EPISODE · Aug 11, 2025 · 43 MIN
Separation of Church and Hate: Honoring the Journey of John Fugelsang
from Honoring the Journey · host Leslie Nease
Preorder John's new book HERE!Key Ideas from this episode:* John Fugelsang’s background: son of former nun and Franciscan brother, raised in a progressive Catholic household.* Discussion of his new book, "Separation of Church and Hate," which critiques the weaponization of Christianity by right-wing fundamentalists.* Exploration of how fundamentalism distorts the teachings of Jesus and promotes exclusion, fear, and political power.* Personal stories of questioning and deconstructing faith, both from John and Leslie.* The difference between following Jesus’ teachings and adhering to organized religion or literal interpretations of scripture.* The role of empathy, love, and humility in true Christian practice.* The challenge of engaging with family and community members who hold rigid or exclusionary beliefs.* Encouragement to use scripture thoughtfully in discussions, focusing on compassion rather than condemnation.* The importance of modeling kindness and understanding, even when disagreeing with others.* A call to reclaim faith from those who use it to justify hate or political agendas. Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease.Pick up Leslie's book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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What this episode covers
In this season 5 opener, we welcome comedian, storyteller, and political commentator John Fugelsang to discuss his multifaceted life and his new book, "Separation of Church and Hate." The conversation delves into his unique upbringing by parents who left religious ministry for love, his evolving relationship with faith, and his critique of how fundamentalism has shaped modern Christianity and politics. Together, they explore the challenges of deconstructing religious beliefs, the importance of compassion over dogma, and the need to reclaim the teachings of Jesus from those who use religion as a tool for power and exclusion.
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Separation of Church and Hate: Honoring the Journey of John Fugelsang
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