God Has Not Given

In this in-depth conversation, April Ajoy shares her unique journey from being raised in a Pentecostal household with a strong belief in Christian nationalism, through personal and family experiences leading to her deconstruction of faith, to confronting issues of gender identity within her marriage. April discusses the impact of her upbringing on her views, the transformative effects of encountering diverse perspectives, and the challenges she faces from the evangelical community due to her progressive stances. The discussion also touches upon the intersections of faith, politics, and identity, April's upcoming book on Christian nationalism, and the importance of humor and joy in addressing serious topics. Additionally, April offers insights into navigating marriage with a non-binary spouse, the implications of purity culture, and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ acceptance within religious contexts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast episode delves into the admiration and personal connections The IV Most Wanted (aka: Janice, Melanie, Sarah and Joanna) have with Beyoncé's music, particularly focusing on the transformative nature of her albums 'Renaissance' and 'Cowboy Carter'. It begins with a playful denial of Beyoncé's influence, quickly transitioning into heartfelt discussions about how her music has been a source of strength, community, and artistic inspiration. The IV Most Wanted discuss their evolving appreciation for the thematic depth in Beyoncé's work through various life stages. They particularly emphasize the inclusive and genre-defying aspects of her recent albums, engaging in debates over favorite tracks and their significances. Through theoretical speculation about Beyoncé's future projects and reminiscing about concert experiences, the episode encapsulates a collective appreciation for Beyoncé's unifying presence in both the music industry and the personal lives of her fans. IV MOST WANTED: Janice | @godhasnotgiven Melanie | @climbholamel Sarah | @officialsarahnaar Joanna | @josiny Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Theologizin' Bigger with Trey Ferguson In this engaging and wide-ranging discussion, Trey Ferguson offers insights into his book 'Theologizing Bigger', aiming to challenge conventional religious narratives and encouraging a broader understanding of faith. He and Janice discuss his position in Christianity and evangelicalism, emphasizing the importance of larger theological perspectives beyond deconstruction. Trey’s commentary not only probes the complexities of faith and identity but also underscores the necessity of embracing diverse interpretations and the pursuit of genuine understanding and love in religious discourse. LINKS TO FIND/FOLLOW/SUPPORT: TREY: @pastortrey05 | instagram @pastortrey05 | twitter pastortrey05.com JANICE @godhasnotgiven | instagram janicelagata.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to AI... In this episode, Janice Lagata discusses her thoughts and experiences with Christianity and evangelicalism. She delves into the traumas associated with being raised in an evangelical environment and the impact it has on individuals. Janice emphasizes her mission to challenge evangelicalism and speaks about the subjectivity of truth, challenging the idea of a single, cookie-cutter experience of God and emphasizing the importance of personal truth. Janice also critiques evangelicalism and its alignment with capitalism, highlighting the role of money in society. She explores the power of art and storytelling as a means of resistance against oppressive systems. Janice invites listeners to imagine a world without capitalism and prompts them to consider their own natural rhythms and desires. AI's TOP THREE TAKEAWAYS: Being raised in an evangelical environment can result in traumas, particularly related to purity culture and the concept of inherent sinfulness. Evangelicalism often promotes a single, cookie-cutter experience of God, which may not resonate with everyone. Janice's mission is to challenge evangelicalism and encourage critical thinking about religious beliefs and practices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WHAT AI HEARD... In this conversation, Janice and Scott Okamoto [author of Asian American Apostate] discuss various topics related to deconstruction, cultural identity, and belief systems. They explore the deconstruction of deconstruction and consider the possibility of punching Nazis. They also delve into the impact of human nature and capitalism on society, as well as the concept of winning and losing. The conversation highlights the need for self-reflection and the recognition of deep-rooted problems in order to foster understanding and progress. WHAT AI LEARNED -- TOP FIVE TAKEAWAYS... Art and words have been used to manipulate and control people, but they can also be powerful tools for self-expression and growth. The deconstruction community is evolving, and it is important to recognize the need for change and growth in personal beliefs. Challenging assumptions and examining ethical beliefs is necessary for personal growth. Accepting different ways of fighting and understanding different perspectives is important. Decolonizing thinking is a difficult but necessary process for white people. LINKS TO: FIND/FOLLOW SCOTT: @rsokamoto | instagram @rsokamoto | twitter Chapel Probation Podcast rscottokamoto.com CONTENT WARNING -- Happening soon and very soon! [FEBRUARY 17th & 18th in Portland, Oregon] Don't miss out! contentwarningevent.com SUPPORT THIS PODCAST and/or JANICE janicelagata.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to AI... In this episode, Janice discusses various topics including oppression, voting, and the role of privilege in society. She reflects on her fear of dying unfulfilled and the importance of making the most of life. Janice also explores the idea of reading the Bible without preconceived notions and empathizing with the oppressors. She delves into the concept of the United States as the Titanic and the machine of capitalism. Janice challenges listeners to examine their role as accomplices to the oppressor and discusses the importance of Black people's votes. She concludes by urging individuals to choose their allegiance and root for change. AI Takeaways: Make the most of life and do not fear dying unfulfilled. Question preconceived notions when reading religious texts. Examine the role of privilege in society and its connection to the machine of capitalism. Challenge the idea of empathizing with oppressors and strive to be an ally to the oppressed. Recognize the importance of Black people's votes and consider sacrificing privilege for the greater good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year, y'all. It's 2024, it's the 4th season and it's officially FOUR SEASON. And the show has got a new theme song and format to prove it. And in the spirit of newness, we're kicking off with Janice's favorite old podcast host, the one and only Adrian Gibbs. And in the spirit of new beginnings, we're talking about endings. What AI learned from listening... The Bible should never have stopped being written, and God is still speaking to people today. The concept of hell and apocalyptic texts should be questioned and let go of. Deconstruction is a process of returning to oneself and letting go of old identities. Endings can be difficult, but they are necessary for growth and change. Exploring new possibilities and embracing personal creativity is essential in the deconstruction journey. The duration of transformative experiences, like the Jesus tradition, can provide valuable insights and lessons. Reimagining biblical stories and exploring new perspectives can lead to personal growth and understanding. contentwarningevent.com janicelagata.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last episode of 2023 and Janice finally knows what she's doing! (Kinda... maybe... tentatively.) Listen in to hear what this podcast format/schedule is going to look like in 2024 and then a whole lot of thoughts on The Quran, Supremacy, Humanity and Performative/Transactional allyship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I took a little break to retool and refresh the pod with the original intent being to return at the end of November, but life has been a little bit of a lot and I decided to hold off, so Four Season is coming (1.3.24) with a fresh format and fantastic guests, but first… I feel like I need to preface where I’m coming from and I know I want to vent, so this December is going to be Extra Mid. These are some extra episodes, in the middle of a world on fire to help build a bridge for whosoever will to understand where I’m coming from. So how many of these episodes will there be? Don’t know? What will they be about? We’ll see. Will they be any good? Let’s find out together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Janice and her friend, Tim, for a conversation about deconstructing before, during and after deconstruction. Brought to you by the past, the present and MarioKart. WHERE TO LOCATE: TIM WHITAKER @thenewevangelicals || instagram Janice @godhasnotgiven || instagram janicelagata.com || dotcom Hit the LINKTREE for more info on: Becoming a Jodly or Jodwilling Patron Grift of God, an exvangelical game book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A very special episode where the main character goes off to college... and/or smokes pot and/or has sex and/or joins a gang. WHERE TO LOCATE: Janice @godhasnotgiven || instagram janicelagata.com || dotcom Hit the LINKTREE for more info on: Becoming a Jodly or Jodwilling Patron Grift of God, an exvangelical game book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Janice and her friend, Roberta, for a conversation about the evangelicalness of MLMs and the MLM-ness of evangelicalism. Brought to you by leggings, Leah Remini and lots of documentaries. WHERE TO LOCATE: ROBERTA BLEVINS @therealrobertablevins || instagram LIFE AFTER MLM || wherever you get your podcasts Janice @godhasnotgiven || instagram janicelagata.com || dotcom Hit the LINKTREE for more info on: Becoming a Jodly or Jodwilling Patron Grift of God, an exvangelical game book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Janice and her friends Ashlee' and Gaël for a blackity-Black conversation with their recaps and responses to recent shenans against Black folks. We're talking about: Michael Oher and all of us being blindsided by the cruelty hiding beneath The Blind Side The Alabama Riverboat Brawl (aka The Montgomery Mollywop) and the Chair Man of the Dock Jamie Foxx and the not accidental and not on purpose use of THEY that led to a lot of THEM being decidedly anti-Black It's a good time that keeps on rolling for the Children of Jod in the patron only bonus section talking "draptomania" ON THE DL this Friday. WHERE TO LOCATE: ASHLEE' @unashamedly_ashlee || instagram GAËL @gaellissa || instagram Janice @godhasnotgiven || instagram janicelagata.com || dotcom SW-6260-3309-8908 || switch Hit the LINKTREE for more info on: Becoming a Jodly or Jodwilling Patron Grift of God, an exvangelical game book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've... got nothing. Because there is TOO MUCH going on and I need to talk about it. So, hold please... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Janice and her friend, Lo, for a conversation about living under the pressure of prophecy, worship leading under evangelical delusions of grandeur and the eventual disillusionment with it all. Brought to you by dinner parties and (of course) The Nations. WHERE TO LOCATE: LO MOSHER-WHIPPLE @lmoshwhipp || instagram @nogoodopinions || instagram Janice @godhasnotgiven || instagram janicelagata.com || dotcom Hit the LINKTREE for more info on: Becoming a Jodly or Jodwilling Patron Grift of God, an exvangelical game book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Janice and her friend, Tamice, for a conversation about a certain non-Christian Nazarene and the Black deaths that ended our white evangelical lives. Brought to you by hell houses and Barry's tan suit. WHERE TO LOCATE: TAMICE SPENCER-HELMS @tamicenamaespeaks || instagram @tamice_namae_speaks || tiktok FAITH UNLEAVENED: The Wilderness Between Trayvon Martin and George Floyd || amazon Janice @godhasnotgiven || instagram janicelagata.com || dotcom Hit the LINKTREE for more info on: Becoming a Jodly or Jodwilling Patron Grift of God, an exvangelical game book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Janice and her friend, Mike for a conversation about maybe being Christians(??), probably being affirming (??) and definitely questioning how to handle social media and spirituality on this side of things. Brought to you by unmerited favour and unasked for prophecy. WHERE TO LOCATE: MIKE MAESHIRO @mikemaeshiro || instagram mikemaeshiro.com || website Janice @godhasnotgiven || instagram janicelagata.com || dotcom Hit the LINKTREE for more info on: Becoming a Jodly or Jodwilling Patron Grift of God, an exvangelical game book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Janice and her friend, Tori as they talk white evangelicalism, purity culture and being parented through it all. Brought to you by death of Pat Robertson and the beauty of the PNW. WHERE TO LOCATE: TORI WILLIAMS DOUGLASS @whitehomework || instagram @toriglass || twitter toriglass.com || website Janice @godhasnotgiven || instagram janicelagata.com || dotcom Hit the LINKTREE for more info on: Becoming a Jodly or Jodwilling Patron Grift of God, an exvangelical game book Leesta Vall, a personal vinyl recording Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Janice and her friend, Joanna as they dust off thee ole podcast. It's been a long time, but not long enough for Carl Lentz to be making megachurch money again. Brought to you by The Secrets of Hillsong (a docuseries), the secrets of hillsong (everyday cult tings) and zero reference checks. LEAVE A REFERENCE FOR CARL LENTZ WTF: Joanna @josiny || instagram Janice @godhasnotgiven || instagram janicelagata.com || dotcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Janice and two other clowns (Sadiqa & Aramis) for a wide-ranging (and slightly deranged) discussion Beyoncé's Renaissance (the release, the songs and the Kelis of it all). Brought to you by inside jokes, outside voices and the infinite perseverance of Black women, (duh). WTF: Aramis @iamagee_ || instagram @rivetbmatchmaking || instagram Sadiqa @ssmithford || instagram @s.smithford_designs || instagram Clown Town @clowntown_pop6 || instagram Janice @godhasnotgiven janicelagata.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices