This conversation explores the context of Jesus' beginning ministry, the nature of time, the role of prophets in society, ancient fishermen, and the call to solidarity and healing within communities. Tom Rundel shares personal fishing memories, transitions into discussing the serious nature of fishing in Jesus' time, and delves into the importance of understanding time as a social construct. He emphasizes the need for prophets to challenge unjust systems and highlights Jesus' radical choice of disciples from the margins of society. The conversation concludes with reflections on healing and the presence of God among those who are marginalized.

takeaways

• Fishing memories evoke nostalgia and family connections.
• Jesus' disciples were not just hobbyists but working fishermen.
• Understanding the context of Jesus' ministry requires a shift in perspective.
• Time was measured seasonally in ancient societies, not precisely.
• Prophets challenge unjust systems and advocate for change.
• Jesus' withdrawal to Galilee was a strategic move for a new movement.
• The marginalized often see God's light more clearly than the powerful.
• Healing is an act of solidarity, not just a display of power.
• Community and care are essential in the Kingdom of God.
• Imagination shapes hope and action in our lives.

Chapters

00:00Fishing Memories and Family Traditions

06:20Understanding the Context of Jesus and Fishermen

12:05The Nature of Time and Its Impact on Society

18:21The Role of Prophets in Challenging Systems

24:22Jesus' Radical Call to the Margins

30:20Healing and Solidarity in the Kingdom of God

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n this episode, Tom Rundel delves into the historical and theological significance of Pope Sergius I's refusal to conform to political pressures in the late seventh century, particularly regarding the phrase 'Lamb of God.' This pivotal moment in church history illustrates the tension between faith and power, as Sergius stood firm in his beliefs despite the threat of arrest. Rundel draws parallels between this historical event and contemporary issues within the church, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of faith in the face of societal pressures. He highlights how the phrase 'Lamb of God' serves as a radical declaration of God's nature, contrasting with imperial power and domination, and invites listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the deeper meanings behind their beliefs.

Throughout the conversation, Rundel encourages a re-examination of what it means to follow Jesus, emphasizing that true spirituality is not merely about beliefs but about living out those beliefs in a way that embodies love, vulnerability, and sacrifice. He challenges listeners to consider their desires and how they align with their spiritual lives, ultimately calling for a deeper allegiance to the values represented by the 'Lamb of God.'

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Pope Sergius and Historical Context
• 02:58 The Significance of the 'Lamb of God'
• 05:27 Political Pressures and Faith Integrity
• 10:00 Contrasting Symbols: Eagle vs. Lamb
• 15:46 The Radical Nature of the 'Lamb of God'
• 20:27 Faith as a Witness and Spirituality
• 25:26 Desire and Spirituality: What Do You Want?
• 30:50 Vocation and Living Authentically
• 34:51 Closing Reflections and Benediction

Takeaways

• 'I'm a Christian.'
• 'God's power doesn't look like empire power.'
• 'What do you want?'
• 'Faith is a witness.'
• 'Desire is naturally human.'
• 'Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?'
• 'The lamb symbolizes self-emptying love rather than imposed force.'
• 'We can't pretend otherwise, even if these people in power ask us to.'
• 'This is who Jesus is.'
• 'Come and see.'

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In this conversation, Tom Rundel reflects on his journey from city life to a deeper understanding of faith, exploring themes of baptism, identity, and the call to repentance. He shares personal anecdotes and historical insights, particularly focusing on the significance of baptism as a transformative act that reveals one's true identity as beloved by God. The discussion emphasizes the importance of solidarity with others and the need for a profound reorientation of values in the context of faith.

takeaways

• I did not grow up a country boy.
• I wanted to get out of the city.
• Fire is a symbol of baptism in the Bible.
• Worship what you have burned and burn what you have worshiped.
• Salvation and liberation are the same words.
• Baptism is an identity marker for us.
• We need a new epiphany for the new year.
• Repentance is a profound reorientation of values.
• We must stand in solidarity with those we help.
• You are God's beloved and he is well pleased.

Chapters

1. From City Life to Country Dreams
2. The Symbolism of Fire and Baptism
3. The Epiphany of Christ's Baptism
4. Solidarity and the Call to Repentance
5. Identity and Belovedness in Baptism

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This conversation explores the life and theology of Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century mystic who lived through the Black Death. Tom Rundel discusses how Julian's experiences shaped her radical theology, emphasizing God's love and presence in suffering. The conversation also delves into the nature of God, the distinction between the world and God's kingdom, and the importance of radical inclusion in the Christian faith. Finally, it advocates for a shift from Christian nationalism to localism, encouraging deeper community engagement and awareness of God's presence in everyday life.

takeaways

• Julian of Norwich lived through the Black Death, shaping her theology.
• Her visions emphasized God's love and presence in suffering.
• Julian's radical theology countered the belief in God's wrath during the plague.
• God's love is deeper than death, offering hope amidst suffering.
• The world is not separate from God's kingdom; we live in both.
• God's presence is often unrecognized due to societal power structures.
• Radical inclusion in God's family transcends race and status.
• Christian localism emphasizes community engagement and care.
• God's vulnerability is shown through proximity to humanity.
• The gospel addresses both spiritual and physical realities.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Julian of Norwich
2. Julian's Life During the Black Death
3. Visions and Revelations of Divine Love
4. The Nature of God's Love
5. Understanding the World and God's Presence
6. The Power Structures of the World
7. Radical Theology and Belonging
8. Christian Localism and Community Engagement

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summaryThis conversation explores the unique perspectives of the Gospels, particularly focusing on the historical context of the Hebrew people, the rise and rule of Herod the Great, and the implications of Jesus' birth in relation to Herod's tyranny. It delves into the narrative parallels between Moses and Jesus, the significance of lamentation as a form of resistance, and the overarching theme of power dynamics in biblical history. The discussion culminates in reflections on authenticity and the nature of silence in the face of oppression.

takeaways

• Different Gospels target different audiences with unique perspectives.
• Herod the Great's rule was marked by violence and political maneuvering.
• The historical context of the Hebrew people is crucial to understanding the Gospels.
• Herod's fear of losing power led to the slaughter of innocent children.
• The narrative aligns Jesus with Moses, framing him as a new leader.
• God communicates through dreams, bypassing traditional power structures.
• Lamentation is a vital form of resistance against oppression.
• Herod's death symbolizes the triumph of Jesus' life and message.
• Matthew's account seeks to correct the narrative surrounding Herod.
• Silence can lead to authenticity and self-discovery.

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This reflection explores love as a disruptive, risky, and compassionate force revealed in the Advent story of Joseph and Mary. Rather than portraying love as perfection or rule-following, it shows how imperfect love—choosing mercy over fear and presence over withdrawal—is enough to bring God into the world. Joseph’s decision to stay, despite uncertainty and social risk, reframes righteousness as compassion and justice as mercy, inviting listeners to see love as embodied courage in liminal, in-between spaces.

Liminal Space and Advent Love
Life is lived in “in-between” spaces where transformation and possibility emerge; Advent highlights love within this liminality.

The Disruption of the Virgin Birth
God breaks patriarchal and monarchical expectations by entering the world quietly, without coercion or male control.

Joseph’s Imperfect Love
Joseph follows the law yet chooses mercy, redefining righteousness as compassion rather than strict rule-keeping.

Love Resists Sanctioned Violence
Love stands against violence even when that violence is justified by religion or law.

God Interrupts Closed Systems
Through dreams and divine invitation, God opens new possibilities beyond fear-driven decisions.

Love Must Be Embodied
Love is not an idea or doctrine but something lived out through risky, faithful action.

Risky Fidelity Over Safe Withdrawal
Joseph chooses to stay and grow through love rather than escape discomfort.

Reflection and Practice
Listeners are invited into self-examination and imaginative prayer to embody love in their own lives.

Love often arrives as disruption, not certainty

Imperfect love is still enough to bring God into the world

Righteousness is compassion, not mere rule-following

Justice and mercy are inseparable

Love resists fear-driven withdrawal

God opens new possibilities when systems feel closed

Love grows when fear is faced rather than avoided

Staying present can be a holy, transformative act

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In this episode, Dr. Tom Rundel explores the themes of Advent, focusing on peace as a central concept. He reflects on personal experiences of chaos and stress, particularly during a planned power outage, and contrasts these with moments of genuine peace found in community service. The discussion delves into the nature of peace, emphasizing that it is not merely the absence of chaos but a powerful force that can disrupt unjust systems. The episode concludes with a reflection on expectations and how they can blind us to the peace that exists in our lives.

takeaways

• Advent is a time for reflection on hope, joy, and peace.
• Peace is not just tranquility; it is a deeper state of being.
• Experiencing chaos can lead to a greater understanding of peace.
• Expectations can blind us to the peace present in our lives.
• True peace can disrupt unjust systems and promote liberation.
• Peace exists in every moment, regardless of circumstances.
• Breath meditation can help tap into inner peace.
• Community service can be a source of genuine peace.
• Peace is a generous contribution to the good of all.
• The world is not saved through force but by a change of consciousness.

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He contrasts joy with happiness, emphasizing that joy is a deeper, more resilient state that can coexist with sorrow and is not dependent on circumstances. The discussion also delves into the historical context of apartheid in South Africa and how Tutu's joyful spirit served as a powerful form of resistance against oppression. The conversation concludes with an invitation to meditate on joy and its significance in our lives.

takeaways

• Advent is a preparation for the arrival of God into our lives.
• Joy is not an emotion but a resilient state of being.
• Happiness can be tied to brain chemicals like dopamine, but joy transcends that.
• Desmond Tutu exemplified joy in the face of oppression.
• Joy can coexist with sorrow and is rooted in reality.
• Repentance is about awakening to one's true self.
• Joy is a revolutionary force that cannot be governed.
• The fire of God is illuminating and cleansing, not punitive.
• Joy invites us to new beginnings and deeper connections.
• Meditating on joy can help us connect with our true selves.

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In this episode, Tom Rundel explores the concept of hope versus toxic positivity, particularly within the context of Advent and the Christian faith. He discusses how hope is often misunderstood as mere optimism or positivity, and instead argues that true hope involves acknowledging reality and potential, even in the face of despair. Rundel shares personal insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of co-authoring a better future with God, rather than relying on clichéd narratives.

Takeaways

• The majority of our life is lived in liminal space.
• Hope is not a denial of reality but an awareness of it.
• Toxic positivity replaces reality with comforting narratives.
• True hope involves acknowledging both reality and potential.
• Bad theology insulates us from reality.
• Hope is born when the human spirit confronts despair.
• We are participants in God's unfolding future.
• Hope requires co-authoring a better future with God.
• Clichés are not true theology but can be comforting.
• Hope travels through despair to reach the other side.

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In this episode, Tom Rundel explores the meaning of Christ the King Sunday, the conclusion of the liturgical year, and uses Psalm 46 to challenge the common Western tendency to treat God as a mere idea rather than an embodied reality. Rundel unpacks the Psalmist’s imagery—refuge, river, stillness—to point listeners toward a faith that is lived, practiced, and experienced in the body, not simply thought in the mind. He contrasts the biblical embodied pathway of spiritual trust with the modern habit of “spiritual bypassing,” urging listeners to regulate their nervous systems not with ideas but with grounding practices, presence, and embodied trust. In a world that feels like it is shaking, this episode reframes stillness as a revolutionary act of faith. 

Key Takeaway Moments 
Liturgical time shapes us: The liturgical calendar exists to form us, not to reflect our preferences or current news cycles. Christ the King Sunday was created to resist nationalism: 
Pope Pius XI introduced it in 1925 in response to rising secularism, nationalism, and authoritarianism after World War I. 
Psalm 46 is embodied, not abstract: God as refuge is comparable to a life-saving oasis in an actual desert—not an inspirational concept but a physical experience. 
Ideas alone cannot calm the nervous system: Overthinking spiritual truths cannot regulate fear, anxiety, or overwhelm; we need embodied practices. 
God is encountered in the physical world: Walks in nature, shared meals, prayer, meditation, therapy, community, and rhythms of grounding connect us with divine presence. 
Be still = “Stop it”: The Hebrew phrase carries the tone of a sharp interruption—God breaking into human anxiety, war, and inner conflict. Your identity is not your performance: We must detach our self-worth from opinions, productivity, and inner narratives. 
Divine life flows through reality like a river: God is woven into creation’s fabric, inviting us into steady presence rather than frantic striving. 
Stillness is not passivity but resistance: Trust is an active response that disrupts fear, violence, and domination—within society and within ourselves. 

Chapter Breakdown 
1. The Liturgical Year and Christ the King Sunday Tom explains how the liturgical calendar shapes Christian reflection and why Christ the King Sunday was added in 1925 as a response to nationalism and authoritarianism. 
2. Introducing Psalm 46 He situates the Psalm as an ancient song meant to be sung, full of poetic imagery that speaks to a trembling world. 
3. God as Refuge — More Than an Idea Tom describes the wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula and the oasis at En Gedi to illustrate that God as “refuge” was originally a lived survival experience, not an abstract thought. 
4. Ideas vs. Embodied Faith He critiques Western Christianity’s tendency to reduce faith to thoughts, arguing that nervous systems cannot be soothed by ideas alone. 
5. Experiencing God Through the Body Tom highlights spiritual grounding practices—walks, rest, prayer, therapy, worship—as places where divine presence is actually encountered. 
6. The River of God Using imagery from ancient Egypt and Jerusalem, he shows how rivers symbolized life, stability, and divine presence in the midst of chaos. 
7. “Be Still” as a Divine Intervention Tom reframes “be still and know” as God forcefully stopping human violence and inner chaos—less gentle contemplation, more “stop it.” 
8. The Inner War He identifies the internal battles of self-worth, anxiety, and fear, urging listeners to stop fueling the war through performance and self-criticism. 
9. God Woven Into Reality He quotes Ilya Delio and others to describe divine life as flowing through the cosmos; faith becomes an embodied way of being. 
10. Reflection & Practice Tom offers reflection questions and a spiritual practice for the week, ending with a poem titled Still Here by Paul A. Jones.

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