Ken welcomes back author and psychologist, Dr. Brian Rush McDonald to continue their conversation around his book A Long Surrender... his memoir detailing his spiritual and academic journey in which he sheds a toxic version of fundamentalist religion and devotes his life and career to helping others through psychotherapy. They unpack the malady of religious trauma, relating their personal stories. They discover in their quest, that both of them stumbled across an internet social site that pulls together clergy atheists. You read it right: working ministers who have given up on a belief in God. They share their reaction and their experience on the site. Their view of religion impacts their view of the Bible, too. Ken and Brian talk about literalism, inerrancy and the way in which their understanding and appreciation for the Bible has evolved. These two new friends from opposite ends of the nation have found much in common. If you are struggling with your faith, your church, your religious tribe - listen in. SHOW NOTES
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Dr. McDonald's Official Site - https://www.brianrushmcdonald.com/
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The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com
Ken welcomes Dr. Brian Rush McDonald, former pastor, missionary, musician, author, and now a psychotherapist. Dr. McDonald found Ken's podcast, and the two connected. After Ken read Brian's book, A LONG SURRENDER - A Memoir About Losing My Religion, the two connected. From Alexandria, VA, Brian tells his story of awakenings - from high school "Jesus Freak" to Bob Jones University, on to Taiwan as a GARB missionary, back to Jerry Falwell's Liberty University for graduate work, and after six years pastoring a church (preaching in Mandarin and English), a Ph.D. at The College of William and Mary. It's a journey of evolving faith. They talk about M. Scott Peck's stages of faith development. For Dr. McDonald, it's a journey from religion to freedom. SHOW NOTES
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Become a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you!
The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com
Brian Rush McDonald became a Jesus freak in 1970s Alabama and then immersed himself in the dogma of Christian fundamentalism at Bob Jones University. Despite anxiety about unsaved souls facing eternal damnation, he became a minister, married his high school sweetheart, and became a father to three children.
He took his family to Taiwan where he became a missionary, experienced a different culture, learned Mandarin and broadened his life outlook. They returned to America and McDonald became a pastor for Chinese American churches while he pursued a Ph.D. from The College of William & Mary.
After 30 years of preaching, McDonald walked away from the pulpit to pursue a different path. The Long Surrender is a riveting memoir about losing religion to find freedom.
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