James Powell
James Powell
Deconstruction
Deconstruction
Deconstruction
Wednesday 4th November 2020
James Powell and Chad Rollo share their journeys of reconciling faith and sexuality, highlighting the importance of community support and self-care.
55 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
About this podcast
Author:
James Powell
Overview:
Categories:
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Religion & Spirituality
Healing Relationships
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Recovery from Trauma
Links:
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Episodes:
51 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Faith, Sexuality, and the Journey to Self-Acceptance
I think that we were born with free will, so we all have any kind of choice in mind that we want. I had to have trust and faith that this was going to be okay. And what I'm knowing now is that that uncomfortable feeling is growth a lot of the time, and you should run towards that, not run away from it.
Imagine growing up in a community where your faith and sexuality seem like opposing forces. That's the reality James Powell and Chad Rollo faced, and they sit down to share their powerful stories in this episode of 'This Little Light of Mine'. Both raised in evangelical environments, James and Chad know firsthand the turmoil of questioning deeply ingrained beliefs while grappling with their identities as gay Christians.
They discuss the importance of deconstructing faith—breaking down old beliefs to rebuild a more authentic spirituality that embraces who they truly are. Throughout their conversation, they highlight the crucial role of finding a supportive community, or 'fellow travellers', who understand the pain and complexity of this journey. James recalls his upbringing in a Calvinist Baptist family and the fear-driven conversion that marked his early faith experiences. Chad shares his feelings of isolation until he discovered others facing similar struggles.
Their stories are filled with moments of doubt, fear, and even anger towards a church that promised unconditional love but often delivered judgment and exclusion. Yet, amid the struggle, both found hope and acceptance by leaning into the discomfort and trusting the process of healing. They emphasize self-care as an essential part of this journey—taking time to breathe, reflect, and nurture oneself. This episode isn't just about deconstructing faith; it's about reconstructing a life where faith and sexuality coexist peacefully.
It's a testament to the freedom that comes from making personal choices and finding one's path to acceptance. Whether you're dealing with similar issues or supporting someone who is, James and Chad's conversation offers valuable insights and a message of hope. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that underscores the power of community, self-care, and the courage to embrace who you are.