Jesus-Shalom

The second part of my recent, ongoing conversation with Isabel, a fellow spiritual seeker, with an ambivalent relationship with the catholic Christianity she grew up with. We focus in on questions of truth and narrative, doubt and testimony, with regard to the “sacred writings” that possibly inform faith, in this case the “scriptures” that Christians […]

The second part of my recent, ongoing conversation with Isabel, a fellow spiritual seeker, with an ambivalent relationship with the catholic Christianity she grew up with. We focus in on questions of truth and narrative, doubt and testimony, with regard to the “sacred writings” that possibly inform faith, in this case the “scriptures” that Christians […]

There are different ways people undergo faith journeys or spiritual seeking. One way–a way shared between Isabel and I–is by reading books and listening to podcasts. If you are the same–or if you are just curious about interesting things to read and hear–check out my ongoing conversation with her, which we return to after a […]

There are different ways people undergo faith journeys or spiritual seeking. One way–a way shared between Isabel and I–is by reading books and listening to podcasts. If you are the same–or if you are just curious about interesting things to read and hear–check out my ongoing conversation with her, which we return to after a […]

We return for more conversation with Mari Joerstad, scholar of the Hebrew Bible, who reads the Old Testament through the lens of an indigenous, animist worldview. This reading creates a space for some fresh theological reflection on whether God might be understood as material (not “spiritual”), as person-like-a-river, rather than (or alongside) a person-like-a-human. It […]

We return for more conversation with Mari Joerstad, scholar of the Hebrew Bible, who reads the Old Testament through the lens of an indigenous, animist worldview. This reading creates a space for some fresh theological reflection on whether God might be understood as material (not “spiritual”), as person-like-a-river, rather than (or alongside) a person-like-a-human. It […]

In our latest episode of “Jesus-Shalom” I return to my conversation with Matty, which we began several episodes ago. If you love books, second-hand book stores, and book shelves–in other words, if you share in our spiritually complicated bibliophilia–stay tuned after the credits. Prior to that, however, we discuss a theology of place, locality, and […]

In our latest episode of “Jesus-Shalom” I return to my conversation with Matty, which we began several episodes ago. If you love books, second-hand book stores, and book shelves–in other words, if you share in our spiritually complicated bibliophilia–stay tuned after the credits. Prior to that, however, we discuss a theology of place, locality, and […]

The bible speaks of the sky rejoicing, the earth being glad, and the trees clapping their hands. Mari Joerstad, a scholar of the Hebrew Bible, thinks that the best way to understand these texts is that the sky, earth, and trees are presumed, in these texts, to be persons–other-than-human persons. And she offers this reading […]

The bible speaks of the sky rejoicing, the earth being glad, and the trees clapping their hands. Mary Joerstad, a scholar of the Hebrew Bible, thinks that the best way to understand these texts is that the sky, earth, and trees are presumed, in these texts, to be persons–other-than-human persons. And she offers this reading […]

In our most recent podcast episode I have a conversation with Ali Phelps, whose shalom-activism takes form in commitment to a particular geography–and church within in–along with co-housing as a way to inhabit that geography. We also hear a bit about Ali's faith journey, including her encounter with Anabaptism–through the work of Ellie and Alan […]

In our most recent podcast episode I have a conversation with Ali Phelps, whose shalom-activism takes form in commitment to a particular geography–and church within in–along with co-housing as a way to inhabit that geography. We also hear a bit about Ali's faith journey, including her encounter with Anabaptism–through the work of Ellie and Alan […]

Jesus-shalom is a descendent of Workshop, a year-long programme of applied theology for everyday people that my podcast partner, Noel Moules, ran for nearly 30 years. And one of the wonderful elements of stepping into this history and legacy is the opportunity to meet fellow travelers, other spiritual seekers, who have been shaped by the […]

Jesus-shalom is a descendent of Workshop, a year-long programme of applied theology for everyday people that my podcast partner, Noel Moules, ran for nearly 30 years. And one of the wonderful elements of stepping into this history and legacy is the opportunity to meet fellow travelers, other spiritual seekers, who have been shaped by the […]

This is the third and final part of my conversation with Ruth Harley and Al Barrett, Anglican vicars, and authors of the book “Being Interrupted: Re-imagining the church's mission from the outside, in.” In our conversation we explore how we might think of the church–its life and rhythms, structures and forms–differently in light of a […]

This is the third and final part of my conversation with Ruth Harley and Al Barrett, Anglican vicars, and authors of the book “Being Interrupted: Re-imagining the church's mission from the outside, in.” In our conversation we explore how we might think of the church–its life and rhythms, structures and forms–differently in light of a […]

In our latest episode I continue my conversation on “receptivity to interruption” with Ruth Harley and Al Barrett, authors of a book on church in mission that explores this topic. We begin with ways to read and engage the Bible that encourages this spiritual approach, before turning to tactics (not strategies) for such active receptivity, […]

In our latest episode I continue my conversation on “receptivity to interruption” with Ruth Harley and Al Barrett, authors of a book on church in mission that explores this topic. We begin with ways to read and engage the Bible that encourages this spiritual approach, before turning to tactics (not strategies) for such active receptivity, […]

In our latest Jesus-shalom podcast episode, we begin a conversation about re-imagining the church's–and the Christian's–fundamental posture in the world, in a conversation with Ruth Harley and Al Barrett, Anglican vicars in Birmingham, and authors of a new book entitled “Being interrupted: Re-imagining the Church's Mission from the Outside, In”. This is a great book, […]

In our latest Jesus-shalom podcast episode, we begin a conversation about re-imagining the church's–and the Christian's–fundamental posture in the world, in a conversation with Ruth Harley and Al Barrett, Anglican vicars in Birmingham, and authors of a new book entitled “Being interrupted: Re-imagining the Church's Mission from the Outside, In”. This is a great book, […]

Meet my friends Emma and Glyn, remarkable shalom-activists with nearly 30 years of experience of creating Jesus-centred, world-embracing spaces for those that don't fit within traditional Christian contexts. This includes those often seen as “socially undesirable,” as well as those who follow other spiritual paths often taken to be hostile to Christianity. This includes those […]

Meet my friends Emma and Glyn, remarkable shalom-activists with nearly 30 years of experience of creating Jesus-centred, world-embracing spaces for those that don't fit within traditional Christian contexts. This includes those often seen as “socially undesirable,” as well as those who follow other spiritual paths often taken to be hostile to Christianity. This includes those […]

In this episode we offer something a little different. It's the recording of a conversation with some of our Partners, those who are financially supporting our podcast efforts. However, the conversation includes a number of things that we thought our listeners might appreciate, including story of Workshop and Peacemeal, the precursors to Jesus-shalom, some open […]

In this episode we offer something a little different. It's the recording of a conversation with some of our Partners, those who are financially supporting our podcast efforts. However, the conversation includes a number of things that we thought our listeners might appreciate, including story of Workshop and Peacemeal, the precursors to Jesus-shalom, some open […]

Check out my recent conversation with Jo Kidd, whose veganic (vegan, organic), no-till farm and local business expresse her shalom-oriented values (veganism, feminism, community, spirituality). 1:00-8:20 Jo introduces herself and her mostly non-religious upbringing, one that nonetheless included a deep feeling of connection with nature and empathy with animals, before drifting into a period of […]

Check out my recent conversation with Jo Kidd, whose veganic (vegan, organic), no-till farm and local business expresse her shalom-oriented values (veganism, feminism, community, spirituality). 1:00-8:20 Jo introduces herself and her mostly non-religious upbringing, one that nonetheless included a deep feeling of connection with nature and empathy with animals, before drifting into a period of […]

This the second of a two-part conversation with Shawn Sanford Beck, Christian Animist and Green priest. In the first half we heard about Shawn's faith journey. In this, the second half, we turn to his self-designations, exploring what they might mean for us. Our conversation begins (1:00) with a brief return to his background in […]

This the second of a two-part conversation with Shawn Sanford Beck, Christian Animist and Green priest. In the first half we heard about Shawn's faith journey. In this, the second half, we turn to his self-designations, exploring what they might mean for us. Our conversation begins (1:00) with a brief return to his background in […]

This the first of a two-part conversation with Shawn Sanford Beck, Christian Animist and Green priest. In the second half we'll turn to those latter self-designations, exploring what they might mean for us. In this, the first half, Shawn shares some of his life story that led up to his current commitments. After his self-introduction […]

This the first of a two-part conversation with Shawn Sanford Beck, Christian Animist and Green priest. In the second half we'll turn to those latter self-designations, exploring what they might mean for us. In this, the first half, Shawn shares some of his life story that led up to his current commitments. After his self-introduction […]

This is my first conversation with Isabel, who is on a “faith journey,” exploring questions of spirituality and activism, and drawn to our Jesus-centred, world-embracing, shalom-orientation. Isabel is a communications professional, born and raised in Roman Catholic Spain, but now living in the UK. Her main interests are spirituality and feminism, along with rights and […]

This is my first conversation with Isabel, who is on a “faith journey,” exploring questions of spirituality and activism, and drawn to our Jesus-centred, world-embracing, shalom-orientation. Isabel is a communications professional, born and raised in Roman Catholic Spain, but now living in the UK. Her main interests are spirituality and feminism, along with rights and […]

In this episode, Tim offers what Noel calls a contemporary midrash–an expansive commentary on Noel's biblical account of the absolute shalom requirements of well-being, justice, and integration. After noting (1:00) their different ways of engagement (Noel moves from the biblical scriptures to the contemporary world; Tim tends to move the other way around)–and the difference […]

In this episode, Tim offers what Noel calls a contemporary midrash–an expansive commentary on Noel's biblical account of the absolute shalom requirements of well-being, justice, and integration. After noting (1:00) their different ways of engagement (Noel moves from the biblical scriptures to the contemporary world; Tim tends to move the other way around)–and the difference […]

My conversation with Alexandra (Alex) Ellish begins with her early childhood in South Africa, including enjoyable experience in Presbyterian church, with a relaxed faith home environment.  When she moved to the UK at 15 she found no Presbyterian church in Kent, so made her way into the Baptist church, encountered Anabaptism. [0-5:58] We also talk […]

My conversation with Alexandra (Alex) Ellish begins with her early childhood in South Africa, including enjoyable experience in Presbyterian church, with a relaxed faith home environment.  When she moved to the UK at 15 she found no Presbyterian church in Kent, so made her way into the Baptist church, encountered Anabaptism. [0-5:58] We also talk […]

Well-being and justice are important contemporary themes. How do they relate to shalom? How do they connect with Jesus? Is there a spiritual element included? These are some of the themes we explore in this episode on the 3 absolute shalom requirements, the three things which must be present for shalom to be realized. Maybe […]

Well-being and justice are important contemporary themes. How do they relate to shalom? How do they connect with Jesus? Is there a spiritual element included? These are some of the themes we explore in this episode on the 3 absolute shalom requirements, the three things which must be present for shalom to be realized. Maybe […]

At 0:45 Our conversation picks up with Matty's reservations about the catholic church he was connected to. Although he felt an aesthetic resonance, he began to be turned away by abortion politics and fundraising for priestly vestments, leading to disagreement/disconnect with rest of the congregation. “Once you start picking at one thread,” the rest starts […]

At 0:45 Our conversation picks up with Matty’s reservations about the catholic church he was connected to. Although he felt an aesthetic resonance, he began to be turned away by abortion politics and fundraising for priestly vestments, leading to disagreement/disconnect with rest of the congregation. “Once you start picking at one thread,” the rest starts […]

With this episode we begin a once-a-month conversation with someone on a “faith journey,” whether toward renovation (within the familiar Christian “household”) or toward reconstruction (outside that familiar Christian household). Two people–Matty Fearon and Isabel Ciudad Fontecha–have agreed to share their stories in real time, as it where, beginning with their background and upbringing. My […]

With this episode we begin a once-a-month conversation with someone on a “faith journey,” whether toward renovation (within the familiar Christian “household”) or toward reconstruction (outside that familiar Christian household). Two people–Matty Fearon and Isabel Ciudad Fontecha–have agreed to share their stories in real time, as it where, beginning with their background and upbringing. My […]

In this episode Tim responds to Noel's 1-3-4-6 “formula” for remembering essential elements or aspects of our shalom perspective. He begins (1:00) with an account of his more “philosophical” way of reflecting, in contrast to Noel's more “biblical” way of reflecting. Tim begins with non-religious engagement and reflection with culture, science, psychology, and sociology, on […]

In this episode Tim responds to Noel’s 1-3-4-6 “formula” for remembering essential elements or aspects of our shalom perspective. He begins (1:00) with an account of his more “philosophical” way of reflecting, in contrast to Noel’s more “biblical” way of reflecting. Tim begins with non-religious engagement and reflection with culture, science, psychology, and sociology, on […]

In part two of our conversation with Aglaia Barraclough, we turn to her work in restorative justice, prompted by her engagement in Workshop and reading done there (but not before a bit of sustained work in community development projects with immigrants and refugees, many from other faith perspectives). We explore what restorative justice is and […]

In part two of our conversation with Aglaia Barraclough, we turn to her work in restorative justice, prompted by her engagement in Workshop and reading done there (but not before a bit of sustained work in community development projects with immigrants and refugees, many from other faith perspectives). We explore what restorative justice is and […]

This is the first of an ongoing series on “shalom activists”, people who are engaged in peace-and-justice activism, from a shalom perspective. In this two-part episode I interview Aglaia Barraclough, who works in the area of restorative justice. We begin with Aglaia's early childhood in Greece and then London, including the pervasive presence of the […]

This is the first of an ongoing series on “shalom activists”, people who are engaged in peace-and-justice activism, from a shalom perspective. In this two-part episode I interview Aglaia Barraclough, who works in the area of restorative justice. We begin with Aglaia’s early childhood in Greece and then London, including the pervasive presence of the […]

In this episode we begin to look at a sort of formula for summarising some of the key features of a shalom vision–the key values or reference points–a “structure and shape” for engaging the world with a shalom sensibility. Before that, however, we talk about two other things. First, Noel and I talk about our […]