Not a One-Size-Fits-All Philosophy
This website may earn a few eye rolls and disparaging remarks, but that’s not our concern. What matters to us, as ministry partners and as a husband-and-wife team, is how we engage with the world around us. There will be times when we extend kindness to others, and while gratitude is always appreciated, it is never required. If our actions can lighten someone’s burden, brighten their day, or offer a moment of hope, then the effort is always worth it. After all, isn’t that what humanity should be about—helping others, regardless of their beliefs or background? A certain Jewish carpenter seemed to think so, and His twelve friends played a vital role in carrying that message forward.
Critical thinking is a powerful tool, one that allows us to distinguish between truth and deception. It helps us see beyond propaganda, recognize indoctrination, and focus on what is not being said just as much as what is.
Wherever your journey takes you, we encourage you to walk it with an open mind, a strong heart, and the courage to seek your own truth.
Not Role Models—Just Realists
My wife and I don’t claim to be role models, nor do we expect anyone to follow in our footsteps. Our beliefs, and how we choose to express them, may not align with conventional expectations—especially within the framework of Midwestern church teachings. But if there’s one lesson we’ve learned through lived experience, it’s that perseverance is what gets you through, not waiting for someone else to save you.
We’ve been homeless. We’ve endured hardships that stripped life down to its rawest form, teaching us the hard truth that no divine hand or institution was going to lift us from our circumstances. It was up to us. The experiences we gleaned from those years shaped both our spiritual journey and the "Resources" page of this site—because we know firsthand how vital it is to have tools that empower self-sufficiency.
Contrary to what many churches preach, salvation—whether spiritual, personal, or financial—isn’t about waiting for a miracle. It’s about taking an honest look at where you are, using critical thinking, and doing the work to change your circumstances. If there’s anything worth taking from our story, it’s this: Learn to save yourself. Seek knowledge. Challenge the beliefs that keep you dependent. And above all, never surrender your ability to think for yourself.
We also embrace an unorthodox lifestyle—one that allows for greater personal freedom and exploration. Our spiritual path includes practices that some might find unconventional, including the use of psychedelics as a tool for deep introspection and religious experience. Much like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, we willingly dive into the unknown in search of our own brand of truth, unafraid of where the journey may lead. For us, spirituality isn’t about rigid dogma; it’s about discovery, experience, and the ever-expanding nature of consciousness.
An Open-Minded Approach
Welcoming diverse perspectives is essential to meaningful communication. When we close our minds to different viewpoints, we leave no room for growth or understanding. That’s the foundation of Minister AJ Wisti’s ministerial approach—true wisdom comes from listening, questioning, and considering perspectives beyond our own. When we refuse to acknowledge other viewpoints, we risk losing sight of what is truly right and just.
Open-Mindedness Is Crucial
We don’t discard tradition or belief without careful thought—nor do we accept them blindly. True spiritual exploration requires balancing the emotional depth of faith with the clarity of critical thinking. Our journey took on new urgency after the passing of our dear friend, Richard Williams, who lost his battle with depression. His loss led us to confront life’s deepest questions with a renewed sense of purpose.
In our search for understanding, we’ve wrestled with the age-old question of what lies beyond this life. We’ve explored the mythologies tied to our mixed heritages, questioned long-held doctrines, and examined the contrast between biblical teachings and the dogma often reinforced within church walls. Seeking truth demands more than passive acceptance—it requires a willingness to challenge assumptions, look at all the facts, and approach the unknown with both discernment and an open heart.
Some of the material shared here comes from outside sources, and full credit is given where it’s due. Whether drawn from books, articles, or social media posts, these insights resonated deeply enough to be worth sharing. They serve as a springboard for further discussion, offering different perspectives to consider. Engaging with diverse viewpoints fosters meaningful dialogue and encourages a broader understanding of the spiritual and philosophical questions that shape our journey.
Lessons from Mythology
There’s a story I remember from childhood, possibly from Grimm’s Fairy Tales. It told of a man so vain he couldn’t go a day without receiving a compliment. One day, he encountered a magician in disguise who offered to grant him a wish. The man wished for the most beautiful and grandest set of antlers. But he wasn’t content to stop there. While leaning out of a window admiring himself, his wish was granted—and he passed out. The next morning, he awoke, still stuck in the window, unable to free himself.
The lesson? Vanity, when left unchecked, can become our own undoing. It blinds us to reality and can ultimately lead to our downfall.
Wisdom from Different Faiths and Philosophies
Catholicism – Taught me to respect my elders and appreciate those who have worked to make life more comfortable for others while also paving the way for those who come after us.
Fundamentalist Christian and Baptist – Often, rules are created and enforced by church leadership, who cherry-pick scripture to suit their personal or political agendas. The outdated King James Bible is used as a tool of authority, much like Middle-Ages royalty commanding the common folk. This structure may work for those who crave rigid hierarchy and someone to worship, but it leaves little room for personal exploration.
Free Thinking, Heathen, and Pagan Paths – These groups make the most sense to me. They do not demand worship of their deities, they accept differing beliefs as long as no harm is done, and they honor the earth as the provider of life for all beings.
Eyebrow Raising Perspectives
Perspectives on Erotic Media in Ministry
Erotic expression and spirituality are not inherently at odds; rather, they can coexist when approached with reverence and intention. The human body, as part of creation, is sacred, and when portrayed with respect and dignity, it reflects the beauty and divinity woven into existence itself. So long as such expressions honor both the Creator and creation—celebrating love, intimacy, and the sacred nature of human connection—there is space for them within a sincere spiritual journey.
This is not an open invitation for exploitation or indulgence in the profane. Instead, it is a call to recognize and uplift the divine within all aspects of life, including the deeply personal and sensual, affirming the sacredness of the world we inhabit.
With that in mind, when such media appears within these pages, my wife and I invite you to engage with what we have thoughtfully created and curated from our personal collection. If you find something meaningful, I ask that you honor the spirit in which it is shared—respecting the copyrights in place and, if you choose to download, limiting yourself to a single copy for personal, non-commercial use. Should you come across something that resonates with you, I’d be honored to hear your thoughts.
This is also an open invitation to connect with us. So long as interactions remain grounded in mutual respect, we welcome meaningful engagement. However, we ask that all encounters be approached with mindfulness and consent at the forefront. Should our energies not align, we reserve the right to step away. Additionally, we ask for discretion, as gatherings may, at times, include the exploration of psychedelics and other adult experiences by invitation only.
Lessons From a Stripper
Tolerance isn’t about agreement—it’s about respect. One of the most valuable lessons I ever learned about tolerance, boundaries, and consent didn’t come from a church, a classroom, or a self-help book. It came from a stripper. Who she is doesn’t matter, nor does how we knew each other. What matters are the lessons she shared—lessons that, in many ways, hold more wisdom than what I’ve heard from countless pulpits.
She taught me that true respect isn’t about tolerating people only when they fit into a comfortable mold. It’s about recognizing another person’s right to exist as they are, even if their choices don’t align with your own. She showed me what it means to set firm, respectful boundaries—understanding that "no" is a full sentence and that real consent is freely given, not coerced through guilt, pressure, or manipulation.
Religious circles often speak of love and acceptance, yet too many use faith as a weapon to control, shame, or invalidate those who live differently. But faith should never be a tool for manipulation. If someone’s beliefs require them to strip away another’s autonomy, then what they seek isn’t righteousness—it’s control.
Keeping an open mind doesn’t mean abandoning your principles. It means being willing to learn, to challenge assumptions, and to recognize wisdom even in places you least expect. That lesson alone has been worth its weight in gold.
