Podcasts about evolving faith

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 52:39

Taylor is a New York Times best-selling author, teacher, and Episcopal priest. After serving three congregations—two in downtown Atlanta and one in rural Clarkesville, Georgia—she became the first Butman Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Piedmont College, where she taught until 2017. Since then, she has spoken at events with wonderful names like Wild Goose, Evolving Faith, Awakening Soul, and Gladdening Light, but her favorite gig is being the full-time caretaker of a farm in the foothills of the Appalachians with her husband Ed and very many animals. Her new book, Coming Down to Earth, from Convergent Books, will be out in 2026. Chu serves as an editor-at-large at Travel+Leisure, teacher in residence at Crosspointe Church in North Carolina, and parish associate for storytelling and witness at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley in California. He is the author of Does Jesus Really Love Me?: A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America and Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand. He is also the co-author, with the late Rachel Held Evans, of the New York Times bestseller Wholehearted Faith. Chu is a former Time staff writer and Fast Company editor whose work has also appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Modern Farmer. In his weekly newsletter, “Notes of a Make-Believe Farmer,” Chu writes about spirituality, gardening, food, travel, and culture. An ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, he lives with his husband, Tristan, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Barbara Brown Taylor: April 2, 2025

Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 18:53

earth new york times religion philosophy appalachian episcopal wild goose barbara brown taylor evolving faith awakening soul convergent books clarkesville

How to Read Scripture with Peter Enns (Part 1)

Hunger for Wholeness

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 29:35 Transcription Available

Hunger for Wholeness is back with a brand new season—and we're beginning with a deep and timely conversation about one the most timeless texts.In this season-opening episode, Ilia Delio speaks with biblical scholar and bestselling author Peter Enns. Known for his accessible, thoughtful takes on scripture, Pete invites us to rethink how we read the Bible in a world shaped by science, technology, and evolving consciousness.Together, Ilia and Pete ask:Can scripture still speak meaningfully to us in the 21st century?Is revelation a fixed moment, or an unfolding process?How do we read an ancient text with modern eyes—without losing its transformative power?This is part one of a two-part interview with Pete Enns, co-host of The Bible for Normal People podcast.ABOUT PETER ENNS“I think part of what it means for God to “reveal” himself is to keep us guessing, to come to terms with the idea that knowing God is also a form of not knowing God, of knowing that we cannot fully know, but only catch God in part—which is more than enough to keep us busy.”Peter Enns (Ph.D. Harvard University) is Abram S. Clemens professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University (St. Davids, PA). He has written several books including The Bible Tells Me So, The Sin of Certainty, How the Bible Actually Works, and his latest, Curveball: When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming. Pete is also cohost of the popular podcast The Bible for Normal People. The focus of his work centers on understanding the Bible as an ancient text and thinking through what it means to read that ancient text well today.The Center for Christogenesis' annual conference, Rethinking Religion in an Age of Science: From Institution to Evolution is coming up May 2-4. We're featuring many of our podcast guests including Bayo Akomolafe, our own Ilia Delio and more. Registration is open now, with scholarship discounts available for students. Visit christogenesis.org/conference to learn more and register. We hope to see you there!Support the showA huge thank you to all of you who subscribe and support our show! Support for A Hunger for Wholeness comes from the Fetzer Institute. Fetzer supports a movement of organizations who are applying spiritual solutions to society's toughest problems. Get involved at fetzer.org. Visit the Center for Christogenesis' website at christogenesis.org/podcast to browse all Hunger for Wholeness episodes and read more from Ilia Delio. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for episode releases and other updates.

120. Edgewalking: Finding New Vision in Wilderness (part 2) with Victoria Loorz

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 43:16

At the end of last year, Forrest spoke with Victoria Loorz about the ways in which a more ecologically-conscious faith offers hope for “edgewalkers”— a term used to describe Christ followers who have moved away from the center of conventional church, and moved toward the creative edges of the institution—those generative marginal spaces where new imaginings and alternative expressions of faith life are being explored. In this episode, the conversation continues with Victoria — cofounder of the Wild Church movement, and current director of the Center for Wild Spirituality. This episode focuses on a pragmatic question: What are some things we can actually do to practice a more ecologically informed faith life? Here is part two of that conversation with Victoria Loorz. Guest: Victoria LoorzCenter for Wild SpiritualityWild Church NetworkTakeawaysWild spirituality encourages a connection with nature.Creation-centered practices can rejuvenate faith.Encountering the sacred requires courage and intentionality.Urban environments can also be spaces for spiritual practice.Reverence transforms our relationship with the natural world.Gardening fosters a long-term relationship with nature.Understanding life cycles deepens our spiritual awareness.Emotional expressions, like tears, are sacred experiences.Awareness of the divine presence is essential in daily life.Faith is meant to be constantly evolving and reborn.Keywords: wild spirituality, creation-centered practices, sacred encounters, urban spirituality, reverence, gardening, life cycles, emotional connection, awareness, evolving faithFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

jesus christ emotional urban wilderness gardening encountering reverence new vision emotional connection life cycles evolving faith earth keepers victoria loorz

Episode 203: An Evolving Faith | A Conversation with Valerie Hamaker

At Last She Said It

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 59:34

There are some topics that seem to surface again and again in our ALSSI conversations: love, fear, self, change, and patriarchy, to name a few. In Episode 203, Cynthia and Susan are joined by Valerie Hamaker for a conversation that touches on these themes and others as we discuss evolving faith.

conversations marriage religion spirituality motherhood feminism mormon lds evolving faith valerie hamaker thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints

How Christians Can Help End Homelessness with Kevin Nye

Shake the Dust

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 64:09

Today, Jonathan and Sy speak with author and housing advocate Kevin Nye about the Church and homelessness. We get into:- The ineffective housing policies Christians often promote- The bad theology behind those policies- A run-in Kevin had with institutional resistance to his view that governments shouldn't criminalize homelessness- How churches can get things right in ministries to unhoused people- Plus, hear our thoughts on the interview,- A discussion of how we are resisting the negative ways the election is trying to shape us mentally and spiritually- And our thoughts on all the discourse around Ta-Nehisi Coates' controversial new bookMentioned in the episode:- Kevin's article on Christians mistakenly rejecting housing-first policies- Josiah Haken's book, Neighbors with No Doors- Kevin's article on Christianity Today's coverage of homelessness- His article in RNS about a Supreme Court case on unhoused people's constitutional rights- His book, Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness- His Substack, Who Is My Neighbor?- Ta-Nehisi Coates' new book, The Message- Our newsletter with links to a couple of Coates' interviewsCredits- Follow KTF Press on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Subscribe to get our bonus episodes and other benefits at KTFPress.com.- Follow host Jonathan Walton on Facebook Instagram, and Threads.- Follow host Sy Hoekstra on Mastodon.- Our theme song is “Citizens” by Jon Guerra – listen to the whole song on Spotify.- Our podcast art is by Robyn Burgess – follow her and see her other work on Instagram.- Editing by Multitude Productions- Transcripts by Joyce Ambale and Sy Hoekstra.- Production by Sy Hoekstra and our incredible subscribersTranscript[An acoustic guitar softly plays six notes in a major scale, the first three ascending and the last three descending, with a keyboard pad playing the tonic in the background. Both fade out as Jonathan Walton says “This is a KTF Press podcast.”]Kevin Nye: If you're an average middle class American Christian and you want to become wealthy, have a private jet, a mansion, here's your spiritual steps. Get closer to Jesus, you'll be rewarded with physical wealth. Well, if that's true, the opposite of that would be true, which is that if you are in deep dire poverty, it must mean that you're that much farther from Jesus.[The song “Citizens” by Jon Guerra fades in. Lyrics: “I need to know there is justice/ That it will roll in abundance/ And that you're building a city/ Where we arrive as immigrants/ And you call us citizens/ And you welcome us as children home.” The song fades out.]Intro and HousekeepingJonathan Walton: Welcome to Shake the Dust, seeking Jesus, confronting injustice. I'm Jonathan Walton.Sy Hoekstra: And I am Sy Hoekstra, today is gonna be a great one for you. We have a conversation that we're gonna have before we get into our interview, kind of about the election. A little bit of a catch up, since this is actually going to be our last show before the presidential election, which now that I say it into a microphone, is a little bit scary [laughter]. We're gonna be having a conversation today with author, theologian and housing activist Kevin Nye. I've been looking forward to this one for a long time. Basically, the church is extremely involved in housing policy in America, and we are often going about it the wrong way, and that's often because of a lot of bad theology and some falsehoods that we believe about unhoused people, and so Kevin will help us get deep into that.He's a great resource and a great person to talk about it with, as well as some of the more systemic issues of why we have such an entrenched way of thinking about unhoused people. You'll be able to hear Jonathan and my thoughts about the interview afterwards, and we will get into our segment Which Tab Is Still Open, where we go a little bit deeper into one of the recommendations from our newsletter. This week we're talking all about Ta-Nehisi Coates and his new book, The Message and some of the discussions that have been happening around it. Also, one quick note. My voice might sound a little groggy, because about 12 hours ago, I was at game one of the American League Championship Series [laughter] and I screamed my face off.Is that a wise thing for a podcaster to do before recording? Maybe not, but I trust that you all will forgive me [laughs].Jonathan Walton: Yes, and for the uninitiated, we're talking about baseball [laughs].Sy Hoekstra: Yes, that's a good point. American League Championship Series, that's a baseball series [laughter].Jonathan Walton: But before we get into all that, please friends, remember to go to KTFPress.com and become a paid subscriber to support this show and everything we do here at KTF Press. We've been creating media that centers personal and informed discussions on faith, politics and culture, and that helps you seek Jesus and confront injustice. You've been listening for a while or the first time, you need to know we're resisting the idols of the American church by elevating marginalized voices and taking the entirety of Jesus' gospel more seriously than those who narrow it to sin and salvation. The two of us have [laughs] a lot of experience doing this, have been practicing this in community for a while, and as Maya Angelou would say, we're always practicing Christianity.So if you wanna do that, you could do that with us. We'd love for you to become a paid subscriber. You get all the bonus episodes of this show, access to our monthly subscriber Zoom chats, and you can comment on posts and more. So again, go to KTFPress.com to join us and become a paid subscriber.Sy Hoekstra: A couple of quick announcements before we get into everything. In two weeks there will not be an episode. That's just a couple days after the election. We're gonna let things settle a little bit.Jonathan Walton: Hopefully so.Sy Hoekstra: I mean, hopefully settle a little bit before [laughter] we have our sort of clean, edited podcast discussion about the election. However, we are going to do something a little bit different the day after the election. So that'll be Wednesday, November 6th at 1 pm. We are going to be having a Substack live conversation. So that means basically, if you have the Substack app, you will be able to watch us just have a live conversation about the election, what happened the night before, what we're thinking, how we can move forward faithfully now that the voting is done, and all of the potential chaos that comes after that. If you don't have the app, you can download it on the App Store or the Google Play Store. Anybody who's on our email list will get an email notification or a push notification from the app when we start.So if you're not on our email list, go to KTFPress.com and sign up. Even just the free email list, you'll get that notification. The email will have a link to download the app if you don't have it. So Substack live Wednesday, November 6th, at 1 pm to talk about the election. A little bit more raw, unfiltered, that sort of thing [laughter]. And then we'll have a finale episode, we'll announce the date later once we have that set. You'll be able to comment in the chat of the Substack live, so you can put your comments and your questions there. So come prepared to dialog a little bit. We're excited to try this new feature that Substack has rolled out. Also our next Zoom chat for subscribers will be this upcoming Tuesday, October 29th at 1 pm.So if you want to join in on that, please become a paid subscriber. If you already are a paid subscriber, then the link to register for that is in your email already. Go back to your emails from us and check for it, submit your questions. We have had some really great conversations at the four or five of these that we've done so far, and we look forward to another one this Tuesday.How Has the Election Been Shaping Us? And How Are We Resisting?Sy Hoekstra: Alright Jonathan, before the interview, we're gonna start off with an election question that will kind of let us give some of our final thoughts going into actual voting day. This is a question that you came up with, and I like it a lot, actually. Jonathan, how has this election been trying to shape you and how have you been resisting it?Jonathan Walton: Yeah. I think just hanging out in this space of formation, like we're impacted by things around us, and it's literally making us into new people or different kinds of people. I have an injury in my hip, and it's like, I ran marathons and did lots of sports and work, and so my hip is shaped differently because of the pressure that I put on it.Our Political Culture Tries to Instill Fear, but Jesus Doesn'tJonathan Walton: And so I think that culture is trying to shape me into an anxious, fearful person, because violent crime can be down in the United States, but my fears about my daughter getting older and going to the train, I'm terrified.Sy Hoekstra: Really?Jonathan Walton: Oh yeah. It's terrible. It's terrible.Sy Hoekstra: Interesting.Jonathan Walton: People are like, “Oh yeah, my kid walked to the train,” I'm like, clutch my pearls.Sy Hoekstra: [laughs] Oh, you're one of those New York City parents.Jonathan Walton: Yeah. And some of its familiarity, I never did that. That just wasn't my reality. I think it's more that than all of the fears that people have. It's just unfamiliar to me. And so I think that the Democrats would love for me to fear the apocalypse, and the Republicans would love for me to fear the apocalypse [laughter].Sy Hoekstra: Different apocalypses.Jonathan Walton: Yeah, different apocalyptic visions for the state of this country and the world. And that is a very effective fundraising tactic. It's a very effective way to get people out to vote, because having people be motivated by fear rather than love is better for the prince of the power of the air. It's better for the wills within us that are not submitted to God and trusting him for our well being and the well being of those around us, and leaning into that. And so I think that I want to reject the gospel of self reliance. I want to reject the gospel that I have to control everything and hold it all close and accumulate more and protect that which I accumulate, like all that I got. I just have to say no to that, because I don't wanna be afraid all the time and then make all the people around me more afraid. I don't think Jesus made people afraid.He made demons afraid, but off the top of my head, I cannot… like Judas wasn't even afraid of Jesus. The fear and reverence of the Lord and all of those kinds of things where the angels and the Father say, “Don't be afraid,” Jesus speaking to people did not instill fear in them. I don't think I need to be motivated or driven or attracted or tempted towards fear about anything.Sy Hoekstra: I mean, there are people who seemed kind of afraid of him, but they were all powerful and largely oppressive people.Jonathan Walton: [laughs] That's true.Sy Hoekstra: Herod seemed pretty afraid of Jesus [laughs].Jonathan Walton: Herod was terrified. Yeah, that's true. I don't think that Jesus' goal in conversation dialog was for someone to be afraid.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah, that's correct.Jonathan Walton: And then for them to be compelled to follow him because they were scared. Like that… it is literally the opposite of a fire and brimstone call to faith. It's not congruent with the Christ of scripture.Resisting Cynicism by Choosing Where to Place Our HopeJonathan Walton: So what about you? How do you think our current political [laughs] realities, would love for you to be in the world?Sy Hoekstra: It feels like they would love for me to be a cynic. I don't know, someone who's just a real downer. Because I would say, if you'd asked this eight years ago, I would have said they would want me to be depressed. Because at that time, Trump just felt so dark and foreboding in a way that was deeply sad to me. Not exactly scary, but just really, really depressing. I think now I'm actually thinking more about the Democrats when I say that, because as we are recording, the Biden administration has said some very tentative things about a maybe possible weapons embargo if some undefined humanitarian crisis in Gaza is not vetted in the next month. So we'll see how that works out over the next week and a half until this publishes.But basically, up until now, it's kind of been you've got to toe the party line. You got to be effectively totally pro Israel to be in line with the Biden administration and also with the Harris campaign. That could lose them Michigan maybe or whatever, but ultimately coming out for a ceasefire or something else they must have done the calculus is gonna lose them more.Jonathan Walton: Right.Sy Hoekstra: The reason that that makes me cynical is just so much in politics, it's just about that. It's just about, are you gonna get elected or not? I think Jonathan, and I've been convinced for a long time, it is pretty impossible to be a politician and follow Jesus, because if you follow Jesus you're not gonna be a politician anymore [laughter]. Because the whole point is you got to get reelected, and you got to do whatever it takes to do that. You've got to change your mind on issues, you've got to spend money, you've got to be a hypocrite. Doesn't matter, you've just got to get reelected. There are probably certain scenarios, like certain places that you could be elected and have integrity for smaller offices than the President [laughs], that would lead me to some amount of cynicism about the whole system and despair if my faith was in the system. If I was looking to who the next president is to determine my hope for the world.And it's kind of a cheesy Christian thing maybe to say, but my hope is in Jesus. But I think it's actually, even honestly, if your hope was not in Jesus, if it was just in something other than what's happening in our current politics, that's a very powerful thing. You know what I mean? It is a very powerful thing to genuinely have your emotional steadiness in something other than whatever's happening in politics. And for me, that's Jesus. But you know, so that's where I'm trying to sit, and that's why I'm trying to resist the way that the election is trying to make me a cynic.Can Christians Be Politicians Faithfully?Sy Hoekstra: You keep taking breaths like you have something that you wanna say immediately [laughs] [unclear 00:11:14].Jonathan Walton: I'm thinking, if I heard you right you were like, you believe it may be impossible to follow Jesus and be a politician?Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: And I was thinking about that because I think it's like, we would have to define follower of Jesus and define politician.Sy Hoekstra: Sure.Jonathan Walton: But it's interesting to me that it is impossible to be a servant of empire and follow Jesus. Like it's possible, because Jesus calls them out to be a non-Christian religious person. It is possible for Cornelius to be in the military and be faithful to God.Sy Hoekstra: I see what you're saying.Jonathan Walton: Yeah, but what you're getting at is the incoherence of that reality that we try to assert. So for example, I think it's possible to be a Christian politician. It is impossible to make politics Christian.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah. And if you want to be a Christian politician, you're gonna have to recognize that your job is going to be constantly, ceaselessly trying to pull you away from Jesus [laughs].Jonathan Walton: Yeah. It is impossible to follow Jesus and be a politician, if a politician is what you are trying to be.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah. I got you.Jonathan Walton: It is possible to follow Jesus and hold elected office, you know what I mean? But there are some people whose complete identity, which is what you're talking about, “I'm only here to get reelected. I wanna accumulate power, I wanna do that,” like it is impossible to be a politician.Sy Hoekstra: I think it's a little bit harder than that though, because it's not just about your identity if you're a politician, your job is to get reelected. That's what everyone is looking for you to do. That's what your party's looking for you to do, all people who work for you, obviously, that's what they're looking for you to do [laughter].Jonathan Walton: Right.Sy Hoekstra: Literally, if you don't get reelected, you can't do the job anymore. So it's like it is an integral part of the job description itself. It's not even just an issue of where your identity lies. You know what I mean?Jonathan Walton: That's true. Listen, if you're listening to this, I would love to hear what you think.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: Love to hear what you think. Unfortunately, the philosophical argument, the dominoes could start to fall around lots of professions. It's interesting. We're probably gonna talk about this as a subscriber chat now. So there we go [laughter].Sy Hoekstra: There we go.Jonathan Walton: Cool.Sy Hoekstra: Cool. Thanks for that little brief discussion as we go into the voting booths, which is in like a week and a half from when you're listening to this, if it's the day it comes out. And as we continue to behave politically after the voting happens, which I hope everyone listening to this show is doing [laughs], let's try and be shrewd. Innocent and shrewd, right?Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: That's what Jesus wants us to be.Jonathan Walton: [laughs].Sy Hoekstra: And let's continue to think hard about that. I appreciate that discussion. Let's try to find a way to continue it. We are gonna get into our interview now before we come back and talk about our thoughts on the interview and some stuff about Ta-Nehisi Coates [laughter] in Which Tab Is Still Open.Interview with Kevin NyeOur guest today, as I said, is Kevin Nye. He is a writer and advocate working to end homelessness through engaging best practices. He has written on the intersections of homelessness and faith for Religion News Service, Sojourners, Red Letter Christians and more. He has presented at national conferences on the topic of homelessness. His first book released in August of 2022 and it was called Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness. Kevin currently lives with his wife and son in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he works as the housing director for an organization addressing youth homelessness.Jonathan Walton: Let's get into our interview.[The intro piano music from “Citizens” by Jon Guerra plays briefly and then fades out.]Sy Hoekstra: Kevin Nye, thank you so much for joining us on Shake the Dust today.Kevin Nye: Absolutely. It's a pleasure to be here.The Effective ‘Housing-First' Policies Evangelicals Often RejectSy Hoekstra: You and I met about a year ago at the Evolving Faith conference, just after you had published what I thought was a really great article for Sojourners about kind of the difference between treatment-first housing policy and housing-first housing policy, which can, they can sound a bit wonky to people. But you talked about how it's a really important distinction, and how a lot of times Christians are making the wrong choice in choosing the treatment-first policy and favoring those types of policies. And so because I think this distinction will actually help us get at a lot of underlying kind of spiritual and theological issues when it comes to housing policy, can you tell us what these two different approaches are and why you think a lot of conservative Christians are picking the wrong one?Kevin Nye: Absolutely. So the treatment-first methodology, it's kind of the one that we've been using for almost 100 years in response to homelessness, but it also sort of infects a lot of our thinking about many different things. And it essentially says that if you are in poverty, if you are in homelessness, that you have to sort of prove your worthiness of getting out of that. So if you are experiencing homelessness, we know that ultimately the destination that you're hoping for is to be in housing of some kind, an apartment, a house, what have you. But that in order to get there under the treatment-first model, it suggests that you have to sort of check a bunch of boxes. And those boxes have looked different, according to the program, and according to the time that it's been implemented, but they usually include some level of sobriety.So if drugs or alcohol are part of your life, they have to stop. If you struggle with your mental health or even your physical health, that you have to ascribe to a particular treatment plan, and demonstrate your willingness to do that and to stay on it to then achieve whatever objective is set for you by some institution, which often is a shelter or a government program or a Christian institution, like a Rescue Mission. And then depending on which avenue you're going or which institution is involved, that can include a lot of other more arbitrary types of rules, like that if you demonstrate your worthiness or your dedication by applying for a certain number of jobs per week, or attaining employment first, or attending Bible study every day at the Rescue Mission. There's sort of all of these expectations to demonstrate that you are sort of good enough, worthy enough to invest in with this long-term opportunity.That is opposed to the housing-first idea, which we've known and understood for closer to like 30 years and have been studying and practicing ever since, which suggests that rather than do or accomplish all of these things to prove that you deserve housing, housing being sort of the end destination, we lead with the housing because we recognize that housing is the stabilizing force that makes so many of those other things possible. And then we don't just plop you in housing and say, “Good luck,” but we put you in housing and then ask you, “Okay, now, what do you wanna work on?” Now that you have this baseline of stability, of safety, a literal home base, what's next? Let's tackle it together. Now that you can get a good night's sleep. Now that you can charge your phone in an outlet overnight.Now that your documents and your medications are safe. Now that you can buy food to store it in a fridge, rather than go to whatever dinner is available for free for you across the community, or save up enough to get fast food just to fill your belly. All these things that we sort of take for granted that a home with four walls, a roof and a door provide for us are those things that we actually need to be successful. One's ability to stabilize a physical or mental health condition is really difficult if you don't have a safe place to go every night, like where you can store your medication safely, where you can eat a healthy diet, where you can have a normal routine. And even something like drug use and alcohol use, we understand are things that are responsive to a chaotic situation.That if you are living on the streets every day, you are more likely to seek out the soothing effects [laughs] of alcohol, the numbing effects of substances, or the energizing effects of other types of substances, in order to try to get things done that you need to get done. But that even folks who are deep in the throes of those kind of problematic relationships with drugs and alcohol do so much better with housing-first, rather than saying, “Hey, you need to fix all of these things before we even help you feel safe and stable.”Sy Hoekstra: It also strikes me all three of our mutual friend, Josiah Haken, wrote a book where he talked about kind of myths about homelessness. And one of them was the myth that, basically, homeless people are dangerous.Kevin Nye: Yeah.Sy Hoekstra: And he was like, the real reality of being homeless is that you're actually in more danger than everybody else constantly. You are the one who's the most likely to be the victim who's most likely gonna be robbed, have your stuff taken. And that stuff that's on you, like you said, is all your documents [laughs], it's all of your medicines that you need to remain in your sound mind or whatever. And just having a place to not be worried about that as much feels like an enormous burden lifted off people too, in addition to all the other enormous burdens lifted off people that you just mentioned.Kevin Nye: Absolutely. Yeah, Josiah is great, and his book is really good, too. Neighbors with No Doors, for your listeners to go check that one out.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah, yeah for sure.Christianity Today, and Why the Church Doesn't Address Homelessness WellJonathan Walton: This is something that I'm very passionate about. Like Sy said, I've known Josiah for years. I spent a good part of my formative young adult years on the streets with friends. And so a few months ago, you wrote a post on your Substack about an article of yours that Christianity Today was like, “Yep,” and then said, “No.”Kevin Nye: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: [laughs] So can you tell us about that story, why you decided to go public, and the difference between knowledge and opposition. Because I think some people that are listening to this might think, “Oh, well, if we just know better, then we'll do better.” And I don't think that's true. So could you tell us about your journey writing, then having it get rejected, and then that difference between knowledge about something and opposition. Could you break that down?Kevin Nye: Sure. Yeah, the Christianity Today thing was interesting. When you're a writer on a particular topic and that topic sort of starts to get national attention, which is what was happening, at the time there was a Supreme Court case that was gonna be heard, since then has been heard, Johnson versus Grants Pass, Oregon.Sy Hoekstra: Right.Kevin Nye: We could talk forever about that, but essentially, whether or not municipalities have the right to criminalize homelessness was sort of being decided at the national level. And I wanted to write something about the faith perspective of that. And I have my own Substack and outlets where I can do that, but I thought that this being such a national issue, and my take on it wasn't particularly edgy or controversial. It was just, “Hey, maybe we shouldn't criminalize poor people for being poor.” [laughter]Jonathan Walton: Maybe. Let's try that.Kevin Nye: I thought that that was something… and actually part of what I was writing was not, “Hey, this is what I think.” It was, “Hey, this is what a bunch of churches and faith groups are thinking.” And part of my article was actually about how churches were rallying to support unhoused people in this case and writing into the Supreme Court. So it was almost like, it's kind of pro-church [laughs]. And so I thought given all of that, this would be a pretty good pitch for Christianity Today who is a more conservative publication who I hadn't published with before. I'm more likely to publish with Sojourners, which is less obviously conservative or Religious News Service, which is a little bit more like they're reporting news about religion, not religious news.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Kevin Nye: But I thought this was the right pitch for CT. They had expressed interest in me writing for them before, and it was just about finding the right thing, and I thought this one was it. So I sent it in, and I got a really good response. They agreed. They said, “Hey, this seems like the one. We definitely wanna work with you on it.” And I was pretty upfront from the beginning about what my stance on it was. And they seemed willing along the way, and even a couple times in the process, I just said, “Hey, I just wanna be super clear, this is where I'm going with it. It may be a little different than what you guys are used to publishing on homelessness,” and I just kept getting thumbs up along the way until it was time, essentially to publish it.I had sent it in, it had gotten the final edit, and they had said, “Hey, we're probably gonna publish this on Friday.” And then two hours later, I got an email that just said, “Hey, hold that thought. Just came from a meeting. We might be going in a different direction.” And then I didn't hear anything for 24 hours, and then it was, “Yeah, we are going in a different direction for our coverage.”Jonathan Walton: But did they pay you for it?Kevin Nye: They did. They paid me a kill fee, which…Sy Hoekstra: Which is not the whole thing.Kevin Nye: Yeah. And part of me was like, I wanna be like, “I don't want your money,” [laughter] but then I was like, “I'll take your money and I'll use it for something good.”Jonathan Walton: I can deposit this. Yeah. Right [laughs].Kevin Nye: Yeah. And so I ended up just then sending it to Religion News Service, and said, “Hey, sorry that this is coming late.” Because the deadline was that the Supreme Court was hearing it that week, and so it was sort of a timely piece. And I sent it over there, said, “Hey, I'm sorry this is such short notice, but do you guys want this because another publication didn't want it?” And they ran it. I sat on that for a while deciding whether or not I wanted to say anything about it, because I never want to, I don't wanna stir up trouble just for the sake of trouble. And I don't wanna trash this publication for no reason, even though they've given us some pretty good reasons over the years.Sy Hoekstra: [laughs].Kevin Nye: But I was like, I don't wanna pick a fight just to pick a fight. And part of that is a professional consideration. As a writer I have the potential to burn a bridge there. So I just sort of said, I'm gonna wait to see what they meant by our coverage is going in a different direction, because it does imply they're gonna publish something, right?Sy Hoekstra: Right.Kevin Nye: And for all I know it could have meant, “Hey, we actually got someone really, super, more qualified than you to write this.” Or, “One of the lawyers who's on the case wanted to write something for us.” And I'd be like, “Well, yeah, of course.” I suspected that wasn't what it meant, [laughs] but I'm gonna withhold judgment, at least publicly for a bit [laughter]. And so I sat on it, and then a couple months later, the Supreme Court ruling came out. So it was supposed to publish when they heard it, and then they had a couple months to deliver a ruling. They delivered a ruling, and Christianity Today had still not published anything, not even about homelessness, period. And so then I thought, “Okay, the ruling just happened.” It also came out the same day that they ruled on presidential immunity.Jonathan Walton: Yes.Kevin Nye: So it was like, okay, there's a lot of competing things to talk about right now so I'm gonna give them a week, two weeks, to see if they put out anything. And then when they didn't, that's when I sort of decided that I wanted to write about not being published, and again, not personal, but write about the fact that nothing was being published about this when it is such a significant ruling about what I would argue is one of the top five most significant issues on everybody's mind, which is housing and homelessness. And sort of how that feeds an ignorance and a lack of Christian conversation about this topic. And again, it wasn't, “How dare they not publish me.” It was sort of like, “How could they not publish anything, especially when they had something to publish, and they chose not to?”Jonathan Walton: Why do you think they killed it and didn't write about it?Kevin Nye: My guess is that ultimately, there is a pretty powerful voice that is Christian and institutionalized in the form of the Gospel Rescue Mission. And those who have supported it have worked in it, worked around it, worked adjacent to it, that does genuinely believe that we should make homelessness harder so that A, either people stop choosing it, which is ludicrous, but more so B, will drive people into institutional settings, like shelters, like Christian shelters, where evangelism can happen, sort of Christian teaching can happen. And the reason I believe that is because there was only one faith perspective that wrote into the Supreme Court in favor of criminalizing, and it was the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission.Criminalizing Homelessness to Force People into Religious SheltersAnd they actually wrote in that publicly available letter that they felt that since it had been ruled at a lower court that they couldn't criminalize, the numbers at their shelter had been declining. Now they failed to mention that this happened at the same time as COVID, and might be another reason that people didn't wanna come into a public shared space type of shelter setting, but that because the city could not use criminalization to compel people into the Rescue Mission, that people were not getting services that they needed. But if you dig into the Gospel Rescue Mission over there, which I did extensively, you learn that they have some of the most egregious rules and expectations of people, and have a very poor reputation among the unhoused community there for how they treat people.And so what then truly is at stake here is in a town like Grants Pass where the only shelter is a Gospel Rescue Mission, can the government criminalize homelessness and force people into a religious setting where they are being taught against their will Christianity in the form of chapel and required Bible studies on a daily basis? And now I don't think Christianity Today thinks that we should institutionalize all unhoused people and scream the Bible at them, but I think that Christianity Today is reluctant to anger the voices who are pretty large and hold a lot of power that defend that institution.The theology behind Misguided Christian Housing ProgramsSy Hoekstra: Can we get a little bit at what some of the reasons are underneath all this stuff? I mean, aside from the [laughs] opportunity to evangelize, forcing people into your program to evangelize them, because that's just your whole end goal as a Christian or whatever, is to convert people, and so the means by which you convert them doesn't matter. Which is, I'm putting it that way because I'm just kind of processing that, because it's gross. It's in line with manipulating people into Christianity by scaring them about hell.Kevin Nye: Yeah.Sy Hoekstra: Like why not just scare them about prison or anything else?Jonathan Walton: Yeah, right. I'll put you outside.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah, exactly [laughs]. But I wonder what other… you've dug into the theology of this, you've dug into people's reasoning for supporting this kind of programming and the powers that be supporting this kind of programming. What are the other motivations, theological reasons that you see behind treating vulnerable people this way?Kevin Nye: Yeah. Well, I mean, the way I framed it obviously, is sort of the most insidious version of it, but I think that most folks who… I mean, especially your frontline workers in a place that, genuinely believe that Jesus is the solution to homelessness. That people who are experiencing homelessness are doing so because of a personal failure, a moral failure, and that if they commit their lives to Jesus, that that will allow them to leave behind the life that led them into the situation that they're in and propel them towards a new life. That's the nice way of understanding what's happening, which I genuinely believe a lot of folks in these settings are operating it from that more positive version.Even what you described as scaring people with hell to get people to accept Jesus, I know people that are in my family who they genuinely believe that the people that they love and care about are gonna go to hell if they don't. And there is this motivation that, again, because they have this belief that is toxic, that the way… if you are committed to that belief, to then address this problem can be very problematic. My experience by and large, has not been that people who experience homelessness are not religious or are not even committed Christians.Sy Hoekstra: Seriously.Jonathan Walton: Exactly.Sy Hoekstra: Right.Kevin Nye: And on top of that, an informed understanding of what causes homelessness is not moral personal failure, but very measurable and understandable social issues like the cost of housing, like our mental health systems, like the stagnation of wages, so that housing is more expensive and people aren't making any more money. So one plus one equals two, fewer people can access housing.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah, there's so much to say there, but things I wanna highlight, you're basically saying that Jesus is the answer to homelessness, allows you to avoid asking systemic questions, allows you to avoid talking about systems that need to change. It also kind of turns Jesus into something that he never said that he was. He never said he was the answer to homelessness. He also never even said, “If you state a belief in me and read the Bible and pray and x, y and z, then you will automatically start making significantly better moral decisions.”Kevin Nye: Yeah.Sy Hoekstra: That's not even true about Jesus. He also didn't say, “If you believe in me, all of a sudden you won't be addicted to meth,” or whatever. You know what I mean?Kevin Nye: Right.Sy Hoekstra: None of this is true. There's a real powerful underlying fundamentalist current in that perspective. In a just don't worry about the politics, don't worry about basically any real earthly concerns, just Jesus, everything else will fall in line after that.Kevin Nye: Yeah, and it's, I think a lot about how it's just an extension of prosperity gospel. That it's the same idea that says if you're an average middle-class American Christian, and you want to become wealthy, have a private jet, a mansion, here's your spiritual steps. Get closer to Jesus, you'll be rewarded with physical wealth. Well, if that's true, the opposite of that would be true, which is that if you are in deep, dire poverty, it must mean that you're that much farther from Jesus.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: Right.Kevin Nye: And I think even people who would reject the Joel Osteen prosperity rich end of that gospel, still believe a lot of that same stuff, but on the poverty end.Jonathan Walton: Yeah.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah. That's so true.Jonathan Walton: The connection for me happens, is yes, the prosperity gospel, but then also the plantation spirituality.Kevin Nye: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: The people who are rich are obedient, the people who are poor are disobedient. And what disobedient people actually need is supervision and discipline.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Kevin Nye: Yes.Jonathan Walton: And so the housing-first, the entire mentality that you are flipping over is saying you don't actually have to be good or better or on the right side of things to receive, which is the opposite of the plantation, which is the opposite of Capitalism, which is the opposite…Sy Hoekstra: You might even call it grace, Jonathan [laughter].Jonathan Walton: I mean, I was gonna get to the title of the book at the end, but like…[laughs].Kevin Nye: And not even just to receive, but to receive in a way that allows freedom and choice. Because that is one of the biggest differences between these two models. And I think, a lot of why it's we need to hold housing back until we've programmed into a person what they should be acting like and being like then we give them housing, because once they have housing, they're free to make their own decisions, and we're afraid of what that looks like. Versus that housing-first model that, baked into housing-first is choice and options and autonomy. And even in the process of getting into housing, it's not just, “Hey, here's the apartment that you get,” although that is how a lot of systems end up working, just because of scarcity of housing.But in a good housing-first model it's, “Here's all the types of housing that are accessible to you. These ones are subsidized this way, these ones are this way. This is in this part of town, this one is connected to these types of services. What works for you?” And then after that choice comes more choices like, “Hey, what's the thing that you wanna work on first?” Which is the treatment-first model says, you got to get sober before you do anything else. And that is just not true. I think that's a big piece of it too, is how much the treatment-first system allows us, whether we're government or religious, to exert social control over people.Jonathan Walton: All that to say, there are people and systems and structures, institutions in place that keep this ideology enforced.Kevin Nye: Yes.Jonathan Walton: It is moving forward. Something, harking back, we had an interview with Lisa Sharon Harper, who I believe you know.Kevin Nye: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: And one of the things she said was, the hope is in the work. As we do the work, we will find hope, because we're close and we see progress, we build relationships, that's the fruit of being in the work. And so as people are, what we were just talking about, these institutions, these individuals are reluctant to this evidence-based policy actually being rolled out in the church, where do you see good work being done inside and outside of the church, where you can find that intersection of hope and work?Kevin Nye: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: As people do start to say yes to Matthew 25.Kevin Nye: I mean, I think that my… so my book came out two years ago now, and when I wrote it, I sort of hoped that it would be revelatory for people. That a lot of Christians would be like, “Oh, this is new information. This is a new way of looking at it.” And there was a good amount of that. But what really surprised me, and gave me a lot of hope, was how much response I got that said, “Yes, this is what we over here already believe, and we've been doing.”Sy Hoekstra: Oh.Kevin Nye: Sometimes like, “We didn't know it had a name. We didn't know there were other people thinking and talking about this.” And so in those two years, as I've gotten to travel around and do some speaking and stuff like that, I've gotten to see and hear about a bunch of programs, churches that are merging this sort of faith-based and evidence-based. And, yeah, it's just been, it's filled me with a ton of hope. And where they're, I think the next growth is for them to get organized together, because right now the Rescue Missions are organized. They have a centralized network, and so they can speak together with one voice in opposition to these best practices.But there's not sort of a focal point or a voice box for all these other ones that are doing, like you said, the hope is in the work, they're doing it in their small, local ways, but don't have a collective together to speak to each other and on behalf of one another and on behalf of the things that they believe in. And so that's part of the project I'm working on right now. My next book project is to sort of give voice and awareness to a lot of these ideas that are being implemented in different places that people don't really know about outside of those local communities, and sort of name what is working and why, and hopefully inspire responses from faith communities and individuals that align with best practices and align with their faith.Jonathan Walton: One, I wanna dive into your book, because I actually haven't read it yet, so I'm looking forward to grabbing it. And I'm glad to hear that you have another one. What would you say is the bridge from the one you wrote to this one?Kevin Nye: A lot of different things, but to make it very black and white, it's the first book is about how to think differently about homelessness, and this book is about how you actually go and do that, and how those change beliefs get worked out in things as nitty gritty as program design.Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: Totally.Kevin Nye: Without being boring, hopefully.Sy Hoekstra: [laughs] That's great. Where can people find you or your work?Kevin Nye: So I'm on most social media. I'm not too hard to find there, but my handle is a little different everywhere you go. The best sort of landing spot is my Substack. So that's Kevinmnye.substack.com. And so any new thing that I'm writing, whether it's there or I publish with Sojourners, or I'm speaking somewhere, I always put that out in my newsletter there. And hopefully as some more news comes out about this new book project, I'll be able to make announcements about that there.Sy Hoekstra: That's awesome. We will definitely link to that. Kevin Nye, we so much appreciate having you on the show today. Thank you so much for being here.Kevin Nye: Yeah, absolutely. It was a blast.[The intro piano music from “Citizens” by Jon Guerra plays briefly and then fades out.]Our Thoughts after the InterviewSy Hoekstra: Jonathan, I loved that conversation. Tell me what you are thinking about coming out of it.The Church Is Actively Contributing to the Problem of HomelessnessJonathan Walton: There's a lot. I think that the thing that frustrates me the most, and I think this is true about a lot of just injustices that I'm thinking about right now, is that the church is actively contributing to the continuing…Sy Hoekstra: To the problem.Jonathan Walton: Yeah. When we're literally supposed to not do that. Like, the whole Grants Pass amicus brief, I'm just like, “Really guys?” That takes energy. That takes effort, that takes meetings, that takes emails, takes drafts. It takes time to do that. You can't just like, “Hey, I'm gonna write an amicus brief,” and just submit it. There's an effort that goes into sustaining injustice, and that to me I think is concerning and exhausting.Societies with Colonial Roots Won't Provide “Unearned” BenefitsJonathan Walton: The other thing I think about is, I mean, I would say White American folk religion, talk about a plantation mentality, but it even stretches into addressing injustice. I was having a conversation with Maya yesterday.Sy Hoekstra: Your seven-year-old.Jonathan Walton: Yes. No, she's eight. She's eight.Sy Hoekstra: Oh. I forgot.Jonathan Walton: Yeah. But we were talking about the difference between fairness and justice. And she said, “Baba, is it better to give someone what they need or give someone what they ask for?”Sy Hoekstra: You have the deepest child [laughter].Jonathan Walton: She literally asked me that. And I was like, “Ooh.”Sy Hoekstra: Does Maya wanna be on this podcast [laughter]?Jonathan Walton: No, but she was reading a book. I have a discussion or something at school, and this is what she asked me. So I started talking about the vineyard. I said, “Maya, who gets to decide what is needed? Who are the different people?” And she goes, “Well, someone outside is deciding.” And I was like, “Oh, okay, well, then let's go read the story about Jesus in the vineyard.” Like the kingdom of God is like a vineyard.Sy Hoekstra: You're talking about the parable where he pays all the workers the same, no matter how long they worked, and the ones who worked the longest get angry [laughs].Jonathan Walton: Exactly. And then we went and read… she had only read the first half of the parable about the two sons. She hadn't read the second half. So then we talked about the similarities between the father who runs out to meet the prodigal son, and then how the person in charge gets to decide how grace or resources or whatever are distributed. And I was like, it would seem to me that that person gets to define what is just and what is fair, and what is equitable. And we didn't get to talk about power, but that was ultimately what I was thinking about.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: And I don't know how to explain it to an eight year old. But she said everybody should get what they need. But she's like, “How can we do that?” And I said, “Maya, that right there is the fundamental question that we try to put together.” There are people who think and believe and will work tooth and nail for people not to get what they don't think they deserve. “I don't think that person deserves a home. I don't think that person deserves to live where I live. I think they should, quote- unquote, wait in line,” if we're talking about immigration. “I played by the rules. Don't pay off that debt. I worked at a job…” We're constantly doing that. There's a Hawaiian activist, her name escapes me right now, but she said, “You got to remember you live in a colony.”Like the United States is a colony. That's what it is. Another Peruvian scholar is like, coloniality is a real thing. And so in a colony, you cannot have people get things that they quote- unquote, didn't work for. The kingdom of God should literally break the brains of imperialists, which it does [laughs], because it just, it blows up everything. So all that to say, I hope, and we'll pray and will work in the influence that I have to say, “Hey, can we do what Kevin was talking about, like housing-first, resources first, hugs first, communication first?” All that.For Evangelicals, Grace Is Not TangibleSy Hoekstra: Yeah, totally. I had kind of similar thoughts. I was gonna talk about how the moralism underlying all of the policy, like the treatment-first policy like, “You have to earn this, and we are suspicious of you, and we have all these stereotypes going in that we're just not going to question and we're gonna follow. And until you prove yourself worthy of our generosity, we're not gonna give it to you.” And so it's sort of like, we can talk about grace and generosity and all of that all day long, but we're not gonna put our money where our mouth is, especially not government money [laughs].Jonathan Walton: Yeah. Right, exactly.Sy Hoekstra: That's kind of the other side of the coin of the coin of what you were talking about, which is so there's this lack of grace generosity, but I think yours is actually a step further, which is if you're denying grace and generosity, you're going to have to take active steps to reinforce the frankly, evil way of doing things [laughs].Jonathan Walton: Yeah.Sy Hoekstra: And that's the amicus briefs and everything else. What I was just saying, that kind of moralism, it really is connected to the more fundamentalist side of evangelicalism about how, basically, grace is a spiritual thing. It's not a tangible thing. It's not a material thing. It's not something you practice outside of forgiving someone for wronging you. It's not something you do with your money and your resources. It just doesn't really have any business in the public square, or in public policy, which is not a distinction the Bible draws.Jonathan Walton: Right.Sy Hoekstra: The best you can argue is maybe it's a distinction that under your theology you think the Bible implies. It's definitely not explicit [laughter]. You can look at Leviticus, where there are so so many different provisions where God is requiring people to use the fruits of their own labor to provide for the poor in their neighborhood, and not in particularly efficient ways [laughter]. And Jesus is obviously, or John the Baptist is telling people, “If you have two coats, give one away.” There's the spirit, the direction where everything's going with the kingdom of God is so opposed to that way of thinking, in my view, that it's incredibly frustrating that we have to… Kevin, in particular. I'm frustrated for him, for advocates, and then for most of all, for the actual people who aren't getting housing, who are literally out on the streets. Some of them are freezing to death or starving to death because of our insistence on this moralism.Jonathan Walton: Right. The fundamental thing is at the end of the day, moralism is an argument that you need to earn the stuff, like you were just saying. And then it's like, I'm gonna create an entire ecosystem that justifies your poverty and my comfort.Christians Should Actively Invite Unhoused People into Our NeighborhoodsSy Hoekstra: My other thought was around markets, and a lot of how some of the intractability of housing policy is that so many people just have decided that when you put out public housing or low income housing somewhere, that that lowers the value of the property around it.Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: Which is by economists, the way they speak, it's an inevitability. It's just the way things are, and it can't be changed. But that is ultimately because the potential buyers of that property are bigots toward poor people [laughter].Jonathan Walton: Yeah. No, it's true. Right.Sy Hoekstra: It's such widespread, systemic bigotry that it changes the value of homes and buildings and land. And that's a choice. It is a choice that I will grant you most societies have made [laughs]. Like most societies, rich people want to cordon themselves off from everybody else and to use their money to try and escape the things about this world that are difficult and make us sad and uncomfortable and hurt. But that doesn't mean that it's not still a choice for which God absolutely holds us accountable. Go and read Amos, or whatever [laughter]. There's no question, it does not make God happy, and that we have a different way to go. But what we would need is something that seems kind of impossible at the moment, which is a… you've heard of a NIMBY?Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: NIMBY people, like Not In My Back Yard. So that means, “Don't put that new methadone clinic, don't put that new housing project anywhere near me.” We would need a YIMBY movement.Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: You actually have to have people who say, “Yes. I want poor people around. I want people who are trying to recover from drugs around. I want people who have mental health issues around. Because of my positive value for human life and communal flourishing.” And that truly feels impossible to me. I don't think it is, again, I think it's a choice. And one thing that I'm trying to do, I have narrow influence in the world. One person over whom I have a lot of influence is my two year old. I walk around New York City with her all the time. I take her to daycare, other places. And I'm trying to make a point that, we're not going to be afraid of the person who's having the mental health crisis, because the actual reality is, in that mental health crisis, they are in more danger than we are. They are the ones at risk, we are not.Most of them are not violent. A lot of us want to be violent towards them. Aka Jordan Neely, who was killed on the subway because he was having a mental health crisis, and people were sufficiently afraid of him. And so if I'm on the subway platform with my daughter and someone's having a mental health crisis, and they're not that far away from us, and people will move away from that person because they're afraid, I will stay there. And that has never been a problem, not once. You can tell me that that's dangerous or risky, and I don't care, because I know you're wrong, and I'm going to teach the person that I have the ability to teach that you're wrong [laughs]. And we're gonna stay there, and we're gonna be completely fine. I've been here for 16 years now. I've lived in New York City, and I've been around people having, I've worked with even my clients as a lawyer.These are not alien, weird people having scary freakouts to me. These are real people, who by the way, are fully conscious when they're having their mental health crises, and they can see everyone walking away from them, and they know how afraid everybody is of them, and that affects them deeply.Jonathan Walton: Yeah.Sy Hoekstra: And I'm not gonna be part of it. I will be the yes in my backyard person, even if nobody else is. There are other people who are. I'm not saying it's me against the world, but that is something that we need to insist on it.Jonathan Walton: Yeah, and honestly I think that ties literally perfectly into Which Tab Is Still Open.Which Tab Is Still Open? — Ta-Nehisi CoatesSy Hoekstra: Oh, yeah. Let's get into it. So this is Which Tab Is Still Open. This is the segment where we dive a little bit deeper into one of the recommendations from our newsletter, which you can get by joining the free mailing list at KTFPress.com. You'll get resources articles, podcasts, books, everything, recommendations from Jonathan and I on ways to grow in your discipleship and in your political education. So go to KTFPress.com, sign up for that free mailing list. Jonathan, we're talking about Ta-Nehisi Coates today. Why don't you tell us what we're talking about exactly?Jonathan Walton: Yes. So Ta-Nehisi Coates has a new book, it's called The Message. A very significant portion of it is about his trip to Israel and Palestine, occupied West Bank, Hebron, places like that. Some important points he makes are that when you see how Palestinians are treated up close, it's not really that hard to see it as apartheid or Jim Crow or any other exploitative, discriminatory system that has been set up. And he took a trip to the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, and found it profoundly moving as well, but just couldn't shake that the lesson Zionists took from the Holocaust was that, “We have to obtain our own power at all costs to prevent this from happening again.” He's had some really fascinating media appearances while promoting the book that we'll link to in the show notes.One of them, you mentioned the newsletter, was a great interview with The Daily Show. The interview that instigated a lot of this fervor and dialog and will probably help him sell a lot of books, which he's also said [laughter], was with CBS because he was basically ambushed by Tony Dokoupil, and was called an extremist in asking him pretty nonsensical questions for people who are against genocide, totally normal for people who are for Zionism. And the question he asked that many people ask is, “Does Israel have the right to exist?” And it's a rhetorical question, which Ta-Nehisi Coates actually answered when he said that countries don't have the right to exist, they exist by power. Just that turn was really great.But about the interview, there was controversy, because it came out that the interviewer went around CBS's editorial process and just went off on his own without telling anybody what he was doing. So Sy, what are your thoughts?The Power of Clarity and Focus in Prophetic Truth-TellingSy Hoekstra: I am so happy that Ta-Nehisi Coates is back writing nonfiction [laughter]. That's my main and primary thought. Everything he wrote in the 2010s is very formative for a lot of my thinking. I just love his approach to writing and journalism. He said many times he just, he writes to learn. He really appreciates the power of writing, and he has an incredible amount of moral clarity, a really impressive inability of everyone who's trying to distract him, to distract him. Like he's very focused. Like that question that you just brought up was a good example of it. Somebody says, “Does Israel have the right to exist?” He says, “Israel exists. States don't have the right to exist, they just do. They establish themselves with power. And now I'm gonna talk about, because Israel does exist, how does it exist, and why is that a problem?”It's just, I'm going to acknowledge your question. I'm going to say very quickly why it doesn't make any sense, and then I'm gonna get back to the point that matters [laughs].Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: And that is something I want to emulate in the way that I go about my writing and my commentary and all that. I mean, those are kind of my… [laughs] I'm not sure I have a lot of substantive thoughts about what you just said, I'm just happy he's back. He took a long path down the fiction road and was writing comic books and all kinds of other stuff, which is also very cool. And he also did that because he was like, “That's the challenge for me as a writer right now. I've never done this. I'm a little bit scared of it. I think being nervous is good as a writer. And I'm gonna go do this thing that makes me sort of uncomfortable, instead of just continuing to churn out bestsellers about whatever.” You know what I mean?Jonathan Walton: [laughter]. Right. Let me go and be challenged. Right right right.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah, which I really respect that too, even though it means there were several years where I didn't get his commentary on stuff that I would have appreciated [laughter]. That's what I have been thinking as I've been watching him. But how about you, and you said you were gonna connect it back to what we were talking about before?Jonathan Walton: Yes. So one, amen, I'm glad he's writing nonfiction as well.Sy Hoekstra: [laughs].Jonathan Walton: It's really powerful to me what truth telling does. He is stewarding a platform. He is leveraging his voice. He is doing what I would hope followers of Jesus would do in the ways that we can and the lives that we live every day. You're leveraging your platform with your daughter. You are her biggest influence. You and Gabrielle. The stewardship of his power and platform to elevate and center the most marginalized voice in the media landscape over the last 65 years, people from the Middle East. That we say the Middle East, because we're the center of the world.Sy Hoekstra: [laughs].Jonathan Walton: And so that reality comes from… I've listened to so many interviews. I listened to his one with The Daily Show, MSNBC, Zeteo with Mehdi Hassan. I listened to the one with Trevor Noah. I'm gonna listen to the one for Democracy Now!, I'm gonna listen to the one with The Gray Area, because I need to be reminded every day that there are people willing and able to say the hard things, not be distracted or dissuaded from what they're trying to say, and be willing to communicate that they would risk their own injury. He said, “It doesn't matter what someone else has done to me or how evil someone is, we should not kill them.” Over and over again. There is no world where it's, “Oh, it's complex. Oh, it's complicated.”No, no, no, it's not. It's not complicated. It becomes complicated if you don't think about it. Everything's complicated if we don't think about it. But if you actually sit down and think about what it would mean to be Palestinian and what it would mean to be a Jewish person post Holocaust, post multiple pogroms, I would love for us to arrive at the point where we're like, “I don't want to perpetuate that against anyone else, because it was perpetrated against me,” which is love your neighbor as yourself.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: Which he's not a follower of Jesus, but where we have instead landed is where he is willing to wrestle, he talked about this with Trevor Noah, he would hope that he would not become someone who would commit acts of violence to keep acts of violence from happening to him. That, I think is a rub. Like Nat Turner's rebellion and what happened on October the seventh when the quote- unquote, Hamas escaped. Even the words we use to describe the attack that happened, it literally is described like a breakout a lot of the times, in Zionist literature and communication. All of these things frame the Lebanese, or frame now the Iranians as not people. And what Ta-Nehisi Coates is trying to do is actually say they are people.And that gets back to what you're talking about with, yes in my backyard. This is a person. Jordan Neely is a person. The person on the street having the mental health crisis, the person who's going through a messy divorce and doesn't have anywhere to go, the folks that are unemployed or bust up here from Texas, these are individuals made in the image of God, who do not deserve harm. That is the thing that draws me back to Coates' interviews, because he's not avoiding the hard questions, but what he is doing is communicating a truth that the people asking hard questions don't like. We are no better than the person that we're shooting or bombing or killing. We're just not. And so why are we doing that to someone who is literally just like us?And so I will keep watching, I will keep listening, keep reading. I hope that there is a shift happening. I'm not optimistic. I'm grateful for him and driving the conversation, because it feels something has broken through that I hope continues, because that was a conversation on CBS Morning Show. That was a conversation on progressive, liberal, conservative. Like people are talking about the book, even if you're critiquing it, you got to talk about it. I'm glad that that's happening, and I hope that this is taking the trajectory of what happened in South Africa, that's the best case scenario.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: It's not the best case scenario, but politically in the limits that we have, it's the best case scenario.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah. And I think he thinks that way. Like when he talks about the power of writing, he's not talking about the power of my book to end the war, he's talking about the power of my book to influence some people who so

covid-19 united states america god jesus christ american spotify texas president new york city donald trump church father lord power israel interview bible zoom christians michigan chinese joe biden christianity focus minnesota oregon jewish south africa jerusalem middle east supreme court harris states kingdom of god republicans clarity cbs production democrats minneapolis citizens period judas gaza dust john the baptist holocaust palestine capitalism hamas shake substack threads palestinians neighbors iranians witnesses editing msnbc leviticus hawaiian app store innocent cornelius jehovah maya angelou mandarin daily show baba jim crow mastodon lebanese west bank versus societies trevor noah christianity today zionism zionists google play store coates joel osteen american christians hebron ta nehisi coates sy rescue mission sojourners nimby jordan neely gray area white americans democracy now end homelessness religion news service rns grants pass yimby holocaust museum lisa sharon harper red letter christians cbs morning show american league championship series evolving faith does israel who is my neighbor tony dokoupil jon guerra jonathan walton mehdi hassan

Episode 78: The Exvangelicals w/Sarah Bessey & Sarah McCammon

The Englewood Review of Books Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 54:29

Chris spoke with two first-time guests, Sarah Bessey and Sarah McCammon about the Exvangelical movement and so-called 'deconstruction' in American Christianity. They speak about their own experiences in conservative, evangelical Christianity, how they approached deconstruction, what they are observing about deconstruction in our cultural moment, and of course, what they are currently reading.Books Mentioned in this Episode:If you'd like to order any of the following books, we encourage you to do so from Hearts and Minds Books(An independent bookstore in Dallastown, PA, run by Byron and Beth Borger) Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith by Sarah BesseyThe Exvangelicals: Loving, Living and Leaving the White Evangelical Church by Sarah McCammonJesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation by Kristin Kobes du MezWhere God Happens: Discovering Christ in One Another by Rowan WilliamsStrange Gods: A Secular History of Conversion by Susan JacobyShark Heart: A Love Story by Emily HabeckThe Understory: An Invitation to Rootedness and Resilience from the Forest Floor by Lore Ferguson WilbertBraiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall KimmererBite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees by Aimee NezhukumatathilWorld of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Sarah Bessey on Ambition and Quarter-Turn Pivots

new york times ambition quarter pivots field notes sarah bessey evolving faith jesus feminist

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 55:42

Hey Pluckies! This might be the first time we've had someone from my first season return to the show! Sarah Bessey is back! If you haven't heard our first episode with her, please do check it out. She's a prolific, a New York Times bestselling author of several books including, 'Jesus Feminist' and 'Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith.' She's also the co-creator of Evolving Faith organization. Sarah talks about the quarter-turn pivots we have to make in our faith, parenting and our careers - and how important they are for our progress! Listen now!

Sarah Bessey on Ambition and Quarter-Turn Pivots

new york times ambition quarter pivots field notes sarah bessey evolving faith jesus feminist

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 55:42

When Faith Evolves (Sarah Bessey)

Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 59:22

“One of the things about practices that I love is this notion of it's not perfect. I haven't got it mastered, just by the very word, it's implied that I'm working it into my life and out of my life and through my life, almost like in my mind, I'm picturing like a woman who's like kneading it into bread dough. And so then there's the room. There's room to play. There's room to set it aside for a time. There's room to reimagine some of these practices. There's room to expand our notions of belonging and spirituality and faithfulness of our place in the world. And then that to me then opened up and almost reintroduced some of those things that maybe I had once rejected. And thought, well, there's no room for me here. And whether it's prayer, or generosity, or whatever else, it's like, no, I think that there's some good practices here. And I think there's a way to do this in a way that looks like being for things instead of just against things like we already talked about. But then what does it look like to have some room for mistakes and for learning and for humility? And even some play, I think.” So says Sarah Bessey, the author or editor of five books, including Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith. Sarah writes most prominently about leaving her evangelical upbringing and working through the deconstruction of her religious beliefs to create something that feels more true to her in its wake—as part of this, she co-founded the Evolving Faith community with some of her friends, including the wonderful and late Rachel Held Evans. Bessey writes prolifically about what it means to connect with her idea of God in a bigger and more expansive way—one that has moved from Simplicity, to Complexity, to Perplexity, to Harmony. In addition to Field Notes for the Wilderness, Sarah is also the editor of the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer and Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible's View of Women. In today's conversation we talked about ideas and processes Sarah holds tenderly, including a shift from peace-keeping to peace-making and trying to articulate a vision of what she is for rather than who she is against. There is much in this conversation to which we can all relate. MORE FROM SARAH BESSEY: Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal Out of Sorts: Making Peace with an Evolving Faith Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible's View of Women Follow Sarah on Instagram Subscribe to Sarah's Newsletter Evolving Faith Sarah's Website To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

god women bible prayer new york times meditation wilderness rhythm simplicity complexity perplexity evolves field notes rachel held evans sarah bessey evolving faith website to

Sarah Bessey's evolving faith

The Profile

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 57:54

The bestselling Christian author Sarah Bessey gives us a glimpse into her "evolving faith" in this week's edition of The Profile podcast. In reflecting on her spiritual journey thus far, Sarah explains how she's been able to hold onto faith during periods of turmoil, and why she retains a respect for a variety of church traditions and expressions. As she once wrote, "I'm an Anglican-influenced charismatic, postevangelical with a strong pull toward Anabaptist theology. Say that three times fast. I speak in tongues and I pray the hours. I dance and clap at church, but I also sit in silence and meditation. I place my hands on people when I pray for them, and I light candles. I follow the Church calendar observing Lent and Pentecost, Advent and ordinary time, but I worship in community with believers who do not - and likely never will - and I belong there." Sarah is the author of a number of books. Her most recent is entitled 'Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith'. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. For a special half price subscription offer visit premierchristianity.com/podcast

church uk advent pentecost lent profile anglican anabaptist sarah bessey evolving faith premier christianity

Sarah Bessey: "Field Notes For The Wilderness"

The BETWEEN Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 62:45

We're so excited to feature Sarah Bessey, author of Field Notes For The Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith on this episode of The BETWEEN Podcast. Listen in as host Matt Mattson and Sarah Bessey discuss faith deconstruction, reconstruction, and things that are helpful if you find yourself wandering out there in a spiritual wilderness. Sarah Bessey is the author of the popular and critically acclaimed books, Out of Sorts: Making Peace with an Evolving Faith, Jesus Feminist, and Miracles and Other Reasonable Things. This episode focuses on her newest book, Field Notes for The Wilderness. She is a sought-after speaker at churches, conferences, and universities all around the world. Sarah is also the cocurator and cohost of the annual Evolving Faith Conference and she serves as President of the Board for Heartline Ministries in Haiti. Sarah lives in Calgary with her husband and their children. Visit Sarah's website (buy her books, find her social media accounts, and sign up for her Substack newsletter!) Join the Evolving Faith Community (discussed in this episode)

president board miracles wilderness haiti substack calgary field notes sarah bessey evolving faith jesus feminist heartline ministries matt mattson

Navigating Faith Through Uncertain Times with Sarah Bessey

The Alli Worthington Show

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 48:27

This episode shares a great conversation with one of my favorite writers in the whole world, Sarah Bessey. Today, we are diving into an important topic that I don't think gets covered enough: what do you do when you feel like you're in the wilderness of your faith. If you're struggling with doubts about your faith, or supporting someone who is, you're not alone. Sarah's wisdom, empathy, and thoughtfulness are going to be a blessing to you like it has been to me. Sarah Bessey has authored or edited five books, including the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer. She also leads Evolving Faith, a conference and online community for people who are reimagining their faith with hope. In her new book, Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith, Sarah becomes a shepherd for our curiosity, giving us a table for our questions, tools to cultivate what we crave, and a blessing for what was, even as we leave it behind. Join Sarah and I as we talk about: Examining our faith What it means to be in a season of reimagining our faith When you are going through a season in the wilderness Healing through hard hurtful situations Learning what you are for and how to love the world Favorite quotes: “You can't wander away from God's love. You can get a few things wrong and still enjoy the goodness and friendship of God. This is not a thing that is jeopardy.” (18:15) “In the midst of all of that, you can't outwander God and you can't run away from the run of God. That is still the thing that is holding everything including the wilderness inside you.” (20:56) “It is not enough to just be against things. I need to begin to name what I am for.” (21:52) “One of the other ones that was really important for me was learning how to love the world again.” (23:04) “God is hiding in plain sight in our everyday walking around lives.” (24:00) Coaching this week: Cultivate Self-Awareness This week in coaching, I discussed how Self-awareness means paying attention to our feelings and reactions, especially in stressful situations. By noticing where we feel tension in our bodies and understanding our wants and needs, we can learn to respond to challenges with more wisdom and grace instead of numbing out and leading ourselves to burnout. Links to great things we discussed: Sarah Bessey Website Sarah Bessey Instagram Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith Plowshare Prayer - Spencer LaJoye The Tree - Maren Morris Sarah's Playlist Past Lives Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!: Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human Demon Copperhead One Long River of Song Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick NIRA Pro Laser & Serum Collection Red Light Panel Aquaphor Create a Course Alli on YouTube Order your copy of Remaining You While Raising Them here. Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli

god learning healing prayer new york times coaching navigating meditation playlist rhythm examining ups uncertain times poems field notes daily meditation terrible day sarah bessey evolving faith remaining you while raising them

90. Easter, Worms, and Soil

The Slow Way

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 11:59

As Jeff Chu says, “A robust theology of the compost reminds us that death and the things of death, our sin, our suffering, the ways we hurt each other, the ways we harm ourselves— These things are never the end of God's story.” What a thing: to choose to believe that God can redeem our slow-transforming lives, to believe that the Divine slammed God's own heart back into a dead body, waking it up, announcing that death and suffering is never the truest narrative. This reflection and practice were also published this week in The Slow Way Letter on Substack. Find Jeff Chu's beautiful Evolving Faith talk on the Theology of the Compost here. Learn more about Micha's other podcast The Lucky Few at their website and instagram. Micha will be hosting a weekly virtual book club for paid subscribers this spring, following the release of her new book. If you're interested, become a paid subscriber and support her work! Here's a link to learn more. Find a transcript of this episode here. Find Micha's website and sign up for her weekly newsletter here. Find Micha on Instagram. Find Micha on Threads. Micha's new book Blessed Are The Rest of Us: How Limits and Longing Make Us Whole releases one week from today!!! You can preorder it and find it waiting in your mailbox on April 9 if you order soon! Get it for one more week at 40% off at BakerBookHouse.com. The first 200 people to preorder from Baker will also receive a signed copy of the book and "The Lucky Few" temporary tattoo. So fun! Jump over there and get your preorder in.

god divine jump theology substack threads soil micha worms spiritual practice compost eastertide evolving faith longing make us whole bakerbookhouse

4 Welcome to the Wilderness (with Sarah Bessey)

Between Retreats

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2024 25:45

Sarah Bessey joins Aaron Niequist for the first of a three part conversation about her book "Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith". In this first episode, Sarah gives helpful language for the beauty and agony of the wilderness, and shares her personal story. She is a gentle guide for all who have ever felt lost in their faith.

practice wilderness retreat field notes sarah bessey evolving faith aaron niequist

Sarah Bessey – episode 381

Faith Conversations

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 37:34

Sarah Bessey joins me on the podcast to talk about her latest book, Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith. Sarah is one of the founders of Evolving Faith, a conference and an online community for people who are reimagining their faith with hope. One of the reasons I... The post Sarah Bessey – episode 381 appeared first on Anita Lustrea.

sarah bessey evolving faith

Spirit and Truth - Week 1: Ever Evolving Faith | Danny Prada (03/03/23)

HEARTWAY CHURCH

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 48:15

spirit prada evolving faith

84: Lent, Repentance, and “Practices for an Evolving Faith”

The Slow Way

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 17:59

Repentance is the acknowledgment of our missteps, and the adjustment of our stance so we are in line with Divine Love. And this, according to Sarah Bessey, requires vulnerability and grief. Can we get serious this week? Serious enough to acknowledge to ourselves, to God, and to one another how we have missed the path of Love? May we carry the weight of God's transformative kindness, believing Sarah's words: “There is no place you can go where you will outrun God's love and longing for your wholeness.” Find Sarah Bessey's new book Field Notes for the Wilderness here. Micha is offering a zoom workshop for her Substack paid subscribers this February 24. Today is the last day to sing up, Here's a link to learn more about it! Micha will be hosting a weekly virtual book club for paid subscribers this spring, following the release of her new book. If you're interested, become a paid subscriber and support her work! Here's a link to learn more. This reflection and practice were also published this week in The Slow Way Letter on Substack. Find a transcript of this episode here. Find Micha's website and sign up for her weekly newsletter here. Find Micha on Instagram. Find Micha on Threads. Micha's other (award winning!) podcast, The Lucky Few, is all about Down syndrome advocacy. She cohosts it with Heather Avis and Mercedes Lara. Preorder Micha's new book Blessed Are The Rest of Us: How Limits and Longing Make Us Whole for 40% off at BakerBookHouse.com. The first 200 people to preorder from Baker will also receive a signed copy of the book and "The Lucky Few" temporary tattoo. So fun! Jump over there and get your preorder in.

god love repentance practices wilderness lent substack micha spiritual practice divine love sarah bessey evolving faith longing make us whole heather avis bakerbookhouse

Episode 392: Sarah Bessey on When Faithfulness Leads to Questioning, Holding Onto What You Were Going to Throw Away, and the Most Important Uncelebrated Work

The Learner's Corner with Caleb Mason

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 48:43

In this episode, Caleb talks with Sarah Bessey about her book, Field Notes for the Wilderness, and more.Links MentionedSarah BesseyField Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith by Sarah BesseyCaleb's Substack

leads holding wilderness faithfulness substack questioning throw away field notes sarah bessey evolving faith

Flourishing Faith: Evolving Faith

Community Church Hong Kong Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2024 29:59

Join us at Community Church this Sunday to dive deeper into "Evolving Faith" and discover how we can live out this radical call in our daily lives, especially amidst the current events shaping our city. In navigating the bustling streets and vibrant spirit of Hong Kong, we encourage take a moment this weekend to reflect on a powerful message from Matthew 5:38-39a: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” As the world shows that retaliation appears to be the norm, Jesus calls us to an evolving faith—one that responds to challenges not with vengeance, but with love and non-resistance. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Key Passages: // Leviticus 24:19-20: Anyone who injures their neighbour is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury. Matthew 5:38-39: You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

jesus christ hong kong flourishing community church evolving faith

Barbara Brown Taylor read by Scott Walters: February 22, 2024

god canada spirit prayer new york times scripture practices wilderness rhythm threads calgary peacemaking faith journey spiritual transformation finding community field notes terrible day sarah bessey evolving faith

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 17:01

We are disappointed to announce that an unexpected health issue kept Barbara Brown Taylor from traveling to Memphis for Calvary's Lenten Preaching Series. Barbara wrote a sermon to be delivered in her absence titled “Blessed are the Spiritually Bankrupt.” The Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor is a New York Times best-selling author, teacher, and Episcopal priest. After serving three congregations—two in downtown Atlanta and one in rural Clarkesville, Georgia—she became the first Butman Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Piedmont College, where she taught until 2017. Since then, she has spoken at events with wonderful names like Wild Goose, Evolving Faith, Awakening Soul, and Gladdening Light, but her favorite gig is being the full-time caretaker of a farm in the foothills of the Appalachians with her husband Ed and very many animals.

new york times religion blessed philosophy rev calvary appalachian walters episcopal wild goose barbara brown taylor evolving faith awakening soul clarkesville

Ep. 159 Sarah Bessey - Practices for an Evolving Faith

Shifting Culture

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 58:28 Transcription Available

Sarah Bessey's latest book is Field Notes for the Wilderness. And telling you that it is my favorite book I've ever read is no exaggeration. I love this book. It's full of grace and love and welcome. I could go on and on. You need to get it. Like right now and then pull up a chair in front of the fire with a warm cup and go deep into the beauty and wonder of Sarah's writing.In this episode, Sarah Bessey discuss her journey of evolving faith and new book "Field Notes for the Wilderness." Bessey shares her experience of faith deconstruction as disorienting but empowering, finding support through community. She emphasizes that God's love is present even in our doubts. She explores practices for cultivating wonder in daily life through embodiment, Scripture and relationships. They discuss reclaiming repentance as a mind shift rather than shame, and peacemaking as justice work over status quo. Sarah reflects on navigating differing faith journeys in marriage through choosing each other.Ultimately, Sarah encourages listeners in the wilderness to embrace their identity and find community, even if it means leaving old spaces. She recommends embracing the invitations of the Spirit and knowing you're not alone. This conversation provides wisdom and hope for those navigating spiritual transformation and an evolving faith.Sarah Bessey is the author or editor of five books, including the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer. She also leads Evolving Faith, a conference and online community for people who are reimagining their faith with hope. Bessey lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with her husband and their four children. Sarah's Book:Field Notes for the WildernessSarah's Recommendations:Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur RileyHave a Beautiful, Terrible Day by Kate BowlerConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcastConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below.Support the show

The Gifts of an Evolving Faith with Sarah Bessey

Love Is Stronger Than Fear

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 57:09 Transcription Available

Is faith something that should always stay the same? Or is it something that evolves by necessity? Sarah Bessey, author of Field Notes for the Wilderness, talks with Amy Julia Becker about:Her evolving faith journeyHow to adapt and thrive in an evolving faithMaking room for change, in ourselves and othersNavigating the intersection of anger and joyHow to discover what we're hoping for, not just what we're againstHow to embrace the gifts of an evolving faith__MY LENTEN RESOURCES:LENTEN DAILY DEVOTIONALLenten Small Group Guide & Video Series_Guest Bio:Sarah Bessey is the author or editor of five books, including the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer. Her latest book is Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith.. She also leads Evolving Faith, a conference and online community for people who are reimagining their faith with hope. Bessey lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with her husband and their four children._Connect Online:Website: sarahbessey.comInstagram: @sarahbesseyFacebook:@sarah.styles.bessey_On the Podcast:Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible's View of Women_TRANSCRIPT: amyjuliabecker.com/sarah-bessey/_YouTube Channel: video with closed captions_Season 7 of the Love Is Stronger Than Fear podcast connects to themes in my latest book, To Be Made Well, which you can order here! Learn more about my writing and speaking at amyjuliabecker.com.Connect with me: Instagram Facebook Twitter Website Thanks for listening!

Replay Episode: Jo Saxton on Evolving Faith and Getting Unstuck

getting unstuck jo saxton evolving faith

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 37:35

As we continue to play some old Plucking Up gems, I had to replay and re-listen to my interview with Jo Saxton. Oh, this one is so good and fun! In this episode, Jo shares how she went from aspiring journalist to pastor -- and how her evolving faith led her to what she is doing now. Jo is warm and honest — and if you're feeling a little stuck, I hope Jo's wisdom and energy transcends and gives you the nudge you need.

Replay Episode: Jo Saxton on Evolving Faith and Getting Unstuck

getting unstuck jo saxton evolving faith

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 37:35

Ashleigh Nelson: Embodying an Evolving Faith

Radical Love Live

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2023 53:39

This week we talk with Ashleigh Nelson, the Executive Director of Evolving Faith, an annual conference and year-round resource that "exists to cultivate love and hope in the wilderness, pointing fellow wanderers and misfits to God as we embody resurrection for the sake of the world." We reflect on this year's conference and where the "Evolving Faith" movement is going in the future. #religion #evolvingfaith #evolvingfaith2023 #deconstruction

god executive director embodying evolving faith

Chris Haugen - Evolving Faith

People Who See

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 49:26

In today's interview, Chris gives voice to the deep feelings and burning questions of evolving faith. He describes the deep feelings of loneliness, the loss of identity and the wondering, “How did I get here?” Yet by embracing the mess and letting go of certainty, he unearthed a more beautiful vision of God's love. By sharing his story, Chris reminds us that this journey of evolving faith is simply what honest faith looks like - and invites you to join him on that journey.Read Chris's full Facebook post on our blog here!Learn more about Spirituality Groups or sign up today here!Learn more about one-on-one Spiritual Direction here!

god spiritual direction evolving faith chris haugen read chris

#241 An Evolving Faith with Sarah Bessey

Cafeteria Christian

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 54:26

Natalia and Emmy welcome the lovely Sarah Bessey to talk about faith and writing and community and gathering and why it all matters. Cafeteria Christian Support through Patreon: www.patreon.com/cafeteriachristian Sarah Bessey Links: Field Notes: https://sarahbessey.substack.com/ Essay: Someone Else's Conversion: https://sarahbessey.substack.com/p/someone-elses-deconversion-dbf Evolving Faith: https://evolvingfaith.com/conference Podcast EF Season 2: https://evolvingfaith.com/podcast/season-2

conversion sarah bessey evolving faith

September 17, 2023 - The Church As A... , Part 2: Woven Tapestry

Elevation Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 28:24

This week we will continue our three-part series looking at metaphors for the church. We will explore the theme of textiles as we consider the ways that the Church is like a woven tapestry – full of beauty, diversity, and engaged in the work of mending and repair. Evolving Faith podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1TjGbGZSaPoCMwFV3tXas8

church tapestry woven evolving faith

"Doubt can be the thing that pulls you closer to home" with Eric Thomas

doubt closer pulls eric thomas evolving faith

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 27:49

We just couldn't help ourselves. Even though our team is busy behind the scenes preparing for Evolving Faith 2023, we just had to drop one more bonus episode featuring R. Eric Thomas's talk from the 2022 conference. Eric is one of the funniest writers you'll find on the internet, but he's also incredibly thoughtful and genuine as he explores his own relationship to faith, blackness, and queerness. Even as he wrestles with the faith he grew up with, he's a self proclaimed “big old church queen” who hasn't stopped considering what it means to be fully at home in himself and in the world. This is a good one, friends. We're glad you're here. Show Notes 2023 Evolving Faith Conference

Patchworks of Meaning: Stitching Together Our Stories with Scripture

stories bible surprise scripture meaning stitching barbara brown taylor evolving faith patchworks

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 26:48

Surprise! Another bonus episode featuring Barbara Brown Taylor from our 2022 Evolving Faith conference. Barbara skillfully walks us through how to own our ever evolving relationship with scripture. She reminds us that just as the text has stood the scrutiny of our ancestors, it can also handle ours. Barbara challenges us to see our own relationship with scripture as a quilt, with no two being the same. “Working on your quilt isn't the same as designing your own Bible, though we do that too. It's a matter of taking responsibility for how you read it and why along with the honor of putting your fingerprints on it as generations before you have done.” You don't want to miss this episode, and you'll most definitely want to share it with anyone in your quilt making circle. Show Notes 2023 Evolving Faith Conference

Blessings Reimagined

navigating zoom rachel held evans sarah bessey evolving faith

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 52:00

In this special episode, Kate Bowler joins host Sarah Bessey for a conversation about the search for spiritual language around blessing and praying without certainty. Kate also fields questions from the Evolving Faith community about her own faith journey and how that has shaped her thoughts about hope, “un-spiritual” feelings, and the character of God. They also chat about Kate's latest book, which she co-authored with Jessica Richie, The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days, and the process of writing blessings for our honest, human, everyday existence. Show Notes 2023 Evolving Faith Conference

god blessings reimagined kate bowler sarah bessey evolving faith jessica richie lives we actually have

Sarah Bessey - Navigating an Evolving Faith

Almost Heretical

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 74:21

In this episode, we speak with Sarah Bessey about the idea of evolving faith and its accompanying challenges. We dive into what it means to have faith during times of change and whether there are any limits to that change. Additionally, we explore the influence of Rachel Held Evans on Sarah's personal faith journey and what insights we might be missing from Rachel's voice in the present day. Finally, we discuss how evolving faith intersects with the idea of Christian orthodoxy and the role of community in supporting those who are wrestling with difficult questions. ★ Support our work and get: 2 bonus episodes each month, a montly Zoom call with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 115 Taking Risks and Trying New Things

The Contemplative Life

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 22:24

Today we're taking some time for a little behind-the-scenes glimpse: Who are we? What has our spiritual journey been? How did Foundry Spiritual Center, the sponsor of our podcast, come to be? Join us as we think through the desires of our hearts that have led us to this particular moment now. And then, maybe take some time for some soul searching of your own. Check out the other offerings of Foundry Spiritual Center. Give space and time for the Divine Spark within to speak to the very core of your being. Additional Resources:Book: The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen CopeArticle: We Revisited People Who Left their Jobs Last Year. Are They (Still) Happy? written by Joshua NeedelmanBook: Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono#Spirituality #TakingRisks #EvolvingFaith #Discernment #FoundrySpiritualCenter #FoundrySC #ContemplativeFormation #Retreats #SpiritualDirectionSign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/about/newsletter

songs spirituality your life discernment retreats taking risks one story spiritual direction trying new things divine spark evolving faith

Rethinking Our Drinking + Sarah Bessey

Saved by the City

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 40:50

Let's get a drink sometime!New York's a drinking town. Happy hours. Boozy brunches. Martinis and oysters. The city's social life revolves around artisan cocktails and bubbly toasts and late night dive bars. And while the pandemic may have put a screeching halt to the social side of that life, it didn't stop the flow of booze. Restaurants offered craft cocktails to go, the sidewalks became open carry and delivery drinks were an app away. Drinking went from social to solo and it was during that time that both Katelyn and Roxy began to wonder if all this imbibing was really OK.On this episode, we examine our relationships with alcohol and the changes we've made since the pandemic. We're joined by Sarah Bessey — a self-described "evangelist" for the sober life — who gave up drinking a few years ago and hasn't looked back since.GUESTSarah Bessey is the author of several books, including Jesus Feminist and the co-founder of the Evolving Faith conference. You can read her weekly musings at her substack: Sarah Bessey's Field Notes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor: March 22, 2023

god jesus christ canada region calgary creek treaty schitt sarah bessey evolving faith

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 19:46

The Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor is a New York Times best-selling author, teacher, and Episcopal priest. After serving three congregations—two in downtown Atlanta and one in rural Clarkesville, Georgia—she became the first Butman Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Piedmont College, where she taught until 2017. Since then she has spoken at events with wonderful names like Wild Goose, Evolving Faith, Awakening Soul, and Gladdening Light, but her favorite gig is being full-time caretaker of a farm in the foothills of the Appalachians with her husband Ed and very many animals.

new york times religion philosophy rev appalachian episcopal wild goose barbara brown taylor evolving faith awakening soul clarkesville

Stay Out of the Way - Sarah Bessey

Deconstructing Mamas

Play Episode Play 19 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 46:53

Sarah Bessey, mom, best-selling author of dozens of words and books, podcast host herself and co-creator of the Evolving Summit is with us this week. Sarah was born and raised in the prairies and foothills of western Canada. Now living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3), Sarah and her husband of twenty-one years are raising their four kids. She's a pseudo-hermit bookworm, an enthusiastic knitter, tea-drinker, hockey fan, total hugger, endlessly fascinated with Jesus, and an embarrassing fan-girl for the tv programs Doctor Who and Schitt's Creek.On this episode, Sarah gently shares with us her passion for the inclusive, generous, large heart of God and how parenting has been one of her most sacred altars on her life's journey. As we sat listening to Sarah, there were so many times that we said or thought , "that's really powerful," especially when she shared what we do to "introduce God" to our kids, and mostly it's just "stay out of the way," which we dive much deeper into on the episode.We know that we don't have to tell you to listen to this one. We're pretty sure it's already on your to-do list for Tuesday. How could it not be?You can find Sarah at the following:Instagram: @sarahbesseyFacebook: Sarah BesseyWebsite: sarahbessey.com Evolving Faith: evolvingfaith.com

Embracing our Evolving Faith | Epiphany 2023 | January 01 Worship Gathering

Every Story Matters.

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2023 17:28

This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday. We will talk about how our faith is evolving and growing. TO GIVE visit our Linktree and click GIVE NOW: linktr.ee/storiedumc JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect YOUR GIFTS MATTER: storiedchurch.org/give storiedchurch.org instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch Songs from Sunday Gatherings: https://soundcloud.com/storied-church-mebane Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdgmDHRPhzLFxD-Oc8tiA4g

embracing songs epiphany linktree epiphany sunday evolving faith worship gathering to give

Ep 133 - BENJAMIN WILLIAM HASTINGS Part 2: An evolving faith and a changing church

Between You & Me Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022 51:37

Part 2 of our conversation with our favorite Irish-Australian Benjamin William Hastings is here! After opening up about his existential crisis last week, in part 2 Benjamin gets real about deconstruction and how he has personally navigated change in the global and local church as a member of Hillsong UNITED. Change isn't always bad – in fact, it may just be just what the world needs. But are we willing to dwell in the darkness and throw away the parts of our faith that aren't true first? This conversation is SO GOOD friends. Strap in for the end of much-needed refreshing and candid convo about Evangelical culture. Connect @BenjaminWilliamHastings and https://BenjaminWilliamHastings.com Buy/stream the album "Benjamin William Hastings" here: https://benjaminwilliamhastings.lnk.to/albumIB MUSIC Boy on the Moon by Benjamin William Hastings The Pain You Let Me Feel by Benjamin William Hastings Faith Is by Benjamin William Hastings Jesus What Do You Think? by Benjamin William Hastings Eden (Isn't It Just Like You?) by Benjamin William Hastings That's The Thing About Praise feat Blessing Offor by Benjamin William Hastings The Wonder of Christmas by Love & The Outcome GET PODCAST MERCH HERE: https://tee.pub/lic/YOUMEPOD SPONSORS JesusWired is your number 1 source for Christian music news, reviews and interviews. Visit them now at https://JesusWired.com. Are you a creator? Soundstripe gives you unlimited access to royalty free music from some of the world's best composers. Go to SOUNDSTRIPE.COM and enter YOUMEPOD to get 10% off at checkout. SUBSCRIBE/CONNECT/LET'S BE FRIENDS: https://linktr.ee/betweenyoumepod Produced by Joshua Norman Media

christmas love church change moon strap evangelical hastings hillsong united soundstripe evolving faith

Why the Church Needs To Talk About Sexuality - Sally Gary

Falling Out LGBTQ

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2022 54:45

Sally Gary is founder and director of CenterPeace, a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry dedicated to creating space for conversation about faith and sexuality. Growing up in Churches of Christ in the ‘60s & ‘70s, Sally has a great love for the spiritual heritage that first introduced her to Jesus and instilled in her a strong faith. But as a gay Christian, she knows firsthand the pain of wrestling with her own faith and sexuality, and how difficult it can be to stay connected to church, to Christianity, to God with no support from your faith community. This is what drives Sally's passion for CenterPeace, the ministry she founded in 2006 to create a place of belonging for LGBTQ+ Christians, encouraging them to hold onto faith and stay connected to God.For over 16 years, CenterPeace has been building community for sexual minorities, hosting online and in-person retreats and other resources for nurturing the faith of LGBTQ+ individuals. CenterPeace also hosts retreats for families of LGBTQ+ youth, and workshops for churches and schools, and other organizations to foster greater inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. Since 2009, CenterPeace has hosted a national conference featuring keynote speakers such as Justin Lee and Matthew Vines. The conference has attracted thousands over the years – LGBTQ+ Christians, church leaders, parents, and allies – from across the globe, for the purpose of learning how to love and embrace the LGBTQ+ community in our midst and beyond.This year's CenterPeace Conference is in Dallas, Texas, at Wilshire Baptist – a fully open and affirming Baptist church – November 3 – 5. Jeff Chu of “Evolving Faith” is the featured keynote speaker, along with Justin and Matthew, Joel Hollier from Australia and Staci Frenes, singer/songwriter from Los Angeles. AND Rocky Roggio, director and creative genius behind the new film 1946, a documentary about mistranslation in Scripture.Sally holds bachelor's and master's degrees in communication from Abilene Christian University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. A former high school speech and debate coach, trial lawyer and communication professor, Sally is a teacher at heart. Most of all, Sally is dedicated to serving queer youth, helping them know they are loved by God and that they always belong. Everywhere.The author of Affirming: A Memoir of Faith, Sexuality, and Staying in the Church, Sally currently resides in Dallas, Texas, with her wife, Karen, and their miniature dapple dachshund, Rudy.For more information about CenterPeace, visit centerpeace.net and follow on social media:Facebook – facebook.com/centerpeaceincInstagram - @centerpeaceinc

EP #31 | An Evolving Faith

ReThinking Christianity

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 37:34

Caleb & I sit down to discuss our thoughts on our most recent interview with Bishop Claude Alexander.----------------------------------------------On a previous episode I sat down with Bishop Claude Alexander to discuss his title "Necessary Christianity: What Jesus Shows We Must Be and Do."You can purchase his title here: https://www.amazon.com/Necessary-Christianity-What-Jesus-Shows/dp/1514005700/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/rethinkingchristianitypodcast/https://www.facebook.com/ReThinkingChristianity

evolving faith

Reconstructing Faith, Part One

Raised Catholic

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2022 9:07

This week starts a series which explores the rebuilding of faith practices following or during a season of deconstruction. I hope the resources below will give you a good foundation to enter into this topic well. f you'd like to connect with me, find me on Instagram or on my blog. If you'd like to help support this podcast financially, there's now a way to do just that, and thank you - visit me on my page at buymeacoffee.com! Thanks as always for sharing, subscribing, rating, and reviewing, as this helps our community to grow! 1. Evolving Faith: community, conference and podcast 2. Instagram follow: Kate Boyd, author and Bible teacher 3. Memoir: Searching For Sunday: Loving, Leaving and Finding the Church, by Rachel Held Evans 4. Deconstructing Catholic - episode 22 of Raised Catholic 5. Book: Faith After Doubt, by Brian MacLaren 6. Community and resources: Compassionate Christianity 7. Song: Be Thou My Vision, by Audrey Assad 8. Song: Common Ground, by Matt Maher featuring Dee Wilson 9. Album: Common Ground, by Matt Maher - I could not conceive of a better reconstruction soundtrack. It's inspiring and raises my heart and eyes up. Thankful. 10. IG post - the poem I wrote the day of the Notre Dame fire

community church bible leaving thankful notre dame faith part reconstructing matt maher evolving faith kate boyd

Ask Us Anything

tv bible ask us anything evolving faith

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 54:12

Jeff and Sarah answer questions from the Evolving Faith online community. They discuss their stories of “deconstruction” and shifts in their faith practices, as well as how to walk through faith evolution when loved ones aren't on board. They also share books that have shaped them along the journey and discuss reading the Bible with room for lament and doubt. Plus Jeff shares his fried rice guidelines, Sarah answers knitting questions, and they both give some comfort TV recommendations. Show Notes Evolving Faith Conference Podcast After Party (Community Discussion)

Let God Love You with Danielle Shroyer

god god love evolving faith danielle shroyer

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 42:04

This episode of The Evolving Faith Podcast features: A brand new segment of the podcast called Welcome to the Party, Jeff where Jeff reveals which show from pop culture past that he has “discovered.” Danielle Shroyer's talk from the 2019 Evolving Faith conference that none of us have been able to forget. Danielle discussing the story of original sin and taking us back to the garden to remind us that the older, more ancient story is one of original blessing. Her reminder that our humanity isn't what separates us from God, it's actually what connects us. Danielle closing with a guided meditation that just might be what we all need. Following Danielle's talk, Jeff and Sarah discussing theologies of grace and why letting God love us can feel like a challenge. Show Notes Evolving Faith Conference Podcast After Party (Community Discussion)

The Power in the Story with Jasper Peters

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2022 36:54

This episode of The Evolving Faith Podcast features: Shocking news that both Fozzie and Sarah fall off of couches when they nap. Jasper Peters' talk from the Evolving Faith 2019 conference where he starts with the question, “What happens when the things we were taught about the Bible don't turn out to be true?” He discusses how the Bible has been used as a weapon against so many people throughout history and how this same text can be used as liberation for the least of these here and now. Jasper ends by encouraging us to abandon the battleground for biblical authority and reclaim the power Scripture has for those who engage the text. Following Jasper's talk, Jeff and Sarah discuss how our faith traditions influence how we read Scripture. Show Notes Evolving Faith Conference Podcast After Party (Community Discussion)

bible scripture shocking fozzie evolving faith jasper peters

The Geography of God, with Sarah Bessey

god jesus christ bible geography sarah bessey evolving faith

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2022 45:45

This episode of The Evolving Faith Podcast features: Very natural chitchat between Jeff and Sarah. So natural. Jeff torturing Sarah by reading her bio out loud to her. Sarah's talk from the Evolving Faith 2019 conference where she takes us to the passage in Matthew 11 where Jesus says if we are weary, worn out, or burned out on religion, he can show us rest and how to walk in the unforced rhythms of grace. She encourages listeners that Jesus doesn't judge our weariness and he is inviting us to walk with him to see how he moves in the world. Sarah reminds us that the subversive nature of Jesus compels us to care about the oppressed and that there's still good work to do in the world. After Sarah's talk, Jeff and Sarah discuss the ways that they experience God acknowledging their weariness and burdens. Sarah and Jeff discuss their own evolving faith around their understanding and reading of the Bible as well as how they experience the love of God in their own lives. Episode Notes Evolving Faith Conference Podcast After Party (Community Discussion)

A Story of Suffering, with Tanya Marlow

god suffering scripture marlow derry girls evolving faith tayna

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2022 47:55

This episode of The Evolving Faith Podcast features: A conversation between Jeff and Sarah about Derry Girls you don't want to miss Tanya Marlow's talk from the 2019 Evolving Faith conference where she discusses the stories we tell to make sense of the world How her own story of chronic illness doesn't fit the narrative that the church often tells of those who are suffering Tayna explains her practice of retelling stories in Scripture with an understanding that the characters were real people with real emotions, and she discusses how she has learned to see parts of her own story in their suffering Tanya ends by reminding listeners that “we worship a God that is deeply emotional, moved by suffering, weeps with us, and will one day make all things new.” After Tanya's talk, Jeff and Sarah discuss how we do or don't tell the truth about our emotions and what it means that God is an emotional God Jeff discusses how shows like Heartstopper attempt to tell narratives from the margins and why we need more of this kind of storytelling Sarah and Jeff close by talking about how expansive the story of God is and how we work towards finding ourselves and our neighbors in that story Show Notes Evolving Faith Conference Podcast After Party (Community Discussion)

Who Told You That You Had To Fit?, with Chanequa Walker-Barnes