A podcast for every Christian who has ever asked ‘Is that it?’ Mid-faith Crisis explores the Christian faith with honesty and humour. If you feel that you have more questions than answers, if you feel as though your faith is changing, if you feel that if the worship leader sings that chorus one more time you will strangle him with his own guitar strap, then this is the podcast for you. Warning. Contains traces of theology and occasional innuendo.
The Mid-Faith Crisis podcast is a must-listen for anyone who finds themselves in the midst of a spiritual struggle. As an American wife, mother, and working professional, I immediately connected with hosts Joe and Nick, who bring a unique blend of scholarship, humor, and honesty to their discussions. This podcast provides the perfect balance between intellectual inquiry and heartfelt encouragement for those who are trying to navigate their faith journey without discarding the puzzle pieces.
One of the best aspects of The Mid-Faith Crisis podcast is the genuine care that Joe and Nick have for each other and their listeners. Their chemistry is palpable, making it easy to feel like you're part of their conversation. They tackle deep topics with grace and humility, never shying away from addressing difficult questions or doubts that arise during a mid-faith crisis. The scholarship brought by Joe as a minister and Nick as a historian adds depth to their discussions, while still being accessible to listeners who may not have an extensive theological background.
Another standout aspect of this podcast is its ability to speak to people from different perspectives. As an American listener, I initially wondered if there would be disconnects due to cultural differences. However, Joe's and Nick's narratives resonate deeply regardless of geographic location or personal background. Through their candid storytelling and thoughtful insights, they create an inclusive space where listeners can find understanding and comfort.
While it may be challenging to find any major flaws in such a fantastic podcast, one minor criticism could be that some episodes might benefit from more structure or organization in terms of content delivery. Occasionally, tangents or sidetracks can detract from the main theme or discussion at hand. However, this does not significantly diminish the overall quality or impact of the podcast.
In conclusion, The Mid-Faith Crisis podcast is a gem for anyone going through a period of questioning or uncertainty in their faith journey. With its perfect blend of scholarship, humor, and genuine care, Joe and Nick provide an invaluable resource for those navigating the tumultuous waters of a mid-faith crisis. Whether you're across the pond or anywhere else in the world, this podcast offers a safe and comforting space to explore your doubts and find encouragement to keep going.
In this Nick reflects on saying goodbye to his beloved dog, Bill, so we talk about joy, prayer, vulnerability, grief and love. Please be warned – along with the usual nonsense, this has some very un-English, tearful moments. But that's love for you. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: G.K Chesterton on the childlikeness of God Nick Page - Bill The Dog House | Channel 4
This week we tackle some feedback, talk about elders and gatekeepers and Joe has an update on his theme. Also, we think about why theology is such a loaded word, how the creed ignores most of Jesus' life and how the manager of Tottenham Hotspur reminds us of something important about the Kingdom of God. Oh, and Nick has some very helpful medication. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: BBC Two - Inside Our Minds, Inside Our ADHD Minds Bridges Transition Model There's a Wideness in God's Mercy | Frederick W. Faber
In an episode recorded actually together in the same room, we talk about getting older. What is the invitation of this part of life? How does it affect our faith? We talk about being an elder, becoming an 'adult of God', and what our new roles might be as we age disgracefully. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: The Feminine Face of God by Sherry Ruth Anderson Bridges Transition Model Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes
In an unexpected move - well, unexpected for Joe, at least – we revisit an episode from 2017. Eight years ago we had a stab at writing our own creeds and now, having completely forgotten even doing it, we go back to see what we wrote and whether we still agree with it. Also we have important clarifications about cauliflowers, and we worry whether both the podcast and our lives are now travelling in reverse. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Romanesco broccoli Self-similarity An idiot's guide to the Council of Nicea's big posh creed of compromise | Premier Christianity Mid-faith Crisis Episode 22: The schism starts here Epistula Apostolorum
This week's topics include the ethics of slug control, the 1700th anniversary the council of Nicea, whether transformation is always difficult and what it would be like if we met our internal critic at a party. Also, how do we approach difficult events when it really seems like God is to blame? Oh, and Nick has a theory that stories are like cauliflowers. Or something like that. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Knepp - Rewilding Pioneers Leonardslee Gardens An idiot's guide to the Council of Nicea's big posh creed of compromise | Premier Christianity Romanesco broccoli - Wikipedia Self-similarity - Wikipedia Self-similarity: Properties and Applications – Sera Markoff Meliorism - Wikipedia
Nick gives his belated thoughts on Easter and reflects on how it's not about the doctrine but about the story: we are invited to live in the story of Easter and to allow it to give pattern to our lives. We talk about some classic story shapes, and how the Easter story is embodied in baptism and in the eucharist. Finally we reflect on what meal would tell our story: chicken Madras, or cheese and wine? Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Tulip Festival - Arundel Castle & Gardens Wisden Cricketers' Almanack
It's the Easter Special! Well, half an Easter Special maybe. Nick has the flu so in this shortened episode, it's Pastor Joe to the rescue, reflecting on how the Easter story of suffering, bewilderment and joy is a challenge to us to live all of life. Maybe, like the disciples on the Emmaus road, 'we had hopes'; but maybe, also like them, we can look back and recognise that Jesus was with us all along. Now, anyone for a liturgical breakfast? Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Richard Rohr — Center for Action and Contemplation John O'Donohue | Anam Cara
As we head into Holy Week, we discuss what it's like to celebrate Easter in mid-faith crisis. We explore how Easter is about our identity as Christians and how, by examining the practices of the early church, we might be able to develop a shape for our own rituals. Also we touch on why the Mid-faith Crisis is like owning an old car, and we say hello to Grandpa Joe! Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Meditations for Mortals | Oliver Burkeman Episode 50: The Scandal of The Cross - Mid-faith Crisis Episode 51: The Mystery of the Cross - Mid-faith Crisis Epistula Apostolorum - Wikipedia Irenaeus - Wikipedia The Longest Week | Nick Page The Longest Week: Holy Week Devotional Reading Guide
We're back! Joe has returned from Mexico and Nick has returned from an unfortunate act of wire-cutting. We catch up on how things are going with our themes, discuss how life (and theology) keeps adding complexity, and think about how we respond to fear when, inevitably, it arrives. Also we talk a little more about the need to embrace uncertainty, and the importance of telling yourself some good stories. Meanwhile does Nick have a poltergeist or just a very clean rodent? And what is a squidgy goat? Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Turquoise-browed motmot Witness, Nick Page & Eddie Lyle Mid-faith Crisis Themes Beatrix Potter Evenings at the microscope Temperance (virtue) - Wikipedia Paul McGee How Not to Worry Podcast 1 The Power of Regret, Daniel H. Pink
With Joe away in Mexico we have an interview with Bekah Legg. She talks about the work of Restored with the victims of domestic abuse, and shares a little of her own story of loss and grief. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Restored DR Congo conflict: Mobile phones, coltan and the fighting - BBC News
It's our annual themes episode! We talk about our themes for the year, and reflect on how last year's themes worked out. And Joe has received an encouraging birthday card. Church notice: we're taking a brief break, so the next podcast will be in two week's time. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Episode 279: Focus and … er… something else Sort Your Life Out
We discuss how culture shapes art, and especially, how the culture of the time affects the Bible. How do the cultural norms and assumptions affect the text? Can we give power to the powerless within the story? And what about our own cultural lenses? We touch on creating our own sacred texts and ask the crucial question: can we still watch Carry On Films? Also Nick has had a dream. A very worrying dream, as it happens. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Milton Jones Carry On Films ‘Notoriously cruel': should we cancel Picasso? Collectors, artists, critics and curators decide Road Dahl - statement The Taming of the Shrew The Merchant of Venice Baruch son of Neriah
Or not. Because in this episode we delve into some follow-up to last episode's interview with Danielle Strickland. How can we address some of the deep, ingrained attitudes which affect all of us? What does this mean for ideas of femininity and masculinity? And how do we respond to loss of power and prestige without lashing out? Also the boys have had a business meeting in a place called Upham. No, really. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: The Brushmakers Arms, Upham Rebecca Solnit - Meditations in an Emergency Rebecca Solnit, Men Explain Things to Me Catherine Cowell, Finding God's Feminine Side: and working out how we lost it in the first place Rylan: How to Be a Man
This week, Joe interviews author and speaker Danielle Strickland, about patriarchy – the male-centring and male-ordering of the world. They discuss the challenges of calling it out, the heretical concept of the male-ness of God, and the way in which patriarchal thinking and theology affects the world and the church. Most importantly, they talk about some practical things we can all do to make a difference. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Danielle Strickland - Website The Other Side of Hope Better Together: How Women and Men Can Heal the Divide and Work Together to Transform the Future The Liberating Truth - How Jesus Empowers Women baremarriage.com Christians for biblical equality Deep and Wide Academy
More on metaphors. We talk more about the idea of Jesus as 'Lord', and discuss how changes in culture, society or even technology might change our understanding of long-standing human metaphors. Also we talk about ritual and sacraments and how so many of them are simply heightened versions of everyday human activities. Meanwhile, Nick's preaching has some unexpectedly dramatic consequences and Joe thinks everyone should wear a tiara. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Ched Myers, Binding the Strong Man Sacraments of the Catholic Church Sacrament Japanese tea ceremony
Happy Candlemas to one and all. In this episode we talk a lot about baptism: what is it, where did it come from and does it still matter? And did Nick really write a book on it without realising? Also we have more on the neurodiverse approaches to church, we touch on different ways of understanding justice, and we think about whether laying down your life for others means denying who you truly are. Finally, we have a worship song about Worthing and we launch the mystical experience helpline. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Candlemas Erin Burdett, With All Your Mind: Autism and the Church 'I want to love God with all my mind, but as an autistic Christian, my brain works differently to yours' Brains faggots Tapioca Is it Worthing? - song
Lots of interesting feedback this week, including more reflections on worship songs, our calling to attend to our own 'small' world, the difficulties of Bible translation (and food translation come to that) and why, for the Goths, Jesus was head of the household. Also we talk about neurodiversity and churches. How can we attend to different ways of thinking and different learning styles? Must one size fit all? Oh, and lots of TV watching homework because, as Joe says, 'Life's too short to not watch a lot of TV'. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at the Inauguration service Severance Faggot (food) Burn's Night The War of the Worlds - Jeff Wayne's Musical Version - Full Musical Eddie Lang- recordings Eddie Lang Ted Lasso The Detectorists Danielle Strickland Nick Page's Blog: Reflections on episode 315 Nick Page, And Now Let's Move Into A Time Of Nonsense Clive James, Poetry Notebook
Joe has forgotten how to count and Nick is bewildered by a worship song. We discuss whether the metaphors we use are helpful, how God is always 'in translation' and what we can do to avoid reinforcing unhelpful patriarchal systems. Also, we touch again on the subject of judgment, and think about relationship, restoration and reading the Bible more in sorrow than in fury. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Severance Ted Lasso Nick Page, Revelation Road Wyvill Monument Episode 253: Mothering Father – an interview with Lacey Finn Borgo
We return to the Bible this week, to the thorny topic of how we deal with difficult Bible verses, particularly verses about eternal punishment and divine vengeance. As our correspondent puts it, it's like Biblical whack-a-mole: you hammer one passage down, only to see new ones pop up. So we talk about the inadequacy of systematic theology, the need to recognise contradiction and mystery and how everybody, frankly, is whacking their moles. Most importantly, we consider how, despite the difficulties, we can continue to engage with and be inspired by the scriptures. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Wicked Dune: Part One Dune: Part Two Nick Page, The Badly Behaved Bible Gregory Macdonald, The Evangelical Universalist Midrash
Happy new year (although, as we all know, the official Mid-faith Crisis New Year isn't until March). Anyway we're back, and in this episode we mark a special anniversary - 45 years since Nick became a Christian. So, what's changed? How did we understand 'conversion' back then and how do we understand it now? And how do we see our purpose today, all those years later? Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Discussing the new year in Episode 229 (Starts at 10:25) Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl The Traitors Red One The Holdovers What is the good news? Nick's version
Happy Christmas! In this festive episode we share – and then judge – our Christmas micro-sermons. Also we think about the practices that will nourish us this Christmas and reflect on how the darkness and worry of the nativity stories does not diminish the life and hope. Remember everyone – you're still alive, and that's a wonderful thing! Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Strictly Come Dancing FInal Coldplay - ALL MY LOVE (Official Video) Coldplay - ALL MY LOVE (Official Video) (Directors' Cut) Conclave Winter solstice
After a brief debate about which of us is the more miserable, we discuss whether social media can help us engage with our shadow, detaching from the news without feeling guilty, and how hate actually tethers us to the object of our hatred. Also, as we enter Advent, where do we look for the hope? And what can we do to add to the hope and love that is really all around us? Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Joy Ludwig Anne Lamott, Almost Everything Tish Harrison Warren, Go Slow and Repair Things
In this episode, we talk about the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and, more specifically, about the systems of thinking which lead almost inevitably to coercion and abuse. How can we challenge systems like this? Is there any hope? And is God relying on us to be the answers to prayer? Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Brian Draper Advent 2024 - The Inside of Love Episode 94: Happy New (Liturgical) Year The Muppet Christmas Carol Paddy McGuinness Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge ‘Prolific, brutal and horrific': Makin report calls out the Smyth abuse and the cover-up
Joe talks to award-winning and Billboard-charting artist Flamy Grant, the 'shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen' from North Carolina. As well as sharing their story of growing up in the evangelical church, they talk about the need to trust peoples' experiences and how, so often, we have a view of God who 'doesn't love very well'. Along the way, Flamy talks about mystical encounters, dealing with opposition and abuse and why, in the end, it's all about joy. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Paddington in Peru Flamy Grant- Website
We talk about prayer and laughter, about creativity, and about the everyday acts of hope that help us transcend the news. Also we discuss judging a theology by the fruit it bears. Meanwhile Nick talks about his retreat and there is a lot about cheese. Business as usual, then. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum Paddington in Peru Deadpool & Wolverine Norman Wirzba, Love's Braided Dance - Hope in a Time of Crisis Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now WSJ: X Algorithm Feeds Users Political Content—Whether They Want It or Not Waitrose: Christmas Stollen, Panettone & Pandoro
In times of disappointment, darkness and fear, how should we respond? What difference can we make? We talk about joy as a revolutionary act, and how we can refuse to join in the game. Also, we discuss reclaiming labels such as 'Christian', and we have powerful stories about the power of prayer, mystical coincidences and, of course, parking spaces. Brought to you by Saint Joe of the Cheese and St Nick, patron saint of innuendo. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Battle, East Sussex Where did the Battle of Hastings happen? William I 'The Conqueror' Heretic All Saints' Day Show of Hands - Roots
We have an interview with singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph. He talks about his career, the craft of song-writing, his campaigning worked the importance of just turning up. And we end, of course, with a song. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Martyn Joseph Martyn Joseph - Chapel Porth Beach Let Yourself Trust Tour Dates 2024 Liberal Backslider
Is God really in charge of the universe? Do prophecies actually happen? We have some fascinating feedback about hearing from God and how he is calling us to collaboration and co-creation. Meanwhile, Nick quotes Ezekiel and Joe goes all mystical about Robins. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Dear Evan Hansen Alex Horne and the Horne Section Robin Bearded Tit Essence–energies distinction Thomas Jay Oord Ezekiel 37:1-14 The Valley of Dry Bones
In this episode we explore one of the central questions of theology: is it right to pray for a parking space? If we believe in an interventionist God, then what kind of intervening does he do? Does Joe really have the spiritual gift of parking? Also, we touch on sadness as holy ground, grieving for past versions of ourselves, and how to respond when people present prophecies and words of knowledge. Oh and it was our eight anniversary this week. Not that one of us noticed… Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Hunter's Moon This week's Hunter's Moon – the biggest supermoon of 2024 Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Daniel Pink, The Power of Regret Cabel Sasser, Panic - XOXO Festival (2024)
Joe talks with Shaun Lambert about mindfulness, wonder, and the need to 're-perceive' God. As well as actually leading us in a contemplative exercise, Shaun talks about strengthening our 'attention' muscles, encountering God in the present and becoming a more responsive but less reactive presence. All this and Diadochos of Photiki too! Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Nick Cave interview with Stephen Colbert The Boy And The Heron Goram IPA Zero Lucky Saint Beer Shaun Lambert, Mindful Formation Diadochos of Photiki Scargill Movement Ephrem the Syrian Mark 9:15
We talk about the virtuous circle of comfort: how what we receive we can share with others. Also whether the real purpose of the Holy Spirit is to help us to pay proper attention to our lives and to learn the right lessons. What if God is not arranging the events of our lives, so much as asking us to pay attention to them? Meanwhile, Nick has a correction to make, and Joe receives some good news about cheese. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Hobby RSPB Minsmere Great green bush-cricket Ludwig Inside Out 2 Pendon Museum Wittenham Clumps Teresa of Ávila 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Graham Lawton, This Book Could Save Your Life
Nick has had a bad week. We talk about approaches to resilience, the meanings we attach to events, our tendency to project bad stories, what perspectives might help us through really rubbish moments and how sometimes your favourite Bible verse doesn't help that much. Meanwhile Joe introduces the 'numes' – a new scale to measure numinous moments and places. And we hear from a listener who is going through the menopraise. Genius. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Resilience in Life and Faith: Finding your strength in God Rudolf Otto's Concept of the "Numinous"
Three. Hundred. Episodes. Who'd have thought it? We think about some of the key things we have learned, and are still learning through doing this podcast. We reflect on such topics as what we think about God, how we read the Bible and the amazing capacity of theology to annoy you in entirely unexpected ways. And in the end, it turns out Jesus is still very important. Thank you for all your support - now go and enjoy a Negroni. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Negroni week Karl Rahner Nick Cave, Wild God
Joe interviews John Philip Newell about his new book The Great Search. What are the things we are really yearning for? Who are the prophets to whom we should pay attention? Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: John Philip Newell Etty Hillesum Simone Weil Martin Buber Edwin Muir Julian of Norwich Carl Jung
Yes! The brothers have reconciled and the podcast band is back together. So, in this week's show we talk about redeeming the word 'religion', what it is that we can give to the church, whether Jesus was a bit smitey (again) and in the words of one contributor, the 'ready brek feeling of the warmth that Jesus can bring with that desire to be a better human being'. Also, we touch on the dangers of satire and we start to discuss some aspects of a twenty-first century faith. Phew! Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Sam's very long email on a twenty-first century faith Martin Buber
This week's episode is all about money. Why are we so embarrassed by it? Why do we fear dealing with it? Is ethical investing worth it? And do we really have to tithe? Thanks to Sian MacInnes FPFS for her great input on today's show. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: eccr.org.uk (now the Just Money Movement) VouchedFor
We talk about the benefits of belonging, and not belonging, to a church. Are there perspectives and opportunities that we can get from a church that we can't get elsewhere? When is it right to leave? And, most importantly, is there anyone is not able to sit? Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog
Yes, we're talking again about the Bible, this time discussing how the Bible was compiled and what Paul meant by the line 'All the writings are God-breathed'. Also, we have a truly wonderful final email, and loads of feedback on whether our listeners are friends, companions, pilgrims, fellow community members, paying punters or family members. We don't know, but we're very grateful for all of you! Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Olympic sport climbing Men's kayak cross final | Paris 2024 Olympics | BBC Sport Marcion of Sinope
A mixed bag this week. We talk about Christian outrage over the Olympics, about the need to belong (without being defined by our belonging) and how Joe actually found himself singing worship songs. Also we consider whether our listeners are really our friends, or, as Nick so tenderly puts it, 'potential threats'. Whatever the case, thank you for being… something or other. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Deadpool & Wolverine Chalk stream Dionysus Christians shouldn't be offended by the Olympics opening ceremony
In this episode we dive deep into the idea of the wrathful God. Can we understand it in a different way? And what do we do with all the bits in the Old Testament where the almighty gets all smitey? Are the accounts of the tribal, violent, Old Testament God real? Or are they stories? And if they are, how do we read them? Meanwhile, Nick has been spending time with hundreds of dead people, and Joe thinks that all Independent Financial Advisors are out to get him. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Renovaré Life with God podcast Episode 275: Nick Page — The Bible as Holy Ground Inside Out 2 Chaldon Mural Hythe Crypt (Ossuary) Mid-faith Crisis Episode 51: The Mystery of the Cross Mid-faith Crisis Episode 50: The Scandal of The Cross George MacDonald – The Consuming Fire William Placher, Narratives of a Vulnerable God: Nick Page, The Badly Behaved Bible
We're back! And after a long break there is a lot of catching up to do. Has Nick really stopped watching the news? Is there actually such a thing as a Purple Hairstreak Butterfly? Is the Mid-faith Crisis Podcast the Kendal Mint cake of spirituality? And what happened when Joe took Nick to the theatre? Also - our friend Andy is carrying out some research looking at how podcasting is becoming a significant resource for those who are going through some sort of faith shift in their lives. Will you help by taking part in a short survey? Go here. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Take a short survey on how podcasting is affecting your faith journey No knead bread recipe Rolf Dobelli, Stop Reading the News News is bad for you – and giving up reading it will make you happier Sgroppino Church of St John the Baptist, Inglesham, Wiltshire Treecreeper Cathedral - Forest of Dean Wilding movie Purple Hairstreak The Book of Mormon Kendal mint cake Stacey Solomon - Sort Your Life Out
Joe interviews friend and fellow celebrant Claire Bradford about her experiences walking the Camino. They discuss the importance of doing things when you can, the Joy of Missing Out and and how the pilgrimage, far from being about solitary detachment, led to an amazing sense of community and connection. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Claire Bradford - Creating Ceremony Camino de Santiago Episode 212: An Interview with Oliver Burkeman The Way
Joe talks to friend of the podcast Dave Tomlinson about his book 'OMG, A Bad Christian's Prayer Book'. Dave also chats about prayer, and about the need for us to be committed to hope or, as he terms it, 'defiant imagination'. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Dave Tomlinson on Facebook Dave Tomlinson: The Holy Shed OMG A Bad Christian's Prayer Book
We discuss the concept of the sabbath, mainly because Nick has heard an interesting sermon on the topic. What if we see sabbath as the start of the week and not the end? How does it help us escape the world of 'things'? And is it obligatory to have a bath? Also, we touch on whether you can have 'Stage 4' churches, talk a bit about demons and exorcism, and ponder whether mysticism, far from being an escape from reality, actually helps you to see it more clearly. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Abraham Heschel, The Sabbath: Its Meaning for Modern Man Rowan Williams on Mental Health
We carry on our discussion about churches and church leadership. Do churches need visible locations? How do we preserve their communal identity without creating barriers that keep others out? And, crucially, when Jesus said 'where two are three are gathered' does that include rabbits? Also, we reflect more on bad behaviour in the church – but in this case on how many clergy are on the receiving end of bullying by church members. Which is why we have declared this Sunday to be the international 'Be Kind to Clergy' day! Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Nick Page at St Andrews Literature Festival 22 June 2024, Great Missenden, Bucks Rowan Williams, Being Christian - Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer
In keeping with his theme, Joe has been nature churching. We discuss his experiences so far, what makes something 'church', the importance of your spiritual trellis and whether some churches turn the tricycle of faith into a unicycle. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Nick's Blog - episode notes Mentioned in this episode: Renovaré Podcast: Joe Davis and Nick Page — Disagreeing and Staying Friends Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer, A Church Called Tov Johnny Uffington White Horse and Dragon Hill The Church of Tomorrow, John McGinley Liquid Church, Pete Ward
We have a think about Pentecost. What was it all about? Was it really the birthday of the church? Is it an eschatological thing? Actually, what even is an eschatological thing? Nick, has a three-point sermon, and naturally, each point begins with the same letter. Also an interview with Lisa-Jayne Lewis, our very own Eurovision correspondent. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine
Following his year of wisdomness, Nick wrote an article on wisdom. We discuss whether the church downplays wisdom in favour of revelation, the steps we can take to intentionally gain more wisdomness and the need, as Nick puts it, to 'Squeeze the tube of your mistakes for the toothpaste of wisdom'. Apple apologises after iPad advert backlash | BBC News A.J. Jacobs, The Year of Living Biblically Eurovision Northern lights in uk With Pity Not With Blame: Contemplative praying with Julian of Norwich and 'The Cloud of Unknowing' Nick Page: How to be wise: Confessions of a recovering idiot
In a feedback-fuelled episode, we chat about heresy, gratitude, and the circuit board of love. Is heresy just speculation that is not the official speculation? Do we have to score 100% on our exams to get into heaven? Also, we think about whether sin is better viewed as separation and Nick gets rather agitated about how we read the Bible. Again. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Spotted Flycatcher Eurovision Song Contest Pilgrimage Positive News The Good News Hub Do You Have a Stepford God? The Stepford Wives Sara Pascoe reads a hilarious letter asking for clarity on God's Law
Brian McLaren talks about his new book, 'Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart'. He and Joe discuss how denial is exhausting, why our enemies are not people, but systems and how we all need to exercise our power to show up. 'Once you discover the God of love you fire all your other gods'. Also, remember, humans are a mess, but the birds are awesome. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Nick Page: How to be wise: Confessions of a recovering idiot Clangers Clangers on QI Brian McLaren Centre for Action and Contemplation Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart
This week we discuss the relationship between human skills and endeavour and the work of God. Or as Nick put it, 'Why does God get all the praise when I did all the work?' Does the fact that we live in a God-filled universe mean that the Divine should get all the credit? Or, by dismissing humanity's input are we actually devaluing the fact we are made in the image of God? And if that sounds too deep, there's a lot of custard. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Custard Freud's Last Session C. S. Lewis on praise
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