In the recent election, abortion access was a significant topic, ballot measure, and factor in voting choices. Not only is the country deeply divided on this issue, so too is the American church. In this conversation, Ideos’ Greg Arthur speaks with Angela Wesley, CEO of ProGrace, about the organization's mission to create a Jesus-centered approach to the complex issues surrounding abortion and unintended pregnancies that moves beyond the categories of being pro-choice or pro-life.

They discuss the importance of empathy, grace, and community support in addressing these sensitive topics, emphasizing the need for the church to be a safe space for women. Angela shares her personal journey to ProGrace, the challenges of navigating political divides, and the necessity of listening to the experiences of those affected by these issues. They dive into sexual ethics, theology, and reading scripture in a way that helps inform these conversations. This hopeful and honest conversation highlights the role of both men and women in fostering understanding and compassion, ultimately calling for a shift in how the church engages with these topics.
Make sure to visit ProGrace’s website to connect with their work and find their resources.

Check out Angela’s podcast, including a wonderful conversation with Christy Vines on How to Move from Debate to Dialogue Through the Power of Stories.

(Note - this post was created when I served as VP of Ideos Institute, which is now the Fuller Center for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation)

In this conversation reflecting on what they are learning and observing after the 2024 election, Ideos VP Greg Arthur speaks with Mako Nagasawa about his unique journey from a diverse cultural background to founding ⁠The Anástasis Center⁠.

“We proclaim the restorative justice of God and the healing atonement of Jesus.”

— Mission Statement of The Anástasis Center for Christian Education and Ministry

The conversation explores themes of justice, atonement, and the church's role in cultural engagement, particularly in the context of political reactions to recent events. Mako emphasizes the importance of restorative justice over retributive justice, highlighting the need for emotional health and spiritual formation within communities. The discussion culminates in practical steps for healing and restoration in both personal and communal contexts.

Takeaways:

* Mako Nagasawa's journey reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences.

* Restorative justice focuses on healing rather than punishment.

* The church has a vital role in addressing social justice issues.

* Political reactions to events reveal deep divides within the church.

* Understanding atonement is crucial for engaging with justice.

* Emotional health is essential for community building.

* Spiritual formation practices can lead to healing.

* The church must engage constructively in public life.

* Historical injustices shape current community dynamics.

* Restoration involves partnership with God in healing human nature.

In this conversation, Ideos VP Greg Arthur and David M. Bailey, founder of Arrabon, explore the themes of racial reconciliation, justice, and unity within the context of spiritual formation. They discuss the importance of understanding reconciliation as a process of spiritual growth, the challenges posed by fundamentalism and political orthodoxy, and the need for a new imagination shaped by the kingdom of God. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of unity in diversity, the gift of ethnicity, and the hope found in engaging young adults in these discussions.

In this conversation, Ideos VP Greg Arthur and David M. Bailey, founder of Arrabon, explore the themes of racial reconciliation, justice, and unity within the context of spiritual formation. They discuss the importance of understanding reconciliation as a process of spiritual growth, the challenges posed by fundamentalism and political orthodoxy, and the need for a new imagination shaped by the kingdom of God. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of unity in diversity, the gift of ethnicity, and the hope found in engaging young adults in these discussions.

In this conversation, Greg Arthur and Jasmine Bellamy explore the transformative power of love in leadership, corporate culture, and the church. Jasmine, a love scholar-practitioner, discusses her journey of integrating love into her professional life and how it disrupts fear and promotes growth. They delve into the importance of love in fostering mental health, overcoming challenges in corporate structures, and the church's role in embodying love. The conversation not only emphasizes the disruptive power of love but also stresses the need for a deeper understanding of love as a catalyst for change and healing in various aspects of life.

In this conversation, Greg Arthur and Jasmine Bellamy explore the transformative power of love in leadership, business, and the church. Jasmine, a love scholar-practitioner, discusses her journey of integrating love into her professional life, emphasizing that love can disrupt the status quo, promote growth, and foster healthy conflict. They delve into the challenges of being a loving leader in a corporate environment, the impact of fear on workplace culture, and the importance of love in addressing mental health issues. The discussion also touches on the church's role in embodying love and the need for a deeper understanding of love as a foundational principle in both personal and communal life.

In this conversation, Greg Arthur and Dr. Geoff Holsclaw explore the intersection of spiritual formation and relational neuroscience, particularly focusing on attachment theory. They discuss how attachment styles influence our relationships with others and God, emphasizing the importance of secure attachments for personal and communal transformation. The conversation highlights the need for churches to cultivate relational skills and practices that foster unity and healing, as well as the significance of rupture and repair in relationships. Holsclaw also introduces the upcoming Attaching to God Summit, which aims to deepen understanding of these concepts.

In this conversation, Ideos Institutes' VP Greg Arthur engages with Michael Gulker and Nicholas Ma to discuss the challenges and possibilities of cultivating unity within the church amidst a polarized society. They explore the themes of healing divisions, the role of film in bridging differences, and the importance of vulnerability and accountability in leadership. The discussion highlights the unexpected connections formed among diverse pastors and the transformative power of curiosity and empathy in fostering relationships. The conversation culminates in reflections on hope and the broader message of their film, 'Leap of Faith', which aims to inspire audiences to take their own leaps towards unity and love.

In this episode, Greg Arthur engages Dr. Miranda Zapor Cruz in a deep conversation about the intersection of faith and politics, particularly in the context of American Christianity. They explore the challenges Christians face in a polarized political landscape, the importance of critical engagement, and the need for intentional community practices that foster healthy political discourse. Dr. Cruz discusses her book, 'Faithful Politics,' which offers a theological framework for understanding political engagement and critiques the rise of dominionism and Christian nationalism. The conversation concludes with reflections on the hope for future generations navigating these complex issues.

In this conversation, Ideos Institutes' VP Greg Arthur engages with Michael Gulker and Nicholas Ma to discuss the challenges and possibilities of cultivating unity within the church amidst a polarized society. They explore the themes of healing divisions, the role of film in bridging differences, and the importance of vulnerability and accountability in leadership. The discussion highlights the unexpected connections formed among diverse pastors and the transformative power of curiosity and empathy in fostering relationships. The conversation culminates in reflections on hope and the broader message of their film, 'Leap of Faith', which aims to inspire audiences to take their own leaps towards unity and love.