The Joshua Tongol Podcast (Joshua Tongol)

What is behind every message you hear? In other words, what drives a person to share what they wanna share? And once a person responds to a certain message, what motivates him or her to do what they do? IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR: • The sad (yet funny) story of when I was "left behind" • How much of organized religion is running things • The problem with the "good news" • Why the so-called "unconditional" love of God is really conditional • The different motivations for belief • Why the "Christian" God is schizophrenic Please support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/JoshuaTongol

A Year Without God?

Yup, at the end of 2013, former pastor Ryan Bell announced he was gonna "try on" atheism for a year. And boy, it didn't take too long for the media to take notice.

So what made a life-long Christian, who pastored for nearly 20 years, do such a thing?

Well, it's been over a year since his experiment began, and I had the opportunity to chat with him at his home in Pasadena, California.

So get ready ... this episode is sure to get you thinking.

IN THIS EPISODE, RYAN ANSWERED THE FOLLOWING:

• What events led to your  "Year Without God"? • What difference does God make? • How do you respond to skeptics? • Did you ever "pray" during your atheist experiment? • Why not "A Year Without Christianity?" instead of God? • Why atheism? Why not deism? Pantheism? • How would you define the God you reject? • How did your "year without God" affect your family? • How did the atheist community influence your journey? • Do you ever miss the old notion of God you used to have? (e.g., a loving father, provider) • Do you ever feel like your religious years were all a waste? • What would it take for you to believe in God again?

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Ryan's Bell Blog "A Year Without God"

• Ryan's Facebook

• (FREE Audiobook Download) God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything 

• Help support this podcast to keep it going (any amount helps!)

What is the impact of religion on human sexuality? You see, growing up in the church, I was told all the dos and don'ts of sexuality for "Bible-believing" Christians. Yet, ironically, some of the preachers I'd listen to would contradict one another when it came to "how far" one can go sexually, both before and after marriage. And some would even commit the very "sins" they'd passionately condemn at the pulpit. Why was there so much hypocrisy going on in the church? And why were so many of my [natural] sexual desires considered "sinful" in the eyes of God? In this episode, I have an honest chat with psychologist and author, Dr. Darrel Ray. And let me tell ya, we don't shy away from any topics here. So put your kids to sleep (if you have any) ... and let's talk about sex, baby.

IN THIS EPISODE, DARREL ANSWERED THE FOLLOWING:

• Why are so many people afraid to talk about sex? • How has religion shaped our culture and sexual development? • How is religion often an excuse for bad behavior? • What's the difference between guilt and shame? • Why do even non-religious people struggle with guilt and shame when it comes to sexuality? • Talk about masturbation for a bit. Are there any benefits to it? • What are some ways parents can address the topic of sex to their kids? • What have you discovered in your research about porn and porn addiction? • What would you tell someone who's struggling with shame right now?

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Recoveringfromreligion.org

• Sex and God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality (FREE when you try Audible for 30 days)

• The God Virus: How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture

• Darrel’s Talk on “The Myth of Sex Addiction”

• Sex Education For All Ages Interview With Dr. Melanie Davis

• Kindle Countdown Promo for The Secret to Awesomeness (only for a limited time!)

• Become a Patron and help support this podcast to keep it going (any amount helps!)

Is it possible to be an atheist and believe in God?

Well, Frank Schaeffer seems to thinks so.

And the description of his new book, Why I am an Atheist Who Believes in God, gives us a glimpse into this seemingly contradictory reality:

Caught between the beauty of his grandchildren and grief over a friend’s death, Frank Schaeffer finds himself simultaneously believing and not believing in God—an atheist who prays. Schaeffer wrestles with faith and disbelief, sharing his innermost thoughts with a lyricism that only great writers of literary nonfiction achieve. Schaeffer writes as an imperfect son, husband and grandfather whose love for his family, art and life trumps the ugly theologies of an angry God and the atheist vision of a cold, meaningless universe. Schaeffer writes that only when we abandon our hunt for certainty do we become free to create beauty, give love and find peace.

In this candid interview, Frank pulls no punches and points out what many of us sometimes think and feel--whether we wanna acknowledge it or not.

So give yourself a break from trying to believe all the "right" things for a moment, and think about whether or not your beliefs now inspire you to give love, create beauty and find peace.

Enjoy the show!

IN THIS EPISODE, FRANK ANSWERED THE FOLLOWING:

• Isn't calling yourself an "atheist who believes in God" a contradiction? • How has embracing paradox and uncertainty brought healing into your life? • Doesn't certainty give people hope? • Do you pray to a God on some days and live as an atheist on other days? • You feel connected to something bigger than yourself whenever you paint. Would you call that God? • Where do you find meaning? Is meaning something we create ourselves, or something we discover? • Why did you join the Greek Orthodox Church? Do you still go to church? • You talk a lot about your wife. What's her reaction to your theological evolution?

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• frankschaeffer.com

• frankschaefferart.com

• Why I am an Atheist Who Believes in God

• Frank's Facebook Page

• Frank's Youtube Channel

• Frank's Twitter

• Frank's Google Talk

• FREE AUDIOBOOK download when you try Audible for 30 days

• Order Signed Copies of So You Thought You Knew: Letting Go of Religion

• Please support this podcast by making a donation at my Patreon page (any amount helps!)

Does hell exist? If so, how can a loving God allow millions of people to suffer in a place of eternal conscious torment? In this episode, I interview award-winning screenwriter, director and producer, Kevin Miller. And we discuss his provocative, critically acclaimed documentary Hellbound? which, in Kevin’s words, “seeks to discover why we are so bound to the idea of hell and what our views on hell reveal about how we perceive God, justice, the Bible and, ultimately, ourselves.” IN THIS EPISODE, KEVIN ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING: • Why do so many loving Christians still believe in hell? • When did you start questioning hell? • I once heard you say that the “belief in hell creates hell.” What did you mean? • Where does the imagery of hell (fire, darkness, torture) come from? • If someone believes in the Christian God, does he or she have to believe in hell, too? • Is hell part of the Christian message? • What did the early church believe about hell? • It’s often said that Jesus spoke more about hell than heaven. Is that true? • Why are so many people afraid to question hell? • Does it makes sense for God to give Hitler a free pass into heaven without any punishment? • Is eternal conscious torment the only view of the afterlife for Christians to hold to? • If there’s no eternal hell, then why the need for a savior? • How did the writers of Scripture know with certainty what happens after we die? • If there were no Bible, would people still believe in hell? • If people really believe in hell, then why aren’t they sharing their faith 24/7 to save people from it? • If we’re all trying to make sense of the world, does the idea of hell really make a good story? • As you toured the film and did Q&A’s, what were some of the responses?

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• hellboundthemovie.com

• Her Gates Will Never Be Shut by Brad Jersak

• Kevin's Patheos Blog

• Hellbound? Facebook Page

• Hellbound? on Twitter

• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

Are questions the answer? Well, many who left organized religion--those who are tired of trite answers--seem to think so. In this episode, I interview David Hayward (aka Naked Pastor). He is one of the most prolific cartoonists of the online world--describing himself as "a graffiti artist on the walls of religion." He's the author of books such as Without a Vision My People Prosper, The Liberation of Sophia, and his latest one, Questions Are the Answers. He also launched an online community called The Lasting Supper where people can learn and live in spiritual independence. IN THIS EPISODE, DAVID ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING: • How did you end up being called "Naked Pastor"? • When did you get into drawing? • Is there a tension between "intellectual integrity" and "just believing"? • What good can questions do for a person that "answers" can't? • What were the "3 stages of questions" you went through? • When was your first "crisis of faith" experience? • At one point you entered a "dark period" in life. What was going on? • How did your encounter with a street person dramatically impact you? • Tell us more about what your wife calls your "Gandhi phase." • How can theology hurt people? • When you were pastoring, what did your services look like? • What advice would you give to pastors who are facing a theological crisis? • When did you realize you were finally done with it all (ministry, attending church)? • Is it possible to criticize the church and still love it? • You had a dream where you heard the words "It's time!" What happened? • What is The Lasting Supper community?

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• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• nakedpastor.com

• thelastingsupper.com

• David's new book Questions Are the Answer book

• nakedpastor on Facebook

• nakedpastor on Instagram

• nakedpastor on Youtube

Has defending the Bible made us unable to read it? What if the Bible isn't meant to be protected and defended? With all the messy, troubling, and weird things found in this ancient book, what if trying to make it behave itself can become a barrier to true faith? In this episode, I interview Dr. Peter Enns. He's a biblical scholar, theologian, writer and jokester. He's a contributor to the Huffington Post and Patheos. His books include Inspiration and Incarnation, The Evolution of Adam (where he questions the belief that Adam was a historical figure), and The Bible Tells Me So. IN THIS EPISODE, PETER ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING: • Where did your desire to study the Bible come from? When did it happen? • Why is there a lot of fear among Christians to share their honest questions about the Bible? • Some claim they became atheists because of the Bible. But if the Bible isn't the problem, what is? • Did your shift in thinking about the Bible affect your faith in God? • If the Bible isn't a step-by-step manual on how to live, then what value does it have for us today? • Christians claim to believe in one God. But does the bible affirm that there's only one God? • If the Bible isn't even clear about big issues like God (!!), should we read the Bible to know God? • What do you say to someone who tries to justify the violence in the Bible? • If some of the stories in the Bible aren't historically accurate, what should our approach be to the text? • How do you feel about Christians apologists defending the Bible? Are they not taking the Bible seriously? • Should we be surprised by the different versions of the same story in the Bible? • Are there any contradictions (not just apparent ones) in the four Gospels? • Do you consider the Bible to be the "Word of God"? If so, in what way? • Can our "sacred experiences" be added to the "Word of God"? • If it's not about historical accuracy, what about other religious books, such as the Koran? • How did Jesus read his Bible? Did he follow it like a rule book?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• peteenns.com • Peter Enns on Patheos • The Bible Tells Me So (FREE AUDIOBOOK download on Audible [type title in search]) • Peter Enns on Facebook • Peter Enns on Twitter

Why does a GOOD God allow evil and suffering?

In 2007, an unknown author's book was published, and it was like a bomb exploded in the Christian world. Not only did many well-known representatives of the faith embrace the content of the book, there were many others who vehemently criticized it as well, labeling it as heresy.

And boy, did it create a conversation (or should I say many conversations!).

In this episode, I interview Wm. Paul Young. Paul was born a Canadian and raised among a stone-age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of Netherlands New Guinea. He is best known for his highly-praised and controversial book The Shack which has sold over 20 million copies to date. Since the success of his first publication, he has written two more books, one being Cross Roads, and most recently, Eve.

IN THIS EPISODE, PAUL ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• Why did The Shack receive so much attention? • Within Christianity, God is known as a loving Father. Why didn't you portray God in a masculine form? • Why is it so hard for many religious folks to accept the idea that God loves unconditionally? • Is the God of The Shack too nice where "He" no longer matches the God of the Bible (especially the OT)? • Why does a good God allow suffering? • It seems like "God allows" EVERYTHING to happen. So is God even necessary? • Does saying things like "God was with you during those horrible times" do more harm than good? • In The Shack, what did Jesus mean when he said "I will travel any road to find you”? • Does it matter what a person believes? • What are some of the themes found in Eve? • How is Eve different from your other two books? And what did you want people to take away from it? • Why was Eve was your most difficult book to write? • I heard The Shack is gonna be a movie. Can you tell us more about that? Who'll be starring in it? • Is there a book tour for Eve?

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• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• wmpaulyoung.com • Eve (FREE AUDIOBOOK w/ 30-day trial membership on Audible [type title in search]) • Paul Young on Youtube • Paul Young on Facebook • Paul Young on Twitter

What are some of the toughest questions you have ever asked about God and Jesus?

You see, if you grew up in the church like me, chances are, at some point in your life, you started asking some difficult questions about God that your friends and family couldn't answer to your satisfaction. Did it matter? Well, maybe.

Here's the thing: questions have the capacity to strengthen your faith, or possibly even destroy it.

In this episode, I interview Brad Jersak. Brad is an author and teacher based in Abbotsford, BC. He's on faculty at Westminster Theological Centre (Cheltenham, UK), where he teaches New Testament and Patristics. He serves as adjunct faculty with St. Stephen's University (St. Stephen, NB). And he's also the senior editor of the CWR (Christianity Without the Religion) Magazine, which is based in Pasadena, CA. Some of his books include Can You Hear Me?, Her Gates Will Never Be Shut, and A More Christlike God.

IN THIS EPISODE, BRAD ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• Can you tell us a little bit about A More Christlike God and why you wrote it? • Is there such a thing as "the God of the Bible"? • Is it possible that we find the kind of God we want to find in the Bible (God of peace/grace/anger/war)? • Humans have produced a vast pantheon of gods, how do we know what God is like? • There seems to be as many versions of God as there are people. How is your God the right one? • Are our ideas of God simply glorified projections of ourselves? • Walter Wink said, "atheism is the first step toward true worship." What exactly does that mean? • In your opinion, what are some of the false images of God? • Why does the "God of the Bible" seem so un-Christlike? • Why did it take so long for God to reveal himself perfectly in Jesus? • Mark Driscoll said he can't worship a Jesus he can beat up. What is your response? • How do we know your understanding of Jesus isn't just an upgraded version of yourself? • Did God punish Jesus for our sins on the cross? • What does the cross demonstrate about the nature of God? • How is the cross a response to the problem of suffering? • Who or what is Jesus saving us from? • In what sense do you believe Jesus died for us? • Can Jesus truly identify with a person who has been married, divorced, molested, or raped? • Isn't it arrogant to talk about God's nature? Who are we to say? • Is God free to do whatever he pleases (even things considered to be evil in our eyes)? • Why is God so violent? Didn't he even command genocide in the Bible? • Does God have a dark and wrathful side that balances out his goodness and love? • If God is in control, then why is there so much chaos in this world? • If God is such a loving Father, then why is there so much suffering? • Why doesn't God protect us from natural disasters? • Desmond Tutu says that "God does nothing without a human partner"? Do you agree? • You say that God operates in the world by consent. What do you mean by that? • According to you, what is "The Beautiful Gospel"? • What is "The Gospel in Chairs"? • Hector Avalos argues, in The Bad Jesus, that Jesus is flawed. What is your response?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• bradjersak.com • Brad's new book More Christlike God • Brad Jersak on Youtube • Brad Jersak on Facebook • Brad Jersak on Twitter • Brad Jersak on Instagram • Clarion Journal of Spirituality and Justice

If Christ appeared to you out of nowhere, what would you do?

In this episode, I interview Nadia Khalil Bradley. Nadia began her journey in a tight-knit Palestinian-American community located in a suburb of Chicago. A devout Muslim, she followed the traditions upheld in the community and within the culture, having very little knowledge of Christ.

She had been writing to God for years, until one day, he answered her. In 2002, while still a Muslim, Nadia had a vision of Christ that literally changed her life forever. Since then, she has been sharing her experiences and insights through her writing (3 books so far) and podcast show (Christisms). Her books include Little Wing, Origins of Truth, and her latest, Original Love.

IN THIS EPISODE, NADIA ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• What did Christ look like? Was he a ghostly figure? Floating in mid-air? • What were you feeling at that moment when you saw Christ face to face? • How has this experience changed your life? • What did Christ sound like? Was it a voice in your head? A "knowing"? Audible? • So how do you know it's Christ you're hearing and not just your ego? • Why did Christ reveal himself to you this way? Are you special? • What is the main message Christ came to bring you? • What were some of the questions Christ asked you? • Do you still hear Christ today the same way you heard him the first time? • Do you still see Christ in a physical form? • When you pray, do you make a distinction between God and Christ? • Who is Christ to you? God? A messenger? • Do you still consider yourself a Muslim? Or did you become a Christian? • How do you know there is no hell? • How do you handle the skeptics? • Some Christians say your experience was demonic. What is your response? • Has this experience affected your relationships with friends and family? • What are some truths you've learned throughout the years?

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• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Christisms Podcast • Nadia’s new book Original Love • Nadia on Youtube • Nadia on Facebook • Nadia on Twitter • Nadia on Instagram

The idea of hell has haunted millions of people all over the world, and continues to do so.

But ... what if the fiery image of an eternal torture chamber, which many religious people have been taught, isn't true?

In this episode, I interview Sharon Baker. She's an associate professor of theology and religion, and has written numerous articles on hell and nonviolent atonement. Sharon is the author of Razing Hell and Executing God. 

IN THIS EPISODE, SHARON ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• When was the first time you found out you were going to hell? • Is the idea of hell found in the Bible? • Did any formal doctrine of hell exist in the early church? • Where does the imagery of hell (fire, torture, screaming) come from? Did it develop over time? • What does "fire" symbolize in the Bible? • Doesn't the Bible clearly teach ETERNAL punishment? • Doesn't the word "eternal" mean forever? • Didn't Jesus talk about hell more than heaven? • Can there be a connection between a person's understanding of the cross with hell? • Did Jesus die to save people from hell? • Why do so many Christians want to believe in hell? • What does a person's belief in eternal hell say about the kind of God they believe in? • What about people like Hitler and Osama Bin Laden? Don't they “deserve” an eternal hell? • Can you go through some of the problems ("troubles") surrounding the traditional view of hell? • Does an eternal hell really solve the problem of evil? • Respond to this: "God is love, but don't forget that he's also a God of wrath." • Respond to this: "God can send anyone to hell because everything God does is just and loving." • Respond to this: "It doesn't matter how small your "sin" is, it's who (God) you're sinning against." • Respond to this: “God sends nobody to hell. People send themselves there.” • What about the verse, "It's appointed for a person to die once and then face judgment"? • Doesn't God allow people to suffer in hell so he won't violate their free will?

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• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Razing Hell book • Executing God book • Sharon on Facebook

Can the question of God's existence be settled by scientific evidence? If so, Who or What is the “God” the new science is rediscovering?

Is it a Christian God, a Hindu God, a Muslim God, a Judaic God? Or none of them at all?

In this episode, I interview Theoretical Physicist Dr. Amit Goswami. He's a pioneer of the new paradigm of science called “science within consciousness," and has appeared in the movies What the Bleep do we know!?, Dalai Lama Renaissance, as well as the award winning documentary, The Quantum Activist. A prolific writer, teacher, and visionary, Dr. Goswami is the author of several books such as The Self-Aware Universe, Physics of the Soul, The Quantum Doctor, God is Not Dead, and Quantum Economics

IN THIS EPISODE, AMIT ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• Who or What is God? • Can the question of God's existence be settled by scientific evidence? • Is the new science rediscovering a Christian God, a Hindu God, a Muslim God, a Judaic God? • Is God personal? Can we talk to God and have a personal relationship with God? • What is reality? Don't we live in a material world, as many skeptics claim? • What is quantum non-locality? And how is it evidence for God? • Doesn't evolution demonstrate that there's no need for a Creator or an Intelligent Designer? • Why are you critical of biblical Creationism and the Intelligent Design movement. • How does the fossil data support the idea of God's existence? • How do you deal with the materialist scientist, the Western philosopher, and the Christian theologian? • How do we know God isn't just some brain phenomenon? • Doesn't quantum physics only apply to the micro and not the macro world? • What is consciousness? And what role does it play in our observation of things? • What phenomena cannot be explained away by material causes alone? • What are some of the questions materialists can't answer? • Is love a divine quality? Don't atheists and agnostics know how to love without God? • Isn't it still possible to have meaning without God as some materialists claim? • Are we separate from God? • Are we God? If so, why do we have such a hard time manifesting godly qualities? • Why did God create and evolve life? • If God exists, is there life after death?

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• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• amitgoswami.org • quantumactivist.com • Amit's  book God Is Not Dead • Amit's  book Physics of the Soul • Amit on Facebook • Amit on Twitter

Is there life after death? If so, what is it like?

In this episode, I interview Dr. Eben Alexander. A renowned academic neurosurgeon for over 25 years, he thought he knew how the brain, mind and consciousness worked. But in 2008, all of that changed.

What seemed to come out of nowhere, he went into a coma for a week and had an out-of-body/near-death experience into another realm that transformed his life forever.

Eben is the author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey Into the Afterlife, and his latest book is called The Map of Heaven: How Science, Religion, and Ordinary People Are Proving the Afterlife.

IN THIS EPISODE, EBEN ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:   • What happened on November 10, 2008? • You're a pretty healthy guy who didn't really get sick. So what happened? • Back in the day you considered strange NDE stories to be "pure fantasy". Why is that? • What did you experience in these other realms? • Was it a physical experience, or more of a dreamlike, ghostly appearance? • You talked about not having a body during your experience? What did you mean? • You said that "Language, emotion, logic: these were all gone". How did you communicate? • "Seeing and hearing were not separate in this place". What did you mean? • Did you see and meet "God"? If so, what did He/She/It look and sound like? • You claim to have seen heaven, but is hell real, too? • Can you describe the Realm of the Earthworm's-Eye View? • What about reincarnation? • You talked about a girl and a butterfly. Tell us about that experience. • What were the powerful and moving words the girl said to you? • What do you say to the skeptic? • Doesn't the brain create consciousness? • Can you share a little bit about your new book The Map of Heaven?

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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• ebenalexander.com • Eben's book Proof of Heaven • Eben's book The Map of Heaven • Eben's books (FREE AUDIOBOOK w/ 30-day trial membership on Audible.com [type in search]) • sacredacoustics.com • Eben on Facebook • Eben on Twitter • iands.org  

The Golden Lampstand Production presents:  "The Truth Revealed" Series Date: October 8, 2014 Location: Santa Barbara, CA An honest, straight-from-the-heart interview with Joshua Tongol. (author "So You Thought You Knew" and international speaker) 1) What is the gospel? 2) How important is questioning? 3) What's the problem with religion in general? 4) What are your thoughts about church? 5) What would you say to those struggling with their faith? 6) What's a big division in the church? 7) How can unity come back into the church? 8) What would you like people to remember you and your wife for? 9) You say/use the quote gesture often when you speak. Why? 10) What helped you get out of the fear-based relationship with God? 11) Why did you start writing? And tell us about your projects. 12) Final thoughts? Edited by: Ricardo Perez Background music: "Without Limits" by Ross Bugden Golden Lampstand channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClplvYbMZYEiPJh-NO3duXg

Date: 12-13-13 Description: Darin talks with his friend Joshua Tongol while in California. The two talk about how the more they grow, the less they know. Hope you enjoy it!

Growing up as a Christian, I have always considered myself an open-minded person … until I realized that I kept assuming–no matter what–one thing.

And this one thing kept me from truly learning from others. Let this give you something to think about.

My name is Joshua Tongol. I was raised a Christian. For years I believed whatever I was taught by pastors, preachers and teachers. I was told what to believe, how to think, and how to live. Honestly, I constantly struggled with my faith because, on the one hand, I believed in a God who supposedly "loved" me unconditionally, but, on the other hand, I also believed in a God who was hateful, exclusive, judgmental, and violent. God, to me, seemed somewhat schizophrenic. I had no security in God's love whatsoever. His love and acceptance of me was based on what I believed and how "good" I was. Thankfully, my life and views of God began to change (for the better) once I started to do what I'll be sharing in this video. Here are some things for you to think about: *What if everything you were taught about Christianity (and religion) is wrong? *Learn to think for yourself and don't allow others to think for you *Always be honest and true to yourself *Are your religious beliefs creating a better you and helping make this world a better place? *Do you have questions about your faith but are too afraid to ask them? *Can you still be spiritual without having to be a Christian?

Date: 3-22-14 Location: San Diego, CA Ask yourself the question, "WHAT IF?" Joshua was raised within the evangelical tradition. Throughout the years, he served as a teacher, pastor, and evangelist at several denominations such as: Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, and Assemblies of God. He also served as a missionary to the Philippines after graduating from seminary. Although Joshua was the type to always ask questions during his early adult years, he finally found the courage to really question some of his "fundamental" beliefs he held to as an evangelical Christian. He began questioning his understanding of God, the Bible (inerrancy), grace, the gospel, eternal hell, Satan, interfaith, and even church. Listen in as Joshua shares his heart and answers questions on important theological subjects. It might give you a different perspective on things.

Humanity's adoption into the Triune Life of God. Ephesians 1:4-6 says, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Romans 8:15 says, 'For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." ' Soundtrack: "Horizon" by leleka Photo by Remedios Tongol

Visit: http://aplacetotalk.net/weeklytalks/ From Josh McDowell's podcast description: I'm blessed to get to talk to people like Joshua Tongol! I saw his first name and just decided to give him a call on the off chance that we would have similar hearts, and what do you know -- WE DO! Just kidding, I saw a few of Joshua's You Tube videos and I felt certain that I would love to hear from him and I did. As I heard Joshua's story (there are many interesting and unique parts) I felt like I was hearing my story in a parallel universe. Our stories are unique, but we're clearly talking to the same Father! I hope you enjoy this chat! Please visit Joshua's website and support him anyway God leads you to!

Kainos Life Presents: Glorious Identity Conference Date: March 16, 2013 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Guests: Andre and Mary-Anne Rabe/Joshua and Remy Tongol/Into the Pacific band Try to have an open heart and mind. And no matter what you may have been taught about God and/or the Bible...don't forget to THINK for yourself. Bless you on your journey...

To watch some parts of the message on Youtube click here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMj0H8ZFGuewnUzyGeWTnvDlIgmavsLa_&feature=mh_lolz Jesus is came to save ALL. Did He fail? Or did He succeed? Did He potentially save the world? Or did He save the world? Jesus said, "IT IS FINISHED." But why is the "gospel" preached today as though it is UNFINISHED? Is it possible that many interpret "salvation verses" out of context without interpreting them in light of the FINISHED WORK ON THE CROSS? What if the world was ALREADY RECONCILED? Would we focus so much on trying to ESCAPE THIS WORLD and damn the rest of humanity who don't believe like us? Or would we learn to live with and love on one another because the KINGDOM is already here and now? Sadly, much of what is believed as the "gospel" has created so much division, intolerance, hatred and wars. Ironically, many Christians cannot even agree with each other, yet each group thinks God is on their side and against everyone else. It's time to question, challenge and rethink what the GOOD NEWS really is for the world that God loves. This sermon will create a huge paradigm shift for many people if they are open. Please listen to the entire message (7 parts) in order to get the full context of what Joshua is saying. Here are the things that will be covered in the message: -Are We Really Preaching the finished work? -Does God accept you before you believe? -The secret that religion does not want you to know -Is Adam greater than Jesus? -Does God give us a choice? -The difference between believers and unbelievers -Do all roads lead to God?

[The views shared in this video do not necessarily represent the views of the community] In March 2013, Joshua Tongol was invited to speak to a community in Santa Cruz, CA. Aside from his preaching, he requested for intimate gatherings where people can discuss topics that are usually not brought up in the "church." Many questions came up. Nothing was too sacred to mention in this meeting. The purpose was to ask the "WHAT IF?" question and to also offer alternative explanations of certain ideas. Whenever a "new" idea was proposed to the community, the question was asked, "IS IT POSSIBLE?" No one, including the speaker, claimed to have it all figured out. But all were invited to participate in the conversation. Sadly, many religious fundamentalists (Christian and non-Christian) tend to be very dogmatic concerning certain theological doctrines. Yet there is much diversity among them. That being the case, IS IT OK TO QUESTION? Questions to think about: -What do you really believe? -Why do you believe? -Can your "truth" withstand scrutiny? -Can you listen to a different opinion other than yours without being offended? -Can you disagree with another person and still unite in love? -Can you feel safe enough in a gathering to share your heart without having to feel judged or condemned? Josh has always envisioned gatherings where people can come together--with all their differences--yet still unite in love. As you watch these videos, try to have an open heart and mind. And no matter what you may have been taught about God and/or the Bible...don't forget to THINK for yourself. Bless you on your journey...

Sadly, much of what we call "RELIGION" today (or even a "RELATIONSHIP with God") is driven by FEAR. And fear has been used to control the masses. There is so much religious dogma being used to keep people ignorant and fearful. That being the case, many religious folks end up not thinking for themselves. Or, at other times, valid questions are suppressed by the religious authorities. There are 2 things that mainly drive people: LOVE and FEAR Questions to think about: Why do you believe in God? Why do you do good to others? Are you afraid of God? Would you believe in God if there were no hell or punishment? The way one answers these questions will reveal what really drives the person's beliefs. Listen as Joshua shares the problems of Fear-Driven Religion and how we need to rediscover the God of love. Soundtrack: "Perpetual Tranquility loop" by Trix-Music

There's a lot of fear surrounding the topic of Astral Projection. Why? Is it really safe? Or is it dangerous and demonic? What about the reports of people having visions of hell? Or those claiming to see shadowy figures in their bedroom at night? Or people experiencing a phenomenon called "sleep paralysis"? Well, I'm not gonna ignore those issues at all in this audio. So, here's my take on out-of-body experiences and its connection to creepy paranormal phenomena.

Are you tired of "going" to church? Sick of superficial, ministry-based-only friendships? Bored of passively listening to sermons at a service? How does the New Testament describe the body of Christ? Let this audio be a challenge and encouragement to those who attend institutional churches. Are you looking for something more? I have been accused of being against the church. That is simply not true. Listen to what it means to BE THE CHURCH.

* A special shout-out to California and Texas Fambam. And to the Philippines Fambam, I love you all more than you know. Background music: "Clearview" Instrumental by Sean Divine Photo by Lance Salvosa

Background music: "Found You" Instrumental by Life and Death Productions Photo by Remedios Jose Tongol

Are some of the superpowers described in ancient legends, science fiction, and comic books actually real?

Telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition–are these inherent supernormal mental powers?

Is it really possible to perceive another person’s thoughts, influence objects with our minds, and envision future events?

In this episode, I interview Dr. Dean Radin. He is Chief Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. For three decades he has been engaged in frontiers research on the nature of consciousness. He was featured in a New York Times Magazine article; and he has appeared on dozens of television shows ranging from the BBC’s Horizon and PBS’s Closer to Truth to Oprah and Larry King Live. He has given over 350 interviews and talks.

Dean is author or coauthor of over 250 technical and popular articles, three dozen book chapters, and three books including the award-winning The Conscious Universe, Entangled Minds, and the 2014 Silver Nautilus Book Award winner, Supernormal: Science, Yoga, and the Evidence for Extraordinary Psychic Abilities.

IN THIS EPISODE, DEAN ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

• Is it possible for us to have super powers like those in science fiction and in comic books? • What do you mean by “supernormal”? Why not use the word “supernatural”? • Why is there a big difference between Western culture and India concerning psychic phenomena? • Are telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis real? • Why are a lot of people cynical and uncomfortable about the possibility of “something more”? • How has technology played a factor as to why supernormal abilities have devolved? • Does everyone have these psychic abilities? • Are supernormal abilities able to be developed? • Have you had any experiences that would be considered psychic phenomena? • In the West, yoga is very trendy. But what’s the essential goal of yoga? • What are some of the benefits of yoga and meditation? • How has Quantum mechanics falsified many of the current assumptions of science? • Are miracles in violation or in contradiction to nature? • Why are many scientists and scholars hesitant to address the idea of miracles? • Are mystical experiences hallucinations or do they reflect a truthful picture of reality? • What are some cases of levitation you can share? • Can you tell us about any precognition experiments? • Can you tell us about your psychokinesis experience? • Is there one experiment that stands out in particular that convinced you supernormal abilities? • Can practitioners meditating on peace and nonviolence literally lower crime and violence? • What are some of the limits of the scientific method? • How has the scientific community accepted you and your work? • Where do you see science headed concerning embracing psychic phenomena?

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST TO HELP KEEP IT RUNNING!

• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• deanradin.com • noetic.org • Dean's book Supernormal • Dean's book Entangled Minds • Dean's book The Conscious Universe • Dean's blog • Dean on Facebook • Dean on Twitter

http://joshuatongol.com/support/ (Joshua's ministry) http://hearhim.net/wordpress/ (Andre's ministry) "Glorious Identity Conference" (Q&A Session) Date: March 16, 2013 Location: Santa Cruz, CA -Is Satan Christianity's other god? -Is Satan a "fallen angel"? -Is the devil responsible for evil? -Have we given "the devil" too much credit and power? -Is there a lot of biblical support for the "fall of Lucifer"? -What are the problems of being too "devil conscious"? -Is "the satan" always in reference to cosmic entities? Listen in as Joshua and Andre share their hearts and answer questions on these very subjects. It might give you a different perspective on things.

WEBSITE: http://joshuatongol.com/ FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/joshuatongolpage TWITTER: http://twitter.com/JoshuaTongol Does sin SEPARATE you from God? Is there a great chasm dividing humanity and God because of sin? Is there something a person must do in order to remove this separation? Many Christians have been taught that sin separates us from God. In fact, when some people share the Gospel (GOOD NEWS), they begin with the idea of man being separated from God first. But is this where one should begin? Moreover, this whole idea of "separation" is one of the building blocks of the Evangelical penal substitutionary theory. Please watch this video to see to the problems with penal substitution: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gb1akUaNig Problems with SEPARATION? -It's not Christian -Rooted in pagan dualism and not the Scriptures -Has caused many Christians to suffer mentally and emotionally -Denies the purpose of the incarnation and the finished work of Jesus Christ Recommended resources: "On The Incarnation Of The Word Of God" by Saint Athanasius "Stricken by God?" by Brad Jersak and Michael Hardin "The Jesus Driven Life" by Michael Hardin "A New Kind of Christianity" by Brian McLaren "Jesus and the Undoing of Adam" by C. Baxter Kruger "Parable of the Dancing God" by C. Baxter Kruger "Kingdom, Grace, Judgment: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus" by Robert Farrar Capon "Razing Hell" by Sharon Baker Soundtrack: "Perpetual Tranquility loop" by Trix-Music

Did we enter this world with fear, separation, and shame? Or is all this "darkness" between our ears? Unfortunately, many parents, educators and ministers have negatively affected the subconscious minds of people all over the world. It's time to remember our innocence.   Listen in as Joshua shares his heart and answers questions on important subjects. It might give you a different perspective on things.

Struggling a lot with guilt and shame? Desiring to become a better person? Here's the secret.

Yup, that's right! I created a new podcast called The Flipside. New title. New style. New everything. Why? Well, you gotta listen to find out! In this first episode you'll hear: • Why I decided to create a new podcast • A bit of my journey (for all the newbies) • Why I've been on the "down-low" these days • My goal for the show Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode • My books So You Thought You Knew and The Secret to Awesomeness Please support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/JoshuaTongol

Religion. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that word? God? Love? Faith? Have you ever had someone share their "religion" with you? If so, how was their approach? Have you ever shared your ideas with someone else? If so, how was your approach? Does a person's approach even matter? Or is it all about a person's content? IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR: • The incident of the two passionate men to who tried converting me • A discussion about passion, truth, and sincerity • Examples of ineffective approaches to conversations • Whether it's "right" or "wrong" to make judgments • If tolerance is always the answer to disagreements LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE • Brendon James' Artwork • Russell Brand Interviews Westboro Baptist Church Please support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/JoshuaTongol

Have you ever encountered a street preacher (or anyone else) who condemned you for not believing in Jesus? Has the message of God's unconditional love been reduced to "turn or burn"?

Date: 3-22-14 Location: San Diego, CA Ask yourself the question, "WHAT IF?" Joshua was raised within the evangelical tradition. Throughout the years, he served as a teacher, pastor, and evangelist at several denominations such as: Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, and Assemblies of God. He also served as a missionary to the Philippines after graduating from seminary. Although Joshua was the type to always ask questions during his early adult years, he finally found the courage to really question some of his "fundamental" beliefs he held to as an evangelical Christian. He began questioning his understanding of God, the Bible (inerrancy), grace, the gospel, eternal hell, Satan, interfaith, and even church. Listen in as Joshua shares his heart and answers questions on important theological subjects. It might give you a different perspective on things.

Date: 12/29/13 Location: Queens, New York Things shared in our latest video update: -a review of 2013 -Josh's new book -why we don't post certain theological videos -why we don't answer certain questions -upcoming "Into the Wild" podcast with Darin Hufford -how the message of love and grace has transformed us -how to deal with those you disagree with -some encouragement

According to Dictionary.com, a "sacred cow" is "an individual, organization, institution, etc., considered to be exempt from criticism or questioning." Throughout the body of Christ there have been many ideas that have been left unquestioned. It is time to challenge them.

Am I more than this body? Is there life after death? Does consciousness survive once the brain shuts down? These are legitimate questions to ask. Here's my journey into Out of Body Experiences and Astral Travel.

What is the greatest gift you can give to yourself?

Here's a reading of the "Subconscious Mind" chapter from my book "The Secret to Awesomeness. Thanks to the YouAreCreators channel for creating the audio chapter with music. Narrator: Joshua Tongol Purchase Josh's books here: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00I3TTXPI This video was uploaded with the permission of YouAreCreators More about YouAreCreators: (Largest Self-Help YouTube Channel) We (YouAreCreators) created this channel to share one of the greatest secrets of the universe, and the secret is, we literally create our reality! (Quantum Physics now proves this) We are all governed by a set of Universal Laws, and these laws were created by GOD, to aid us in creating the life we desire. One of these laws is known as the "Law Of Attraction", or the law of "Reaping and Sowing". This law simply states, whatever you give out in Thought, Word, Feeling, and Action is returned to us. Whether the return is negative, or positive, failure or success, is all up to what you give out. Many authors and celebrities such as, Wayne Dyer, Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Jim Carrey, Steve Harvey, Rhonda Byrne, and many others have testified to this amazing Law Of Attraction. Its time you learn this wonderful secret... Visit their website: http://youarecreators.org/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/YouAreCreators

We can spend a lot of time convincing ourselves that that "thing" we wanna do ... that "thing" that gets us "pumped up" and excited ... could wait. And we come up with a bunch of reasons of why we can't do it now. Procrastination. Here's how to beat it. (watch video)

Here's a reading of the "Creating: Bending Reality 101" chapter from the book "The Secret to Awesomeness". Narrator: Joshua Tongol Purchase Josh's books here: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00I3TTXPI

Date: March 24, 2013 Location: Abundant Grace Church, San Jacinto, CA *If you liked this video, check out my other series  called "Quantum Physics and Healing": http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMj0H8ZFGuewnbNGY-tCQPvwM43utpIxp&feature=mh_lolz There scientific proof we can heal ourselves. Topics discussed: -Genetics vs. Epigenetics -Conscious and Subconscious -Mind/Body Connection -Placebo and Nocebo Effect -Visualization -Miracles and Techniques -Causes of Sickness -Power of Laughter -Power of Thoughts -Power of Words -Power of Faith -Influence of Consciousness -Role of Medicine -How the Body Affects the Mind (and Vice Versa) -Practical Tips on how to Feel Better -Finances Listen in as Joshua Tongol shares some amazing stories that will help you believe for yourself and not give up. It might give you a different perspective on things.

Sometimes watching the news on television can sometimes make it feel like the world is a horrible place to live in. And it can even sometimes make you wonder if there's any hope for humanity at all. We all wanna make a difference in this world--which is good--but some of us just don't know where to start. Well ... it's simple. Here's what you can do (watch video)

Do you sometimes fear the future? Worry about money? Become anxious about life? Well, I have a simple tip that can help you overcome your fear in seconds.

Feeling insecure about your body? Struggling with self-love? Longing for deeper relationships? In this interview, I talk about these issues, along with what life is like being born with one hand. I also talk about, what I believe to be, one of the biggest obstacles millennials are facing today. The host of the Life Trip Radio show is the awesome Joshua Dwight (aka "The Millennial Mentor"). And I dug up this interview from the archives (2015) which was never uploaded to Youtube ... until now. I hope you enjoy it and get encouraged. Joshua Dwight: http://www.joshuadwight.com/

Feeling stressed? Let this message encourage you today. Questions to consider: • What exactly is worrying? • What's the first thing you should do when you start worrying? • What are some negative effects of worrying? • How useful is worrying? • Can worrying create your reality? • How important are words when facing a tough situation? • Do we live in a friendly universe? • What are some tips when you hear "bad" news? • How did you handle a discouraging situation in the past? • What are some practical tips to help you relax? • How powerful is the present moment?

[The views shared in this video do not necessarily represent the views of the community] In February 2013, Joshua Tongol was invited to speak to a community in New York. Aside from his preaching, he requested for intimate gatherings where people can discuss topics that are usually not brought up in the "church." For several days, in these gatherings, many questions came up. Nothing was too sacred to mention in these meetings. The purpose was to ask the "WHAT IF?" question and to also offer alternative explanations of certain ideas. Whenever a "new" idea was proposed to the community, the question was asked, "IS IT POSSIBLE?" No one, including the speaker, claimed to have it all figured out. But all were invited to participate in the conversation. Sadly, many religious fundamentalists (Christian and non-Christian) tend to be very dogmatic concerning certain theological doctrines. Yet there is much diversity among them. That being the case, IS IT OK TO QUESTION? Questions to think about: -What do you really believe? -Why do you believe? -Can your "truth" withstand scrutiny? -Can you listen to a different opinion other than yours without being offended? -Can you disagree with another person and still unite in love? -Can you feel safe enough in a gathering to share your heart without having to feel judged or condemned? Josh has always envisioned gatherings where people can come together--with all their differences--yet still unite in love. Try to have an open heart and mind. And no matter what you may have been taught about God and/or the Bible...don't forget to THINK for yourself. Bless you on your journey...

The Kingdom Awakening Global Conference Date: August 27, 2013 Location: Wichita, Kansas Identity Crisis + Q&A DISCLAIMER: After the conference I received several emails from people asking me what happened at the event. Rumor has it that, during the Q&A, I was "attacked" and "publicly rebuked." I'm here to show what actually happened during my session. I spoke with some of the questioners afterward and can honestly say that they are good people. None of them intended to debate with me. And with love and respect, we came to the conclusion that we simply had to agree to disagree on certain theological issues. That being said, I am thankful for all the members of Royal Family for giving me an opportunity to speak at this conference. I have nothing but love for each and every one of them. DESCRIPTION: Who are you/we? Are we nothing but filthy, corrupt, unworthy, and wretched sinners? Do our actions determine who we are? Do you see what God sees? Have you ever been taught the lie of separation? Listen in as Joshua Tongol shares his heart and answers questions on this very subject. It might give you a different perspective on things.

Tired of religion? What if almost everything you were taught about Christianity is wrong? Would you give up on faith altogether? Or is it possible to rediscover—with fresh eyes—a richer and more satisfying understanding of God and spirituality? This message is about thinking outside the "institutional walls" of Christianity and asking the hard questions. Joshua boldly says in public what many people are thinking in private. And his hilarious stories and life-changing insights will inspire those who are dissatisfied with fear-driven religion but believe—deep down—there's a better message out there for the world to hear.

My interview with Constance Arnold on her show "Think, Believe and Manifest!" (This show was uploaded with the permission of Constance Arnold) You can follow Constance Arnold here: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thinkbelievemanifest Website: http://www.fulfillingyourpurpose.com/

[The views shared in this video do not necessarily represent the views of the community] In March 2013, Joshua Tongol was invited to speak to a community in Santa Cruz, CA. Aside from his preaching, he requested for intimate gatherings where people can discuss topics that are usually not brought up in the "church." Many questions came up. Nothing was too sacred to mention in this meeting. The purpose was to ask the "WHAT IF?" question and to also offer alternative explanations of certain ideas. Whenever a "new" idea was proposed to the community, the question was asked, "IS IT POSSIBLE?" No one, including the speaker, claimed to have it all figured out. But all were invited to participate in the conversation. Sadly, many religious fundamentalists (Christian and non-Christian) tend to be very dogmatic concerning certain theological doctrines. Yet there is much diversity among them. That being the case, IS IT OK TO QUESTION? Questions to think about: -What do you really believe? -Why do you believe? -Can your "truth" withstand scrutiny? -Can you listen to a different opinion other than yours without being offended? -Can you disagree with another person and still unite in love? -Can you feel safe enough in a gathering to share your heart without having to feel judged or condemned? Josh has always envisioned gatherings where people can come together--with all their differences--yet still unite in love. As you watch these videos, try to have an open heart and mind. And no matter what you may have been taught about God and/or the Bible...don't forget to THINK for yourself. Bless you on your journey...

A lot of people these days are accusing the Christian God (along with his followers) of being hateful, exclusive, judgmental, and violent. Is God guilty? And why do God and his followers tend to look alike?

Does hell exist? If so, is it eternal? Temporary? Or is hell simply a fear-based invention of the church used to control people using fear? Here I discuss some of the most common ideas about this "hot topic."

-Jesus wasn’t a Christian, so what did he PREACH? Himself? -Have Christians become distracted away from his MESSAGE?

In February 2013, Joshua Tongol was invited to speak to a community in New York. Aside from his preaching, he requested for intimate gatherings where people can discuss topics that are usually not brought up in the "church." For several days, in these gatherings, many questions came up. Nothing was too sacred to mention in these meetings. The purpose was to ask the "WHAT IF?" question and to also offer alternative explanations of certain ideas. Whenever a "new" idea was proposed to the community, the question was asked, "IS IT POSSIBLE?" No one, including the speaker, claimed to have it all figured out. But all were invited to participate in the conversation. Sadly, many religious fundamentalists (Christian and non-Christian) tend to be very dogmatic concerning certain theological doctrines. Yet there is much diversity among them. That being the case, IS IT OK TO QUESTION? Questions to think about: -What do you really believe? -Why do you believe? -Can your "truth" withstand scrutiny? -Can you listen to a different opinion other than yours without being offended? -Can you disagree with another person and still unite in love? -Can you feel safe enough in a gathering to share your heart without having to feel judged or condemned? Josh has always envisioned gatherings where people can come together--with all their differences--yet still unite in love. Try to have an open heart and mind. And no matter what you may have been taught about God and/or the Bible...don't forget to THINK for yourself. Bless you on your journey...

Is tithing biblical? A more important question might be: is tithing Christian? Understand what giving looks like under grace.

In this exclusive interview for The Huffington Post and Examiner.com, bestselling author, Jeff Rivera ("Forever My Lady"), discusses Joshua's controversial book "So You Thought You Knew." Throughout the hour, you'll hear Joshua share his journey out of religion, and how he ended up questioning what many consider to be the "fundamentals" of Christianity. Joshua discusses his personal views on religion, church, healing, satan, the Bible, and for the first time in public, homosexuality. Enjoy the show!

A Tall Drink of Good News Gathering Date: October 25, 2013 Location: Carlsbad, California This was a special meeting where Joshua Tongol and Rod Williams (senior pastor of Santa Cruz Church) were able to share their hearts honestly and answer sincere questions from those who attended. People from Los Angeles, San Diego, Chula Vista, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, El Cajon, etc. came to this gathering.

Visit http://newcovenantgroup.com/ The New Covenant Group: Atheists and Theists Together The is the The Place for intellectual, spiritual and scriptural honesty. In time, we hope to be The Place of this kind of honesty, but it may take some time to get there. So, this is not The Place of "Us versus Them", but it's rather The Place of "This versus That". If I can't put atheists first, then I'm not willing to be last, and if I can't do unto others as I would do unto myself, then I'm not like Christ. So, am I willing to wrestle with questions outside of my comfort zone, or am I just too afraid of change. ~Michael W. Jones List of some of the questions asked during this show: 1. Is it ever moral for any father to have his child beaten beyond recognition and tortured to death so that he can help/forgive the rest of his children? 2. What caused you to start questioning the bible and its doctrines? 3. Have we always been God's children? or did a prerequisite have to be met for us to be considered His children? 4. Do all of us deserve the Father's love, support, and protection, or should we feel undeserving? 5. What is unconditional love and acceptance? And why do you advocate them so much? 6. What are your thoughts on penal substitution, Christus Victor, and other atonement theories? 7. Do you think that the bible is actually God's word or is it simply what man said God said? 8. What is the difference between religion and following Christ? 9. We've been hosting a series entitled, "Is Church Harmful?", what are your thoughts on this? 10. What are the three biggest 'sacred cows' in the church/religion today? The Place: michael and rhonda jones with special guests: Joshua Tongol and Michael Fulford - Captured Live on Ustream

#ItStartsHere. 'Cause doing this first … changes everything.

My first interview (after "coming out") of why I left Christianity.

 

 

"The Jesus Event" Date: 12/28/13 Location: New Life Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York People gathered together in New York to listen to the radical teachings of Jesus. Several speakers from across the United States united to share the message of God's grace and unconditional love.

In this exciting interview, Joshua Tongol shares his story and life experiences on the Xplore show with James Peter Jandu.

For those of you who have questioned and challenged certain church traditions and dogma--or maybe even left religion altogether--what happened to your friends? Are the friends who were there with you since the beginning of your "faith walk" still around? You see, for many of us, we have lost some (or a lot of) our friends along this spiritual journey. In fact, it has even been quite painful (and lonely) at times. BUT ...

 

 

Is there such a person as The One? Should we kiss dating goodbye? How far is too far? Listen as Joshua Tongol answers questions such as these.

Date: 4-6-14 Location: Hemet, CA Ask yourself the question, "WHAT IF?" Joshua was raised within the evangelical tradition. Throughout the years, he served as a teacher, pastor, and evangelist at several denominations such as: Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, and Assemblies of God. He also served as a missionary to the Philippines after graduating from seminary. Although Joshua was the type to always ask questions during his early adult years, he finally found the courage to really question some of his "fundamental" beliefs he held to as an evangelical Christian. He began questioning his understanding of God, the Bible (inerrancy), grace, the gospel, eternal hell, Satan, interfaith, and even church. Listen in as Joshua shares his heart and answers questions on important theological subjects. It might give you a different perspective on things.

From theory to reality.

The time has come for me to finally share one of my eye-opening out-of-body experiences ...

Enjoy!

Here's a look into my life as a born-again, spirit-filled Christian whose passion was to know Jesus, and to preach the gospel of the kingdom throughout the world.

 

 

When it comes to discussing ideas, it's commonly said that "everything is relative." Many open-minded people conclude that, because there are so many differing views, there is no Truth. But is truth relative? Can something be true for one person and not necessarily for another? Does everybody have their own "truth"? Is morality merely a matter of taste? If so, would this belief be livable? Will the world succeed of we continue hurting others? Yet, at the same time, is morality a rigid structure of dos and don'ts where it is always bad to make a certain choice? Can there be more than one [right] way to respond to any given situation? Can there be, in a sense, an objectivity to human nature, which makes a successful and livable world? Personal beliefs throughout history have definitely changed over time. And it does seem obvious, at least to me, that some things do evolve. But is everything subjective? And is "reality" always clear to individuals--especially in an evolving and creative quantum world? G.K. Chesterton said, “Merely having an open mind is nothing. The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.” But is anything really SOLID? Listen in as Joshua shares his heart and answers questions on important subjects. It might give you a different perspective on things.

Is distance ever an issue when astral projecting? Today I share an amazing out-of-body experience I had where I ended up "elsewhere."

Background music: "Circle of Eternity" Instrumental by Allrounda Productions / Heat up Beats Photo by Dainz de Leon

Do you want to have an out-of-body experience? If so, WHY? Are there any BENEFITS of Astral Projection? Truth is, there are countless stories of people who've had NDEs and OBEs saying that their experiences were extremely profound. In fact, not only were their lives dramatically impacted in a positive way, but these unique experiences also gave them a new reality. Here are 7 benefits of Astral Projecting!

Well, here it is! "So You Thought You Knew: Letting Go of Religion" is finally released in paperback! The release the of the Kindle version was a huge success. Remy and I just want to thank everyone for all the support and for helping us spread the word. Get yourself a copy today! The design--both interior and exterior--is fantastic! To see more of the designer's work, check it out here: http://cargocollective.com/brotherteresa

Supernatural CHRISTianity vs. Powerless CHURCHianity Background music: "Winds of Change" Instrumental by Allrounda Productions / Heat up Beats Photo by Dainz de Leon

The Kingdom Awakening Global Conference Date: August 27, 2013 Location: Wichita, Kansas DISCLAIMER: After the conference I received several emails from people asking me what happened at the event. Rumor has it that, during the Q&A, I was "attacked" and "publicly rebuked." I'm here to show what actually happened during my session. I spoke with some of the questioners afterward and can honestly say that they are good people. None of them intended to debate with me. And with love and respect, we came to the conclusion that we simply had to agree to disagree on certain theological issues. That being said, I am thankful for all the members of Royal Family for giving me an opportunity to speak at this conference. I have nothing but love for each and every one of them. DESCRIPTION: Who are you/we? Are we nothing but filthy, corrupt, unworthy, and wretched sinners? Do our actions determine who we are? Do you see what God sees? Have you ever been taught the lie of separation? Listen in as Joshua Tongol shares his heart and answers questions on this very subject. It might give you a different perspective on things.

Is healing available to EVERYONE? For several years Joshua Tongol has been empowering others to heal. He has taught on healing based on the Bible and has also demonstrated its reality through his seminars, conferences, and daily life. But what does SCIENCE have to say about "spontaneous" healing? What is all this talk about QUANTUM PHYSICS? Aren't "miracles" and "supernatural" healing a VIOLATION of the laws of nature? Can science and healing be bridged? Josh gives a resounding "YES!" Joshua shares some of the latest (and ancient) groundbreaking discoveries from some of this generation's leading-edge voices. These include nuclear physicists, doctors, cell biologists, chiropractors, and pioneers in the field energy healing. These new revelations in physics and biology will revolutionize our understanding of the link between mind and matter. But not only that, they will forever change the way we look at the world. Listen as he shares information that reveals science's re-discovery of God's goodness to ALL of humanity. It's time to question, challenge and rethink much of what we thought we knew about healing. This teaching will create a huge paradigm shift for many people who are open to this new science. Here are the things that will be covered in the message: -Do Christians have a monopoly on healing? -How we've misunderstood healing -Miracles and techniques -What about distant healing? -The power of your thoughts -The power of your words -The power of real faith -The power of visualization (imagination) -What is resonance and entrainment? -What is cellular memory? Recommended resources: "The Biology of Beliefs" by Bruce H. Lipton "The Healing Code" by Alexander Loyd "The Spontaneous Healing of Belief" by Gregg Braden "The Reconnection: Heal Others, Heal Yourself" by Eric Pearl "The Healing Code" by Alexander Loyd "Quantum-Touch: The Power to Heal" by Richard Gordon "God Is Not Dead" by Amit Goswami

Do you ever struggle with your health and/or finances? What is faith? When do you know when you have it? How do "feelings" play a role in exercising faith? How important are our thoughts, words and actions? Does consciousness and positive/negative thinking have an effect on the world around us? Is "Christianity" the only worldview that has a grasp on healing? Is "all truth God's truth" no matter what spiritual tradition you may find it in? What is the connection between Quantum energy and healing? These are the questions that Josh Tongol answers in this podcast. Be encouraged by the stories, and be empowered to live an abundant life.

(Theological Humility) Date: 4-6-14 Location: Hemet, CA Ask yourself the question, "WHAT IF?" Joshua was raised within the evangelical tradition. Throughout the years, he served as a teacher, pastor, and evangelist at several denominations such as: Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, and Assemblies of God. He also served as a missionary to the Philippines after graduating from seminary. Although Joshua was the type to always ask questions during his early adult years, he finally found the courage to really question some of his "fundamental" beliefs he held to as an evangelical Christian. He began questioning his understanding of God, the Bible (inerrancy), grace, the gospel, eternal hell, Satan, interfaith, and even church. Listen in as Joshua shares his heart and answers questions on important theological subjects. It might give you a different perspective on things.

Here's an honest, straight-from-the-heart vlog. Questions to consider: • Where is God? • Is God up in heaven? • Why do people point up to the sky when thanking God? • Where is God before He "shows up" to your religious meeting? • Where is the Holy Spirit before a pastor says, "Holy Spirit come"? • Do we need to reach out to God before He reaches out to us? • Is God a deity apart (separate) from us? • Where have you experienced God outside of "church"? • Can you see and find God outside religion?

Ever woken up feeling paralyzed, with an oppressive weight on your chest, and sensing an evil presence in the room? If so, you’ve experienced something commonly known as “sleep paralysis” (aka “The Old Hag Syndrome"). It’s such a widespread phenomenon that various cultures have created their own superstitions around it. In today’s audio, I’ll be discussing its … symptoms, causes, possible explanations, and how to stop it when it occurs. It can be a such scary experience. But thankfully, it doesn't have to be. Enjoy the video ... and have a good night's sleep!

What shift is happening all over the world today? What TRANSCENDS every  religion? Which religion contains "The Truth"?

Location: Grace Communion International, Crossway How INCLUSIVE is the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Did Christ embrace ALL of humanity or only SOME? Do ALL RELIGIONS lead to God or is CHRISTIANITY the only way? Or have we misunderstood it altogether? What did Jesus mean when He said, "It is finished"? The "CONDITIONAL God" ("I love and accept you only IF you love and accept me") being preached today looks very different from the UNCONDITIONAL love of God that we all know in our hearts. Sadly, much of what is believed as the "gospel" has created so much division, intolerance, hatred and wars. Ironically, many Christians cannot even agree with each other, yet each group thinks God is on their side and against everyone else. It's time to question, challenge and rethink what the GOOD NEWS really is for the world that God loves. This sermon will create a huge paradigm shift for many people if they are open. Please listen to the entire message (5 parts) in order to get the full context of what Joshua is saying. Here are the things that will be covered in the message: -The tension between our head and our hearts The "God of conditions" -Is God's love different than ours? -God's dream before creation (i.e. adoption) -Understanding the love within the Trinity -Understanding the union of God and humanity in the incarnation -"Born again" and historical reconciliation -"Separation" between God and man -The Parable of the Loving Father -What's the difference between believers and unbelievers? -Living as children of God

Background music: "Rise Up" Instrumental by Allrounda Productions / Heat up Beats Photo by Remedios Jose Tongol

Is fasting for today? How should we understand fasting under the new covenant?

The Grace revelation changes everything... Background music ("Get Up") produced by AlphaBeatProductions - E-Mail: alphabeatproductions@gmx. net Photo by Lance Salvosa

Knowing the heart of God changes everything... Background music: "It Goes On" Instrumental by Sean Divine Photo by Lance Salvosa

Background music ("The Last Stand") produced by AlphaBeatProductions - E-Mail: alphabeatproductions@gmx. net Photo by Lance Salvosa

I was recently interviewed by Coach Carla on the Vibrant Living Show. We discuss the laws of the universe, the power of our minds, and the ability to create reality.

Listen in and be encouraged today!

"So where do you go to church?" If you’re a Christian, you’ve probably been asked this question a million times. But isn’t it interesting that the place many religious folks call a “spiritual hospital” (church) for the “spiritually sick,” usually ends up being a place where everyone looks healthy? So instead of being a place where we can “be ourselves,” the church usually ends up being a place where we pretend everything is okay.

 

 

What do you believe? Wait a minute, let me ask that question again. What do you really believe? In other words, have you ever claimed to “believe” in a particular idea or creed, yet in your heart, you really didn’t believe? Or have you ever tried to believe in something because you were supposed to believe in it, yet in your mind, it didn’t make any sense to you at all? IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR: • The senior project on “Christianity” that changed my life • Some possible reasons why we believe • Whether or not we choose our beliefs • How to recognize our blind spots • How our environment influences our beliefs? • Two powerful factors that impact a person’s belief • Is a God who demands you to “believe or burn” being unfair?

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 • FREE audiobook download + 30 day free trial at Audible.com (any book of your choice!)

 • Become a Patron and help support this podcast to keep it going (any amount helps!)

The Kingdom Awakening Global Conference Date: August 29, 2013 Location: Wichita, Kansas Is there a "science" when it comes to healing? If so, how does God fit into the picture? Listen in as Joshua Tongol shares his heart and answers questions on this very subject. It might give you a different perspective on things. As you watch these videos, try to have an open heart and mind. And no matter what you may have been taught about God and/or the Bible...don't forget to THINK for yourself. Bless you on your journey...

Can you actually create the life you’ve always wanted? Heck yeah! Get Josh's new book "The Secret to Awesomeness." http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00I3TTXPI "The Secret to Awesomeness" is your guide to bending reality. Filled with hilarious stories and life-changing insights, this fun and inspiring book will teach you how to: • Love yourself • Be happy • Take risks • Attract money • Find purpose • Achieve your goals • Heal your body • Experience wonder • Overcome your fears And much more!

What is the secret to happiness? You might be surprised, the "secret" is a lot more obvious than you think. I hope this video encourages you!

Edited by: Remy J. Tongol Music by Leon Felekyan - "New Hope" Clip taken from Joshua Tongol's message spoken at the Kingdom Awakening Global Conference 2013 on August 29, 2013 in Wichita, Kansas For the complete message go here: "The Unconditional Love of God" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMm1ytvCqEo

Date: April 13, 2013 Location: El Paso, Texas Part 2: Ask Me Anything At this event, Joshua Tongol was asked not to "hold back" (which he did not!) but to share anything that was on his heart. He discussed the problems of fear-based religion and offered alternative ways to understand God and spirituality. People were given opportunities to ask questions about God and religion that, in many places, religious people are too afraid to ask in church. (See Part 1: "THINGS YOU NEVER HEAR IN CHURCH") Most of the attendees are unchurched (or have left the institutional church) but who still have an interest in spirituality and in God. (Is that possible?) Many people today are tired of institutionalized religion. But is there another way? Topics and questions discussed: -Is it OK to challenge tradition? -If Jesus was physically alive today, how would the church view him? -When one pursues truth, is it worth losing "friends"? -Are men and women equal in the Bible? -What about the violence in the Bible? -Does our culture or location of birth determine our beliefs? -She we consider every non-Christian "lost"? -Should we be concerned about any "appearance of evil"? -If all are reconciled, what is the role of faith? -How "free" are we? -What is our motivation to do good? -What about God's wrath and judgment? -Is there truth in all religions? -What are some reasons why people don't believe in God? Listen in as Joshua Tongol shares his heart and answers questions on this very subject. It might give you a different perspective on things.

Date: April 13, 2013 Location: El Paso, Texas At this event, Joshua Tongol was asked not to "hold back" (which he did not!) but to share anything that was on his heart. He discussed the problems of fear-based religion and offered alternative ways to understand God and spirituality. People were given opportunities to ask questions about God and religion that, in many places, religious people are too afraid to ask in church. (See Part 2: "THINGS YOU NEVER ASK IN CHURCH") Most of the attendees are unchurched (or have left the institutional church) but who still have an interest in spirituality and in God. (Is that possible?) Many people today are tired of institutionalized religion. But is there another way? Topics discussed: -How has religion been used to control people? -What motivates you to believe in God? -Is religion based on fear? -Is everything spiritual? -Can we be real with one another? -Is God "out there"? -How should I view myself? -How does God see us? -Can we love someone more than we love God? -Can we pray religiously? -Does God get jealous of the things you love? -Is God insecure? -What about "Christianese"? -Are your friendships based on ministry? -Is Jesus like a costume that covers us filthy sinners? -Should we really believe in an eternal hell? -Is the Gospel we hear today really good news? -Is God in everyone? -Is our love greater than God's love? -Is God's love conditional? -What is the life of the church? -Are you tired of church? -Are you afraid to question your religious beliefs? -How should we view others from different religions? -Were we ever separated from God? -How can we live in the moment? -Are we all children of God? Listen in as Joshua Tongol shares his heart and answers questions on this very subject. It might give you a different perspective on things.

Insecure about your body? Struggle with self-consciousness? Let me share something that could change your life forever.