I write about the complex intersection between life, faith, culture, religion, politics, and spirituality. Here for community and conversation. ABOUT ME: Once upon a time, Dan Foster was a prolific poet and writer. Then he grew up, got a job, had a family, and got busy spending many years as an educator, pastor, school teacher, and youth worker, writing took a back seat while he set about striving to attain a utopian existence that belies the reality of life. Fortunately, Life knew this and thrust him into the classroom of misfortune and pain, where he experienced burnout and mental health challenges. Here, he learned a whole lot of valuable lessons. Life then compelled him to pick up his pen again and give voice to the reality of broken dreams, sadness, grief, loss, and depression so that others might find comfort, hope, and solidarity in the shared human experience of suffering. Dan writes especially for Church alumni and religious refugees, and those who have experienced the reality of spiritual abuse, disappointment with the church, and doubts about their faith. Dan has Bachelor's Degrees in both Education and Theology and a Diploma in Business. He is the CEO of the Centre for Men & Families, Australia, a charity that supports men and their families through times of crisis and change. Dan is also the facilitator of The Backyard Church Online, a community for people who have faith but struggle to be a part of traditional churches, and he is the author of "Leaving Church, Finding God: Discovering Faith Beyond Organized Religion" and "Limbo Land: Poems from the In-Between."
The Backyard Church Newsletter - April 2023
Hey Reader
Thanks for being a subscriber to my newsletter! First up, I have some exciting news. My new book is almost here! I expect it to be available on Amazon within the next few weeks. It's called "Leaving Church, Finding God," and it is about how it is possible to have a robust and meaningful faith beyond the constraints of performance-based, institutionalized religion. Stay tuned for more!
The highlight of my month was meeting a man from Melbourne, Australia who has created a charity that rescues Africans from persecution. These Africans are not facing war, famine or disease. They are members of the LGBTQ+ community who live in African nations that have outlawed homosexuality. They face imprisonment and even death just for being who they are. You can read about this below. I think it's one of the most important articles I've ever written.
Along with that, you'll find a selection of my most recent posts. Whoever you are, wherever you are, I hope you are entertained and challenged by this month's top articles! Thanks for reading and following my work!
Dan
HOW CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES DESTROYED AFRICAN DIVERSITY: Once upon a time, well-meaning evangelical Christian missionaries went to Africa to “save” the people. However, they also imported a sex ethic that was different to the African way. Now the LGBTQ+ community is paying the price. A must read!
FROM ARREST TO CRUCIFIXION: LAWYERS CLAIMS TRUMP AND JESUS ARE THE SAME: Just when you thought he might go quietly into the night, Donald Trump has been indicted. On New York lawyer believes the links between Trump's arrest and Christ's arrest is no coincidence. Is this the second coming?
HOW TO FIND HOPE AND REDEMPTION AFTER YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE: We have all done things that we regret. This is the story of how Jesus Christ handles the biggest failure of one of his most trusted disciples. It is a story of hope for us all, that shows that Christ treats us far more graciously than we might expect.
CHURCH WORKER THREATENED WITH TERMINATION FOR REFUSING TO TITHE: Would you work in a job where you were expected to give back 10% of your wages? That's what one Washington megachurch demands of its employees. Now, one brave whistle blower is suing the church for malpractice.
HONEST YOUTH PASTOR TWEETS HORRIBLE ADVICE FOR YOUNG CHRISTIAN WOMEN: A recent tweet to young Christian women has raised a few eyebrows. In it, a guy called "The Honest Youth Pastor" lays out a 6-step plan on how women should live their lives: pursue Christ, find a man, get married, have kids, and, of course, die.
DAD JOKES 101: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON MAKING YOUR KIDS ROLLS THEIR EYES: Just for fun! Not every Dad comes with a built-in ability to make terrible jokes in front of their children. Fear not! I have created the ultimate guide for struggling Dads to help them become the hilarious unfunny parent that the world needs them to be.
For full access to all my articles (and lots of other thought-provoking content), sign up to Medium today
The Backyard Church is not just a blog or a newsletter. It’s a vibrant, real online community for people who have faith but can’t, don’t, or won’t go to church. Join today.
Maybe you've lost faith in the system. Maybe you've been hurt by the church or other Christians. Maybe you find the church is not an emotionally safe place to ask your questions or share your doubts. Maybe you've even arrived at a place where you want to grow in your faith, but the church is taking you around in circles. Here's what you'll find at Backyard Church Online
- A safe place for your faith to fall apart without being judged for it.
- People who will walk with you while to try to piece it all back together as well
- A safe place to ask your big questions, share your doubts, talk about your pain, and unpack your religious trauma
- Access to thought-provoking and challenging content that will help you move forward
- Connection with like-minded people from all over the world who are on a similar journey
- Online forums and discussions about matters of faith
Whoever you are, you belong. I pray that Backyard Church Online brings you life, faith, and hope.
I had a dream so lofty,
So grandiose and high
That I might change the world someday
That I might reach the sky
That I might be the difference
That I might make a stand
Through fire and war and oceans
And then reach the Promised Land
That I might put my hand up,
I might answer to the call
That I might fight the good fight
With my back against the wall
That I might not surrender
To the mediocrity
I had a dream so lofty
Then I faced reality.
I had a dream so lofty
So grandiose and high
But suddenly it changed one day
And my dream began to die
And now in shattered pieces
It’s lying on the floor
I stare at all that’s left of it
And wonder if once more
It’s possible to find that
Broken dreams can rise again
That something can bring back to life
The dreams of shattered men?
I have a dream so simple
So humble and so small
That I might dream again someday
That I might dream at all.
by Dan Foster
If you've got an idea for an article that you think I should write, then get in touch with me! Yes, I'm happy to have a go at answering any of your questions because hey... faith deconstruction can be a lonely road. Let's walk it together! Email thebackyardchurch@gmail.com
Stay tuned for more thought-provoking articles coming your way next month. This newsletter was free, but not cheap. Show your support by joining Backyard Church Online, make a donation, or forward this to someone you think might be interested!
Until next time,
God bless!
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DAN FOSTER
Writer / Poet / Blogger
I write about the complex intersection between life, faith, culture, religion, politics, and spirituality. Here for community and conversation. ABOUT ME: Once upon a time, Dan Foster was a prolific poet and writer. Then he grew up, got a job, had a family, and got busy spending many years as an educator, pastor, school teacher, and youth worker, writing took a back seat while he set about striving to attain a utopian existence that belies the reality of life. Fortunately, Life knew this and thrust him into the classroom of misfortune and pain, where he experienced burnout and mental health challenges. Here, he learned a whole lot of valuable lessons. Life then compelled him to pick up his pen again and give voice to the reality of broken dreams, sadness, grief, loss, and depression so that others might find comfort, hope, and solidarity in the shared human experience of suffering. Dan writes especially for Church alumni and religious refugees, and those who have experienced the reality of spiritual abuse, disappointment with the church, and doubts about their faith. Dan has Bachelor's Degrees in both Education and Theology and a Diploma in Business. He is the CEO of the Centre for Men & Families, Australia, a charity that supports men and their families through times of crisis and change. Dan is also the facilitator of The Backyard Church Online, a community for people who have faith but struggle to be a part of traditional churches, and he is the author of "Leaving Church, Finding God: Discovering Faith Beyond Organized Religion" and "Limbo Land: Poems from the In-Between."
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