Why I Stay
Why I Stay
Patheos, John Osburn
There are lots of podcasts and articles about why so many people are leaving religion, but a more interesting question to ask is why people stay, especially those who have been judged, shamed, demonized, or abused by their religious communities. In Why I Stay, we tell stories of faithfulness in the face of judgement, hurt, and betrayal.
Greg Johnson on Being Gay and On Trial
Pastor Greg Johnson talks with us about what it's been like to be the only senior pastor in his entire denomination who is publicly celibate and same-sex attracted.
Mar 28, 2022
34 min
Brian Zahnd on Discovering a Rich, Substantive Faith
Brian Zahnd came straight out of the Jesus Movement and was comfortable in his brand of Christianity. Until he wasn’t. Brian went through a public transformation of faith in his 40s. In that process, he was accused of heresy and lost many members of his church, but he continues to press on.
Mar 21, 2022
34 min
Greg Coles on Being Single, Gay, & Christian
Dr. Gregory Coles describes himself as a single, gay Christian. He has been working to help others find acceptance and community in the Church precisely because it has been so difficult for him. His story is full of setbacks and hope and will surely bring a smile to your face.
Mar 14, 2022
31 min
Andy Mineo on Race, Rap, and Paid Religion
Andy Mineo is known for being one of the top rappers for Reach Records. Being a white man inside of Black culture means he has made some mistakes and learned some lessons from which we could all benefit. Andy talks about how he got into the rap game and the pitfalls of being a professional Christian.
Mar 7, 2022
30 min
Dan Stringer on Struggling with Evangelicalism
Rev. Dan Stringer talks about his struggles with Evangelicalism, why he hasn't left, and what he hopes will change. Dan grew up all over the world, from Africa To North America to Asia. With his experiences and perspective you're sure to be challenged and encouraged wherever you are in your faith.
Feb 28, 2022
34 min
Jennifer Knapp on Kindness, Empathy, and Humility
Jennifer Knapp talks about her upbringing, what Wikipedia gets wrong about her, and her time with Lilith Fair. Plus, the central role her faith plays in her life, even after so many Christians were so cruel to her.
Feb 21, 2022
35 min
Taylor Schumann on Tragedy and Compassion
Taylor Schumann is the author of "When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough." She unexpectedly became an activist when she began to share her experience of being shot by a stranger while at work in 2013. Her faith has been challenged, but it remains intact and more relevant than ever.
Feb 14, 2022
29 min
Bridget Eileen Rivera on Sexuality, Celibacy, & Community
Bridget Eileen Rivera is an author, speaker, and educator. And a Christian lesbian. Her journey towards activism has been long and full of judgement, but she continues to press on in faithfulness.
Feb 7, 2022
32 min
Lecrae on Race, Religion, & Restoration
Chart topping hip hop artist Lecrae talks about his journey from finding Jesus, through wrestling with faith and His followers, to coming to peace.
Feb 7, 2022
31 min
Trailer
Why I Stay shares stories of faithfulness in the face of judgement, hate, and betrayal.
Jan 6, 2022
2 min