Podcasts about Graduate Theological Union

Dr. Matthew Bowman has just released a new biography on Joseph Fielding Smith. Bowman is the Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. The Mormon Studies chair Bowman holds at Claremont Graduate University is the oldest in the country, having been established over 15 years ago. Bowman is the third person to hold the chair, following Richard Bushman and Patrick Mason. Patrick Mason left Claremont to take the chair at Utah State University. https://youtu.be/6VrK15TQVcY Don't miss our other episodes with Dr Matthew Bowman! https://gospeltangents.com/people/matthew-bowman/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. Mormon Studies Other Mormon studies chairs exist at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley (held by Deidre J Green), and the University of Virginia. Although not directly affiliated with Claremont, the late Jan Shipps is credited with making the study of the Mormon tradition a legitimate academic pursuit for those outside the tradition, enabling universities like Claremont without historical ties to Mormonism to establish such a chair. Before the endowed chair, Anne Taves, a professor interested in Mormonism, taught American religious history at CGU, and Armand Mauss was involved in fundraising and occasionally taught classes. Introductions to Mormon Thought Bowman is also involved in the "Introductions to Mormon Thought" book series, which he co-edits with Joseph Spencer. Published by the University of Illinois, the series aims to stimulate the growth of Mormon intellectual history through accessible introductory volumes on important Mormon thinkers. The series broadly defines "Mormon thinkers" to include artists like CCA Christensen and Minerva Teichert, alongside more traditional intellectuals. The books are intended to be short, accessible, and explore how these individuals influenced how members of the Mormon tradition understood themselves. The series uses the term "Mormon" intentionally broadly to encompass all denominations and movements originating from Joseph Smith's work, including fundamentalist Mormons and figures from the Community of Christ. While initially planned for 10-15 books, the series is doing well and is expected to continue. Other volumes in the series cover figures such as Eugene England (by Christine Hagund), Vardis Fisher (by Mike Austin), Sonia Johnson (by Chris Talbot), Lowell Bennion (by George Handley), Hugh Nibley (by Joseph Spencer), and Richard Bushman (by JB Haws). A future volume is planned on Eliza R. Snow (by Deidre Green), and Bowman hopes for one on Sheri Dew. Joseph Fielding Smith Bowman chose to write his book in the series about Joseph Fielding Smith, though his initial interest was in Bruce R. McConkie. He agreed to write about Smith instead to secure another author's participation in the series. Bowman views Joseph Fielding Smith as Bruce R. McConkie's intellectual parent and considers him the most significant LDS theologian of the 20th century, leaving a deeper and more persistent mark than others like James E. Talmage. While McConkie was influential, Bowman sees him more as a systematizer of his father-in-law's ideas rather than being an original. Other significant 20th/21st-century Mormon thinkers mentioned include B.H. Roberts, Margarita Bautista, Sheri Dew, and Leverne Parmley.. A significant fact about Joseph Fielding Smith is that he was the grandson of Hyrum Smith and the son of Joseph F. Smith. Bowman emphasizes that being a "Smith" was incredibly important to Fielding Smith, shaping his sense of duty and responsibility to continue his family's work. His memories of his father and uncle's violent deaths and his father's need to hide from federal marshals profoundly influenced him, fostering a sense of defensiveness and a perception that the world was hostile and persecuted the family f...

Wine: 2020 Zinfandel, Vinos Unidos Episode Description: Dr. Lauren Frances Guerra, a Guatemalan-Ecuadorian scholar, professor, and theologian is breaking barriers in academia and religious studies. Pour yourself a glass and join us for an intimate conversation exploring the intersection of Latinx identity, faith traditions, and social justice through the lens of Dr. Guerra's personal and professional journey. Guest Bio: Dr. Lauren Frances Guerra is a Guatemalan-Ecuadorian scholar and professor at UCLA's César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o Studies and Central American Studies. With a doctorate in Systematic and Philosophical Theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, she approaches academia through the lenses of race, class, and gender. Her research focuses on U.S. Latinx religion, Theological Aesthetics, and Central American Studies. Dr. Guerra also hosts the "Gold Hoops & God" podcast, available on all major platforms and YouTube. Episode Highlights: Dr. Guerra shares her experience growing up in Los Angeles within her Guatemalan-Ecuadorian cultural heritage The pivotal moments that shaped her academic journey toward theological studies How her Catholic faith intersects with her commitment to social justice The significance of popular religion and community-based art in Latinx communities Challenges and breakthroughs as a Latina woman in theological academia The inspiration behind her "Gold Hoops & God" podcast How her research serves as advocacy for U.S. Latinx communities Practical ways listeners can support diversity in religious and academic spaces Resources Mentioned: Dr. Guerra's podcast: "Gold Hoops & God" (available on all major platforms) UCLA César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o Studies Connect With Our Guest: Instagram: @goldhoops_god Website: www.drlaurenguerra.com "Gold Hoops & God" podcast: [link] Support Wine & Chisme: Love what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and review Wine & Chisme on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @thewineandchisme and check out our directory of Latiné-owned wine brands at www.thewineandchismepodcast.com. Credits: Host: Jessica Yañez Guest: Dr. Lauren Frances Guerra © 2025 Wine & Chisme Podcast. All rights reserved.

Even when we see uncertainty and injustice all around us, can we navigate our life with grace and resilience?Daigan Gaither emphasizes that our suffering and confusion are not barriers to practice but the very ground of it.He reflects on how to stay grounded and compassionate during turbulent and overwhelming times, drawing from his personal experiences and Buddhist teachings. He reminds us that practice doesn't mean escaping chaos—it means being present with it. By noticing our feelings, turning toward discomfort, and showing up honestly, we can respond with more wisdom and care. Daigan encourages us to drop perfectionism and meet ourselves with kindness, because showing up—even imperfectly—is the practice.He offers practical and heartfelt suggestions for practicing in challenging times:Pause and breathe – Come back to your body and breath, especially when overwhelmed.Name what's happening – Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings without judgment.Stay connected – Practice in community and reach out to others for support.Lean into the precepts – Use Buddhist ethical guidelines as a compass, not a rulebook.Embrace imperfection – The world is messy, and so are we; we can still show up with love.Ultimately, Daigan's message is one of hope: he invites us to meet chaos not with avoidance or despair, but with curiosity, compassion, and presence. ______________Rev. Daigan Gaither (he/him) began Buddhist practice in 1995 in the Vipassana (Insight) tradition, then began studying Zen in 2003. He received Lay Ordination in 2006 where he was given the name Daigan or “Great Vow,” and received Priest Ordination in July 2011. Daigan speaks internationally on a variety of topics particularly around gender, sexuality, social justice, and their intersections with the Dharma. He also sits or has sat on a number of boards and committees that serve community needs and further social justice causes. Daigan has a BA in Philosophy and Religion from San Francisco State University, and an MA in Buddhist Studies (with a chaplaincy certificate and a certificate in Soto Zen Buddhism) from the Graduate Theological Union and the Institute of Buddhist Studies. He lives in San Francisco, CA and identifies as a disabled, queer, white, cis male. Learn more at https://queerdharma.net ______________ To support our efforts to share these talks with LGBTQIA audiences worldwide, please visit https://gaybuddhist.org/There you can: Donate Learn how to participate live Find our schedule of upcoming speakers Join our mailing list or discussion forum Enjoy many hundreds of these recorded talks dating back to 1996 CREDITSAudio Engineer: George HubbardProducer: Tom BrueinMusic/Logo/Artwork: Derek Lassiter

Cecilia is professor of Theology and Theological Aesthetics at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. She is the recipient of the 2024 Virgilio Elizondo Award from the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States, the 2023 Ann O'Hara Graff Award from the Catholic Theological Society of America, and was named 2020 Alumna of the Year from the Graduate Theological Union. She was also titled a Visionary by the Foundation for Spirituality and the Arts.​ Among her celebrated works is the book "Bridge to Wonder: Art as a Gospel of Beauty." She is President-elect of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States.​In this conversation, Cecilia and I discussed the significant links between art, theology, and social justice, focusing on art's transformative power in shaping ethical perspectives and fostering community resilience. We explored the role of aesthetics in marginalized communities, and how the grotesque can challenge our perceptions. Our dialogue also touched on the impact of digital media on art, the importance of media representation, and the role of community-based art as both resistance and a celebration of resilience and solidarity.

Diana Walsh Pasulka is a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington who specializes in Catholic history and the intersection of religion, technology, and UFO beliefs. Pasulka's research focuses on how belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial life has influenced traditional religions and modern culture. Her notable works include "Heaven Can Wait," "American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, Technology," and "Encounters: Experiences with Non-Human Intelligences". She holds a B.A. from the University of California, Davis, an M.A. from Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from Syracuse University.  Pasulka's ongoing research explores the religious aspects of UFO phenomena and non-human intelligence encounters. She has collaborated with prestigious publishing houses, appeared on high profile media platforms, and consulted for films about religious supernatural themes. Pasulka is currently leading a translation project of Saint Joseph of Copertino's canonization records in cooperation with the Vatican Apostolic Archive. Her work continues to bridge the gap between academic religious studies and contemporary beliefs in extraterrestrial phenomena, solidifying her position as a leading expert in this unique field of study. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: http://patriotmobile.com/srs http://cozyearth.com/srs https://betterhelp.com/srs https://amac.us/srs https://shopify.com/srs http://hillsdale.edu/srs https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SRS This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self Diana Pasulka Links: Website - https://dwpasulka.com/ X - https://x.com/dwpasulka Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dwpasulka/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwpasulka/ “American Cosmic” - https://www.amazon.com/American-Cosmic-UFOs-Religion-Technology/dp/019069288X Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SUMMARYFrom medieval itineraries to modern livestreams, Christian pilgrimage is often, if not always experienced through an imaginative transposal from a physical reality to a spiritual truth. In this episode, hosts Lindsay Pereira and Ella Jando-Saul explore the concept of virtual pilgrimage through conversations with two guests: Michael Van Dussen, a professor in the Department of English at McGill University in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, teaches us about the medieval experience of pilgrimage in the British Isles while Simon Coleman, a professor in the Department for the Study of Religion at the University of Toronto teaches us about the modern reconstruction of pilgrimage to Walsingham in Norfolk, England.Simon Coleman's latest book, Powers of Pilgrimage: Religion in a World of Movement, can be found here.*VOICE AND SOUND CREDITSInterviewees:Dr. Michael Van Dussen, Professor of English Literature, McGill University.Dr. Simon Coleman, Professor of Anthropology and Religion, University of Toronto.Theme music:“Ai Tal Domna”: composed by Berenguier de Palou, recorded by Zep Hurme ©2014. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC. Available at https://ccmixter.org/files/zep_hurme/38429Voice credits:Stephen Yeager, voice of the HostGhislaine Comeau, voice of the MillerAndre Furlani, voice of the Reeve, drunkard, beggar, and donation collectorSound credits:Magical Minstrelsy: Where Medieval Meets Modern Through Mimesis, Season 1 Episode 1: Virtual Pilgrimage uses sounds from Freesound. All sound samples that were used in this episode are licensed under CC0 1.0:Footsteps on dirt: https://freesound.org/people/lzmraul/sounds/389454/Birds: https://freesound.org/people/MATRIXXX_/sounds/519110/Water: https://freesound.org/people/BurghRecords/sounds/415151/Cows: https://freesound.org/people/Nontu_Lwazi00/sounds/541920/Sheep: https://freesound.org/people/rent55/sounds/709921/Horse on dirt: https://freesound.org/people/Ornery/sounds/233345/Horse with cart: https://freesound.org/people/bruno.auzet/sounds/538438/Footsteps on cobblestone: https://freesound.org/people/SpliceSound/sounds/260120/Medieval city: https://freesound.org/people/OGsoundFX/sounds/423119/Church bells: https://freesound.org/people/Audeption/sounds/425172/Coins: https://freesound.org/people/husky70/sounds/161315/Blacksmith: https://freesound.org/people/Emmaproductions/sounds/254371/Music: https://ccmixter.org/files/asteria/2615Church coins: https://freesound.org/people/scripsi/sounds/335191/Gregorian chant: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ecce.lignum.Crucis.oggCrowd gasping: https://freesound.org/people/craigsmith/sounds/480774/Baby crying: https://freesound.org/people/the_yura/sounds/211527/Breath: https://freesound.org/people/launemax/sounds/274769/Heartbeat: https://freesound.org/people/newlocknew/sounds/612642/Works Cited and ConsultedAhmed, Sara. The Cultural Politics of Emotion. Routledge, 2015.Arsuaga, Ana Echevarría. “The shrine as mediator: England, castile, and the pilgrimage to Compostela.” England and Iberia in the Middle Ages, 12th–15th Century, 2007, pp. 47–65, https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230603103_4.Arvay, Susan M. “Private passions: The contemplation of suffering in medieval affective devotions.” (2008).Bailey, Anne E. “Reconsidering the Medieval Experience at the Shrine in High Medieval England.” Journal of Medieval History, vol. 47, no. 2, Mar. 2021, pp. 203–29. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1080/03044181.2021.1895874.Beckstead, Zachary. “On the way: Pilgrimage and liminal experiences.” Experience on the Edge: Theorizing Liminality, 2021, pp. 85–105, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83171-4_5.Beebe, Kathryne. Reading Mental Pilgrimage in Context: The Imaginary Pilgrims and Real Travels of Felix Fabri's “Die Sionpilger.” West Virginia University Press, 2009.Benjamin, Walter. “The work of art in the age of mechanical reproduction.” Modern Art and Modernism: A Critical Anthology, 2018, pp. 217–220, https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429498909-39Cassidy-Welch, Megan. “Pilgrimage and embodiment: Captives and the cult of saints in late medieval bavaria.” Parergon, vol. 20, no. 2, 2003, pp. 47–70, https://doi.org/10.1353/pgn.2003.0101.Coleman, Simon, and John Elsner. “Tradition as play: Pilgrimage to ‘England's Nazareth.'” History and Anthropology, vol. 15, no. 3, 2004, pp. 273–288, https://doi.org/10.1080/0275720042000257430.Coleman, Simon, Ellen Badone, and Sharon R. Roseman. “Pilgrimage to ‘England's Nazareth': Landscapes of Myth and Memory at Walsingham.” Intersecting Journeys: The Anthropology of Pilgrimage and Tourism, University of Illinois Press, Urbana, IL, 2004, pp. 52–67.Coleman, Simon, and Marion Bowman. “Religion in Cathedrals: Pilgrimage, Heritage, Adjacency, and the Politics of Replication in Northern Europe.” Religion, vol. 49, no. 1, Jan. 2019, pp. 1–23. Taylor and Francis+NEJM, https://doi.org/10.1080/0048721X.2018.1515341.Coleman, Simon, and John Elsner. “Pilgrimage to Walsingham and the Re-Invention of the Middle Ages.” Pilgrimage Explored, edited by J. (Jennie) Stopford, York Medieval Press, 1999. WorldCat Discovery Service, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=16637.Díaz-Vera, Javier E. “Exploring the relationship between emotions, language and space: Construals of awe in medieval English language and pilgrimage experience.” Studia Neophilologica, vol. 88, no. 2, 2015, pp. 165–189, https://doi.org/10.1080/00393274.2015.1093918.Foster, Elisa A. “As You Came from the Holy Land: Medieval Pilgrimage to Walsingham and Its Crusader Contexts.” Crusading and Ideas of the Holy Land in Medieval Britain, edited by Kathryn Hurlock and Laura J. Whatley, Brepols, Turnhout, Belgium, 2022, pp. 91– 114.Gertsman, Elina, and Marian Bleeke. “The Eve Fragment from Autun and the Emotionalism of Pilgrimage.” Crying in the Middle Ages: Tears of History, Routledge, New York, NY, 2013, pp. 23–41.Grazia Di Stefano, Laura. “How to be a time traveller: Exploring Venice with a fifteenth-century pilgrimage guide.” Making the Medieval Relevant, 2019, pp. 171–190, https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110546316-008.Gregg, Melissa, and Gregory J. Seigworth. The Affect Theory Reader. Duke University Press, 2010.Hill, Joyce. “Rome in Ripon: St Wilfrid's Inspiration and Legacy.” History, vol. 105, no. 367, 2020, pp. 603–25. Wiley Online Library, https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-229X.13027.Hill‐Smith, Connie. “Cyberpilgrimage: The (virtual) reality of online pilgrimage experience.” Religion Compass, vol. 5, no. 6, 2011, pp. 236–246, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-8171.2011.00277.x.Hundley, Catherine. “Pilgrims in the Parish: A Method and Two Herefordshire Case Studies.” Peregrinations: Journal of Medieval Art and Architecture, vol. 8, no. 3, Oct. 2022, pp. 40–87.Hurlock, Kathryn. “Virtual Pilgrimage.” Medieval Welsh Pilgrimage, C1100-1500, Palgrave Macmillan, New York, NY, 2018, pp. 145–174.Jenkins, John. “Replication or Rivalry? The ‘Becketization' of Pilgrimage in English Cathedrals.” Religion, vol. 49, no. 1, Jan. 2019, pp. 24–47. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1080/0048721X.2018.1515327.Kempe, Margery, and Anthony Paul Bale. The Book of Margery Kempe. Oxford University Press, 2015.Kuefler, Mathew. The Making and Unmaking of a Saint: Hagiography and Memory in the Cult of Gerald d'Aurillac. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2014.Langland, William, and Schmidt A. V. C. Piers Plowman: A New Translation of the B-Text. Oxford University Press, 2009.Nickell, S. A. The Limits of Embodiment: The Implication of Written and Artistic Portrayals of Mary at the Foot of the Cross for Late Medieval Affective Spirituality, Graduate Theological Union, United States -- California, 2011. ProQuest, https://lib-ezproxy.concordia.ca/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fdissertations-theses%2Flimits-embodiment-implication-written-artistic%2Fdocview%2F875240824%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D10246.Ousterhout, Robert. “‘Sweetly Refreshed in Imagination': Remembering Jerusalem in Words and Images.” Gesta, vol. 48, no. 2, Jan. 2009, pp. 153–68. www-journals-uchicago-edu.lib-ezproxy.concordia.ca (Atypon), https://doi.org/10.2307/29764905.Powell, Hilary. “Saints, Pilgrimage and Landscape in Early Medieval Kent, c. 800-1220.” Early Medieval Kent, 800-1220, Boydell Press, 2016, pp. 133–53.Sinnett-Smith, Jane. “Ætheldreda in the North: Tracing Northern Networks in the Liber Eliensis and the Vie de Seinte Audree.” Late Medieval Devotion to Saints from the North of England: New Directions, edited by Christiania Whitehead et al., Brepols, Turnhout, Belgium, 2022, pp. 285–303.Wynn, Mark. “God, pilgrimage, and acknowledgement of Place.” Religious Studies, vol. 43, no. 2, 2007, pp. 145–163, https://doi.org/10.1017/s0034412506008778.

A Thousand Kisses: A Family's Escape From the Nazis to a New Life by John W. WeiserIntimate and harrowing, this memoir of love, escape and redemption is a rich account of the Weiser family's life and flight from Nazi Vienna to Hungary to Brazil and to the U.S. It will keep the reader glued to a narrative that skillfully recreates the palpable tension of multiple escapes. A Thousand Kisses is at once instructive about a family's courage and determination to stay together and about the dangers of remaining silent while a government tightens immigration laws and promotes racial scapegoating.A  graduate of Holy Cross College and Harvard law school, Weiser was a partner in the Wall Street law firm of Shearman & Sterling. Afer 20 years there, he accepted an offer to become the General Counsel of Bechtel Group Inc., an international engineering construction company. On retirement Weiser joined the board of the Graduate Theological Union, a consortium of nine seminaries of different religions. He eventually served as Chairman of the Board for eight years, the maximum allowed. Then Weiser joined United Religions Initiative, the world's largest grassroots interfaith organization. There he served as Chair of the President's Council, a senior advisory group. Weiser and his wife Maria had nine children. They have 12 grandchildren. Maria died of cancer and Weiser later married Sue Cony, an old friend. They live in Dominican Oaks, a retirement community in Santa Cruz CA.https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Kisses-Familys-Escape-Nazis/dp/1978318073/ref=monarch_sidesheet_titlehttps://www.ecpublishingllc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/101024jwec.mp3  

Join us in this One on One interview with Robert Ellsberg and author, Megan McKenna, as they discuss "A Bowl of Perfect Light: Stories of Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Repairing the World".Get your copy today at  https://maryknoll.link/245cddA native of New York City, Megan McKenna is an internationally known theologian, storyteller, and lecturer. She leads retreats, workshops and parish missions, around the world, and counsels communities facing violence, trauma, and struggles for justice. She holds graduate degrees in scripture, adult education, and literacy from the Graduate Theological Union and the University of California, Berkeley, and a masters in systematic theology from Catholic University, Washington, DC.  Her many books include And Morning Came: Scriptures of the Resurrection (Sheed & Ward), Prophets: Words of Fire; Rites of Justice: The Sacraments and Liturgy as Ethical Imperatives; On Your Mark: Reading in the Shadow of the Cross and Not Counting Women and Children: Neglected Stories from the Bible (all from Orbis Books). She resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Get 25% off A Bowl of Perfect Light by Megan McKenna through 20 October 2024#ABowlOfPerfectLight #MeganMcKenna #RobertEllsberg #ForgivenessAndReconciliation #RepairingTheWorld #OrbisBooks #FaithAndJustice #CatholicFaith #TheologicalReflection #Storytelling #SpiritualGrowth 

How can we become truly present and engage with each moment we experience?In both interpersonal relationships and self-reflection, Daigan Gaither advocates for an open, curious approach where we allow things to be as they are, rather than forcing them to fit preconceived notions. This approach, he suggests, fosters deeper connection and understanding with ourselves and others, as well as with the world around us.Daigan explains that we often misinterpret our emotions by labeling them (e.g., calling a physical sensation "anxiety") and then react to those labels instead of the actual experience. This creates layers of stories and emotions, leading us further from the original feeling.He encourages us to stay curious about our experience, letting go of certainty and rigid identities, and allowing the experience to tell us what it is. By doing so, we avoid creating fixed identities or stories about ourselves and our emotions, which can lead to suffering.______________ Rev. Daigan Gaither (he/him) began Buddhist practice in 1995 in the Vipassana (Insight) tradition, then began studying Zen in 2003. He received Lay Ordination in 2006 where he was given the name Daigan or “Great Vow,” and received Priest Ordination in July 2011.Daigan speaks internationally on a variety of topics particularly around gender, sexuality, social justice, and their intersections with the Dharma. He also sits or has sat on a number of boards and committees that serve community needs and further social justice causes.Daigan has a BA in Philosophy and Religion from San Francisco State University, and an MA in Buddhist Studies (with a chaplaincy certificate and a certificate in Soto Zen Buddhism) from the Graduate Theological Union and the Institute of Buddhist Studies.He lives in San Francisco, CA and identifies as a disabled, queer, white, cis male. Learn more at https://queerdharma.net ______________ To support our efforts to share these talks with LGBTQIA audiences worldwide, please visit https://gaybuddhist.org/There you can: Donate Learn how to participate live Find our schedule of upcoming speakers Join our mailing list or discussion forum Enjoy many hundreds of these recorded talks dating back to 1996 CREDITSAudio Engineer: George HubbardProducer: Tom BrueinMusic/Logo/Artwork: Derek Lassiter

Questions? Comments? Text Us!What happens when a former journalist from Soviet Russia grapples with a crisis of faith and transitions to a pluralistic worldview in America?Join this thought-provoking episode of The Life Wisdom Project as Dr. Mikhail Sergeev shares his personal journey from growing up under Soviet communism to seeking a new worldview in America. Mikhail and Jerry explore faith, reason, and the evolving journey of self-discovery. They discuss the impact of cultural backgrounds, historical contexts, and personal experiences on spirituality, religious identity, and the quest for meaning in life. Discover how these elements shape our understanding of the divine and the reconciliation of diverse religious traditions.Dr. Mikhail Sergeev, a distinguished scholar specializing in the history of religion, philosophy, and modern art, teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. With over fifteen books and 200+ scholarly works, Dr. Sergeev brings deep insights into our discussion on religious cycles and modernity.Dr. Sergeev opens up about his strong Jewish roots and his exploration of various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. He discusses the intricate process of embracing dual identities and integrating diverse spiritual paths. Discover the importance of integrating past beliefs and experiences to maintain a cohesive identity, illustrating that one can be both Russian and American, Jewish and Christian, without rejecting any part of oneself.Relevant Episodes:[Dramatic Adaptation] God Explains How All Religions Exist[The Life Wisdom Project] Faith and Reason: Special Guest: Dr. Mikhail SergeevOther Series:From God To Jerry To You- A series calling for the attention of spiritual seekers everywhere, featuring breakthroughs, pathways, and illuminations.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God- Sit in on a dialogue between philosophers about God and the questions we all have.What's On Our Mind- Connect the dots with Jerry and Scott over the most recent series of episodes.What's On Your Mind- What are readers and listeners saying? What is God saying?Resources:THE LIFE WISDOM PROJECT PLAYLISTHashtags: #lifewisdomproject #godanautobiography #experiencegod #rationalspirituality Share your story or experience with God! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode, we welcome Sam Berrin Shonkoff, Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Sam's expertise in Jewish religious thought provides a unique lens through which we explore contemporary spiritual practices. Our discussion ventures into the use of psychedelics within Judaism, examining their potential to enhance spiritual experiences and religious practices. We also explore the Zen concept of Child Mind or Beginner Mind, uncovering its parallels and applications within Jewish traditions. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges ancient wisdom and modern spirituality.

0:00 - Intro 3:22 - Presidential Debates 16:25 - Why vote for Trump? 34:41 - Putin's thoughts on the US Presidency 47:15 - American vs Roman Collapse 50:00 - The US Constitution vs Islam 1:09:15 - Is the nation-state Islamic? 1:25:25 - Candance Owens and the New Allies Dr. Abdullah Ali is a scholar of Islamic law with field specialties in Islamic Theology as well as Race and Blackness Studies in Muslim History. His research interests include the interconnection between law and identity formation, comparative Islamic law, and Islam's role in the modern world. At Zaytuna College, Dr. Ali teaches Jurisprudential Principles, Family Law, Inheritance Law, Commercial Law, Prophetic Tradition, Creedal Theology, and Islamic Virtue Ethics. He received his BA or Al-Ijazah Al-‘Ulya from Al-Qarawiyyin University in Shariah in 2001. He received both his MA and PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in 2012 and 2016, respectively. Prior to his post at Zaytuna College, Dr. Ali was a chaplain at State Correctional Institute in Chester, PA, from 2002 to 2007. Twitter/X: @binhamidali YouTube: @Lamppostproductions YOUR GIFTS SUPPORT THE MAD MAMLUKS PODCAST: Please support us on https://Patreon.com/themadmamluks You can also support us on PayPal https://themadmamluks.com/donate  VISIT OUR SOCIALS FOR MORE DISCUSSIONS: Twitter https://twitter.com/TheMadMamluks Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themadmamluks/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@themadmamluks SIM: https://twitter.com/ImranMuneerTMM MORT: https://www.tiktok.com/@morttmm

Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with minister (United Church of Christ), musician, event producer, and Center for Courage & Renewal facilitator, Alan Claassen—one more remarkable person with whom Rick had the privilege of attending grad. school at Pacific School of Religion (in Berkeley's Graduate Theological Union). Alan has a rich history of skills and ways he makes a difference in connecting people far…

A special discussion for the Haj and Eid-ul Adha season, Parvez and Omar are joined by returning guest Dr. Ali Ataie. The show dives deep into the Prophet Abraham(as) in the monotheistic scriptures/traditions, including Abraham's service of sacrifice, the innumerable blessings bestowed to Abraham and his covenant with God. The conversation then examines how the Biblical and Tanakhic traditions has been co-opted and distorted by Jewish and Christian Zionists alike as it relates to the modern state of Israel.  The goal was to release the show a couple of days after Eid so we are sorry for the delay!   About Dr. Ali Ataie  Dr. Ali Ataie is a scholar of biblical hermeneutics with field specialties in Sacred Languages, Comparative Theology, and Comparative Literature.  He received his BS in accounting from Cal Poly State University in 2000. In 2011, he received his MA in Biblical Studies from Pacific School of Religion, and in 2016, his PhD in Cultural and Historical Studies in Religion from the Graduate Theological Union. Dr. Ataie is a native Persian speaker. He can read and write Arabic, Hebrew, and Greek. Dr. Ataie joined the Zaytuna College faculty in 2012.  At Zaytuna College, Dr. Ataie has taught Arabic, Creedal Theology, Comparative Theology, Sciences of the Quran, Introduction to the Qur'an, and Seminal Ancient Texts.  

Muslim Spirituality Illuminating the Path to Freedom: An exploration of how the spiritual heart of the Islamic tradition can inspire and fuel contemporary struggles for liberation, justice and humanity. Through their unique lens, this panel of visionaries modeled how spiritual life is not an escape from systemic injustice, but a revolutionary process which strengthens our collective capacity to transform unjust realities. They discuss Islam's deepest essence and the spiritual fortitude to remain anchored in the commitment to truth, beauty and universal human flourishing. Today's episode is a live talk as part of the World People's Premiere of 21 days of conversations on Palestine with the release of the film Where Olive Trees Weep by SAND. Today's talk is entitled Dancing in the Fire: Muslim Spirituality Illuminating the Path to Freedom with Farah El-Sharif, Ayesha Kajee, Seemi Bushra Ghazi and hosted by Daniel Foor. This talk is part of a package of talks that includes the 21 days of conversation with leading historians, spiritual teachers, trauma therapists, poets, artists, and more, plus extended interviews from the film, a live Q&A with Dr. Gabor Maté and Ashira Darwish from a live screening in Oakland, CA, a film discussion guide, and six community conversations on Palestine. To find out more about purchasing this package and supporting the mission of SAND and the film, visit WhereOliveTreesWeep.com. Dr. Farah El-Sharif is a writer, educator and research scholar. She received her PhD from Harvard University where she specialized in West African intellectual Islamic history. She earned degrees from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA and Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and served as Associate Director of the Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies at Stanford University, where she is currently a Visiting Scholar. Her writings have appeared in CNN, Newlines, and Muftah. Read more of her work on her Substack sermonsatcourt@substack.com Ayesha Kajee is a human rights and governance consultant based in Johannesburg, Ayesha Kajee has conducted research across much of sub-Saharan Africa, and has observed elections and peace processes in several countries. Her published research and opinion-analyses appear in various academic and news media, and she is often called upon by media houses for comment on topical issues. She was previously the founding director of the International Human Rights Exchange program at Wits University in Johannesburg, where she also lectured in Politics and International Relations. Ayesha briefly directed South Africa's Freedom of Expression Institute before leaving full-time work to care for an invalid parent. She now works on a freelance basis. Her focus areas include transitional justice, media and media rights, African political economy, gender justice, migration and environmental rights. Seemi Bushra Ghazi is lecturer in Classical Arabic at the University of British Columbia, specializes in Islamic literature, culture, and spirituality. A student in the Rifai Marufi lineage, she performs traditional Islamic arts, including Qur'anic recitation featured on BBC, CBC, NPR, and PBS. Her work appears in "Approaching Islam: the Early Revelations" and "A New Encyclopedia of Islam." Born in London and of South Asian origin, Ghazi studied at prestigious institutions in the U.S. and Middle East. Deeply involved in interfaith work, she hosts a monthly Unity Dhikr in Vancouver and is a founding board member of the Rumi Society and Vancouver Interspiritual Centre Society. Her expertise spans Islam, gender, and cross-cultural understanding Daniel Foor is a doctor of psychology, experienced ritualist, and the author of Ancestral Medicine: Rituals for Personal and Family Healing. He is a practicing Muslim and initiate in the Òrìṣà tradition of Yoruba-speaking West Africa who has also learned from Mahayan Buddhism and the older ways of his English and German ancestors. Daniel was a U.S. Fulbright scholar in Cairo, Egypt as a student of Arabic language, and he is passionate about generational healing and training leaders and change makers in the intersections of cultural healing, animist ethics, and applied ritual arts. He lives with his wife and daughters near his adoptive home of Granada, Spain in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. www.ancestralmedicine.org Sumud: https://muftah.org/2024/05/16/sumud-as-a-key/ Topics: 0:00 - Introduction 01:27 - Daniel Foor's Introduction 07:27 - Farah El-Sharif 21:17 - Ayesha Kajee 33:51 - Seemi Bushra Ghazi 47:45 - Closing Statements Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

This week, we're excited to have Bob Rees on the podcast. Bob is a true "long-haul hero" (to use Pete Davis's term) -- a Latter-day Saint who has been studying and writing on Latter-day Saint topics for more than fifty years. To us, Bob exhibits the best of what we have to offer theologically, and practically, to the world. Bob believes that the deepest power of the Book of Mormon, even more than its remarkable origin story, is its ultimate message of love. After a lifetime of serious study and contemplation, he says, the goodness of the Book has simply changed his life. In addition to the profound effect it's had on him, he's also endlessly fascinated by it. We could feel Bob's enthusiasm as he shared ideas for making our reading of the Book of Mormon come alive–for example, by doing midrash—imagining elaborations and spin-offs that help us flesh out the stories we find in the text. In many ways, Bob models how to have fun with scriptures, even as we learn from or wrestle with them—and allow that work to transform us.Bob has taught in humanities and Mormon Studies at UCLA, UC Berkeley, Graduate Theological Union, and other institutions. He's also the co-founder and Vice President of Bountiful Children, which fights child malnutrition worldwide.If you'd like to hear more from Bob on the topic of The Book of Mormon, we'd really encourage you to check out his book of essays A New Witness to the World, which was published in 2020, or The Reader's Book of Mormon, which Bob co-edited with Eugene England. Thanks as always for listening, and we're excited to share this conversation with Bob Rees.

Susan S. Phillips is Executive Director and Professor of Christianity and Sociology at New College Berkeley (an affiliate of the Graduate Theological Union in California). Susan is keenly interested in how engaging the caring practices will shape us spiritually. She is a certified spiritual director (Mercy Center, Burlingame, California) and has practiced spiritual direction since the early 1990s. The book Candlelight offers an intimate view of spiritual direction through written re-enactments of actual spiritual direction sessions. The experiential practice is accompanied by theoretical and theological foundations guiding it. The book includes the stories of nine men and women whose stories illustrate how the journey of Christian discipleship is helped by spiritual direction.

Father Nathan Castle, O.P., is from Groves, Texas. Father Nathan received MA and MDiv degrees from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He served in campus ministries at the University of California Riverside, Arizona State University, and Stanford and is currently in residence at the University of Arizona. Father Nathan has chaired the Executive Board of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA).   Father Nathan has helped more than 500 “stuck” and not-so-stuck souls who died suddenly and traumatically to adjust to the afterlife. Victims of fires, automobile accidents, shootings, stabbings, drownings, and suicides come to him in his dreams seeking help to resolve their Interrupted Death Experiences. Father Nathan believes that providing such help is something the Holy Spirit has given him and his prayer partners to do. In his Afterlife, Interrupted: books, Father Nathan is quick to point out that not everyone who dies suddenly gets stuck. He is the author of “And Toto, Too: The Wizard of Oz as a Spiritual Adventure” and “Afterlife, Interrupted (Books 1 and 2): Helping Stuck Souls Cross Over.” His new book is: “Afterlife, Interrupted Book 3: Please Let Me Explain.” He is also the host of his own podcast, The Joyful Friar Podcast   Visit Father Nathan's Website: www.Nathan-Castle.com   Book - Afterlife, Interrupted Book Three: Please Let Me Explain: A Catholic Priest Explores the Interrupted Death Experience   Follow Father Nathan on Social Media: Facebook & Instagram   The Joyful Friar Podcast: YouTube, Apple, Website link     __________________________________ IANDS Conference 2024  Will be held here in Phoenix, August 28- Sept 1, and both Father Nathan and myself will be presenters at this conference!  For more information and to register for this conference, please click here __________________________________ Subscribe to Dr. Lotte's Newsletter Visit Dr. Lotte's Website Stay Connected on Social Meida, follow Dr. Lotte on Instagram & Facebook  

Who is the Holy Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? What are some common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit and what are some vital truths to know to live in the power of the Spirit? Sean and Scott speak with fellow Biola professor Fred Sanders about these questions and his new book The Holy Spirit: An Introduction.Fred Sanders (PhD, Graduate Theological Union) is a professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Sanders is the author of multiple books including The Deep Things of God. He blogs regularly at fredfredfred.com.Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/encountering-the-holy-spirit.==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

Art can show us the pain and trauma and suffering of the world, and often it does. But art can also go the other direction. It can reveal the beauty, harmony, and unity of the world.The canvasses in Salma Arastu's series of paintings, We Are All One, are full of soft colors, continuous lines, immersive habitats that flow into one another, and—sometimes—two-dimensional representations of humans and animals occupying the same space, echoing cave paintings.Salma found the continuous line in her study of Islamic calligraphy when she was living in the Middle East. She was born into the Sindhi and Hindu traditions in Rajasthan, India, and then embraced Islam after marrying a Muslim.It was this continuous line that became a central element of her approach to painting and a central technique she uses to express the ecological views she finds in the Quran.She seeks to transcend difference through her art and find oneness and interconnectedness in a world that continually ravages ecological systems around the planet.Since the 1970s, Salma has been exhibiting her work nationally and internationally and writing about art. She currently lives in San Francisco, where I had the pleasure of visiting her in her studio and seeing so many of her wonderful paintings.This episode is part of the Chrysalis Artists series. You can listen on Substack, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms.Please rate, review, and share to help us spread the word!Salma ArastuAn Internationally exhibited artist, Salma was born into the Sindhi and Hindu traditions in Rajasthan, India. She later embraced Islam and moved to USA in 1986. Her work creates harmony by expressing the universality of humanity through paintings, sculpture, calligraphy and poetry. She was inspired by the imagery, sculpture and writings of her Indian heritage and Islamic spirituality. She was born with a left hand without fingers. Because of her all-encompassing God, she was able to transcend the barriers often set-forth in the traditions of religion, culture, and the cultural perceptions of handicaps.After graduating in Fine Arts from Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, India, she lived and worked in Iran and Kuwait, where she was exposed to a wealth of Islamic arts and Arabic calligraphy. Calligraphy, miniatures, and the folk art of Islam and the Hindu tradition continue to influence her work today. She has been invited to Germany twice, as a Resident Artist at Schwabisch Gmun in 2000 and by the Westphalia Wilhelm University in Münster to publish her paper “Art Informed by Spirituality” in God Loves Beauty: Post Modern Views on Religion and Art. Further she was invited to Morocco for a one- month Artist Residency Program in March of 2018 through Green Olives art Gallery. She has presented work at Stanford University, Commonwealth of San Francisco, Seattle University, Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley, and Museum of Contemporary Religious Art, St. Louis Missouri.She has displayed at 45 solo shows nationally and internationally and has won many distinctions: the East Bay Community's Fund for Artists in 2012, and 2014, and 2020, The City of Berkeley's Individual Artist Grant Award in 2014, 2015, and 2016. She has public art pieces on display in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and San Diego, California and has written and published five books on her art and poetry. Her most recent book deals with ecological consciousness from Quranic verses “Our Earth: Embracing All Communities.”Selected WorksA more comprehensive collection of work is available here.Recommended Readings & MediaSalma Arastu Sharing process of her art.TranscriptIntroJohn FiegeArt can show us the pain and trauma and suffering of the world. And often it does. But art can also go the other direction. It can reveal the beauty, harmony and unity of the world.The canvases in Salma Arastu's series of paintings, We Are All One, are full of soft colors, continuous lines, immersive habitats that flow into one another, and—sometimes—two-dimensional representations of humans and animals occupying the same space, echoing cave paintings.Salma found the continuous line in her study of Islamic calligraphy when she was living in the Middle East. She was born into the Sindhi and Hindu traditions and Rajasthan, India, and then embraced Islam after marrying a Muslim.It was this continuous line that became a central element of her approach to painting and a central technique she uses to express the ecological views she finds in the Quran. She seeks to transcend difference through her art, and find oneness and interconnectedness in a world that continually ravages ecological systems around the planet.I'm John Fiege, and this episode of Chrysalis is part of the Chrysalis Artists series.Since the 1970s, Salma has been exhibiting her work nationally and internationally, and writing about art. She currently lives in San Francisco, where I had the pleasure of visiting her in her studio last summer and seeing so many of her wonderful paintings. At ChrysalisPodcast.org, you can see some of my photos from that trip and images of her paintings, including those from her We Are All One series.Here is Salma Arastu.---ConversationJohn FiegeCould you start by just telling me a little bit about your project, We Are All One?Salma ArastuYes, I believe in oneness. And these are kind of my oneness projects, you know, like, I want to bring the whole humanity together. And in my work, initially, they were abstract figures, you know, that they are coming together in groups, you know, celebrating together, sharing together, chanting together. So this has been my theme always. And from that, you know, gradually, as I was looking around the nature, I live on the bay in this area. And so nature has been great friend, I would say, you know, I keep watching the plants, the water, the clouds every morning. So this has been part of my daily schedule that I look at the nature and absorb it and go to my studio. And so somehow the nature, the the birds, the animals, and the plants, they all got into my work, and I realized we are all one, we are all breathing, we are all connected. So I think gradually I started doing work, which showed all living beings in my work, and I call it We Are All One.John FiegeGreat. And And can you talk also about Our Earth, and as part of this project, and what did you do there?Salma ArastuAs a daily practice, I do read Quran, my book of faith. And, you know, suddenly I started noticing the verses, which talk to me about the planet about, you know, like Earth and the communities. So let me tell you the first verse, which really, really was holding me for some time, you know, before I started the project, and that verse was so related to my thinking, we are all one. So that particular verse, it says, “There's not an animal in the earth, nor a flying creature flying on two wings, but they are communities like you.” So then I went to the description of that verse and amazing results I found because different scholars have given the beautiful description of this verse. And understanding this verse was like a divine invitation to follow the concerns of these all ecologists in our time. So I went deeper into it. And then especially one scholar, Dr. Fred Denny, who said, “The verse presents a paradigm of interconnectedness. Communities necessarily interact with one another. And we are enjoined by the Quran to view the animal world, not merely as parallel to us and organized into communities but signals interconnectedness between their existence and well being and our own, as no community on Earth exist in isolation of the others, and what affects one community ultimately affects other communities.” So this was amazing revelation to me. And then I started you know, noticing these verses which talked about the plants, the mountains, the ships, the see the fish, you know, the ant, bees. It was a beautiful revelation for me, and I started noticing them down and I found 90 verses like that, almost, which is my limited knowledge, you know. Then I started to shorten the list because I really wanted to do this project. I said I want to bring this positive from Quran to the mainstream in the world, so they understand the positive side of Quran.John FiegeOh, that's great. Yeah and it seems like with that project in particular, it's almost a theological process of, it's almost like through art you have been studying the Quran. Is that accurate?Salma ArastuYeah, I would say through, yeah, through my art, I was reading Quran, in the sense—or from Quran I was doing art. In Quran, the God has ordained us to look at the nature to study the nature, because—I read something here. “Quran describes nature, presents signs of God, as divine is manifest in nature, and guides to study nature as reference to the wisdom of Quran.” So in fact, as I understand, Quran is a textbook, and the nature is a workbook. Believe me, and that's how I worked on it.John FiegeOh wow. That's great. Yeah and and my understanding of Islamic law is kind of these basic elements of nature, like land, water, fire, forest, light, are all living things, not just humans and animals as living things.Salma ArastuYes, yes.John FiegeYou have a really interesting relationship to the Quran and to Islam, and to religion in general, really, your parents were Hindus who fled Pakistan during partition, and settled in Rajasthan in India, is that, is that all right?Salma ArastuYeah. Yeah, that's right. Yeah.John FiegeBut but then you ended up marrying a Muslim man, and living in Iran and Kuwait, and eventually the United States. You've also talked about the importance of your mother, who is a devout Hindu, in your developing spirituality. Can you talk about a bit about this spiritual journey and how it's infused in your art and how it's led you to engage deeply with ecological subjects?Salma ArastuYeah, sure. I think I do give credit to my mother and my bringing up, because though she was, you know, I mean, they were refugees from Pakistan, when I was born in India. So in the sense, though, my father has started the practice, he was a doctor, he was a physician, but he had lost everything like, you know, in Pakistan, and he was very depressed, but my mother was very, very positive thinker. So she always said, things will be fine. I remember, as a child, you know, my father used to be so upset and angry at times and more in the night, you know, say, I have lost everything, they have not given me back anything, so but she would always calm him down. So that's how I'd always seen it. And the other thing she kept telling us, We are all same. And because in Ajmer where I was born, the Rajasthan, the city in Rajasthan, it has the both pilgrimage you know, Hindu and Muslim. So like, she has seen all that. And she always told us, No, we are all one. We are all one actually came from her thought, you know, that we are all connected, we are not different. So I carried that thought all through my life. And when I met my husband, I tried to restrict myself, I tried to hold myself back. But somehow, somehow things happen. So I said, this is the this is the God's will, you know, that I marry this man. So my mother, though she was very disturbed, but she blessed me. And she said, your destiny is with you. But my blessings are with you.John FiegeWow.Salma ArastuSo this is all I needed. So I got married. And I'm grateful because we have been married for 47 years now. And it has been a blissful journey. Yes, my husband is very supportive of my art. And the family, also, my children also. So somehow, it's a beautiful journey. And I'm very grateful for that.John FiegeSo when you were living in the Middle East, you began studying Islamic calligraphy. And you discovered the continuous line as you as you call it, you've called it your guiding line and the light that leads you, and I love how this technique of the calligraphic line complements so strongly the themes of unity and connection in your work. Could you talk about calligraphy a bit, what it means to you, how it's influenced both your art and your ecological thinking?Salma ArastuYeah, so what happened when I did my masters from India, I was doing abstract work, but nature only, you know, it was movements of nature I was doing. I didn't know anything about Islam. I didn't know anything about Quran, I didn't know anything about calligraphy. So when I went to Middle East, I love this calligraphic the continuous line, you know, I used to copy it. And there was one quote from one Islamic scholar who said that the calligraphy starts from the field of action, it starts on right, you know. So it starts from the field of action, and lands in the field of heart. So, it was so beautiful, and I think it stayed with me. And then I started learning Arabic slowly, because, you know, I was curious, what do they say? So then I started making the sense of those words, and I was amazed at this line, how it's making the meaning also. But before I went deeper into the meanings of Quran, this line became my language. And when I came to USA, I continued with those abstract figures and you know, my lines, but then 2001, when this 9/11 happened, after that, I got a jolt, you know, like, it was something, people started asking me because I was known as a Muslim artist, you know, so they would ask me, Is Islam like that? Do you believe in that? So I said, No, my God is same. My God hasn't changed. So he is not Muslim. He is not Hindu. He is not Christian. So he is not like that. It cannot be like that. So there's some, something wrong gone somewhere. So I started learning Quran.John FiegeWhere were you? Where were you living during that? When 911 happened?Salma ArastuI was in Pennsylvania. I was in Pennsylvania.John FiegeOkay, so did you see a lot of that? Like, anti-Islamic backlash?Salma ArastuYeah, exactly. Islamophobia. Yeah, because suddenly it happened. And I watched it, and it hurt me also, like, I was in tears, watching the falling of Twin Towers, because I used to visit that place. So I'm just saying it affected me a lot. But then I started learning about Quran. And seriously, it gave me such positive thinking like, such positive verses I have found, you know, which talk about hope and unity and connection and earth. And then now I say that my work is about oneness, connecting humanity, soil and soul. So that is my tagline nowadays, you know?John FiegeAwesome.Salma ArastuI'm trying to connect humanity, soil and soul. Yes.John FiegeThat's great. And, you know, one thing I was thinking about is representational and figurative art are generally discouraged in Islamic art. And I think in your early work, it was all abstract. But in, in some of your paintings personally, more recently, you represent plants and animals, and even people, although the people seem to always be faceless in some way, you know, the heads are generally represented with just circles. But I was just wondering how you see your work within the tradition of Islamic art and the precepts that come with that?Salma ArastuYeah, so frankly speaking, I was, I knew about it, people say that, like I did faceless figures without realizing that Islam, it's not allowed. But then I talked to some scholars, and I was told, it's only the sculpture form, because, you know, in Islam, the worship of icons is private. Okay? So it's not that you cannot draw. What he what I was made to understand that if you make a sculpture, and then you make it a human-like, so that is not allowed, like, because you cannot create a human. If you see my work, it's very folk style. That there, I'm not doing exact three dimensional, you know, figures. And even if you go back to books, the miniature paintings, and which talk about the story of Islamic periods, and all that, they are also two dimensional, you know, they're, nothing is three dimensional. So what I'm trying to say that it is allowed in the story form, in fact, in my book, there's a last page, which a scholar wrote for me, in favor of my work, saying that Islam is allowed. “Prophet Muhammad was known to praise diverse forms of beauty and to have said Allah is beautiful and he loves beauty. All of these meanings and more find the holistic expression in the Quran and Sunnah, and are subtly unveiled, explored and expressed in Salma Arastu's paintings, and the English translation of the verses presented with them. Through her work cell mitosis encouraging the viewer to contemplate important meanings of unity, justice and balance as well as the impact of human actions the need for oneness and universal care for creation, all of which are indeed among the higher objectives of this Islam.” So that's how I did it. I don't know, I was inspired. I was, rather I would say I was guided to do it like that, and I did it. But so far, I haven't heard any, any criticism on that.John FiegeWell, that's great. And you've also described your process as very physical: scratching, sanding, layering materials like paper, rope, modeling paste, paper mache, or copper plate, embroidering with pen and ink. How does the physicality of your technique relate to your work, which is very much about both the physical biological world, but also spiritual existence?Salma ArastuI like textures. You know, I don't know, I like the penetrating textures. And some are right from beginning, I used to use paper first, you know, and then I used to, like, glue the paper on the surface and create, you know, textures and then paint gesso on it. And then I work sometimes, I'm a lot of sanding, because I like to show the layers beneath, you know. I don't know, I'm so physically involved with the work,I mean, that I can't describe, you know, I don't know, it's a new, it's a new experience each day, you know. The new painting that I'm doing, I'm using rust as my paint, I create this rust with a vinegar and aluminum and you know, make them rust, you know, make it rust color, and I paint with that also. So, and I'm using rope in my recent work. So yeah, I love textures. And I like pen and ink, I mean, I don't know it's the calming me down. You know, when I do the large works, the different works with a lot of physical work and like a lot of textures, then pen and ink is something which calms me down, it brings me back to myself. And it's like a meditation. So all my paintings have some work in pen and ink. It's like embroidery, I call it you know, it's like putting my you know, final touches on my work.John FiegeThat's great. Well, I'd like to for a minute look at a specific painting, and one of my favorites is called Earth and Skies. And so on one level, when you look at it, it's a traditional landscape painting in the sense that, you know, the bottom half of the canvas is green for the land, the top half is blue for the sky. But when you look closer at it, you realize that the sky is also the ocean and teeming with marine life. There are animal figures, both terrestrial and marine animals. And they, and as with all your work, it's drawn in two dimensions. And in some ways, it's reminiscent of cave paintings, I've found. And the entire canvas has this two dimensional flatness, with no sense of depth at all. And interestingly, there are some human figures in the landscape. It's not this idealized wilderness landscape devoid of humans. But the humans blend into the background and are represented in a similar size and style as the other animals. I also love your color palette, it's all these soft colors that that dissolve into one another. And of course, your your fluid lines are everywhere in the piece. Can you talk a bit about the techniques and concepts behind Earth and Skies? And like how do you create these colors that flow and dissolve into one another and, and, you know, you just your process for for conceiving and and creating this.Salma ArastuSure. So as I told you, I work with very thin acrylics. And my I don't make sketches of my paintings, I go directly on the canvas, and I feel guided you know, like, whatever comes is coming from within me, from within me, from my soul through my hand on the canvas. That's how it is. I don't know what is going to come on the canvas. So that particular theme, the earth and the skies, comes from a verse from Quran which talked about the balance. It said that God has created this establish this balance of earth and water in the skies, and don't disturb that. So, so that was the main concept in my mind when I started working. And somehow these soft colors, they, you know, I started with very thin paint very, very thin pane, and I started drawing animals, fishes, because I'm showing the connection. So for me, the birds, the fishes, the animals that are all part of this balance, you know, even the human figures. Here I want to mention one thing somebody told me recently and I love that concept. The man thinks he's the great and he's the protector, you know, taking care of this earth. While he's not needed to take care of earth, God is taking care of everything. Human being is just part of this whole system. You know, the whole web of life. It's the ego of the human, you know? So the word I was told that even the caveman knew that human figures don't, don't mean anything, like they are just part of it, because he always, the caveman also drew the figures as the sticks, and did the beautiful drawings of animals.John FiegeRight, right.Salma ArastuSo I really like that concept. I said, that's beautiful. Yeah. So this one, it just developed, as I told you, like, it just happened, you know, like, one layer over another, and another and softly I was going with very light colors, because I, it had to come through that, you know, and then I do a lo ton sanding. So in that painting, I've done a lot of sanding to give it an antique feeling in the bottom part with the figures. And it's a slow process if you ask me. But but it happens very spontaneously.John FiegeThat's an amazing combination. Slow, but spontaneous.Salma ArastuYes. Because whatever comes out, it comes out. And then I wait, I look at it. And then I go to it again, again throw some color on it, and then come back.John FiegeWell, that seems to go back to this idea of the process of art as meditation or contemplation or study. It's like the, the processes.Salma ArastuYeah, it's a dialogue. You know, it's a constant dialogue between the work and artist.John FiegeThat's awesome. There's a, there's another painting, I really love, The Waves and the Birds. So I love this painting, I just, I just visually love it in the colors. But also, the birds are flying in a flock through, you know, seemingly through the ocean. But it it creates this sense of the parallelism between a flock of birds and a school of fish, because they kind of look like a school of fish swimming through the ocean. Can you talk a bit about that piece? And, and where that came from?Salma ArastuYeah, yes, you know, I walk on the bay, as I told you. So I often see this, you know, swarms of birds, you know, flying in, in fall, you know, they come, the migrant birds, and they sit there, and they are just moving around, you know, it's like a constant flow. The waves and the birds, you know, I don't know, it just remained in my mind. So one day, it came like this on a canvas. So because there's no end, the waves are till the top, you know, because I see the whole bay area, you know, and then I see this burst just going over it. So this painting, it happened again, you know as I told you, they, they just happen for me, I don't plan them. So when I was going to do the birds, you know, I took my pen and ink because I didn't know how to show the birds. You know, I didn't want to mix them with my paint also. So I just did those with pen and ink if you see, so it was a very, I don't know, it just happened. I mean, that's why I always say I'm guided. I don't know why I'm doing it, how they come. But it really came together really well. And I'm so pleased with the composition. I know even I like it.John FiegeYeah, the composition, the composition is amazing.Salma ArastuYeah, thank you.John FiegeOften you, I know you write poetry. And, and some of your paintings have been accompanied by poems, both your own poetry I think and I think you sometimes pull text from the Quran and other places. Can you talk about that relationship between poetry and your painting work?Salma ArastuYeah, you know when I'm walking in the morning at the bay, you know, a lot of thoughts come in my mind. I feel so full of inspiration, you know, when I come back, I want to do this today, I want to do this day. So I record my words, and I record my whatever thoughts are coming and come back in my studio. So sometimes first I write the poem, which is which came in the morning, you know, in my mind, and then go to the painting, then start the painting. I don't really sketch but the words you know, sometimes the words helped me to portray what I want to do that, like my thoughts, you know, so they're connected. I know many times poetry happens first, the painting happens, you know, not for every painting, some. And sometimes the painting happens and when I look at it, it gives me the dialogue of in the form of a poem, you know, so, so they're interrelated in my work, and sometimes I'm directly influenced by Rumi's poetry also, because it's very universal. My work is not necessarily Islamic or Hindu or Christian, or American or Indian. I think my work is universal. I'm painting for everyone. And I, this is what I want to be. You know? So that's how I connect myself with Rumi.John FiegeYeah. Well, he is such an interesting figure, as you say, who is admired by so many different groups that see themselves in such strong opposition to one another in the modern world. And we really live in this age of identity and difference, and across the political spectrum it's really in vogue right now to emphasize and amplify difference and division in culture, race, religion, gender, age. But you're really going in the opposite direction, searching for universality, unity, love, and in some ways, those are ideals from the past. But at the same time, it feels like in the cyclical world that we live in, that they—Salma ArastuWe need that.John FiegeYeah, that's maybe what the future is, as well.Salma ArastuExactly. That's what I'm hoping for, yes.John FiegeHow do we, how do we counteract this toxic political and cultural division that we have in the modern age and, and the ecological calamity that comes with it? And how do you how do you think about these issues of identity and difference and universality and unity?Salma ArastuYeah, let me tell you, you know, it pains me, I cry, when I see these things around me, I mean, like this, this is torture, being a such person. And then watching these separations, you know, watching these distances, watching this, more and more split between, you know, nations and communities and races. Like, sometimes, you know, I see other artists doing this pain, oh, painting this, pictures of pain, but I can't do that, you know? I'm so full that I can't describe the pain. I think if I also do the pain, what I'm here for? I want to give hope, I want to give that love, I want to give that, that that feeling of you know, compassion. I have done few paintings, which depict the moment of the pain sometimes, but then it makes me cry. I said no, I cannot do this for long. I have to give the hope. I cannot do the same like everybody else is doing. What is my existence then? So think I, I don't know, I feel I'm here to give some message of love.John FiegeRight? Yeah. And you've talked in about your work in terms of, you know, this bringing together of Eastern and Western traditions. You know, you're using a lot of Western techniques in your work, but then you're bringing in a lot of these philosophies and approaches to the world that that are much more associated with the East.Salma ArastuYes. Yeah, that's a beauty. You know, I love this western world because I've learned so much, you know. I mean, I have been influenced by art from West, I have loved these techniques, the new new techniques I learn every day. I mean, there's so much to learn, I can't keep up with everything. But I say my what I want to say. So, and just naturally, I'm not emphasizing, I'm not forcing myself to do it, as I told you, I just do what comes from within me and just from through my hand on the canvas, so I just continue like that, you know, because I have surrendered myself to the Creator.John FiegeRight. Well, I think when you look at the paintings, you can see this spiritual process, which I find really amazing.Salma ArastuThank you.John FiegeAnd the, you know, the deep contemplation just infuses your work, which is, which is really beautiful.Salma ArastuThanks. Thank you, I really appreciate, yeah.John FiegeSo your, some of your new work that's that I think is coming out of the same project is these paintings around mycelial networks, which are the, you know, the white fungal threads that create these vast underground fungal networks that scientists have recently discovered to be really critically important to communication and nutrient flow and, and ecological connections between lots of species of plants and animals. And, and, and one of my favorite paintings, you know, you described earlier how you're working with rust, but it's got this rust background and these bright white mycelial networks. Yeah, and I love it. And it's just so just the colors and the textures, even on a computer screen are so striking. Can you tell me about the origins of this mycelial work and what mycelia have taught you about ecological connection and regeneration?Salma ArastuYeah, so you know what happened when I finished my project Our Earth in 2021, and then I, you know, I can't stop myself. So I started looking for the solutions now. I know these are the problems, these are the happening things. But now how do I find a solution? So I started reading science. I never did before. But you know, I saw this Fantastic Fungi. Have you seen that movie?John FiegeOh, I haven't seen the movie. But I've read–Salma ArastuOh, yeah. So what happened, when I saw those mushrooms and when I learned about the how they're beneficial, so mycelia seem to be giving the better future you know. That if only we concentrate and look at it and learn from it and support these organizations who are doing research on it. They're trying to make plastic like things from mycelia, I want to make people aware of it. You know, being an artist, I can creatively create those images which will attract people and they'll ask me what it is. So and especially it again, line, I have been so involved with these lines, you know, I'm so enjoying them, the roots and entangled life and then I'm reading some books also which are inspiring me. Entangled Life is a beautiful book, which talks about this mycelium, you know, how it changed my perspective, changed my thinking that we can be saved, the humanity can be saved.John FiegeYeah, I love how art and science are coming together so much right now in the culture. And we're starting to break down these really hard divisions that that I feel like existed for many decades.Salma ArastuExactly, yeah. Yeah.John FiegeBut if you I mean, look at the you know, Leonardo da Vinci, you know, he was doing art and science. I mean, there was no division back then.Salma ArastuAnd then we created division, you know, slowly, yeah. The colonization of the world, you know, that created these things, I think.John FiegeAnd, you know, through this artistic journey you've been on, what do you feel like you've learned about what our relationship to the rest of nature needs to be and how to get there?Salma ArastuYeah, since I would say, 12 years, 15 years, I've been walking around this bay, and it's only two miles radius. But believe me, in this short walk only, I have found every morning, something new, something new light, something new bird, some sometimes new plant and sometimes the entangled forms on the ground, the roots, the, you know, lichens them, you know, like, imagine, I can't, you can't imagine the images that I've collected over this years. It's thousands of images. And so this is what my joy, and I think if only people can connect with nature, they will find the joy also, it's biophilia, you know, it's that you know, it's something people will find joy once you connect with nature. We are born to be like that, you know, outside, we are not born to be inside the apartments and the rooms and the television screens. We are we are we are supposed to be outside, you know, and mingle with the nature. So that will give you the blessings you, that will make you realize the blessings you have around you.John FiegeYeah, well, that's a beautiful place to end. Salma, thank you so much for for joining me today. It's been really, really great conversation.Salma ArastuThank you so much, really. I appreciate you understanding my work, and that's what I want. I want to share my work and I want people to understand that.---OutroJohn FiegeThank you so much to Salma Arastu. Go to our website that ChrysalisPodcast.org, where you can see images of her paintings, the photographs from my visit to her studio, and our book and media recommendations.This episode was researched by Lydia Montgomery and edited by Brodie Mutschler and Sofia Chang. Music is by Daniel Rodriguez Vivas. Mixing is by Juan Garcia.If you enjoyed my conversation with Salma, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Contact me anytime at chrysalispodcast.org, where you can also support the project, subscribe to our newsletter, and join the conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chrysalispodcast.org

We all have Stories, Opinions, and Ideas but we don't have to buy into them. In this talk, Rev. Daigan Gaither explains that as humans, our minds think; it's just what they do. Letting go of these thoughts can become the focus of our practice. He examines the trap of thinking that our meditation should be a certain way, but then our experience often does not measure up to that idea. Or we have a moment of serenity and then become attached to making every moment measure up to that. We don't have to chase enlightenment or enlightened people; we can just experience enlightened moments when they arise. However, he shares that we shouldn't be so quick to discard or suppress our stories, opinions, and ideas because they contain mountains of information that can inform our practice with our feelings about ourselves and the world around us.______________ Rev. Daigan Gaither (he/him) began Buddhist practice in 1995 in the Vipassana (Insight) tradition, then began studying Zen in 2003. He received Lay Ordination in 2006 where he was given the name Daigan or “Great Vow,” and received Priest Ordination in July 2011. Daigan speaks internationally on a variety of topics, particularly around gender, sexuality, social justice, and their intersections with the Dharma. He also sits or has sat on a number of boards and committees that serve community needs and further social justice causes. Daigan has a BA in Philosophy and Religion from San Francisco State University, and an MA in Buddhist Studies (with a chaplaincy certificate and a certificate in Soto Zen Buddhism) from the Graduate Theological Union and the Institute of Buddhist Studies. You can find out more via his website queerdharma.net. He lives in San Francisco, CA and identifies as a disabled, queer, white, cis male. Learn more at www.queerdharma.net Support the show______________ To participate live and be notified of upcoming speakers in advance, please Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gaybuddhistfellowship) or visit https://gaybuddhist.org/calendar/ To support our efforts to share these talks with LGBTQIA audiences worldwide, please visit www.GayBuddhist.org.There you can: Donate Learn how to participate live Find our schedule of upcoming speakers Join our mailing list or discussion forum Enjoy many hundreds of these recorded talks dating back to 1996 CREDITSAudio Engineer: George HubbardProducer: Tom BrueinMusic/Logo/Artwork: Derek Lassiter

Preaching for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mary Anne Sladich-Lantz offers a reflection on healing: "Certainly, each one of us could use a dose of healing in our lives. You know where that is inside of yourself. Our whole world needs healing, too. Brokenness and division is everywhere. Can we take the very human interaction between Jesus and Simon's mother-in-law as a model of how to be a healing presence wherever brokenness resides." Mary Anne Sladich-Lantz has been a leader of Mission and Formation for Providence St. Joseph Health for over 25 years. In her various roles within Providence St. Joseph Health, she has worked with leaders, physicians and all caregivers on personal, spiritual and professional development. Born and raised in Anaconda, MT, she graduated from the University of Providence with a BA in Sociology/Psychology. She holds a Master's degree in Theology and Personal Spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. Mary Anne and her husband Reggie enjoy the great outdoors and the big sky of Montana. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/02042024 to learn more about Mary Anne, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

Chelsea Goodrich was a returned missionary pursuing a graduate degree in California when she came forward with allegations that her father, John Goodrich, had molested her throughout her childhood. (In a statement to The Salt Lake Tribune, John Goodrich has denied the accusations of sexual assault.) The alleged abuse, the subject of a recent Associated Press investigation, is not the reason, however, that Chelsea, now a 38-year-old licensed counselor, no longer identifies as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She attributes that shift to the response she received when she tried to protect children. Friends and family, many from the tightknit Latter-day Saint community of Mountain Home, Idaho, where she grew up, discouraged her from continuing to press the matter, urging her instead to forgive her father. In this week's episode, she joins Deidre Nicole Green, a Latter-day Saint and theologian at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif., to discuss how church leaders, members and others sometimes “weaponize” forgiveness, silencing survivors and preventing justice.

Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit preacher, comedian, and author, Susan Sparks. Reverend Sparks and Rick met years ago as she was in transformation from trial lawyer to comedian and a student at Union Theological Seminary, while Rick was teaching at the Graduate Theological Union’s “Summer Program on The Arts in Worship and Spirituality,” which Susan attended. Since 2007, Susan has been…

Do you ever wish you could tell the future? Or have some kind of spiritual mirror that reveals your destiny? Does it ever feel like your life is falling apart because mercury is in retrograde? These are all common expressions and ideas from the secular world; Concepts that mix with Judaism like water and oil, simply having no place in common with Jewish discussion. Then you remember, we do everything off of the lunar calendar. Surely the galaxy is involved somehow which means... it's not a far fetched idea to include astrology into the mix. In this thought-provoking interview with the esteemed astrologist and historian, Lorelai Kude. Delving into the realm of Jewish astrology, Lorelai provides listeners with a unique perspective on the celestial forces intertwined with Kabbalah and mysticism. As the conversation unfolds, Lorelai sheds light on the intricate connection between zodiac signs and Jewish teachings, offering a fascinating exploration of how ancient wisdom and cosmic energies converge. Listeners are treated to a journey through the lunar calendar's significance in Jewish traditions, revealing how celestial cycles play a pivotal role in the spiritual fabric of Judaism. About Lorelai Kude: Lorelai Kude holds a BA in Journalism with a Minor in Religious Studies from San Francisco State University. She received her MA in Jewish Studies from Berkeley's Graduate Theological Union.  Her thesis “Yesh Mazal l'Yisrael: Astrology in Jewish Cultural History and Identity” explores the rabbinic enterprise's institutionalization of astrology, despite the legal prohibition against its use in divination.  A professional practicing astrologer for over 30 years and a teacher/ mentor of private astrology students, she writes “Astrolojew”, an internationally syndicated Jewish horoscope column.   Connect with Lorelai Kude: https://myjewishstars.com/ Connect with Bad Jew:  BadJew.co https://linktr.ee/badjew BadJewPod@gmail.com Ig @BadJewPod TikTok @BadJewPod

Professor, author and lay-preacher Fred Sanders speaks with Mike about what exactly the Holy Spirit is doing as we prepare a sermon, deliver it, and also what He is doing in the hearts, minds and lives of our hearers. He speaks about the second noetic office of the Spirit, the unremarkable sermon that sparked the Asbury Revival and inspiring trends in the preaching landscape today.  You can purchase The Holy Spirit: An Introduction here: https://www.crossway.org/books/the-holy-spirit-tpb-2/ Fred Sanders is a theologian who studies and teaches across the full range of Christian doctrines, but always with a special focus on the doctrine of the Trinity. Since 1999, Fred has taught in the Torrey Honors College, an undergraduate program in the great books, at Biola University. Fred studied art (drawing and printmaking) in college, earned an MDiv at Asbury Theological Seminary, and a PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. He and his wife Susan (who have been friends since they met at age 11) are members of Grace Evangelical Free Church in La Mirada, CA. They have two adult children. Fred has written several books and articles; his most important books are The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything (Crossway, 2010); The Triune God (Zondervan, 2016); and Fountain of Salvation: Trinity and Soteriology (Eerdmans, 2021). He blogs copiously here at fredfredfred.com, with colleagues at scriptoriumdaily.com, and maintains an active presence on Twitter. Recommended episodes: Preaching in the Power of the Spirit - Brian Brodersen  https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preaching-in-the-power-of-the-holy-spirit-with-brian-brodersen Following the Spirit - Suzy Silk: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/following-the-spirit-suzy-silk  Slowing Down and Opening Up to the Spirit - Dan Hamel: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/slowing-down-and-opening-up-to-gods-spirit-with-dan-hamel For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com  The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

J.J. and Dr. Daniel Matt become wiser and gain understanding while discussing the Kabbalistic ideas of The Zohar . Daniel Matt is a prominent scholar of Kabbalah and the Zohar. He has been featured in Time and Newsweek and on National Public Radio. His books include The Essential Kabbalah (translated into eight languages), Zohar: Annotated and Explained, and God and the Big Bang: Discovering Harmony between Science and Spirituality (revised edition, 2016). In 2022, his biography of Elijah the Prophet (Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation) was published by Yale University Press in their series Jewish Lives. This book was awarded the inaugural Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Book Prize, established by Yeshiva University. Some years ago, Daniel completed an 18-year project of translating and annotating the Zohar. In 2016, Stanford University Press published his ninth volume of The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, concluding the Zohar's main commentary on the Torah. For this work, Daniel has been honored with a National Jewish Book Award and a Koret Jewish Book Award. The Koret award hailed his translation as “a monumental contribution to the history of Jewish thought.” Daniel received his Ph.D. from Brandeis University and for twenty years served as professor at the Center for Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He has also taught at Stanford University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Daniel lives in Berkeley with his wife Hana. He currently teaches Zohar online. For information about these ongoing Zohar courses, see his website: danielcmatt.com

Have you ever considered the story of Yasodhara, the abandoned wife of the Buddha? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Barbara McHugh, PhD, as we discuss her novel The Bride of Buddha. #MomentswithMarianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC News Radio! Barbara McHugh, PhD, is a published poet and novelist with many years of professional experience editing fiction, newsletters, and technical documents. She has an M.A. in English Literature from N.Y.U. and a Ph.D. in Religion and Literature from the University of California at Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley. Barbara is a successful writing coach / "book doctor." Barbara has been co-teaching workshops and intensives since 1994. https://www.barbaramchugh.com For more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com#bookclub #readinglist #books #bookish #author #authorinterview #KMET1490AM #radioshow #booklover #mustread #reading

Welcome to the Psychedelic Science conference in Denver, Colorado! In this episode we discuss Zac's background, what brought him to the Psychedelic Science conference, the founding of his organization Shefa (providing psychedelic support for Jewish communities), addressing pushback and cultural stigma, unlocking mysticism and the importance of having a solid foundation, individuals feeling lost trying to fit in, the crucial role of research in the psychedelic field, insights while attending the conference, and so much more! 00:00 - Introduction 01:12 - Zac's Background 02:51 - Pushback & Cultural Stigma 05:48 - The Bridge To Mysticism 08:30 - Discipline & Dangerous Wisdom 10:14 - Observations Around Community 11:52 - People Feeling Lost & Trying To Fit In 16:24 - Josh Schrei & The Emerald Podcast 17:13 - The Research is Young 19:40 - Branching Out 20:25 - Last Words 22:27 - Outro About Zac: Zac is a rabbi, community leader, and aspiring psychedelic-assisted chaplain based in Berkeley, CA. He holds an MA in Biblical literature and languages from UC Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union and received rabbinic ordination from the head of the Jerusalem Rabbinical Court in 2012. As the founder and CEO of Shefa, Zac is pioneering a movement to integrate safe and supported psychedelic use into the Jewish spiritual tradition, advocate for individuals and communities to heal individual and inherited trauma and inspire a Jewish religious and creative renaissance in the 21st century. Connect with Zac: Website: https://www.shefaflow.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/zackamenetz Instagram: https://instagram.com/zackamenetz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-kamenetz-9b4588a4 Thank you so much for joining us! Psychedelic Conversations Podcast is designed to educate, inform, and expand awareness. For more information, please head over to https://www.psychedelicconversations.com Please share with your friends or leave a review so that we can reach more people and feel free to join us in our private Facebook group to keep the conversation going. https://www.facebook.com/groups/psychedelicconversations This show is for information purposes only, and is not intended to provide mental health or medical advice. About Susan Guner: Susan is a trained somatic, trauma-informed holistic psychotherapist with a mindfulness-based approach grounded in Transpersonal Psychology that focuses on holistic perspective through introspection, insight, and empathetic self-exploration to increase self-awareness, allowing the integration of the mind, body and spirit aspects of human experience in personal growth and development. Connect with Susan: Website: https://www.psychedelicconversations.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/susan.guner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-guner/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/susanguner Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/susanguner Blog: https://susanguner.medium.com/ Podcast: https://anchor.fm/susan-guner #PsychedelicScience2023 #SusanGuner #ZacKamenetz

Make a one-time or recurring donation on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donor Box profile here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join us in the mission of introducing Reformed Theology across the world! Interested in further study of the Bible? Join us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logos Bible Software⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Are you interested in a rigorous and Reformed seminary education? Call Westminster Seminary California at 888-480-8474 or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.wscal.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Please help support the show on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!   WELCOME TO BOOK CLUB! Dr. Fred Sanders (PhD., Graduate Theological Union) is professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Sanders is the author of The Deep Things of God and blogs at fredfredfred.com. We want to thank ⁠Crossway⁠ for their help in setting up this interview and providing us with the necessary materials for this interview with Dr. Sanders!   Purchase the book(s) here: The Holy Spirit: An Introduction   Have Feedback or Questions? Email us at: guiltgracepod@gmail.com Find us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@guiltgracepod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@guiltgracepod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Guilt Grace Gratitude Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you use! Looking for a Reformed Church? ⁠⁠⁠⁠North American Presbyterian & Reformed Churches --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gggpodcast/support

Graham Schweig sits down with Avi Gordon in a conversation that covers the importance of yoga, gratitude, and selflessness in reconnecting with one's heart and embracing life's conditioning forces. They discuss the transformative power of yoga in turning inward to confront inner conflicts and suffering, ultimately leading to self-awareness and growth. The role of the guru in guiding and reinforcing inner wisdom is highlighted. The conversation also touches on the significance of choices, trust in the process, and the power of supportive relationships. Self-care and selflessness are explored as interconnected aspects of spiritual practice, promoting both personal well-being and the capacity to serve others.Bio:Dr. Schweig is Distinguished Teaching and Research Faculty at the Center for Dharma Studies of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Schweig earned the master's degree in religious studies at University of Chicago Divinity School, a master's of theological studies in history of religions and a master's of theology in comparative religion from Harvard University Divinity School, and earned his doctorate in comparative religion from Harvard. Schweig joined the faculty of Christopher Newport University (CNU) in the fall of 2000. Prior to coming to CNU, he was a teaching fellow at Harvard University, lecturer at University of North Carolina and Duke University, and while teaching at CNU, he was for two years, Visiting Associate Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Virginia. He has been recognized several times for excellence in teaching, including CNU's annual Alumni Faculty Award for Teaching and Mentoring (2013), and has delivered over three dozen invited lectures at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC for over fourteen years. He has also given lectures widely in the US and in Europe, and has been invited to be a consultant on doctoral dissertation committees or a doctoral dissertation examiner in the US, Europe, India, and Australia. He has conducted yoga workshops, offered seminars and given lectures around the US and Europe for well over 20 years. In addition to his academic endeavors, Dr. Schweig has been a student of many traditional teachers of yoga, and is recognized by Yoga Alliance at the highest level of E-RYT 500 and YACEP. He has travelled to India thirteen times, once for a year on a Smithsonian Institution funded grant, and has been a practitioner of traditional and heart-centered yoga for over 50 years.Would you like to be notified when we release new content? Subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is our fourth and last episode in our repost series honoring the tenth anniversary of our hymnal, Community of Christ Sings, which, at the time this episode first aired, was used as a textbook at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Listen in as Carla interviews Reverend Daniel Damon and Reverend Dr. Nancy Hall about their class, A Cry for Justice in Hymnody. They discuss some of the unique features of Community of Christ Sings, their favorite songs– including several that Dan wrote that are in CCS, as well as the importance of hymns in faith communities. The website mentioned by our guests in this episode is hymnary.org. Download TranscriptThanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey. NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

When Jude Siciliano, OP, sits down to write his homily, he always has a Venn diagram in mind. “It is one of the theories of preaching that there should be three stories,” Jude says, “The story of God, the story of the preacher, and the story of the listeners, the congregation.” And it is in the overlap of these three stories that Jude preaches. Jude Siciliano, OP, is a member of the Southern Dominican Province, USA. For fourteen years he taught Homiletics at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California and is past president of the Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics. Jude has has given retreats and preaching workshops to ordained and lay preachers alongside Sr. Catherine Hilkert, OP, and Sr. Patricia Bruno, OP. You can read Jude's weekly email reflections on the Sunday scriptures called "First Impressions" by visiting PreacherExchange.com. Listen to Jude's homily for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time on this week's episode of “Preach.” After the homily, he shares with host Ricardo da Silva, S.J.—a Jesuit priest from South Africa, associate editor at America and associate pastor at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in Manhattan—his top tips for preaching and what women preachers have taught him about the craft.  Read the full text of this week's homily and Scripture readings.  Get daily Scripture reflections and support "Preach" by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine. “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know that verse from scripture: you can't serve God and money. What if we use our money in service to God? Rev. Dr. Sheryl Johnson is here to share about her book, Serving Money, Serving God: Aligning Radical Justice, Christian Practice, and Church Life. In her research, she examines how Christian finance and stewardship approaches tend to emphasize neoliberal values and entrench white privilege - and her goal is to help us figure out how to change that.About SherylRev Dr Sheryl Johnson serves as a Visiting Faculty Lecturer at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and a minister at the Congregational Church of San Mateo. She completed her PhD in economic ethics at Graduate Theological Union in 2020 and is the author of Serving Money, Serving God: Aligning Radical Justice, Christian Practice, and Church Life. You can find her online at sheryljohnsonphd.comConnect with us!Sign up to receive a little Gospel in your inbox every Monday Morning with our weekly devotional.Check out our website for great resources, previous blog posts, and more.Get some Lady Preacher Podcast swag!Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook

Listen in to the 89th Episode of the Dialogue Gospel Study featuring Bob Rees. Until his recent retirement, Bob was Visiting Professor and Director of Mormon Studies at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. He has… The post The Miracles of Christ: Dialogue New Testament Gospel Study with Bob Rees appeared first on Dialogue Journal.

We're honored to learn from Dr. Terri Daniel (https://danieldirect.net/) about her academic work on toxic theology as a contributing factor in complicated mourning and work as an interfaith chaplain. Topics covered: 01:17 The Conference on Death, Grief & Belief 03:17 Toxic Theology as a Contributing Factor in Complicated Grief (Or Mourning) 05:22 The Atheist Purity Test 08:24 Complicated Grief in Relation to Toxic Theology 09:18 Dark Night of the Soul & Questioning God 12:00 Dealing with trauma (and feeling like God is not pleased with us) 12:30 Example of toxic theology in Christian movies 13:29 Interfaith chaplaincy and supporting hospice clients 17:45 Fowler's Stages of Faith Development 20:05 Religious Critique of Fowler's Stages of Faith Development 21:00 Evelyn Underhill's 5 Stages of Mysticism & The Exodus Story 22:12 The Exodus Myth: Enslaved to Ego & Mystical Union 23:19 Fowler's Stages, Managing Grief, and Religious Coping Scales 25:32 Making Meaning of Loss 27:54 When trauma leads to a faith deconstruction 31:13 Counseling those who are deconstructing (and need help processing trauma) 41:37 Why would a loving God ordain or allow traumatic events 46:49 How to become an interfaith chaplain & clinical pastoral education programs You can watch the full episode on YouTube here (https://youtu.be/u16GxV82Vy4). Dr. Terri Daniel is an inter-spiritual hospice chaplain, end-of-life educator, and grief counselor certified in death, dying and bereavement by the Association of Death Education and Counseling and in trauma support by the International Association of Trauma Professionals. She conducts workshops throughout the U.S. and is an adjunct instructor in thanatology and chaplaincy at Marian University, the University of Maryland and the Graduate Theological Union. She is also the founder of The Conference on Death, Grief and Belief, and the Ask Doctor Death podcast. Over the years Terri has helped hundreds of people learn to live, die and grieve more consciously. Her work is acclaimed by hospice professionals, spiritual seekers, counselors, theologians, and academics worldwide. Learn more by checking Dr. Terri Daniel's books, resources and conferences. (https://danieldirect.net/) You can read a summary of this blog and get links to video clips here: https://www.mikedelgado.org/podcast/toxic-theology/

In his newly published spiritual memoir, I Came Here Seeking a Person, Bill Glenn shares the joys and the traumas of growing up gay and Catholic in the 1950s and 60s. A one-time Jesuit seminarian, he explores the longing for and the obstacles to living a life of faith, service, and wholeness in today's world. He also explores the impact of being a newly out gay man in the terrible opening years of the AIDS epidemic, and what the aftereffects of those experiences have been. The memoir is an ode to love, joy, and faith, and to living fully amidst, as he calls it, “the all of it.” William D. Glenn A former Jesuit, Bill is a licensed psychotherapist and spiritual director with a private practice in San Francisco and Santa Rosa, California. He was executive director of Continuum, a Tenderloin-based health care agency that provides care for triply-diagnosed clients. Bill has been working with the Enneagram, an authoritative and unique self- integration system, since 1978, and has conducted workshops on its application throughout the Bay Area. From 1995-2002, he was the convener of Spirit Group, an intentional prayer community, and for ten years co-facilitated Katargeo, a program for lifers at San Quentin State Penitentiary. Glenn is currently a trustee of the Morris Stulsaft Foundation, a trustee of the Graduate Theological Union, and co-chair of the capital campaign for Horizons Foundation in San Francisco. A former board member of the Insight Prison Project, he is past vice president of the board of KQED, past president of the socially responsible mutual fund Working Assets/Citizens Funds, and past president of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Host Irwin Keller Rabbi Irwin Keller has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Ner Shalom in Sonoma County, California, since 2008. His past work included LGBT advocacy, HIV legal services, and 21 years as a singing drag queen with The Kinsey Sicks, America's Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet. Irwin's sermons and essays on Torah, mysticism, God, politics, disillusionment, and hope can be found on his blog, Itzik's Well, found at irwinkeller.com. Irwin is a steward and faculty member of Commonweal's Taproot Gathering. #commonweal #newschoolcommonweal #growingupgay #nershalom #irwinkeller Find out more about The New School at Commonweal on our website: tns.commonweal.org. And like/follow our Soundcloud channel for more great podcasts.

My guest for this episode is Mark Yaconelli. Mark Yaconelli is a writer, retreat leader, community builder, spiritual director, storycatcher, husband, and father. He is the founder and executive director of The Hearth. Previously, he co-founded and served as program director for the Center for Engaged Compassion where he helped develop a unique set of practices and training programs for assisting individuals, organizations, and communities in cultivating compassion. He is the author of six books including Between the Listening and the Telling: How Stories Can Save Us (Broadleaf, 2022), which is the primary basis for this interview, The Gift of Hard Things (IVP 2016), Wonder, Fear, and Longing (Zondervan 2009). Interviews and profiles of Mark Yaconelli's work have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, BBC News, ABC World News Tonight, The Washington Post Online. Mark holds an MA from the Graduate Theological Union and a Graduate Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary. The intro and outro music for this episode is from a clip of a song called 'Father Let Your Kingdom Come' which is found on The Porter's Gate Worship Project Work Songs album and is used by permission by The Porter's Gate Worship Project.

This talk was given on February 16th, 2023 at Trinity College Dublin. For more information please visit thomisticinstitute.org. About the speaker: Mariusz Tabaczek, O.P. is a Polish Dominican and theologian. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophical theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA and Church Licentiate from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland. He is a professor of theology and member of the Thomistic Institute at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He is interested in the science-theology dialogue, especially in the issues concerning science and creation theology, divine action, and evolutionary theory. His research also goes to other subjects related to systematic, fundamental, and natural theology, philosophy of nature, philosophy of science (philosophy of biology, in particular), philosophy of causation, and metaphysics. His works address a whole range of topics, including: the notion of species, metaphysics of evolutionary transitions, concurrence of divine and natural causes in evolutionary transitions, definition and role of chance and teleology in evolution, classical and new hylomorphism, classical and contemporary (analytical) concepts of causation, emergence, science-oriented panentheism and its critique, and various aspects of divine action in the universe. He published a number of articles on metaphysics and the issues concerning the relation between theology and science, and two monographs: Emergence. Towards A New Metaphysics and Philosophy of Science (University of Notre Dame Press 2019) and Divine Action and Emergence. An Alternative to Panentheism (University of Notre Dame Press 2020). His upcoming third monograph will concentrate on the contemporary Aristotelian-Thomistic view of theistic evolution (Cambridge University Press, 2023).

Hosts Ilia Delio and Robert Nicastro on "Love on a Complexifying Planet with Ted Peters" Part TwoAbout Ted PetersTed Peters is author of UFOs: God's Chariots? Spirituality, Ancient Aliens, and Religious Yearnings in the Age of Extraterrestrials (Career Press New Page Books, 2014). He is co-editor of two recent books, Astrotheology: Where Science and Theology Meet Extraterrestrial Life (Cascade Books, 2018) as well as Astrobiology: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy (Scrivener 2021). Ted is a systematic theologian who specializes in the interaction between science and religion. He currently teaches theology and ethics in Berkeley, California, at the Graduate Theological Union and serves as co-editor of the journal, Theology and Science. Visit his website, TedsTimelyTake.com, and his blogsite https://www.patheos.com/blogs/publictheology/.  “Think cosmically! Think about Astrobiology, Ufology, and the Future of Earth in our Galactic Neighborhood.”Support the showA huge thank you to all of you who subscribe and support our show! This podcast is made possible by a grant from the The Fetzer Institute . We are very grateful for their support. Join our our Patreon 'Hunger for Wholeness' Community for further background materials. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Hunger for Wholeness  Hosts Ilia Delio and Robert Nicastro interview Ted Peters on "Theology in Cyberspace " Part One.About Ted PetersTed Peters is author of UFOs: God's Chariots? Spirituality, Ancient Aliens, and Religious Yearnings in the Age of Extraterrestrials (Career Press New Page Books, 2014). He is co-editor of two recent books, Astrotheology: Where Science and Theology Meet Extraterrestrial Life (Cascade Books, 2018) as well as Astrobiology: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy (Scrivener 2021). Ted is a systematic theologian who specializes in the interaction between science and religion. He currently teaches theology and ethics in Berkeley, California, at the Graduate Theological Union and serves as co-editor of the journal, Theology and Science. Visit his website, TedsTimelyTake.com, and his blogsite https://www.patheos.com/blogs/publictheology/.  “Think cosmically! Think about Astrobiology, Ufology, and the Future of Earth in our Galactic Neighborhood.”Support the showA huge thank you to all of you who subscribe and support our show! This podcast is made possible by a grant from the The Fetzer Institute . We are very grateful for their support. Join our our Patreon 'Hunger for Wholeness' Community for further background materials. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

My guest this week is returning for a second appearance. He is the wonderful content creator over at the Church of the Eternal Logos, David Patrick Harry. David is a Ph.D. student at the Graduate Theological Union, where his research focuses on New Religious Movements and trends within America. In addition to that, he does research into the occult, the New Age, and psychedelic spirituality, and David is also a Christian apologist from the Eastern Orthodox tradition. In this episode, we discuss mushrooms, DMT, Ayahuasca, and other psychedelics and what spiritual effects they can have on one who partakes. Is there an actual spiritual element to psychedelics? Is it necessarily positive or negative? We discuss how the spiritual experience happens and what exactly that means. We also discuss the paradigm of the psychedelic relative to the paradigm of the Orthodox Christian. For DPH's work, go here: Visit my website: Donate to the show here: Audio Production by Podsworth Media: Leave us a review and rating on iTunes! Thanks!

Doug Pagitt and Dan Deitrich sit down with Bradley Onishi, scholar, speaker, and co-host of the podcast Straight White American Jesus, to discuss his new book, Preparing For War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism - And What Comes Next.   Buy the Book   Brad Onishi received graduate degrees from UCSB, Oxford University, and L'institut catholique de Paris. As a scholar of religion, he teaches and researches Christian nationalism, the history of Evangelicalism, race and racism in American religion, gender, sex, masculinity, and secularism and secularity. He has taught at UCSB, the Graduate Theological Union at UC Berkeley, Rhodes College, Skidmore College, Central Michigan University, Cal Lutheran University, and the University of San Francisco (current).   Doug Pagitt is the Executive Director and one of the founders of Vote Common Good. He is also a pastor, author, and social activist.  @pagitt   Daniel Deitrich is a singer-songwriter, former-pastor-turned-activist, and producer of The Common Good Podcast. @danieldeitrich Our theme music is composed by Ben Grace. @bengracemusic   votecommongood.com votecommongood.com/podcast facebook.com/votecommongood twitter.com/votecommon

If we had the opportunity to speak to our younger self, what would we say? What wisdom could we give to that younger self about the meaning and purpose of life? What does our experience tell us about why we are here and who we are? This conversation explores these questions and why they may be important to our lives. Jacob Needleman, Ph.D. is a professor of philosophy at San Francisco State University and former director of the Center of the Study of New Religions at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He has also served as a research associate at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. His books include Why Can't We Be Good? (Tarcher 2003), The Heart of Philosophy (Tarcher 2003), Time and the Soul: Where Has All the Meaningful Time Gone -- and Can We Get It Back? (Berrett-Koehler Publishers 2003), Lost Christianity (Tarcher 2003), Money and the Meaning of Life (Doubleday 1994), The Wisdom of Love: Toward a Shared Inner Life (Morning Light Press 2005), What Is God? (Tarcher 2010), Necessary Wisdom (Fearless Books 2013) and An Unknown World: Notes on the Meaning of the Earth (Tarcher 2012)Interview Date: 6/2/2016 Tags: Jacob Needleman, freedom, ethics, listening, truth, Gurdjieff, essential questions, polarized times, ancient mystical wisdom traditions, Christianity, attention, Denise Levertov poem A Gift, Philosophy, Personal Transformation, Spirituality, Science

Rabbi Zac Kamenetz is a rabbi, community leader, and aspiring psychedelic-assisted chaplain based in Berkeley, CA. He holds an MA in Biblical literature and languages from UC Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union and received rabbinic ordination in 2012. As the founder and CEO of Shefa, Zac is pioneering a movement to integrate safe and supported psychedelic use into the Jewish spiritual tradition, advocate for individuals and communities to heal individual and inherited trauma and inspire a Jewish religious and creative renaissance in the 21st century.In this episode, Rabbi Zac Kamenetz and Beth Weinstein discuss …▶ Why Rabbi Zac created Shefa to help bring community support and the wealth of the Jewish tradition to Jews exploring psychedelics▶ The need for Jews working with psychedelics to have support in the areas of religious awareness and Jewish trauma▶ The Jewish Psychedelic Summit, which has arisen as a collaboration between multiple organizations including Shefa▶ The importance of asking, “Who are my ancestors? Where did they come from? What did they go through?”▶ The innate desire people have to want to know who they truly are▶ Beth's own Jewish identity issues related to her family background and upbringing▶ The importance of geography and locality in understanding your Jewish roots▶ How can you feel safe and resourced enough to find or create a form of engagement with Judaism that brings meaning and value to your life as a Jew?▶ Challenges some Jews experience entering Jewish spaces and opening to the experience of true belonging▶ Shefa moving more from online-only programming to doing more in-person events▶ “Tikkun Olam”: how “Healing the World” as the overarching Jewish mission begins with you, your family and your community▶ How Judaism is a tradition that orients towards achieving expanded states of consciousness without the use of psychedelics ▶ The possibility that through individual and communal medicine work you can transform how you see yourself, your life and the worldRabbi Zac Kamenetz's Links & Resources▶ Website: www.shefaflow.org▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shefa_jewishpsychedelicsupport/▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shefaflow/

This lecture was given on October 15, 2022 as part of the Fall Thomistic Circles conference, "Life in the Cosmos: Contemporary Science, Philosophy, and Theology on the Origin and Persistence of Life on Earth(and Beyond?)." The two-day conference at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. featured a stellar, cross-disciplinary lineup of speakers: scientists Jonathan Lunine (Cornell University) and Maureen Condic (University of Utah), philosopher Christopher Frey (University of South Carolina), and theologian Fr. Mauriusz Tabaczek, O.P. (Angelicum). This conference is part of the Thomistic Institute's Scientia Project. For more information on upcoming events, visit thomisticinstitute.org About the speaker: Fr. Mariusz Tabaczek, O.P. is a Polish Dominican and theologian. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophical theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA and a Church Licentiate from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland. After his studies at the GTU and a fellowship at the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Studies, he returned to Poland. For three years he worked as a researcher at the Thomistic Institute in Warsaw, a lecturer at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Warsaw and the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Krakow, and a director of the Studium Dominicanum in Warsaw. He then moved to Rome where he serves as a professor of theology at the Angelicum and a researcher for the Thomistic Institute Angelicum. He is interested in the science-theology dialogue, especially in the issues concerning science and creation theology, divine action, and evolutionary theory. His research also goes to other subjects related to systematic, fundamental, and natural theology, philosophy of nature, philosophy of science (philosophy of biology, in particular), philosophy of causation, and metaphysics. His works address a whole range of topics, including: the notion of species, metaphysics of evolutionary transitions, concurrence of divine and natural causes in evolutionary transitions, definition and role of chance and teleology in evolution, classical and new hylomorphism, classical and contemporary (analytical) concepts of causation, emergence, science-oriented panentheism and its critique, and various aspects of divine action in the universe. He published a number of articles on metaphysics and the issues concerning the relation between theology and science in Zygon, Theology and Science, Scientia et Fides, Nova et Vetera, Forum Philosophicum, American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly, Sophia, and Polish Annals of Philosophy. He coauthored two chapters in the second edition of Science and Religion: A Historical Introduction (ed. by Gary Ferngren) and has written the entry on “Emergence” for the PalgraveEncyclopedia of the Possible. He is also the author of two monographs. The first, entitled Emergence: Towards A New Metaphysics and Philosophy of Science, was published in 2019 and was announced as one of the best metaphysics books to read in 2019 by Bookauthority. The second book, Divine Action and Emergence: An Alternative to Panentheism (published in 2021), offers a critical analysis of the theory of divine action based on the notion of emergent phenomena and provides a constructive proposal of a theological reinterpretation of divine action in emergence from the point of view of the Aristotelian-Thomistic tradition of philosophy and theology.

Dr. Vince Patton served as the Eighth Master Chief Petty Officer (a combination of a rank and a position) of the Coast Guard for more than 30 years until his retirement in 2002.As the service's top senior-ranking enlisted leader and ombudsman during that period, Master Chief Patton was the principal advisor to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, his directorates, and the secretaries of Transportation and Defense. Dr. Patton's primary focuses were on quality of life, career development, work environment, and personnel matters, which affected over 45,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel service-wide. Dr. Patton received his Doctor of Education from the American University, Washington; a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago; a Master of Theology from Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley; and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Pacific College, Angwin.Dr. Patton set his eyes on becoming the Coast Guard's Master Chief Petty Officer after two weeks in boot camp in Cape May, New Jersey. He drew strength and inspiration from Pelé's words, the legendary soccer player, who said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, but most of all, love of what you're doing or learning to do.” In 1976, during his journey climbing the ranks, Dr. Patton took a Dale Carnegie class that helped him improve his confidence, communicate better, and discover his core values and vision. He is delighted that Dale Carnegie became a stepping stone to leadership and is still ongoing today. And he now understands what a good foundation this program is in helping individuals in their leadership journey & developing their personal philosophies.Dr. Patton had a communication problem and overcame his stuttering by singing the Star-Spangled Banner every day. That gave him renewed confidence to sing out loud, to read articles and books out loud, and helped him become an influential leader in the U.S. Coast Guard.When Dr. Patton finally reached his goal of becoming a Chief Petty Officer, he realized his job was a privilege and served multiple purposes. The best way to describe it is that he was a cheerleader, a consultant, an advisor, and a chaplain, and heard all kinds of things from people in terms of what's needed in the service.The experience also helped Dr. Patton develop his core values centered on people, passion, and performance. Our capabilities and ability to handle responsibilities start with our core values. We are where we are today because we stood on somebody's shoulders. And wherever we are heading, we need to give back.Join us to learn how to be better, do better, and excel in order to mentor other people to be the best they can be.Listen to leadership and communication insights from Doug Escher, President of  Dale Carnegie Rochester, NY, Boston, MA, and Buffalo, NY.

This talk was given on July 16, 2022 at the Fourth Annual Thomistic Philosophy and Natural Science Symposium For more information please visit thomisticinstitute.org. About the speaker: MARIUSZ TABACZEK, O.P., is a Polish Dominican and theologian. He holds Ph.D. in philosophical theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA and Church Licentiate from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland. After his studies at the GTU and a fellowship at the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Studies he returned to Poland. For three years he worked as a researcher at the Thomistic Institute in Warsaw (Poland), a lecturer at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Warsaw and the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Krakow, and a director of Studium Dominicanum in Warsaw. He then moved to Rome where he became a professor of theology at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. He is also a researcher at the Thomistic Institute at the same University. One of the hallmarks of modern science is the ability to explain the workings of nature by detailed study of its pieces and parts. Organisms are understood as combinations of organ systems, which are made up of tissues, which are made up of cells, which are made of up complex chemicals, then atoms, and more fundamental particles. As successful as this methodological reductionism has been, it is still an open question how complete it can be. Can everything about complex biological systems be reduced to chemistry, and every detail of chemistry explained from fundamental physics? Do the organization and complexity of higher-level systems require additional tools to complete our understanding of the natural world? Do the answers to these scientific questions work for or against an Aristotelian and Thomistic understanding of nature and natural kinds, and how might those classical ideas be of use in contemporary science? The Thomistic Philosophy and Natural Science Symposium gathers expert scientists and philosophers to discuss the potential compatibility and mutual enrichment of the study of Aquinas' philosophy of nature and various forms of modern scientific knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. The 2022 symposium included a day of lectures geared towards an introduction to Thomistic philosophy and the history of science, with a focus on complexity, simplicity and emergence. The rest of the symposium will have scientific experts discussing the understanding of complexity and simplicity in their own fields with one another and with philosophers.

Mark Yaconelli is a speaker, community-builder, and author of Between the Listening and the Telling: How Stories Can Save Us as well as five previous books. As founder and director of The Hearth nonprofit, Yaconelli has worked with The Ford Family Foundation, Compassion International, The Greenbelt Arts Festival, The Mexican American Cultural Center of Austin, among other organizations. Yaconelli holds an MA in Spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union and received a spiritual direction diploma from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Interviews and profiles of Mark's work have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, BBC Radio, and ABC World News Tonight. He and his wife have three grown children and live in Ashland, Oregon. For more of Mark: Book: Between The Listening and The Telling Website: https://markyaconelli.wordpress.com For more of us: Website: www.Hellohumans.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellohumans.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellohumans.co/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelloHumans_co To become a patron and help this program continue producing this show, and get access to patron-only events, go to www.patreon.com/hellohuman and pledge any amount.

An in-depth exploration of the practice, relevance, and purpose of spirit marriage around the world• Presents interviews with ten contemporary practitioners of spirit marriage, exploring how the relationship developed and the opportunities and challenges• Discusses the author's own spirit marriage, including her awakening as an erotic mystic and her encounters with her Faery beloved• Explains how to cultivate a spirit marriage, sharing precautions and practices to spiritually prepare yourself and navigate the potential challenges of spirit marriageExploring the phenomenon of the spirit spouse or spirit lover--an entity to which a human is psychically bonded--Megan Rose, Ph.D., examines the practice and purpose of spirit marriage around the world, presenting transcultural evidence of this form of sacred union in anthropological research, religious literature, mythology, folklore, and the oral tradition. She shares her in-depth interviews with ten contemporary practitioners of spirit marriage, including a Faery Seer, a Shakta Tantric, a West African Shrine Keeper, a New Orleans Voodoo Mambo, Haitian Vodou practitioners, and a ceremonial magician. Through these respectful interviews, the spirit-marriage practitioners tell their stories of initiation and of having a spouse who is both otherworldly and able to assist in waking- world activities. They offer intimate insight into this growing global practice and its larger evolutionary purpose. We learn about their experiences of first contact, the decision to marry, how the relationship is upheld by their community, and the impact on their other relationships. We also learn about the risks and challenges as well as one example of divorcing a spirit.Sharing her personal experience, the author discusses in detail her own spirit marriage, including the erotic nature of being “spirit filled” and her encounters with her Faery beloved. She explains how to cultivate a spirit marriage, sharing precautions and practices to spiritually prepare yourself, interpret your paranormal encounters, and navigate the potential challenges of spirit marriage.Presenting the first study of the transcultural, shamanistic practice of spirit marriage, this book shows how bonded relationships with spirits are needed now more than ever to assist with spiritual evolution.Megan Rose, Ph.D., has a doctorate in East-West psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a master's degree in religion in society from the Graduate Theological Union. She is an initiated ceremonial magician, a Shakta Tantric practitioner, and a senior seer in the House of Brigh Faery Seership Institute. She serves as an ordained interfaith minister and psycho-spiritual counselor and is the executive director of the Entheosis Institute. She lives in San Francisco.