Today, Leslie brings back a past guest: Jonathan Foster. They chat about navigating the "messy middle" of faith deconstruction—the space between conservative and progressive Christianity where people seek compassion, curiosity, and nuanced thinking rather than quick reactions. They discuss Jonathan's work with the Curian Network, a new denominational ecosystem that credentials pastors, chaplains, and faith leaders around "uncontrolling love" rather than rigid theological boundaries, offering a safe alternative for those who've been pushed out of traditional evangelical spaces. The conversation explores the challenges of living with uncertainty, resisting the urge to become what you're fighting against, and creating healthier systems centered on grace and human flourishing.

Key Points of Interest:

• The Curian Network - A new 501(c)3 denominational ecosystem credentialing pastors, chaplains, and spiritual directors around "uncontrolling love" rather than strict theological requirements

• Messy Middle Identity - The struggle of not being conservative enough or liberal enough, and feeling "homeless" between traditional camps

• Conditional Belonging - How both evangelical and progressive spaces can demand conformity, creating the same triggering dynamics people tried to escape

• Scapegoating Patterns - Discussion of how humans are biologically wired to create in-groups and out-groups, and the work required to resist this tendency

• Calling vs. Shape - The core of one's calling remains constant, but its expression changes dramatically as life and the world evolve

• Safe Spaces - The importance of finding people where you can be curious, ask questions, and process without immediate judgment or demands for certainty

• Prayer and Community - Even amid theological shifts, the value of being invited into prayer and community regardless of doctrinal differences

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

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