Are you ready for a living abroad story with an unexpected twist? What if I told you that a TCK, who has traversed the globe and faced earthquake disasters, is now crowd-funding a memoir that unveils his journey through polarized worlds? This is not your ordinary travelogue. Join me in uncovering the heart-wrenching and inspiring stories that have shaped Michael Sullivan's life. Stay tuned for a peek into a world where personal growth and societal impact collide in unexpected ways. Trust me, this is a narrative you don't want to miss.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Michael Sullivan

As the host of the "Where Are You From? A TCK Podcast," Michael Sullivan brings a wealth of personal and professional experiences to the table. Growing up and living as an expat in different countries, from Thailand to the Philippines, and now residing in Turkey as an English language expert, Michael's journey as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) is both captivating and insightful. His forthcoming book, "Building Bridges: Can We Love and Relate in a Polarized World," dives into the impact of immigration and the challenges of cultural identity, offering a fresh and empathetic take on these pertinent issues. With his unique blend of memoir storytelling and global perspective, Michael is a compelling guest for anyone seeking personal growth, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of the world's diverse cultures.

We don't have to be completely comfortable with the way other people think, but we certainly can learn something from them. - Michael Sullivan

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:01:03 - Sponsorship and Personal Growth

00:02:40 - Welcoming Michael Sullivan

00:05:28 - Connection through Global Experiences

00:12:21 - Immigration and Understanding Perspectives

00:16:03 - Journey from Venezuela to New Mexico

00:17:12 - Unresolved Grief and Pain

00:18:07 - Bridging First and Third Worlds

00:20:51 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Differences

00:31:53 - Hope for the Future

00:33:25 - The importance of understanding others

00:34:48 - The necessity of facing challenges

00:37:03 - The process of healing and growth

00:40:17 - Finding purpose in adversity

00:43:53 - Crowdfunding the book

00:48:02 - Building Bridges and Making a Difference

00:48:40 - Exclusive Interview with Michael Sullivan

00:49:15 - Join the Difference Maker Community

00:49:40 - Connect and Share in the Community

00:50:28 - Keep Making a Difference

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Do you want to understand how survivors of religious trauma are finding the strength to reclaim their lives and make a difference? Join us as we explore a story of resilience, transformation, and healing in the face of religious abuse and domestic violence. We'll be sharing the solution so that you can achieve that result. Get ready to hear a shocking and moving story of how a survivor escaped when her life depended on it.

Trauma took your past, but it does not have to have your present and your future, too. And you are the one in charge of that. - Tia Levings

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Tia Levings

Tia Levings is an insightful writer, podcaster, and speaker, with a focus on the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. Her expertise has been featured in notable publications such as Salon, the Huffington Post, and Newsweek. As a content strategist, Tia delves into the impact of religious trauma on mental health, domestic violence within religious contexts, and the deconstruction of fundamentalism in modern politics, shedding light on these critical issues. Her forthcoming memoir, "A Well Trained Wife," chronicles her personal journey of escaping Christian patriarchy, presenting a compelling and courageous narrative that promises to resonate with those seeking empowerment and healing from religious abuse. Tia's work is driven by her passion for advocating resilience and recovery from religious trauma. Tia is on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introducing Tia Levings

00:01:17 - Trigger Warning and Self-Care

00:02:25 - Growing Up in Mainstream Fundamentalism

00:05:22 - Trauma and Dogmatism

00:07:42 - Effects of Fundamentalism on Women

00:14:08 - The Influence of High Control Religion

00:15:34 - The Pressure of Traditional Gender Roles

00:16:55 - Red Flags and High Control Religion

00:20:47 - The Manipulative Nature of Patriarchy

00:25:53 - Addressing Pushbacks and Myths

00:27:34 - The Incredulity of Religious Trauma

00:28:22 - Challenges in Seeking Justice

00:29:26 - Empowering Survivors

00:32:35 - Finding Solidarity and Community

00:38:27 - Building Healthy Relationships

00:41:09 - The Impact of Religious Trauma

00:43:18 - Coping with Discomfort and Denial

00:44:50 - Healing from Religious Trauma

00:46:31 - Advocating for Survivors

00:53:18 - Taking Action and Making a Difference

00:56:22 - Understanding Mental Illness and Abuse

00:57:11 - Seeking Justice for Mica

00:57:45 - Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence

00:58:30 - Making a Difference 

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Hey there, difference makers and global leaders! Ever feel like you've been told to just "toughen up" when facing life's challenges? Maybe you've tried to push through the pain and suffering, only to find yourself feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Let's talk about building resilience and embracing vulnerability to navigate life's twists and turns in a healthier way.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Resilience isn't necessarily about avoiding adversity, because let's just be real. Life has pain and suffering in it. And if we ignore that, that's not increasing our resilience. It's only burying that deep inside our bodies in a way that it will spill out later through some unresolved grief. - Lori Adams Brown

Building Resilience as a Leader

Effective leadership involves building resilience to navigate challenges and setbacks. Resilient leaders can inspire and motivate others through their own ability to bounce back from adversity. By embracing vulnerability and learning from difficult experiences, leaders can cultivate resilience that strengthens their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Resilience isn't just about weathering the storm. It's actually about learning to find joy, and find even joy memories in your own past that can help you walk through that resilience. - Lori Adams Brown

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Embracing Resilience in Life

00:02:00 - Resilience During Travel

00:03:07 - Prioritizing Self-Compassion

00:05:09 - Discovering Inner Resilience

00:08:15 - Cultivating Resilience

00:13:23 - Building Resilience During Travel

00:15:13 - Cultivating a Growth Mindset

00:19:43 - Building Resilient Communities

00:21:40 - Finding Joy and Resilience

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If you're feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of racial justice and faith intersections, and wondering how to truly make a difference, then you are not alone! The struggle to understand the historical context and apply it to modern-day challenges can be daunting. Many may be seeking guidance on how to effectively navigate these issues and create meaningful change.

Jemar Tisby, the New York Times bestselling author of "The Color of Compromise," is a historian, author, and speaker. His work has been featured in reputable platforms such as CNN, the Washington Post, the Atlantic, and the New York Times. Jemar's expertise in addressing the truth about the American church's complicity in racism makes him a significant voice in the intersection of faith and racial justice. As a PhD candidate in history at the University of Mississippi, his commitment to shedding light on historical lessons from abolitionist movements and advocating for social reform through interracial solidarity is evident in his work. Jemar's impact extends beyond academia as he is the founder and president of the Witness of Black Christian Collective and the co-host of the Pass the Mic podcast. His dedication to historical research and advocacy for justice makes him an influential figure in the conversation on racial equity and social change.

Doug Strong, an esteemed author and professor with a wealth of knowledge in American religious history, specifically focusing on the 19th-century revivalism and social reform, is a vital voice in the discussion of faith and racial justice. With an MDIV and a PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary, Doug's expertise and dedication to understanding the historical abolitionist movements bring valuable insights to the current social and racial justice landscape. As a committed pastor and a professor at Seattle Pacific University, Doug's passion for intercultural learning and his extensive experience in leading students on international trips underscore his commitment to shaping a global perspective on faith and justice. His contributions to the Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past project reflect his deep understanding of the impact of historical narratives on contemporary social reform.

The theological, the Christian principle of loving your neighbor as yourself is still applicable in that situation. And what it forces us to do is to try to perceive the world from another person's perspective, which is what a world of difference podcast is all about. - Jemar Tisby

In this episode, you will be able to:

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

The justification follows the action. In the case of us race-based chattel slavery, slaveholders were going to get their money. They were going to find laborers. They were going to increase their bottom line by not paying them. And then they were going to come up with the rationale and the reasoning to justify it. - Jemar Tisby

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Does this sound familiar? Have you ever felt the pressure of unrealistic expectations weighing you down, leaving you questioning your worth? It's a struggle many of us face, especially as women, and it can be incredibly disheartening. But what if there was a way to break free from the cycle and embrace your true self-worth? Let's dive into how embracing individuality and self-worth through empowering messages in music can transform your life.

My special guest is Shannan Copland

Shannan Copland, an indie pop artist based in Portland, Oregon, is recognized for her impactful and relatable music as a singer/songwriter. Born and raised in the SF Bay Area, California, she studied music from a young age, with a strong foundation in piano and vocal training. Collaborating with musicians and educators globally, including ones in Norway, Italy, and Portugal, has enriched her musical style with diverse cultural influences. With a love for piano and voice, she involved herself in every musical opportunity available and her passion for songwriting ignited during her teenage years. After high school, Shannan toured the United States with a group singing in schools and also performed in a theater. Her upcoming release "Enough" is poised to further empower women by promoting self-worth and authenticity. Shannan's music contains powerful messages that resonate with audiences, offering a source of strength and self-acceptance, particularly for women navigating their unique journeys.

Shannan and her husband spent the first decade of their marriage mostly living abroad in Portugal and Italy where they started a non-profit organization together. Working with talented musicians, artists and individuals from around the globe combined with her experiences living abroad have influenced her perspectives on life and the world around her which also reflect in her songwriting. Now, as she releases her own music, Shannan hopes to encourage, inspire, and provoke deeper thought through her music for listeners.

Her newest single “Enough” releases on April 12 and serves as the underlying anthem of much of her music. With its driving pop rock beat, “Enough” inspires listeners to be their authentic selves, reject image management, and not let other’s opinions or standards hold them back from achieving their aspirations.

"You are enough. The world may think otherwise of you, but it doesn't matter. Their opinions do not change your worth. Stand in that worth." - Shannan Copland

In this episode, you will be able to:

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

"I want people to, after they hear this song, just to feel liberated and feel that they're worthy and that they can go out and face whatever challenges they have ahead in their own skin and be confident in that." - Shannan Copland

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Unlearning silence isn't just about finding your voice; it's about recognizing the ways we've all been complicit in silencing others. And the surprising insights from a Harvard lecturer will have you rethinking the impact of silence in your world. Join the conversation to uncover the hidden ways we contribute to silence and discover how to foster inclusive communication. It's time to unlearn the silence that holds us back. Stay tuned for the unexpected wisdom that will leave you reevaluating your role in creating a more inclusive world.

My special guest is Elaine Lin Hering.

Elaine Lin Hering is a renowned facilitator, speaker, and writer with extensive experience in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. Drawing from her background as a former managing partner of Triad Consulting Group and a lecturer at Harvard Law School, Elaine's expertise spans across various industries and continents, working with corporate, government, and nonprofit clients. Her personal journey as an immigrant from Taiwan to the United States adds a unique perspective to her work, diving deep into the impact of cultural differences on communication and strategies for inclusive leadership. With her compelling insights and vulnerability, Elaine's book, Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully, resonates with individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of silence and voice in personal and professional growth.

In what ways are the often very well-intentioned people around me, such as my manager, who in their heart of hearts wants to support me, actually silencing me? - Elaine Lin Hering

In this episode, you will be able to:

Embrace the Power of Inclusive Communication

Inclusive communication in professional environments is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and diversity. By embracing diverse voices and perspectives, teams can collaborate more effectively and achieve better results. Creating a space where everyone feels heard and valued cultivates a positive work culture and promotes innovation.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Being explicit doesn't mean that you have to be direct. Being explicit means, 'Oh, read the air. That's what is happening here. Can we name it?' - Elaine Lin Hering

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Did you know that the Equal Rights Amendment, aimed at guaranteeing equal rights regardless of sex, has not yet been enshrined in the US Constitution? It's a surprising reality, especially when considering the global efforts for women's equality. In this episode, we'll uncover the resilience, setbacks, and ongoing advocacy surrounding the ERA in the United States, while also delving into the international bill of rights for women known as CEDAW. But here's the kicker - despite strides made through international efforts, disparities persist, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and support. Join us as we unravel the surprising history and explore what can be done to champion gender equality. This is a call to action for making a real difference in the fight for women's rights. Stay tuned for an eye-opening revelation that will spark your curiosity and inspire you to take action.

In this episode, you will be able to:

It's time. It's 2024, and all these other countries around the world have signed the CEDAW agreement, and the United States still hasn't. And also, we don't have an ERA for our own constitution, so what can we do? - Lori Adams Brown

Global efforts of CEDAW

The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW) is an international treaty that aims to end discrimination against women in all forms. Global efforts under CEDAW highlight the importance of gender equality and the need for legislative measures to protect and promote women's rights. Supporting CEDAW initiatives can contribute to creating a more just and equal society for all individuals.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Human rights, women's rights, which are human rights, is so important. There's a lot of things we can get wrong, but that should just be a basic foundation. - Lori Adams Brown

Impactful Equal Rights Amendment

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the US aims to constitutionally guarantee equal rights under the law for all genders. Despite facing hurdles and delays, the ERA remains critical in advancing gender equality and ensuring fair treatment for all individuals. Advocating for the ratification of the ERA is essential to promoting equal rights and opportunities for women and girls.

Together, we can come together with our differences, male allies, women on behalf of our daughters and granddaughters and future generations, but also for us now. - Lori Adams Brown

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If you're feeling like you're struggling to truly connect with others and make a significant impact as a leader, then you are not alone! The traditional approach of just speaking and not truly understanding others may not be yielding the results you desire. Instead of the impactful leadership and positive change you seek, you might be experiencing a lack of meaningful connections and a sense of frustration in your efforts to influence others.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Mastering the Art of Active Listening: Truly successful communication revolves around the power of active listening. This skill requires patience, humility, and a readiness to prioritize the narrative of others over personal agendas. When leveraged effectively, active listening can foster fruitful dialogues that enable empathy, mutual understanding, and growth.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

When we hear each other and truly listen to understand, with our differences, we make better decisions, we make greater impact on all the things we're trying to make better in the world. - Lori Adams-Brown

Enhancing Leadership Through Communication: How one communicates as a leader significantly impacts their effectiveness. Central to this is the ability to listen with intent, as this enables better understanding of diverse perspectives and fosters empathetic collaborations. In honing this skill, leaders can transform their teams and communities, paving the way for progressive dialogue and change.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:01 - Introduction to the Power of Listening

00:02:05 - The Skill of Listening to Understand

00:06:59 - The Impact of Listening to Understand

00:10:05 - The Importance of Body Language in Communication

00:13:15 - The Power of Listening to Understand

00:14:07 - Imagine the Impact of Listening to Understand

00:15:34 - Harnessing the Superpower of Listening to Understand

00:15:55 - Taking Action and Making a Difference

00:16:54 - Making the World a Better Place

Imagine if our world leaders, our policymakers, and imagine our influencers embracing the superpower of listening to understand.

- Lori Adams-Brown

Impact of Body Language: Communication transcends the use of verbal language, with body language accounting for a significant part of how messages are exchanged. Nuanced gestures, postures, and facial expressions often speak louder than words, providing insights into one's emotions and intentions. This underscores the need for leaders to be mindful of their body language to ensure constructive, empathetic communication.

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:01 - Introduction to the Power of Listening

Lori introduces the podcast episode and emphasizes the importance of listening to understand in shaping our world and making a positive impact.

00:02:05 - The Skill of Listening to Understand

Lori delves into the skill of listening to understand and highlights the importance of paying attention in a world filled with distractions. She emphasizes the need to go beyond simply hearing words and to listen for facts, feelings, and values.

00:06:59 - The Impact of Listening to Understand

Lori discusses how listening to understand can lead to empathizing, suspending judgment, and asking clarifying questions. She emphasizes the importance of deeper relationships and making better decisions through truly listening and understanding others.

00:10:05 - The Importance of Body Language in Communication

Lori explores the significance of body language in communication, pointing out that it accounts for 55% of how we communicate. She highlights the complexities of navigating different cultures and the role of body language in diplomacy and effective leadership.

00:13:15 - The Power of Listening to Understand

Lori discusses how effective listening can lead to empathy, collaboration, and growth in leadership, diplomacy, and social change.

00:14:07 - Imagine the Impact of Listening to Understand

Lori emphasizes the transformative impact of listening to understand in global conflicts, social justice, climate change, and workplace environments.

00:15:34 - Harnessing the Superpower of Listening to Understand

Lori encourages listeners to cultivate the superpower of listening to understand and highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in solving global problems.

00:15:55 - Taking Action and Making a Difference

Lori motivates listeners to take action by writing down their call to action, sharing it with others, and investing in themselves as leaders and influencers.

00:16:54 - Making the World a Better Place

Lori concludes by thanking global listeners for joining the journey of exploration and emphasizes the importance of listening with intention, empathy, and an open mind for making a difference in the world.

For those who are different and want to make a difference.

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If you're feeling the weight of past trauma and struggling to find healing, then you are not alone! Many individuals have tried traditional methods of healing without finding the relief they seek. Instead of finding validation and empowerment through conventional means, there's a unique path to healing waiting to be discovered through creativity and art.

My special guest is Erin Hung

Erin Hung, an artist residing in Hong Kong, brings two decades of experience in the art and design space, collaborating with prominent global brands such as Chronicle Books, American Greetings, Liberty of London, and Selfridges. Her creative journey, spanning from illustration work to murals and community art, is intertwined with her deep commitment to advocacy. A graduate from Central St. Martins School of Art and Sotheby's Institute in London, Erin's practice now revolves around amplifying voices at the fringes, working closely with mental health organizations and NGOs like UNHCR. Her profound insight into the healing power of creativity, stemming from her own experiences with religious trauma, has led her to spearhead the social media movement "A to Z of trauma recovery," inviting survivors and marginalized communities to heal creatively together. With her compelling art and thoughtful advocacy, Erin is a beacon of inspiration and empowerment.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Impact of Spiritual Abuse

Erin Hung shares her candid experiences of spiritual abuse within her faith community, highlighting an issue that is oftentimes overlooked or swept under the rug. Such experiences can cause an individual to internalize pain and shame, profoundly impacting their perceptions of self and their relationship with their faith. As Erin rightly emphasizes, acknowledging and addressing the impacts of spiritual abuse is crucial in the journey towards healing.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

I think for people, when they say they are not creative or they're not artistically inclined, I want to try and be the person that brings that piece. That's like, maybe if I ignite this match, you might burn a fire. It might kindle a fire that could help you on your way. - Erin Hung

Transformative Power of Healing

Art has a powerful potential to heal, as guest Erin Hung explores in her personal journey of self-discovery and recovery. Channeling our creative impulses can serve as a means of processing personal experiences and finding solace, particularly when navigating trauma. As Erin notes, the exploration of art can foster empowerment, liberation, and ultimately, transformative healing.

If we don't answer to what the creative impulse or the thing that God put inside us and fully explore that, then it's very hard to imagine a way forward for ourselves and for the church. - Erin Hung

Role of Therapy as Catalyst

Therapy, particularly non-verbal modalities such as art and somatic body work, can act as a catalyst for trauma recovery. Erin Hung recounted how these therapeutic methods empowered her to process her personal traumas, finding a language for her experiences that words could not capture. As a creative outlet, therapy can enable an individual unparalleled self-expression, providing a pathway towards understanding, acceptance, and healing.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introducing the Podcast and Guest Erin Hung

00:02:41 - Erin's Journey as an Artist and Advocate

00:10:29 - Cultural Influence on Faith and Interpretation of Scriptures

00:14:28 - Decolonizing Scriptures and Cultural Identity

00:16:17 - Disentangling Cultural Norms and Global Conversations

00:18:23 - Understanding Family Trauma and Shame Culture

00:19:23 - Overcoming Shame and Sharing Personal Trauma

00:20:32 - Decolonizing Faith and Silence

00:21:10 - Healing Through Creativity and Somatic Work

00:27:47 - Experiencing Spiritual Abuse and Gaslighting

00:35:11 - Realization of Making a Difference

00:36:39 - Healing Through Creativity

00:39:39 - The Power of Creativity

00:42:41 - A to Z of Trauma Recovery

00:49:42 - Embracing Beauty and Joy

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:02 - Introducing the Podcast and Guest Erin Hung

Lori introduces the podcast and guest Erin Hung, an artist living in Hong Kong, known for her illustration work, murals, and community art. Erin's background in the evangelical faith and her journey through religious trauma is also mentioned.

00:02:41 - Erin's Journey as an Artist and Advocate

Erin shares her upbringing in an evangelical family in Hong Kong, her experiences with art and faith, and the cultural pressures she faced as a creative individual within her community. She also discusses the intersection of her faith with her artistic sensibilities.

00:10:29 - Cultural Influence on Faith and Interpretation of Scriptures

Erin delves into the impact of cultural undertones in Chinese churches, specifically the concept of Filio piety and its influence on interpretation of biblical teachings. She reflects on the need to challenge traditional interpretations and explore diverse perspectives within the faith community.

00:14:28 - Decolonizing Scriptures and Cultural Identity

Erin discusses the concept of decolonizing scriptures and its relevance to her own faith experience, particularly in the context of being Chinese and the impact of colonization on cultural identity. She highlights the growing global conversation around colonization and the need for broader understanding.

00:16:17 - Disentangling Cultural Norms and Global Conversations

Erin shares her journey of disentangling cultural norms and understanding the broader historical and global conversations surrounding colonization. She emphasizes the importance of gaining a broader worldview to challenge entrenched cultural dynamics and promote

00:18:23 - Understanding Family Trauma and Shame Culture

Erin discusses the intergenerational trauma within families and the shame culture that perpetuates silence about taboo topics, making others uncomfortable and bringing shame onto oneself and the family.

00:19:23 - Overcoming Shame and Sharing Personal Trauma

Erin shares her openness about discussing personal childhood trauma, acknowledging the potential shame it brings to friends and family, and the collective nature of shame within the community.

00:20:32 - Decolonizing Faith and Silence

Erin delves into the intertwining of faith, church abuse, submission, and shame, highlighting the tendency to silence uncomfortable truths, sweep issues under the rug, and the challenges of decolonizing these ingrained dynamics.

00:21:10 - Healing Through Creativity and Somatic Work

Erin shares her journey of healing through somatic activities like art and gardening, emphasizing how these activities helped her process trauma and connect with her spirituality in a new way.

00:27:47 - Experiencing Spiritual Abuse and Gaslighting

Erin reflects on her experiences of spiritual abuse, gaslighting, and the struggle to find her voice within church settings, ultimately leading to her pursuit of therapy to gain clarity and language for unhealthy dynamics.

00:35:11 - Realization of Making a Difference

Erin reflects on her realization that making a difference does not depend on credentials. She shares her journey of trying to make a difference and the examination of why it wasn't working.

00:36:39 - Healing Through Creativity

Erin discusses her artistic expression as a means of healing. She shares her fear of not leaving a mark in the world and the importance of exploring creativity for healing and personal growth.

00:39:39 - The Power of Creativity

Erin emphasizes the importance of creativity in finding solutions and moving forward. She encourages people to explore their creative impulses and imaginations, highlighting the need for outside-the-box thinking.

00:42:41 - A to Z of Trauma Recovery

Erin introduces the A to Z of trauma recovery movement she started, emphasizing the inclusivity and diversity in the community. She shares how creative expression is a powerful tool for healing and processing trauma.

00:49:42 - Embracing Beauty and Joy

The host reflects on the importance of adding beauty, joy, and hope in life to build resilience in facing hard times. Erin's story serves as a reminder of the power of artistic expression in navigating life's challenges.

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Hey there, are you feeling disillusioned with modern Christianity? Have you been told to just accept the status quo and keep quiet about your doubts and concerns? It can be frustrating to feel like you're not getting the authentic experience you're seeking, especially when it comes to your faith. If you're tired of the ineffective advice to just go along with it, let's explore a better way to understand the history and context of early Christians that can revitalize your faith, whatever your faith background and bring new perspective to your journey. Let's dive into the compelling insights that can reignite your passion for authentic faith, even if that seems a little strange in your current religious context.

My special guest is Dr. Nijay Gupta

Dr. Nijay Gupta, a distinguished professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, is widely recognized for his scholarly contributions to early Christian studies. Residing in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Gupta also serves as a co-host of the acclaimed Slow Theology podcast and is the founder of the influential Crux Sola blog. With an extensive repertoire of published works, including "Strange Religion," and "Tell Her Story," Dr. Gupta's comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural context of early Christianity renders him a leading authority in the field. His latest book provides an insightful examination of the ways in which early Christians diverged from the prevalent religious and cultural norms of the Roman Empire, offering a compelling narrative that enriches our understanding of this pivotal era.

I want to believe that is a great and beautiful thing for anyone who feels like their movement has gone astray, whether it's a political movement, a religious movement, a social movement, we can always say, what are the good and beautiful and true things that made us who we are at the beginning? How can we come back to that now? - Dr. Nijay Gupta

In this episode, you will be able to:

Experience a Paradigm Shift

The early Christian revolution led to a paradigm shift, moving from power-driven religious practices towards a focus on goodness and authenticity. It revolutionized societal perceptions, promoting a familial relationship with God over a hierarchical one. This shift redefined societal values, placing emphasis on the inherent dignity of every individual, thus influencing modern perceptions of self-worth and individual rights.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Let suffering speak for the atrocities that are done then and now in the name of Jesus by Christians who should know better. But there's so much in scripture that has done so many good things for the things we take for granted right now. - Dr. Nijay Gupta

Embrace the Uniqueness

Embracing the uniqueness of early Christianity involves accepting its inherent non-conformity, individuality, and authenticity. It requires acknowledging the contrast between early Christian ideals and the current negative perceptions that have tainted the contemporary church. This embrace urges us to strive for a return to the faith's original, 'weird' roots, without the distortions prevalent in current mega-church culture.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast

00:01:05 - Sponsorship and Therapy

00:01:27 - Introduction of Dr. Nijay Gupta

00:02:23 - The Concept of "Strange Religion,"

00:11:43 - Contrasting Ancient and Modern Religious Practices

00:14:24 - Early Christian Environment

00:17:29 - Religion in the Ancient World

00:19:47 - Gods and Fear

00:21:42 - Paradigm Shift

00:26:39 - Christianity's Evolution

00:29:47 - The Challenge of Loving Your Enemies

00:32:40 - Divisions and Unity

00:33:22 - Suspending Judgment

00:34:23 - Uncovering the Original Message

00:40:39 - The Impact of Early Christians

00:43:12 - Excitement for Podcast Movement Evolutions

00:43:36 - Meeting Listeners

00:43:56 - Gratitude and Encouragement

00:44:20 - Shoutout to Nijay Gupta

00:44:45 - Closing Remarks

Experience a Paradigm Shift

The early Christian revolution led to a paradigm shift, moving from power-driven religious practices towards a focus on goodness and authenticity. It revolutionized societal perceptions, promoting a familial relationship with God over a hierarchical one. This shift redefined societal values, placing emphasis on the inherent dignity of every individual, thus influencing modern perceptions of self-worth and individual rights.

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast

Lori Adams Brown introduces the World of Difference podcast and its focus on those who are different and want to make a difference. The podcast is sponsored by Betterhelp, emphasizing the importance of therapy for personal growth and understanding strengths.

00:01:05 - Sponsorship and Therapy

Lori highlights the role of therapy in personal development and offers a 10% discount for Betterhelp. She encourages listeners to consider the benefits of talking to a professional about life's challenges and self-discovery.

00:01:27 - Introduction of Dr. Nijay Gupta

Lori introduces Dr. Nijay Gupta, a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, highlighting his expertise and previous works. She previews the discussion of his latest book, "Strange Religion," and its focus on early Christians contrasting with Roman culture.

00:02:23 - The Concept of "Strange Religion,"

Dr. Nijay Gupta explains the concept behind his book, "Strange Religion," drawing parallels between the unique individuality of Portland, Oregon, and the early Christians' commitment to a different way of living and beliefs. He emphasizes the need to rediscover the original, revolutionary essence of Christianity.

00:11:43 - Contrasting Ancient and Modern Religious Practices

Dr. Nijay Gupta discusses the differences between ancient Roman religion and modern Western views of religion. He highlights the public, obligatory, and practical nature of ancient Roman religion, contrasting it with the optional and personal approach often seen in modern

00:14:24 - Early Christian Environment

Dr. Nijay Gupta discusses the environment in which early Christians grew up, where religion was an obligation and a question of power and obedience to gods.

00:17:29 - Religion in the Ancient World

Gupta compares the saturation of religion in the ancient world to modern sports culture, highlighting the obligatory nature of religion during that time.

00:19:47 - Gods and Fear

Gupta explores the fear and power dynamics associated with the gods in the ancient world, and how early Christians rejected this paradigm by emphasizing a loving parental relationship with God.

00:21:42 - Paradigm Shift

The conversation delves into how early Christians shifted the religious paradigm from power and coercion to one of inherent dignity for all individuals, leading to a different socio-economic outlook.

00:26:39 - Christianity's Evolution

Gupta reflects on the need for Christianity to constantly evolve and change for the better, drawing inspiration from historical figures like Dietrich von Hoeffer and emphasizing the importance of returning to the core ideas of the faith.

00:29:47 - The Challenge of Loving Your Enemies

Dr. Nijay Gupta discusses the difficulty of Jesus' teaching to love your enemies and how it applies to our world today, especially in the face of political strife.

00:32:40 - Divisions and Unity

Dr. Gupta talks about how divisions exist not only in the political sphere but also in various parts of the world and emphasizes the importance of loving our enemies as a way to overcome these divisions and unite people.

00:33:22 - Suspending Judgment

The conversation delves into the challenge of suspending judgment, especially in today's society, and how it relates to the teachings of Jesus in the Bible.

00:34:23 - Uncovering the Original Message

Dr. Gupta shares the importance of revisiting the original teachings of Christianity and scripture, encouraging readers to look beyond the negative aspects and discover the timeless truths within.

00:40:39 - The Impact of Early Christians

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of early Christians in history and how their values and ideals continue to influence social change and justice movements today.

00:43:12 - Excitement for Podcast Movement Evolutions

Lori shares her excitement for attending Podcast Movement Evolutions in LA and meeting up with listeners. She mentions the opportunity to meet Amy Poehler and her previous experience of hearing will Ferrell.

00:43:36 - Meeting Listeners

Lori expresses her eagerness to meet listeners of the podcast at the event and encourages them to come up and say hi. She values connecting with her audience and appreciates their support.

00:43:56 - Gratitude and Encouragement

Lori expresses gratitude to the listeners for taking the time to tune in and emphasizes the importance of self-care. She encourages everyone to keep making a difference in their own way, wherever they are.

00:44:20 - Shoutout to Nijay Gupta

Lori acknowledges Dr. Nijay Gupta and his perspective shared in the conversation, thanking him for his insights and contribution to the episode.

00:44:45 - Closing Remarks

Lori wraps up the episode with a reminder of the value each listener holds and encourages them to continue making a positive impact in the world.

Impactful Theology

Early Christian theology was transformative, marking a stark departure from the ancient Roman religious practices and fostering a culture of empathy and love. The teachings of Jesus, particularly those focused on love and compassion towards one’s enemies, remains relevant even in today's divisive world. Through a careful examination of our attitudes towards others, especially those with differing ideologies, we can more fully embody these teachings, fostering social transformation and bringing about meaningful change.

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