What if empathy isn't a threat to truth—but a sign of spiritual maturity?

In this soul-searching and challenging episode, Tammy and Laura unpack the growing resistance to empathy within parts of the evangelical church. From claims that empathy is “selective” or “a sin” to the fear that it invites moral relativism, we explore how empathy connects directly to the fruit of the Spirit—even if it’s not explicitly named.

Together, we push back on the false choice between empathy and conviction, showing how spiritual depth lives in the tension of love, humility, and nuance.

We also dive into:

Why some fear the "gray areas" of theology

How empathy is weaponized or suppressed in political agendas

The danger of certainty and the beauty of spiritual humility

The role of curiosity in building authentic faith

Why asking questions doesn’t make you less Christian—it makes you more like Christ

This episode is an invitation to step into the gray, listen deeply, and rethink what we’ve been told about being right.

👉 Subscribe for more honest, curious faith conversations.
👍 Like if you’ve ever been told your empathy was a weakness.
💬 Tell us in the comments—how have gray areas challenged or grown your faith?
🔔 Tap the bell so you don't miss the next episode.

#UntanglingFaith #Empathy #Christianity #Deconstruction #FruitOfTheSpirit #FaithAndPolitics #SpiritualGrowth #ProgressiveChristianity #CertaintyIsNotFaith #HolySpirit #FaithPodcast #NuancedFaith #GrayAreas #Evangelicalism

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Laura & Tammy dive into how theology, church history, and cultural norms have shaped—and too often limited—our understanding of women's roles, worth, and autonomy. Drawing insight from The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr and The Patriarchy Stress Disorder by Dr. Valerie Rein, she challenges long-standing narratives that have painted women as less than, or even "deformed males," and invites us to reconsider what it truly means to be made in the image of God.

They also open up a meaningful conversation about how the church talks about sex—or avoids it—and offers a compelling case for addressing sexuality with honesty, dignity, and without shame. Through a surprising story from “Sex Camp” and honest reflection on relationships, gender, and faith, this episode calls us back to a fuller, richer vision of humanity rooted in love, equality, and divine calling.

If you’ve ever felt tension between your faith and your identity as a woman—or want to explore healthier ways the church can talk about gender and sexuality—this episode is for you.

Email us at untanglingfaithpodcast@gmail.com.

#WomenInTheChurch #MadeInGodsImage #FaithAndFeminism #BiblicalWomanhood #ChristianFeminism #TheologyOfSex #FaithAndIdentity #TheMakingOfBiblicalWomanhood #PatriarchyStressDisorder #BethAllisonBarr #ValerieRein #DeconstructionAndFaith #ProgressiveChristianity #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchCulture #ChristianPodcast #SexAndFaith
#FaithfulFeminism

“Let’s talk about sex… and the church.”

This week on Untangling Faith, Tammy and Laura dive deep into one of the most loaded, controversial, and misunderstood topics in Christian culture: sex.

👉 Why has the church been obsessed with controlling sexual behavior—but only certain people's?
👉 What happens when purity culture shames girls, excuses boys, and leaves everyone confused?
👉 How do unhealthy teachings about sex ripple out into silence, exploitation, and even abuse?

Pulling from personal experience, cultural observations, and real spiritual wrestling, this episode is an honest, grace-filled look at what happens when faith, sexuality, and control collide. And yes—we still find space to laugh in the middle of it.

🔍 Topics we untangle:

Purity culture, double standards & "damaged goods" theology

Christian conferences & hotel porn stats (yep, we went there)

The rise of accountability partners (for just one issue...)

Sex as sacred: pleasure, intimacy & design

Why some traditions are more vulnerable to scandal—and what that says about us

Learning to trust our bodies, our desires, and our Creator again

🎙️ Join the conversation. We’re not experts—just two people unafraid to ask the hard questions.

👇 Like, share, and subscribe for more real talk about messy faith, shifting theology, and deep grace.
📲 Follow us on socials @UntanglingFaith
💬 Leave a comment—what’s your experience with this topic?

Social Justice, Homelessness, and the Church, Part 2

What happens when churches move beyond the food pantry and start asking deeper questions about justice, dignity, and systems?

In Part 2 of our conversation with Kyle Bryan—director of the Martha Vandervoort Center to End Homelessness—we dig further into the church’s role in addressing poverty and housing insecurity. Kyle shares honest reflections about the challenges of this work, the importance of listening to people with lived experience, and how churches can become true partners in their communities.

We talk about the tension between individual charity and systemic change, the spiritual cost of ignoring injustice, and the surprising ways Jesus shows up when we pay attention.

If you’ve ever wondered how faith intersects with advocacy, or how to love your neighbor when the systems feel overwhelming, this episode is for you.

Didn’t catch Part 1? Be sure to go back and listen to the first half of this powerful conversation.

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Social Justice, Homelessness, and the Church, Part 1

What should the role of the church be when it comes to social justice? And what does it actually look like to meet the real needs of the people around us?

In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Bryan, director of the Martha Vandervoort Center to End Homelessness in Anniston, Alabama. Kyle brings both passion and practical experience to the conversation as we explore what it means to show up for our neighbors—especially those facing homelessness and poverty.

We talk about the systems that keep people unhoused, the disconnect between good intentions and meaningful help, and how the church can move from charity to solidarity. There’s some light chatter at the beginning (because we’re real people, not robots), and then we dive into the big stuff.

Whether you’re deep in the work or just starting to ask questions about faith and justice, this one’s for you.

Don’t miss Part 2 next week, where we continue the conversation with even more real talk and practical insight.

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

In this final episode of our LGBTQ+ series, Laura and Tammy turn their attention to what inclusion actually looks like—beyond theology and into real life.

How can churches become places of true belonging for LGBTQ individuals? What does it mean to affirm someone's identity and create space for their full participation in faith communities? And what are the risks—and the possibilities—when we begin to lead with love instead of fear?

This conversation gets personal, practical, and hopeful, offering ideas for individuals and churches who want to move from exclusion to embrace.

Whether you're a pastor, a parent, or someone who's been hurt by the church, we hope this episode helps you imagine a more expansive and grace-filled way forward.

#LGBTQInclusion #ChurchAndQueerFolks #AffirmingChurch #Belonging #Deconstruction #UntanglingFaith

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

In this second of three episodes of our LGBTQ+ series, Tammy and Laura dive into the Bible verses most often used to condemn queer people—what many refer to as the “clobber passages.” 

What are these verses really saying? Have we misunderstood—or misused—them? Whole books have been written on correctly interpreting these verses. This conversation is NOT that. Instead, with care for people and curiosity, Laura and Tammy explore the cultural, historical, and linguistic context behind these scriptures, asking what it looks like to read them through a lens of love, justice, and humility.

If you've ever been told "the Bible is clear" on this issue, or if you’re trying to reconcile your faith with a more inclusive theology, this conversation may be for you.

Let’s keep asking hard questions—and making space for better answers.

🎧 Stick around for Part 3, where we shift from theology to practice: how can individuals and churches create room for LGBTQ people to belong, not just be tolerated?

#LGBTQ #BibleVerses #ClobberPassages #FaithAndSexuality #Deconstruction #UntanglingFaith

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

The conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church is complex, emotional, and deeply personal. In this episode, Laura and Tammy begin a multi-part series exploring this topic.

As a pastor who has ministered to people who are transgender, Laura shares insights into the challenges trans individuals face—especially in faith communities. What does it mean to honor someone’s identity? How do we move beyond fear and misinformation to a posture of love and understanding?

Whether you’re wrestling with your own beliefs, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to engage with this conversation in a more informed way, this episode invites you to listen with curiosity and compassion.

Join us as we untangle faith, identity, and belonging.

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Deconstruction isn’t just about tearing down—it’s about rebuilding in a way that feels true. In this episode, we continue our conversation with Renea and Rhanda as they share what life and faith look like on the other side of deconstruction.

How do you navigate relationships with those who don’t understand your journey? What new practices or beliefs bring life and meaning? Renea and Rhanda open up about the struggles, surprises, and hope they’ve found along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered what comes next after questioning everything, this episode is for you.

Listen now, and let’s keep untangling faith together.

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Deconstruction is rarely a straight path—it’s personal, messy, and often filled with unexpected turns. In this episode, we sit down with two friends, Renea and Rhanda, as they share their unique journeys of questioning, unlearning, and rediscovering faith.

From early doubts to major turning points, they open up about what led them to rethink long-held beliefs, the challenges they faced along the way, and what faith looks like for them now. Their stories are honest, raw, and full of wisdom for anyone who’s ever wondered, What happens when faith no longer fits?

Join us for Part 1 of this heartfelt conversation, and stay tuned for Part 2 next week!

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

🌟 Season 2, Episode 6: Abortion, Part 2 🌟

In Part 2 of our discussion on abortion, Pastor Laura and Pastor Tammy take a closer look at Scripture and then explain how faith and politics have become so deeply intertwined on this issue. We’re unpacking:

📖 What does the Bible actually say about abortion? The verses used on both sides of the debate
⚖️ How did abortion become a defining issue for many Christians? A look at the role of politics and church history
💭 Can we hold space for complexity? Wrestling with faith, ethics, and real-life experiences

No easy answers—just real conversation about a topic that deserves more nuance, empathy, and understanding.

We invite you to join us in asking:
How has faith shaped your views on abortion? What happens when politics and theology become entangled?

🎙️ If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, check it out!
🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.
🎙️ Season 1 can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

#UntanglingFaith #FaithAndPolitics #AbortionDebate #DeconstructingFaith #WrestlingWithFaith

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

🌟 Season 2, Episode 5: Abortion, Part 1 🌟

Abortion is one of the most complex and emotionally charged topics in faith, politics, and personal decision-making. In Part 1 of this conversation, Pastor Laura and Pastor Tammy dive into:

🔍 When does life begin? Perspectives from conception to first breath
🤔 Why do people seek abortions? And does the reason matter?
✨ How personal experience, faith, and ethics shape our views

This is not a debate—it’s a space for curiosity, honesty, and untangling what we’ve been taught from what we truly believe.

We invite you to listen with an open heart and ask:
What influences your perspective on abortion? Is it possible to hold both conviction and compassion?

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 next week!
🎙️ Season 1 can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

#UntanglingFaith #AbortionDebate #FaithAndEthics #DeconstructingFaith #FaithAndPolitics

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Welcome to another episode of Untangling Faith with Rev. Tammy H. Jackson and Rev. Laura Hutchinson—where faith meets critical thinking. Together, they create a space to ask questions, wrestle with Scripture, and explore alternative perspectives on life and faith. Though serving in two different denominations (and sometimes having very different takes on issues), their conversations are rooted in a shared love for the Gospel, a commitment to justice, and a desire to help others untangle the traditions they've inherited from the truths of Scripture.

In this episode, you'll experience the second part of a conversation about the sermon that Bishop Mariann Budde delivered at the National Prayer Gathering last week (January 2025). The Bishop's plea for mercy has sparked both praise and outrage. Together, Laura and Tammy unpack the controversy surrounding her message, process its implications for faith leaders, and reflect on what it means to embody mercy and justice in today’s divided world.

[Don't forget! You can also watch the episode on YouTube!]

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Welcome to another episode of Untangling Faith with Rev. Tammy H. Jackson and Rev. Laura Hutchinson—where faith meets critical thinking. Together, they create a space to ask questions, wrestle with Scripture, and explore alternative perspectives on life and faith. Though serving in two different denominations (and sometimes having very different takes on issues), their conversations are rooted in a shared love for the Gospel, a commitment to justice, and a desire to help others untangle the traditions they've inherited from the truths of Scripture.

In this episode, you'll experience part 1 of a conversation about the sermon that Bishop Mariann Budde delivered at the National Prayer Gathering last week (January 2025). The Bishop's plea for mercy has sparked both praise and outrage. Together, Laura and Tammy unpack the controversy surrounding her message, process its implications for faith leaders, and reflect on what it means to embody mercy and justice in today’s divided world.

[You can also watch the episode on YouTube!]

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

🌟 Season 2, Episode 2: Let’s Talk (More) About Patriarchy 🌟

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Untangling Faith with a topic that impacts so many areas of our lives, faith, and leadership: Patriarchy.

Welcome back to the second part of this two-part conversation. We’re diving deep into:
🔍 What patriarchy is and how it shows up in the church, our leadership, and our daily lives
🤔 The ways it shapes how we view ourselves and others
✨ How we can challenge and untangle its influence to live into the freedom and equity that reflect God’s heart

We’re bringing curiosity, personal experiences, and a commitment to truth to the table as we unpack this complex and sometimes uncomfortable topic.

We invite you to listen with an open heart and join us in asking:
Is patriarchy ordained by God? Should it be part of Christianity? What steps can I take to embrace a more just and Christ-centered way of living and leading?

🎙️ Now, you can tune in on YouTube and watch our conversation as well as listen. 
🎙️Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.

#UntanglingFaith #ChristianWomenLeaders #FaithAndLeadership #PatriarchyInTheChurch #WomenInMinistry

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

🌟 Season 2, Episode 1: Let’s Talk About Patriarchy 🌟

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Untangling Faith with a topic that impacts so many areas of our lives, faith, and leadership: Patriarchy.

In this two-part conversation, we’re diving deep into:
🔍 What patriarchy is and how it shows up in the church, our leadership, and our daily lives
🤔 The ways it shapes how we view ourselves and others
✨ How we can challenge and untangle its influence to live into the freedom and equity that reflect God’s heart

We’re bringing curiosity, personal experiences, and a commitment to truth to the table as we unpack this complex and sometimes uncomfortable topic.

We invite you to listen with an open heart and join us in asking:
Is patriarchy ordained by God? Should it be part of Christianity? What steps can I take to embrace a more just and Christ-centered way of living and leading?

🎙️ Remember that you can also find us on YouTube if you'd like to watch our conversation as well as listen. 
🎙️Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.
🎙️Come back next week for part 2 of the conversation. 

#UntanglingFaith #ChristianWomenLeaders #FaithAndLeadership #PatriarchyInTheChurch #WomenInMinistry

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

🌟 Welcome to Season 2 of Untangling Faith! 🌟

We’re so excited to kick off a new season of deep, honest conversations about faith, leadership, and life. This season, we’re doing something new—you can now watch us on YouTube! 🎥🙌

Join us, Laura Hutchinson and Tammy Jackson, ordained pastors in two different denominations, as they explore the complexities of living out our faith in today’s world. Whether you’re wrestling with questions, looking for encouragement, or just need a dose of real talk, you’re in the right place.

💡 New to Untangling Faith? You can listen to Season 1 wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

This season, we have added the visual of being able to watch us as we discuss faith, and we plan to have more guests, but the same honest, raw approach to faith. 

Hit Subscribe to join the conversation, and don’t forget to comment below—we’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s untangle faith together. 🎙️✨

We'd love to know what you think. Contact us through our Facebook page, YouTube channel, or email: UntangleFaithPodcast@gmail.com 

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

In this heartfelt episode of Untangling Faith, pastors Laura Hutchinson and Tammy Jackson tackle one of the most challenging aspects of faith: unanswered prayers. As pastors, they have both encountered the deep frustrations, doubts, and reflections that come when prayers seem to go unanswered. Together, they explore the possible reasons behind this silence, share personal stories, and offer insights on maintaining faith through uncertainty. Whether you’re wrestling with your own unanswered prayers or seeking to support others, this episode provides hope, wisdom, and a compassionate look at trusting God's plan, even when it’s hard to understand. 

Contact Tammy and Laura at untanglingfaithpodcast@gmail.com

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

In this episode of Untangling Faith, we dive into the profound and often complex question: "What is the purpose of the Church?" Together, we explore the multifaceted role that the Church plays in the lives of believers and in the broader society. From being a place of worship and community to serving as a beacon of justice and compassion, we discuss how the Church has been both a sanctuary and a source of controversy throughout history.

We encourage our listeners to reflect on their personal experiences with the Church, whether those experiences have been nurturing or challenging, and to consider how the Church’s mission aligns—or conflicts—with their evolving understanding of faith. We also delve into the tension between tradition and change, examining how the Church must adapt to remain relevant in a world where faith is increasingly questioned and deconstructed.

This episode invites you not only to think about the institutional role of the Church but also to question and untangle the teachings you’ve received. Is the Church fulfilling its intended purpose in your life? Or is it time to rethink what that purpose should be?

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Welcome back to the Untangling Faith podcast! In Part 2 of our conversation on Women in Ministry, hosts Laura Hutchinson and Tammy Jackson continue their engaging discussion with Carl Gephart. Building on insights from the first episode, this installment dives even deeper into the roles, challenges, and triumphs faced by women in ministry. Don’t miss the conclusion of this thought-provoking conversation!

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

In this episode of the Untangling Faith podcast, hosts Laura Hutchinson and Tammy Jackson engage in an insightful conversation with Carl Gephart about Women in Ministry. The discussion was so engaging and rich with valuable perspectives that it has been split into two episodes. Join us as we explore the roles, challenges, and triumphs of women in ministry. Don't miss a moment of this thought-provoking conversation!

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

In this thought-provoking episode of "Untangling Faith," hosts Tammy and Laura explore the nuanced concept of sin—not just as wrongdoing, but as missing the mark, stumbling, or wandering from our path. They delve into how we can understand sin through the lens of grace, forgiveness, and self-reflection. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to listeners to reflect on their spiritual journeys and embrace the transformative power of grace in their lives. Join Tammy and Laura as they offer insights on turning missteps into opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper connection with the divine.

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

In this episode of the Untangling Faith Podcast, hosts Laura and Tammy tackle the challenging subject of hostility towards Christianity. They share personal accounts and broader stories of the feedback they've received in response to previous episodes of this podcast. They dive into the complexities of religious animosity and how we might respond. Whether you're seeking ways to cope with similar experiences or looking to broaden your perspectives on faith-based conflict, join us as we explore these sensitive issues with empathy and hope for healing.

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com. 

Contact Laura and Tammy at UntanglingFaithPodcast@gmail.com.