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A talk from the Mbird Tyler Conference "Tangled Up in Grace". 2015. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
Jacob and Aaron hop into the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, which are Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5, and John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9. Recorded live at the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 1, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A breakout from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 2, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A breakout from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 2, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A breakout from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 2, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A breakout from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 2, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A breakout from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 2, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
Jacob and Aaron hop into the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, which are Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, and John 13:31-35. Recorded live at the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 1, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
Embodied Faith: on Relational Neuroscience, Spiritual Formation, and Faith
We are all looking for a bit of relief. Some pain relief, relief from stress, the relief of getting the kids off to school or maybe to bed on time. But do we think of God's grace as the big relief?In this episode, we welcome back David Zahl, of Mockingbird Ministries. David introduces his new book titled The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World, which focuses on how God's grace is the ultimate relief we all seek in our stress-filled lives. They discuss various aspects of grace, including forgiveness, imputation, and surrender, and how these can alleviate the modern pressures of status anxiety and the demand for control. The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing suffering and offering consolation through the grace of God. David also shares insights on creating church communities that provide relief rather than additional burdens.00:00 Introduction: Seeking Relief00:39 Guest Introduction: David Zahl01:24 The Urgency of Grace02:56 Grace in a Pressure Cooker World06:11 Defining Grace: The Big Relief08:49 Forgiveness: Relief from Regret14:03 Imputation: Relief from Status Anxiety21:00 Surrender: Relief from Control27:09 Cultivating Communities of Relief30:10 Conclusion and FarewellStay Connected: Check out our Attaching to God 6-Week Learning Cohort. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).
A talk from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 2, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 3, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 3, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
The closing devotion from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 3, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 1, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 2, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 2, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
The opening devotion from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 1, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 2025 Mockingbird Conference in NYC: Relief. May 3, 2025. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the Mbird OKC Conference "Grace in the Grind". 2016. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the Mbird NYC Conference "10 Years of Grace". 2017. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
David Zahl joins Kelsi to talk about his new book, The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World.David Zahl is the director of Mockingbird Ministries and editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website. David and his wife Cate reside in Charlottesville, VA with their three boys, where David also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. He is the author of Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technlogy, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It and Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Yourself. Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Dave: Preorder The Big ReliefMockingbird MinistriesListen to the Mockingcast
Today, we're getting into the raw, unvarnished terrain of human longing - that aching space where despair meets unexpected grace. I'm excited to welcome back David Zahl on the podcast. He isn't here to offer another self-help platitude, but to explore something far more profound: how we find relief in a world that constantly demands more, faster, better. Imagine grace not as a churchy concept, but as a radical interruption - a surprising breath of fresh air in a culture suffocating on its own expectations. We'll talk about play, productivity, regret, and those moments when God whispers, "You are more than your achievements." This conversation is a map for the weary, a compass for those feeling crushed by life's relentless pressures. We'll explore how grace shows up in unexpected places - through music, through suffering, through the simple act of truly listening. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're perpetually running on an endless treadmill, this conversation is your permission to breathe. To rest. To receive. So join us as we figure out what it means to be human in a world that rarely slows down.David Zahl is the founder and director of Mockingbird Ministries, editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website (www.mbird.com), and co-host of both The Mockingcast and The Brothers Zahl podcasts. He and his family live in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. Zahl is the author of Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It and Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Others (and Yourself). His next book, The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World comes out in April 2025 from Brazos Press. His writing has been featured in The Washington Post, Christianity Today, and The Guardian, among other venues.David's Book:The Big ReliefDavid's Recommendations:Evangelism in an Age of DespairMeditations for MortalsSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Support the show
A talk from the Mbird OKC Conference "Grace in the Grind". 2016. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 2015 NYC Conference "Clean Slate: Absolution in Real Life". Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 2012 Mbird Fall Conference in VA "High, Low, & In Between: Hope Amidst the Ruins". Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
David Zahl was born in New York City and brought up on the East Coast and in Europe, David graduated with honors from Georgetown University in 2001. He then served for five years as a para-church youth minister in New England before starting Mockingbird Ministries in 2007, an organization devoted to connecting the Christian faith with the realities of everyday life in fresh and down-to-earth ways. He remains its executive director today. David is also a licensed lay preacher in the Diocese of Virginia. He is the author of A Mess of Help: From the Crucified Soul of Rock N' Roll, Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technlogy, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It and co-author of Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints). His most recent book is Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Others (and Yourself). He and his wife Cate have three boys.
A talk from the Mbird Birmingham Conference "Grace, Rest, and the End of Scorekeeping". 2011. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the Mbird Birmingham Conference "Grace, Rest, and the End of Scorekeeping". 2011. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the Mbird Birmingham Conference "Grace, Rest, and the End of Scorekeeping". 2011. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the Mbird OKC Conference "Grace in the Grind". 2016. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
We talked with Adam Morton recently about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the culture war over the new biopic film, and how to think critically and charitably about figures of history. A friend from Mockingbird Ministries, Adam is the Teaching Associate in Christian Theology, Faculty of Arts at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.Adam's thoughts on the Bonhoeffer film which prompted our conversation:Too many people write, speak, opine about the guy (now me included). There are too many bad reasons to take him up (needing to find a 'good German' in the disaster of the Third Reich, wanting martyr fairy dust for one's arguments, finding his still developing theology easy to cherry-pick for a range of positions) that easily overwhelm the good ones. Yes, he's intellectually interesting. That's not why you know his name.Consider what would have happened if he'd survived the war - he likely becomes a significant figure in postwar German theology, as subject to suspicion as the rest of them. Aside from those of you who are actually into 20th century German theology in a big way, you'd never have heard of him.All that makes me think that the overwhelming bulk of the power of Bonhoeffer as a name is not in his theology or in what little resistance he mustered, but in our psychological and spiritual need to confirm that if we ourselves were ever put in an untenable situation like that, we could come out virtuous and heroic. I guess I find that sort of self-soothing dangerous rather than inspiring. Well, it is inspiring, in a way - but not in a way that I'm confident comes from God.All that is to take nothing away from the man, and what his life and work were. (It's also no shot at the people who've done good work on him.) But if it were up to me we'd impose a 25 year moratorium on the Bonhoeffer Industry, including its academic side, and once that's run its course we could check and see where we're at with the guy and what role we actually need him to play in our theological universes.Show NotesSummary:The conversation delves into the complexities of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology and legacy, particularly in light of recent cultural interpretations and the release of a new film about him. The speakers discuss Bonhoeffer's historical context, his theological development, and the implications of his martyrdom. They also explore how Bonhoeffer is often misinterpreted or oversimplified in modern discussions, especially in relation to contemporary culture wars. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of historical figures, particularly Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and how their legacies are interpreted and utilized within the church. They discuss the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of these figures, the challenges of navigating cultural differences, and the nuances of patriotism in a global context. The conversation emphasizes the need for thoughtful engagement with history and theology, encouraging listeners to approach these topics with care and depth.Takeaways:Bonhoeffer's legacy is often oversimplified in modern discourse.Understanding Bonhoeffer requires a deep dive into German Lutheranism.His martyrdom leaves us with an incomplete theological picture.Cultural context is crucial for interpreting Bonhoeffer's actions.Bonhoeffer's resistance was complex and morally ambiguous.The use of Bonhoeffer in culture wars can distort his message.His writings reflect a developing theology that was cut short.Bonhoeffer's context was vastly different from American evangelicalism.The film about Bonhoeffer raises questions about historical accuracy.Engagement with Bonhoeffer's work should be nuanced and critical. No historical figure is pristine; they are complex and multifaceted.Bonhoeffer's legacy belongs to the church, not just his family.It's important to speak truthfully about historical figures without idealizing them.Understanding Bonhoeffer requires knowledge of his time and context.Cultural differences can shape our perceptions and experiences.Clergy should avoid censorship and engage thoughtfully with culture.Getting to know historical figures is a slow and nuanced process.Patriotism can be complicated, especially in post-war contexts.The church must be the ultimate arbiter of theological interpretations.Engagement with history requires time and careful consideration.
In this special season of Make It Simple, we're having conversations with friends all about Matt's new book, Junk Drawer Jesus.This week, we welcome David Zahl to talk about Chapter 1: "The Spiritual Junk Drawer," and discuss what's in our spiritual junk drawers, and why it's good to declutter our religion.You can grab your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus by Matt Popovits today at 1517.org or anywhere books are sold!***David Zahl is the director of Mockingbird Ministries, an organization he founded in 2007. He is editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird blog and cohost of the Mockingcast podcast. David is also an author of multiple books and has written for Christianity Today and the Washington Post.Support the show******For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.
A talk from the Mbird Tyler Conference "The Language of Grace". September 28, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the Mbird Tyler Conference "The Language of Grace". September 28, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the Mbird Tyler Conference "The Language of Grace". September 28, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the Mbird Tyler Conference "The Language of Grace". September 28, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the Mbird Tyler Conference "The Language of Grace". September 28, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
The keynote talk from the Mbird Tyler Conference "The Language of Grace". September 28, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the Mbird Tyler Conference "The Language of Grace". September 28, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
DNC recap and Trad-Wives. Find us on Youtube. Russell, Mike, and Clarissa are joined by David Zahl (Mockingbird Ministries) to talk about the Democratic National Convention – what happened and what opponents and “those on the outside” are saying about the Harris-Walz ticket, and what Christians who feel homeless can do about political involvement. Then Katelyn Beaty joins us to explore the trad-wife social media movement and why both men and women deserve something better. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Follow the show in your podcast app of choice Find us on Youtube. Rate and Review the show in your podcast app of choice Leave a comment in Spotify with your feedback on the discussion–we may even respond! TODAY'S GUESTS: David Zahl is the director of Mockingbird Ministries and editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website. Born in New York City and brought up elsewhere, David graduated from Georgetown University in 2001, and then worked for several years as a youth minister in New England. In 2007 he founded Mockingbird in NYC. Today David and his wife Cate reside in Charlottesville, VA with their three boys, where David also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. He is the author of A Mess of Help: From the Crucified Soul of Rock N' Roll and co-author of Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints). His most recent book, Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It, appeared in 2019 from Fortress Press. Katelyn Beaty is a writer, journalist, editor, and keen observer of trends in the American church. She has written for the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Washington Post, Religion News Service, Religion & Politics, and the Atlantic and has commented on faith and culture for CNN, ABC, NPR, the Associated Press, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. She also cohosts the Saved by the City podcast (Religion News Service). Beaty previously served as print managing editor at Christianity Today and is the author of A Woman's Place: A Christian Vision for Your Calling in the Office, the Home, and the World. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's Editor-in-Chief) and Mike Cosper (Director, CT Media). Each week the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
AI priests, a polarized church, and women and alcohol. This week on The Bulletin, hosts Mike Cosper and editor in chief Russell Moore talk with David Zahl of Mockingbird about artificial intelligence -- ChatGPT -4.o and AI priests -- and the need for embodied presence and wisdom. Next, they tackle the latest challenge in church polarization, this time in the Presbyterian Church in America. Last, special guest Ericka Andersen joins the show to shed some light on the hidden struggles of women who are alcohol-dependent. Today's Guests: David Zahl is the director of Mockingbird Ministries and editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website. Born in New York City and brought up elsewhere, David graduated from Georgetown University in 2001, and then worked for several years as a youth minister in New England. In 2007 he founded Mockingbird in NYC. Today David and his wife Cate reside in Charlottesville, VA with their three boys, where David also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. He is the author of A Mess of Help: From the Crucified Soul of Rock N' Roll and co-author of Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints). His most recent book, Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technlogy, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It, appeared in 2019 from Fortress Press. Ericka Andersen is a freelance writer, podcast host and owner of Pitch and Publish Writing Company. She is the author of "Reason to Return: Why Women Need the Church & the Church Needs Women" and "Leaving Cloud 9: The True Story of a Life Resurrected From the Ashes of Poverty, Trauma and Mental Illness." She has been published multiple times in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Washington Post and more. Ericka is a weekly columnist at WORLD Magazine and a freelance reporter for Christianity Today. Prior to freelancing, Ericka worked for National Review Magazine, the Heritage Foundation and in communications for the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill. Resources Referenced: SobrietyCurious.com “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producer: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill and Raed Gilliam Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Graphic Design: Amy Jones Social Media: Kate Lucky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A talk from the 16th Annual Mockingbird Conference in NYC. April 26, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 16th Annual Mockingbird Conference in NYC. April 26, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 16th Annual Mockingbird Conference in NYC. April 26, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 16th Annual Mockingbird Conference in NYC. April 26, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 16th Annual Mockingbird Conference in NYC. April 25, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 16th Annual Mockingbird Conference in NYC. April 26, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 16th Annual Mockingbird Conference in NYC. April 26, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 16th Annual Mockingbird Conference in NYC. April 25, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
A talk from the 16th Annual Mockingbird Conference in NYC. April 27, 2024. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).