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 - October 2022
Hey Reader
Thanks for being a subscriber to my newsletter.
This month's newsletter features a whole lot of Donald J. Trump. Not only is he one of the most polarizing figures in the history of humanity, he provides a steady stream of blog fodder for writers like me.
As I was trawling through Amazon last week, I found a book that claims that Trump is the Christ. No lie! So I had to write about that. When I viewed footage of the latest Trump rally that looked and sounded more like a worship service, I had to write about that, too! Whenever I see something or someone leveraging God for what appears to be vain ambition, I really have to speak up.
You'll also find an article about a vile Tweet where a Christian pastor claims that single woman will end up being sad and lonely old people. And, you'll hear about the school that baptized over 100 kids without bothering to tell their parents. Plus, I discuss whether worshiping alone at home a valid replacement for church.
And stay tuned folks! My new book is in the editing phase and will be available soon. More to come on that!
Whoever you are, wherever you are, I hope you are entertained and challenged by this month's top articles!
NEW BOOK CLAIMS THAT DONALD TRUMP IS THE CHRIST: From Helgard Müller, the author who bought you “The Five Gods of the Bible” (which scores an incredible one-star rating), comes a literary masterpiece bound to become a classic: "President Donald J. Trump, The Son of Man — The Christ." No, I’m not kidding.
SCHOOL BAPTIZES 100 STUDENTS WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT: How would you feel if you received a text message from your child from school that read: “Mama, can you bring me some dry clothes? I just got baptized today!” This was the scenario that unfolded for hundreds of parents in North Carolina when a school decided to conduct a spontaneous baptism service.
IS WORSHIPPING ALONE A VALID REPLACEMENT FOR CHURCH? A new survey has revealed that more than half of evangelical Christians now believe that worshipping alone is a valid replacement for church. But was Christianity meant to be done alone? And is it okay to “do church” by yourself at home?
TRUMP SUPPORTERS WORSHIP TO QANON THEME SONG: If you've seen any footage from Donald Trumps most recent rally in Ohio, you would surely have drawn similarities to a charismatic worship service: Raised hands, emotive music and a preacher whipping the crowd into a frenzy. It sure looked like church!
THE TOP 13 "REASONS" PEOPLE LEAVE CHRISTIANITY: When I found an article entitled “Top 13 Reasons People Leave Christianity," I thought I'd found a useful resource. But instead, the article in question was nothing more than a parting swipe at those who have left the church. This is my critique of that article.
THIS WEEK'S MOST HATED TWEET: Imagine posting something on Twitter so appalling that you received 7000 comments from people who think you’re wrong. Yes, one Pastor managed to whip up a storm by publishing a Tweet that singlehandedly misrepresented God, made sweeping generalizations about elderly people, attacked single women, and set a new high bar for misogyny.
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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.
Loaves and Fishes
This is not
the age of information.
This is not
the age of information.
Forget the news,
and the radio,
and the blurred screen.
This is the time of loaves
and fishes.
People are hungry
and one good word is bread
for a thousand.
by David Whyte
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, join Backyard Church Online, or make a donation.
Until next time,
God bless!
I am passionate about helping other bloggers, click here to find out about one-on-one coaching.
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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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