hop false full 6 1 9ee20b7b-1374-4fd7-a8e4-92db14d36931 Dan Stringer on Struggling with Evangelicalism Dan Stringer is a pastor, author, and campus minister in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

You can get your own copy of "Struggling with Evangelicalism: Why I Want to Leave and What it Takes to Stay" anywhere books are sold.

Dan is a missionary kid who never lived in the continental US until he went to Wheaton College. He realized quickly that, while he had picked up a lot of American culture in his MK schools, he still had a lot to learn about American Evangelicalism. Dan has spent his years since then serving the Church, usually bi-vocationally, but that doesn't mean he's comfortable with it all.

There really are days when he wants it all to go away and start with a new seed.

His unique experiences of growing up in multiple cultures and being bi-racial has given him a wise and patient perspective on the good and bad parts of Evangelicalism. Rather than throwing the baby out with the bath water, he has sought to use his voice and position to call for some changes that will make Evangelicalism a better home for people of all stripes.

Learn more about Dan and his book on his website, DanStringer.net
Find him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Mon, 28 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000 podcast@radiantdigital.co (Dan Stringer, John Osburn) https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Dan Stringer is a pastor, author, and campus minister in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

You can get your own copy of "Struggling with Evangelicalism: Why I Want to Leave and What it Takes to Stay" anywhere books are sold.

Dan is a missionary kid who never lived in the continental US until he went to Wheaton College. He realized quickly that, while he had picked up a lot of American culture in his MK schools, he still had a lot to learn about American Evangelicalism. Dan has spent his years since then serving the Church, usually bi-vocationally, but that doesn't mean he's comfortable with it all.

There really are days when he wants it all to go away and start with a new seed.

His unique experiences of growing up in multiple cultures and being bi-racial has given him a wise and patient perspective on the good and bad parts of Evangelicalism. Rather than throwing the baby out with the bath water, he has sought to use his voice and position to call for some changes that will make Evangelicalism a better home for people of all stripes.

Learn more about Dan and his book on his website, DanStringer.net
Find him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Dan Stringer on Struggling with Evangelicalism Dan Stringer, John Osburn 00:34:11 Rev. Dan Stringer talks about his struggles with Evangelicalism, why he hasn't left, and what he hopes will change. Dan grew up all over the world, from Africa To North America to Asia. With his experiences and perspective you're sure to be challenged and encouraged wherever you are in your faith. Rev. Dan Stringer talks about his struggles with Evangelicalism, why he hasn't left, and what he hopes will change. Dan grew up all over the world, from Africa To North America to Asia. With his experiences and perspective you're sure to be challenged and encouraged wherever you are in your faith. false full 5 1 3a67ed36-8eab-4242-b0f2-8a2627cd5a2c Jennifer Knapp on Kindness, Empathy, and Humility Jennifer Knapp is a singer/songwriter, activist, author, and speaker. 

Learn more Jennifer on her website.

Most people say Jennifer grew up in a non-religious home, but she disagrees. While she didn't consider herself an Evangelical until she was in college, she had a lot of exposure to religion, both its good and bad. It wasn't long after Jennifer found faith that fame found her. 

Her first album, "Kansas," was a huge success and put her on a path of constant touring, writing, and promoting. Jennifer kept it all together until 2004 when she went on sabbatical to Australia to take some earned rest.

She never really considered her sexuality and how it interacted with her faith until her mom outed her to herself in her late twenties. Jen didn't have a lot of the baggage about LGBTQ+ issues many other Christians did, but it still led to a lot of wrestling and learning.

Eventually, Jennifer made her relationship with another woman public, and she was faced with the backlash she expected. But that didn't push her away from faith. She dug in, spoke out about compassion, graduated from divinity school, and kept playing music and speaking up for LGBTQ+ communities.

If you play music, you can Jam with Jen on her website.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Mon, 21 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000 podcast@radiantdigital.co (Jennifer Knapp, John Osburn) https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Jennifer Knapp is a singer/songwriter, activist, author, and speaker. 

Learn more Jennifer on her website.

Most people say Jennifer grew up in a non-religious home, but she disagrees. While she didn't consider herself an Evangelical until she was in college, she had a lot of exposure to religion, both its good and bad. It wasn't long after Jennifer found faith that fame found her. 

Her first album, "Kansas," was a huge success and put her on a path of constant touring, writing, and promoting. Jennifer kept it all together until 2004 when she went on sabbatical to Australia to take some earned rest.

She never really considered her sexuality and how it interacted with her faith until her mom outed her to herself in her late twenties. Jen didn't have a lot of the baggage about LGBTQ+ issues many other Christians did, but it still led to a lot of wrestling and learning.

Eventually, Jennifer made her relationship with another woman public, and she was faced with the backlash she expected. But that didn't push her away from faith. She dug in, spoke out about compassion, graduated from divinity school, and kept playing music and speaking up for LGBTQ+ communities.

If you play music, you can Jam with Jen on her website.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Jennifer Knapp on Kindness, Empathy, and Humility Jennifer Knapp, John Osburn 00:35:40 Jennifer Knapp talks about her upbringing, what Wikipedia gets wrong about her, and her time with Lilith Fair. Plus, the central role her faith plays in her life, even after so many Christians were so cruel to her. Jennifer Knapp talks about her upbringing, what Wikipedia gets wrong about her, and her time with Lilith Fair. Plus, the central role her faith plays in her life, even after so many Christians were so cruel to her. lesbian, lgbtq, christian music, jennifer knapp, ccm, religion, christianity false full 4 1 0f46c06b-64eb-4529-a2d5-3f48f0e39c11 Taylor Schumann on Tragedy and Compassion Taylor Schumann grew up in Virginia with a comfortable and easy life until she was shot by a stranger at her job in 2013. A lot of things changed for Taylor after that, and she began to speak publicly about her evolving views. Although Taylor has experienced enough cruelty to make her question her faith, she remains committed to speaking out about the lessons she’s learned.

Buy a copy of "When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough" to hear all of Taylor's story.

Find Taylor on Twitter or visit her site to learn more about her work.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000 podcast@radiantdigital.co (Taylor Schumann, John Osburn) https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Taylor Schumann grew up in Virginia with a comfortable and easy life until she was shot by a stranger at her job in 2013. A lot of things changed for Taylor after that, and she began to speak publicly about her evolving views. Although Taylor has experienced enough cruelty to make her question her faith, she remains committed to speaking out about the lessons she’s learned.

Buy a copy of "When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough" to hear all of Taylor's story.

Find Taylor on Twitter or visit her site to learn more about her work.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Taylor Schumann on Tragedy and Compassion Taylor Schumann, John Osburn 00:29:20 Taylor Schumann is the author of "When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough." She unexpectedly became an activist when she began to share her experience of being shot by a stranger while at work in 2013. Her faith has been challenged, but it remains intact and more relevant than ever. Taylor Schumann is the author of "When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough." She unexpectedly became an activist when she began to share her experience of being shot by a stranger while at work in 2013. Her faith has been challenged, but it remains intact and more relevant than ever. why i stay, gun control, taylor schumann, christianity false full 3 1 e1ad1dab-dbd1-419e-841d-1ca538ac6025 Bridget Eileen Rivera on Sexuality, Celibacy, & Community Bridget Eileen Rivera describes herself as a Christian, Lesbian, Sojourner. Like so many others, she grew up thinking all LGBTQ people were going to hell, but discovered she was a lesbian in college. 

Buy Bridget’s book “Heavy Burdens.”

Bridget’s revelation was not comforting or easy for her. She felt dirty, unloveable, and damned. She had trouble going to sleep at night because she thought God would send to her hell while she slept.

After wrestling with her own faith and the Bible, Bridget began to understand that God did still love her. And that she need not be ashamed of this burden. However, she also felt, and still feels, that she should remain celibate. This puts her in a strange place of having to defend her choices and thoughts to both conservative and progressive people.

Bridget’s road has not been an easy one, but she has not hesitated to stay true to her calling of helping us all be more empathetic and loving.

Find Bridget on Twitter or visit her site to learn more about her work.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

Visit whyistaypodcast.com for more info.

]]> Mon, 7 Feb 2022 10:05:00 +0000 podcast@radiantdigital.co (Bridget Eileen Rivera, John Osburn) https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Bridget Eileen Rivera describes herself as a Christian, Lesbian, Sojourner. Like so many others, she grew up thinking all LGBTQ people were going to hell, but discovered she was a lesbian in college. 

Buy Bridget’s book “Heavy Burdens.”

Bridget’s revelation was not comforting or easy for her. She felt dirty, unloveable, and damned. She had trouble going to sleep at night because she thought God would send to her hell while she slept.

After wrestling with her own faith and the Bible, Bridget began to understand that God did still love her. And that she need not be ashamed of this burden. However, she also felt, and still feels, that she should remain celibate. This puts her in a strange place of having to defend her choices and thoughts to both conservative and progressive people.

Bridget’s road has not been an easy one, but she has not hesitated to stay true to her calling of helping us all be more empathetic and loving.

Find Bridget on Twitter or visit her site to learn more about her work.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

Visit whyistaypodcast.com for more info.

]]> Bridget Eileen Rivera on Sexuality, Celibacy, & Community Bridget Eileen Rivera, John Osburn 00:32:35 Bridget Eileen Rivera is an author, speaker, and educator. And a Christian lesbian. Her journey towards activism has been long and full of judgement, but she continues to press on in faithfulness. Bridget Eileen Rivera is an author, speaker, and educator. And a Christian lesbian. Her journey towards activism has been long and full of judgement, but she continues to press on in faithfulness. lesbian, lgbtq, why i stay, gay, heavy burdens, bridget eileen rivera, christianity false full 2 1 de7c8f8f-5df1-49f4-9946-65bf3697f0b3 Lecrae on Race, Religion, & Restoration Lecrae is a rapper who came to fame with his 116 clique and unashamed rhymes. He was a darling of the young, restless reformed movement until he began to speak up about his experiences as a Black man in church. Lecrae has never been one to hold back, and his courage and clarity about race in America cost him dearly. His career suffered, his marriage nearly fell apart, and his faith was empty for a time. It was a trip to Africa that gave Lecrae the separation he needed to find the core of the Gospel and begin his journey to restoration and healing. 

Get a copy of Lecrae's book "I Am Restored" here. 

Visit Lecrae’s website for links to his albums and books. 

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/

]]> Mon, 7 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 podcast@radiantdigital.co (Lecrae, John Osburn) https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Lecrae is a rapper who came to fame with his 116 clique and unashamed rhymes. He was a darling of the young, restless reformed movement until he began to speak up about his experiences as a Black man in church. Lecrae has never been one to hold back, and his courage and clarity about race in America cost him dearly. His career suffered, his marriage nearly fell apart, and his faith was empty for a time. It was a trip to Africa that gave Lecrae the separation he needed to find the core of the Gospel and begin his journey to restoration and healing. 

Get a copy of Lecrae's book "I Am Restored" here. 

Visit Lecrae’s website for links to his albums and books. 

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

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]]> Lecrae on Race, Religion, & Restoration Lecrae, John Osburn 00:31:26 Chart topping hip hop artist Lecrae talks about his journey from finding Jesus, through wrestling with faith and His followers, to coming to peace. Chart topping hip hop artist Lecrae talks about his journey from finding Jesus, through wrestling with faith and His followers, to coming to peace. unashamed, 116, chruch, racism, christian hip hop, black lives matter, lecrae, religion, christianity false full 1 1 17fc55a3-8025-46f5-8d30-e74ec64f692e Trailer Why I Stay is part of the Patheos Podcast Network. We will hear from guests like Lecrae, Bridget Eileen Rivera, Jennifer Knapp, Dr. Gregory Coles, Andy Mineo, and Pastor Greg Johnson. 

]]> Thu, 6 Jan 2022 23:16:30 +0000 podcast@radiantdigital.co (Jennifer Knapp, Brian Zahnd, Lecrae, John Osburn) https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/why-i-stay Why I Stay is part of the Patheos Podcast Network. We will hear from guests like Lecrae, Bridget Eileen Rivera, Jennifer Knapp, Dr. Gregory Coles, Andy Mineo, and Pastor Greg Johnson. 

]]> Trailer Jennifer Knapp, Brian Zahnd, Lecrae, John Osburn 00:02:00 Why I Stay shares stories of faithfulness in the face of judgement, hate, and betrayal. Why I Stay shares stories of faithfulness in the face of judgement, hate, and betrayal. false trailer 1