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 resonates

01:56 | Faith as the most personal conversation

03:21 | Texas roots, diversity, and early influences

07:48 | Faith in the South vs. Utah culture

10:42 | 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 tension

19:36 | Rethinking “only true and living church”

21:39 | Identity, the ‘favored child,’ and letting others wear the coat

25:19 | Casey’s journey: certainty, curiosity, and what he knows

29:24 | Thomas the Apostle and the holiness of doubt

32:18 | The Chosen, a loving Christ, and belonging

32:59 | Scripture needs your imagination

35:14 | Language matters: sin = missing the mark; repentance = return

36:53 | Why teaching mattered: people over programs

38:48 | “Saturday night posts” as church for the weary

40:48 | Grief, miracles, and finding solace through others’ gifts

49:20 | A much bigger God that gathers all truth

51:47 | Doing the work: growth comes through the journey

53:14 | Loving God, loving people—the north star

56:41 | Personal revelation stories that anchor faith

58:17 | The opposite of faith isn’t doubt—it’s certainty

59:32 | Why people leave faith: betrayal, hurt, story, and effort

01:03:28 | Voices that inspire—rabbis, pastors, builders

01:05:22 | Joy in what people create (even Vegas!)

01:06:14 | Breathwork, presence, gratitude, wonder

01:09:39 | Seeing goodness everywhere—multiplying and replenishing

01:10:53 | “It’s good”: embracing hard things that form us

01:13:30 | Eden as imagistic wisdom, not literal stenography

01:16:32 | Holding to what you know while staying open

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