“If you want a better world, tell a better story — especially one that centers justice without vengeance.” –Gareth Higgins 

How do we tell stories that offer us the best chance of creating a more peaceful and loving reality? In this episode of Learning How to See, we're exploring stories of revolution. Although these tales often contain values of heroism and liberty, they are more likely to feed into the cycle of violence rather than end it. 

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“Stories shape our reality, whether they are true or not.” —Gareth Higgins 

What if you told the story of your life differently? Explore the powerful influence of stories in shaping our experiences in the newest season of Learning How to See with Brian McLaren and Gareth Higgins. 

In this episode, we explore the Domination Story, a way of understanding our world that distorts our relationships with others and the Earth. Learn how to identify and shift this kind of story so that you can experience a truer and more loving reality.  

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“Becoming conscious of the stories we’re telling can be lifesaving to individuals and entire cultures.”—Gareth Higgins 

How do you recount life’s biggest triumphs and failures? What about your deepest loves and biggest betrayals? In this season, we'll be exploring the power of storytelling to help create a more just and loving world. 

This season, Brian McLaren dives into conversation with the co-host for this season, Gareth Higgins. Gareth is a writer and speaker who works in peace building and violence reduction in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Together, Brian and Gareth invite you to explore the story patterns that can lead us towards — and away from — a more equitable and loving future.

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Have your spiritual views impacted your romantic relationships?

In the next episode of our listener questions series, Brian and the team examine how our faith often impacts our relationships. Together, they respond to listener questions from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to help the listeners understand how to navigate the challenges these situations can bring. 

Today’s conversation sensitively explores these complex dynamics in intimate relationships.

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The transcript for this episode can be found here.

In this third episode of listener questions, Brian and the team respond to questions that came in centered around Jesus and theology. A listener writes, “I've been questioning the virgin birth and resurrection. As of now, I believe that Jesus was an amazing prophet who was so in touch with God’s spirit that he could do miracles, and his teachings were life changing. Would you let me know how you feel about my thoughts?”  

Brian and the team responds by discussing the differences between “fact” and “truth.” Together, they explore the power of Mary saying “yes” to God’s calling, even though it meant painfully going against cultural norms. The team also dives into various atonement theories in theology. Listen now!

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• The transcript for this episode can be found here.

What does community look like when our faith shifts?

“If I support my grandson who is gay, what do I do with my Catholic faith?”

Brian, and the team from the Center for Action and Contemplation reflect on questions that came in around community.

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A transcript for this episode can be found here.

The topic of questions related to this listener questions episode is on actions and beliefs, and if God intervenes.

Listeners wrote in with questions such as: “Does God intervene? Does Jesus heal? What am I doing when I pray for people? What precisely is the gospel? If I only had more faith, prayed the right prayer, and believed the Bible literally, maybe these awful things like the death of my young sister-in-law may not have happened.” 

Brian, and the team from the Center for Action and Contemplation reflect on these questions.

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A transcript for this episode can be found here.

Who reminds you of who you really are—even during dark times? Jacqui and Barbara are back, together, to explore ways to stay human amid fear and uncertainty.  

In this last episode exploring the chapters of 'How', these conversation partners explore the importance of humanity at the core of an authentic faith journey. Whether or not you continue to call yourself Christian—or a member of any other faith—how do we retain the courage to see the world as it truly is? 

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The transcript for this episode can be found here.

What is your response when your faith tradition demands that you deny reality?

Barbara Brown Taylor is back to discuss the importance of embracing “what is” more than adhering to our beliefs. This episode is based on 27th chapter of Do I Stay Christian?, Stay Loyal to Reality.

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The transcript for this episode can be found here.

How do you stand for what you believe without making others wrong?

In this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis joins Brian again to discuss how we can declare our beliefs with love—and why it is essential for the healing of our communities and our planet. 

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The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at [email protected]