Jeff Batton-Recovering Evangelical, Out of the Closet

Today we’re with Jeff Batton, a recovering Evangelical -- in fact, an ex-pastor -- who's now out of the closet and is counseling folks about life, religion, marriages, relationships -- you name it.Batton has lived all around the world…Hong Kong, London, New York City…now Detroit…but grew up on a big farm in South Georgia and claims to be the ambassador of the South. He’s started his own business, been shot, tried to save the world’s poor, and now coaches people on what not to do. He’s worked on the streets, lived in the projects, became a minister, and then quit organized religion. In fact, he says that he had to quit Christianity to find Jesus.Batton wanted it all -- marriage, kids, a happy life. But he struggled, trying to deny his homosexuality. So, he went through a divorce…a big no-no for ministers…and now says he’s a ‘recovering evangelical’. On the show, he says that “religion is politics in drag.” Batton also has written a book, “Grinnin’ Like a Jackass Eatin’ Briars,” and, of course, we talk about that.It's an interesting conversation, to say the least...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.