Mid-faith Crisis

In this episode we delve deeper into how we relate to nature, in particular, how Joe leads his reflective 'Wild Awake' walks. We talk about paying attention, intentionally entering a place and, most of all, how wonder is another name for worship. Also, Joe talks about how he had some business to do with the big cedar, and how you don't see a lot of anxious fungus.

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It's our tenth anniversary! Who'd have thought it? We're so grateful for the support of this great community. Anyway, in what can only be described as 'more of the same', we reflect on the origins of the podcast and what, if anything, we have learnt along the way.

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Joe talks with our friend Lacy Finn Borgo about the importance of acknowledging our bodies, of listening to them, and of recognising their fundamental importance to spirituality and how we encounter the Divine. As the blessing at the end says, we have holy hands, holy face, holy feet, and holy everything in between.

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The big announcement this week is the Mid-faith Crisis Church Weekend 2027. All the details in the link below. Meanwhile, in a possibly ill-advised move, we explore a Psalm together. We talk about sacramental moments, what fulness of life really means, find out the names of Joe's enemies, and discover why Nick hates Bible study. So dig out your spiritual ears and have a listen.

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We're back! Nick is back from Canada and Joe has forgotten to read the Bible. In our continuing tour of the house of faith, we revisit the attic but also consider the bar and even the playroom. Also, there are some very important announcements and an update from Denmark.

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Joe talks to Mary and Charles Hippsley about their excellent book, Reimagining the Landscape of Faith. What is our map of faith - and what do we do when the map is no longer helpful? How can we find new pathways? Who will help us on our travels? Mary and Charles share their own experience of spiritual change and offer wise, encouraging and helpful insights into the crucial journey of spiritual transformation.

We're coming to the end of our season of spiritual decluttering, and taking a look at some of the things that we have hidden away in the attic. What practices have we stored away up there, hoping they might come in useful again some day? Also, we check in on our themes and Nick has been thinking about the topic of maintenance. Thrilling stuff, I'm sure you agree.

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In a slightly unexpected moment, we delve into the ritual of communion. Last week we talked about it as a key Christian activity, but what is our understanding of it? We discuss the importance of ritualism, but also the dangers of exclusion. Also, we announce new ways of supporting the podcast, and Nick may or may not be able to balance on one leg and be a tree.

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We continue our journey unpacking the rooms of faith by looking at 'church' – a big word, with so many meanings. But what is it really? Is it just people talking about God? What about things like communion? We discuss the necessity of community, the fundamental practices of faith and, most importantly, reflect on what Christian Gandalf has to say on the matter.

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More on the theme of worship, but this week we focus on the why. Why do we worship? What is the role of gratitude? Is God really that needy, or are there other gods who are a lot more needy than the Divine? Should worship songs be sea shanties? We explore what the Bible actually says about worship, and how it might be more of a choice of direction than just saying nice things about God. Also, keep your diaries free, folks – we've got news of an event in 2027.

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