Faith is More than Belief - Kevin Sweeney
Kevin Sweeney, writer and former pastor, in on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly, the Smashing Idols podcast) with host Jake Doberenz to explore about moving beyond belief-based Christianity toward a faith rooted in experience, love, and justice. Kevin challenges the Western Christian tendency to prioritize cognitive belief over embodied spiritual practice. Drawing from his personal awakening and his newest book The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus, he reflects on his formative influences from Christian mystics and the Black prophetic tradition, emphasizing a holistic faith that both encounters the divine and confronts systems of injustice.
Key takeaways:
Belief is not the foundation of faith—Kevin argues that elevating belief above other aspects of faith distorts Christian spirituality and reduces it to a cognitive exercise.
The Cosmic Christ represents divine presence and love, while the Concrete Jesus calls for active solidarity with the oppressed—both are necessary for a full expression of Christian faith.
Spiritual transformation requires silence, embodiment, and liberation—practices like contemplative prayer and collective justice work ground faith beyond doctrinal correctness.
Important Links:
The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus on Amazon
Kevin Sweeney is a writer, speaker, and former pastor based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. He holds master's degrees in theology and intercultural studies and is the author of The Making of a Mystic, The Joy of Letting Go, and The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus. Kevin integrates mystical spirituality with social consciousness, drawing from the contemplative tradition and liberation theology to inspire a more holistic Christian path.
SEE ALSO:
Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.
Smashing Idols is a part of the KFM Broadcasting network.
Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe
