Unmasking Manipulation - Power Dynamics in Religious Spaces

What the Bible Says About the "Sin of Empathy"

In this episode of Spiritual AF Sundays, host Jess Karels delves into empathy and its portrayal as potentially sinful within certain American Christian circles. We also discuss the theological and historical perspectives on sin, the evolution of Christianity, and how concepts like Manifest Destiny and American Exceptionalism have shaped modern evangelical thought. We contrast the biblical advocacy for empathy and compassion with contemporary Christian conservatism’s focus on power and dominance. The episode uncovers a dichotomy within American Christianity and examines its impact on national identity and social justice through scriptural references. Timestamps: 00:00 SAFS - What the Bible Says About The Sin of Empathy 01:04 "Toxic" and "Sinful" Empathy? 02:37 Intro for those who are new to me 04:15 America at the Crossroads 05:15 What is "Sin" in the Bible? 06:57 The Morphing of Christianity in America 15:32 Cain, Abel, and America 22:22 The Bible on Empathy 33:11 The Sect That Believes Empathy is Toxic Information referenced: * Jewniverse - The 8 Genders of the Talmud [https://www.jta.org/jewniverse/2015/the-6-genders-of-the-talmud] * Terms for Gender Diversity in Classic Jewish Texts [https://www.transtorah.org/PDFs/Classical_Jewish_Terms_for_Gender_Diversity.pdf] Read the transcript on Patreon (and support the show)⁠ [https://www.patreon.com/posts/spiritual-af-sin-120824677] Join Jess's Discord Server, ⁠The Mystic Geek's Lair [https://discord.gg/ehxBUMwxrP]

TikTok Versus the Egregore of American Exceptionalism

In this reboot episode of Spiritual AF Sundays, host Jess Karels, also known as The Mystic Geek, delves into the multi-faceted impacts of the recent TikTok ban from both political and spiritual perspectives. Discover how this event connects with American Exceptionalism and its deeper societal implications. Don't miss out on unraveling these complex layers—listen now to bridge the gap between current events and mystical insights. 00:00 Introductions 01:12 The TikTok Ban - Lead-Up & Experiences 08:24 The Emotional Impact of the Ban 11:03 The Emotional Impact of TikTok's Return 14:10 TikTok and the Egregore of American Exceptionalism 15:23 What is an Egregore? 16:16 Understanding American Exceptionalism 23:18 How TikTok Challenged American Exceptionalism Read the transcript on Patreon (and support the show) [https://www.patreon.com/posts/tiktok-versus-of-120354230?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link] Join Jess's Discord Server, The Mystic Geek's Lair [https://discord.gg/ehxBUMwxrP]

Trailer

Welcome to Spiritual AF Sundays, a podcast where we mix culture, commentary, and witchcraft. I'm your host, Jessica Karels also known as The Mystic Geek, and I'll be diving into discussions about current events and trends from a Xennial, occult-nerd perspective. Social media RARELY does these topics justice, so let's approach them with a more nuanced take. Grab your favorite beverage, sit in a comfy chair, and get ready to peel back the layers of reality, because THAT is Spiritual AF.

Unmasking Manipulation - Power Dynamics in Religious Spaces

This week, we talk about the darker side of religious practices, exploring emotional, psychological, and even financial abuses that can occur in religious contexts. Join us as we discuss the process of deconstruction, the path to recovery, and the importance of a safe healing space. Whether you've faced religious trauma or are keen on understanding this uncharted area, this episode is a key resource. This week, we invite counselor, teacher, researcher, and podcaster Paula Swindle to discuss the sensitive subject of religious trauma or when spirituality is weaponized instead of used as a healing tool. Swindle, who works at the Center for Healing Religious Harm, dives deep into the aspects of religious abuse and explains three broad categories of such trauma. She further highlights the importance of self-examination and transparency in her roles as a counselor, teacher, and podcaster. 00:00 Guest Quote 00:24 Opening Music 01:19 This Week's Topic 03:25 Introduction and Guest Background 04:07 Studying Religious Trauma 08:36 Understanding Religious Trauma 15:22 Counselor, Teacher, Podcaster - Navigating Power and Transparency 22:25 Final Thoughts 25:41 Recap 27:44 Closing Music About our guest: Paula Swindle is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in North Carolina who maintains a private practice called the Center for Healing Religious Harm. She is also an associate professor of counseling at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, where she trains new counselors. Last but not least, she and her pastor co-host Sacred Intersections, a podcast about navigating the twisty roads of harmful theology, mental health, and religious abuse. Find Paula Online * https://www.sacredintersectionspodcast.com * https://instagram.com/drpaulaswindle [https://instagram.com/drpaulaswindle] Support our show:Subscribe to this channel to receive notifications of upcoming episodesShare this episode with your friendsPlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts so that more people find us: More about the host (The Mystic Geek)Connect with me on social - themysticgeek.com/social [themysticgeek.com/social]Check out my gemstone bracelets at crafted.themysticgeek.comBook an online session with me at bookings.themysticgeek.com Get full access to Jessica Karels | The Mystic Geek at themysticgeek.substack.com/subscribe [https://themysticgeek.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Essential Spiritual Revolution: Healing By Accepting "The Gift"

Dive into an enlightening journey of self-discovery with our special guest, Michael McGinnis. Embark on a captivating exploration of spirituality and personal development as Michael narrates his authentic journey that culminated in the creation of his transformative trilogy, "The Essential Revolution." Experience how this profound journey transcends the individual, sparking a global awakening. In an age of division and chaos, McGinnis addresses the integral role of personal awakening in navigating our world. He unveils the potent impact of perspective and the liberating power of forgiveness in breaking the chains of victimhood. Whether you're seeking inner peace amidst the turbulence, longing for purpose, or thirsty for personal growth and spiritual evolution, this episode holds valuable insights for you. 00:00 Guest Quote 00:21 Opening Music 03:40 Introduction and Guest Background 04:39 The Essential Revolution: A Spiritual Allegorical Fiction 06:39 Impact of the Book Series 09:31 The Connection Between the Book and Current World Events 11:19 Understanding the Victim Mindset 18:58 The Essential Revolution: A Global Awakening 25:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 26:37 Recap 29:10 Closing Music About our guest: Michael "Mike" McGinnis, Jr., also known as The Jungle Writer, is an author dedicated to the global awakening of humanity. He is best known for his Essential Revolution series. A spiritual powerhouse, he is also an entrepreneur, big wave surfer, and race car driver, using his transformational experiences to inspire others. Currently involved in a reforestation-backed crypto project, Mike's work serves as a beacon of introspection and self-realization. Find Michael online: www.michaelmcginnis.com [http://www.michaelmcginnis.com] Support our show:Subscribe to this channel to receive notifications of upcoming episodesShare this episode with your friendsPlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts so that more people find us: More about the host (The Mystic Geek)Connect with me on social - themysticgeek.com/social [themysticgeek.com/social]Check out my gemstone bracelets at crafted.themysticgeek.comBook an online session with me at bookings.themysticgeek.com Get full access to Jessica Karels | The Mystic Geek at themysticgeek.substack.com/subscribe [https://themysticgeek.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]