Podcasts about Pluralism

When I began my academic journey, I assumed science was about accumulating facts that would eventually point to some clear understanding of how the world works. I believed, like many do, that each study added a brick to a larger structure we call “truth.”But over time, I've come to appreciate a more complex view.In many areas, evidence is often ambiguous, methods rest on assumptions, and interpretation depends on context. The questions we ask, and the tools we use to answer them, shape what we're able to see.Pluralism is defined as the view that multiple perspectives, methods, or explanations can each contribute meaningful insights to a phenomenon. In my own work, I've found that no single model captures everything. Some scholars use experimental design. Others prefer ethnographic immersion, formal modeling, or archival methods. All have their strengths—and their limitations.Rather than treating one method as “the” path to insight, I've come to rely on what you might call a weighted mental model: I take what I can from each approach and try to integrate these insights in a way that makes sense for the specific problem I'm studying. It's not always elegant, but it reflects the reality that many phenomena are multifaceted and dynamic.Truth as Process, Not EndpointThis doesn't mean there is no truth. But it does suggest that truth in the social sciences often emerges through approximation—through triangulation across methods, perspectives, and disciplines.Even strong findings can vary across contexts. A causal mechanism that holds in one setting may operate differently elsewhere. What looks like a robust effect in one dataset may fade in another. This doesn't invalidate our work—it simply reminds us that most knowledge claims are conditional.Rigor Still MattersIf anything, this view has deepened my respect for rigor. In complex systems, rigor is not about perfection. It's about careful design, clarity in logic, and transparency in assumptions. It's about acknowledging limits while still striving for insight.The challenge is balancing structure with openness, precision with flexibility.So Where Does That Leave Me?Honestly? I still wrestle with doubt. There are moments I wonder whether I'm overcomplicating things—or not pushing hard enough for generalizable results. But I've come to believe that uncertainty isn't a weakness in science. It's part of what makes this work so important.

Love him or hate him, you've probably heard of Shabbos Kestenbaum —the Harvard student who made waves with his RNC speech and lawsuit against Harvard over campus antisemitism. In this episode, we go beyond the viral clip. We dig into the Jewish establishment—Hillel, Chabad, ADL, AJC, Federations—what's working, what's broken, and where donors should (and shouldn't) put their money. We also talk about why some Jewish students are drifting right politically, how to build strong Jewish identity without “anti-antisemitism” PowerPoints, and what real campus support looks like.If you care about Jewish life on campus, Israel/Zionism education, and institutional accountability, this one's for you.Timestamps0:00 Intro0:05 The RNC speech everyone saw1:14 “Tonight we fight back” — policy lines that lit up the room2:10 Why Shabbos agreed to come on: a frank look at Jewish orgs3:48 Pluralism vs. clarity: Hillel & Chabad on campus10:51 The “combating antisemitism industrial complex” critique14:25 Building strong Jews vs. anti-antisemitism trainings16:31 Are legacy orgs pivoting—or just protecting access?20:57 “Access culture,” White House invites, and speaking freely23:27 What donors should do now (and what to stop funding)31:00 Where Hillel fits when lines need drawing34:04 Leadership failures and the Claudine Gay moment37:26 Boundaries, inclusion, and campus red lines39:06 The decision to speak at the RNC41:53 Closing inviteWe coverWhy many students (even left-leaning) feel safer with a tougher federal approachThe case for funding local campus work directlyMetrics that actually show impact (beyond emails and galas)Clear red lines on campus without shutting doors to studentsIf you enjoy this convo

Sunday, September 21, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Who was Jesus the ordinary man, as represented across the three Abrahamic faith traditions?"

“People don't actually follow outrage; what they follow is what is unique and different.” Host Julie Rose talks with Manu Meel, co-founder and CEO of BridgeUSA, about how a new generation of college students is challenging the outrage economy, especially in the wake of the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. Meel explains that while conflict and violence often dominate headlines, the real counterculture movement is people hungry for respectful dialogue and pluralism. He argues that listening itself has become a radical act, one that could reshape democracy by empowering the “silent majority” to push back against polarization. Manu's organization, BridgeUSA – https://bridgeusa.org/ Manu's podcast, The Hopeful Majority – https://www.thehopefulmajority.com/ Don't forget to subscribe for more conversations that challenge, stretch, and inspire. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Introducing Manu Meel and BridgeUSA 01:10 Discussing the Assassination of Charlie Kirk 02:28 The Mission of BridgeUSA 03:23 Challenges and Critiques of Bridging Efforts 06:30 Outrage vs. Dialogue in the Attention Economy 07:40 The Viral Impact of Constructive Dialogue 11:16 Building a Culture of Pluralism on Campus 15:49 Empowering the Silent Majority 18:44 Conclusion and Call to Action

Sunday, September 14, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Does God make mistakes or have regrets?"

Unity is acting together even when we don't think alike. And one of the primary aims of the American Constitution is to support a democracy of those unified in diversity. Yuval Levin joins Mark Labberton to explore the precarious state of American constitutional life and the imbalance of power between the branches of the U.S. government. Drawing from his book America's Covenant, Levin argues that the Founders designed the Constitution above all to preserve unity in a divided society. Yet today, he warns, the imbalance of power—particularly the weakness of Congress and the rise of presidential authority—threatens democratic legitimacy. In this conversation, Levin reflects on originalism, the courts, Donald Trump's expanding influence, and the dangers of both passivity and autocracy. With clarity and urgency, he calls for renewed civic engagement and for Congress to reclaim its central role. Episode Highlights “Unity doesn't mean thinking alike. Unity means acting together. And the question for a modern political society is how do we act together when we don't think alike?” “The biggest problem we have is that Congress is under-active, radically under-active and has turned itself into a spectator.” “The president is in charge of the executive branch, but the executive branch is not in charge of the American government.” “I am very concerned about this kind of Caesar-ism. I think it is very dangerous.” “What we're seeing is constitutional creep, where the president is pushing and nobody's pushing back, and only Congress can do it.” “I worry a lot about Donald Trump. But the reason I worry is because Congress isn't doing its job.” “The politics of an autocratic state is a politics of spectators, and we just cannot become spectators.” “All of us will find ourselves in the minority sooner or later.” Helpful Links and Resources America's Covenant: The Constitution and the Path to National Unity, by Yuval Levin American Enterprise Institute (Find Yuval Levin's current research and publications) *New York Times Opinion* – Yuval Levin's columns at the New York Times About Yuval Levin Yuval Levin is director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he also holds the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy. He is the founder and editor of National Affairs, senior editor of The New Atlantis, a contributing editor at National Review, and a contributing opinion writer at The New York Times. He is the author of several books on political theory and public policy, most recently American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation—and Could Again (Basic Books, 2024), which examines the U.S. Constitution through the lens of national unity in a divided society. Show Notes Constitutional unity and division Yuval Levin summarizes America's Covenant as a reintroduction to the Constitution framed around the challenge of unity in diversity. “Unity doesn't mean thinking alike. Unity means acting together.” The Constitution prioritizes bargaining, negotiation, and legitimacy over efficiency. Congress was designed as the “first branch” of government to embody pluralism and force compromise. The decline of Congress and rise of the presidency Levin argues Congress is radically under-active, ceding ground to presidents and courts. “The biggest problem we have is that Congress is under-active, radically under-active and has turned itself into a spectator.” Excessive focus on the presidency erodes democratic legitimacy. Current frustrations stem from misunderstanding the system's design: it resists narrow majorities and forces broad coalitions. Courts, originalism, and the unitary executive Levin affirms he is an originalist: “a philosophy of judicial interpretation … a mode of self-restraint for judges.” Supreme Court decisions in recent years repeatedly signal: “Congress, do your job.” He outlines the unitary executive theory: the president controls the executive branch, but not the government as a whole. “The president is in charge of the executive branch, but the executive branch is not in charge of the American government.” Trump's expanding power Levin warns of the growing push to centralize authority in the presidency. “I am very concerned about this kind of Caesar-ism. I think it is very dangerous.” Trump's second term differs because restraints have vanished; his circle now encourages unrestrained executive action. Disruption of long-held norms has weakened trust in American institutions globally and domestically. Constitutional crisis vs. constitutional creep Levin distinguishes between “creep,” “conflict,” and “crisis.” He argues the U.S. is experiencing constitutional creep: unchecked executive power without Congress pushing back. True crisis would involve direct defiance of the courts—something still possible but not yet realized. The role of citizens and civic responsibility Levin stresses the danger of passivity: “The politics of an autocratic state is a politics of spectators, and we just cannot become spectators.” Citizens should keep writing to Congress, vote with clear expectations, and engage in local governance. State legislatures, though less visible, often function better than Congress today. Clear thinking itself, Levin suggests, is a moral act for a healthy republic. Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.  

Sunday, September 7, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Why is Christian nationalism so dangerous to our faith and the church?"

Sunday, August 17, 2025 | Back-to-School Sunday at Rising Hope | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "What's so powerful about the name of Jesus?"

Sunday, August 24, 2025 | Summer's End Worship at Pohick Bay Park | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Does God have a plan?"

With a new political season underway, Amy Robichaud (CEO at Mothers Matter Canada) and rabble publisher Sarah Sahagian look at how Carney's government might impact mothers and families this fall. From shifts in funding for women and gender equality to the vital role of both formal and informal supports, they break down what to watch for and advocate for in the months ahead.  About our guest  Amy Robichaud is the CEO at Mothers Matter Canada, Amy served as executive director of Dress for Success Vancouver, director of engagement at the Minerva Foundation for BC Women, and as a development and governance consultant to organizations such as the RBC Foundation, the Global Centre for Pluralism, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Mothers Matter Canada — previously known as the Mothers Matter Centre and the Home Instruction Program for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) Canada — is a not-for-profit, registered charity incorporated in October 2001. We are a virtual, national consortium of organizations dedicated to serving socially isolated and low economic status mothers and their families. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca. 

The term “culture wars” is most often associated with issues of sexuality, race, religion, and gender. But, as recent months have made plain, when Donald Trump refers to the culture wars, he also means the arts. He fired the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which Republicans want to rename for him. His Administration fired the national archivist and the Librarian of Congress, and pressured the director of the National Portrait Gallery to resign; it is reviewing the entire Smithsonian Institution, looking for what the President calls “improper ideology.” Some view these moves as low-hanging fruit for Trump, and a distraction from bad press about Jeffrey Epstein, the Putin meeting, and tariffs. But Adam Gopnik believes that interpretation is a misreading. The loyalty purge at institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery is a key part of his agenda. “Pluralism is the key principle of a democratic culture,” Gopnik tells David Remnick. Could we be following the path of Stalinist Russia, where a head of state dictated reviews of concerts, Remnick asks? “I pray and believe that we are not. But that is certainly the direction in which one inevitably heads when the political boss takes over key cultural institutions, and dictates who's acceptable and who is not.” Gopnik recalls saying after the election that “Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert would be next.” “You would see them disappear,” he added. “Each time, we find a rationale for it or a rationale is offered. And it's much easier for us to swallow the rationale than to face the reality.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The term “culture wars” is most often associated with issues of sexuality, race, religion, and gender. But, as recent months have made plain, when Donald Trump refers to the culture wars, he also means the arts. He fired the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which Republicans want to rename for him. His Administration fired the national archivist and the Librarian of Congress, and pressured the director of the National Portrait Gallery to resign; it is reviewing the entire Smithsonian Institution, looking for what the President calls “improper ideology.” Some view these moves as low-hanging fruit for Trump, and a distraction from bad press about Jeffrey Epstein, the Putin meeting, and tariffs. But Adam Gopnik believes that interpretation is a misreading. The loyalty purge at institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery is a key part of his agenda. “Pluralism is the key principle of a democratic culture,” Gopnik tells David Remnick. Could we be following the path of Stalinist Russia, where a head of state dictated reviews of concerts, Remnick asks? “I pray and believe that we are not. But that is certainly the direction in which one inevitably heads when the political boss takes over key cultural institutions, and dictates who's acceptable and who is not.” Gopnik recalls saying after the election that “Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert would be next.” “You would see them disappear,” he added. “Each time, we find a rationale for it or a rationale is offered. And it's much easier for us to swallow the rationale than to face the reality.”

Pluralism, Conflict, and Jewish Community: A Conversation with Rabbi Ben BergerRabbi Ben Berger, Senior Vice President for Education, Community, and Culture at Hillel International, joins the podcast for a deep dive into Jewish texts, pluralism, disagreement, and the challenges of building community in times of conflict. From the fiery debates of Hillel and Shammai to the complexities of pluralism on today's campuses, we explore what it means to hold conviction and humility at the same time.This episode touches on Talmudic stories, the nature of disagreement, the risks of polarization, and the boundaries of pluralism in relation to Jewish life, weddings, education, Zionism, and community leadership.

We delve into the need to fill the literary and intellectual gap in Moroccan scholarship, the impacts of notable contemporary Moroccan philosophers and thinkers, and how their ideas engage with local, regional, and global issues like modernity, democracy, and human rights. Dr Mohammed Hashas is an assistant professor at the University of Rome and discusses his new book on contemporary Moroccan thought, which focuses on philosophy, theology, society, and culture. He shares his academic journey and personal experiences that led to the creation of this comprehensive work. 0:00 Introduction 2:26 A Book That Fills a Scholarly Need3:11 The Book as a Critical Intellectual Gratitude4:12 Mohammed First University in Oujda6:08 From Cultural Studies to Political Theory7:09 A Focus on the Middle East and North Africa9:15 Defining Moroccan Thought12:21 Geography & Time of Contemporary Moroccan Thought16:06 The Beginning of the Movement19:02 Thinking From the Edge24:30 Examples of Thinkers and Their Concerns28:04 Influential Thinkers: Al-Jabri and the Critique of Arab Reason30:11 Influential Thinkers: Abdallah Laroui, the Liberal Marxist Historian32:19 Is There an Arab World?33:32 Influential Thinkers: Taha Abdurrahman and Islamic Moral Philosophy37:14 Influential Thinkers: Fatima Mernissi and Islamic Feminism38:17 Influential Thinkers: Abdelkebir Khatibi and Pluralization39:31 Influential Thinkers: Mohammed Aziz Lahbabi and Personalism42:15 Influential Thinkers: Abdessalam Yassine and Non-Violent Change45:17 Influential Thinkers: AbdelFattah Kilito and Bilingualism47:11 Dream Dinner With Moroccan Thinkers48:35 Recommended Reading and Scholars52:20 Contributions of the Rabat School Mohammed Hashas [“ḥaṣḥāṣ” حصحاص] is a scholar of Islam, contemporary Islamic and Moroccan thought, and Islam in Europe. He holds a PhD from Luiss University of Rome, where he teaches, and is the author of "The Idea of European Islam" (Routledge, 2019) and "Intercultural Geopoetics" (Cambridge Scholars, 2017). He has edited or co-edited four volumes, including "Pluralism in Islamic Contexts" (Springer, 2021) and "Islamic Ethics and the Trusteeship Paradigm" (Brill, 2020). Currently a Research Fellow affiliated with Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient (ZMO) in Berlin, he has previously held fellowships in Oxford, Copenhagen, Berlin, Tilburg, Palermo, and Virginia. His work focuses on contemporary Arab-Islamic philosophy and theology, European Islam, and Moroccan thought, and he has edited the first comprehensive volume on Contemporary Moroccan Thought. Connect with Mohammed Hashah

America calls it pluralism, but too often it feels like something else entirely. What looks and feels like racism or cultural hostility is frequently the machinery of assimilation doing its work: the endless sanding down of edges until difference is smoothed into something palatable for the hegemon. America doesn't usually admit this outright, but it has always been the deal. The promise of pluralism was never truly “come here and be yourself.” It was “come here and add your spice to the stew — but don't change the recipe.”The metaphor is familiar: hamburgers and apple pie. That is the base, the civic religion, the cultural grammar that does not yield. On top of that, you can sprinkle flavor: salsa, turmeric, kimchi, soul food, whatever reminds you of where you came from. But try to cook an entirely different dish, live by an entirely different set of civic rules, and the sanding begins. This sanding is what many communities experience as racism — hostility, punishment, exclusion — though from the hegemon's point of view, it is simply enforcement of the rules of assimilation. The sanding will continue until you comply.I saw this more clearly when I lived in Germany under Merkel. There, the state required immigrants to attend German-language and civics classes. The demand was blunt: you can stay, but you must learn to be German in the public square. Even then, Germans would never call you “German” unless you were born to it. That is the frank honesty of an ethnostate masquerading as pluralist. America, by contrast, plays coy. Instead of explicit requirements, it wraps its assimilationist expectations in sitcoms, pop culture, advertising. Norman Lear's TV shows in the '70s told mainstream America that minorities and immigrants could be quirky, lovable, even rough around the edges — but only insofar as they were harmless and destined for eventual assimilation. The sweathogs weren't building a parallel society; they were on their way to becoming “regular” Americans.The difference today is that we've drifted into what might be called “settlement pluralism.” Entire enclaves function with little English, fully translated services, schools that allow students to test in their parents' language, and communities that operate as if the hegemon doesn't exist. This can feel tolerant, but it comes at a cost: the erosion of a shared civic baseline. The longer the hamburger-and-apple-pie core is ignored, the more likely the hegemon is to reassert itself — and when it does, it won't be with laugh tracks but with police, courts, and policy. The Dremel always comes back.African Americans, of course, have lived with this longer than anyone. Their presence predated pluralism itself, and their difference — skin color — could not be sanded away. The friction never ended. Instead, Black culture was alternately punished, tolerated as “flavor,” or commodified into the mainstream. Black churches, Black History Month, and Black Pride are acceptable flavors. But the moment Blackness asserts itself as a sovereign civic code, the sanding resumes.Pluralism in America has never been true multiculturalism. It has always been assimilation plus flavor. You can keep your parades, your cuisines, your accents, so long as you play by the hegemon's civic rules when it counts. To call the resistance to this “racism” is both right and incomplete. It is prejudice, yes — but it is also the sound of the machine grinding away, doing exactly what it was built to do.America's pluralism is real enough to allow difference, but only as garnish. The main dish never changes. And the sooner we name that honestly, the better we can understand the grinding sound that so often gets mistaken for something else.

Sunday, August 10, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "How should we view A.I. development from a Christian perspective?"

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Courageous Connections: Embracing Pluralism Amidst American PopulismIn this Derate The Hate bonus episode, host Wilk Wilkinson sits down with fellow Braver Angels Ibrahim Anli and Will Harwood for a powerful discussion on cultural and religious pluralism in the face of American populism. They explore what it means to be American in today's polarized climate and the importance of courageous connections in embracing diversity. Ibrahim, an immigrant to the U.S., and Will, a native-born American, share their personal insights on how America's evolving identity can remain rooted in foundational civic values while allowing room for pluralism.Key Topics:The concept of American identity and civic creedEmbracing cultural pluralism and religious freedomThe challenges and opportunities of immigration in a populist eraHow to build courageous connections across dividesThe role of shared purpose in national unityThe importance of civic education and staying grounded in the nation's foundational valuesFeatured Guests:Ibrahim Anli – A passionate advocate for religious pluralism and an immigrant who chose America as his homeWill Harwood – A native-born American who focuses on civic culture and national identityTakeaways:Pluralism is vital to America's identity, not as a melting pot but as a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures.Courageous connections help bridge divides, whether through religious freedom, cultural exchange, or civic engagement.We must continually reconnect with America's founding ideals to move forward as a unified nation.Listen Now to hear a thought-provoking conversation on how we can embrace diversity, overcome polarization, and strengthen the fabric of American society in the face of modern challenges.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you've got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America's largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.

On this episode, Nathan Goodman interviews political theorist Jacob Levy about the rule of law and its tensions with modern immigration enforcement. Drawing on his 2018 article, “The rule of law and the risks of lawlessness,” Levy explains that the rule of law requires laws to be general, predictable, and applied equally. Referencing thinkers like Montesquieu, Fuller, Hayek, Oakeshott, and Shklar, Levy argues that immigration control often violates these principles, especially when it involves militarized policing, extrajudicial punishment, and fear-based governance, which ultimately threatens both civil liberties and democratic institutions.Dr. Jacob T. Levy is Tomlinson Professor of Political Theory and associated faculty in the Department of Philosophy at McGill University. He is the coordinator of McGill's Research Group on Constitutional Studies and was the founding director of McGill's Yan P. Lin Centre for the Study of Freedom and Global Orders in the Ancient and Modern Worlds. He is a Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center. He is the author of The Multiculturalism of Fear (Oxford University Press, 2000) and Rationalism, Pluralism, and Freedom (Oxford University Press, 2014).If you like the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tell others about the show! We're available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.Virtual Sentiments, a podcast series from the Hayek Program, is streaming. Subscribe today and listen to season three, releasing now!Follow the Hayek Program on Twitter: @HayekProgramLearn more about Academic & Student ProgramsFollow the Mercatus Center on Twitter: @mercatusCC Music: Twisterium

Sunday, August 3, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "How much of the Bible am I supposed to believe?"

We sometimes talk about technology on ReImagining Liberty, in the context of how it interacts with a liberal society, or how technology can help us defend and advance liberal. The big technology everyone's talking about right now is, of course, artificial intelligence. It's a topic I've written about, but not one I'd yet done an episode about specifically regarding what it means for liberalism.Then I read an essay by Ted Underwood, a professor in the School of Information Sciences, and in the English Department, at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. It's titled "A more interesting upside of AI" and you can find a link to it in the show notes. He argues that the framing of AI technology as aiming at "super-intelligence" is misguided, both undesirable and misunderstanding important aspects of society and culture. Instead, he's an advocate of viewing AI as a cultural technology. What grabbed my attention was his further claim that, as a cultural technology, it can help us map and appreciate cultural differences, and cultural similarities, in ways that line up with, and support, liberal principles like pluralism, tolerance, and understanding.It's a big claim, and a fascinating one, and it lead to really fun and illuminating discussion.Get early access to ReImagining Liberty, listen ad-free, and get access to our listener Discord community, by joining my Patreon. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/c/AaronRossPowellProduced by Landry Ayres. Podcast art by Sergio R. M. Duarte. Music by Kevin MacLeod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday, July 27, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Is there one universal ethical standard by which we all should live, or is morality subjective?"

Sunday, July 20, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "What if Christianity just doesn't feel like it fully fits me?"

The Calling to Reorient the Self How can the sacred be recovered in a world fractured by autonomy and fragmentation? In this deeply personal episode of Kainos on The Lectern, recorded during a session hosted by Alexander Beiner on Kainos, John Vervaeke shares reflections from his recent pilgrimage across Europe—what he calls the Philosophical Silk Road. Weaving through sacred conversations and historic locations, he explores profound ideas like theosis, theoria, and voluntary necessity, inviting listeners into a lived philosophy of sacred participation. From Istanbul to Rome to Amsterdam, each location becomes a catalyst for insight and inner transformation. Vervaeke challenges the Enlightenment's idolization of autonomy and points toward a new possibility: a spirituality of finite transcendence, rooted in embodied knowing and dialogical belonging. This episode offers a raw and unfiltered account of mystical experience, intellectual shift, and spiritual disorientation—all in service of rediscovering what it means to be in contact with reality, in its fullest, most sacred form. Find more of Alexander Beiner's work at https://beiner.substack.com/ and https://www.studiokainos.com/. If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John's work, please consider joining our Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke  The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. https://vervaekefoundation.org/  If you would like to learn and engage regularly in practices that are informed, developed and endorsed by John and his work, visit Awaken to Meaning's calendar to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. https://awakentomeaning.com/join-practice/    John Vervaeke:  https://johnvervaeke.com/ https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john  https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke   Notes: (00:00) The Philosophical Silk Road: Opening Reflections (03:00)  "You can go through not an argument, but a passage…and it causes you to fundamentally change how you're seeing and being in the world." – John Vervaeke (03:00) (3:30)  Reclaiming Theoria: Pilgrimage, Contemplation, and the Sacred (06:00) Encountering Maximus the Confessor in Istanbul (07:00) Sufism and Neoplatonism in Spain with Thomas Cheetham (08:00) Athens, Plato, and Embodied Practice (09:30) Rome, Bishop Maximus, and Descending into Mystery (11:00) Amsterdam, Spinoza, and the Liminal Threshold (12:00) Theosis as Transformation through Participation (16:30) From Autonomy to Theo-Agency: Voluntary Necessity (21:00) Dialogical Contact vs. Individual Expression (28:00) Toward a Shared Sense of Sacredness: Pluralism and Depth (32:00) Holding Finitude and Transcendence Together (36:30) Final Thoughts: Who Am I Now?   Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in This Episode Maximus the Confessor Ibn Arabi Clement of Alexandria Gregory of Nyssa Jonathan Pageau Thomas Cheetham Charles Stang Bishop Maximus Jason Vervaeke Spinoza Plotinus Pierre Hadot William Desmond Samantha Harvey, Orbital Capobianco Julian Jaynes Drew A. Hyland Neoplatonism Theoria, Theophany, Kenosis, Henosis “Absolute Zero” Practice The Dialogical Self Agency and Communion Finite Transcendence     Attribution This conversation was recorded during a session hosted by Alexander Beiner for Kainos. Learn more at https://beiner.substack.com/ and https://www.studiokainos.com/.  

Brett Stevens (Sodomizer), a monarchist from https://www.amerika.org/ and Keith Preston, an anarcho-pluralist from https://attackthesystem.com/ join the Necropolis AD Show (NADS) for a powwow on democracy, globalism, and more!

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠ What happens when you blend Arabic calligraphy with Hindu iconography? This week on Immigrantly, host Saadia Khan sits down with artist, chaplain, and designer Sangeetha Kowsik, the visionary behind Ihsan Ishan Design. From working with Jennifer Lopez and leading design at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to becoming a Hindu chaplain at NYU, Sangeetha's journey is a testament to spiritual pluralism and creative defiance. She discusses growing up in a multifaith, multicultural environment, challenging Islamophobia in museum spaces, and creating art that bridges faiths, not just for Hindus and Muslims, but for anyone who believes that beauty and compassion are universal languages. Whether you are religious, spiritual, or simply curious, this episode will leave you thinking differently about sacred spaces, inclusive art, and the power of design. Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can find more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  You can connect with Saadia on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@swkkhan Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠saadia@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠info@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to our Apple podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How a failed biblical uprising reveals the power of productive disagreement. Mark Friedman, author of "Come Now, Let Us Reason Together," joins Madlik to explore Judaism's embrace of disagreement. We dive into the Korach story, contrasting it with the debates of Hillel and Shammai to illustrate how Judaism values constructive conflict. Friedman connects ancient Jewish wisdom to modern philosophical concepts, drawing parallels between Talmudic discourse and Karl Popper's theories on truth-seeking. The episode challenges the notion of absolute truth in religious interpretation, advocating for pluralism within tradition. Key Takeaways Judaism celebrates constructive disagreement as a path to progress The Korach story teaches the importance of sincere, well-intentioned debate Modern philosophical concepts can illuminate traditional Jewish approaches to truth and interpretation= Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction of the theme: Judaism thrives on disagreement, not dogma. [01:44] – Mark Friedman shares his background and journey from secular Judaism to deep Torah engagement. [05:00] – Introduction to Pirkei Avot and the concept of a “dispute for the sake of Heaven.” [07:36] – Why Korach's argument failed: selfish motives vs. truth-seeking intent. [09:34] – Korach's logic vs. divine command: the flaw in rationalizing sacred law. [12:23] – Misapplied questions and the importance of framing debate with sincerity. [16:00] – Comparing the Tower of Babel to Korach: when unity becomes tyranny. [20:00] – Applying Karl Popper's philosophy of falsifiability to Talmudic pluralism. [27:00] – Why Hillel's flexibility makes his rulings endure more than Shammai's rigidity. [31:00] – Wrapping up with pluralism, tradition, and valuing minority opinions in Jewish thought. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Come Now, Let Us Reason Together: Uncovering the Torah's Liberal Values Paperback – December 30, 2024 by Mark D. Friedman Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/658585 Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2025/06/26/pluralism-in-judaism/

Welcome back to Just For This. Each week, host Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch interviews women in leadership about women and leadership. Inspired by the story of Esther, we feature powerful stories of women who stand out in their fields, who have stepped up just for this moment.   This week, we are joined by both Yochi Rappeport and Hallel Silverman. Yochi Rappeport is Executive Director of Women of the Wall, where she advocates for the right of Jewish women of all denominations to pray, wear prayer shawls, and read from the Torah at the Western Wall (Kotel). Women of the Wall is also a long-time grantee through the YES (Youth, Education, Special Projects) Fund, WRJ's philanthropic arm. Hallel Silverman is a leading content creator for Liberal Zionism across social media as @justhallel and a prominent figure in Israel's protest movement for democracy. In this moment when Israel is under continued threat, we stand with the people of Israel and must remember that the Jewish people are one people.   We discuss the journeys that led Yochi and Hallel to Women of the Wall, the parallels between the fight for women's inclusion in religious spaces in Israel and the United States, and the importance that personal connections play in organizing.   Follow Just For This on Instagram: @justforthispodcast  

As we celebrate Father’s Day, let’s consider what it means to ‘live in this house’. One of our Unitarian Universalist values is Pluralism which encourages us to embrace both our differences and our commonalities with love, curiosity, and respect. Yet, we cannot be free when we experience difference as oppressive. Can diversity actually be liberating? The post Free to Flourish Amid Difference appeared first on First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis.

Hersch Lauterpacht Memorial Lectures 2025: Diversity and Self-Determination in International Law: Continuing Conversations with Karen KnopWe will come together to celebrate the life and scholarship of our colleague and friend, Professor Karen Knop (1960-2022). Karen, until her untimely passing, was the Cecil A Wright Chair at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Law. A long-time friend of the Lauterpacht Centre, Karen was to have delivered the Centre's 2025 Hersch Lauterpacht Memorial Lectures.Session I - History and TheoryProfessor Martti Koskenniemi in conversation with Dr Megan DonaldsonChair: Professor Surabhi RanganathanProfessor Koskenniemi' s talk, 'Narrating International Society: Management of Pluralism according to Marcel Gauchet & Karen Knop', will first address the emergence of the theme of a “law of an international society” in the 19th century, its use in the 20th century to support a managerial view of international institutions. It will then focus on the challenges that cultural and ideological pluralism poses to received ideas about the role of law in the government of domestic and international society. Dr Donaldson's talk, ‘Gaze, Agency and International Society', reads Karen Knop's early work on self-determination as a repertoire of techniques for thinking collectivities and affiliations against and across states. The multiple and mobile perspectives she brought to bear, and the agency she glimpsed in disparate individuals and communities, pervaded much of her later work too, and remains open to, even generative of, renewed understandings of international society.Martti Koskenniemi is Professor Emeritus of International law at the University of Helsinki. Megan Donaldson is Associate Professor of International Law at University College London.

Hersch Lauterpacht Memorial Lectures 2025: Diversity and Self-Determination in International Law: Continuing Conversations with Karen KnopWe will come together to celebrate the life and scholarship of our colleague and friend, Professor Karen Knop (1960-2022). Karen, until her untimely passing, was the Cecil A Wright Chair at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Law. A long-time friend of the Lauterpacht Centre, Karen was to have delivered the Centre's 2025 Hersch Lauterpacht Memorial Lectures.Session I - History and TheoryProfessor Martti Koskenniemi in conversation with Dr Megan DonaldsonChair: Professor Surabhi RanganathanProfessor Koskenniemi' s talk, 'Narrating International Society: Management of Pluralism according to Marcel Gauchet & Karen Knop', will first address the emergence of the theme of a “law of an international society” in the 19th century, its use in the 20th century to support a managerial view of international institutions. It will then focus on the challenges that cultural and ideological pluralism poses to received ideas about the role of law in the government of domestic and international society. Dr Donaldson's talk, ‘Gaze, Agency and International Society', reads Karen Knop's early work on self-determination as a repertoire of techniques for thinking collectivities and affiliations against and across states. The multiple and mobile perspectives she brought to bear, and the agency she glimpsed in disparate individuals and communities, pervaded much of her later work too, and remains open to, even generative of, renewed understandings of international society.Martti Koskenniemi is Professor Emeritus of International law at the University of Helsinki. Megan Donaldson is Associate Professor of International Law at University College London.

Main Point. The God we forget is also the God who faithfully delivers us. Driving Question. What happens when God is forgotten? (3 lessons from this text): Drifting from Truth – (vv. 6–10). Devotion to Counterfeits – (vv. 11–15). Delivered by God – (vv. 16–19). 1. Drifting from Truth (6–10) "All it takes is one generation to forget the gospel, and we are always one generation away from losing it". D.A. Carson Apply: Love God and prioritize Christ and the Gospel. Be diligent to teach your children the goodness and glory of God. 2. Devotion to Counterfeits (11–15) What do you trust in and treasure more than God? 3. Delivered by God (16–19) Interpretive key for the book of Judges: Idolatry Judgment and bondage to a foreign enemy Cries out to the Lord Salvation: through a Judge (12 judges in the book) Judge dies, people return to idolatry God's evaluation (20–3:6) Application. Sometimes God doesn't remove trials immediately, because they reveal what we really love. Takeaways. Pluralism is a great evil in God's sight. God disciplines his people who compromise. Build your family on the word of God and the One who saves.

Pluralism in the Christian college communities can bring great defeat to the work that is taking place to bring people to Jesus. We must hold our Christian college leaders accountable to ensure they are bringing people to Jesus.

You can't be moral on your own. That's a radical idea in this time of moral outrage, but thriving in public life requires a sense of mutual accountability, belonging, and hospitality for each other.Mona Siddiqui is a professor of religion and society, an author, commentator, and public intellectual, and she suggests that the virtues of loyalty, gratitude, hospitality, and hope can lead us through the common struggle of being human together, living forward into a thriving life of public faith and renewed moral imagination.As Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies, Assistant Principal for Religion and Society, and Dean international for the Middle-East at the University of Edinburgh, she is an international beacon of hope that we might find restoration, hospitality, and flourishing in our world of struggle. Working through questions of loyalty, responsibility, belonging, gratitude, robust faith, and what we owe each other, we can find abundant resources for thriving and spiritual health.In this conversation with Mona Siddiqui, we discuss:What is a moral life?The connection between faith, spirituality, and living a moral life of responsibility and integrityThe difference between cultivating virtuous character and doing justiceHow to thrive in a pluralistic society marked by constant struggle and conflictThe promise of gratitude and hospitality in a life of thrivingAnd how to pursue a hopeful, forward-looking approach to restoration in the wake of harm, loss, pain, and suffering.Episode Highlights"Our moral life only becomes alive when we are in a relationship—you can't be moral on your own.""Life is all about searching. Life is all about introspection. Life is all about reflection.""The good life is hard; it's not about ease, but about living with accountability and responsibility.""Hospitality isn't just welcoming—it's negotiating belonging, loyalty, and a sense of shared life.""Gratitude can liberate, but it can also create hierarchies and transactional indebtedness.""Hope is not naive optimism—without hope, how do you live, build relationships, or carry forward at all?"Helpful Links and ResourcesFollow Mona on X (Twitter) at @monasiddiqui7*Christians, Muslims, and Jesus,* by Mona SiddiquiHuman Struggle, Christian and Muslim Perspectives, by Mona SiddiquiA Theology of Gratitude: Christian and Muslim Perspectives, by Mona SiddiquiMy Way: A Muslim Woman's Journey by Mona SiddiquiThe Moral Maze, BBC Radio 4Show NotesMona Siddiqui's personal background in Islamic jurisprudence and public theology“I got into Islamic jurisprudence because of personal connection and intellectual curiosity.”Navigating public discourse post-9/11 as a non-white, non-Christian scholarImportance of pluralism and living within diverse identities"I need to create a space that appeals to a wider audience—not just about what I think."Growing up with intellectual freedom in a traditional Islamic householdHow faith upbringing seeds lifelong moral introspection"You are always answering to yourself—you know when you have not lived rightly."Developing comparative theology through seminars with Christian scholarsOverlapping themes between Islamic and Christian thought on the good lifeThe significance of accountability over blanket forgiveness"Belonging is crucial to being a good citizen—you can't flourish alone."Exploration of loyalty: loyalty to people vs loyalty to principlesCivic loyalty and critical engagement with the state“Because I feel loyal to my country, I should also be its critic.”The role of prayer in cultivating internal moral awarenessReflection on virtues: gratitude, loyalty, hopeThe dark sides of gratitude and loyalty in institutionsParenting with a focus on integrity, accountability, and faithfulness“Live so that whatever you say in public, you can say at home—and vice versa.”Emphasis on public engagement: speaking clearly, making complex ideas accessible"Radio became a gift—people want complex ideas made simple and meaningful."Remaining hopeful despite the culture of outrage and cynicismYoung people's resilience and persistent hopefulnessHospitality as a fundamental ethic for creating trust and belongingStruggle as a normative, transformative experience that shapes flourishing"Thriving is not just freedom—it's centering, writing, speaking, and deep human connection."The importance of relationships in thriving and flourishing“Most of us realize—relationships are the hardest, but the most rewarding.”Redefining gratitude: avoiding transactional gratitude, cultivating authentic gratefulnessStruggle cultivates introspection, resilience, creativity, and a deeper moral lifePam King's Key TakeawaysI can't be moral on my own. But my decisions are my own. In the end, living with integrity means living with virtue.Personal and public flourishing are deeply connected to our lives of faith and spirituality; and all of us need to bring the depths of our personal spiritual commitments into public life.We can offer hope and freedom from fear to each other when we expand our hospitality to all persons.The practice of gratitude in the face of our vulnerability is easier said than done—but is a strengthening response to uncertainty and suffering.And finally, human struggle is something we hold in common, and it can be redeemed for creativity, beauty, healing restoration, and a reminder of our dignity as human creatures.About Mona SiddiquiMona Siddiqui is Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies, Assistant Principal for Religion and Society, and Dean international for the Middle-East at the University of Edinburgh.Her research areas are primarily in the field of Islamic jurisprudence and ethics and Christian-Muslim relations. She's the author of many books, including Human Struggle: Christian and Muslim Perspectives,Hospitality in Islam: Welcoming in God's Name, and My Way: A Muslim Woman's Journey. A scholar of theology, philosophy, and ethics, she's conducted international research on Islam and Christianity, gratitude, loyalty and fidelity, hope, reconciliation and inter-faith theological dialogue, and human struggle.Mona is well known internationally as a public intellectual and a speaker on issues around religion, ethics and public life and regularly appears as a media commentator on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Scotland's Thought for the Day and The Moral Maze.A recipient of numerous awards and recognition, she is a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, she gave the prestigious Gifford Lectures in Natural Theology. She was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences as an International Honorary Member. And Dr. Siddiqui was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire, which is just steps below the highest Knighting—specifically for her public interfaith efforts.To learn more, I'd highly recommend her books, but you can also follow her on X @monasiddiqui7. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking. About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

This week, Weekly Witness highlights the voices of Texas faith leaders who spoke during the Texas Impact Leadership Council's press conference on the south steps of the Texas Capitol on May 8th as we call out religious extremism.   Joining us today are: Rev. Phil Dieke, Horizon Texas United Methodist Conference, Dallas Rev. Matt Gaventa, University Presbyterian Church, Austin Elyse Rosenberg & Bettie Forman, National Council of Jewish Women, Austin Darlene Alfred, United Women in Faith, Salado Joanna Redfield Vaughn, South Central Yearly Quaker Meeting, Austin Rev. Laura Walters, Grace Presbytery, Dallas Rev. Dr. Dan De Leon, South Central Conference United Church of Christ, College Station Find the full press conference online at: https://youtu.be/Fx5rLt7A8VA

In this episode, Darrell Bock, Vincent Bacote, Danny Carroll Rodas, and Kristen Deede Johnson discuss how Christians can navigate pluralism—the coexistence of diverse religious and cultural beliefs—with conviction, humility, and generosity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Darrell Bock, Vincent Bacote, Danny Carroll Rodas, and Kristen Deede Johnson discuss how…

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Ben Klutsey, executive director of the Mercatus Center whose work to bridge political differences is showcased in the documentary Undivide Us, shares a formative story of encountering racism as a child visiting Germany—a moment of unprovoked hostility that deeply shaped his outlook. Years later, after leaving Ghana and arriving in Appleton, Wisconsin for college, he was met with unexpected warmth, an experience he describes as a healing contrast that sparked his lifelong commitment to what he calls pluralist points. For Klutsey, pluralism means more than diversity—it's about engaging across difference with tolerance, humility, and patience. When We Disagree returns for season 3 in August 2025. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

In this episode, we are joined by Safi Kaskas and Neil Ghosh to talk about the power of empathy in an age of political, social, and religious division.If you want to call in to the Bonus Show, leave a voicemail at (530) 332-8020. We would love to get to your calls!LINKSQuoirCast on PatreonQuoirCast on PatheosPANELNeil GhoshSafi Kaskas

Welcome back to Just For This. Each week, host Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch (she/her) interviews women in leadership about women and leadership. Inspired by the story of Esther, we feature powerful stories of women who stand out in their fields, who have stepped up just for this moment.  Our guest this week is Orly Erez Likhovski, Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center(IRAC), the public and legal advocacy arm of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism. IRAC is also a long-standing grantee of Women of Reform Judaism's YES Fund. We discuss the importance of a liberal Jewish voice in Israel and the efforts toward a shared society between Arabs and Israelis, even as the war continues. We also discuss the importance of voting in the U.S. election to the World Zionist Congress; voting closes May 4, 2025. Visit www.zionistelection.org to vote or www.vote4reform.org to learn more about the importance of standing up for our Reform values in Israel. Follow Just For This on instagram: @justforthispodcast  

Rep. Sarah McBride has found herself the target of GOP attacks since taking office in January. They've barred her from restrooms and misgendered her in Congressional hearings, but the freshman congresswoman has risen above it all. Now she's got a message for her fellow Democrats: politics only works when you win over people who disagree with you. McBride sits down with Jon and Lovett to discuss the literal and figurative dangers of being a main character, Democrats' purity complex, and whether the party has abandoned the only strategy for social change that actually gets results.

Welcome to a special installment of the Lectern Q&A! This month's theme is Love as a Virtue and Existential Stance. This session dives into the nature of love—not just as a feeling, but as a participatory, person-making virtue that binds us to reality and each other. Joining John and Ethan is Ellie, who brings both a deeply reflective presence and insightful contributions to this exploration. Lectern Q&As are a monthly gathering where John and Ethan take questions from The Lectern's members, threading through important themes that are most pertinent and perplexing to the collective. Pre-submitted questions form the bulk of the discussion with a Live Q&A segment toward the end. These conversations are particularly important for generating knowledge that is relevant both to John and The Lectern's broader audience. To participate in these discussions live, submit questions ahead of time and gain access to previous Q&As by signing up at the Alpha Tier (and above) on The Lectern: https://lectern.teachable.com/p/lectern-lounge If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John's work, please consider joining our Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. https://vervaekefoundation.org/ If you would like to learn and engage regularly in practices that are informed, developed, and endorsed by John and his work, visit Awaken to Meaning's calendar to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. https://awakentomeaning.com/join-practice/ Chapter Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Opening Reflections on Love 02:45 Love as an Existential Stance 05:00 Love, Participatory Knowing, and Binding Identity 08:45 Eros, Philia, and Agape: The Three Movements of Love 13:00 The Person-Making Nature of Love 17:00 Love as a Doorway to the Sacred 20:30 The Transformation of Self Through Love 23:45 Somatic and Embodied Knowing of Love 28:00 Trauma, Attachment, and the Challenge of Loving Well 32:10 Secure Attachment and Love as Practice 37:40 Circling, Dialectic, and Learning to Love Wisely 40:15 The Role of Worldview in Love and Meaning 46:50 A GI, the Sacred, and What We Truly Love About Humanity 54:20 The Ecology of Religions and Participatory Pluralism 59:30 Final Reflections from John, Ethan, and Ellie Biographical Sentences John Vervaeke is a cognitive scientist, philosopher, and the creator of the YouTube series Awakening from the Meaning Crisis. His work focuses on wisdom cultivation, consciousness, and the scientific pursuit of meaning. Ethan is a co-host and facilitator of the Lectern Q&A sessions. He curates conversations that illuminate existential, psychological, and philosophical insights emerging from the community and John's teachings. Ellie is a scholar and practitioner deeply engaged in environmental science, interpersonal growth, and attachment theory. She brings a reflective, embodied perspective to the conversation on love. Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode Søren Kierkegaard John Bowlby, Attachment Theory Sue Johnson, Hold Me Tight, Attachment Theory in Practice Eric Fromm, The Art of Loving Thomas Kuhn, Paradigms and Worldview Albert Camus, The Stranger Martin Buber, I and Thou Taoism and the concept of the Dao as Mother Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattva path Sufism and Divine Love Socratic Knowledge and Dialogos Circling & Dialectic into Dialogos Lauren Barrett, Emotionally Focused Therapy Halcyon Guild Pluralism in religion and spiritual practice Connect with John Vervaeke Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke Thank you for Listening!

Norwegian-American Ole Rølvaag explores what it meant to be a hyphenated American in his 1927 novel. We discuss the impact of "Giants in the Earth" with scholars.

​ @johnvervaeke   @j.p.marceau5146    @j.p.marceau5146  Pluralism, zombies and physical ontology with John Vervaeke https://youtu.be/1dRotrysLdk?si=PcsLw-5h4mzi-U54    Paul Vander Klay clips channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0jIcadtoxELSwehCh5QTg Midwestuary Conference August 22-24 in Chicago https://www.midwestuary.com/ https://www.meetup.com/sacramento-estuary/ My Substack https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/ Estuary Hub Link https://www.estuaryhub.com/ If you want to schedule a one-on-one conversation check here. https://calendly.com/paulvanderklay/one2one There is a video version of this podcast on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/paulvanderklay To listen to this on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/paul-vanderklays-podcast/id1394314333  If you need the RSS feed for your podcast player https://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/feed/  All Amazon links here are part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Amazon pays me a small commission at no additional cost to you if you buy through one of the product links here. This is is one (free to you) way to support my videos.  https://paypal.me/paulvanderklay Blockchain backup on Lbry https://odysee.com/@paulvanderklay https://www.patreon.com/paulvanderklay Paul's Church Content at Living Stones Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7bdktIALZ9Nq41oVCvW-A To support Paul's work by supporting his church give here. https://tithe.ly/give?c=2160640 https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give

Stanford experts answer live questions on leadership, authenticity, and communication.What happens when four top Stanford thinkers take live questions from a room full of leaders? In Part 2 of this special Think Fast, Talk Smart series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams and his panel of expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Naomi Bagdonas, Christian Wheeler, and Nir Halevy—answer questions from a live audience. They cover real-world challenges around leadership, authenticity, psychological safety, and managing your reputation in complex environments. With honest reflections and actionable advice, their answers offer a candid look at what it takes to lead with intention while staying true to yourself.Episode Reference Links:Allison Kluger Book Allison Contributed to:  Brand Up Naomi Bagdonas Nir Halevy Christian Wheeler Ep.2 Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Effectively Manage Your Reputation Ep.13 Make 'Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication Ep.30 Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict Ep.18 Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:16) - Bridging Political Divides (05:29) - Navigating Confidence and Context (07:34) - Rethinking Leadership and Reputation (12:18) - Conclusion *****Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford ReportJoin our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.    

Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate.Leading with impact isn't about speaking louder—it's about communicating in ways that resonate with what people already value. In Part 1 of this special two-part series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams brings together four expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Nir Halevy, Christian Wheeler, and Naomi Bagdonas—to explore how to lead and communicate with intention. They share how authenticity builds trust, why discomfort is essential for growth, how to design space for serendipity, and the role AI can play in expanding—not replacing—human potential. From managing reputation to staying present in high-pressure moments, this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart offers insights to help leaders connect more effectively, show up with purpose, and inspire meaningful action.Episode Reference Links:Allison Kluger Book Allison Contributed to:  Brand Up Naomi Bagdonas Nir Halevy Christian Wheeler Ep.2 Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Effectively Manage Your Reputation Ep.13 Make 'Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication Ep.30 Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict Ep.18 Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:33) - Managing Reputation and Authentic Communication (05:35) - Leadership Pluralism and Team Culture (07:35) - Discomfort, Growth, and Distraction (11:59) - Guiding Principles and the Serendipity Fund (14:34) - Using AI in Teaching and Research (21:55) - Fixing Hierarchies with CPR (23:50) - Authenticity, Humor Styles, and Human Flourishing (26:39) - Executive Presence and Owning the Room (29:28) - Writing Better Titles and Facilitating Interactions (31:21) - Conclusion *****Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford ReportJoin our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.    

In today's episode, renowned academic and legal scholar Professor Joseph H.H. Weiler speaks with Matt about The Trial of Jesus – connecting the historical event as a lens for understanding justice, religious pluralism, and democracy. The examination leads us through the limits of state neutrality in matters of faith, the balance between freedom of and from religion, and the evolving role of digital platforms. Professor Weiler shares perspectives from his extensive legal scholarship while reflecting on the intersection of theology, democracy, and technological change in our modern world. An incredibly poignant episode that is a must-listen.Note: This episode was recorded in Dec 2024.Links & References: References:The Trial of Jesus - First Things | By J.H.H. WeilerSanhedrin trial of Jesus - WikipediaThe Christian Europe by J.H.H. Weiler | Una Europa cristiana - Ediciones Encuentro“La Rochefoucauld voice in our ear” | François de La Rochefoucauld (writer) - WikipediaNostra aetate [EN]Second Vatican Council - Wikipedia“imitatio Dei” | Imitation of God - WikipediaLautsi v. Italy - Wikipedia"Laïque” (FR) = “secular”European Convention on Human RightsStatement of Micah | Why Micah 6:8? | Westmont CollegeGuarini Colloquium on Legal Controls of Digital Platforms | NYU School of LawSALVIFIC | English meaning - Cambridge DictionaryVoltairean - Wiktionary, the free dictionaryOlga Tokarczuk - WikipediaThe Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk - WikipediaThe Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk: 9780593087503 | PenguinRandomHouse.comTelos - Wikipedia “goal” Bios:J.H.H. Weiler is University Professor at the NYU Law School and a Senior Fellow at the Center for European Studies at Harvard. He served previously as President of the European University Institute, Florence.  Prof. Weiler is Co-Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of International Law (EJIL) and the International Journal of Constitutional Law (ICON). Among his Honorary Doctorates there is one in Theology awarded by the Catholic University of America. In 2022, he received the Ratzinger Prize awarded by Pope Francis.J.H.H.'s Links:J.H.H. Weiler - Biography | NYU School of LawFreedom Of and From Religion in Democracies by J.H.H. Weiler | Combinations Magazine by RxCMatt Prewitt (he/him) is a lawyer, technologist, and writer. He is the President of the RadicalxChange Foundation.Matt's Social Links:ᴍᴀᴛᴛ ᴘʀᴇᴡɪᴛᴛ (@m_t_prewitt) / X Connect with RadicalxChange Foundation:RadicalxChange Website@RadxChange | TwitterRxC | YouTubeRxC | InstagramRxC | LinkedInJoin the conversation on Discord.Credits:Produced by G. Angela Corpus.Co-Produced, Edited, and Audio Engineered by Aaron Benavides.Executive Produced by G. Angela Corpus and Matt Prewitt.Intro/Outro music by MagnusMoone, “Wind in the Willows,” is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 International License (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

Faith isn't just a belief—it's a way of life. Almas Muscatwalla, a dedicated interfaith leader and advocate for social justice, joins Good God to share how her Ismaili Muslim faith calls her into service. In conversation with George Mason, she reflects on the meaning of pluralism, the importance of understanding across differences, and the role of faith in shaping a more just and compassionate society.Muscatwalla co-founded Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square to bring faith leaders together in action on issues like homelessness, racial equity, and refugee support. She has served in leadership roles with the Texas Muslim Women's Foundation, Project Unity, and the Center for Asian Studies at UT Dallas, among others, working to build bridges across communities and create lasting change.

With your donation of any amount, request R.C. Sproul's book The Consequences of Ideas and his companion teaching series as a special edition DVD collection. You'll also receive lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3876/donate Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God's Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children.   Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts