Right Side Up Podcast with Danielle Strickland

Summary
In this conversation, James Sholl and Danielle Strickland engage with Brian Recker, author of ‘Hell Bent’, discussing his journey from fundamentalism to a more expansive understanding of faith. They explore themes of deconstruction, the implications of hell in Christianity, and the importance of justice over punishment. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in spirituality and the liberating experience of finding Jesus beyond traditional frameworks.
‘I began, very strongly, to feel that who we were in Evangelicalism did not reflect the spirituality of Jesus’

Takeaways
* Brian Recker’s book ‘Hell Bent’ explores the fear of hell in Christianity.
* Deconstruction often begins with questioning fundamental beliefs.
* The political climate can significantly impact one’s faith journey.
* Grieving the loss of traditional faith structures is a common experience.
* Finding Jesus outside of traditional frameworks can be liberating.
* The concept of hell often reflects a punitive view of God.
* Justice in Christianity should focus on restoration, not punishment.
* Fear-based spirituality can hinder genuine connection with God.
* Authenticity in faith leads to deeper belonging and community.
* The journey of faith can be both challenging and transformative.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background Noise
01:53 Introducing Brian Recker and His Book
03:51 Brian’s Journey from Fundamentalism to Evangelicalism
07:26 The Impact of Politics on Faith
11:23 Deconstruction and the Search for Authenticity
14:45 Encountering Jesus Amidst Deconstruction
18:33 Prayer and Spiritual Practices
22:04 Listening to Marginalized Voices
25:40 The Concept of Hell and Its Implications
29:57 The Nature of God’s Justice
32:20 Rethinking Judgment and Redemption
33:56 God vs. Empire: A New Perspective
35:56 The Consequences of Spirituality
37:48 The Role of Hell in Faith
42:56 Love Over Fear: A New Approach to Faith
47:36 Connecting with the Right God
53:51 Finding Genuine Belonging



Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

Join us for an incredible conversation with Zach Lambert about his book ‘Better Ways to Read the Bible’ where we talk about just what is happening with Christianity today, the ways that the Bible has been weaponized, and the way that we can reclaim it!



Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

Summary
In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and Bette Dickinson explore the themes of spiritual flourishing, the importance of embodied encounters, and the need to dethrone the powers of industrialization in our spiritual lives. They discuss the significance of quality over quantity in spiritual growth, the role of relationships in flourishing, and the concept of creating an understory of mutuality. The conversation also delves into the cyclical nature of life, the importance of rest and dormancy, and God’s desire for our flourishing. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for a prophetic imagination to awaken us to a different way of living that prioritizes connection and community.
00:00 Introduction to The Art of Vine Making
01:19 Spiritual Flourishing in a Productivity-Driven Culture
03:55 Embodied Encounters and Spiritual Formation
05:45 Dethroning the Powers of Disconnection
09:38 The Contrast Between Industrialized and Organic Approaches
13:26 Quality Over Quantity in Ministry
17:00 Creating an Understory of Flourishing
18:25 The Role of Shepherding in Deliverance
22:59 Awakening to Prophetic Imagination
27:46 Flourishing vs. Productivity
33:16 The Cycles of Life and Ministry
38:52 Seasons of the Soul
44:25 Embracing Flourishing and Surrender
‘Does God view us like a microwave?’

Takeaways
* Spiritual flourishing is a journey that requires community engagement.
* Embodied encounters with nature can deepen our spiritual experiences.
* Dethroning the powers of industrialization is essential for spiritual growth.
* Quality of spiritual life is more important than quantity of output.
* Relationships are key to flourishing in our spiritual lives.
* Creating an understory of mutuality fosters a sense of belonging.
* Shepherding is a model for liberation and care in our communities.
* The prophetic imagination can awaken us to new possibilities.
* Each season of life has its own significance and purpose.
* God desires for us to flourish and grow in our spiritual journeys.
Check out Bette’s wonderful website here -
https://www.bettedickinson.com/


Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

Summary
In this conversation, Joash P. Thomas discusses his book ‘The Justice of Jesus’ and explores the themes of justice, faith, and the impact of colonization on modern Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of centering marginalized voices and the need for the church to engage in justice work without the constraints of colonial frameworks. The discussion also touches on the complexities of mission work, the role of empathy, and the call to live a flourishing life now, rather than focusing solely on the afterlife.
‘Justice is a communal exercise’

Takeaways
* Joash wrote a book called ‘The Justice of Jesus’.
* Justice should not be pigeonholed into biblical or social categories.
* All justice is ultimately God’s justice.
* We can’t change the past, but we can be faithful in the present.
* The gospel centers marginalized voices.
* Decolonization is essential for understanding justice.
* Empathy is crucial in addressing historical injustices.
* The church must engage in justice work today.
* Mission work can have both beautiful and harmful outcomes.
* Living a flourishing life now is a key aspect of faith.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Joash P. Thomas
02:41 The Justice of Jesus: A New Perspective
05:45 Decolonizing Justice and Faith
08:04 The Impact of Colonization on Justice
10:50 Understanding the Complexity of Colonization
13:37 The Duality of Good and Harm in Mission Work
20:04 The Complexity of Divine Action Amidst Human Atrocity
21:59 The Now of the Gospel: Living in Abundance
23:44 Reckoning with Colonial Narratives and Their Impact
26:09 Centering Marginalized Voices in the Gospel
27:56 Transformation Through Empathy and Understanding
29:43 Navigating the Tension Between Prophetic and Priestly Calls
32:16 Historical Trauma and Its Effects on Power Dynamics
36:16 Co-opting Liberation: The Need for Reflection
37:52 Hope in the Global Church: Moving Forward Together



Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe

Summary
In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, hosts Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage in a profound conversation with Karissa Sovdi about the complexities of singleness within the church. They explore the societal and theological implications of viewing singleness as a problem to be solved rather than a valid and fulfilling life choice. The discussion touches on the idolatry of marriage and family, the importance of celebrating life milestones beyond traditional markers, and the need for genuine community and friendship. Karissa shares her personal journey of dismantling the ‘future wife’ identity and embracing the gift of singleness, while also addressing the burdens and misconceptions surrounding it. The episode concludes with practical advice for living a fulfilling single life and the importance of inclusivity in church communities.
Check out more from Karissa at Surviving Christianity Unmarried
‘I never really identified as a person; I identified as a future wife’

Takeaways
* Singleness is often viewed as a problem rather than a valid life choice.
* The nuclear family is idolized in North American Christianity.
* Celebrating milestones beyond marriage is essential for community.
* Eternal life and fulfilment can start now, not just in marriage.
* Celibacy and singleness can be gifts that allow for deeper connections with God.
* Friendship is crucial and often overlooked in discussions about singleness.
* Comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness.
* The church needs to create inclusive spaces for singles.
* Marriage should not be seen as the ultimate goal or solution to loneliness.
* Practical steps can help individuals embrace and celebrate their singleness.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Karissa Sovdi
01:32 Exploring Singleness in the Church
03:50 Dismantling the Future Wife Identity
07:43 The Idolatry of Family and Marriage
11:02 Celebrating Life Beyond Marriage
14:41 The Gift of Singleness and Celibacy
18:50 Understanding Celibacy and Singleness
21:15 The Role of Friendship in Singleness
24:54 The Burden of Singleness in Church
29:37 Reimagining Community and Connection
32:11 Jesus’ Example of Singleness
35:17 The Crisis of Loneliness and Friendship
38:29 Practical Steps for Living Singleness Well
42:52 Conclusion and Resources



Get full access to Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland at daniellestrickland.substack.com/subscribe