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Untidy Faith

106 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago -

You’re listening to the Untidy Faith podcast — where we have honest conversations and gentle encouragement for when following Jesus gets messy.


I’m your host, Kate Boyd, author, speaker, and gentle guide for Christians who are disentangling their faith from culture, rebuilding their relationship with Scripture, and desiring to find joy in following Jesus again. 


There can be a life of faith after deconstruction. Let’s find yours together.



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Episodes

2 Samuel 10 | Counterfeit Peace and Flawed Love

June 25, 2024 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MB

In 2 Samuel 10, we discuss ... what "hesed" means and how David falls short the ways that David gets a taste of his own medicine what it means that Jesus is a "new and better David" why the alpha male mentality isn't where it's at Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

2 Samuel 10 | How David's Alpha Male Energy Hurts the Church Today

June 25, 2024 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MB

In 2 Samuel 10, we discuss ... what "hesed" means and how David falls short the ways that David gets a taste of his own medicine what it means that Jesus is a "new and better David" why the alpha male mentality isn't where it's at Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

Jenai Auman | Ingrouping and Outgrouping in Spiritual Environments

June 17, 2024 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

Othering is pervasive in our climate of tribalism today, and its effects alienate us from ourselves and others. Jenai Auman joins me to discuss othering and ... the signs we often miss that we have been othered ourselves the role of anger in healing what do in the wilderness the small and simple way to find belonging even when you can't be at church and the #1 question to ask yourself when trying to help others heal from their othered experiences Jenai Auman is a Filipina American writ...

2 Samuel 9 | Confronting Harmful Disability Storytelling Tropes

June 10, 2024 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

In 2 Samuel 9, we discuss ... the harmful treatment and narratives surrounding disabled people in the story what difference an honor culture background brings to the text how David buys into his own hype (and shouldn't) why looking for "big things" to do for God may actually miss the point of faithfulness in the first place Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

Robert Callahan | How White Supremacy Distorts the Gospel

June 03, 2024 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

In this episode ... Why white supremacy isn't exclusive to evangelicalism How the gospel changed to marginalize people What makes anger righteous How to heal from toxic church environments Robert is an author & accomplished attorney at the Callahan & King law firm in Waco, Texas. He earned his law degree at Baylor University School of Law in 2006, where he now teaches a course on Integrating Faith and Legal Practice. In 2020, Robert was named Lawyer of the Year by the Texas Criminal Def...

2 Samuel 8 | King David or a Bear?

May 27, 2024 14:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

Join us for a journey through the ins and outs of 2 Samuel 8 as we discuss ... if David can be a good guy and have such a violent streak what the headers in our Bibles all have to say about this period in David's life why David's fame may have negatively affected his identity (and his actions) how David went from artist to warrior if David is a like a mafia don Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

Eugene Kim | The Future of the Church

May 20, 2024 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MB

Have you been wondering that amidst all the upheaval, denominational splits, and church failures -- where the heck do we go next? And how do we do better? Same.  That's why I was so glad that Eugene Kim joined me for a conversation about just that, and we discuss ... the cycles in church history (and where we are right now) how young people are approaching spirituality differently than ever before what we can learn from the failures of the attractional model of church where change real...

2 Samuel 7 | Prophecy and Propaganda

May 13, 2024 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

David makes a request of God to shore up his legacy, but it gets denied. Instead, he gets a covenant and Nathan proves his prophetic presence. Listen in as we discuss 2 Samuel 7 and ... What happens when God is a minor character in the story The role of prophecy in the Bible How strategic editing shapes our interpretations A surprising connection to the book of Acts Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

Prasanta Verma | Fighting Ethnic Loneliness Together

May 06, 2024 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

What is like to be the only one who looks like you in a room? Ethnic loneliness is a pervasive feeling for ethnic minorities in the U.S. and in churches. In this conversation, Prasanta Verma talks me through: What ethnic loneliness is and what it looks like How the church has been complicit in perpetuating this loneliness and its entanglement with systemic racism What to do instead of forcing assimilation in the name of unity How individuals and churches can be effective friends, advocat...

Is Taylor Swift mocking Christianity? | TTPD, Religious Imagery, and Reading Well

April 29, 2024 14:00 - 1 hour - 61.3 MB

Taylor Swift's new album, The Tortured Poets Department, has been causing a stir due to its use of religious imagery and vocabulary. Is she mocking Christianity? Is she saying she's God? Or is there maybe something else going on here? Join me and three other with joint cred as Swifties and theologians as we discuss ... the weird takes we've seen IRL and online the cracks in biblical interpretation that are illuminated by how people interpret Taylor's latest lyrics the religious images an...

Dr. Sandra Glahn | Rethinking Scholarship on 1 Timothy

April 15, 2024 05:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

What happens when we add context from literature, history, art, and architecture to our study of the Bible? It can actually illuminate tricky ideas and confusing cultural backdrops. Dr. Sandra Glahn joins me today to discuss why bringing these different sources together is important, how it affected her interpretation of 1 Timothy and provisions against women, and how Paul may have been nicer than misogynists want us to think. Dr. Sandra Glahn is a seminary professor, the author of more tha...

2 Samuel 6 | The "Undignified" Faith of David

April 08, 2024 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

David continues his consolidation of power, and we talk about the ways that affects who he is becoming as a king and a family man. Join us on our walk through 2 Samuel 6 as we discuss ... What happens when you bring religion and politics together Why it matters what metrics do you use for God's pleasure in your deeds The actual way that David is undignified (and it's not the way he thinks) And who we are "ride or die" for in the story (spoiler alert: it's not David) Kate Boyd - Book | N...

Dieula Previlon | Healing from Church Trauma

April 01, 2024 16:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

When the church hurts you, where do you go to find healing? How do you recover when the tools you would've once turned to remind you of the trauma?  Dieula Previlon joins me to talk about the deep pain of spiritual abuse and church trauma and how we can find a way forward with God even if it means stepping out of the box of the expected. Dieula Previlon is the founder and executive director of ElevateHer International Ministries with a vision to empower women to heal from trauma. She is a ...

2 Samuel 5 | Balancing Altruism and Ambition

March 25, 2024 04:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MB

When it comes to leadership in churches, we've seen what happens when the balance between altruism and ambition tips in the wrong direction. Turns out we may have some of evangelicalism's favorite Bible characters to blame for that. In 2 Samuel 5, we see another "success" of David, and yet we wonder, is he really the model we should look to?  And what happens in the real world when we read the Bible without deep consideration of how our interpretation affects real people? Kate Boyd - Book...

Kaitlyn Schiess | Navigating Political Idolatry in the Church

March 18, 2024 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MB

With election season upon us, how do we create our own faithful political theology when we've been shaped by political idolatry? How do we navigate the tense conversations we will likely be having in an election year? How do we use the Bible well to shape our theology and practice when it comes to loving our neighbors? Kaitlyn Schiess joins me to talk about this and more. Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

2 Samuel 3-4 | Fickle Allegiances

March 11, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MB

Betrayal is around every corner as we follow David into the next era in his life.  In this episode, we discuss ... - the use of women as political pawns - how David is building his army in the bedroom - the limits of "technically" keeping your hands clean when something goes wrong  - dealing with ableism in the biblical text Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

Trey Ferguson | Engaging Our Imagination Toward Wholeness

March 04, 2024 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

Trey Ferguson is a Miami-Dade County based minister, writer, and podcaster whose passions include jokes, justice, and Jesus. He’s the creator of New Living Treyslation–a podcast that retells and relates scripture in a modern vernacular–and a co-host of Three Black Men, a podcast where he muses on theology and culture with Sam Gay, Robert Monson, and a wide array of riveting guests. The author of Theologizin’ Bigger, Trey also writes and publishes regularly in his newsletter: The Son Do Move....

1 Samuel Wrap Up

November 20, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MB

Recapping our feelings about Scripture and 1 Samuel after a year-long journey through this book. It includes big feelings, silly stories, and lots of thanks to you for journeying with us. Take a listen! Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

Building a Resilient Faith for a Lifetime

November 13, 2023 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

What does it look like to build a faith that's strong enough but flexible enough to grow with you? Let's explore some foundational practices or mindsets to build in that will help you for the long haul. Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 30 & 31 | A Tragic End

November 08, 2023 17:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MB

Content Warning: Suicide, Israel-Palestine War, and Heavy Content As we reach the end of the book of 1 Samuel, we grapple with the victory of David and the tragic end for Saul and the connection to the international conflict we are witnessing today. Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 28 & 29 | Ghost Stories

October 23, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MB

Just in time for Spooky Season, we come to a ghost story right here in 1 Samuel. Join us to see how David manages to escape his deception being discovered, Saul's desperate (and spooky) measures to stay on top, and the set up for our final battle in 1 Samuel. Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

How to Deal with Spiritual Impostor Syndrome

October 16, 2023 05:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

A change in your faith doesn't just affect how you believe, it also affects how you feel about yourself -- especially if your paradigms are upended. If this has happened to you, and you've felt lost or unsure in or after deconstructing, you're not alone, and you're doing just fine. In this episode, we discuss how to work through this tough time and find confidence in your faith again (even if you're less certain than you've ever been). Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 26 & 27 | Is David Likeable?

October 09, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MB

The one in which we spot a potential pattern of behavior and wonder if David is actually a likeable. Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

6 Myths About Reading the Bible

October 02, 2023 05:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

Today, we're going to talk about some of those outdated beliefs or even just wrong beliefs about the Bible  that may still be in our mindset that have kept us from engaging scripture fully again.  Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 24 & 25 | David (Barely) Keeps His Cool

September 25, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MB

In 1 Samuel 24-25, we encounter Saul in a compromising position that almost costs him everything, and a wise woman who helps David keep his cool. Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 22 & 23 | Cat and Mouse

September 13, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 50.1 MB

In these two chapters, we see Saul and David in the game of cat and mouse, putting them in stark contrast through their behavior. What do we learn from two men on the run -- one pursued and one in pursuit? Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 20 & 21 | Calculated Risks

August 28, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MB

David makes some risky moves, supported by Jonathan, as he flees Saul. Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 18 & 19 | Family Rivalry

August 14, 2023 06:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MB

What if your family likes someone else more than you ... especially if you're the king? Story of Saul's life, unfortunately. See how he handles David's favor with his children (spoiler alert: not well). Also, we apologize in advance for the wide array of references to foreskins. #sorrynotsorry Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 16 & 17 | Meet David ... Twice

July 31, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MB

A shepherd, a musician, and a warrior -- David takes on a whole lot of roles in his relationship to Saul and the kingdom of Israel. Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 15 | Winning and Losing

July 17, 2023 15:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MB

Saul struggles to make the right decisions, and somehow even in victory, he comes out on the losing end where Samuel and the LORD are concerned.  Tune in to hear our takeaways from 1 Samuel 15. Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

BONUS: Messy Life and Messier Faith

July 03, 2023 05:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MB

We're taking a quick break from 1 Samuel to talk about when following Jesus gets messy and the journey to (and through) An Untidy Faith. Get An Untidy Faith Here Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 13 & 14 | Rash Actions

June 19, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MB

In 1 Samuel 13, we discuss the impatience of Saul, the victory of Jonathan, and the weird commitments we make when we want to win. Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 11 & 12 | Hello and Goodbye

June 05, 2023 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MB

In 1 Samuel 11-12, we see a victorious Saul getting renewed as king and a frustrated Samuel saying goodbye (with maybe just a hint of shade). Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 9 & 10 | Not All Who Wander Are Lost

May 15, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 41.5 MB

In this episode, we talk about ... how it feels when we're lost what it's like to be found in a place you didn't expect when you're being anointed for something you didn't want to do Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 7 & 8 | The Downfall of Spiritual Dynasties

April 03, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 47.3 MB

On today’s episode we jump into 1 Samuel 7-8 where we talk about the downfall of another spiritual dynasty, the threats from inside and outside the house, and whether or not we really want the Kingship of God. Let’s get into it! Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

An Untidy Faith with Trey Ferguson

March 20, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

I have the true honor of having THE Pastor Trey Ferguson writing the foreword to my book that comes out on April 18.  So I was doubly honored when he said yes to interviewing me about the book so I could share it with all of you.  We talk about ... How to rethink the way we treat Scripture that actually lets Jesus be Good News What it's like to disagree with everyone you grew up with What book I originally set out to write and how social media changed my idea How I want you to feel if ...

1 Samuel 5 & 6 | A god's reaction to the presence of God

March 06, 2023 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MB

In today's episode ... A god's reaction to the presence of the LORD The eternal question: was it tumors or hemorrhoids? What happens when you don't take God's presence or justice seriously Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel & Violence featuring Robert Monson (Bonus Episode)

February 20, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

On today’s episode we are actually taking a pause from digging into the text to talk with speaker, scholar, and co-director of Enfleshed Robert Monson.  We talk about ... using a liberation theology lens on the Hebrew Bible unflattening the text  looking for red flags of violence (both implicit and explicit) and how to live in the tensions of Scripture Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 3 & 4 | Is God just our mascot?

February 06, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MB

In today's episode ... What happens when the priest can no longer distinguish the voice of God How Christian nationalism makes God a prop And some undignified deaths  Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel 1 & 2 | What is Sin?

January 23, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 50.4 MB

In today's episode, we talk through 1 Samuel 1-2 and ... Barrenness, bitter rivalries, and biblical callbacks Samuel as a tabernacle toddler What and how does God “take note” of? What exactly was the sin of Hophni and Phineas? Unpacking sin and its consequences in the Bible and in ourselves  Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

1 Samuel Introduction | Reading When Your Relationship with Scripture is Complicated

January 09, 2023 06:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MB

We're kicking off a season in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. Overview of today's episode: Meet this season's co-hosts What our relationship with Scripture is right now (spoiler: it's complicated) What we remember about the Hebrew Bible growing up What we know about 1 Samuel An intro to the themes and background of 1 Samuel Predictions for the season Tools we'll be using as we go Resources we are using to study: John Goldingay commentary on 1&2 Samuel Africa Bible Commentary ...

Acts 27-28 | Lanie Walkup and Elisa Preston

March 28, 2022 05:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MB

We finish our journey through the book of Acts today, and what a journey it has been! About Today's Contributors: Lanie is a born and raised Texan who made her way to the Midwest 8 years ago and is still learning how to survive Chicago winters. She is a seminary student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, working on her Masters of Divinity, a Greek teaching fellow, and an aspiring New Testament scholar and teacher.  She has spent time church planting in Southeast Asia, researching glob...

Acts 25-26 | Seana Scott & Amanda Dzimianski

March 21, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 47.3 MB

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions...

Acts 23-24 | Ronne Rock and Josh McDonald

March 14, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 63.6 MB

My guests today are Ronne Rock and Josh McDonald. Ronne Rock weaves themes of transformative hope and grace-filled leadership into everything she shares on page and stage.  She believes that you are God-designed to influence and impact the world right where you are, and she wants to you understand what it means to live out your purpose. Ronne is a long-road walker, a hope-warrior, a voice of honest encouragement for women who long to lead well. She travels around the world to tell stories o...

Acts 21-22 | Kristin Garrett and Drew Dixon

March 07, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MB

My guests today are Drew Dixon and Kristin Garrett. Drew Dixon is a minister and spiritual director in Auburn, WA who longs to serve and shape the church through teaching, spiritual formation, and pastoral care. Drew currently serves at Federal Way Church of Christ where he regularly preaches, creates spiritual resources, and provides care to the congregation. He also facilitates listening spaces for individuals and community through spiritual direction and as a coordinator with Renovaré’s ...

Acts 19-20 | Jessica Anderson and Sarah Kinzer

February 28, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 62.2 MB

My guests today are Jessica Anderson and Sarah Kinzer.   Hi! I’m Jessica, most people call me Jess. I was born in New Iberia, Louisiana but currently live in South Florida with my husband, 2 kids, and goofy black lab. I attended LSU and love Jesus, football, learning/teaching, writing, and anything outside. I graduated with an elementary education degree, and am currently using the skills I learned working for a non profit called Everyday Mission. We’re committed to empowering people to cr...

Acts 17-18 | Aaron Duvall & Elaina Barron

February 07, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 45.5 MB

Aaron is the Lead Pastor at Crosspoint Community Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he resides with his wife Chera, and daughter Harper.   Aaron graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, where he majored in Philosophy. He went on to earn an MA in Entrepreneurial Ministry Leadership from Tabor College, and is presently earning his D.Min. from Portland Seminary.   Aaron enjoys biking with his family, reading, running, and watching college sports. He is passionate about candy corn and ch...

Acts 15-16 | Megan Nesson & Hector Martinez

January 31, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 51.6 MB

Hector Martinez kives in Seattle, WA. Currently filling the “all things media” role at his church in the north end of the city. He loves all things media and believes that music is a love language and spotify playlists are an art. He also cohosts the Pocket Pulpit podcast in an effort to explore social media ministry.  Twitter and IG: @seatexhex Megan Nesson lives in East Tennessee with her husband and 3 boys. She helps her husband manage the family ranch operations across 3 states, plus f...

Acts 13-14 | Lyndall Cave and Tim Amor

January 24, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 63 MB

Lyndall Cave likes to confuse people by telling them she’s 100% Australian and 100% Canadian. Her favourite things usually involve creativity, community, and making connections. She was trained as a seamstress in college, then got involved in YWAM’s film and acting schools in Dunham, Quebec. She currently lives in Central Alberta, where she does her best to survive the ridiculously long winters, and is learning how to work with her (relatively-newly diagnosed) ADHD brain. You can find her ne...

Acts 11-12 | Becky Gonzalez & Lindsay Benedetto

January 18, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 52.5 MB

My guests today are Becky Gonzalez and Lindsay Benedetto.   Rebecca "Becky" Gonzalez is a hopeful encourager and freedom fighter. She loves to share glimpses of how she fights to love God and others...clumsily. Becky is a wife and mom to three, along with their rescue dog, Riley. Becky is a 1 on the Enneagram, which also makes her a recovering perfectionist and people-pleaser. She is a writer, speaker, and teacher who embraces the grit and grace to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, ...

Guests

Kat Armas
1 Episode

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