David Butler: Believing in a God Bigger Than Religion

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with David Butler, teacher, author, and tour leader, for a thoughtful conversation on faith, imagination, and what it means to believe in a God bigger than we often dare to picture. David shares his story of growing up in Texas, teaching seminary and institute, and navigating a faith journey shaped by encounters with world religions, moments of doubt, and unexpected experiences in places like China and Rome that reshaped his view of God’s reach. He reflects on why the opposite of faith is not doubt but false certainty, and how embracing questions can actually deepen trust. Together, they explore themes of sin and repentance through fresh lenses, the importance of language in shaping our spiritual lives, and why patience, curiosity, and humility matter in both leadership and discipleship. David also opens up about leading “holy envy” tours, posting weekly reflections that serve as “church” for many, and walking through personal loss while holding onto hope. This conversation is an invitation to entrepreneurs, leaders, and seekers alike to expand their perspective, embrace the tension of growth, and live with more wonder, courage, and compassion.00:00 | Welcome & why David’s voice resonates01:56 | Faith as the most personal conversation03:21 | Texas roots, diversity, and early influences07:48 | Faith in the South vs. Utah culture10:42 | India plans & the idea of “holy envy”14:11 | China moment: “I will take care of all my children”17:08 | Teaching restoration & world religions—holding tension19:36 | Rethinking “only true and living church”21:39 | Identity, the ‘favored child,’ and letting others wear the coat25:19 | Casey’s journey: certainty, curiosity, and what he knows29:24 | Thomas the Apostle and the holiness of doubt32:18 | The Chosen, a loving Christ, and belonging32:59 | Scripture needs your imagination35:14 | Language matters: sin = missing the mark; repentance = return36:53 | Why teaching mattered: people over programs38:48 | “Saturday night posts” as church for the weary40:48 | Grief, miracles, and finding solace through others’ gifts49:20 | A much bigger God that gathers all truth51:47 | Doing the work: growth comes through the journey53:14 | Loving God, loving people—the north star56:41 | Personal revelation stories that anchor faith58:17 | The opposite of faith isn’t doubt—it’s certainty59:32 | Why people leave faith: betrayal, hurt, story, and effort01:03:28 | Voices that inspire—rabbis, pastors, builders01:05:22 | Joy in what people create (even Vegas!)01:06:14 | Breathwork, presence, gratitude, wonder01:09:39 | Seeing goodness everywhere—multiplying and replenishing01:10:53 | “It’s good”: embracing hard things that form us01:13:30 | Eden as imagistic wisdom, not literal stenography01:16:32 | Holding to what you know while staying open Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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