Nate tackles therians and otherkin from a biblical worldview with theological precision

Can Therians Be Christians? Otherkin, Imago Dei & Once Saved Always Saved

What happens when TikTok trends collide with biblical theology? Nate tackles therians, otherkin, and the Christian perspective on this growing subculture where people claim spiritual connections to animals. Between debates about once-saved-always-saved, mental health professionals entering the field to fix themselves, and whether David stealing showbread counts as Sabbath-breaking, this episode covers everything from spiritual identity crises to theological rabbit holes most churches avoid.

Therians and Otherkin: The Biblical Bottom Line

Therians identify spiritually or psychologically with non-human animals, claiming their souls share essence with cats, wolves, or other creatures. Otherkin extends this to mythical beings like dragons or elves. From a Christian standpoint, this contradicts foundational Scripture. Genesis teaches humanity is created in the Imago Dei—the image of God—not the image of reincarnated animals or spirit creatures. Psalm 139:13-14 declares we are fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together by God in our mother’s womb with unique human spirits. Humans possess rational souls capable of repentance, faith, and calling on Christ for salvation—capacities animals lack. While therians who do not profess Christianity face the universal need for the gospel, those claiming both Christian faith and therian identity embrace heresy. Believing your soul merges with an animal spirit directly contradicts biblical anthropology. Christians are more than conquerors through Christ, created slightly lower than angels but infinitely higher than the animal kingdom. This is not about cosplay or metaphorical “spirit animals” as jokes—Nate addresses the sincere belief some hold that their essence is non-human, which cannot coexist with sound doctrine.

For deeper exploration of identity in Christ and how cultural trends challenge biblical truth, visit the Faith & Culture category.

When Psychologists Need Psychologists

Mid-episode, Nate drops a research bombshell: studies show 60-70% of clinical psychology trainees entered the field partly to resolve their own mental health struggles. The “wounded healer archetype” is well-documented—therapists often became therapists because they needed therapy. Greg quips that the psychiatric community attracts people trying to diagnose themselves, which sparks a tangent about whether advice from the equally broken carries weight. Nate clarifies he is not disparaging therapy itself—seeking professional help demonstrates wisdom—but the irony remains. If your shrink got into the business because of unresolved trauma, does that invalidate their expertise or make them more empathetic? The group lands on nuance: lived experience can enhance therapeutic insight, but everyone—therapist or not—remains fallible and human. The real question is whether they point clients toward truth or merely validate feelings without accountability.