Mythologizing the Bible

Why do we keep mistaking loud, rule-breaking leaders for strong protectors? Perhaps we need to better understand how the “shepherd” metaphor reveals the difference between leadership that serves and leadership that exploits, and why learning to recognize that difference may be one of the most important skills we have!There’s something deeply human about wanting a protector. When things feel unstable, we don’t just want solutions. When the economy is shaky, when culture feels like it’s shifting under our feet, when the future feels uncertain, we want someone strong. Someone confident. Someone who looks at the chaos and says, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.” That instinct isn’t a flaw; it’s part of how we’re wired. For most of human history, survival depended on finding the right people to follow when things got dangerous.And that’s exactly why the metaphor in John 10 is so powerful. The idea of a shepherd—someone who enters through the gate, who is known, who is trusted, who leads rather than forces—speaks to that instinct in a healthy way. But the story doesn’t stop there. It also warns us about the other kind of figure. The one who doesn’t come through the gate. The one who climbs over, bypasses the system, and still claims to be the protector. The one who sounds like a shepherd… but behaves like something else entirely.Because here’s the uncomfortable truth: the same instinct that helps us find good leadership can also make us vulnerable to the wrong kind of leadership. And in today’s world, where fear and frustration are easy to amplify, that line between protector and predator gets very blurry very fast.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if integrity isn’t about what you believe but how you respond when it’s hardest to live it? Integrity is critical when it comes to responsibility, restraint, and leadership, challenging us to stop reacting to the world around us and start shaping it through the choices we make every day.Have you ever noticed how easy it is to believe we’re “good people” as long as we’re not the ones directly causing harm? But what if the real test isn’t what we avoid doing, but what we allow, what we tolerate, and how we respond when things get uncomfortable or unfair?Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter, we’ll explore what it really means to take responsibility for our impact, to hold onto our values under pressure, and to recognize the difference between leadership that controls and leadership that helps people flourish.In this episode, we’re asking a tough question: Are we actually living with integrity or just reacting to the world around us? Because it’s one thing to believe in fairness, empathy, and truth… and something very different to live those values when it costs us something.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

When the system you believe in starts working against your values, what do you do? Stay and fight or walk away? Perhaps we need to explore the tension between loyalty and integrity, and why leaving isn’t always giving up. In fact, it might be the most honest stand you have left!Let me start in a place that probably doesn’t sound philosophical at all: my knees, my back, and my feet. Because when we talk about work, or purpose, or even ethics, we tend to keep it in our heads. We talk about ideas. We talk about values. But the reality is, your body keeps score whether you want it to or not. And when I went from working effectively at home for five years to driving, riding a train, and walking a half mile on concrete for an hour and forty-five minutes each way, every day, my body noticed. It didn’t give a s**t about policy changes or leadership priorities. It just knew something was wrong.But here’s where it gets deeper than just physical strain. What I was experiencing (and what a lot of people experience in situations like this) is something called moral injury. That’s not just stress. It’s not just burnout. Moral injury happens when you are forced to participate in, or stand by while witnessing, actions that violate your core sense of right and wrong. It’s what happens when the work you once believed in is stripped of its meaning, and you’re still expected to show up like nothing has changed.And this is where that idea from our main episode—the idea of “perishable” versus “imperishable” assets—hits differently. Because in modern life, your most valuable assets aren’t your salary or your title. Your most valuable assets are your time and your health. And when a system starts demanding that you trade those things away for a mission that has been hollowed out… the math changes. What used to feel like dedication can start to look a lot like self-destruction.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if a meaningful life isn’t measured by what you gain, but by what you stand for and who you stand with? This week’s readings challenge us to rethink success, shifting the focus from comfort and accumulation to integrity, accountability, and the connections that give our lives lasting impact.Have you ever noticed how easy it is to drift through life focused on what’s right in front of you—your job, your goals, your comfort—without really asking what any of it adds up to? We spend so much time trying to secure our own footing that we rarely stop to ask whether we’re actually building something that matters beyond ourselves.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter, we’ll explore what it means to live a life defined not by accumulation or survival, but by integrity, accountability, and the kind of connection that turns ordinary moments into something meaningful.In this episode, we’re asking a simple question: Being that our time is limited, what are we actually doing with it, and who are we becoming in the process? Are we building a life that reflects what we say we value, or just one that feels comfortable in the moment?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if one of the most radical economic ideas in the Bible has been quietly ignored? Chapter 2 of Acts of the Apostles is not a miracle story. It’s a blueprint for shared survival, where community, not accumulation, becomes the foundation for human flourishing.Imagine if your church, or your community, or even just your friend group decided that no one among you would go without. Not in some vague, “thoughts and prayers” kind of way, but in a very real, very practical sense. Rent gets covered. Groceries get shared. Medical bills don’t spiral people into debt because the group steps in. Not charity but shared responsibility. Now ask yourself honestly: does that sound inspiring… or does it sound impossible?The tension we’re facing is that we love the idea of community… right up until it costs us something. We’ll show up for the potluck, volunteer for an hour, and post about caring for others. But when it comes to our time, our money, our resources… or actually restructuring how we live… suddenly things get complicated. And yet, if you go back to one of the most quoted sections of the Bible, you’ll find a community that didn’t just talk about caring for each other. They reorganized their entire lives around it.So the question isn’t whether this idea exists. It’s right there in the text. The question is why all of these self-proclaimed followers of Christ have quietly decided it doesn’t really apply anymore. What does that say about the way we all choose comfort over consistency?So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if doubt isn’t a weakness but the most honest response to a suspicious story? This episode challenges the idea that faith without evidence is virtuous, and instead makes the case that Thomas’ skepticism represents integrity, courage, and a refusal to accept claims that demand belief without accountability.Have you ever noticed how often doubt gets framed as a problem to fix instead of a signal to pay attention? We’re told that belief, especially confident, unquestioning belief, is a virtue. And if you hesitate, if you ask for evidence, if you say, “I’m not sure I buy this”… suddenly you’re the difficult one. The outsider. The one who “just needs more faith.”But let’s be honest: if someone today made an extraordinary claim and told you to just trust them without proof, would you do it? Or would you ask a few questions first? Because in every other part of life, that’s exactly what we’re taught to do. We teach our kids to think critically, to verify information, to be cautious about what they accept as true. And yet, when it comes to certain beliefs, that same instinct is treated like a flaw instead of a strength.Maybe the real question isn’t why Thomas doubted. Maybe the better question is this: Why didn’t everyone else?So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if the path to a meaningful life isn’t about certainty or comfort, but about how we respond to reality? This week’s readings challenge us to question what we’re told, grow through what we endure, and take responsibility for each other in ways that actually matter.Have you ever noticed how much pressure there is to “just believe”, to accept things as they’re handed to you, to push past your doubts, to stay comfortable… even when something doesn’t quite add up? And at the same time, we’re told to tough it out on our own, to power through struggle, to take care of ourselves first, while the people around us are quietly falling through the cracks.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, we’ll explore what it actually means to live with integrity, questioning what doesn’t make sense, growing through what challenges us, and showing up for each other in ways that go beyond words.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: What if the path to a meaningful life isn’t about certainty or comfort at all, but about having the courage to question, the strength to endure, and the willingness to take responsibility for one another?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

We like to think we’re rational but much of our behavior is driven by ancient instincts to belong, defend, and divide. Whether we realize it or not, tribal thinking shapes our politics, our beliefs, and even our economy. Our goal, then, is to figure out what it takes to rise above all of that with intention, integrity, and clarity!You are biologically wired to divide the world into “us” and “them.” Not because you’re a bad person. Not because you’re closed-minded. But because, at one point in human evolution, that instinct kept you alive. If you trusted the wrong group, you didn’t just lose an argument, you might not survive the week.And here’s the problem: your brain hasn’t updated the software.We’re walking around with survival instincts designed for small bands of maybe 100 people… and we’re using those survival instincts to navigate a world of 8 billion people. And that mismatch? That’s not just interesting, it’s dangerous. Because the same instinct that once protected us is now driving polarization, extremism, inequality… and a whole lot of really bad decisions.So, we’re going to take a hard look at the “tribe”… where it comes from, why it feels so good, why it’s causing so much damage… and what it actually takes to move beyond it without losing what makes us human.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if the real story of Easter isn’t about certainty but about what we do when certainty is gone? How can we break free from tribal thinking, build integrity into our communities, and choose curiosity over assumption, especially when facing the unknown?Have you ever noticed how often we inherit beliefs, loyalties, and assumptions without ever stopping to ask whether they’re actually true or whether they’re just comfortable? And how quickly those habits can shape who we trust, what we accept, and even how we treat other people?Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for Easter Sunday, we’ll explore what it means to move beyond tribal thinking, to build communities grounded in integrity, and to face life’s biggest questions with curiosity instead of assumption.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: What would change if we stopped relying on inherited beliefs and started actively seeking what is true, what is good, and what actually helps people flourish, even when it challenges our habits or our sense of belonging?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Our culture is obsessed with dominance, but what if that’s not strength at all? Maybe it’s time to challenge the “Alpha” myth and make the case for something far more powerful: letting go of ego, refusing the game, and building real influence through integrity, humility, and solidarity!Why are we so obsessed with dominance?Scroll through social media for five minutes. You’ll see it everywhere. The cars, the watches, not a “mindset” but a “grindset,” the constant chest-thumping about winning, crushing, dominating. The message is always the same: if you’re not on top, you’re nothing. If you’re not feared, you’re weak. If you’re not in total control, you’re obviously losing.And here’s what’s fascinating (and a little disturbing):A lot of the same people pushing that message are also the ones claiming to follow a guy who (as the story goes) washed feet, stood with the marginalized, and willingly gave up power rather than cling to it. (You know… Jesus.)That’s not a small contradiction. That’s a complete reversal of the story.So in this episode, I want to dig into that tension. Not to call out the loudest “Alpha” voices because they’re easy to spot. I’m more interested in everyone else. The people who are quietly absorbing the ridiculous “Alpha” message. The ones wondering, “Is this what strength is supposed to look like?”What if we’ve been sold the wrong definition entirely?What if real power doesn’t come from climbing higher… but from choosing to step down?So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if real strength isn’t loud, dominant, or rewarded but steady, grounded, and often unseen? This week’s readings explore the power of integrity, humility, and quiet defiance in a world that pressures us to conform. The question isn’t who holds power but who refuses to lose themselves when power demands it.Have you ever noticed how often the people we celebrate as “strong” are the ones who dominate, control, and rise above everyone else, while the people who quietly hold onto their values, even when it costs them something, tend to get overlooked or dismissed as weak? And yet, when you really pay attention, those quieter voices often carry far more weight.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for Palm Sunday, we’ll explore what it really means to have strength. Not as power or status, but as the discipline to stay open, let go of ego, and hold onto your integrity when the pressure is on.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: What if real strength isn’t about rising above others but about staying grounded in your values when the crowd turns, the system fails, or it would be easier to just go along with it?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Loneliness isn’t just a feeling, it’s a slow form of disappearance. In this Afterthoughts episode, we explore “social death,” how it’s quietly spreading in our communities, and what it actually takes to bring people back into connection. The solution isn’t abstract… it’s human, practical, and something we can all choose to do.Social death is what happens when someone is still alive, still breathing, still going through the motions of daily life… but they’re no longer really seen, known, or connected to anyone in a meaningful way.One of the main problems though is that this sort of loneliness doesn’t always look dramatic. It doesn’t announce itself. It’s quiet and very subtle. It looks like routine. It looks like independence. It looks like “I’m fine.”Until we’re not “fine.”If we truly care about strengthening our communities, then we need to explore a question that sits right at the heart of what it means to be human:If people can slowly fade out of connection while they’re still alive… what does it actually take to bring them back?Not with miracles or even grand gestures, but with something far more ordinary—and far more powerful.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if coming back to life isn’t a miracle but a shared responsibility? This week’s readings explore how people move from despair to renewal through connection, intention, and support. Real transformation doesn’t happen alone. It happens when we show up for each other and help remove what’s holding someone back.Have you ever noticed how easy it is to feel stuck, like you’ve hit a wall you can’t get past, or you’re carrying something you can’t quite put down? Sometimes it’s grief. Sometimes it’s burnout. Sometimes it’s just the slow weight of life piling up. And in those moments, it can feel like nothing is going to change.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent, we’ll explore what it really means to come back to life; not through miracles, but through connection, intentional choices, and the way we show up for each other.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: What if “resurrection” isn’t about something supernatural happening to us, but about what we’re willing to do for ourselves (and for each other) when everything feels stuck, buried, or beyond repair?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Many people believe they’ve escaped blind obedience once they leave organized religion. But have we actually stopped outsourcing our conscience… or have we simply handed it to a new set of authorities? Moral independence requires more than rejecting old dogmas; it demands the courage to think carefully, question confidently, and take responsibility for our own judgments.In the famous Milgram experiments conducted in the 1960s, ordinary participants were instructed to deliver electric shocks to a stranger whenever that person answered a question incorrectly. The shocks weren’t real, but the participants believed they were. As the experiment progressed, the person in the chair began screaming, pleading, and eventually falling silent. The dial went all the way up to 450 volts, labeled with phrases like “danger” and “severe shock.”And here’s the uncomfortable part: about sixty-five percent of participants (normal people, people very much like us) turned the dial all the way to the maximum level simply because an authority figure told them to continue.They didn’t do it because they were cruel or evil. They did it because someone in a position of authority assured them the responsibility was not theirs.In other words, they outsourced their conscience.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if the people who claim to see the truth are actually the most blind? Our challenge is to look beyond appearances, question authority, and trust evidence, integrity, and compassion over hierarchy and habit. Real wisdom begins when we stop accepting surface-level power and start cultivating moral clarity of our own.Have you ever noticed how often people mistake appearances for truth? The tallest leader must be the strongest. The loudest voice must be the smartest. The most confident authority must be the most trustworthy. But history, and our own experience, keep reminding us that what looks impressive on the outside is often the exact opposite of what we should trust.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent, we’ll explore what happens when surface-level authority collides with deeper truths about character, integrity, and the courage to see reality clearly.In this episode, we’re asking an uncomfortable question: What if the people who claim to see clearly, the leaders, the institutions, the gatekeepers of truth, are sometimes the most blind of all? And what if the real wisdom often comes from the people everyone else overlooked?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

When life feels overwhelming, many people look upward for reassurance. But what if the real source of strength lies behind you, in the countless generations that survived long enough for you to exist? This short guided reflection invites you to pause, breathe, and remember the extraordinary legacy of resilience written into your own body!In this short reflection, we explore the idea of Evolutionary Providence, which is the recognition that your existence is the result of four billion years of successful survival and adaptation.Ice ages. Droughts. Predators. Disease. War. Every generation before you made it through something difficult. This understanding should easily replace the myth of Divine Providence because it helps you see the power and agency we have inherited from all of those who came before us.This meditation invites you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with that legacy of resilience whenever life feels overwhelming.I suggest you listen to this reflection:* whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed* whenever you’re facing uncertainty* whenever you need a reminder of your own strengthTake a few minutes. Breathe slowly. And remember:You are the product of four billion years of survivors!Out of the Skies, Under the Earth by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/reappear/Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if hope doesn’t require belief in the supernatural? Historically, religions have “fabricated” hope and resilience through promises of divine reward, but we can consciously build the same psychological strength using biology, reframing, and community. And honestly, if there’s no cosmic safety net, then our resilience isn’t weaker. It’s stronger because it’s forged in reality, not conjured up by magical thinking. And that makes it a lot sturdier than religionsists care to admit!When life falls apart for a humanist, there is no cosmic project manager who is tracking everything and knows what’s going on. No divine author polishing the rough draft, preparing to give you a better life script. Sometimes the diagnosis is just bad luck. Sometimes the drought is just climate. Sometimes the job loss is just corporate restructuring. No plan. No script. No cosmic safety net.And that can lead to something psychologists call learned helplessness, which is the feeling that nothing you do matters.So here’s the thesis for this episode of Afterthoughts: We don’t need a plan from above to have hope. But we do need the psychological technology that religion used to provide.In this episode of Afterthoughts, we’re going to hack the benefits of faith using biology, reframing, and community. No divine editing required.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Scarcity exposes us. Suffering shapes us. Division tests us. In this episode, we explore how three ancient stories reveal a blueprint for human resilience, transforming deserts into solutions, hardship into character, and strangers into partners at a shared well. Survival isn’t about miracles; it’s about how we respond to one another when the pressure rises!Have you ever noticed how quickly noble ideals collapse when people get scared, tired, or thirsty? Freedom sounds inspiring… until resources run low. Faith sounds strong… until suffering shows up. Unity sounds beautiful… until we meet someone from the “wrong” tribe at the well.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, we’ll explore how scarcity tests community, how hardship can forge resilience, and how breaking tribal barriers may be the only way we survive the deserts of our own time.In this episode, we’re asking a tough question: Are we waiting for miracles while the well runs dry, or are we willing to become the source of “living water” for one another… even in a very fractured world?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if the “light on the mountain” isn’t supernatural at all but neurological? Maybe it’s time to consider the science of awe, the biology of ego dissolution, and the ethical responsibility that comes with enlightenment. If transcendence is part of our brain’s wiring, then the main question isn’t whether it’s real. The main question is, “What are we supposed to do with it?”What if I told you that the Transfiguration—the radiant light, the mystical vision, the overwhelming sense of awe—might not be proof of divinity… but proof of something far more fascinating? What if that “mountaintop” moment isn’t a supernatural interruption of nature, but a perfectly natural function of the human brain? And what if understanding that doesn’t make the experience smaller but actually makes it more powerful?Because here’s the uncomfortable truth: human beings are wired for transcendence. We can trigger it with meditation. With music. With trauma. With psychedelics. With magnetic stimulation of the temporal lobes. We can literally light up the brain and induce the feeling of a “presence.” So the real question isn’t whether the light on the mountain was real. The question is: what does it mean that we carry the capacity for that light inside our own biology?And here’s where it gets ethically dangerous. If mountaintop experiences are part of our neurological wiring, then chasing them becomes easy. Addictive, even. But the story doesn’t end on the mountain. It always descends into the valley. In this episode of Afterthoughts, we talk about the science of awe, the illusion of the glowing ego, and the moral responsibility that comes with enlightenment. Because if you’ve seen the light, you don’t get to keep it for yourself!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Growth demands disruption. The readings for this episode trace a powerful human journey: leaving inherited comfort, enduring hardship for a purpose larger than ourselves, and bringing our hard-won insight back into the world. The goal isn’t personal awakening. The goal is responsible action. So, the real measure of transformation is whether it becomes a blessing to others!Have you ever noticed how the most transformative moments in life rarely happen when everything is safe and predictable? Growth almost always begins with disruption, such as leaving something familiar, enduring something difficult, or seeing something so illuminating that you can’t go back to who you were before. But the real question is this: what do you do after the moment passes?Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, we’ll explore the arc of human responsibility, from leaving the comfort of inherited beliefs, to enduring hardship for a larger purpose, to bringing our highest insights back down into the everyday struggles of the world.In this episode, we’re asking a tough question: Are we using our growth to serve others or are we building comfortable tents to protect our own enlightenment while the world waits below?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if the ancient stories of the Garden, Paul’s “one act,” and the wilderness temptation weren’t about sin and salvation but about growing up as a species? Perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at the Secular “Trinity” of Reason, Responsibility, and Integrity, and discover what it looks like to live those principles in everyday life!We spent the majority of this week’s main episode for the 1st Sunday of Lent (Cycle A) looking at three ancient stories (the Garden, Paul’s reflection on shared responsibility, and the wilderness temptation) and we pulled from them what I call a “Secular Trinity” of lessons.Not supernatural or theological. Just very practical.If we strip away the mythology and look at the human meaning underneath these stories, here’s what we’re left with:* The Sovereignty of Reason.* The Social Contract.* And the Integrity of the Self.In other words: Reason, Responsibility, and Integrity… the Secular Trinity.In this podcast, I don’t want to debate those ideas. I want to ask something much more important:What would it actually look like to live this way?Because if these ideas don’t change how we show up on a Tuesday afternoon, at work, at home, in traffic, in a disagreement, then they’re nothing more than philosophy.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

The Garden, the “fall,” and the wilderness temptation aren’t about inherited guilt or supernatural testing. They’re about the birth of moral agency. These stories trace the evolution of human choice, from awakening, to responsibility, to disciplined character. The real question isn’t whether we fell… it’s whether we’re willing to choose wisely now!Have you ever noticed how most ancient religious stories aren’t really about heaven or hell—but about what it means to grow up as a species? Beneath the talking serpents and wilderness temptations, there’s a deeper question: What do we do once we realize we can choose? Once we know the difference between instinct and integrity?Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 1st Sunday of Lent, we’ll explore the evolution of human agency—from the awakening of moral awareness in the Garden, to the realization that our choices ripple through the entire human family, to the hard discipline required to resist power when it compromises our values.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: If we’ve been given the capacity to know good and evil, what excuse do we have for choosing poorly? Because these stories aren’t really about a magical fall, inherited guilt, or supernatural testing—they’re about whether we’re gonna use our freedom wisely… or sell it cheaply.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Why does absolute certainty feel so powerful and why does it so often lead people away from reality? Maybe it’s time to explore how “secret truth” narratives fuel conspiracy thinking, Christian nationalism, and MAGA extremism, and how curiosity, humility, and intellectual integrity offer a way out of the certainty trap without falling into our own bubbles!Have you ever listened to someone deep into this QAnon conspiracy theory stuff… or Christian nationalism… or the MAGA core… have you ever listened to any of these people and just felt… stunned? Not just confused. Stunned. As in, “We are clearly living in different universes, and I don’t know how you got there.”They speak with absolute confidence.They dismiss every valid source of information you mention.They default to insults—radical leftist, socialist, communist, traitor.And any attempt to disagree is treated not as disagreement, but as proof that you are corrupted.And you’re left wondering:How do they think like this?Why are they so certain?And maybe most uncomfortably…How do I make sure I don’t end up doing the same thing… from the other side?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What if morality isn’t about obeying the right authority, but about cultivating an honest inner life? Ancient texts often point beyond rules, power, and status toward personal responsibility, intellectual humility, and integrity that begins within and shows up clearly in how we live, speak, and choose.Have you ever noticed how often morality gets reduced to rule-keeping? How being “good” is treated as obedience to the right authority rather than the courage to think, choose, and live honestly? We’re often told that virtue comes from following the rules, but rarely asked what’s shaping our intentions, our words, or the quiet decisions no one else sees.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we’ll explore the tension between external authority and internal integrity, and what these ancient texts suggest about moral maturity, personal responsibility, and the power of an honest inner life.In this episode, we’re asking a challenging question: What happens when we stop outsourcing our conscience to tradition, power, or religious certainty and start taking responsibility for the choices, thoughts, and words that actually shape our lives? Because if morality only works when it’s enforced, it’s probably not morality at all.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

What does it really mean to do the right thing, especially when no divine authority is watching, rewarding, or threatening punishment? To tackle this topic, we’re going to confront Plato’s Euthyphro Dilemma head-on and argue that real morality begins not with obedience to power, but with actions that measurably reduce harm and increase human flourishing!We’ve spent a lot of time in this episode talking about being salt, about being light, about showing up in the world in ways that actually help people instead of just sounding impressive or righteous. And that all sounds good, until we bump into a question that a lot of people quietly avoid because it’s uncomfortable.How do we actually know what’s good?Not what we were told is good.Not what our tribe says is good.Not what a preacher, politician, or some holy book claims is good.How do we know?Because here’s the thing: people do horrific things while claiming (and believing) that they’re doing good. They always have. And right now, we are watching cruelty, dehumanization, and authoritarian behavior wrapped in religious language—especially Christian language—and sold as “moral clarity.”So if we’re serious about being salt of the earth, if we’re serious about tangible goodness instead of performative righteousness, then we have to be willing to ask a deeper question: Is morality something we obey… or something we understand?That question is ancient. And it’s devastating to authoritarian religion.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

In a world full of loud opinions and polished arguments, these readings ask a simpler, harder question: does any of this actually help people? This episode strips away religious performance and focuses on tangible action, like feeding the hungry, telling the truth, and showing up as “salt and light” in ways that genuinely strengthen our communities.Have you ever noticed how often religion praises the appearance of goodness—belief, language, ritual—while quietly sidestepping whether anyone is actually being fed, protected, or treated with dignity? Sometimes it sounds spiritual or lofty, but underneath it all is a much simpler question: do our values show up in real life, or just in our words?Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we’ll explore the tension between performative morality and real, tangible care… the difference between saying the right things and doing the hard, human work that actually makes communities healthier.In this episode, we’re asking a tough but necessary question: What if the real measure of “faith, character, or integrity” isn’t what we claim to believe but whether our lives actually make the world more livable for other people? Because right now, there’s no shortage of loud arguments or polished rhetoric, just a shortage of action that feeds the hungry, breaks unjust systems, and pushes back against apathy.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Authoritarianism doesn’t arrive wearing a villain’s mask, it arrives wrapped in certainty, obedience, and moral shortcuts. Since far too many Christians have twisted the message from the one they claim as Savior, perhaps we can reclaim the Beatitudes as a secular resistance manifesto. Perhaps we can name and demonstrate the ethical courage required when truth is punished, cruelty is normalized, and democracy is tested. This isn’t theology though. It’s a survival ethic for a terrifying time!If you’re paying attention to the world at all right now, you can feel it: the ground shifting under our feet. Democratic norms eroding. Truth treated as optional. Cruelty rebranded as strength. Loyalty demanded over conscience. And more and more people (good people) are quietly asking themselves, What am I supposed to do with all of this?Religious language is being weaponized again. The Bible is being cherry-picked to justify domination, exclusion, and state violence. And at the same time, a lot of people, especially people who don’t buy the supernatural claims anymore, are left wondering whether there’s still anything worth salvaging from these ancient texts.So what I want to offer here is not theology. It’s not belief. And it’s definitely not obedience.It’s an ethical framework.A resistance manifesto, if you will.It’s a way of naming the kind of people we need to be if democracy, dignity, and human flourishing are going to survive this moment.This resistance manifesto was inspired by our Gospel reading tonight… because it’s a new version of the Beatitudes for the current moment. You can call it the Secular Beatitudes.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

When power starts to rot, it doesn’t look like chaos, it looks like confidence, arrogance, and cruelty wrapped in moral language. This week’s readings strip away those illusions, revealing a hard truth: real strength has never lived in palaces or pulpits. It lives in integrity, solidarity, and the courage of people the system would rather erase.Have you ever noticed how often the people with the most power insist that strength looks like domination, cruelty, or silence and then claim sacred backing for it? In moments of fear and instability, religious language is often dragged out to sanctify arrogance, excuse harm, and demand compliance, even when the stories themselves say something very different.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we’ll explore how these ancient texts quietly but radically invert our ideas of power, revealing why integrity, humility, and solidarity have always been more dangerous to unjust systems than brute force ever could be.In this episode, we’re asking a tough question: What happens when the people who claim to defend faith and morality align themselves with cruelty, exclusion, and state violence and ignore the very voices their scriptures lift up as “blessed”? Because right now, that contradiction isn’t theoretical. It’s playing out in real time, with real bodies, real fear, and real consequences.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Christianity has many dangerous habits, but one of Christianity’s most dangerous habits is this: teaching people to wait for divine rescue while real harm continues to unfold. To help us break that habit, let’s unpack how ancient stories about light and darkness were transformed into a theology of passivity, and why that belief pairs so easily with authoritarian power. In a fragile political moment, waiting is no longer neutral. It’s a choice!We’re living in a moment when democracy feels fragile, authoritarianism is no longer hypothetical, and fear is being deliberately cultivated as a political tool. And in moments like this, a lot of people—especially Christians—have been taught that the faithful response is to wait. To trust that God is in control. To believe that things will somehow work themselves out without demanding too much of us.Now, that belief might feel comforting to lotsa people, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. Because while people are waiting for divine rescue, real harm is continuing to happen in the real world—and it’s being justified, excused, and normalized. In this episode, I want to talk about how ancient stories about light and darkness were transformed into a theology of waiting, why that theology pairs so well with authoritarian power, and why—if we’re serious about resisting what’s happening right now—we need to stop waiting and start taking responsibility for one another.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

In a time of fear, division, and rising authoritarianism, these readings remind us that darkness isn’t dispelled by power or waiting. Darkness is challenged when ordinary people resist oppression and act together. This episode explores courage, cooperation, and the hard work of letting go of tribal loyalties to build something more humane, resilient, and hopeful.Have you ever noticed how often, in moments of fear and uncertainty, people look for someone else to fix things. Someone powerful, decisive, even ruthless? Darkness has a way of making us desperate for authority, even when that authority ends up doing more harm than good.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, we’ll explore what these stories say about living in dark times, resisting oppression, and rediscovering the power of ordinary people acting together rather than fragmenting into tribes.In this episode, we’re asking a tough question: When the world feels like it’s unraveling, do we wait for someone else to save us? Or do we have the courage to step forward, let go of our familiar comforts, and work together to create something better?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

The idea of global cooperation might seem naïve at first glance but it’s not. It’s necessary. And like so many other challenging issues, there are several common pushbacks people offer when it comes to this idea… pushbacks like nationalism, competition, immigration, and isolationism. But the fact is that these fear-driven narratives and information silos aren’t protecting us, they’re pushing us toward fragility instead of strength. Our focus should be on outcomes, a bit of self-interest, and whether or not we’re willing to face reality!The statement I made when summing up the lessons from the three readings in this week’s main episode, Humanity First, will probably trigger a lot of eye-rolling from otherwise decent people. That line was this: Cooperation, kindness, and responsibility at a global scale aren’t naïve ideals—they’re the ethical foundation of a much better future.A lot of folks hear that and think, Sure. Sounds nice. Completely unrealistic.But let me be even more blunt than usual. Instead of soft-pedaling this, I want to do the opposite. I want to take the most common objections seriously and then dismantle them. Not with slogans or memes. Not with moral posturing. Not even with Bible verses. But with logic, history, and verifiable outcomes.Because if we’re going to claim we value reason, realism, and results, then we need to follow those principles where they actually lead.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

We are all citizens of a shared world, whether we like it or not. Moving beyond tribal loyalties and narrow identities, these ancient texts invite us to expand our sense of purpose. When we look beyond the supernatural framing, these readings challenge us to recognize equal human dignity everywhere and take responsibility for human flourishing on a global scale, especially in a time when fear and division are pulling us inward.Have you ever noticed how often we’re encouraged to think small about our responsibilities, our loyalties, and who we’re supposed to care about? Sometimes it’s framed as realism or tradition, but underneath it all is a quieter message: focus on your own people, your own problems, and let the rest of the world sort itself out.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, we’ll explore what these stories suggest when we strip away religious boundaries and focus instead on shared human dignity, global responsibility, and what it means to live as citizens of a deeply interconnected world.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: What if purpose, morality, and responsibility don’t stop at the edge of our tribe or nation? And what would change if we actually lived like that were true?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

When we dig below the surface of the Bible readings we discussed this week, we see that these scriptures confront three forces that are shaping our current moment: exemption, obedience, and waiting. Taken together, these three things explain why harm persists, and why living an exemplary life today means refusing special treatment, rejecting blind compliance, and taking responsibility now instead of trusting that time or institutions will save us!An exemplary life does not ask for exemptions, does not confuse obedience with virtue, and does not wait while harm continues.That’s a hard message. When you really think about it, you might get a little uncomfortable. Because this message cuts against almost everything we’re being encouraged to do right now… politically, religiously, and culturally.So I want to take some time to pull that apart into three movements. Think of this as a three-act story: Exemption. Obedience. Waiting. And then we’ll talk about what it actually means to live an exemplary life when the stakes are real.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

An exemplary life is one rooted in responsibility, solidarity, and ethical action rather than belief, obedience, or waiting for divine rescue. Stripped of supernatural framing, these ancient texts challenge us to show up, reject exemption and domination, and model the change we keep hoping someone else will deliver.Have you ever noticed how often we’re told to wait? Wait for things to change, wait for permission, wait for someone else to fix what’s broken. Sometimes that waiting is wrapped in religious language about divine plans or being chosen, but underneath it all is a quieter message: don’t rock the boat, don’t ask too much, and definitely don’t act like responsibility belongs to you.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the Baptism of the Lord, we’ll explore what these ancient stories say when you strip away supernatural spectacle and focus instead on ethical responsibility, shared standards, and what it really means to live an exemplary life.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: What if the highest calling isn’t obedience or belief? What if the highest calling is showing up, standing in solidarity with others, and modeling the change we keep hoping someone else will bring?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

The Feast of the Epiphany is a story about outsiders recognizing truth while insiders cling to fear and power. In this episode, we explore how Christianity built an “us vs. them” worldview and how the Epiphany narrative quietly disrupts that whole system. When we follow the light of curiosity and inclusion instead of fear, we reclaim the very values these ancient stories were meant to teach!Here is something we don’t usually associate with Christmas or the Epiphany: the idea that Christianity (yes, the religion built around “love your neighbor”) became one of the most powerful engines in human history for dividing the world into us and them. But here’s the strange part: the readings for the Epiphany actually undermine that whole mindset. They break the pattern. The readings for the Epiphany of the Lord are about light shining on everyone, truth revealed to outsiders, and a world where belonging isn’t limited to one tribe. Yet, when we look at Christianity today, especially the loud, political forms of it, we see the opposite. They’re all about gatekeeping. Drawing lines. Policing identities. Deciding who’s in, who’s out, who’s worthy, and who God allegedly hates this week.The irony is… the very stories they quote to justify exclusion are the same ones that say the outsiders get it first.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Epiphany’s readings are full of light, journey, and discovery but their deepest lessons aren’t supernatural. They remind us that becoming a guiding light for others requires strong values, courageous truth-seeking, and a commitment to building communities where differences are welcomed rather than feared. This episode explores how these ancient stories still call us to shine more brightly today.Have you ever noticed how stories about light and revelation often get used to draw hard lines between who supposedly has “the truth” and who doesn’t? As if illumination is something granted to a select few rather than something we can all pursue through curiosity, courage, and honest reflection. The irony is that some of the most mythological parts of the Bible (the parts about stars, visions, and mysterious guidance) actually point toward something far more grounded: the human struggle to seek understanding, to welcome people who are different from us, and to become the kind of example that helps others find their way.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the Epiphany of the Lord, we’ll explore how these ancient stories invite us to shine more brightly in the world, stay committed to the pursuit of truth, and build communities where differences aren’t threats but strengths.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: What does it take to become the kind of person and the kind of community whose light actually helps others grow, instead of trying to control or diminish them?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

“Born again” is a phrase often claimed by religion, but the longing underneath it—renewal, growth, a fresh start—is completely human. In this bonus episode, we peel away the supernatural framing to explore how real transformation happens, why it’s messy and powerful, and how the New Year offers the perfect moment to choose a grounded, secular kind of rebirth!Let’s talk about one of the most overused, misunderstood, and (honestly) mis-marketed phrases in all of Christianity: being born again. We’ve all heard it. Some of us grew up surrounded by it. And for a lot of people, it’s treated like a spiritual membership badge. You say a prayer, cry a little, maybe fall backward into someone’s arms, and boom… you’re “born again.” New identity unlocked. Achievement badge earned. (Not really.)But what does “born again” even mean? What is this “rebirth” that so many Christians talk about like it’s a one-time event that permanently changes your operating system? And more importantly… is there something valuable buried inside that phrase that we can reclaim, especially as we head into a new year? Because the truth is, you don’t need a supernatural intervention to experience a profound shift in your life. You don’t need a divine decree or a theological certificate of authenticity. New beginnings are a human thing, and we do them all the time.So today, let’s peel back the layers—religious, cultural, psychological—and take a closer look at what it really means to be “born again.” And maybe, just maybe, we can turn this loaded religious phrase into something empowering, honest, and deeply human… right in time for the New Year.Let’s dive into that in this BONUS Edition of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Christmas didn’t appear fully formed from heaven, it was built slowly, layer by layer, from ancient festivals, political strategy, and our shared human longing for light in dark times. In this episode, we peel back the mythology to uncover the real origins of Christmas and explore why understanding its human roots actually makes the season more meaningful!Now… let’s talk about Christmas. Not the sentimental Hallmark version, not the “baby Jesus glowing softly in a manger” version, and not even the “capitalism in a Santa suit” version. I mean the real origins of Christmas, where it actually came from, how it was assembled piece by piece, and why it looks the way it does today.Because here’s the truth: Christmas did not begin the way most people think it did. The early Christians weren’t sitting around saying, “Let’s celebrate Jesus’ birthday every December 25th!” In fact, for the first couple centuries of Christianity, nobody cared about Jesus’ birthday at all. It wasn’t even on the radar. The crucifixion and resurrection were everything. The birth stories were late additions—mythic, symbolic, written to make theological points, not historical ones.And yet here we are, centuries later, with a massive global holiday built on these stories, wrapped in lights, decorated with trees, and fueled by enough sugar to power a small nation-state.So what happened? How did this incredibly complex holiday get built? And why is it such a beautiful, bizarre, and deeply human mosaic of traditions?So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

This Christmas episode explores the deeper, human themes hiding beneath the theological language: the joy of present-day victories, the importance of choosing guiding values that actually serve human flourishing, and our very real capacity for growth and transformation. We’ll look at how these ancient texts, mythic as they are, still point toward the best possibilities within us.Have you ever noticed how the Christmas season tends to put the most mythological parts of the Christian story front and center… angelic proclamations, cosmic revelations, “light breaking into darkness”… yet the real beauty of the season often comes from ordinary human moments? It’s a time when people gather, reflect, hope, and reconnect, even if the supernatural framing of the holiday doesn’t resonate the same way it once did. Sometimes the stories point upward toward heaven, but the meaning we actually experience happens right here on the ground.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for Christmas Day, we’ll explore how these ancient texts, despite their theological layering, still echo with universal themes like hope, renewal, and the astonishing human potential for growth and transformation.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: What if the real power of Christmas isn’t found in supernatural claims at all, but in the very human ability to celebrate progress, choose guiding values, and keep moving toward a better future?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Many people have mental habits that keep supernatural beliefs alive—things like emotional comfort, awe mistaken for evidence, selective skepticism, and circular reasoning. But why do these patterns feel so convincing? How can they seem to so easily block honest questioning? And is it possible to build a values-based worldview grounded in curiosity rather than inherited certainty?Let’s talk about something that sits right under the surface for a lot of people but comes roaring to the top during the Christmas season: why so many of us work so hard to convince ourselves that supernatural beliefs must be true.And I want to be clear up front: this isn’t about calling people stupid or mocking anyone’s faith. People who believe in supernatural claims are not idiots, they’re human. They’re responding to the same psychological wiring and cultural conditioning that all of us experience.But… that doesn’t mean the reasoning behind supernatural beliefs is good reasoning. And tonight, I want to take a look at some of the most common ways people convince themselves to keep believing, even when the beliefs themselves don’t hold up under even the slightest bit of scrutiny.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

It’s important to look closely at the Christmas birth narratives, not to dismiss them, but to explore their mythological roots and the human values beneath them. We’ll look at why supernatural claims shouldn’t be taken literally, how early Christians reshaped older stories, and how the season’s meaning can stay rich and joyful without requiring belief in ancient miracles.Have you ever noticed how the Christmas season brings out the most elaborate supernatural claims—and how confidently people present them as historical fact? Virgin births, prophetic signs, angelic visits… it’s one of the few times of year when mythological stories are placed on center stage and treated as unquestionable truth. And yet, when we look closely, these stories tell us far more about human creativity, cultural borrowing, and the desire for legitimacy than about literal events.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent, we’ll explore how early Christians used storytelling to establish authority, shape identity, and encourage obedience… and how we can reclaim the season’s joy without relying on claims that collapse under scrutiny.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: If these so-called “infancy narratives” about Jesus were shaped by myth, politics, and centuries of reinterpretation, what does it look like to celebrate Christmas without needing the stories to be literally true?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Are you familiar with the so-called “War on Christmas”—a manufactured outrage used to fuel fear, division, and Christian nationalism? Why does this myth persist? What does it reveal about cultural insecurity? And how can we respond with clarity, values, and compassion instead of getting dragged into the muck?Alright… in this episode of Afterthoughts, we’ll talk about that annual tradition where lights go up, families gather… and right-wing media outlets warn you that liberals are secretly plotting to kidnap the Baby Jesus from your nativity scene and replace “Silent Night” with a spoken-word performance about the wonders of socialism. Oh, those DEMON b******s!That’s right, folks, we’re gonna talk about… the “War on Christmas!” (Gasp!)It’s true. Every December, Fox News acts like Christmas is a fragile endangered species, only surviving because of the heroic courage of people who yell at Target employees for saying “Happy Holidays.”And honestly? At this point, it’s like watching the same bad holiday movie every year. The plot never changes, the acting is ridiculous, and the villain is completely imaginary. But the soundtrack is just catchy enough that millions of people still hum along to it.So, we’re going to look at what’s really going on; not just the surface-level nonsense, but the mechanics underneath. And then we’ll move into something more constructive: how we can respond without getting sucked into the outrage machine, and how to stay grounded in values that actually matter.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

The Holiday Season brings out kindness, patience, and generosity, but why should those values fade once the decorations come down? This week, we explore how hope builds resilience, how patience strengthens relationships, and how values (not supernatural promises) create lasting goodness. What if we carried the best parts of this season into the rest of our year?Have you ever noticed how the warm, generous spirit of the Holiday Season often clashes with the loudest religious voices claiming the season for themselves? Every year, some folks insist there’s a “war on Christmas,” while completely missing the simple, human goodness the season invites: hope, patience, kindness, and genuine connection with the people in our lives.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, we’ll explore how the season’s deepest values can outshine the manufactured outrage, and how ancient stories can help us practice the kind of goodness that actually makes life better, no supernatural guarantees required.In this episode, we’re asking what our world would look like if we carried the best parts of the Holiday Season—our generosity, our patience, our resilience—into the rest of the year? And what gets in the way of doing that with the people we love most?CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

White evangelical megachurches twist Scripture to defend inequality, and that matters for anyone who’s trying to build a better world. When religion becomes a shield for billionaires and a weapon against the poor, something has gone deeply wrong. Real transformation begins when we reject the excuses, wake up to the manipulation, and reclaim our shared responsibility to pursue justice!The readings we looked at this week showed Isaiah’s sweeping vision of peace, Paul’s insistence on accepting one another, and John the Baptist’s call for genuine inner transformation. They all push us toward something better. Something deeper. Something more human.But… what happens when the very institutions claiming to represent these teachings do everything in their power to block that kind of growth?What happens when churches, especially the huge ones with massive political power, teach people not to change?Not to reflect. Not to examine their beliefs. Not to imagine a better world.That’s where we’re starting tonight.Because this week I came across a study that I think every American should read, and it shows exactly how a large white evangelical megachurch intentionally twists the Bible to defend inequality and protect the wealthy. And when you put that research next to the themes we explored in this week’s readings, the contrast is honestly startling.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Advent calls Christians to prepare for something greater, but not through fear, dogma, or blind certainty. The readings this week challenge us to imagine a better world, expand our acceptance of others, and do the internal work that real transformation requires. A better future doesn’t start with divine intervention; it starts with our willingness to grow, to welcome, and to dream boldly.Have you ever noticed how many religious stories challenge people to imagine a better world and yet so many modern believers seem more committed to defending the world exactly as it is? It’s fascinating: the Scriptures call for bold vision, deep inner change, and radical acceptance, while the loudest religious voices today often cling to fear, rigidity, and exclusion.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, we’ll explore how these ancient texts invite us to dream bigger, to widen our circle of acceptance, and to do the internal work needed to prepare for something better than the status quo.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: How can we build a better world if we aren’t willing to change ourselves first? Because it sure seems like a lot of people who preach about transformation are doing everything they can to avoid their own.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

One important and effective way to challenge the anti-woke crusade is by returning to what “wakefulness” actually means: awareness, honesty, and values-based living. What’s ironic and somewhat disturbing is the ferocity with which conservative Christians attack the very consciousness their Scriptures call for. What they don’t seem to understand is that being “woke” isn’t political, it’s human (and it’s commanded of them by the Scriptures they claim to follow). If we want to grow and thrive, we need to stop sleepwalking through inherited beliefs and start living our lives with intention!The readings we covered in this week’s main episode, for the 1st Sunday of Advent (Cycle A), give us a perfect setup for a conversation we really need to have. Advent begins with this call to “wake up,” to pay attention, to stop drifting through life as if we have all the time in the world. And it’s almost laughable that the same Christian groups who shout the loudest about “defending the Bible” are the ones most aggressively fighting against the very idea of being awake. They’ve built an entire movement around attacking the word woke. They treat it like it’s some kind of dangerous moral virus.And yet… the Scriptures they claim to believe urge people to do exactly that: wake up.So tonight, in Afterthoughts, I want to name the hypocrisy. I want to take a careful, values-based look at why the anti-woke crusade is not only intellectually dishonest — it is spiritually and religiously dishonest. I want to explore why wakefulness has always been a core part of human growth, moral development, and yes, even Christianity. And I want to end by talking about how we move forward with clarity and purpose, instead of getting dragged into the mud by people who are proudly, aggressively, performatively asleep.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Advent invites us to “wake up,” but not in a fearful or religious sense. It’s a call to become fully aware—to see the world as it is, question the beliefs we’ve inherited, and choose values that actually help people thrive. This episode explores how waking up to our own thoughts, habits, and values can reshape our lives and our future.Have you ever noticed how often religious stories urge people to “wake up,” while many of the loudest religious voices seem determined to stay spiritually and morally asleep? It’s strange: these ancient texts call people to pay attention, to notice what’s happening around them, and to live with intention, yet so much of modern religious culture leans toward dogma, certainty, and shutting down curiosity rather than opening our eyes.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the First Sunday of Advent, we’ll explore how these ancient passages challenge us to stop sleepwalking through life, to understand our values, and to imagine a future grounded in peace and integrity rather than fear or domination.In this episode, we’re asking a tough question: What would our lives look like if we actually woke up, not in the culture-war sense, but in the human sense, and started paying attention to the world as it really is, and the world it could become? Because a lot of the people shouting about being ‘anti-woke’ sound like they’re terrified of consciousness, responsibility, and growth.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

When religion teaches people to obey a cosmic king, it shapes how they respond to earthly power (and not always in healthy ways). This episode explores how “Christ the King of the Universe” has fueled authoritarian thinking, justified exclusion, and warped our politics, and why a values-based, human-centered approach to leadership offers a far better path forward.This weekend’s celebration within the Catholic Church has a very dramatic title: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. That’s quite a mouthful. And before we get into the bigger themes here, I want to pause on that first word: Solemnity. In the Catholic Church, a solemnity is the highest ranking of feast days—higher than a feast, higher than a memorial. It’s the Church’s way of saying: “This is foundational. This is doctrine. Pay attention.” These things don’t usually emerge organically either; they’re designed, often very intentionally, to shape how people think about God, about authority, about the world, and about themselves.And that brings us to the main point of this episode of Afterthoughts: What does it mean when a religion asks people to imagine Jesus Christ, not just as a wise teacher or moral guide, but as the King of the Universe? Not a metaphorical king, not a poetic flourish, but an actual sovereign of all existence. And what does that do to the minds and worldviews of the people who take it literally?Because once you start pulling on that thread, a whole lot of things suddenly make more sense—historically, culturally, politically, and even psychologically.So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

True leadership isn’t about certainty, power, or punishing opponents. It’s about guiding with humility, protecting all people (not just loyal supporters) and choosing fairness, empathy, and forgiveness even when it’s difficult. This week’s episode explores how ancient stories can help us rethink modern leadership in a time when authoritarian impulses are on the rise.Have you ever noticed how often people confuse certainty with leadership; how quickly some will trade compassion for control, or fairness for the illusion of having all the answers? Religious stories have been used this way for centuries, shaping our expectations of what a “good leader” is supposed to look like. But when you peel back the layers, the real lesson is usually a lot more human and a lot less supernatural than it first appears.Welcome to Mythologizing the Bible, where we’ll be taking a look at three readings from the Christian Bible through the lens of “sacred myth.”As we reflect on the readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, we’ll explore why genuine leadership isn’t about divine certainty, magical authority, or punishing enemies. It’s about protecting people, guiding them with humility, and caring for everyone—not just the loyal few.In this episode, we’re asking an honest question: What happens when we strip away the mythological framing and focus on the real-world values hidden underneath? Because if leadership—religious or otherwise—is going to move us toward a healthier society, it’s going to look less like a king on a throne and more like someone willing to step forward with integrity, curiosity, accountability, and even forgiveness.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe

Somewhere along the line, “hard work” stopped being about contribution and became a moral cover for greed. Billionaires hoard, workers struggle, and politicians quote Scripture to justify cruelty. It’s time to challenge the myth that wealth equals virtue and remember that fairness, empathy, and integrity (not blind productivity) are what make work meaningful!You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.”It’s a verse pulled from the Bible (2 Thessalonians 3:10) and it’s been used for centuries to moralize about poverty. But in modern America, that line has become more than just Scripture; it’s practically an economic doctrine. Somewhere along the line, it got twisted into the idea that wealth equals virtue, and that if you’re struggling, it’s your own damn fault.The idea started as a theological concept. Early Protestant reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized hard work, discipline, and frugality as signs of good moral character. Work wasn’t just how you survived, it was how you proved your righteousness. Centuries later, that evolved into what sociologist Max Weber famously called “the Protestant Work Ethic.”So, in this episode of afterthoughts, let’s explore how that mindset and the Protestant Work Ethic became the moral “cover story” for greed.CODA Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to CODA Project at www.thecodaproject.com/subscribe