Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church Blog-logo

Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church Blog

Religion & Spirituality Podcas

Saving Faith deconstructs Christianity to reconstruct a faith that works. Eric Sentell, regular contributor to the popular Backyard Church blog, tackles tough theological questions and interviews amazing guests. Past interviews include Kristen Kobes du Mez (Jesus and John Wayne), Beth Allison Barr (The Making of Biblical Womanhood), Jared Byas (Love Matters More) John Williamson (The Deconstructionists Podcast), and many more. Saving Faith was formerly "Metamorphosis: Sharing the Love of Jesus." Contact jamesericsentell@gmail.com with feedback, suggestions, or guest recommendations.

Location:

United States

Description:

Saving Faith deconstructs Christianity to reconstruct a faith that works. Eric Sentell, regular contributor to the popular Backyard Church blog, tackles tough theological questions and interviews amazing guests. Past interviews include Kristen Kobes du Mez (Jesus and John Wayne), Beth Allison Barr (The Making of Biblical Womanhood), Jared Byas (Love Matters More) John Williamson (The Deconstructionists Podcast), and many more. Saving Faith was formerly "Metamorphosis: Sharing the Love of Jesus." Contact jamesericsentell@gmail.com with feedback, suggestions, or guest recommendations.

Language:

English

Contact:

573-223-7772


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Israel, David French, and Campus Protests

5/1/2024
Is David French right that colleges tolerate protests from "preferred groups" but not other groups? No. No, he's not. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:20:58

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Generative AI and the Future of Work and Faith

4/17/2024
Have you heard of ChatGPT, or have you been living under a rock? In this episode, Eric reflects on the analysis of Daniel Susskind, author of "A World without Work," and how AI might change the way we work both outside and inside the church. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:29:16

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Late Have I Loved You - An Interview with CCM Legend John Michael Talbot

4/3/2024
John Michael Talbot is a multi-platinum selling, Grammy / Dove award winning Contemporary Catholic Christian Music pioneer. He joins Eric to talk about his 59th album and 38th book, both titled "Late Have I Loved You." John shares some of his remarkable spiritual journey, including multiple mystical experiences. Learn more about John Michael Talbot's books, albums, and ministries at: https://www.johnmichaeltalbot.com/https://littleportionbakery.org/ https://www.inner-room-school.org/https://troubadourforthelord.net/store/ols/categories/bookshttps://www.amazon.com/Late-Have-I-Loved-You/dp/B0CQPP1SSPhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/late-have-i-loved-you-john-michael-talbot/1144660193 Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:41:16

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

But God Can - An Interview with Becky Kiser

3/27/2024
"But God Can: How to Stop Striving and Live Purposefully and Abundantly" will help you get unstuck and pursue the spiritual purpose and abundance that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus. Eric chats with its author, Becky Kiser, an author, podcaster, and ministry leader who is passionate about inspiring women in their faith and daily lives. You don't have to be enough, Becky says, because God is already more than enough. Find the book and Becky's other work at: https://www.beckykiser.com/ Follow Beck on Instagram @beckykiser https://www.instagram.com/beckykiser/ Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:56:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Reconstructing Faith: A Better Relationship to the Bible

3/20/2024
Many people have a difficult relationship to the Bible. This episode offers some practical advice for rebuilding that relationship. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:17:05

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Reconstructing Faith: Listening to Experience

3/6/2024
What has experience taught you about God? Jesus? The Holy Spirit? Experience is an important part of both deconstructing and reconstructing faith. Experience causes the former, but it can also help with the latter. In this episode, Eric explores how experience can help rebuild a stronger faith and reflects on the Apostles following their experience instead of their scriptures and traditions. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:17:46

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Reconstructing Faith: The People Who Inspire You

2/14/2024
In this episode, Eric talks about the Christians who inspire other people to become, or remain, followers of Jesus. Leave a review and share who inspires your faith, or post a link to this episode to social media and share your faith inspiration. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:12:57

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Have You Experienced the Supernatural?

1/31/2024
When reconstructing faith, experience of the supernatural - the part of reality beyond our senses and measurements - can open us up to the limits of human perception and knowledge and, thus, open us up to God. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:19:18

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Reconstructing Faith in 2024: What's Your Core Belief?

1/10/2024
Faith deconstruction is a necessary part of maturing one's faith. But how do you reconstruct faith? Based on personal experience and conversations with other Christians, Eric suggests beginning the journey by focusing on your "core belief" that helps you firmly believe in God no matter what. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:10:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Keeping Our Promises - A Conversation with Kim Jenne about LGBTQ Inclusion

12/6/2023
Kim Jenne returns! She gives us an insider's perspective on the United Methodist Church's ongoing debate about LGBTQ inclusion and shares some of her personal theology on the topic. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:01:16:40

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How Missouri Methodists Are Addressing Race - An Interview with Kim Jenne

11/29/2023
The Race and Culture project of Missouri's United Methodist conference is working toward racial reconciliation and inclusion. Kim Jenne shares some of that project's work and resources in this conversation on Saving Faith. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:01:03:16

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Choosing Gratitude this Thanksgiving

11/22/2023
Gratitude is a choice. Eric shares his struggles witih choosing gratitude and offers a prayer for Diana Butler Bass to help us choose to give thanks this Thanksgiving. Grateful by Diana Butler Bass The Cottage newsletter by Diana Butler Bass Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:08:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Grief, Mourning, and Emotional Resurrection - An Interview with Ron Greer, Author of The Quiet House

11/15/2023
"Suppression leads to depression. Expression leads to emotional resurrection." Ron Greer helps us mourn devastating loss in his book, "The Quiet House," and in this interview on Saving Faith. Greer speaks from 40 years of experience in pastoral counseling, as a father who lost a young son, and as a husband who recently lost his wife. Get "The Quiet House" at his church's bookshop, at his website, on Amazon, or Barnes and Noble. ************* Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:01:10:29

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Nice Churchy Patriarchy - An Interview with Liz Jenkins

11/8/2023
"Nice Churchy Patriarchy" is still patriarchy, is still harmful to women and men, and is the title of Liz Jenkins' book. In this interview, Jenkins shares some of her experiences of church patriarchcy and discusses why and how Christians should change patriarchial structures. PRE-ORDER "Nice Churchy Patriarchy" at Bookshop, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble Connect with Liz Jenkins at her website or on Instagram ************ Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:40:28

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Israel-Hamas, Christianity, and Just War Theory

11/1/2023
When is war moral or immoral? Christianity's "Just War" tradition offers insights into that difficult question. Eric references the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Just War Theory throughout this episode. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:28:08

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Israel, Hamas, Violence, and the Problem of Evil

10/25/2023
How can Christians, who follow a preacher of non-violence, respond to the self-defensive war of Israel against Hamas? How can they make sense of the Israel-Hamas War and the problem of evil? Eric Sentell tries his best. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "⁠The Backyard Church⁠," and a moderator for the ⁠blog's online community⁠. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at⁠ www.umctrinity.org⁠ Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:31:36

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Introducing Saving Faith

10/18/2023
Saving Faith creates space for Christians: Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Church," and a moderator for the blog's online community. Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org Podcast Author: Eric Sentell and Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:09:19

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Changes Coming to the Podcast

10/13/2023
Eric talks about making some changes to revamp Metamorphosis and build its audience. Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:00:03:11

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Disobedient Women - An Interview with Sarah Stankorb

9/27/2023
In the National Bestseller, "Disobedient Women" journalist Sarah Stankorb tells the stories of the women who uncovered abuse in Evangelical communities through their bloggin, social media, and online communities. Sarah shares with Metamorphosis some of these stories and her analysis of the theology and structure that lead to abuse. Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:01:13:03

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Shannon Kearns' Transgender Journey through Life and Scripture

9/20/2023
Shannon Kearns is the author of In the Margins: A Transgender Man's Journey through Scripture. He shares some of his faith and trans journeys and explains how a trans (or queer) lens can illuminate scripture for everyone. Check out Shannon's book at www.shannontlkearns.com as well as Shannon's podcast and other work at QueerTheology.com. Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO

Duration:01:04:22