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DAN FOSTER

The Backyard Church Newsletter - August 2023

Published 9 months ago • 3 min read

Hey Reader

Thank you for being a part of the Backyard Church community and for subscribing to my newsletter!

This month, Hillsong Church has been on my mind, and I couldn't help but write about the massive inner dilemma I faced when deciding whether to listen to Hillsong's newest album. It stirred a whole bunch of mixed emotions, given the recent revelations about the church's struggles and controversies.

While we are on the topic of Hillsong, this month, I watched another devastating documentary about the embattled church. It left me feeling empty and sad at the corruption that seems to have infiltrated a place that once held profound meaning for me in my earlier years. In this edition, I share my heartfelt letter to its embattled former Pastor, Brian Houston.

Now, to lighten the mood, I recount a rather awkward moment at a Christian prayer breakfast involving a US Congresswoman who made an unusual announcement about her private sex life. Explore why conservatives are clutching at their pearls and gathering their stones for a public execution.

Next, ever wondered about the impact of minor errors in Biblical translations? I delve into the world of the worst typos in the history of Biblical translation and reveal how a seemingly insignificant mistake led to an astonishing Bible recall. Lastly, discover what prompted me to give $10000 to the church in a single offering. Do I regret it? Read the article and find out!

Whoever you are, wherever you are, I hope you are entertained, challenged, and inspired by this month's articles.


Is it Time to Stop Listening to Hillsong Music? The Dilemma of Embracing Hillsong's Latest Album

Politician Admits to Skipping Pre-Marital Sex to Attend Prayer Breakfast. Whoops!

How Two Printers Caused a Product Recall on the King James Bible: The Unfortunate Tale of History’s Most Unholy Typos

An Open Letter to Pastor Brian Houston: My Message to the Former Hillsong Leader as He Faces Imprisonment

Why I Gave $10K to the Church: How the Church Exploited My Desire to Please God

Did Jesus Believe in Hell?

Like Hell He Did.

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My new book is now available. Leaving Church, Finding God is a raw and powerful testimony of my journey from disillusionment, doubt, and disappointment with the church to a vibrant and transformative relationship with God.


The Backyard Church is not just a blog or a newsletter. It’s a vibrant 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 Backyard Church Online brings you life, faith, and hope.


Leave Your Black Dog Behind

“Hello there, my Friend!
I’ve been thinking of you
And I’d like to catch up
’Cause I know you’ve been blue
There’s just one thing that I ask
Just this one small request
No offense to you, Friend
But I do think it best
That you leave your black dog
On a leash in your yard
And not bring him this time
’Cause he makes things quite hard
When he slobbers and whines
And leaves paw prints of mud
On the fresh, clean upholstery
Of my dead easy life
Causing all kinds of strife
With his growling and fighting
And barking and biting
You’re better — much better
Without that black mutt
So please tie him up and
Make sure the gate’s shut
Then we’ll go for a drink
And pretend life is fine
And we’ll have a good laugh
But don’t bring the canine.”

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, buy a book, forward this to someone you think might be interested!

Until next time,

God bless!

I am passionate about helping other bloggers, click here to find out about one-on-one coaching.

Also, if you'd like to know more about how you can contribute to the Backyard Church Blog on Medium, please get in touch.

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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