Beauty in the Dirt

With the best of intentions, many young adults pursue careers engaging in humanitarian and/or evangelistic endeavors either overseas or locally. However, without a deep understanding of systemic racism and White Supremacy, those with hopes of bringing positive change to the world at-large often further complicate already complex systemic immoralities, and widen the disparity between those who identify as White, from those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour (BIPOC).  It cannot and must not be ignored that Christian missions, specifically, and White Supremacy are almost completely inseparable, which can be noted in deep-seated Christian doctrines infused into colonial excursions, such as the Doctrine of Discovery and Manifest Destiny, as well as subtle racist ideologies in present-day missions. The Doctrine of Discovery One of the earliest historical connections between Christianity and White Supremacy can be dated back to what is now known as the Doctrine of Discover

As comforting as religion can be for many people, it can be psychological torture for many others. Between 1990 and 2008, Protestant, Baptist, and Catholic churches in the USA lost 12.7 million attendees, which is approximately a forty per cent decrease (Winell, M., 2011). A large percentage of those who have left experience a wide range of effects ranging from a general dislike for their former religion, to severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental disorders. When sufferers of religious trauma look for help and resources, however, there is little available to them. Most studies that have been done in relationship to religion have revealed the therapeutic benefits of religious practices and communities in helping people heal from PTSD. What happens, then, to a person who seems to develop PTSD from their religious experience, whether from their time within, or from the process of leaving? Can their trauma symptoms truly be connected with the very thing that brings healing to oth

One of the first thing I deconstructed when I was questioning my faith was my view on sexuality. I have acquired some resources over the years that I often direct people to when they ask me about my views on LGBTQIA+ issues. If you are a Christian and wondering about the biblical take on homosexuality or transgenderism, this blog will direct you to resources. What Does the does Bible say about being gay/lesbian? 5 Things to Remember When the Bible is used Against the LGBTQ+ Community This is a blog written by Pastor Jeff Nelson on the real-life implications of speaking out against homosexuality in our churches... and not just on LGBTQ+ people. Serendipity Do Dah - The Clobber Verses This is a blog that systematically goes through each verse used to discredit homosexuality within Christianity from an invaluable resource for Christian parents of LGBTQ+ kids. Click here to find out more about the MamaBears community. The Bible and Homosexuality - A Nuanced Approach A thirty-minute v

What I said was... Come as you are. What I meant was... Come as you are, but you can't stay unless you look like us. What I said was... God's love is unconditional. What I meant was... God's love is conditional on you following my doctrinal statements. What I said was... God's ways are higher than our ways. What I meant was... Our answers are higher than your questions. What I said was... Love the sinner, but hate the sin. What I meant was... Love the sinner with my sin, but call out the sin that I don't understand. What I said was... It's not a religion. It's a relationship. What I meant was... It's a religion we call a relationship. We still get to tell you how to do this. What I said was... The Truth will set you free. What I meant was... I have convinced myself I know the Truth completely, and I am pretending I am free. What I said was... We're just sinners, saved by grace. What I meant was... I'm not holding