Mid-faith Crisis

This week's topics include the ethics of slug control, the 1700th anniversary the council of Nicea, whether transformation is always difficult and what it would be like if we met our internal critic at a party. Also, how do we approach difficult events when it really seems like God is to blame? Oh, and Nick has a theory that stories are like cauliflowers. Or something like that.

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Nick gives his belated thoughts on Easter and reflects on how it's not about the doctrine but about the story: we are invited to live in the story of Easter and to allow it to give pattern to our lives. We talk about some classic story shapes, and how the Easter story is embodied in baptism and in the eucharist. Finally we reflect on what meal would tell our story: chicken Madras, or cheese and wine?

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It’s the Easter Special! Well, half an Easter Special maybe. Nick has the flu so in this shortened episode, it's Pastor Joe to the rescue, reflecting on how the Easter story of suffering, bewilderment and joy is a challenge to us to live all of life. Maybe, like the disciples on the Emmaus road, 'we had hopes'; but maybe, also like them, we can look back and recognise that Jesus was with us all along. Now, anyone for a liturgical breakfast?

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As we head into Holy Week, we discuss what it's like to celebrate Easter in mid-faith crisis. We explore how Easter is about our identity as Christians and how, by examining the practices of the early church, we might be able to develop a shape for our own rituals. Also we touch on why the Mid-faith Crisis is like owning an old car, and we say hello to Grandpa Joe!

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We're back! Joe has returned from Mexico and Nick has returned from an unfortunate act of wire-cutting. We catch up on how things are going with our themes, discuss how life (and theology) keeps adding complexity, and think about how we respond to fear when, inevitably, it arrives. Also we talk a little more about the need to embrace uncertainty, and the importance of telling yourself some good stories. Meanwhile does Nick have a poltergeist or just a very clean rodent? And what is a squidgy goat?

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With Joe away in Mexico we have an interview with Bekah Legg. She talks about the work of Restored with the victims of domestic abuse, and shares a little of her own story of loss and grief.

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It's our annual themes episode! We talk about our themes for the year, and reflect on how last year's themes worked out. And Joe has received an encouraging birthday card. Church notice: we're taking a brief break, so the next podcast will be in two week's time.

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We discuss how culture shapes art, and especially, how the culture of the time affects the Bible. How do the cultural norms and assumptions affect the text? Can we give power to the powerless within the story? And what about our own cultural lenses? We touch on creating our own sacred texts and ask the crucial question: can we still watch Carry On Films? Also Nick has had a dream. A very worrying dream, as it happens.

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Or not. Because in this episode we delve into some follow-up to last episode's interview with Danielle Strickland. How can we address some of the deep, ingrained attitudes which affect all of us? What does this mean for ideas of femininity and masculinity? And how do we respond to loss of power and prestige without lashing out? Also the boys have had a business meeting in a place called Upham. No, really.

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This week, Joe interviews author and speaker Danielle Strickland, about patriarchy – the male-centring and male-ordering of the world. They discuss the challenges of calling it out, the heretical concept of the male-ness of God, and the way in which patriarchal thinking and theology affects the world and the church. Most importantly, they talk about some practical things we can all do to make a difference.

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