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 - March 2022
Hey Reader
Thanks for subscribing to my monthly newsletter. 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!
JESUS HEALS A MAN'S BOYFRIEND: Without doubt one of the most controversial articles I've written to date. I take a look at a well-known Bible story where there is more than meets the eye. Did Jesus heal a gay man's lover? It's not as impossible as it sounds.
CHRISTIAN ROCKSTAR DECLARES WAR ON PEOPLE WHO DOUBT: Have you ever had doubts about any aspect of the Christian faith? Well, look out! Because John Cooper, the lead singer of Christian rock band, Skillet gave his audience some thoughts on faith deconstruction. To put it simply. he's not a fan.
IF JESUS DIDN'T DIE FOR OUR SINS, THEN WHAT DID HE DIE FOR? Ask any evangelical Christian anywhere why Jesus died on the cross, and they will invariably tell you, “Jesus died to pay the price for our sins." So, it might surprise you to learn that for much of Christian history, Christians didn’t hold this view.
WHY YOU SHOULD PRAY EVEN IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD: I don’t pretend to know how prayer works or if it works. But there is a body of research that tells us that prayer has many emotional, physical, and spiritual benefits. What’s more remarkable is that you can experience those benefits if you don’t believe in God.
JESUS, GUNS AND BABIES: Kandiss Taylor is a Republican politician running to be the next governor of Georgia. Taylor’s slogan? “JESUS GUNS BABIES.” Yes, you read that correctly. Taylor is running a political campaign based on the seamless marriage of Jesus, guns, and babies.” Just wow.
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TABLE FOR ONE
One napkin
One setting
One steak overdone
I’m sitting alone
At a table for one
No bread
And no wine
No fellowship here
Would someone dine with me?
Would someone come near?
No chatter
No matter
Nobody in sight
Time slipping away
And the dusk turns to night
One candle
It flickers
It melts and it dies
The flame is snuffed out
And the darkness replies.
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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