Faiths in Appalachia: Hidden Stories of Searching for Truth

Faiths in Appalachia: Hidden Stories of Searching for Truth

by Rob Musick
Season 1
Baptidox...from Baptist to Russian Orthodox Prison Chaplain
Chaplain Grey Smith works at the Southeast State Correctional Complex as a chaplain and his journey is unique as he is the only Russian Orthodox deacon in Eastern Kentucky. He shares about his faith journey and how grief plays a large part in our lives and how God speaks to us. To learn more about Russian Orthodoxy in Appalachia click here: https://stmarysbluefield.org/ “Funding has been provided by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Kentucky Humanities.” Apologies on the audio and video quality, this was not filmed with Josh Burchett's help, but Rob did it alone (as you can tell)
Jesus the Liberator: Mainline Faith in Forgotten Places
Rev. Brad Davis, is an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church and he proudly serves in Welch WV. He is the founder of the New Society (https://www.facebook.com/HollerGospel) He is an unashamed proud Appalachian man who seeks to make Christ known in ways that lift up justice and challenge oppression. To learn more about Appalachian Liberation Theology please click here: https://appalachianchronicle.com/2016/01/24/putting-liberation-theology-to-practice-in-appalachia/ “Funding has been provided by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Kentucky Humanities.”
A Youthful Dive Into Old Time Religion
Join Elder Nathan Little who shares about his fascination and love for the Old Regular Baptist faith. Although almost exclusively a faith tradition for senior citizens, Nathan believes this way of religious practice must be maintained or Appalachia will lose some of its distinctive flavor. To hear some singing of the Old Regular Baptist Church, click here: https://oldregularbaptist.com/songs/ “Funding has been provided by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Kentucky Humanities.”
Creating a Church For Jesus and His Misfits
Pastor Debby Bailey is the first woman ordained in her denomination. She is a pioneer for female clergy in the mountains and now has dedicated her life to help the hungry and addicted. Her life is about transformation. You can find out more about her church at https://www.gracefellowshippikevilleky.com/ “Funding has been provided by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Kentucky Humanities.”
Searching For Peace
Austin Greer is your average young adult searching for peace yet it was stunning when he found it at Hindu temple as he gazed at a deity. Join him as he shares of his journey toward finding peace in the Hare Krishna tradition today. To learn more about the Temple in Appalachia that changed Austin's life click here: https://www.newvrindaban.com/ “Funding has been provided by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Kentucky Humanities.”
Knowledge is Power
Join Wali Ghayur as he talks about being a young immigrant Muslim in Eastern Kentucky and how he seeks to live out his faith as a young scholar in college. To see the mosque in Eastern Kentucky that supports area Muslims, click here: https://www.facebook.com/p/Islamic-Center-of-Eastern-Kentucky-ICEK-100066371866283/ “Funding has been provided by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Kentucky Humanities.”
When Everyday Seems Like Night...Attempting Faith with Bi Polar Disorder
Devin shares about his life with mental illness and the complications that it creates for faith and church. Devin is brilliant but struggles deeply and this has robbed his life of many opportunities yet he pushes on and hopes to share Light in the world. If you would like help with Bi-Polar Disorder click here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/bipolar-disorder/self-managing-bipolar/ “Funding has been provided by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Kentucky Humanities.”
Put It In the Fire
Bobby Preston is a young and ambitious man who wants to be an author and has a big joyous personality. He struggles with some obstacles, mainly he lives at a nursing home, battles with mental health ups and downs, and has some physical disabilities. Hear his faith story “Funding has been provided by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Kentucky Humanities.”
When It Feels Like God Turned Away
Abuse, Incest, and a Rocky Irish Monastery...Join Dr. Sumer Bingham, a practical theologian who specializes in the impact of incest on a person's God image. She shares from her research and her life's journey as she wrestles with God. For more about Dr. Sumer Bingham, check out her her presentation about child sexual abuse and theology at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiEFz2ohu3M “Funding has been provided by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Kentucky Humanities.”
No Labels: Faith of Horror Movies
Darrell Riffe deals daily with the complexities of foster care while also he deals with the complexities of living with no religious labels. His faith is closer to a horror movie than it is going to an altar and crying out for Jesus. Darrell shares his personal story of life without a label. “Funding has been provided by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Kentucky Humanities.”
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