Podcasts about secular

Martial-arts icon and Christian nationalist Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86. Seth has thoughts (plus your calls).VIDEO of this streamBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

In this episode, I explore skillful mindfulness, the seventh aspect of the Eightfold Path, using analogies like a permanently attached camera and a train station to illustrate its core principles. I emphasize that mindfulness isn't about stopping thoughts but about developing the capacity to observe them without being swept away, akin to sitting on a bench and watching trains come and go. Key takeaways include understanding mindfulness as awareness, acceptance, and discernment, and recognizing its practical application in everyday transitions and tasks. This practice matters because it counters the constant demand for our attention, offering clarity and choice, ultimately allowing us to be more awake and responsive to our lives rather than living on autopilot.Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I explore skillful concentration, the final aspect of the Eightfold Path, using a road trip analogy where concentration is like having steady hands on the wheel. I clarify that concentration is distinct from mindfulness, doesn't require hours of meditation, and is characterized by joy, not seriousness. I discuss the five hindrances—sensory desire, aversion, dullness, restlessness, and doubt—as obstacles to concentration, likening them to road hazards, and explain how to work with them by recognizing them as information. I also touch upon the jhanas as progressive states of concentration, from joy to equanimity, and offer practical advice on developing concentration by gradually increasing focus time, choosing an object of attention, and gently redirecting the mind when it wanders, emphasizing that concentration is a skill cultivated through consistent, gentle effort rather than force.Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new episode of The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living, a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. The first of a series of six episodes recorded during the pilgrimage ‘In the Footsteps of the Buddha’, this instalment was made in Varanasi, India, in February 2026. In this opening episode, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach Jo Confino are joined by Dharma teacher Shantum Seth to discuss the importance of understanding the Buddha as a fully human being; a boat journey on the sacred Ganges river at sunrise, from which it was possible to witness cremation and devotion; teachings on death and impermanence as daily practice; the importance of living in the present moment; and much more.The speakers also share personal experiences and reflections on their spiritual journeys, the role played by the community, and the continuation of the Buddha’s teachings through their own lives and practice.About the pilgrimage: In 1988, Shantum Seth was invited by Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) to organize a pilgrimage to the sacred sites associated with the Buddha's life across India. Subsequently, Thay encouraged Shantum to continue guiding such journeys each year, offering pilgrimage itself as a mindfulness practice—one that the Buddha had suggested. Shantum has been leading these transformative journeys ever since, offering people from around the world the opportunity to follow In the Footsteps of the Buddha with awareness and insight. After 15 years at the United Nations, Shantum left to volunteer with the Ahimsa Trust, which represents Thay's work in India and promotes the practice of “peace in oneself and peace in the world”. Through Buddhapath, his expression of Right Livelihood, Shantum continues to guide pilgrimages and share the wisdom and culture of the places he visits in India and across Buddhist Asia, cultivating community through these deeply meaningful journeys.To learn more about upcoming pilgrimages, visit www.buddhapath.com, or follow Shantum on Facebook and Instagram at @eleven_directions. Shantum Seth, an ordained Dharmacharya (Dharma teacher) in the Buddhist Mindfulness lineage of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, teaches in India and across the world. A co-founder of Ahimsa Trust, he has been a student of Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings for the past 35 years, and, since 1988, has led pilgrimages and other multi-faith, educational, cultural, spiritual, and transformative journeys across diverse regions of India and Asia. He is actively involved in educational, social, and ecological programmes, including work on cultivating mindfulness in society, including with educators, the Indian Central Reserve Police Force, and the corporate sector. Across various Indian sanghas, Dharmacharya Shantum is the primary teacher of different practices of mindfulness from Thich Nhat Hanh's tradition. List of resources The Way Out Is In: ‘Ancient Path for Modern Times: Active Nonviolence (Episode #70)'https://plumvillage.org/podcast/ancient-path-for-modern-times-active-nonviolence-episode-70 Interbeinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing Plum Village Traditionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_Village_Tradition ‘The Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings'https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/the-14-mindfulness-trainings Sarnathhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarnath Dharadunhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehradun_district Bodh Gayahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodh_Gaya Rajgirhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajgir Old Path White Cloudshttps://www.parallax.org/product/old-path-white-clouds Federico Fellinihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federico_Fellini Ghathttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghat Alara Kalama https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%80%E1%B8%B7%C4%81ra_K%C4%81l%C4%81ma Jack Kornfieldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kornfield Upanishadshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upanishads Sister Chan Khonghttps://plumvillage.org/about/sister-chan-khong Bodhi treehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhi_tree Mokshahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moksha Rishi Joan Halifaxhttps://www.joanhalifax.org/ Daily Contemplations on Impermanence & Interbeinghttps://plumvillage.org/daily-contemplations-on-impermanence-interbeing#the-five-remembrances Sutras: ‘Discourse on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone'https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-knowing-the-better-way-to-live-alone Sutrashttps://plumvillage.org/genre/sutras Leila Sethhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leila_Seth On Balancehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1754796.On_Balance_an_Autobiography Quotes “Every step is a miracle. Every breath is an offering.” “The transformation is both individual and collective – and not just right now; it is something which seeps into our understanding and informs our life. The real journey begins when you get home. When you see your familiar surroundings with these pilgrimage lenses, those are very, very important moments. When you see your familiar surroundings slightly differently, and you see what brings you suffering, what brings you joy, what brings a sense of ease, then you can tweak your life.” “Siddhartha always says, ‘I’m on this path not for power, not for leadership, but to find liberation within us.' And that means we have to be ready to let go of all of the ideology that we have received from our ancestors, not from just us, but from the lineage of our whole ancestors and society.” “We can be free amidst the suffering. We can still find our calm, our peace with every storm that arises, that manifests. We find a way to understand it, to embrace it even, because we see that that storm is a part of us.” “In the Mahaparinirvāṇa Sutta, the Buddha said, ‘Go to the places where I was born, died, where the first teachings were given, where I awakened.' But I think he’s saying, ‘Leave your familiar surroundings and explore, and you’ll find different seeds in your consciousness being touched, which are not touched when you go every day to work or in your familiar surroundings.' And that is the learning of yourself. It’s an interior journey on this exterior part.” “In India, your path to God is through your guru – but in the Buddha Dharma, the guru shows you the path, and you walk it. In the classic example of the Buddha pointing to the moon, he says, ‘Don’t get caught looking at my finger; look at the moon.'” “Somebody once asked Thay, ‘What happens when we die?' He said, ‘I don’t know, but I can tell you what happens when we’re alive.'” “The only ingredient that you have any control about for the future is the present. We can only act in the present. As you know, the past is gone, the future is an idea – but all these situations that arise in our lives, how do we respond appropriately? With ethics, with a sense of calm, with a sense of love, how can we respond appropriately to each situation? Because that is the ingredient for the future.” “The Buddha is saying, ‘Stay open, stay alive. This is the most precious moment. This is a gift. And when we die, we’ll have no control over it.'” “In Indian philosophy, we don't have only yes or no. We say, yes, no, neither yes or no, both yes and no. So it’s the idea that I am the same person, I’m a different person, I’m neither the same or a different person, and both the same person and the different person. That’s the Buddha Dharma’s understanding of continuity, birth and death, and in that we don’t get caught.” “Awakening is a collective awakening.” “The Buddha was teaching us how to be a human being, how to take both the joy and the happiness of being a human being, but also to understand the suffering of a human being, and then take suffering as a noble truth. But it’s a noble truth only because we can transform it – otherwise it’s just plain old suffering. Use suffering as the compost for liberation. Looking at the cause, knowing the path to overcome suffering. And that’s key in Buddha. Otherwise, death is suffering, loss is suffering. The Buddha is saying, ‘Take that and look at it deeply, transform it, and live your life today as if it’s your last moment, your first moment, your present moment, our present moment.'” “Secular in India means different from secular in the West. Secular in India means respecting all religions. It doesn’t mean non-religious. I was brought up in a household like that, where we had Hindu icons, Christian icons, Islamic icons, everything. And we would go to midnight mass or go to a mosque or go to a temple, but we were not religious. It was just respecting people like that. And we had friends from every religion.”

We're living our lives by their rules. How did we get here? Plus your calls.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Are you tired of feeling like culture—not the Word of God—is the primary teacher in your child's life?In this powerful episode, Beto and Mili are joined by Kristen Miele, founder of Sex Ed Reclaimed, to discuss one of the most urgent missions for Christian parents today: reclaiming the role of the primary teacher. We dive deep into why "sexual discipleship" is a parent's biblical responsibility and how you can confidently lead your children through the noise of a secular world.In this conversation, we discuss:The spiritual stakes of letting culture define identity and morality for our kids.Practical steps to start the conversation about biblical sexuality at any age.How to move from fear-based parenting to gospel-centered discipleship.The "Divine Idea" of sex and how to present it as the beautiful truth it is.It's time to stop playing defense and start equipping the next generation with the Truth. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, this episode will give you the vision and the tools to Be The Teacher.About Our Guest: Kristen Miele is the founder of Sex Reclaimed, a ministry dedicated to helping the Church and families reclaim God's design for sex and intimacy through biblical teaching and discipleship.Connect with Us: If this episode blessed you, please subscribe and leave a review! https://www.sexedreclaimed.comhttps://www.christianpodcast.comYour support helps us reach more families with these "Divine Ideas."

The Bible reminds us that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Reflecting on the importance of trusting God with the future and living each day in His guidance. Planning is wise, but it must always be done in alignment with God’s will. When it comes to salvation, the urgency is clear: follow Christ today, because the opportunity may not be there tomorrow. Highlights Life is unpredictable; no day is guaranteed. Planning is important, but always with God’s guidance (“God-willing”). Secular optimism can lull us into delay, while biblical hope emphasizes eternal perspective. Salvation is urgent—accept Jesus today, because tomorrow is not promised. Living with awareness of Christ’s return encourages holiness and readiness. Scripture calls believers to live faithfully in the present, trusting God’s provision. Intersecting Faith & Life Ask yourself: How often do you say “tomorrow” without including God in your plans? Are there spiritual steps you’ve been postponing? Today is the day to surrender your life to Christ and live in the light of His promises, trusting that He equips you for each moment. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Tomorrow Is Not Promised By: Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading: “Never boast about tomorrow. You don't know what will happen between now and then.” - Proverbs 27:1 (GNT) There was a time in my life when I used to make plans for tomorrow and talk about them as if they were sure to come true. Until one day, a friend carefully told me that she’s learned to say “God-willing” when she makes plans because the Bible says tomorrow is not promised. Her words resonated with me and still ring true today. Nowadays, when I speak of my plans for the future—even if it’s only 24 hours away—I say “God-willing” at the end of my sentence. As I reflected on this recently, two songs came to my mind. They share the same title but preach a different message—one secular, with worldly wisdom and a temporary promise, and one Biblical, with words of caution, graced with eternity in mind. The secular song “Tomorrow” from the original movie Annie (1982) and the Gospel song “Tomorrow” performed by The Winans both convey a message of hope, but only one speaks of everlasting hope. Let’s look at the core message of these songs and think about it. The lyrics of the song “Tomorrow” from the 1982 movie “Annie”, performed by Aileen Quinn, say (in paraphrase): The singer banks on the sun rising tomorrow. She believes you can bet your last dollar that tomorrow will arrive. As she thinks about the beauty and promises of tomorrow, she feels her sorrows lift. When days are dark, and she feels depressed and lonely, she rises and declares with a wide grin that tomorrow is on the horizon, so she will be okay no matter what happens because tomorrow will be a better day, and it’s only 24 hours away. The lyrics for the song “Tomorrow,” performed by The Winans, say (in paraphrase): Jesus Christ is knocking on the door of your heart, saying He is here, asking you to let Him in. He reminds you that He supplies everything you need. Then the person responds that they know this to be true. They tell Jesus that they will let Him in, not today, but tomorrow. They say tomorrow is a better time for them to give their life to Christ. They don’t feel an urgency in choosing to serve the Lord today. The singers of this song caution the listener that the Bible says tomorrow is not promised, so it might be too late because they may not live to see the next day. This is the main point: We cannot bet our bottom dollar on life getting better tomorrow because the Bible says tomorrow is not promised. Does this mean that we should not look forward to tomorrow and make plans for our future? Of course not. We are to stay fully focused on the present and look forward to the next day. But we are not supposed to plan without including God. And when it comes to our salvation in Jesus Christ, we should accept Him into our lives today because we don’t know if we will live another 24 hours. According to The Bible, when God tells Jesus Christ it’s time for Him to return to Earth to take His faithful followers to Heaven, it will be too late for us to give our hearts to Jesus and follow Him. The Angel of the Lord says in Revelation 22:10-11 (MSG), “Time is just about up. Let evildoers do their worst, and the dirty-minded go all out in pollution, but let the righteous maintain a straight course, and the holy continue on in holiness.” When we see Jesus Christ return in the clouds of glory, we who lived for Him will rejoice because we know we’re going to Heaven, but those who kept delaying their decision to follow Jesus will be terrified because they see it’s too late and they won’t be able to go to Heaven. Let us take this seriously because our salvation is at stake. I encourage you, if you have not already, to let Jesus into your heart now—especially if you feel an urgency to do so. But if you don’t feel an urgency or hear Christ knocking at the door of your heart, or you’re entrenched in sin, it’s not too late for you because you’re still alive. Please seek God while you’re living. It will be too late when you’re dead. If you’re alive and breathing today, reach out to Him. God loves you, and He wants to welcome you into His Kingdom with open arms. Finally, we must always be ready for Christ’s return because the Bible says He will come when we least expect Him (Matthew 24:44). In closing, I’d like for you to listen to this song, “Tomorrow” by The Winans. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith and Life: Will you let Jesus Christ into your heart today and follow Him all the way to Heaven? Further Reading: Hebrews 9:28Matthew 24:30 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Revelation 1:7 Revelation 19:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

​ @WhiteStoneName  TLC: Bringing the Social back to Social Media https://www.youtube.com/live/LfIQ7P4RtQI?si=gyIO7armSPisFzRG  @ClubRandomPodcast   Ana Kasparian | Club Random with Bill Maher https://youtu.be/mRaDwa7E-NY?si=A91HJ_dnURVlEbcd @WeeklyShowPodcast‬  War In the Middle East, Again w/ Christiane Amanpour & Amb. Wendy Sherman | The Weekly Show  https://youtu.be/02Ns6EbCplY?si=xjUWZem8XQfxl0y5  @apologeticsroadshow  Ayatollah Khamenei's Death Is Destroying Islam https://youtu.be/hrclVmRiw0w?si=pweod3zkUnFfErLa https://youtu.be/Miha17qMSiw  What is the TLC? ("This little corner of the Internet" also know as "the corner" https://youtu.be/Y3vqSjywot8?si=IVS3bnriwje5syPO https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give Paul Vander Klay clips channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0jIcadtoxELSwehCh5QTg https://www.meetup.com/sacramento-estuary/ My Substack https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/ Bridges of meaning https://discord.gg/dydqNawY Estuary Hub Link https://www.estuaryhub.com/ 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  

Send a textToday's topic is More Than One Way: Secular Organizations for Sobriety part 3.  Today we welcome guest hosts Sage M and Sage H to the conversation.   This is our 200th episode!  We are so grateful for all of our listeners, guests, and the Castro Country Club for supporting us on this journey.  

This episode was livestreamed on March 8, 2026.

Today I talk about how to discover the Divine Self and how to unlock the spiritual forces that often lie dormant within us.

Music is a big part of most people's lives. And you know what, there's a lot of really great music out there! But we need to know... does it matter WHAT kind of music we're listening to? What about our kids - as long as it's ok to play on the radio, does that mean it's ok for their ears? Sometimes we don't even stop to think about things like this, but this week we're gonna change that. And you're a part of the conversation!Got a question you want answered or a topic you'd like to hear Townsend andPreacher Man muse on? Let them know at mtpm.podcast@gmail.com !Intro music: "Royalty Free Music from Bensound" 

https://pca.st/3pgjfgfu Link to the Civitas Podcast with Kevin Flatt https://thecivitaspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Secularization, Social Order, and World History: Toward a Global Perspective https://amzn.to/3OHOw6p (affiliate link)   ⁨@JonathanPageau⁩  Universal History: The American Religion: Making Way for Mormonism https://youtu.be/ZopvdgYe-UA?si=bPplydnw_Av7jwV3 Martin Shaw's Liturgies of the Wild (Full Interview) https://youtu.be/rbKW80tGb94?si=F8vYmFXibYNy68Ju  What is the TLC? ("This little corner of the Internet" also know as "the corner" https://youtu.be/Y3vqSjywot8?si=IVS3bnriwje5syPO https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give Paul Vander Klay clips channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0jIcadtoxELSwehCh5QTg https://www.meetup.com/sacramento-estuary/ My Substack https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/ Bridges of meaning https://discord.gg/dydqNawY Estuary Hub Link https://www.estuaryhub.com/ 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  

Finding connection and inner peace may seem unattainable in this chaotic, complex modern world, but a centuries-old text can serve as a vital guide. By exploring the Tao, beginners and seekers can navigate the complexities of contemporary life through the lens of secular spirituality. To discover how positive psychology can help us find connection, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Diane Dreher, PhD, bestselling author of eight nonfiction books, including The Tao of Inner Peace, and an award-winning professor and positive psychology researcher on hope. Diane unpacks the central tenet of her latest book, Pathways to Inner Peace: Finding Connection, Inspiration, and Renewal in Challenging Times, and offers insights on the different types of stress, the benefits of cultivating joy and hope, and a formula for goal setting and achievement. Like what you're hearing? WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on https://harvestinghappiness.substack.com/ and https://medium.com/@HarvestingHappiness.

Finding connection and inner peace may seem unattainable in this chaotic, complex modern world, but a centuries-old text can serve as a vital guide. By exploring the Tao, beginners and seekers can navigate the complexities of contemporary life through the lens of secular spirituality. To discover how positive psychology can help us find connection, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Diane Dreher, PhD, bestselling author of eight nonfiction books, including The Tao of Inner Peace, and an award-winning professor and positive psychology researcher on hope. Diane unpacks the central tenet of her latest book, Pathways to Inner Peace: Finding Connection, Inspiration, and Renewal in Challenging Times, and offers insights on the different types of stress, the benefits of cultivating joy and hope, and a formula for goal setting and achievement. Like what you're hearing? WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on https://harvestinghappiness.substack.com/ and https://medium.com/@HarvestingHappiness.

The Rebbe acknowledges a report on the activities of Tzeirei Agudas Chabad in Cleveland. He explains that the month of Adar contains a special power for transformation, where even "nations of the land" (secular matters) are converted to Yiddishkeit, and blesses the recipient to expand these efforts with material and spiritual abundance. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/006/6103

Elon Musk says that empathy is going to ruin us. Fish Stark of the American Humanist Association not only disagrees, but the AHA is prepping a historic day of empathy...and you can potentially be a part of it. https://www.americanempathyproject.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

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Dr. Katie McCoy, author of To Be a Woman joins the CMDA Student Pulse podcast to unpack the gender confusion reshaping medicine and culture. From the landmark $2 million Varian verdict to the AMA and plastic surgeons now calling for surgical restraint on minors, Katie connects this week’s headlines to the deeper questions every Christian medical and dental trainee is facing: What does it mean that our bodies bear the image of God? How do we hold biblical conviction and genuine compassion together in a clinical setting? And is the tide finally turning? This conversation will equip you to think clearly, care deeply, and practice courageously. SHOW NOTES “To Be a Woman“ Top Physician Groups Oppose Trans Surgery for Minors as Detransitioner Wins Malpractice Case: https://cbn.com/news/health/2-top-physician-groups-oppose-trans-surgery-minors-detransitioner-wins-malpractice-case

Faith-based giving and secular nonprofits aren't opposites. They share a powerful common thread: values. Today, we explore how nonprofits can learn from faith-driven philanthropy without becoming religious organizations. The key is aligning with a donor's core motivations (identity, legacy, duty, compassion) and designing language, stories, and discovery questions that tap into that deeper connection. When you move beyond transactions and speak to values, you unlock loyalty, retention, and transformational giving. Done well, this approach strengthens relationships today and opens the door to long-term legacy support tomorrow.

From a very young age, my parents used to say that they would always know where to find me if I had a record player and a stack of albums, almost any albums. Now, as then, I have thoughts about particular songs. I have started something this year on Substack that I call "OneSong." Each weekday, I'm recommending one song -- just one -- in a written blog between 300-500 words each.  OneSong: https://substack.com/@gablanchard Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4pnCDYnh1HGshGbpBHYLme?si=305abc50d8ea4eb2

Why don't people today “get” Christianity? Many of our friends, neighbors, and even family members don't have any church background, don't speak our language, and often see Christianity as just another religion.Drawn from George Hunter's classic book How to Reach Secular People, this training explores what has changed in our culture and how followers of Jesus can respond with compassion, understanding, and truth. If you want to grow in personal evangelism, this will help you see the world through the eyes of the people you're trying to reach.Learn more about 12Church at https://www.twelvechurch.net/Find the 12Church evangelism training here: https://www.twelvechurch.net/evangelism-crash-course

Secular scientists believe there've been many ice ages throughout history, but they don't have a mechanism to start or stop one!

Send a textToday's topic is More Than One Way: Secular Organizations for Sobriety part 2

The Krewe wraps up Season 6 with an episode looking back at the highs, the lows, & what's to come! Join Doug & Jenn for listener feedback and behind-the-scenes stories as they put a bow on the 6th chapter of KOJ Podcast! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, Threads: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy! ------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------ Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode! Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season! Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan!  ------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------ JSNO Event Calendar Join JSNO Today!

Can you stay Mormon if you don't actually believe it? Jessica Paige identifies as a secular Mormon and joins me to talk about why she stays, how she defines that label and what it actually looks like to participate in Mormon life without belief. You can find Jessica on TikTok here. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account ⁠⁠here⁠ for two bonus episodes per month and more. For more Girlscamp content follow along on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As fewer and fewer Americans attend traditional houses of worship, the role religion plays in our society is shifting. People will always hunger for spiritual fulfillment and seek value systems, though, so where will they go to meet those needs? Secular life often still draws from deep religious traditions, and faith leaders are in the best position to offer advice about mixing the two worlds. The panelists from this talk at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival examine the evolution of organized religion from several diverse angles. Krista Tippett is the creator and co-host of the public radio show “On Being,” and joins Shira Stutman, a rabbi and co-host of the “Chutzpod” podcast and Gregory Boyle, a Catholic priest and founder of Homeboy Industries, a gang intervention and re-entry program in Los Angeles. David DeSteno, Northeastern University psychology professor and host of the podcast “How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality,” moderates the conversation. 

Send a textToday's topic is More Than One Way: Secular Organizations for Sobriety part 1

This guided meditation takes us through different ways of observing the mind, first examining its ever-present parts: perception, feeling, will, and awareness. Then we explore the nature of subjective reality itself by asking what is the mind without thoughts? Where is the space of our consciousness? And, how finely can we slice moments of consciousness? Do we ever arrive at a quantum of consciousness?Episode 7. Guided Meditation: What Is the Mind?Themes:Watching your thoughtsFree willWhat is consciousnessFinding peaceMind-body connectionBuddhist philosophyCultivating joyWatch the episode on our YouTube channelIf you'd like to practice with others and bring these ideas into your life, join our weekly meditation community with Scott.

Mark Carney is a devout Catholic, and his economic vision came from a challenge posed by Pope Francis. Matthew walks through the contradictions of Carney's economic spirituality.  Show Notes Values by Mark Carney | Penguin Random House Canada  Pope Francis says he wasn't offended by 'communist crucifix' gift  The Catholic Case for Communism - America Magazine  Pope Francis: “If I See the Gospel in a Sociological Way Only, Yes, I Am a Communist, and So Too Is Jesus” - The American TFP  Exclusive: Pope Francis disusses Ukraine, U.S. bishops and more - America Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cross-posted to LessWrong.Summary History's most destructive ideologies—like Nazism, totalitarian communism, and religious fundamentalism—exhibited remarkably similar characteristics: epistemic and moral certainty extreme tribalism dividing humanity into a sacred “us” and an evil “them” a willingness to use whatever means necessary, including brutal violence. Such ideological fanaticism was a major driver of eight of the ten greatest atrocities since 1800, including the Taiping Rebellion, World War II, and the regimes of Stalin, Mao, and Hitler. We focus on ideological fanaticism over related concepts like totalitarianism partly because it better captures terminal preferences, which plausibly matter most as we approach superintelligent AI and technological maturity. Ideological fanaticism is considerably less influential than in the past, controlling only a small fraction of world GDP. Yet at least hundreds of millions still hold fanatical views, many regimes exhibit concerning ideological tendencies, and the past two decades have seen widespread democratic backsliding. The long-term influence of ideological fanaticism is uncertain. Fanaticism faces many disadvantages including a weak starting position, poor epistemics, and difficulty assembling broad coalitions. But it benefits from greater willingness to use extreme measures, fervent mass followings, and a historical tendency to survive and even thrive amid technological and societal upheaval. Beyond complete victory or defeat, multipolarity may [...] ---Outline:(00:16) Summary(05:19) What do we mean by ideological fanaticism?(08:40) I. Dogmatic certainty: epistemic and moral lock-in(10:02) II. Manichean tribalism: total devotion to us, total hatred for them(12:42) III. Unconstrained violence: any means necessary(14:33) Fanaticism as a multidimensional continuum(16:09) Ideological fanaticism drove most of recent historys worst atrocities(19:24) Death tolls dont capture all harm(20:55) Intentional versus natural or accidental harm(22:44) Why emphasize ideological fanaticism over political systems like totalitarianism?(25:07) Fanatical and totalitarian regimes have caused far more harm than all other regime types(26:29) Authoritarianism as a risk factor(27:19) Values change political systems: Ideological fanatics seek totalitarianism, not democracy(29:50) Terminal values may matter independently of political systems, especially with AGI(31:02) Fanaticisms connection to malevolence (dark personality traits)(34:22) The current influence of ideological fanaticism(34:42) Historical perspective: it was much worse, but we are sliding back(37:19) Estimating the global scale of ideological fanaticism(43:57) State actors(48:12) How much influence will ideological fanaticism have in the long-term future?(48:57) Reasons for optimism: Why ideological fanaticism will likely lose(49:45) A worse starting point and historical track record(50:33) Fanatics intolerance results in coalitional disadvantages(51:53) The epistemic penalty of irrational dogmatism(54:21) The marketplace of ideas and human preferences(55:57) Reasons for pessimism: Why ideological fanatics may gain power(56:04) The fragility of democratic leadership in AI(56:37) Fanatical actors may grab power via coups or revolutions(59:36) Fanatics have fewer moral constraints(01:01:13) Fanatics prioritize destructive capabilities(01:02:13) Some ideologies with fanatical elements have been remarkably resilient and successful(01:03:01) Novel fanatical ideologies could emerge--or existing ones could mutate(01:05:08) Fanatics may have longer time horizons, greater scope-sensitivity, and prioritize growth more(01:07:15) A possible middle ground: Persistent multipolar worlds(01:08:33) Why multipolar futures seem plausible(01:10:00) Why multipolar worlds might persist indefinitely(01:15:42) Ideological fanaticism increases existential and suffering risks(01:17:09) Ideological fanaticism increases the risk of war and conflict(01:17:44) Reasons for war and ideological fanaticism(01:26:27) Fanatical ideologies are non-democratic, which increases the risk of war(01:27:00) These risks are both time-sensitive and timeless(01:27:44) Fanatical retributivism may lead to astronomical suffering(01:29:50) Empirical evidence: how many people endorse eternal extreme punishment?(01:33:53) Religious fanatical retributivism(01:40:45) Secular fanatical retributivism(01:41:43) Ideological fanaticism could undermine long-reflection-style frameworks and AI alignment(01:42:33) Ideological fanaticism threatens collective moral deliberation(01:47:35) AI alignment may not solve the fanaticism problem either(01:53:33) Prevalence of reality-denying, anti-pluralistic, and punitive worldviews(01:55:44) Ideological fanaticism could worsen many other risks(01:55:49) Differential intellectual regress(01:56:51) Ideological fanaticism may give rise to extreme optimization and insatiable moral desires(01:59:21) Apocalyptic terrorism(02:00:05) S-risk-conducive propensities and reverse cooperative intelligence(02:01:28) More speculative dynamics: purity spirals and self-inflicted suffering(02:03:00) Unknown unknowns and navigating exotic scenarios(02:03:43) Interventions(02:05:31) Societal or political interventions(02:05:51) Safeguarding democracy(02:06:40) Reducing political polarization(02:10:26) Promoting anti-fanatical values: classical liberalism and Enlightenment principles(02:13:55) Growing the influence of liberal democracies(02:15:54) Encouraging reform in illiberal countries(02:16:51) Promoting international cooperation(02:22:36) Artificial intelligence-related interventions(02:22:41) Reducing the chance that transformative AI falls into the hands of fanatics(02:27:58) Making transformative AIs themselves less likely to be fanatical(02:36:14) Using AI to improve epistemics and deliberation(02:38:13) Fanaticism-resistant post-AGI governance(02:39:51) Addressing deeper causes of ideological fanaticism(02:41:26) Supplementary materials(02:41:39) Acknowledgments(02:42:22) References --- First published: February 12th, 2026 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/EDBQPT65XJsgszwmL/long-term-risks-from-ideological-fanaticism --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO. ---Images from the article:Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try Pocket Casts, or another podcast app.

Suan Sonna gives a deep, moving talk about how to evangelize a secular and disenchanted world.

The post Secular Callers Ask To See Jesus appeared first on Blue Ridge Bible Church.

Ooh la la, sometimes you have to let it slide and other times you have to ask 'what are we standing for?' I'm not immune to these requisite catastrophes.

Mickey Dollens is the Regional Government Affairs Manager for the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF is on the front lines to protect state/church separation. https://ffrfaction.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Kylie Lobell, author of the new book Choosing to be Chosen was secular as was her boyfriend, Daniel. Together they embraced serious committed faith in the form of Orthodox Judaism, married and are raising a religious family. Their challenges and triumphs belong to everyone who has embarked on a life different from the one they were raised in. This conversation is their story. 

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In this episode, I explore the concept of skillful effort, also known as right effort, which is the sixth aspect of the Eightfold Path. I explain that skillful effort isn't about "trying harder" but rather about applying energy wisely, much like a gardener tends to their plants. This involves four key tasks: preventing unskillful states from arising, abandoning those that have already arisen, cultivating skillful states that haven't yet appeared, and maintaining the skillful states that are present. I offer practical examples, such as building a "fence" by avoiding triggers like social media first thing in the morning, "weeding" by noticing and withdrawing attention from unskillful thoughts like anger after being cut off in traffic, "planting seeds" by intentionally practicing gratitude or kindness, and "tending the garden" through consistent, balanced effort. The core takeaway is that by understanding and applying these principles, we can foster genuine organic growth in our minds and lives, leading to greater clarity and well-being.Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kylie Lobell, author of the new book Choosing to be Chosen was secular as was her boyfriend, Daniel.  Together they embraced serious committed faith in the form of Orthodox Judaism, married and are raising a religious family.  Their challenges and triumphs belong to everyone who has embarked on a life different from the one they were raised in. This conversation is their story.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britt Hartley is a religious trauma and deconstruction coach. She's also a "Certified Spiritual Director" at No Nonsense Spirituality.What does that mean? Can someone be a spiritual atheist?VIDEO of this conversationBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

In this conversation, the Jay explores the themes of sacred and secular as articulated by Paul Tillich, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these realms. The discussion touches on current events, community support, and the role of politics in faith, while advocating for a more inclusive understanding of spirituality that transcends rigid separations. Jay reflects on cultural expressions, the ultimate concern in life, and the importance of prophetic voices outside traditional religious institutions, ultimately calling for a reformation in faith that embraces both the sacred and the secular.As always, we appreciate your comments, your support and this beautiful group of people at Revolution. If you have the opportunity to support what we do, you can do so by following, sharing or giving at the following links:revolutionchurch.cominstagram.com/revolutionchurch94x.com/Revolution_199www.youtube.com/@RevolutionBroadcastinghttps://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7FXFBB8PSWEEC&source=url Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author George Saunders joins Sam to talk about his new book Vigil and why people are so obsessed with turning him into a secular saint (and his childhood role of church guitarist). George explains that even though he’s not on social media he still finds ways to doom scroll, how the current government could have learned empathy if they bothered to read a few books, and how he found inspiration for Vigil without sounding too preachy. They talk about the importance of “vomit drafts” and the process of revisions, how his writing approach is about minimizing his anxiety, the choice to turn on or off some of the voices in your head, early rejection from The New Yorker, and choosing not to get killed just to be a great writer. They explain how they both put their choices up against the deathbed test, and how being compassionate doesn’t always mean being nice. Keep up with Samantha Bee @realsambee on Instagram and X. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The daily headlines in Trump's America feel like body blows. If you're feeling traumatized, it means you've still got a beating heart and a moral center.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Rabbis Eitan Webb and Ari Israel, head of a campus Chabad and Hillel respectively, about Jewish life on college campuses today. In this episode we discuss:Has there been a recent Jewish awakening on college campuses?How much attention should we pay to campus antisemitism?Are Chabad and Hillel able to work together on college campuses?Tune in to hear a conversation about what comes next for Jewish students in secular colleges. Interview begins at 18:01.Rabbi Eitan Webb co-founded the Princeton University Chabad House in 2002, with his wife Gitty. He has been a Jewish Chaplain at Princeton University since 2007. In addition to his Princeton activities, Eitan serves on the board of directors of the Chabad on Campus International Foundation, and of the Sinai Scholars Society. Rabbi Ari Israel serves as Maryland Hillel's Executive Director—a role he has held for more than 20 years. In addition to Rabbinic ordination, Ari has Master's degrees in Medieval Jewish History as well as Secondary Education. Ari is an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland where he teaches a Jewish Leadership course. References:No Country for Old Men (2007)Tanya by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of LiadiLikkutei Sichot - Volume 10This Is My God by Herman WoukFor more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyWhatsApp: join hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity and The Cross Examiner dismantle the legal myths of Christian nationalism and expose the tribalistic roots of biblical law. From the dark history of slavery in the Levant to modern-day "persecution" complexes, the hosts challenge believers to provide evidence that justifies merging church and state!Mason in OK argues the Bible guides morality. Hosts pivot to laws regarding chattel slavery in Leviticus 25, questioning why a good deity endorses owning people. They challenge the reliance on tradition to mask biblical cruelty. How does one choose which divine commands to follow?Emmanuel in TX proposes a theocracy where non-believers are taxed to incentivize conversion. Hosts identify this as a violation of the First Amendment and Establishment Clause. They warn against discriminatory policies that create second-class citizens. Would a just society ever benefit from state-sponsored religious extortion?Mike in SC fears hate speech laws are tools for Christian persecution. The Cross Examiner clarifies that hate crime enhancements require criminal acts and intent, not just offense. They debunk algorithm-driven misinformation regarding religious suppression. Is the perceived war on faith just a result of confirmation bias?Moises in CA questions the need for proof and miracle claims. Hosts apply theological non-cognitivism and note that miracles lack reliable eyewitness accounts. They also explore how faith healing leads to medical neglect. Can a story be a reliable pathway to truth if it cannot be verified?James in OH critiques states' rights rhetoric using the Articles of Secession. Discussion moves to the Insurrection Act and the dangers of religious exemptions in child protection laws. They highlight the struggle against abuse permitted by dogma. Will legal systems ever prioritize children over ancient dogmas?Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

A growing hunger among young men is impossible to ignore, and many are filling it with voices that pull them away from Christ. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss the rise of secular influencers who offer fragments of truth about purpose and masculinity while remaining disconnected from God. The guys explain that while certain traits may be admirable, any worldview apart from Christ ultimately speaks from a fallen perspective. Young men are searching for meaning, and when that hunger is not met with the gospel, they will consume whatever is offered. Ears are always listening, and if the church does not disciple intentionally, other voices will gladly step in.The conversation turns to why this hunger exists in the first place. The guys point out that men have been steadily degraded and stripped of purpose, creating a vacuum that influencers rush to fill. At the same time, the church has often been content with shallow engagement. Cultural Christianity, political alignment, and surface-level conservatism are not substitutes for regeneration. Once someone has truly encountered Christ, there is nowhere else to go, yet many young men have never been shown the depth, authority, and beauty of Scripture. The masculinity they long for is not found in strength or dominance, but in the life and character of Christ.They then address how believers are called to respond. The guys emphasize that the answer is the gospel lived boldly and relationally. Discipleship requires presence, courage, and a willingness to speak into the lives God has providentially placed nearby. Churches cannot celebrate attendance alone but must labor for transformation. This includes engaging young men directly, intentionally investing in children, and recognizing that small moments of care and attention can leave lasting spiritual impressions. Influence is not limited to platforms; it is multiplied by faithfulness.Finally, the guys focus on the role of discipleship in the home and the church. Fatherlessness, whether physical or emotional, has left many young men without guidance, discipline, or example. The gospel restores order, purpose, and authority, calling men to repentance, leadership, and sacrificial love. Family devotion and sound teaching become foundations for generational change. Discipleship is framed as a mutual exchange of exhortation and growth, rooted in Scripture and oriented toward glorifying God. The episode closes with a call for men to lead with conviction, to invest deeply in the next generation, and to anchor identity and purpose in Christ alone.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

A growing hunger for purpose and meaning among young men has left many susceptible to secular influencers who offer fragmented truths apart from Christ. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how the church must respond with intentional discipleship, presence, and bold engagement to guide this generation toward genuine faith. They emphasize that true masculinity, authority, and purpose are found not in cultural substitutes or political agendas, but in a life rooted in Christ. The guys highlight the importance of investing in relationships, speaking life into young men, and modeling godly leadership both in the church and at home. Through relational investment, family devotion, and faithful exhortation, believers can impact young men and set them on a path of lasting transformation that honors God and shapes future generations. They call the church to rise above cultural distraction, prioritize gospel-centered mentorship, and be unwavering in pointing this generation to the truth and life found only in Jesus.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

In today's episode of Talk Heathen, hosts Christy Powell and Sidney Davis Jr. examine the correlation between education and religiosity, questioning if universities are truly "atheist factories." They explore how exposure to diverse ideas and the accessibility of the internet challenge traditional faith bubbles and foster skepticism. Mark in Toronto disconnected before they could take his call, but asks if critical thinking inevitably results in atheism. The hosts suggest it ideally should but note that many trade traditional religion for nebulous spirituality. They discuss how practicing academic skills like citing sources can implicitly build reasoning that challenges faith. Is it enough to just learn the tools of research, or must one apply them specifically to theology?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In this episode, I talk to Andy Chaleff about his book Dying to Live, which explores our societal discomfort with death and how confronting mortality can lead to a more meaningful life. We discuss the "3 AM panic" of existential dread, the concept of "little deaths" as moments of letting go of identity and attachment, and the importance of "sitting with the question" rather than seeking definitive answers. Andy shares practical insights on how embracing uncertainty and practicing presence, even in difficult moments, can help us live more fully and authentically, transforming our relationship with life by accepting the inevitability of death.Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest: Brenda Wineapple. Fundamentalist Judge John T. Raulston presided over the trial, enjoying the publicity brought by loudspeakers and radio coverage. The defense included civil liberties lawyer Arthur Garfield Hayes, a secular Jew, serving as a constitutional anchor. Meanwhile, William Jennings Bryan arrived as a celebrity in a pith helmet, though Scopes noted Bryan ignored his own diabetes by overeating at dinner, revealing a disconnect between his fundamentalist beliefs and medical science.1925 SCOPES TRIAL CARTOON