Caleb S. Davis interviews Jeremy Steele, the skeptic pastor, about his new book, Rituals for Heretics. They explore how ancient practices can enrich spiritual and psychological well-being, the role of rituals outside traditional religion, and practical ways to connect with the divine._______________________

RITUALS FOR HERETICS (Book): https://a.co/d/0fLqZJnZORDER A SIGNED COPY: https://jeremy-steele.com/store/p/all-the-best-questions-signed-and-personalized-hr8jh-99b8c-47lem________________________Hi there! New to Simply Love Jesus? We want to share a lifestyle where everything starts and revolves around loving Jesus.JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.gg/9je3VBQUTh_________Want to FOLLOW Jeremy?Jeremy Steele's Podcast 'Unbelief' - https://open.spotify.com/show/XYZ123

"Not Church" Community - https://patreon.com/skepticpastor

Twitter - https://twitter.com/skepticpastor

Facebook - https://facebook.com/skepticpastor

Website - https://skepticpastor.com_________Summary:1. Ancient rituals meet deep psychological needs and can be adapted for modern spirituality.2. Engaging in rituals with intention can deepen your connection with the divine.3. People can benefit from rituals outside traditional religious settings, especially those with religious trauma.___________CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:06 Exploring Rituals for Heretics02:11 What's fun for you?05:50 The Journey of Writing the Book09:16 Wrestling with Faith and Rituals12:46 Psychological Insights into Rituals14:40 Connecting Spiritual Practices Across Traditions17:38 Balancing the Vagus Nerve and Spiritual Practices18:42 Rituals Beyond Religion20:53 The Power of Ofrenda and Memory24:43 Meditation Practices and Personal Growth28:18 Exploring Spiritual Practices in Community31:09 Identifying Personal Spiritual Connections36:36 Transcendence Through Relationships40:57 Spirituality Outside the Church46:32 Connecting with the Spiritual Community

What does it actually look like to be the Gospel in everyday life?

In the first episode of our new series, BE Good News, Caleb S. Davis is joined by Australian rapper and writer Ortinel G to explore how meaningful, faith-filled conversations can become a practical form of ministry—no stage, title, or church affiliation required.

Too often, the Gospel is reduced to something we believe, defend, or debate. But what if the Gospel is not just something we believe in… but something we become?

Together, Caleb and Ortinel unpack how to move beyond surface-level interactions and begin facilitating deeper conversations about faith, purpose, doubt, love, and transformation in everyday spaces—from coffee shops to comment sections.

Whether you feel disconnected from church, unsure how to talk about your beliefs, or simply want to love people more intentionally, this conversation offers practical insight on how to:

• Create safe spaces for honest spiritual dialogue
• Ask better questions that invite reflection instead of argument
• Navigate disagreement with humility and empathy
• Recognize everyday opportunities to minister through conversation

No matter where you live, who you know, or whether you’re part of a church community, you can be the Church.
You can be the Good News.
You can become the Gospel of Jesus in the lives of the people around you.

Because if information transfer were enough, the internet would’ve saved us already. Transformation tends to sneak in through relationships long before it shows up in belief statements.

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FOLLOW ORTINEL G

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3RIBC6pTTm0FAQNcZrPnmi?si=SiyDOwyVR1GkhvraqfHZ0Q

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ortinel_g

Substack: https://ortinelg.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web

In this episode we talk with Christy Lynne Wood, author of Religious Rebels: Finding Jesus in the Awkward Middle Way, about her journey from growing up in a rigid Christian cult to finding true freedom in faith.

Christy shares how she recognized the damage of religious legalism, how authentic encounters with Jesus reshaped her whole belief system, and why deconstructing toxic spiritual systems can lead to a more honest, grace-filled relationship with God.

Christy opens up about spiritual abuse, cult thinking, and the difference between religion and a living faith, offering insight and encouragement for anyone questioning traditional religious structures or feeling stuck in guilt, fear, or performance-driven faith.

Whether you’ve experienced church hurt, are wrestling with legalism, or are curious about what a life of grace really looks like, this conversation offers perspective and hope.

RELIGIOUS REBELS (Book): https://a.co/d/084Jensq

FOLLOW CHRISTY ON SUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@christylynnewood_____________________________JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.gg/9je3VBQUTh