Ali Tonnesen

Former pastor, MDiv, hopeful skeptic

Launched 2 months ago

Ali Tonnesen

Ali Tonnesen

@alitonnesen

Former pastor, MDiv, hopeful skeptic

2

6 subscribers

Latest post

Ali TonnesenJun 12

[**A Satanist, a Gay Widower, and the Presence of God**
Trigger warning: sexual assault described a bit later. It’s not very graphic but may be triggering to some.

Ali Tonnesen](https://alitonnesen.substack.com/p/a-satanist-a-gay-widower-and-the)

2

Ali TonnesenJun 1

[**Treasures Unburied**
Touching my wounds, He digs deep. Treasures unburied, Treasures I can’t keep. Touching my heart, He washes me clean. Treasures unburied, Treasures unseen. Touching my eyes, He restores my sight. Treasures unburied, Treasures of light. Touching my feet, He inspires a dance. Treasures unburied, Treasures entrance.

Ali Tonnesen](https://alitonnesen.substack.com/p/treasures-unburied)

1

1

Ali TonnesenJun 1

After a 3 hour long conversation at a hookah bar with a Muslim a few weeks ago, I was struck by how much being a universalist (someone who believes all will be redeemed and find their way back to God) fundamentally changes how I relate to people from different faiths and backgrounds. My evangelical self would have been scanning for openings non-stop, desperately trying to stealthily plant seeds. This time, I was able to just be present and appreciate what we do have in common.

What a relief it…

See more

2

1

Ali TonnesenMay 25

[**"Am I Mother Teresa to You, Yet?"**
As I step out of my luxury apartment building, I’m face to face with a man with nothing. His face is muddied with dirt, his body reeks of urine, and his far too large pants cling precariously to his rear as he hobbles along. He smiles at me with what could be called a toothy grin, if he weren’t missing half of his teeth.

Ali Tonnesen](https://alitonnesen.substack.com/p/am-i-mother-teresa-to-you-yet)

2

2

Ali TonnesenMay 15

[**When Jesus’ Words Feel like False Advertising**
I fell flat on my face when I trusted Jesus to heal me. I stepped out in faith and God didn’t catch me.

Ali Tonnesen](https://alitonnesen.substack.com/p/when-jesus-words-feel-like-false)

3

1

Ali TonnesenMay 13

[**Universe in a Heart**
He said let there be light

Ali Tonnesen](https://alitonnesen.substack.com/p/universe-in-a-heart)

1

Ali TonnesenMay 1

[**The River of Platitudes**
They dump the bodies

Ali Tonnesen](https://alitonnesen.substack.com/p/the-river-of-platitudes)

2

1

Ali TonnesenMay 1

[**Too Christian for the Left, Too Queer for the Right**
What do you do when you’re too progressive for the conservatives… and too Christian for the progressives?

Ali Tonnesen](https://alitonnesen.substack.com/p/too-christian-for-the-left-too-queer)

2

1