Spirituality Matters with Rev Karla

Normal Is Not Enough

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses some hard truths about the realities of today. Our spirituality is connected to everything including racism, politics and activism. Rev Karla ends the episode with a few questions to help you in a contemplative practice reflecting on 2021. You can read more on this topic in Rev Karla's blog post and watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. 

Resources for this episode include: Prison Policy, U.S. Academic Achievement Lags, White Male Minority, Heather Cox Richardson, Pastor's Gun Giveaway

Interview with Pastor Jeff Baker

In this episode, Rev Karla interviews Pastor Jeff Baker from Chosen Family Church in Canada. The two first connected on TikTok on their growing platforms for helping people deconstruct toxic theology. Pastor Jeff talked about what it was like to grow up religious and questioning their sexual identity, beginning to question other beliefs, and their path to becoming a pastor and expanding their interpretations of the Bible. Be sure to follow Pastor Jeff on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and tune in to their podcast The Autistic Mystic. 

Additional Resources for this episode include: Hannah Gadsby: Nanette on Netflix, Numa Soul's LGBTQIA resources, Sihkism

A Case for Separation of Church and State

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses the importance of keeping religion out of politics. Rev Karla shares her experience with religion in public schools, the current threat to our democracy if religion keeps playing a part in politics and what we can do about it. You can read more about the separation of church and state from Rev Karla in her blog post. If you'd rather watch the podcast head over to YouTube. 

Resources for this episode include: The 1619 Project, Heather Cox Richardson's 'Letters from an American, White Evangelical approval of Trump, 2020 Faith Vote Reflects 2016 Patterns, Top Ten Public School State/Church Violations, White male minority rule, How the Trump Administration's '1776 Report' warps history, Ex-member of Amy Coney Barrett's faith group speaks out, Faith Leaders Nearly Unanimous in Condemning Assault on Capitol, The Christian Insurrection, Pence Urges Americans to Pray, Critical Race Theory is a Flashpoint for Conservatives, The Young Turks on Critical Race Theory. 

Interview with Jegaysus

In this episode, Rev Karla sits down with her spiritual TikTok friend, Jegaysus. They talk about his religious history in the church and the creation of Jegaysus after not being involved with the church for 10 years. They have a great conversation about the different ways to live a spiritual life, the language people use around spirituality and spiritual gifts and their experience with it. Make sure to follow Jegaysus on TikTok and Instagram for more content. Visit numasoul.com for spiritual teaching from Rev Karla. 

Interview with Sophia Spallino

In this episode, Rev Karla interviews Sophia Spallino where they discuss their experiences being raised in the church. They also cover topics including speaking in tongues, church camp and deconstructing from purity culture. You can learn more from Sophia on her website, social media and her podcast, Enlightened. You can watch the uncut video of this episode on Rev Karla's Youtube Channel.

The Spiritual but Not Religious Journey

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses how to discover how your spirituality can exist outside of religion. Questioning religion could mean you are stepping into a spiritual awakening to enter into the spiritual wilderness. Rev Karla makes suggestions on how to begin your spiritual journey. Read more on this topic from Rev Karla in her blog post and watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. 

Resources: Holy Now by Peter Mayer

 

 

Interview with Pastor Paul Swearengin

In this episode, Rev Karla interviews Pastor Paul Swearigen. The two discuss their journey through deconstructing religion. Pastor Paul talks about when he first started questioning religion and embracing the mystery in the unknowns. He offers some ideas about what might happen after death and discusses who, or what, God is to him. Books recommended in this episode include Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans, Resurrecting Jesus by Adyashanti and Love Wins by Rob Bell. You can find out more about Pastor Paul on his website pastor-paul.com and be sure to follow on TikTok @pastorpaul_tiktok and other platforms. You can watch the uncut video version of this episode on Rev Karla's YouTube channel. 

When Darkness Comes

In this episode, Rev Karla talks about a birthday that changed her life and the power of birthdays and rituals. Autumn is a season of embracing change. Will you accept the invitation to pause, reconnect and remember? You can read more of this from Rev Karla in her blog post. 

Summertide: Chasing the Sun

In this episode, Rev Karla invites you to take a moment and pause to reflect and feel connected to the Holy. Autumn is approaching and we must embrace the changing of the seasons. Read more about the Summertide in Rev Karla's blog post. You can watch the uncut video of this episode on Rev Karla's YouTube channel. 

Interview with Jaime Mahler

In this episode, Rev Karla interviews licensed mental health professional, Jaime Mahler. Jaime Mahler is a passionate educator, coach, therapist, podcast host and mental health content creator. Her approach is unique and holistic. Jaime owns Recollected Self, a mental health enrichment company. She integrates creativity and person-centered approaches into everything she does. Rev Karla and Jaime discuss the importance of understanding the emotional factors in processing religious trauma and how to reclaim your identity outside of religion by looking inward to find your authentic self.  Make sure to follow Jaime @recollectedself on TikTok and Instagram and check out her workshops at recollectedself.com. Jaime also has a podcast called Unlearned A journey through religious deconstruction. You can watch the uncut video of this episode on Rev Karla's YouTube channel. 

Additional resources for this episode include: COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates suicide risk factors