The Faith Between: Honoring the Journey of Faith Beyond Conservative and Liberal

Today, Leslie brings back a past guest: Jonathan Foster. They chat about navigating the "messy middle" of faith deconstruction—the space between conservative and progressive Christianity where people seek compassion, curiosity, and nuanced thinking rather than quick reactions. They discuss Jonathan's work with the Curian Network, a new denominational ecosystem that credentials pastors, chaplains, and faith leaders around "uncontrolling love" rather than rigid theological boundaries, offering a safe alternative for those who've been pushed out of traditional evangelical spaces. The conversation explores the challenges of living with uncertainty, resisting the urge to become what you're fighting against, and creating healthier systems centered on grace and human flourishing.Key Points of Interest:• The Curian Network - A new 501(c)3 denominational ecosystem credentialing pastors, chaplains, and spiritual directors around "uncontrolling love" rather than strict theological requirements• Messy Middle Identity - The struggle of not being conservative enough or liberal enough, and feeling "homeless" between traditional camps• Conditional Belonging - How both evangelical and progressive spaces can demand conformity, creating the same triggering dynamics people tried to escape• Scapegoating Patterns - Discussion of how humans are biologically wired to create in-groups and out-groups, and the work required to resist this tendency• Calling vs. Shape - The core of one's calling remains constant, but its expression changes dramatically as life and the world evolve• Safe Spaces - The importance of finding people where you can be curious, ask questions, and process without immediate judgment or demands for certainty• Prayer and Community - Even amid theological shifts, the value of being invited into prayer and community regardless of doctrinal differences 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.