Episodes
Monday Feb 18, 2019
The Theology of Heaven's Gate
Monday Feb 18, 2019
Monday Feb 18, 2019
In March of 1997, Heaven’s Gate committed ritual suicide to the astonishment and horror of the world. Over 20 years later, we are still piecing together the mystery of this fringe UFO religion: who were they, what did they believe, and why did they end so horribly? Joining me for today’s Sacred Tension podcast is Benjamin Zeller, widely considered the leading authority on Heaven’s Gate.
Zeller walks us through why he calls Heaven’s Gate a religion and not a cult, the theology of Heaven’s Gate and how it is, at its most basic level, Christian, whether we will ever have society without religion, and much more. I found this an incredibly thought provoking conversation, and I hope you do too.
Benjamin Zeller is a researcher and teacher of religion in America. He focuses on religious currents that are new or alternative, including new religions, the religious engagement with science, and the quasi-religious relationship people have with food. Dr. Zeller holds a doctorate from the University of North Carolina, an M.T.S. from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester.
Other Rock Candy Podcasts: Eleventylife
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Tuesday Feb 12, 2019
A Theist and a Nontheist Have a Conversation
Tuesday Feb 12, 2019
Tuesday Feb 12, 2019
Our culture is rife with unproductive conversations about God and religion. Donald and I attempt to rectify this by sitting down and talking about our belief and unbelief in God.
Friday Feb 01, 2019
On Not Believing in God but Experiencing Him Anyway
Friday Feb 01, 2019
Friday Feb 01, 2019
https://stephenbradfordlong.com/2019/01/24/on-not-believing-in-god-but-experiencing-him-anyway/#more-5805
Monday May 21, 2018
Exploring Satanism, Pt. 1: Satan the Outsider
Monday May 21, 2018
Monday May 21, 2018
In this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to Greg Stevens, a leader and spokesman of the Satanic Temple. In part one of this interview we discuss nontheistic religion, worship, atheism, the 7th tenent of the Satanic Temple, and much more.
You can find Greg at Gregstevens.com. You can find the Satanic Temple at thesatanictemple.com.
Monday Apr 30, 2018
Gender Apocalypse: The Danvers Statement, Pt. 2
Monday Apr 30, 2018
Monday Apr 30, 2018
Donald, Danielle and I continue our breakdown of the Danvers Statement. In the process we discuss women in leadership, privilege, the American Evangelical persecution complex, and much more.
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Monday Apr 09, 2018
Satanic Ritual Abuse, feat. Grey Faction
Monday Apr 09, 2018
Monday Apr 09, 2018
Content warning: this episode features some discussions of physical, medical, psychological and sexual abuse that some listeners may find difficult.
Grey Faction is a campaign of the Satanic Temple dedicated to overcoming the causes and consequences of the Satanic Panic which swept through the United States in the 80’s and 90’s. While the Satanic Panic is no longer mainstream, it lives on in the mental health field and corners of the Evangelical movement.
In this episode of Sacred Tension, I talk to two badass Satanic ladies from Grey Faction about the work they do to expose the quack science in the mental health field that continues to perpetuate abuse and Satanic Panic delusion. They explain how this is a human rights and feminist issue.
If you want to learn more about Grey Faction, go to www.greyfaction.org
Monday Mar 12, 2018
Living With Doubt, Pt. 2: The Nontheistic Option
Monday Mar 12, 2018
Monday Mar 12, 2018
In part two of our series on doubt, Matt Langston and I continue our discussion of Science Mike's Axioms. In the process, we talk about hell, salvation from a scientific perspective, how we relate to the Bible, and how nontheism might be the way of the future.
Find Matt's new album here.
Monday Feb 26, 2018
Telling Better Stories
Monday Feb 26, 2018
Monday Feb 26, 2018
After growing up in Northern Ireland, storyteller Gareth Higgins understands better than most how stories shape society, conflict, and change. In this episode of Sacred Tension, Gareth shares his wisdom with my listeners about how to tell better stories in a world that seems overrun with fundamentalism, violence, and totalitarianism.
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Monday Feb 05, 2018
Complementarianism, Pt. 1: Genital Kicking Contest
Monday Feb 05, 2018
Monday Feb 05, 2018
In this episode of Sacred Tension, Danielle, Donald, and I discuss the mission and vision statements of the Council For Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. We rant about Biblical interpretation, the social consequences of complementarianism, and more.
Monday Jan 08, 2018
Reading Tarot
Monday Jan 08, 2018
Monday Jan 08, 2018
In this episode of Sacred Tension, I introduce Tarot-virgin Justin to the beautiful art of reading Tarot. While reading his cards, I share my (extremely basic) knowledge of the Tarot, and my theories about why it works. Is Tarot primarily about psychology, or is it about seeing the future? Listen to find out.