Encore: Dr. Belden Lane, Backpacking with the Saints
Presenting “(A)Theist Encores” where we highlight previous episodes that are fan favorites AND carry significant weight today!
Our first encore highlights Dr. Belden Lane, a retired Professor of Theology from St. Louis University. Dr. Lane offers a unique perspective to all things religion, specifically focusing on finding God in non-traditional places. He authored Backpacking with the Saints: Wilderness Hiking as Spiritual Practice” where he highlights the spiritual journeys he has taken in natural areas throughout the world.
Dr. Lane was our very first interview, recorded back in March 2023 and premiered on the day of our podcast’s initial launch: July 3, 2023. To date, this is our most played episode and the one that influenced every conversation we’ve had since our start. You’ll hear mentions of names, places, theories, and concepts that we cover in more detail in later episodes.
On a personal note, as you’ll hear us talking at the beginning, Erin and Kelley are both moving through some challenges; revisiting Belden offers a solace: His vulnerability and openness become powerful moments during the interview and provide strength and meaning to everyone: theist, atheist, or somewhere in between.
We hope all of you enjoy revisiting this early episode as much as we did!
This episode first premiered on July 3, 2023 and was re-released on May 5, 2025.
GET MORE DR. LANE!
Since his discussion with (A)Theist, Dr. Lane has been featured on a huge number of other podcasts.
You can find a bunch of them HERE!
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Did you hear something interesting during the episode? Want to know more? We post links to the show notes or blog whenever possible, but Kelley and Erin reference LOTS of books and articles during almost every episode. If you want more information about anything said during an episode, simply reach out! We’d love to hear from you!
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Transcripts of this episode are available upon request. Please visit the Contact Us section of our site to learn more.
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The (A)Theist Podcast team is responsible for the contents of this episode. All rights reserved. Any published material presented or discussed in the episode are the works of their respective authors and attributed as such.
