
Apostates Anonymous
By Matthew J. Distefano and Keith Giles

Apostates AnonymousMay 16, 2023

Gray Includes Black and White
Most of life is in the gray. That's true. But what happens if you don't include black and white? Find out our thoughts in today's episode.
If you want to check out AWAKEN, Nashville, follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/awaken-2023-tickets-554178963197.
To tune in to all the QuoirCast podcasts, check out www.quoir.com.

Our Expanded Canon
In light of Heretic Happy Hour's series on the Bible, Keith and Matt offer their version of an "expanded canon." Plus, check out Matt's new book, The Bonfire Sessions: The Long Road to Redemption, with Michael Machuga. Keith wrote a foreword, or something.
To attend AWAKEN, Nashville, follow the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/awaken-2023-tickets-554178963197
Check out all the QuoirCast Podcasts at Quoir.com

Is Teaching Hell Propaganda?
Is the teaching of hell as eternal conscious torment a form of propaganda? Are those who teach it, whether they are lying or not, propagandists? Tune in to hear our thoughts.
Today's episode is brought to you by What Can't Be Hidden by Brandon Andress.
Check out all the QuoirCast Podcasts at Quoir.com

How Pastors & Pundits Brainwash the Masses
How do so many people fall prey to grifters? In this week's episode, Keith and Matt tackle this daunting, yet sadly pressing question.
Today's episode is brought to you by The Story of Christianity Told as Good News for All by Ric Machuga.
Check out every QuoirCast podcast by heading over to the new and improved Quoir.com website.

The Wisdom of Hobbits
This week, the guys talk about Matt's new best-selling book, The Wisdom of Hobbits: Unearthing Our Humanity at 3 Bagshot Row. In it, he makes the argument that living like a Hobbit will bring more peace, joy, and bliss to your lives.
This episode is brought to you by ... The Wisdom of Hobbits, by Matthew J. Distefano.
Check out all our QuoirCast Podcasts below:
This is Not Church
Messy Spirituality
IdeasDigest
Apostates Anonymous
The New Evangelicals

What Exactly is a Revival?
We have all by now heard of the Asbury Revival. But what, exactly, is a revival? And shouldn't we probably redefine the word?
Today's show is sponsored by What Can't Be Hidden by Brandon Andress.
To purchase the Quoir Classics, check out these links:
The Kingdom of God is Within You: https://amzn.to/3IkJY0a
A Spring Harvest: https://amzn.to/3YPB28l
Alice in Wonderland: https://amzn.to/3Z1H06C
Check out all the QuoirCast Podcasts:
This is Not Church
Messy Spirituality
IdeasDigest
Apostates Anonymous
The New Evangelicals

Keith Giles vs. "Doctor" James White: Debate Recap
In this episode, Matt and Keith discuss the recent debate, which can be viewed in its entirety here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UTdChPBSBU
Also, the guys here from their friend Desimber Rose, who brings nothing but the fire!
Check out all the QuoirCast Podcasts:
This is Not Church
Messy Spirituality
IdeasDigest
Apostates Anonymous
The New Evangelicals

Responding to Mark Driscoll's Twitter
This week, Matt and Keith respond to...wait for it...Mark Driscoll's Twitter. Though both have been blocked by "pastor" Mark, that doesn't stop them from seeing the latest from the world of Toxic Masculinity (TM).
Today's sponsor is Safer than the Known Way: A Post-Christian Journey, by Maria Francesca French.
If you want to send "pastor" Mark a copy of Don't Be A D*ck, his church address is:
Trinity Church
8620 E McDonald Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Or, to send a Kindle copy of the book, their email address is: info@thetrinitychurch.com
Check out all the QuoirCast Podcasts:
This is Not Church
Messy Spirituality
IdeasDigest
Apostates Anonymous
The New Evangelicals

Beware the Alpha Males: Responding to Matt Walsh
How can you spot a TheoBro (TM)? Usually, they have a biblically-based beard, and are over on Twitter talking down to the LGBTQ community. Today's featured Tweet is no different. That, plus a word from a sponsor that is sure to clean up your potty-mouth in no time.
Today's *real* sponsor is from The Joy of Letting Go by Kevin Sweeney. Pick it up today on Amazon.
Check out all the QuoirCast Podcasts:
This is Not Church
Messy Spirituality
IdeasDigest
Apostates Anonymous
The New Evangelicals

What Does it Mean to be Post-Christian?
Today, Matt and Keith talk about the term "post-Christian." What does it mean? Do our fearless hosts fall into that camp? Tune in to find out.
Should out to Maria Francesca French and her book Safer than the Known Way: A Post-Christian Journey for the inspiration for this week's episode.
To support Keith on Patreon, sign up at www.patreon.com/keithgiles
To support Matthew on Patreon, sign up at www.patreon.com/mjdistefano

Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, from your friends at Apostates Anonymous. See you in 2023!!!

What's Up with the Bible?
Today, the guys talk about the Bible, inerrancy, literalism, and why too many Christians miss all the good stuff in it because of these things. Plus, a word from Christian Santa - ho, ho, ho!!!
To support Keith on Patreon, sign up at www.patreon.com/keithgiles
To support Matthew on Patreon, sign up at www.patreon.com/mjdistefano

What Are We Thankful For?
Today's episode is a bit shorter than normal, and doesn't feature a sponsor (BOOOOOOO!!!!!). But it's an important one because we talk about gratitude and being thankful. Happy Thanksgiving, ya heathens!!!

The Future of Christianity in America
What is the future of Christianity in America? Time will tell. But if the Christian Nationalists have their way, it won't be good.
Plus, a word from our sponsor: HellVR.
If you want to send a copy of Keith's book Jesus Untangled to MTG, Lindsey Graham, or Ron DeSantis, here are their addresses:
The Honorable Marjorie Taylor Greene
1023 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC, 20515-1014
290 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Office of Governor Ron DeSantis
State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.

Christian Outrage Culture
In this week's episode, Matt and Keith discuss Christian Outrage Culture, or C.O.C. Plus, a word from a very special sponsor, brought to you by the TheoBros at TheoBeard.
Check out today's QuoirCast sponsor, The Messy Spirituality Podcast.
Discover new podcasts like Ideas Digest and This Is Not Church.

Join the Quoir!
Today, Keith and Matt have a huuuuuuuge announcement and are here to talk about it. Please rate and review, if you care about us even a little ;)

Was Junia a Man? Responding to Alisa Childers
In this week's episode, Matt and Keith respond to a video by Alisa Childers in which she argues that Junia was neither a woman nor an apostle.
Plus, a word from our sponsor: Bendable Jesus

Responding to Pastor Brian Suave of Refuge Church
In this episode, Matt and Keith respond to a series of misogynist Tweets by Pastor Brian Suave.
For those who want to participate in the Don't Be A Dick Campaign, below is the address of Brian's church. Please order a copy of Matt's book HERE, and then send as many as you want to:
Attn: Brian Suave
Refuge Church
607 26th Street
Ogden, UT 84401
PS: Perhaps you'll want to even send him a letter? Not that we condone such behavior, but just putting it out there.

Repent!
Christians talk about repentance a good deal. For the nones and dones, that's a bit of a triggering word. So, Matt and Keith are gonna talk about it on today's episode, which is brought to you by the Bible is Always Right Boardgame.

Heaven and Hell
We have all heard that heaven is eternal life in God while hell is perpetual suffering. We've also heard that "Ooh, heaven is a place on earth." Would it surprise you that we are more in alignment with the second option than the first.
Today's sponsor is White Jesus, who has a message for all us heretics.

The Second Coming of Christ
We all grew up believing in the second coming of Christ, but many of us have left that belief behind. In this episode, we discuss what it is and what it is not. Plus, a word from our sponsor, pastor Craig Glock.

The Good Samaritan Packs Heat?
There was another mass shooting in America, but this time it was stopped abruptly by "a good guy with a gun" who has been called a good Samaritan. Is this appropriate or not? Keith and Matthew weigh in.
Plus, Balaam's Ass, the 90s Christian rock supergroup, is back and you can get tickets now!!!

Learning to Float
In today's episode, we discuss Matt's new book (coauthored with Michelle Collins) Learning to Float.
Our sponsor is Giles' Laboratory, who have a product that will get you writing as prolific as Keith Giles in no time.

Sola Mysterium
Keith has a new book out. We spend roughly and hour talking about it and the themes in it. Pick it up today by clicking the title: Sola Mysterium: Celebrating the Beautiful Uncertainty of Everything.
Today's sponsor shall not be named. You'll just have to listen to the show!

Guns in America
In this week's episode, Matt and Keith talk about the gun problem in America, how we can fix it, and why we probably won't any time soon.
Plus, a word from our sponsor: Hedge of Protection. Go to hedgeofprotection.com today to get 100 dollars worth of thoughts and prayers.

Racism in America
What is replacement theory? Who is peddling it? And how does it relate to the recent mass shooting at the hands of yet another white conspiracy theorist? Find out our thoughts on today's show.
Today's episode is brought to you by Snip-Tip, the only semi-safe and sometimes effective at-home vasectomy kit.

Abortion, Women's Rights, and the Religious Right
In today's episode, two men talk about abortion. Which means, take everything said with a giant grain, or perhaps even an entire block, of salt.
Plus, a word from our sponsor, the Brett Kavanaugh Academy of Arts & Culture. Visit them at www.bkaac.org.

If God is Good, What About Suffering?
In this episode, Matthew and Keith tackle the problem of suffering and offer their thoughts on how a good God can put up with suffering.
Plus, we hear from our sponsor, Into the Bible, who offers a solution to the problems our children are facing in today's modern world.

Did Jesus of Nazareth Actually Exist?
Did Jesus really exist? Or is the Christ story just another myth among other myths? Or is it both? In this week's episode, our hosts discuss the issue.
Today's sponsor is brought to you by Tennessee legislator Tom Peckerwood and his anti gay marriage bill.

Going Full Heretic
In this week's episode, Keith explains what is meant by "going full heretic." Plus, the guys talk about Gnosticism, the Gnostic Gospels, and what they each get from reading outside of "approved texts."
Today's sponsor is "Religious Freedom For Me," developed by Pastor Greg Masters. Check them out for exciting products and specials.

Heretic!
In this week's episode, Matt and Keith talk about Matt's book Heretic! Why he wrote it and who it's for.
Today's sponsor is a freedom-loving doozy! You won't wanna miss it.

Tolerance and the LGBTQ+ Community?
In this week's episode, we talk about the churches who aren't openly homophobic, but who also aren't openly affirming. We don't name names, but you know of whom we speak.
Our sponsor is RamboJesus.com, whose mission is to spread the Gospel of God, Guns, and a little bit of Glory. Check them out today and tell them Matt and Keith sent you.

Responding to John Cooper of Skillet
In this week's episode, your hosts respond to the latest from John Cooper of Skillet. War has been declared on "deconstructing Christians," so we fire back.
Today's sponsor comes from the Conservative Council of Coprology, who is the world's scientific leader in phallic studies. Visit them at cocc.com for more.

Jesus Undefeated
In this week's episode, Matt and Keith talk about the doctrine of hell and why Keith wrote Jesus Undefeated. We cover a lot of ground in the show, from biblical considerations to philosophical ones. You'll wanna put on your thinking caps for this one!
Today's sponsor is Reverend Arlo Slaughter of the Backwoods Bible Fellowship, who is offering his revolutionary new product, the Satan Detector, for only $99.99. If you call them today, he'll throw in a free copy of the only approved Word of God, the King James Bible.

A Response to Alisa Childers
In this week's episode, Keith and Matt respond to a video by Alisa Childers called "How do you determine what is true according to Progressive Christianity?"
Today's sponsor is The Backslider's Coalition, who is offering 66.6% off their "Street Cred Apostate's Pack" with the promo code "streetcred."

A Relaunch, A Rebrand, and as Raunchy as Ever
I am back! And this time, I'm joined by none other than Keith Giles. In this relaunch episode, we discuss the future of the show, what we've been up to, and why we are so excited to be bringing you this show.
Today's sponsor is Wet-A**-P-Word, the web's first conservative-only p**n site. Use promo code "conservativecreampie" to save 69% off your first month's subscription.
#apostates #heretics #rebranding

Fare Thee Well
Today, the Apostates Anonymous podcast wraps up its final show. But fear not! Heretic Happy Hour still presses on, and The Bonfire Sessions podcast will soon be rekindled.
As I talk about in the show, if you want to check out Quoir's 99 cent April Foolishness promotion, click here.
To support me on Patreon, the link is patreon.com/mjdistefano.
#finalshow #podcast #quoir #bonfiresessions #swansong

Breaking Down the Bars: Burn It Down
In this, the penultimate episode of Apostates Anonymous, I break down the bars to the title track, Burn It Down.
The mixtape is now available on iTunes. Please pick it up today.
If you want to support my work, sign up at patreon.com/mjdistefano
#burnitdown #breakingdownthebars #theprophessor #hiphop

Breaking Down the Bars: What U Know?
In today's episode, we again break down the bars, this time from track 4 of my upcoming mixtape, "Burn It Down." Enjoy!!!
As always, to support me, sign up at patreon.com/mjdistefano.
#burnitdown #whatuknow #breakingdownthebars #theprophessor

Breaking Down the Bars: State of Mind
In this episode, we start our "breaking down the bars" series, where I break down the lyrics of all the songs from my forthcoming mixtape "Burn It Down." At the end of the show, you get to listen to the final version of the track.
To support my work, sign up at patreon.com/mjdistefano
#burnitdown #hiphop #breakingdownthebars #stateofmind

Breaking Down the Bars: 25 Years
In this episode, we start our "breaking down the bars" series, where I break down the lyrics of all the songs from my forthcoming mixtape "Burn It Down." At the end of the show, you get to listen to the final version of the track.
To support my work, sign up at patreon.com/mjdistefano
#burnitdown #hiphop #breakingdownthebars

More on Cancel Culture
Today's episode covers cancel culture and how I don't think it's as bad as some suggest it is. Don't get me wrong, some people take it waaaaaaay too far, but I don't think it's as far reaching as some on the Right suggest.
If you want to support me and this show, please sign up at patreon.com/mjdistefano.
#cancelculture #tommacdonald #christiancancelculture

The Impeachment
Donald J. Trump was impeached for the second time. And he was acquitted for the second time. But that doesn't mean he was not guilty, just as Mitch McConnell admits. Find out my thoughts in this week's episode.
To support my work, head over to my Patreon to sign up for exclusive content.
#impeachment #donaldtrump #politics #GOP

Previewing What's to Come
I am currently moving, so didn't have time to put up a full episode. We'll be back next Monday though, so stay tuned!
#preview #apostatesanonymous #podcastpreview #movingtime

What's With All The Deconstruction Stories? (w/Special Guest Keith Giles)
Today's episode is the audio version of a conversation I had with Keith Giles where we critiqued a video by Alisa Childers called "What's with all the deconstruction stories? With Sean McDowell."
To follow Keith, check out his Patheos blog.
To support my work, head on over to Patreon.
#deconstruction #alisachilders #youtube #keithgiles #patheos

Mimetic Theory, Girard, and White Supremacy (w/Special Guests Lindsey Paris-Lopez and Adam Ericksen)
Today's episode is a real heady and heavy one. In it, I, with the help of The Raven Foundation Crew, tackle a question about white supremacy and Girardians we got from Facebook friend J. Andre Roberts. Strap yourselves in because it's a long one, but hopefully a good one, too.
To check out The Raven Review, head on over to ravenfoundation.org.
To support my work, please sign up at patreon.com/mjdistefano.
Special thanks to J. Andre Roberts for his pertinent and timely observations.
#racism #whitesupremacy #girard #mimetictheory #ravenfoundation

The Church Can Go to Hell (w/Special Guest Desimber Rose)
Today's episode is straight fire. In it, I sit down with new Quoir author Desimber Rose, to discuss her book "The Church Can Go to Hell."
To listen to her spoken word, check out her YouTube.
Find her on Facebook and send her a request.
To support this show, check out my Patreon.
#thechurch #books #quoir #desimberrose #spokenword

Football Fridays: Going on Hiatus
Hey there!!! I have to admit, I am currently too busy to continue doing Football Fridays. I love talking football, especially when Tottenham win, but I'm just so busy right now, I can't keep up. I've got multiple books coming out, a rekindling of The Bonfire Sessions podcast, and me and my family are moving. So, for now, the Friday show is going night-night. But fear not! The regular Monday edition of Apostates Anonymous is here to stay!!!

God Is Grey (w/Special Guest Brenda Marie Davies)
Today, I sit down with Brenda Marie Davies of the God is Grey YouTube channel to discuss the state of Christianity, her upcoming book, and so much more. Subscribe to her channel at God is Grey.
To support my work, please sign up at patreon.com/mjdistefano.
To pick up The Bonfire Sessions series of booklets, follow this link!!!
#brendamariedavies #godisgrey #youtube #thebonfiresessions #podcasting

Masks and Freedom
Today, I'm flying solo. In the episode, I talk about how freedom relates to mask-wearing, and why we shouldn't be "free" to do whatever we want.
To support the podcast, please sign up at patreon.com/mjdistefano.
#covid #freewill #america #masks