Writer, Producer, and Filmmaker Nicholas Ma joins us to talk about his latest documentary titled "Leap of Faith". We explore why documentaries captivate him and how they represent human encounter and vulnerability. In an ever-increasing divided world where people talk about those they disagree with as being an "enemy", is it possible for a group of pastors to come together to speak into the huge chasms that divide us? Is there space there for the gospel?  Listen in as Nicholas shares behind-the-scenes insights and moments of discomfort that turned into profound learning experiences. Join us for a heartfelt discussion on art, faith, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Read more about Nicholas Ma HERE

See the trailer for Leap of Faith HERE

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Today is Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. John Inazu about his book Learning to Disagree. We live in an increasingly divided world in which we resist nuance and have definitive opinions. If you look at public discourse, those who have differing opinions are not only adversaries but increasingly described as evil. We  disagre with one another in destructive ways. Can we right the ship? Today we talk about disagreeing with people in a religious context. Is it toxic to disagree? Is it destructive? Can we still engage one another without describing people as Evil?

Find out more about John Inazu from his website: https://www.jinazu.com/

Explore his new book Learning to Disagree

Subscribe to his Substack Some Assembly Required

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Do you feel like it is hard to have proper conversations with people about challenging subjects? It seems to be getting harder! This is why we all need to read today's guest newest book: Learning to Disagree. Dr. John Inazu is a lawyer who brings us along into his law review classroom to learn how to disagree with others while not giving up on our convictions. And along the way, we find out how this is a necessary skill for people in the church to engage: the ongoing task of LEARNING and the process of healthy DISAGREEMENT. 

Find out more about John Inazu from his website: https://www.jinazu.com/

Explore his new book Learning to Disagree

Subscribe to his Substack Some Assembly Required

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Join us for part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Jack Beck. Learn how themes like divine identity and historical events are intertwined with specific locations like Mount Herman and Shechem. Discover how geography can illuminate scripture, bringing fresh perspectives and profound understanding. This episode also explores how Jack's work with Our Daily Bread Ministries makes biblical geography accessible to millions worldwide.

Discover more about Dr. Beck, his books, videos, or to sign up for his newsletter, click HERE

Watch the wealth of options on Dr. Beck's YouTube channel HERE

Discover Dr. Beck's books HERE

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Dr. Jack Beck is biblical geographer, professor, and prolific author. He is also and avid outdoorsman and the first person I have known to build and fly his own plane. From sailing and traveling to working on a dairy farm, he reflects on how these adventures fueled a restless curiosity that later shaped his approach to studying the Bible. We'll also explore the concept of literary geography and how understanding the geography of biblical texts can reveal deeper meanings. Whether you're a geography enthusiast or a Bible scholar, this episode promises thrilling insights and connections!

Discover more about Dr. Beck, his books, videos, or to sign up for his newsletter, click HERE

Watch the wealth of options on Dr. Beck's YouTube channel HERE

Discover Dr. Beck's books HERE

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Dr. Mia Chung joins us for Part 2 of the conversation about the power of classical music to help with human flourishing. Today we explore the decline of musical education and its repercussions on holistic child development. Our discussion emphasizes how early training in music can prime the brain for better cognitive and social skills, addressing issues like executive function and intuitive learning. Today we also talk about links musical experience to spiritual growth, highlighting the harmonic similarity between music and language, and the deep emotional resonance music can bring.

Find out more about Dr. Mia Chung HERE

Discover more about the Octet Collaborative HERE

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Dr. Mia Chung joins us to talk about how classical music is a foundational aspect of human flourishing. Dr. Chung is an internationally renowned pianist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician.  She was on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and she is now a professor at Harvard. Additionally she is the founder and executive director of the Octet Collaborative, which is a community of students, faculty, and staff at MIT who are dedicated to human flourishing. And if that is not enough, she writes and speaks on the transformative impact of music on cognition, learning, and health.

Find out more about Dr. Mia Chung HERE

Discover more about the Octet Collaborative HERE

Follow the Octet Collaborative and their podcast through their Instagram HERE

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Scott Erickson is an artist who uses many mediums to communicate with this audience. Today we talk about his collaborative book project with Justin McRoberts, 'In the Low, Honest Prayers for Dark Seasons,' which provides spiritual support for those experiencing depression. Scott then shares personal anecdotes, including an impactful experience at the Wailing Wall, illustrating how art can serve as a medium for expressing inexpressible emotions. Scott's art, which has resonated widely to the extent of being tattooed by numerous fans, aims to communicate the complexities of faith and the human condition

Find out more about Scott Erickson - his art, books, shows, and resources HERE

Explore Scott Erickson's talks on his YouTube channel HERE

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Scott Erickson joins us to talk about the power of art in our spiritual lives. Scott talks about growing up in a religious family with significant exposure to Christian traditions but feeling out of place due to his inclination towards art in a tradition that lacked visual representation. But then he found the old European cathedrals and realized art can be used as a significant medium for spiritual development. 

Today we talk about how he describes his job, the benefit of art in the church, and the "haunted" role of the artist.

Find out more about Scott Erickson - his art, books, shows, and resources HERE

Explore Scott Erickson's talks on his YouTube channel HERE

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Today is part 2 of the conversation with Rachel Clinton Chen about healing from spiritual abuse. Rachel discusses ways our cultural values have influenced leadership in churches, often valuing charisma over genuine pastoral care, which sometimes leads to spiritual abuse. We also discuss what to do in the case of people unintentionally contributing to spiritual abuse - sometimes due to their own unresolved trauma. Love and Humility have to be a part of the conversation! Finally we talk about the new online course available through the Allender Center. See the links below for significant resources available for you. 

RESOURCES:

Find out more about the Allender Center at the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology with a link to their podcast  HERE

Spiritual Abuse & Healing Online Course -  This six-lesson course, complete with reflective practices and deep dive panel discussions, helps you engage your body, mind, and spirit as you unpack the harm caused by spiritual abuse.

Story Workshop for Spiritual Abuse & Healing - Our mission at The Allender Center is rooted in the belief that our stories are best understood and healed when we share them with others. We’re honored to introduce the new Story Workshop for Spiritual Abuse & Healing—an immersive experience designed to guide you through the complex process of healing from religious trauma and spiritual harm and reclaiming your faith. This is a three day virtual workshop held May 16-18, including large group teaching and small group story work with a seasoned facilitator. 

Free Checklist: How to identify the signs of spiritual abuse

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