Untangling Faith

Untangling Empathy, Part 1

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2319577/open_sms] What if empathy isn't a threat to truth—but a sign of spiritual maturity? In this soul-searching and challenging episode, Tammy and Laura unpack the growing resistance to empathy within parts of the evangelical church. From claims that empathy is “selective” or “a sin” to the fear that it invites moral relativism, we explore how empathy connects directly to the fruit of the Spirit—even if it’s not explicitly named. Together, we push back on the false choice between empathy and conviction, showing how spiritual depth lives in the tension of love, humility, and nuance. We also dive into: Why some fear the "gray areas" of theology How empathy is weaponized or suppressed in political agendas The danger of certainty and the beauty of spiritual humility The role of curiosity in building authentic faith Why asking questions doesn’t make you less Christian—it makes you more like Christ This episode is an invitation to step into the gray, listen deeply, and rethink what we’ve been told about being right. 👉 Subscribe for more honest, curious faith conversations. 👍 Like if you’ve ever been told your empathy was a weakness. 💬 Tell us in the comments—how have gray areas challenged or grown your faith? 🔔 Tap the bell so you don't miss the next episode. #UntanglingFaith #Empathy #Christianity #Deconstruction #FruitOfTheSpirit #FaithAndPolitics #SpiritualGrowth #ProgressiveChristianity #CertaintyIsNotFaith #HolySpirit #FaithPodcast #NuancedFaith #GrayAreas #Evangelicalism

Untangling Sex in the Church, Part 2

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2319577/open_sms] In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Laura & Tammy dive into how theology, church history, and cultural norms have shaped—and too often limited—our understanding of women's roles, worth, and autonomy. Drawing insight from The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr and The Patriarchy Stress Disorder by Dr. Valerie Rein, she challenges long-standing narratives that have painted women as less than, or even "deformed males," and invites us to reconsider what it truly means to be made in the image of God. They also open up a meaningful conversation about how the church talks about sex—or avoids it—and offers a compelling case for addressing sexuality with honesty, dignity, and without shame. Through a surprising story from “Sex Camp” and honest reflection on relationships, gender, and faith, this episode calls us back to a fuller, richer vision of humanity rooted in love, equality, and divine calling. If you’ve ever felt tension between your faith and your identity as a woman—or want to explore healthier ways the church can talk about gender and sexuality—this episode is for you. Email us at untanglingfaithpodcast@gmail.com. #WomenInTheChurch #MadeInGodsImage #FaithAndFeminism #BiblicalWomanhood #ChristianFeminism #TheologyOfSex #FaithAndIdentity #TheMakingOfBiblicalWomanhood #PatriarchyStressDisorder #BethAllisonBarr #ValerieRein #DeconstructionAndFaith #ProgressiveChristianity #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchCulture #ChristianPodcast #SexAndFaith #FaithfulFeminism

Untangling Sex and the Church, Part 1

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2319577/open_sms] “Let’s talk about sex… and the church.” This week on Untangling Faith, Tammy and Laura dive deep into one of the most loaded, controversial, and misunderstood topics in Christian culture: sex. 👉 Why has the church been obsessed with controlling sexual behavior—but only certain people's? 👉 What happens when purity culture shames girls, excuses boys, and leaves everyone confused? 👉 How do unhealthy teachings about sex ripple out into silence, exploitation, and even abuse? Pulling from personal experience, cultural observations, and real spiritual wrestling, this episode is an honest, grace-filled look at what happens when faith, sexuality, and control collide. And yes—we still find space to laugh in the middle of it. 🔍 Topics we untangle: Purity culture, double standards & "damaged goods" theology Christian conferences & hotel porn stats (yep, we went there) The rise of accountability partners (for just one issue...) Sex as sacred: pleasure, intimacy & design Why some traditions are more vulnerable to scandal—and what that says about us Learning to trust our bodies, our desires, and our Creator again 🎙️ Join the conversation. We’re not experts—just two people unafraid to ask the hard questions. 👇 Like, share, and subscribe for more real talk about messy faith, shifting theology, and deep grace. 📲 Follow us on socials @UntanglingFaith 💬 Leave a comment—what’s your experience with this topic?

Social Justice, Homelessness, and the Church, Part 2

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2319577/open_sms] Social Justice, Homelessness, and the Church, Part 2 What happens when churches move beyond the food pantry and start asking deeper questions about justice, dignity, and systems? In Part 2 of our conversation with Kyle Bryan—director of the Martha Vandervoort Center to End Homelessness—we dig further into the church’s role in addressing poverty and housing insecurity. Kyle shares honest reflections about the challenges of this work, the importance of listening to people with lived experience, and how churches can become true partners in their communities. We talk about the tension between individual charity and systemic change, the spiritual cost of ignoring injustice, and the surprising ways Jesus shows up when we pay attention. If you’ve ever wondered how faith intersects with advocacy, or how to love your neighbor when the systems feel overwhelming, this episode is for you. Didn’t catch Part 1? Be sure to go back and listen to the first half of this powerful conversation. Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com.

Social Justice, Homelessness, and the Church, Part 1

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2319577/open_sms] Social Justice, Homelessness, and the Church, Part 1 What should the role of the church be when it comes to social justice? And what does it actually look like to meet the real needs of the people around us? In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Bryan, director of the Martha Vandervoort Center to End Homelessness in Anniston, Alabama. Kyle brings both passion and practical experience to the conversation as we explore what it means to show up for our neighbors—especially those facing homelessness and poverty. We talk about the systems that keep people unhoused, the disconnect between good intentions and meaningful help, and how the church can move from charity to solidarity. There’s some light chatter at the beginning (because we’re real people, not robots), and then we dive into the big stuff. Whether you’re deep in the work or just starting to ask questions about faith and justice, this one’s for you. Don’t miss Part 2 next week, where we continue the conversation with even more real talk and practical insight. Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com.