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a few of my favorite things
Welcome to The Cluttered Mouth, a place where we speak what's stuck in our throat.
I'm so glad you're here.
This site is for those who want to believe but find it too hard to keep the faith.
It's for people who need to deconstruct their belief system because it's killing them.
This is a place for people who want to rebuild something from the ashes and rubble of a life of faith that can't be their identity any more.
This place is for me and you.
Here, I offer weekly essays on lectionary readings for the coming Sunday. I publish on Tuesdays, offering prose to help us reimagine scripture. In between Tuesdays, I offer poetry, prayer, and protest as the words come.
Religious trauma is part of my story, so we confront that here. Please be gentle with yourself.
Here are five essays and poems I'v curated for you to get a feel for me and the site.
Welcome to The Cluttered Mouth.
Aaron J. Smith
A poem about how I approach scripture now that I've fallen in tot he rhythem of deconstruction and reconstruction.
Aaron J. Smith
One of my most painful, religiously traumatic memories, and how God still chooses us all.
Aaron J. Smith
Not only have I been hurt, but I have hurt people with my teaching, my theology, and my faith.
Aaron J. Smith
I've been saved from Christian nationalism by being a bad Christian. Praise God.
This might be a season you need a spiritual companion to walk with you for a little bit of the journey. Maybe to heal from religious trauma. Maybe to figure out your relationship with God. Maybe something else. Whatever it is, I'd like to be beside you.