Tony Jones explores the spirituality of the outdoors, confronting the manufactured worship of church settings with the raw authenticity of nature. An author, academic, and outdoorsman, Tony shares his journey from the heights of ministry success to personal crisis, rediscovering faith in the wilderness and through the ancient practice of hunting.

Tony opens up about the struggles pastors face when their personal lives unravel, including the lack of support from the church. He also challenges common perceptions about hunting, presenting it as a deeply ethical and spiritual practice, reconnecting us with the sacredness of life. Through this candid conversation, Tony invites us to rethink our approach to faith, authenticity, and how we navigate life’s complexities.

Whether you’re wrestling with church disillusionment or curious about finding spirituality in unexpected places, this episode offers powerful insights and a fresh perspective on faith and nature.

Takeaways

• Faith in the Wilderness: Tony describes how nature’s raw authenticity provided spiritual healing during personal crises, contrasting it with the contrived worship of church settings.
• Challenges of Pastoral Life: He shares the unique struggles pastors face, particularly the lack of community support during personal and professional hardships.
• Ethics of Hunting: Tony reframes hunting as a spiritual and ethical practice, deeply connected to the sacredness of life and the wisdom of our ancestors.
• Breaking from Manufactured Worship: He critiques modern church worship for its performative elements, advocating for authentic spiritual experiences.
• Lessons from Nature: The wilderness, free of human contrivances, demands personal authenticity and offers profound spiritual insights.
• Complex Identities: Tony embodies the importance of breaking free from tribalism, combining spiritual depth with practices often dismissed by progressive circles.

After Show