Dana Hicks, a retired pastor and the author of The Quest for Thin Places, talks about spirituality beyond the church. Dana shares his personal story of deconstruction—how stepping away from his role as a pastor opened the door to rethinking faith. He explores the cyclical nature of deconstruction and reconstruction and why it’s not about arriving at certainty but engaging in ongoing exploration.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the conversation is Dana’s experience with psychedelics and how they helped deepen his sense of spirituality. He explains how substances like psilocybin can quiet the default mode network in the brain, allowing for transformative moments of awe and connection to the divine.

But Dana’s journey doesn’t just revolve around his own experiences. He also discusses the challenge many face after leaving religious dogma, only to replace it with equally rigid secular beliefs. Through his book and this conversation, Dana encourages us to find spirituality in the everyday, from moments of quiet meditation to marveling at the simple beauty of nature.

The episode also touches on the complexities of raising children in a tech-saturated world and how it impacts their ability to experience wonder. Join Nate, Shelby, and Dana as they explore what it means to rediscover spirituality after deconstruction.

Takeaways:

• Dana Hicks shares his personal journey from conservative pastor to deconstructing faith.
• Discussion on how deconstruction often leads to adopting new forms of liberal dogma.
• Exploration of psychedelics and their role in spiritual experiences.
• Importance of awe and wonder in deepening a connection with the divine.
• Challenges of leaving institutional religion and redefining spirituality.
• How technology, particularly smartphones and iPads, is affecting children’s ability to engage with spirituality.
• The concept of continuous deconstruction and how it shapes personal growth.
• Reflections on Jesus’ teachings and how they relate to modern deconstruction and spiritual exploration.

After Show