Substacks recommended by Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

Recommended by Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

Thoughts, essays, and resources for recovery from, awareness of, and safeguarding against spiritual abuse, religious trauma, and church harm.

I was introduced to Brian Lee during his virtual Broken to Beloved Summit - where he brought leading experts together to talk about church culture. His writing is fantastic, his work is amazing, and now he has a podcast too!

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

The Whistleblower's Guide

By Rebecca Hopkins

Resources for blowing the whistle, and compassionate support for the courageous who do it anyway.

An invaluable resource for those on the frontlines of bringing change to any organization/institution.

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

BETWEEN by Matt Mattson

Written work about the way we can all apply our deepest spiritual beliefs to the space between ourselves and each person we encounter. The space BETWEEN us is sacred.

Image Pilgrimage w/ Scott Erickson

Weekly Posts Creating a Visual Vocabulary for the Spiritual Journey

I was introduced to Scott the Painter during my Master's program. I love his simple, evocative works of art, and often use them for spiritual practices such as visio divina.

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

Ugly Hope

By Natalie

A little cynical, but still addicted to hope. Here's where hope is rearing her ugly little head in the middle of faith reconstruction, parenthood, pursuing a graduate degree in psychology, and my carousel of restless hobbies.

A fellow Canadian, Natalie Williams shares from her heart and offers wonderful reflections as she navigates a life full of possibilities.

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

David P. Gushee

Ethicist, Pastor, Author, Advocate

Christian Ethicist, Dr. Gushee, wrote one of my favourite books "Changing Our Mind." His straightforward, well researched, writing has really impacted my spiritual walk.

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

Soul Play: Slow Down. Wake Up. Love Well.

By Christa

Ideas, reflections, meditations, and updates to help you slow down and listen to your soul.

Christa has some amazing resources on her website, and her interactive approach to soul care is truly inspirational!

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

Church Blogmatics by Beth Felker Jones

Theology is more like poetry than geometry. Theology is "vile for the sake of the gospel" (so says my friend, John Wesley). Aspiring to a vile poetics.

I can't recommend Beth enough! Her writing often gives me new insights (see my notes!) and points to ponder. You won't be upset if you subscribe!

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

Marginalia with Beth Allison Barr

Reflections on Evangelicalism, Medieval History, and Women's History

"The Making of Biblical Womanhood" was a HUGE eye opener for me! I love that Barr is a historian, not a biblical scholar or theologian, who marries her faith experience with her historical knowledge.

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

The Scoop

By Sarah K. Butterfield

I write about spiritual practices and how to be intentional with our time so that busy women can grow deeper in faith and closer to God.

I love Sarah K. Butterfield's beautiful reflections and her desire to help you grow your faith. She also has some amazing freebies!

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

Fleeing Tarshish

By Ryan Ramsey

Vocational Integrity. Religious Abuse Recovery. Navigating Grief.

Scot’s Newsletter

By Scot McKnight

Tov unleashed: pursuing goodness (tov) in church and life.

I love Scot McKnight's focus on healthy church culture. I highly recommend "A Church Called Tov" and "Pivot," two books co-written with Laura Barringer that specifically address church culture.

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

Embodied

By K.J. Ramsey

letters for living at the intersection of sorrow + joy.

I first found KJ Ramsey when I read "The Lord is My Courage." I love her reflections on her experience of spiritual abuse, living with a chronic condition, and clinging to God in the midst of it all. She's truly inspirational.

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

The Cottage

By Diana Butler Bass

Part retreat, part think tank. A place for inspiration and ideas about culture, faith, and spirit.

Diana Butler Bass has written many books that are impactful for your faith journey. I enjoy reading her "Sunday Musings."

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

Some Things Abuelita by Kat Armas

Where Kat Armas aspires to be an abuelita theologian.

Writing from a decolonizing perspective, Kat Armas is one of my favourite theologians. Her thoughtful insights are so powerful, and bring new awareness to the stories we thought we knew so well.

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

The Corners by Nadia Bolz-Weber

Grace for fuck-ups. Prayer for the impious. A space for spiritual misfits.

Bold, passionate, and thought-provoking. That's why I enjoy reading The Corners.

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert

Sarah Bessey's Field Notes

The popular newsletter from writer Sarah Bessey with exclusive essays, the books worth reading, good things, special devotional series, theology deep dives, community conversations, and so much more.

A fellow Canadian, Sarah Bessey is the founder of Evolving Faith, and has written some incredibly impactful things. I find a lot of value in what she shares.

- Gracious Tension by Andrea Calvert