Reba Riley's Blog, page 9
May 12, 2015
JESUS* GOES TO CHARM SCHOOL
My friend Susan Gray Blue, has graciously allowed me to share another one of her fantastic posts! Thank you and Enjoy! As you can read about over atThe Hairpin(which I could not be more excited about!), I was sent to Christian charm class as a kid – it was required for girls at the fundamentalist [Read More...]
May 8, 2015
Everyone’s Agnostic
A couple weeks ago, I was interviewed on Everyone’s Agnostic Podcastwith Cass Midgley & Bob Pondillo.These twointerview people you don’t know, on a subject no one wants to talk about, using purely speculative terms. What’s not to like? I sharedmy story of what lead me from the comfort of being Jesus’ head cheerleader, toletting go [Read More...]
May 7, 2015
Why Women Love the Dog Bod
The internet is abuzz with ladies who love the “Dad Bod”, but please allow me to introduce one body type that will never, ever, go out of style: The Dog Bod. I do not understand this #DadBod trend. Apparently, biceps are “out” and bellies are “in”. I have a Dad. I do not want my [Read More...]
May 1, 2015
A Field Guide to Losing Your Religion (But Not Your Soul)
Field Notes for the Journey A guest post by: Susan Gray Blue Growing up an earnest, evangelical fundamentalist, I wanted nothing more than to please Jesus. I eventually saw that man-made, God-themed blueprint of compliance for what it was: a limited view. So I un-converted myself. Like, all the way. I didn’t want to [Read More...]
April 29, 2015
Jesus Has Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome
Jesus was the original victim of Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome. Since I named this Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome thing, I’ve discovered that not only am I not alone; there are thousands–even millions– of people who have sustained spiritual injuries. But Patient Zero was Jesus. Think about it: Jesus did all the things we do whendogma stops making [Read More...]
February 20, 2015
50 Shades of Shame: “The Rules” of Modesty
When “Jesus” says the length of your skirt is a measure of your heart, body shame is unavoidable. Where there is unavoidablebody shame, you’ll find rampant sexual shame. Where you find rampant sexual shame, you find women who think abuse is okay. That pisses me off. Kate Schell’s blog post Immodest Proposals: TheRulesso perfectly encapsulates [Read More...]
February 14, 2015
Biblical Sexting: A How-To Guide
This Valentine’s Day, spice up your relationship the Bible way. Step #1: Open with a Biblical compliment Sweet The Lord is with thee, mighty man of valor. (Jud 6:15) You are a woman full of good works and alms deeds. (Acts 9:36) You are perfect and upright. (Job 1:1) Slightly racy Your lips are like [Read More...]
February 11, 2015
I’m in love my husband…and other people, too.
I’m going to talk about something that isn’t talked about, so if you’re squeamish, or have very recently fallen in love, please look away. I’m in love my husband, but I love other men, too. And women, for that matter. Not in a sexual way– not even in a romantic way. But in a goddam [Read More...]
February 9, 2015
A Response to the 10 Types of Women Christian Men Shouldn’t Marry
10 thoughts on the “10 Types of Women Christian Men Shouldn’t Marry” After reading the recent blog post “10 Types of Women Christian Men Shouldn’t Marry”*, my husband, Trent, exclaimed, “UGH! I’ve made a HUGE MISTAKE! You’re like every one of those things, almost, all in one! How did I go so wrong?”….Before dissolving into [Read More...]
February 4, 2015
Dear Katy Perry: If You Have Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome, You Are Not Alone
Dear Katy, Since the Super Bowl (where you totally ROCKED it, sister!), I’ve seen articles pop up in the religious blogosphere about how you sold your soul to the devil for fame; your half-time show was all demons and witchcraft and sexual perversity; you ought to be ashamed of backslidden, sinful, lascivious self and get [Read More...]
