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In this episode, Nate begins speaking about his journey from Christianity to Atheism to true spirituality.

Nate was raised in the Pentecostal church, and always had questions. When he was 13, a "prophet" came to his church and told him because of his rebelliousness (i.e. questioning everything), that he would die by the age of 30. This "prophesy" governed many of Nate's decisions out of fear, and caused much anxiety the closer he got to turning 30. Years later, it was shared with Nate that this minister was revealed as a "false prophet", but the damage and trauma had been done. This was merely the beginning of his journey OUT.

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Much like when Saul of Tarsus was knocked off his ass and saw a bright light, Nate encountered something he can't explain other than to say it was a true conversion experience that came out of nowhere.

From living through his weeks-long "dark night of the soul" to almost hitting the wall, Nate realized he needed to speak with someone outside of his sphere that would understand and help navigate the spiritual nature of his journey, i.e. a therapist.

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Nate talks about his struggle with the death of his ego & who he thought he was, and how to actively create a new identity based on who he's becoming. It's also becoming easier to navigate his empath ability and 'put up his shields' so he's not susceptible to the deluge of emotions from EVERY.ONE. around him ALL.THE.TIME. Nate also realized, with the help of his therapist, that maybe it's still possible to utilize the spiritual gifts he thought were exclusive to his previous Pentecostalism. That those gifts are inherent to his human DNA and not dependent upon any set belief system.

Mason was exposed to the teachings of Buddha while in the 7th grade. This was at a time when he was told by the church leaders that he was demon possessed (later diagnosed as ADHD & Anxiety). His teachers said he was mentally retarded and should be put into a mental institution. Being told as a child by both the educational system and the church system that he would never amount to anything, Mason felt that he was a waste of other's time and effort. The comfort he began to find in the words of Buddha, accompanied by learning meditation, was the very beginning of his journey.

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Mason talks about his spiritual growth in spite of still operating within the Pentecostal religion as a licensed minister, and he began infusing the teachings of Buddha with those of Jesus. Eventually, he left the United Pentecostal Church, but felt his family still needed to go somewhere, so they started attending a non-denominal church whose roots were in the UPC. 

He was still seeking for something more, and came across Norse Paganism. In fact, both Mason and Nate found resonance and meaning in their study of Norse Paganism. One of their favorite quotes from this is, "Jesus loves you, but Odin wants you to grow the fuck up."

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Mason talks about an experience he had with astral travel and one of his spirit guides while in meditation. He also shares his struggles with depression and repeated thoughts of suicide.  He began taking vacation time from work so he could spend hours in meditation or journaling through shadow work. This lead to childhood memories surfacing and exposing unacknowledged trauma.

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Alexis asks the question: "What is the difference between Pentecostals and other denominations?"

Nate and Mason strive to answer that question effectively with some humor thrown in along the way.

RESOURCES:

Some links to the various things that are mentioned in the show:

Archbishop Fulton Sheen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z38BqaDFHv8

Mark McNeil
"All In The Name"

Greg Boyd
"Oneness Pentecostals and the Trinity" (eBook)

Also, we've added the ability to send us questions.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please email them to questions@rettals.pub and we will include them in our work list.

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Mason places significance on the role his spirit guides play in his beliefs and how they came to him during meditation. He's experienced first-hand how the presence of positive energy can help heal mental, spiritual, physical and emotional injuries.

Nate mentions how sometimes sharing light and positive energy with others is draining and he has to separate himself for a time in order to refill and recharge.

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Mason shares more experiences with his spirit guides, including writing 'under the influence'  and extremely strong emotions of love and ugly-crying. He believes the 'great cloud of witnesses' mentioned in scripture alludes to the presence of spirit guides.

Nate shares about dreams that feel more like memories from a past life.

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The effect that energy has on the body and mind is fascinating, and affects mental outlook and physical health. There are people who live in such a negative manner, they continuously attract negative things because of their negative vibrations.  

Your vibration affects your life, good or bad, positively or negatively.

Everything is energy.

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Some people use mantras and affirmations. Mason talks about how using meditation, prayer ropes, and rosary beads helped to calm his mind and improve the challenges he has with ADD, Anxiety, and Dyslexia. 

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What is a Twin Flame and do we all have one?

Nate and Mason discuss the various beliefs of what a Twin Flame is (and not the over-romanticized version), going all the way back to Socrates in Ancient Greece.

Nate:  "This is probably one of my most favorite series of episodes since we began recording. I'm so excited to see how well they do."

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Nate and Mason continue the overall discussion of twin flames, but hone in on the ego and how it gets in the way of our ascension as it tries to cling tight to various identities and religious labels. 

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We discuss how an awakening can be the equivalent of being tossed into the deep end, where you have no choice but to learn to swim or drown.  

Sometimes, well-meaning people will say, "Come on, it's just fine", while they themselves are only in ankle-deep water.  While they remain in the shallow end, they have no concept of the depth where you are, and think you're a heretic. "What are you doing out there? You're not supposed to be out there." 

Are twin flames found in the Christian scriptures? Mason believes so and cites several examples, like Adam & Eve; Jonathan & David. 

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In our experience, many religious leaders proclaim themselves as 'THE Mouthpiece of God' in order to control and gatekeep. When even Paul states in 1st Timothy that there is only ONE mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.

Religious leaders commit spiritual murder when they prevent the awakening and rebirth and revelation of an individual because said individual doesn't do it according to that religion's dogma. They believe if it didn't pass that organization's litmus test, it must be a product of deception or the devil.

Anne Lamott says it best, "You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do."  (from Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life) 

Resources mentioned in the show:

• Christina Lopes - spiritual teacher who helps people navigate the challenges of a spiritual awakening, heal from past pain, open their hearts, and find deep purpose.

What we drank this episode:

• Jim Beam Vanilla
• Lone Star 1835 Texas Bourbon

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Mason throws questions at Nate to answer:

1. Can you share a moment when you realized there were common threads across the spiritual practices and devotions of multiple religions?
2. What does your spiritual practice involve? Do you meditate, journal, read?

Resources:

• Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution, by Rainn Wilson
• Workbook for Soul Boom

What we drank this episode:

• Redneck Riviera Whiskey (John Rich)
• Modelo Especial Beer

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Mason throws more questions at Nate:

3. Who is that one person that when they show up on TikTok, YouTube, podcast, etc, you stop what you're doing and listen to them? 

4. Can you describe a place that inspires awe & peace within you, and is it internal or external?

5. What are your thoughts on the necessity of spirituality, and why do you hold that perspective?

Resources:

• Alan Watts - Dishwashing
• Mystic Molly - TikTok
• Ram Dass 
• Sadh Guru - TikTok
• Jordan Peterson - Gazing into the Abyss

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Mason asks Nate more questions:

6. Can you share your thoughts on whether or not you see spirituality as a sign of weakness, (as compared to masculinity, tribalism, alpha-male mentality, etc) or do you see it as a sign of strength?

7. What's your thoughts on whether spirituality is a valid representation of reality?

8. What is "holiness" to you now?

9. If you could start another religion, what would it look like?

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Nate and Mason discuss the idea of Reincarnation and how they were each introduced to this concept. While modern day Christianity largely rejects this belief, there are several scriptures which reference past lives.

Resources Mentioned:

• Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss
• John, chapter 9 KJV
• Malachi, chapter 4:5 KJV

What we drank on the show:

• Modelo 
• Macallan 

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We discuss the power of belief, the power of the spoken word and your intent, whether blessings or curses. It's no wonder scripture says the power of life and death is in the tongue.

Witches call it incantations, Christians call it prayer, Buddhists call it meditation, Atheists call it placebo.

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Is this the only life we get? Is the boring & pointless "do nothing but worship God forever and ever and ever" concept of heaven based in reality? Do we only exist within the matrix? If you've ever asked yourself these or similar questions, you're not alone.

Resources:

• The Alchemist on YouTube
• Christina Lopes 
• How to Experience Samadhi

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We are gods and the kingdom of god is within us.

"But that's heresy and blasphemy!!"

Well, not according to the teachings of the Bible in Psalms 82 and Luke 17. 

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Like a thimble of ocean water contains the essence of the ocean, the fullness of the ocean, (yet is not the whole ocean), so does our spirit contain the very essence of God, universe, whatever you call it.

Find the divinity within yourself so you can be what you're meant to be.

Resources mentioned:

• Kryon - Lee Carroll
• Alan Watts
• Ram Dass
• Christina Lopes
• The Alchemist
• Sadhguru

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The Rettals' brothers discuss multiple topics, including on how their podcast has affected them in their everyday lives, both positively and negatively. 

What we drank on the show:

• Jameson
• Makers Mark
• Kin Euphorics Non Alcoholic Spirits
• Jim Beam Vanilla

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We discuss multiple things in this episode. 

1. There's a common thread throughout all religions - that your ego needs to be 'weakened'. Even the apostle Paul said 'I die daily'. It's a struggle to be present in the moment, to have oneself under control.
2. In the past, our ancestors put their blood, sweat, and tears into their land so that their future generations would always have a place to live, to work, to produce and be secure. But most people today aren't tied to the land anymore and give up this heritage in exchange for money.

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We talk politics: Are most Boomers consumers? Is there greed in DC? Have our elected officials lost touch with the everyday citizen? Taxpayers pay, and the elite pad their pockets.

We talk religion: modern day religions often mirror government and institute similar controls.

We think heathenry may be the answer :)

Resources mentioned on the show:

• Oliver Anthony, Rich Men North of Richmond
• Anne Lamott quote
• Russell Brand

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The National Association of REALTOR®s has a code of ethics which states up front, "Under All is the Land."

Land (earth) is the very foundation of mankind.

We've lost our physical and emotional ties to the land due to one reason or another. And in the process, our physical bodies have suffered due to disconnect with the actual dirt beneath our feet. We dishonor those who went before us, whose blood, sweat, and tears is in the land.

Cody Johnson has a song called "Dirt Cheap" where big city developers try to buy an old man's acreage, which isn't for sale at any price because of his love for the land and what it represents.

Resources mentioned:

• Russell Means
• Earthing, Earthing Movie, Earthing Test
• Tara Brach
• Christina Lopes
• The Alchemist
• Infinite Waters

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What you say paired with your intent has the power to bless or curse. Call it prayer, meditation, an incantation, a curse, a spell, a mantra, an affirmation - words with motive have power.

Resources mentioned:

• Elder Futhark Runes and Their Meanings

What we drank on the show:

• The Macallan 18 year whiskey
• Art Car beer by Saint Arnold Brewing Company, made in Texas!

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We discuss several listener questions:

1. Many, if not most, cultures have a messianic figure. 
   • Does this change the sovereignty of Jesus Christ? 
   • And if so, how do modern Christians, overlook this historical fact?
   • Where does blind faith come in?

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While we were sitting in session and reading listener questions, we segued off into a topic near and dear to our hearts - the fact that our steps are ordered. The path is the path, whether it brings pain or pleasure. And we can't be so attached to a specific outcome, that we melt down or suffer when it doesn't happen the way we thought it should.

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Erin asks Mason: “Since one of your past lives was female, does that change your views on gender?”

Listen to Nate and Mason's take on this often hot-button topic for many.

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Our producer, Duke, came up with this awesome, and fitting, episode title. No, this is not satire.

WTF??  Who knew there was such a thing as the sexualization of God by evangelicals?!?!?

Don't take our word for it - listen to these cringe-worthy excerpts taken from actual pentecostal sermons. Doubtful this was only an 18+ live church audience.

What we drank on the show:

• Red Stripe

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On the back of the previous episode, "50 Shades of Pray", we address a listener question.

Erin asks if we think God is a male entity.  

Listen as we attempt to convey our thoughts on the subject, likely bordering on what most consider to be 'sacrilege'.

And then somehow, we end up right back in the middle of 'sexualized christianity'.

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Mason shares a quote from one of the Christian Orthodox Desert Fathers, Saint Theognostos:

"Do not try to embark on the higher forms of contemplation before you have achieved complete dispassion, and do not pursue what lies as yet beyond your reach. Do not pursue theology beyond the limits of your present state of development."

Resources mentioned in the show:

• Matt Kahn, Dissolving the Veil
• Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian L Weiss - The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient, and the Past-Life Therapy That Changed Both Their Lives

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We love you guys and are thankful for your presence listening to Rettals' Pub.

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We discuss the 7 chakras (or spiritual centers w/in the body), specifically the Root Chakra, which when imbalanced, can manifest as back pain, fatigue, digestive issues, anxiety & fearfulness.

Resources mentioned:

• Nicky Sutton
• Kundalini Meditation
• Complete Guide to the 7 Chakras & their Effects

What we drank on the show:

• True Love's First Kiss Bourbon from The Refuge in The Woodlands
• The Colombian Coffee

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Yep, we talk attachments again, and what it means to say 'I AM'.

Resources mentioned:

• Matt Kahn

What we drank on the show:

• Vanilla Honeycomb Bourbon from Refuge Steakhouse in The Woodlands

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We discuss attachment and what that may mean (or not).

And that maybe we just need to 'be' rather than 'do', to let our present life unfold versus being attached to a specific outcome.

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Nate and Mason discuss the idea of Samadhi. What is Samadhi? It's not something that is easily described because there are no real translations. 

The body wants comfort, and the mind wants knowledge. Samadhi is not running from pain, but also not running after pleasure. Be still.

One way it has been explained is the waking up from the illusion of self, separating the character from the actor from the individual. Think Neo swallowing the red pill and what happens after. 

Resources mentioned on the show: 

• Samadhi Movie, 2017 - Part 1 "Maya, the Illusion of the Self"
• Samadhi Movie, 2018 - Part 2 (It's Not What You Think)
• Samadhi Movie, 2021 - Part 3 "The Pathless Path"

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We would like to thank each of you for listening!  We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!  We look forward to another year of community with you.

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Nate and Mason discuss extreme similarities between Pentecostalism and voodoo:

1. Speaking in tongues
2. Excessive shouting
3. Being possessed by their deity
4. Extreme physical response to said 'possession', i.e. writhing on the ground, uttering a different language, etc
5. Beating of drums (rhythmic beating elevates vibrations of the masses)

Resources mentioned on the show:

• Vinson Synan
• Pagan Pentecostalism: It's Roots: Sex, Sin & Slavery by Curtis Edwards
• Bashar channeled by Darryl Anka
• Kryon channeled by Lee Carroll

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Listener question: 

• "Reincarnation has been a common belief across cultures and religions for thousands of years. Why do modern Christians fight so hard against this concept?"

Nate answers this question with a single word: CONTROL

Nate and Mason discuss how their recently found belief in reincarnation affects their spirituality.

What we drank on the show:

• Texas Love Bourbon from The Refuge Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar

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We kick off the new year with multiple topics.

1. If you strive to attain your highest purpose, the universe will align to that purpose. Choose the highest and best.

2. Is Christianity the cosplay of paganism?

3. Did aliens or some other higher intelligent life form create humanity on earth for the purpose of enslavement?

Resources mentioned on the show:

• Jordan Peterson: Chase the Best Version of Yourself
• Raymond Buckland: Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
• Anton Parks: EDEN - The Sumerian Version of Genesis
• Ancient Aliens
• Enki & Enlil
• Billy Carson
• Alan Watts

**Correction: Enlil was the Annunaki brother who set himself up as a controlling God and, Enki was the Annunaki brother who wanted to help save humanity.

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As always, Nate and Mason discuss the various issues with religions. Christianity generally and Pentecostalism specifically.  Please join us as we talk about the pagan influences withing Christianity; among many other topics as well.

Disagree?  Have a topic you'd like us to discuss?  Or have some spirits that you'd like for us to try on the show?

Let us know by using the form at https://rettals.pub/contact-us/.

We look forward to hearing from you - even if and especially you disagree with us.

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 Mason and Nate talk about how their view of God has changed since their awakening as well as not serving tyrants.

That said, how has your view of God changed? Let us know!

Also, if you have any questions, concerns, topic suggestions, alcohol suggestions go to https://rettals.pub/contact-us/ and fill out the form!

Étienne de la Boétie - The Politics of Obedience

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Nate, a capitalist, blames the state of the nation on the Boomer generation because of their unfettered consumption and by putting their own needs and desires ahead of all others.

Do you agree?  Disagree?  Let him know at https://rettals.pub/contact-us.  

You can also use that form to suggest topics, ask questions, or suggest spirits for us to sample.

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We finally get to talk with Amanda!  

She talks about her exit from the UPC and all the cool stuff that were the catalysts of that as well as the peace found outside the UPC.

Let us know how we're doing or if you'd like to get a message to Amanda do so at https://rettals.pub/contact-us.  

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Amanda talks about dreams of past lives; her spiritual (supernatural) abilities, even as a small child, that were hidden rather than celebrated; her first invitation to attend a small group reading by a Medium, and how a beyond-the-grave apology brought her and her husband joy and peace rather than fear.

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We discuss how its harder, but more rewarding, to work out your own spirituality (without it becoming legalism); how it's easy to follow someone else's laundry list of do's/don'ts & be spoon-fed their version of 'god' but it shortchanges our souls; that being surrounded by nature is its own kind of 'church'; and that sometimes you just need to be able to let a good 'curse word' out :)

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We received the below questions/comments from a listener:

I've always been very much an individual who believes in free will. That there are good and bad consequences to every decision I make. That I'm ultimately in charge of where my path leads.

You speak of "ordered steps", which is also referenced in scripture. This sounds like predestination, which eliminates personal choice. 

I've heard Dolores Cannon say that before your incarnation, you plan out your path with other players (ie your soul family), but while you're living said incarnation, you can change the plan. 

Many have compared each incarnation to a play where each soul plays a character according to a script. This script would be your "ordered steps". However, sometimes plays have improvisation, because an actor forgot the lines, or an actor had to quit and a substitute actor stepped in, or maybe an actor was funny and added his own dialogue, etc. 

How detailed is the soul's plan for said incarnation? Do you think it's like putting Dallas TX in Google maps, and then choosing the best route depending on what I need to accomplish on the trip? But a wreck or road construction or a last minute change could cause me to reroute. So while there are many ways to get to Dallas, there may be a "best" way that I can choose to take or not.

The Bible makes the distinction several times between the soul and the spirit. Is the spirit our "human spirit", the fleshly part of us that has inherited DNA which defines our very characteristics? Can this human spirit make choices not in alignment with the soul's plan? (In church speak this would have been considered "out of the will of god").

I believe there are 2 distinct beings at play here during each incarnation. The soul. And the human spirit. I guess I'm struggling with the concept that the human has no choice but what an external, eternal entity who has 'possessed' it, decides.

Along these same lines, do soul's actually choose a plan to incarnate and live a life of pure evil? To torture and rape and murder the innocent, to wreak unspeakable horrors and take delight in these things? Is this a sick twisted version of "ordered steps"

Or could it be the human spirit was rotten and overrode the soul's plan? Or maybe evil humans operate without a soul like NPCs?

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We dive into part 2 of listener questions:

"The Bible makes the distinction several times between the soul and the spirit. Is the spirit our "human spirit", the fleshly part of us that has inherited DNA which defines our very characteristics? Can this human spirit make choices not in alignment with the soul's plan? (In church speak this would have been considered "out of the will of god").

I believe there are 2 distinct beings at play here during each incarnation. The soul. And the human spirit. I guess I'm struggling with the concept that the human has no choice but what an external, eternal entity who has 'possessed' it, decides."

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We dive into part 3 of listener questions:

"Do souls actually choose a plan to incarnate and live a life of pure evil? To torture and rape and murder the innocent, to wreak unspeakable horrors and take delight in these things? Is this a sick, twisted version of "ordered steps"?

Or could it be the human spirit was rotten and overrode the soul's plan? Or maybe evil humans operate without a soul like NPCs?"

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We wrap up part 4 of listener questions by discussing that attachment brings suffering & pain, so your ego must 'die daily', as Paul said. If you've followed our podcast for a while, you'll find this is not a new topic, as many things circle back to this concept.

Resources mentioned:

1. The Zen Experience by Thomas Hoover
2. Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland
3. Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita by Ram Dass
4. The Complete Introduction to Magic by Julius Evola
5. The Doctrine of Awakening: The Attainment of Self-Mastery According to the Earliest Buddhist Texts by Julius Evola
6. Discovering Christian Witchcraft: A Beginner's Guide for Everyday Practice by Sara Raztresen

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Happy 1st Birthday to Rettals' Pub! Join us as we talk about the past year plus plans for the next. We also manage to weave a bit of spirituality in and around laughs.

Mason shares about a recent road trip he and his wife just took to New Mexico. And just like in life, while the mountains were beautiful, sometimes the valleys were more desirable.

Want to recreate our birthday cocktail?

Birthday Cocktail Recipe:
1 oz Pinnacle Vodka Cake
1 oz Pinnacle Vodka Whipped
1.5 oz half & half
Pillsbury Funfetti Bold Purple Vanilla frosting

Dip cocktail glass in softened frosting, then in sprinkles. Add a dollop of frosting & some sprinkles to bottom of glass. Combine both vodka flavors + half & half in an ice-filled shaker and shake well. Strain into cocktail glass.

*Inspiration for this cocktail found at dailydishrecipes.com/birthday-cake-cocktails/
**show notes may include affiliate links

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Nate shares how he recently visited a local pagan market with various vendor booths set up - and for clarification, pagan doesn't mean blood sacrifices, but a rather broad spectrum of non-christians. 

There were many craftsmen present - wood workers, jewelry makers, bakers, food trucks and various other booths.  There was also a booth with members from the Houston church of satan (followers of the satanic bible by Anton LeVey). 

After reading the outrage on social media by christians who wandered in and discovered this, Nate decided to look into this church's belief beyond what the name would suggest. Pretty interesting and not what you'd think. Listen as Mason reads their bylaws...and sins.

Resources mentioned:

• Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

What we drank on the show:

• Modelo Especial
• Pinnacle Whipped Vodka + Big Dan's Hemporium 50mg Shot of Pineapple Express
  • Shout out to Brian & Ryan with Big Dan's Hemporium! It was great to meet you at the Polk County Pagan Market :)

Some of the other vendors we met at the Polk County Pagan Market:

• Nae's Pink Market
• Fragrant Formulas
• The Bee's Knee's Apothecary
• Kut up Knives
• Crystal Moon Crystals & Gems
• Outlaw Designs

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Mason finishes reading the list of sins found on the church of satan's website. Nate shares more about attending the local pagan market. And then they move on to the 9 satanic statements written in the 1960s by Anton LeVey.

Resources mentioned:

• Prince - Super Bowl Halftime Show
• Polk County Pagan Market

What we drank on the show:

• Bulleit Frontier Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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Nate and Mason wrap up the last of this series by finishing the last of the 9 satanic statements written in the 1960s by Anton LeVey, while weaving in politics and (ex)evangelicalism.

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Ron talks about being raised Methodist as a kid, and also going to Catholic mass with his grandmother. He became spiritually curious as he grew older, and found out one of his buddy's father was a born-again Christian. They invited him to their church where he attended for a while. From there, he attended a trinitarian 'holiness' full gospel church until he was in his early 20s and decided to leave the church for a period of time.

After he relocated from NY to TX, he met a former Pentecostal woman in Austin and they started attending a UPC church in the area. He stayed there about 7 years, and while there, met a Hebraic/messianic teacher. They became good friends, and then left the UPC to start a small group meeting.  But that wasn't all it was cracked up to be either....

Ron's cigar: JFR Lunatic 8"x80 ring

What we drank on the show:

• Java Jolt - created by Ron. 
  • Ron's version:
    • 1 shot bourbon (McFarland's Reserve from Total Wine)
    • 1 shot coffee liqueur (Javagave from Leanderthal Distilling from Total Wine)
    • 4 oz strong coffee
    • 1/2 oz dark amber maple syrup
    • 1 oz heavy cream
    • ice
    • Add bourbon, coffee liqueur, coffee, maple syrup & ice to cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Add ice to a rocks glass and pour mixture over the top. Top w/heavy cream but don't stir.
  • Nate's substitutions to the above:
    • 1 shot bourbon (Bonfire Bourbon from College Station)
    • 1 shot coffee liqueur (Cayman Reef Premium Cold Brew Horchata Cream)
    • 4 oz Snickers flavored coffee from Keurig

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In this episode, Ron talks about growing up with feelings of not being accepted, or measuring up, and then refusing to tolerate those same feelings within the confines of religion. Nate shares that he believes true peace is found when you're able to just be who you are, and that begins with accepting yourself. 

As Ron says, "I'm a little bit enlightenment, and a little bit 'go f*ck yourself.'"

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We wrap up our interview with Ron in this 3rd episode by talking politics, the 'biggest religion on the planet'. 

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What does it mean to forgive? What does it mean to love yourself?

We speak with Kali J Banks about his book and what started him on the path to awareness. 

As within, so without.

Resources mentioned:

• Awareness is Evolution, by Kali J Banks

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We wrap up our discussion with Kali J Banks regarding awareness, and how once you broaden your awareness, then your interpretation of scripture is beyond just surface level. When you go within yourself, you unlock the keys to the 'mystery' of the bible.

So often we give power and reverence to a church building, but God is within the most sacred 'church' = our body. God is within us, within our form. We are a tool for divine work, and as such, we need to know our power.

Check out his book, Awareness is Evolution.

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In this first RP date night episode, Nate and Celeste introduce an impactful book they read around 15-20 years ago when they first exited the UPC Church.

Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola examines a multitude of Christian church practices that have been accepted as 'gospel' or 'from the bible', when in reality, they were adopted from paganism. 

What we ate on the show:

• Custom cupcakes by Scratch by Sarah - chocolate with Baileys, and ding-dong

What we drank on the show:

• Refuge Bourbon Vanilla Honeycomb
• Refuge Bourbon Texas Love

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We discuss chapters 1 & 2 of Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola. 

Have you ever wondered why Christians do what they do for church every Sunday morning? Why do they “dress up” for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why do they have pews, steeples, and choirs? 

Most of what Christians do in present-day churches is rooted, not in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles.

What we ate on the show:

• Custom ding-dong cupcake by Scratch by Sarah

What we drank on the show:

• Refuge Bourbon Vanilla Honeycomb
• Banana Pudding Sipping Cream by Sugarlands Distilling Company
• Raw milk from River V Growers / Vincent Farms

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We interview Robert Williams, who shares his long time experiences within the Apostolic church, and what ultimately led to his exodus. 

Later, with the help of a therapist, he was able to identify the unrealized spiritual abuse that had occurred, and work to heal those traumas.

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We continue the conversation with Robert and discuss fundamentalism and the fact that it's found everywhere: work, home, politics, etc.

It draws a line in the sand that leads to division and violence, and a sense of "I'm better than you", and "I'm right and you're wrong".

Resources mentioned:

• Tribes, by Seth Godin

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We discuss how many passages in scripture aren't original and were copied from older texts, and how many seem to be out of alignment with what's considered right/wrong today by modern religion.

Resources mentioned:

• Tribes, by Seth Godin
• Messy Spirituality, by Mike Yaconelli

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"It doesn't bother me when people practice their faith. It's only when their practice negatively affects someone else that it's a problem."

We wrap up our interview with Robert, and discuss healing from trauma, anxiety, and periodic breakdowns. 

Want to contact Robert for freelance graphic design? intjdesigner@gmail.com
Robert's YouTube channel: @SacredCowDiner

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Did you know?? The pagan order of worship includes 'greeters', prayer, song service, announcements, offering, sermon, post sermon activities (pastor-led prayer, altar call, more singing, the Lord's Supper, prayer for the sick, benediction). Sound familiar??

"Christianity did not destroy paganism...it adopted it." Will Durant, prominent historian

Resources mentioned:

• Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola 
• 13 month calendar

What we drank on the show:

• Banana Pudding Sipping Cream by Sugarlands Distilling
• Sonic Diet Dr. Pepper with Vanilla (Dear Sonic, you need to carry Dr. Pepper Zero!)

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Nate delivers a brief state of the channel, including the departure of host, Mason. Stay tuned, because good things are ahead, even in the midst of change!

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"I'm talking to those people who are struggling, who've not gotten your questions answered, who when they've asked questions have been told to be quiet, who have suffered mistreatment, abuse, and all other kinds of horrible things in the name of church and the bible and god and gotten no relief. And I'm also talking to those of us who felt like they had to slice pieces of ourselves off to fit in a baptismal pool, but still feel broken, feeling rejected, feeling lost."

We speak with Tai Goodwin about being raised in the church, but finding her way "out" later in life. And just what it meant during meditation to hear the question, "What if we never saw you as anything other than whole?" 

You can find Tai here:

• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TaiGoodwin23

Resources mentioned:

• Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird

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We continue our discussion with Tai, and how our purpose and mission is to be the highest version of ourselves. 

Resources mentioned on the show:

• Messy Spirituality, by Mike Yaconelli

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We wrap up our interview with Tai and talk about people having "spiritual" gifts and being able to choose how and when they use them. And maybe there's a bigger reason why "God" doesn't answer our prayers...and it's not because we're unworthy or are being punished.

You can find Tai online here:

• TikTok @taideconstructed
• www.taigoodwin.com

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We talk with a long-time friend as he shares his journey out of the Pentecostal church. It began when he saw the greed, the focus and priority placed on constant fundraising, and the comparison to just another multi-level-marketing business. 

What we drank on the show:

• Man-mosa (beer-mosa) made with orange juice & Blue Moon

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Billy's journey continues after leaving the Pentecostal organization, including his struggles with his sexuality, which were in direct conflict with Christianity. 

He shares being divorced, then being a single dad, to finding new love with his husband, his continuing search for spirituality, and his favorite 3 R's: reconciliation, resilience, resolve.

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We all have gifts, regardless of whether religion plays a role in your life or not. Accept yourself as you are. Love people. Show compassion. Have grace.

"Some people were not put here to evolve. They are here to remind you what it looks like if you don't."

Resources mentioned on the show:

• Ram Dass 
• Becoming Nobody
• Alan Watts
• The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You, by Elaine N Aron

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