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 - February 2022
Hey Reader
Thanks for being a subscriber to my newsletter. There is not a day that goes by that I'm not grateful to be able to write for people and hopefully add value to lives by encouraging them, inspiring them, or simply making them laugh.
I've spent the last month trying to avoid catching COVID as the fifth wave sweeps my country. So far, so good. It's given me plenty of time to hide away a write for you. This month's top articles are below for your viewing pleasure. You'll also find heaps more at my Medium blog. Happy reading!
Thanks again!
THE A-Z OF GETTING OLD: I had this horrible realization recently that I am now older than more than half the people in my country. But there are other signs that I'm getting old as well... So, I had some fun here writing out the 26 tell-tale signs of aging. How many can you relate to?
THE WORST OF CHRISTIANITY IN A MEME: When someone is struggling with their faith I reckon that the worst thing you could do is make fun of them. If someone was asking tough questions about Christianity, I reckon mocking them would be a bad response. That didn't stop one pastor from posting this horrible meme.
PARENTS TRUST GOD, THEN KILL DAUGHTER: Two parents in a town nearby have just been charged with murder? Their crime? They withheld vital medical care from their daughter, trusting instead that God would heal her. A shocking true story!
CHRISTIAN RAPPER USES APPLE JUICE FOR COMMUNION, THEN GETS CRUCIFIED: When he was out of bread and wine, this famous Christian rapper used apple juice for communion instead, but when he posted about it on Twitter, he sure wasn't ready for the backlash by some angry Christians.
THE CHRISTIANS GUIDE ON HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS AND INFURIATE PEOPLE: Now that I'm not a typical "Church-attending" Christian, I have noticed that a few people have tried to evangelize me. It's annoying! So, I wrote this satirical guide on how Christians can leverage their faith to lose friends.
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TUMBLEWEEDS
The bandwagon of a successful man
Is filled to the brim with many a fan
Hitching a ride on the back of your luck
Applauding and lauding, thunderstruck
They all want to be seen with you
Say that they’ve been with you
Want to be known by you too
They all want you to care for them,
Love and be there for them
And perform for them on cue.
They’ll come for the ride while the riding is good
While everything seems to be as it should
But watch them leap off when the road becomes rough
Running and shunning and sure enough
When your world starts to crumble and
All starts to tumble and
Questions are asked of your deeds
On your own will you find yourself
And there behind yourself
Nothing but tumbleweeds
Dust and tumbleweeds
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 forwarding this to someone you think might be interested, buy a book, or make a donation.
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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