What If Project - podcast cover

What If Project

Dr. Glenn Siepertwhatifproject.podbean.com
What if there are ways of thinking about God and faith that are different than what our traditions have handed us?
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Episodes

Episode 75: Karl Forehand Says God Doesn't Turn His Back On Anyone, Ever

In this week's episode we sit down with my friend Karl Forehand to talk about his book "Apparent Faith." Get the book, find him on Social Media, and show him some love. SHOW NOTES: Patreon What If Project Community Apparent Faith The Desert Sanctuary Special Music: YUNG CITIZEN...

Jan 06, 202048 minSeason 3Ep. 75

Episode 74: Philip Jenkins Talks To Us About The Lost History Of Christianity

In this week's episode we wrap up 2019 by talking to Dr. Philip Jenkins about his book "The Lost History of Christianity". Dr. Jenkins is a professor at Baylor University and the author of a number of different books. If you want to know more about the history of the early church and how the church came to be, this is a great place to begin. Enjoy! Patreon What If Project Community Lost History of Christianity The Missionary's Curse Special Music - Denver Crites Band...

Dec 30, 201943 minSeason 2Ep. 74

Episode 73: Alexander John Shaia Teaches Us How To Decorate The Dark (Keep Christ In Christian, Part 3)

In this week's episode we talk to Alexander John Shaia about the origins of Christmas. We talk Celtic Christianity, Winter Solstice, Christmas Trees, Darkness, Boxing Day, and MORE. Enjoy, and MERRY CHRISTMAS. SHOW NOTES: Patreon What If Project Community Quadratos Heart And Mind by Alexander DONATE FOR OUR CHRISTMAS PROJECT - Send money via PAYPAL: [email protected] - Send money via CASH App: $gsiepert - Send money via VENMO: @glennsiepert Special Music: "Take Pride" by Will Retherford Spotify: h...

Dec 23, 201954 minSeason 2Ep. 73

Episode 72: Don't Let What I'm About To Tell You Ruin Christmas (Keep Christ In Christian, Part 2)

It's part 2 of our series we're doing for Christmas called "Keep Christ in ChristIAN" and this week get ready to have your mind blown and your faith stre-e--e---e----e-----e-----etched as we talk about the birth of Jesus as told by Matthew and explore some possible ways that Matthew might have embellished the story and added a bunch of details that likely never happened. Eh? Go listen! SHOW NOTES: Patreon What If Project Community What If Project STORE The Crossan Book I Reference Alexander John...

Dec 16, 201943 minSeason 2Ep. 72

Episode 71: Let's Rage Against The Machine, Buck The System, Push Back Against The Empire, And Stir Up Some Holy Trouble (Keep Christ In Christian, Part 1)

It's week 1 of our new series called "Keep Christ in Christian" and this week we're taking a look at a story in Luke's Gospel where Jesus interacts with a man named Zacchaeus and we're challenging ourselves to live like Christ not just during the Christmas season, but all year long. SHOW NOTES: What If Project Patreon What If Project Store What If Project Community...

Dec 09, 201934 minSeason 2Ep. 71

Episode 70: Matthew Korpman Says No To God (Setting The Bible Free, Part 11)

It's the FINAL INSTALLMENT of our series, "Setting the Bible Free" and this week we sit down with theologian and scholar, Matthew Korpman, to talk about his new book (releasing DECEMBER 13, 2019), "Saying No To God: A Radical Approach To Reading The Bible Faithfully". In the episode Matthew talks to us about what deconstruction has looked like for him and explains to us how and why the Bible urges us to not only argue with God, but to say NO to God. SHOW NOTES: What If Project Patreon What If Pr...

Dec 02, 20191 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 70

Episode 69: Bushi The Buddhist Monk Talks To Us About Deconstruction, Reading the Bible, And Living Like Christ (Setting The Bible Free, Part 10)

It's week TEN of our series "Setting the Bible Free" and today we're sitting down with my friend Bushi. Bushi was at one time an evangelical Christian pastor and now he's a Buddhist Zen Monk. In today's episode he talks to us about his own journey of deconstruction, what Buddhism has taught him about the Bible, and the importance of living the way of Christ in our everyday lives. SHOW NOTES: What If Project Patreon What If Project STORE Bushi Special Music: BEFORE JANE...

Nov 25, 201949 minSeason 2Ep. 69

Episode 68: Doug Pagitt Tells Us How To Out Do Jesus And What John 3:16 Really Means (Setting The Bible Free, Part 9)

In today's episode we talk to Doug Pagitt about his new book "Outdoing Jesus". He talks to us about what it looks like to out do the Son of God and what John 3:16 really means. Show Notes: Doug Pagitt Vote Common Good Outdoing Jesus Patreon What If Project Swag What If Project Community SPECIAL MUSIC: Will Retherford Further Info: As a straight white male, Will Retherford was compelled to write an advocate song for his queer friends and the larger LGBTQ+ community. He wrote this song on the same...

Nov 18, 20191 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 68

Episode 67: Austen Hartke Talks To Us About Reading The Bible Through The Eyes Of A Transgender Christian (Setting The Bible Free, Part 8)

It’s part 8 of our series, “Setting the Bible Free” and today we’re sitting down with Austen Hartke to talk about his book “Transforming”. Austen is a transgender Christian theologian who brings unique perspective to reading the Bible. We also talk about how churches can be more welcoming to transgender people and Austen shares a special word of encouragement to our transgender listeners. Show Notes: Patreon What If Project Community Transforming Austen Hartke Special Music: Denver Crites Band...

Nov 11, 201946 minSeason 2Ep. 67

Episode 65: Dr. Chris Dost Was My Old Testament Professor In Seminary And He Knows Things (Setting The Bible Free, Part 6)

It’s part 6 of our series “Setting the Bible Free” and today we’re talking to my Old Testament professor from seminary about all things Old Testament (and some New Testament too). Did you know that the passage in Isaiah where the prophet talks about a virgin giving birth isn’t about Jesus or Mary or Christmas? And did you know that a lot of recent archeological discoveries show that many of the events described in the Old Testament didn’t happen the way the Bible says they did? Get ready to have...

Oct 28, 20191 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 65

Episode 64: Keith Giles Talks To Us About How The Bible Became The Bible And Why The Bible Is Not The Word Of God (Setting The Bible Free, Part 5)

It's part FIVE of our series, "Setting the Bible Free" and today we sit down with Keith Giles to talk about his book Jesus Unbound. He talks to us about how the Bible became the Bible, why the Bible isn't the Word of God, and what it really means to be a heretic. Show Notes: Patreon What If Project SWAG Jesus Unbound by Keith Giles BK2SQ1 What If Project Blog What If Project Community What If Project Facebook Page Denver Crites Band...

Oct 21, 201959 minSeason 2Ep. 64

Episode 63: Thomas Oord Talks To Us About Reading The Bible, Divine Healing, The Resurrection, And The Book Of Revelation (Setting The Bible Free, Part 4)

It's part 4 of our series "Setting the Bible Free" and today we get to sit down with Thomas Oord. Thomas is a scholar, theologian, and author who was on the podcast earlier this year to talk about his more recent book, "God Can't". In today's episode he shares some thoughts about the Bible and takes some questions from our listeners as well. SHOW NOTES: Revelation (the document Thomas mentioned in the episode) Patreon What If Project SWAG What If Project Community God Can't Thomas Oord Special M...

Oct 14, 201952 minSeason 2Ep. 63

Episode 62: Deconstruction, Reconstruction, And (Re)Thinking What It Means To Be Born Again - A Sermon About Nicodemus (Setting the Bible Free, Part 3)

This is week 3 of our series, "Setting the Bible Free" and it's a solo episode where I talk to you about the story of Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus and rethink what it means to be "born again". Are you deconstructing? Reconstructing? Experiencing a shift in your faith? This is for you. SHOW NOTES: What If Project Patreon THIS WILL HELP YOU READ THE BIBLE BETTER LOVE EVERYBODY T-SHIRT...

Oct 07, 201950 minSeason 2Ep. 62

Episode 61: Rabbi Nahum Ward-Lev And The Calling On Us All To Be Prophets (Setting the Bible Free, Part 2)

It's week 2 of our series, "Setting the Bible Free" and today we're sitting down with Rabbi Nahum Ward-Lev who recently wrote a book called "Te Liberating Path of the Hebrew Prophets: Then and Now" where he talks about who the prophets of the Bible were, what they were, and how we're all called to be prophets today. This convo is a GAME CHANGER. Enjoy! Show Notes: Developing Your Prophetic Voice Small Group Rabbi Nahum Rabbi Naahum's Book Patreon Love Everybody T-Shirt...

Sep 30, 201958 minSeason 2Ep. 61

Episode 60: The Bible Has Been Hijacked; Let's Set It Free (Setting The Bible Free, Part 1)

This is part 1 of our 11 part series, "Setting the Bible Free". In this episode I give some background and context to the series, explain what the name means, and give you a sneak peak behind the curtain at all the guests we have lined up for the show. Over the course of the next 11 weeks we'll look at different ideas about what the Bible is, progressive ways of thinking about the Bible, and will tackle some theologies, doctrines, and well known Bible passages all from a perspective that is diff...

Sep 23, 201933 minSeason 2Ep. 60

Episode 59: Mark Karris Talks To Us About Praying In The Midst Of Deconstruction

In this week's episode author, therapist, theologian, and former college classmate, Mark Karris, joins me to talk about his latest book, "Divine Echoes: Reconciling Prayer With The Uncontrolling Love Of God". We talk specifically about how to pray during the process of deconstruction and tackle the question of what does it look like to pray to a God you are realizing you don't understand? Enjoy! Mark Karris Divine Echoes Patreon What If Project Special Music: '85...

Sep 16, 201959 minSeason 2Ep. 59

Episode 58: Shane Claiborne On Working To Overturn The Death Penalty, Learning From Mother Teresa, And The Importance Of Proximity

In this week's episode we sit down with author and activist, Shane Claiborne to talk about his book "Irresistible Revolution", a book that made a big impact on me when I was younger. Shane talks to us about what it was like to work with Mother Teresa in Calcutta and the importance of proximity when it comes to taking a stand on behalf of people who are oppressed. This is a super fun episode, enjoy! SHOW NOTES: What If Project Patreon What If Project Community Before Jane...

Sep 09, 201956 minSeason 2Ep. 58

Episode 57: One Year In - Losing My Certainty And Rediscovering The Gospel

Last week the What If Project celebrated its ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY. This week I share some excitement around our 10,000th download, give some sneak peeks at 2 BIG upcoming series, and talk about a significant theological shift that's taken place in my life this past year. SHOW NOTES: What If Project Patreon What If Project Community...

Sep 02, 201938 minSeason 2Ep. 57

Episode 56: Mike Morrell Talks To Us About The Goose, Contemplative Christianity, And Talking To Our Kids About God (Processing The Goose, Part 4)

It's our last week of the Processing the Goose series and today we're sitting down with one of the main speakers of Wild Goose every year, Mike Morrell. Mike is an author, teacher, and modern-day mystic who has come onto the show to help me process some of my biggest takeaways from Wild Goose and answer some of my own burning questions about Christianity and faith. Show Notes: Mike Morrell The Divine Dance Patreon What If Project Community Yung Citizen...

Aug 26, 20191 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 56

Episode 55: Bob Gregory Talks With Us About His Experience At Wild Goose, Not Being Allowed To Ask Questions In Church, And How God's Not Mat At You (Processing The Goose, Part 3)

We're heading into part 3 of our series, "Processing the Goose" and this week we're sitting down with my friend Bob Gregory who I met at Wild Goose last year and connected with again this year. He talks with me a little bit about my experience at the festival and shares with us some of his biggest takeaways as well. Check it out and then go check his podcast over at GOD IS AN ELEPHANT (AND LEAVE A RATING FOR HIM AND HIS CO-HOST, SEBASTIAN ... capitalized to get your attention. HA!). Show Notes: ...

Aug 19, 201949 minSeason 2Ep. 55

Episode 54: Disowning God And Taking Off My Evangelical Glasses (Processing The Goose, Part 2)

It's part 2 of our series "Processing the Goose" where I'm talking through some of my biggest takeaways from this year's Wild Goose Festival. This week we talk about the idea of "disowning God" and recognizing that Christianity (or any religion, for that matter) doesn't own the rights to God and how taking off my Evangelical Glasses has helped open up my eyes to a more inclusive reading of Scripture. Show Notes: Patreon What If Project Community Wild Goose Festival Barbara Brown Taylor Holy Envy...

Aug 12, 201930 minSeason 2Ep. 54

Episode 53: Broken Relationships And Losing Faith In The God Of My Youth (Processing The Goose, Part 1)

This is part 1 of our 4 part series, “Processing the Goose”. Back in July I was able to attend the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, NC and came away with a LOT to process. This week I’ll share a bit about (1) some areas of grief in my life as well as (2) how I’ve been dealing with some criticism that’s come my way as a result of the What If Project and (3) what it’s been like to experience an evolution of faith that has moved me considerably beyond the god I grew up believing in. Show Notes: ...

Aug 05, 201935 minSeason 2Ep. 53

Episode 52: Jamal Jivanjee Talks To Us About Living For A Living, The Power Of Gratitude, And The Real Message Of Jesus (Glenn’s Friends, Part 5)

It’s the final installment of our series, “Glenn’s Friends”, and this week we’re talking to former pastor, life coach, author, podcaster - Jamal Jivanjee. Jamal sits down to chat with us about his book, gratitude, and the actual message of Jesus. Enjoy! Show Notes: Patreon LGBTQ Inclusion Tee Jamal’s Website Heretic Happy Hour Podcast The Love Cast Living For A Living Yung Citizen What If Project...

Jul 29, 20191 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 52

Episode 51: Danny Prada Talks To Us About The Gospel, Eternal Life, And Responding To People Who Don't Like What You Believe (Glenn's Friends, Part 4)

It's week FOUR of our series, "Glenn's Friends" and today I'm sitting down with Pastor Danny Prada from Heartway Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Pastor Danny is not your typical pastor as he tackles topics from the pulpit that others might shy away from. He's not afraid to talk about things like hell, eternal life, salvation, sexuality, etc. and come at the topics from a point of view that would challenge most people's traditions. In today's chat we talk about Pastor Danny's thoughts about the Go...

Jul 22, 201950 minSeason 2Ep. 51

Episode 50: Brad Jersak Says The Idea Of An Eternal Oven Is Ridiculous And I Think He's Right (Glenn's Friends, Part 3)

In this week's episode we sit down with former church planter, author, theologian, scholar Brad Jersak to talk about his book, "Her Gats Will Never Be Shut". We talk about hell, what the Bible says about it, what the Bible doesn't say about it, and why the idea of an eternal over where people are tortured for eternity is ridiculous. Show Notes: Brad The Document Brad Mentioned Her Gates Will Never Be Shut Patreon What If Project Before Jane...

Jul 15, 201959 minSeason 2Ep. 50

Episode 49: Kent Dobson Tells Us Why He's An Ex-Megachurch Pastor And Why Faith Isn't About The Quest For Right Beliefs (Glenn's Friends, Part 2)

Greetings! It's week 2 of our series "Glenn's Friends" and today we're sitting down with former megachurch pastor, Kent Dobson. In what some would consider a pastor's dream Kent took over Mars Hill Church after Rob Bell left, but then ended up realizing that his life was headed in a different direction. In today's episode he shares some of his story and talks to us about how faith isn't about certainty and it isn't about a quest for the right answers; faith, rather, is about something much more ...

Jul 08, 201939 minSeason 2Ep. 49

Episode 48: Colby Martin Talks To Us About Getting Fired From His Church, Leviticus, And Becoming An LGBTQ Ally (Glenn's Friends, Part 1)

Welcome to week 1 of Glenn's Friends, a series for July 2019 where every Monday I'll be sharing a different conversation I had with one of my friends - pastors, authors, teachers, etc. In this week's episode we sit down with Colby Martin to talk about his book "Unclobber". He'll talk about he book, how he was fired from his church, Leviticus, and how he become an LGBTQ ally. Do you have questions about LGBTQ and what the Bible has to say? This episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Patreon What If Proj...

Jul 01, 20191 hr 23 minSeason 2Ep. 48

Episode 47: Lie #3 - God Expects More of You (Lies We Believe About God, Part 3)

It's week 3 of our "Lies We Believe About God Series" and this week we're talking about the lie which says that God expects more us. There's nothing wrong with aiming to do more in our lives in an effort to develop ourselves both personally and spiritually; but there is a problem when we buy into the lie which says that God has rigged the universe in such a way that the only way He can bless us if we work harder and do more. Have you ever been made to feel ashamed because you weren't doing enoug...

Jun 24, 201927 minSeason 2Ep. 47

Episode 46: Lie #2 - The Bible Is The Word Of God (Lies We Believe About God, Part 2)

It's WEEK 2 of our 3 WEEK series, "Lies We Believe About God". We'll be talking about lies or thoughts or ideas about God that often hold us back from knowing God at a deeper level and how being willing to remain open minded around these things and rethink them might help us to be drawn closer to God and closer to those around us. Today is lie #2 - "The Bible Is The Word Of God" where we explore Paul's words that "all Scripture is God breathed" and what that does and doesn't mean. Show Notes: Wh...

Jun 17, 201924 minSeason 2Ep. 46
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