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Everyone's Agnostic Podcast


Cass & Marie interview people you don’t know, about a subject no one wants to talk about. We hope to encourage people in the process of deconstructing their faith and help curb the loneliness that accompanies it. We think the world is a better place when more people live by sight, not by faith.

Jul 28, 2017

Cass Midgley and Dr. Bob Pondillo discuss the recent prayer in the oval office, the problem with praising god for intervening in your life, and how atheism remains the best practice of theism.  If you're listening for the first time, we normally have a guest who unpacks their life journey, especially as it pertains to them deconstructing their childhood faith or their religion and how they've learned to navigate their now godless life. How now shall I live? The bottom falls out when you realize there's no Santa. That much of the meaning and purpose by which you've girded your happiness, even your identity was a lie...that's deeply troubling. And then, tack onto that the fact that some of your best friends and even family look at you differently and maybe don't want to spend time with you. You're very existence poses a threat to their life meaning or their immortality beliefs. The stakes are high when you get honest, when you grow up, when you face reality with integrity and maturity. Marriages are broken. Relationships with children and thus grandchildren are sometimes cut off. Dear, dear friends won't speak to you. And if they do, it's to call you back to the oblivion, the high, the acid trip of their fantasy.

We started this podcast to let people know that they're not alone in this nightmare in which they find themselves. You are not alone. You may need the strength of community to get through this with any sanity or gentleness.  Cut yourself some slack. Give yourself a hug. Feel the hug of Bob and I and all the thousands of listeners that are encouraged and even personally developed by these conversations.

But today there is no formal guest. Instead, I've taped 3 short conversations with 3 former guests, Amber Cantorna, episode 131, Bill Finley, episode 138, and Charlie and Henry Smith, episode 148. These were three great episodes. You may remember Amber is the daughter of a Focus on the Family executive who was disowned by her family when she came out as lesbian. She's got a book coming out in October about that ordeal titled "Refocusing My Family: Coming Out, Being Cast Out, and Discovering the True Love of God." Amber remains a Christian and remains a wonderful human being. Bill Finley devoted his life to the Salvation Army before losing his faith. And Henry Smith is an ex-pastor, now in his 70s, whose wife Charlie remains a believer and their episode is about how they make that work.  

Mindi and I made a trip out to Colorado last weekend where we stayed with the Smiths and had a Sunday brunch where Amber and her wife, Clara, joined us, as well as Bill and his wife, Tolani, and their daughter and niece. It was hosted by Henry's daughter Liz and it was a delightful gathering. That room full of strangers was not awkward for long. The depth of connection and love for each other evaporated any awkwardness within minutes of meeting each other. It was truly a magical experience.  I'm so grateful for Liz and Henry and Charlie who made it happen and to Bill and Amber for attending and being so present.  

 

We taped this conversation on July 16th, 2017. We interview people you don’t know, about a subject no one wants to talk about. We hope to encourage people in the process of deconstructing their faith and help curb the loneliness that accompanies it. We think the world is a better place when more people live by sight, not by faith. Please subscribe to our podcast, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Our show is available on most podcast platforms.  Also, you can support us monetarily in two easy ways: you can pledge one dollar per episode through Patreon; that’s www.patreon.com/eapodcast, or leave a lump-sum donation through PayPal at our website, www.everyonesagnostic.com. The smallest contribution is greatly appreciated.

Credits:
"Towering Mountain of Ignorance" intro by Hank Green https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3v3S82TuxU
Intro bumper "Never Know" by Jack Johnson
The segue music is on this episode was created by the Barry Orchestra found at https://barryorchestra.bandcamp.com/

Thanks for listening and be a yes-sayer to what is.