Spirituality Matters with Rev Karla

The Falacy of the Trinity and the Harm it has Caused

In this episode, Rev Karla received a lovely email and question from a follower named Ginny, who wrote: "Thank you for the many ways we can explore our deconstruction as well as understand the ways Christianity continues to oppress the marginalized. Rev Karla, in your deconstruction, are you still a believer in the Trinity? That Jesus is the way to Heaven?"

 

In response, Rev Karla discusses the duality taught in Christianity through the Holy Trinity and what to do about Jesus as you deconstruct from toxic religion. What do you believe now? Non-duality thinking says it's okay to question the ideology you were raised in and you won't be punished for believing differently. You can read more from Rev Karla about this in her blog post and watch the uncut version of this episode on YouTube.

Interview with Amir Yass

In this episode, Rev Karla interviews Amir Yass, a queer Muslim unicorn living his best life as he navigates his spiritual journey. They discuss how faith can support you in your authenticity, separating culture from religion, and being out, loud and proud. They also talk about the importance of finding your tribe when your family minimizes your authentic self. You can find Amir on Instagram and TikTok and be sure to watch the uncut version of todays episode on YouTube. As always, Rev Karla has a blog post to go with this episode as well.

Reclaiming Your Spirituality

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses disruptive statements that help to elevate the human condition. Rev Karla talks through ways we can leave the world a better place by hearing, understanding and holding space for another person's pain. Does church support your spiritual values or is it time to leave and embrace other spiritual practices that feed your soul? No one has the road map for you, every spiritual journey is different. Explore, learn, grow, and trust the journey. You can read more from Rev Karla in her blog post or watch the uncut version of this episode on YouTube.

 

Additional resources include: Black Lives Matter leaders condemn allegations of mismanaged funds, Black Lives Matter at 10 years: 8 ways the movement has been highly effective.

Through the Voice of My Grandmother

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses lessons learned from her beloved grandmothers. She recalls moments she now realizes was her grandmothers rejecting the patriarchy in different ways throughout their lives. Rev Karla feels connected to her religious heritage when telling these stories. You can read more from Rev Karla in this week's blog post and watch the uncut version of this episode on her YouTube channel.

 

Additional resources for this episode include: The TikTok Video, Finding and Getting to Know Your Inner Child, The Forgotten Ministry: The Influence of Our Grandparents, The Senior Side: The grandparent role in family faith formation, 12 Life-Impacting Symptoms Complex PTSD Survivors Endure

Interview with Unconventional Pastor Paul

In this episode, Rev Karla interviews Unconventional Pastor Paul, a mutual from the TikTok deconstructing community. They discuss their interpretations of the Christian Bible, the threat of Christian Nationalism, and the books that helped them open their minds to spirituality outside of organized religion on their deconstructing journeys. Rev Karla has more book recommendations on her website, and you can join Rev Karla’s book club to read one book every month. You can read more from Rev Karla in her blog post and watch the uncut version of this episode on YouTube. This is Pastor Paul’s second time on "Spirituality Matters," so be sure to go listen to their other episode as well.

When Life is Smarter Than You Are

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses the difficulties of creating the life you want as a woman living in a patriarchal society. She tells personal stories about the breadcrumbs in her life that lead her to step out of that patriarchal structure and pave her own path to a life she knew she deserves. It’s important to stay true to yourself, trust the divine timing, dear one. You can watch the uncut version of this episode on Youtube and read more from Rev Karla in the blog post.

 

Additional resources include: Shirley Chisholm

Church Isn’t What I Miss

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses the grief of leaving church and losing your community on your deconstructing journey. Can you afford to lose that community? Will you ever return? You are not alone on this difficult journey. It’s hard, it’s scary and everything changes, but it is worth it. You can watch the uncut version on YouTube and read more from Rev Karla in the blog post. 

Take Me to the Place Where Faith No Longer Hurts

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses the importance of healing as an individual and as a collective, in community with others. She asks the question, "why did faith hurt in the first place?" Rev Karla dives into different stages and processes of the healing journey and how to create a safe space for your spirituality along the way. You can read more from Rev Karla in this week's blog post and watch the uncut version on YouTube.

 

Additional resources include: Martin Luther King, Jr. “The Arc Of The Moral Universe Is Long, But It Bends Toward Justice” Quote Or No Quote?, Rumi, 10 Reasons Why People Fear What They Don‘t Understand,

Interview with Marlana Glaeser

In this episode, Rev Karla interviews Marlana Glaeser, the owner of Gentle Hands Consulting, a lifestyle consulting business assisting people with their trauma-healing jumpstart. She is a single mother sharing her story of childhood neglect, sexual abuse, and her spiritual journey beginning with growing up in a conservative Christian home. Marlana is also the Director of Spiritual Guidance and Communication for Numa Soul Center for Spiritual Transformation. They discuss the importance of being trauma-informed while helping others on their spiritual journey. You can read more about this interview in Rev Karla's blog post and watch the uncut interview on YouTube. You can also find I am Her, She is Me by Marlana Glaeser HERE.

Interview with Alejandro Rodriguez

In this episode, Rev Karla interviews the executive director of Spirituality Network Alejandro Rodriguez. Rodriguez and his organization work to connect people with resources for spiritual growth and depth, regardless of their faith tradition, through educational training, programs and events. They discuss their different spiritual journeys and how they got to where they are today. You can read more about this interview in this week's blog post and watch the uncut version of this interview on YouTube.