If love is the measure of theology, what does that mean for LGBTQ+ people in the Church?

In this powerful episode of Slutty Grace, Jeromy Johnson sits down with renowned theologian Dr. Thomas Jay Oord to confront one of the most urgent questions facing Christianity today: Are LGBTQ+ people fully embraced by God—and should they be fully included in the Church?

Drawing from his groundbreaking work on uncontrolling love, Oord explains why God’s love is never coercive, never second-class, and never withdrawn. Together, they explore the so-called “clobber passages,” the phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin,” and the real-world consequences of non-affirming theology for queer Christians and their families

Oord shares his personal journey from conservative evangelicalism to full LGBTQ+ affirmation, including the denominational trials that ultimately led to his removal for advocating inclusion. This isn’t abstract theology—it’s about people, flourishing, trauma, and whether our understanding of Scripture produces love or harm.

They also dive into:

• Biblical interpretation and hermeneutics
• The “theology of yuck” and cultural bias
• Relational theology and why God cannot coerce
• Healing spiritual trauma
• Hope beyond fear-based faith

For those who have deconstructed over this issue, for parents wrestling with what they’ve been taught, and for LGBTQ+ listeners wondering if God truly welcomes them—this conversation is an invitation to rediscover a God whose love does not control, does not shame, and does not give up.

Because if God is love, then love must be the final word.

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Grace doesn’t hold back. She breaks the rules, softens hearts, and loves without apology. The open, universal, unapologetic love of God. Together we’re building a braver, more honest space. Thanks for your support and for listening.

1. Please share if you believe this show and its message of grace is important in our time—keep it spreading!
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Episode written, hosted, edited and produced by Jeromy Johnson.

What happens when a former youth pastor sits down—not to defend his past—but to listen?

In this episode of Slutty Grace, Jeromy Johnson reconnects with Autumn Lindsey, a former middle-school student from his youth ministry who has since deconstructed evangelical Christianity and now identifies as a None—someone no longer affiliated with organized religion. What unfolds is not an argument, a conversion attempt, or a tidy testimony, but an honest, compassionate conversation shaped by curiosity, accountability, and grace.

Together, they explore what it was like to grow up in evangelical youth group culture, how inherited beliefs around fear, certainty, and belonging quietly formed—and fractured—faith, and what it means to step away without shame. Jeromy names the uncomfortable question many leaders avoid: Did I fail? Autumn responds with clarity, nuance, and generosity, offering insight into what helped, what harmed, and what healing looks like now.

This episode centers faith deconstruction, not as rebellion or loss, but as a developmental and deeply human process. It examines power dynamics in youth ministry, the cost of certainty, and the quiet courage it takes to leave systems that no longer feel true. Most of all, it models what repair can look like when listening replaces defensiveness.

If you’ve ever questioned your upbringing in church, wondered whether leaving evangelicalism means losing yourself—or asked hard questions about the impact of faith leadership—this conversation offers space to breathe.

Support the show

_______________________________________________________

Grace doesn’t hold back. She breaks the rules, softens hearts, and loves without apology. The open, universal, unapologetic love of God. Together we’re building a braver, more honest space. Thanks for your support and for listening.

1. Got a story, question, guest suggestions, or topic idea? Email me.
2. Please share if you believe this show and its message of grace is important in our time—keep it spreading!
3. Be sure to follow on whichever podcast platform you use.

Slutty Grace Facebook Group

Episode written, hosted, edited and produced by Jeromy Johnson.

What happens when you take Jesus seriously—but can’t take American Christianity at face value anymore?

In this episode, Jeromy sits down with Stuart Delony—pastor-turned-satirist, writer, and host of Snarky Faith—for a conversation that’s as honest as it is disarming. Together, they explore faith deconstruction not as a phase to survive, but as an ongoing human process that invites humility, curiosity, and compassion.

Stuart brings sharp insight and humor to the table as they unpack why certainty can be more dangerous than doubt, how American Christianity often traded empathy for control, and why satire might be one of the most faithful responses left. This conversation holds space for grief, laughter, and the tension of loving Jesus while questioning the systems built in his name.

Recorded before recent events that continue to shape our political and religious landscape, this episode stands as a reminder that the deeper questions of faith—about power, truth, and grace—are always timely.

If you’ve ever felt too human for church,
If your questions were treated like threats,
If you suspect Jesus wouldn’t be welcome in many modern congregations—

This conversation is for you.

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Support the show

_______________________________________________________

Grace doesn’t hold back. She breaks the rules, softens hearts, and loves without apology. The open, universal, unapologetic love of God. Together we’re building a braver, more honest space. Thanks for your support and for listening.

1. Got a story, question, guest suggestions, or topic idea? Email me.
2. Please share if you believe this show and its message of grace is important in our time—keep it spreading!
3. Be sure to follow on whichever podcast platform you use.

Slutty Grace Facebook Group

Episode written, hosted, edited and produced by Jeromy Johnson.