Spiritual, Not Religious

Grab your sunscreen and roll the windows down — it's the summertime kickoff to Spiritual, Not Religious! Hosts Shawn, James, and Mollie use the metaphor of the road trip to dig into one of the biggest questions facing young adults and emerging adults today: am I supposed to find myself, or am I meant to be found?In this episode, the trio shares personal road trip stories — from Mollie's mission trips to Guatemala with the UTM Wesley Foundation to James's all-night college drives — before turning to the deeper spiritual themes underneath: the pressure young adults feel to "follow their heart" and "live their truth" when they don't yet know what either means, the cultural checklist of college-career-marriage-kids, and why wandering in the wilderness (yes, like the Israelites) isn't failure — it's formation.They talk about journaling as a spiritual practice, hearing God's "still, small voice" (1 Kings 19), the difference between perfectionism and wholeness, the role of mentors in discerning God's voice, and why faith often isn't about climbing toward God but realizing God has been pursuing you all along — through scripture's tax collectors, fishermen, and the woman at the well.It's a conversation about trusting the process, embracing the unknown, and remembering that — whether you're on a literal road trip or just trying to figure out your twenties — you are infinitely precious and unconditionally loved for the gift you already are.In this episode:Why road trips are the perfect metaphor for the spiritual lifeThe problem with "just follow your heart" advice for young adultsWilderness wandering as discernment, not punishmentJournaling as a spiritual practice (and giving yourself grace when it's messy)Hearing God in the silence (1 Kings 19 / Elijah)Finding vs. being found — faith as pursuit, not achievementA shoutout to Appalachia Service Project and the Greenbrier County, WV summer crewConnect with us: Instagram: @spiritual.not_religious_podcast Email: [email protected], Not Religious is a podcast for young adults exploring the intersection of God's kingdom and the modern world.

In this episode of Spiritual, Not Religious, Shawn, James, and Mollie explore the “gospel of fear” that often shapes culture, politics, and faith communities—and why that message can be especially harmful for young and emerging adults. Together, they reflect on the difference between healthy fear and controlling fear, the ways fear can divide us into “us” and “them,” and how Jesus continually calls people beyond suspicion into compassion, relationship, and love. The conversation invites listeners to notice when fear rises, question where it comes from, and choose a faith rooted not in anxiety or control, but in neighbor-love, grace, and the deep truth that we are infinitely precious and unconditionally loved.