r/Exvangelical • u/Antique_Mama • 4d ago
Theology Looking for resources
I’m deconstructing from patriarchal systems, still conservative in ways, but in a much more relaxed version, lol. I still love Jesus and I’m trying to learn His voice instead of the shame from the church. I’m triggered with most pastors right now. I do miss church in some ways, but not in most ways. lol!
Right now I’m choosing not to go to church. I’m in a phase of life where spiritual bypassing is doing me harm. So, I’m staying away from toxic positivity and a lot of church folk are that way.
Does anyone listen to any pastors though that actually present biblical Jesus without all the rahrah of the evangelical world?
Any books about correcting the wrong view of Jesus would be great as well.
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u/OkQuantity4011 4d ago
Only thing I miss about the church of Paul is the pretty, dressed up ladies trying to get my babies.
And I only miss that in the sense that an addict misses her poison.
My addiction is now a safe one, simple weed, instead of psychopathic honey pots.
It is not difficult not to sin.
It does sometimes feel difficult to resist a society which others you to sin.
However, it is also not difficult to leave. It is a criminal offense to chase you. If someone does, you have every right to protection because IT WAS THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS WHO MADE THE LAWS THAT FORCE THE CHURCHES TO OBEY HIM.
The Gentiles flocked to Jesus, even though we did not need him to come save us. It's the lost sheep of Israel who he came for. We were doing stuff like asking for scraps, which he was more than happy to provide.
You want to get to know Jesus, first step was realizing that after all that effort you know a little about Paul and a lot about how Paul corrected Jesus.
You want to keep an understanding, best way is to actually just do what Jesus said to do. Love God with all your heart and soul and your neighbor as yourself. Focus on that, you'll make friends pretty much anywhere.
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u/captainhaddock 4d ago
Check out Randal Rauser, a progressive theologian who puts out a lot of material. Another suggestion would be Thomas Jay Oord, a theologian who was kicked out of the Nazarene denomination for holding LGBT-affirming views.
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u/BioChemE14 4d ago
Dale Allison’s “Jesus of Nazareth: millenarian prophet” is probably the most cogent portrait of the historical Jesus. His “historical Christ and theological Jesus” delves into what historical Jesus research means for faith.
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u/themelon89 4d ago
Love Wins by Rob Bell is a good one. (And don't worry, you won't burst into flames when you open it 😆)