EXPLORACAST

There has been a growing movement for the last several decades in favor of decreasing the barriers between church and state, mostly from some sects of the christian churchand those who would use it for political gain. Secularism is seen as the primary reason we struggle as a nation and that what we really need to do is "put God back into" the political arena. Is this a good thing or is it a means by which freedoms are ultimately diminished and more people have less say? 

I believe that the only way things don't ultimately get better in a difficult time like this is when people lose hope and disengage in working to make the world a better place. So, in today's podcast we discuss the powerful value of hope and the kind of hope that strengthens us and motivates positive change.

Who do you trust to tell you the truth outside of your closest friends and family? Are you operating on a basic assumption that people in power are as prone to telling lies as much as they are the truth? Maybe the path to power nowadays,unfortunately, includes a willingness to lie when it is more expedient than truth telling. 

At first glance, most everyone would say that the empathizing with another person is a good thing; to understand how they feel and even share some of thosefeelings. Nowadays, however, there are more and more voices that are suggesting that to empathize with others is the path of giving too much away or letting people get away with the things they do. Remember Jean Valjean? He was hungry and stole food. Do we justify it because he was starving, or do we believe that stealing is wrong no matter the reason? 

It used to be that a lot of one's identity was wrapped up inwhat one did for a living. For many people that remains true and not so much along gender lines as it used to be. Is this a bad thing? Is it bad to achieve and feel pride in one's achievements? Can it go too far and what happens whenone retires or can no longer do that thing which supplied identity?  These are the questions that drive today's conversation. 

Where is home for you? Is it a place? Is it a group of people? Is it a state of mind? Maybe you're feeling a little "homeless" in some ways at this point in your journey. Today's episode takes on this very nuanced and emotionally fraught subject of the "longing for home". 

In honor of the recent passing of Pope Francis, we thought it good to spend a moment reflecting on his story and legacy, even from three non-Catholics. We also talk about the messages and attitudes that connect him with many leadersof spiritual movements throughout history. Finally, we wonder, if these messages and attitudes are so respected as righteous, why are we not doing a better job of seeking to live up to them in these strange days.

Part of the normal human experience is sometimes feeling less than others but it seems now days that the messages of less-than are permeating society. There are sharper lines being drawn between "good enough" versus "never good enough" people. Issues of race, gender, sexuality, country of origin, religion, wealth, political affiliation, and so many others have become measuring sticks of human worthiness. What do you think Mr. Rogers would say about that? I think it would make him very, very sad. 

Has the world finally killed kindness or is it possible for it to again be on the rise? Is it possible to be kind and strong at the same time or does one necessarily preclude the other? We talk about kindness with the deep hope that it is not dead, and that it can yet be a healthy AND functional way to live.

In this episode, we take on what might be the elephant in the room. We are, admittedly, from that demographic that has held power in this country for a long, long time. We're white, we're male, and we're certainly NOT young! Does the worldwant/need more of the same old same old or could we perhaps offer up something a little different despite how we look and sound? You decide!