Presence Practice

In this thought-provoking episode of Roots and Relevance, the panel explores a broader theme—spiritual renewal. As they reflect on the transformation of Nineveh, the discussion shifts to modern culture and the complex intersections of faith, politics, and education. What does it truly take to see a society revived? Does top-down legislation work, or is grassroots change the only path to lasting renewal? Join the conversation as we tackle these challenging questions and offer insights into how spiritual awakenings can shape nations today.

For additional resources, visit rootsandrelevance.com

Join us this week as we continue our series "ReConstruct" where we look at healthy ways to deal with doubts and deconstruction.  This week, we ask the tough question of "should I stay or should I go?" We see many on both sides pointing the finger of blame on the mass exodus of the church.  In this episode, we will look at what it can look to be in an imperfect church, and how we should engage with her.  As always, be sure to like and share this episode with anyone that could be helped.

Terms like #exvangelical, #deconstruction, and #freedomfromreligion are exploding on social media these days.  Many inside the church look with disgust at this phenomenon with some even suggesting it is an excuse for them to 'sin.'  But how should we really look at this?  This is a huge subject that will take more than an episode or two to address it thoroughly.  This series is for anyone who ever has had questions, doubts, or even cynicism at what the church has become.  We encourage you to listen with an open mind and share with anyone that you think could benefit. As always, thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review, and share this series!

The Metaverse has arrived, ready or not.  But how should ministry leaders and followers of Jesus approach this new era?  Join us as we host Roger Solema in a much needed conversation on how we can approach the metaverse with openness, but also with a thoughtful spirit.  In this episode, we look at whether churches should pursue "Virtual Reality" church services and what some of the benefits could be, as well as the darker side.  We end by looking at a familiar passage with a new lens that has incredible relevance to this nuanced subject.  As always, thanks for listening and we love to hear your feedback at [email protected].  

Show Notes:

NY Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/30/opinion/church-online-services-covid.html?unlocked_article_code=AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEIPuomT1JKd6J17Vw1cRCfTTMQmqxCdw_PIxftm3iWka3DMDm0aiOMNAo6B_EGKbqp-fdAzmjOdQN5HPfo0SeZsz-RSJAlmTBeprt2EhJEBaW0TmL6EY1kXjdjLTKxqtnjjdHW4I-Nyg-TmtB_dPDO8RPHb1nY-IAYypI81cQ78xXAOwP2SRuEm39l4iOwzRcwvHUd2byGKuvfpAht1OszXLU2Pr1lrBJwKHG3bjtWe6LkfcQ5NCFKgTHx35Gg07dI0K8pAde-kbEZmIJyi9O1XXm94L46pBIkzRZzXl9hptr3Lrx-Kwamm1nADJBbLC5groFZNxXbMeao&smid=url-share

Bema podcast on Tower of Babel:  https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/6

Join us for a change of pace episode where we get to nerd out on philosophy with our friend, Blake Roeber.  Blake Roeber is a professor and philosopher at Notre Dame who specializes in formal and social epistemology.  Blake joins us to talk about his book on political humility and why our country is so polarized right now.  We also delve into the relationship between political bias and our theological views.  Blake has an amazing ability to communicate complex truths in a way that people will understand and appreciate.  

For additional resources, check out these:

Bishop, Bill (2009), The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America is Tearing us Apart (Boston: Houghton Mifflin). 

Kahan, Dan, Ellen Peters, Erica Cantrell Dawson, and Paul Slovic (2007), “Culture and Identity-Protective Cognition,” Journal of Emperical Legal Studies, Vol. 4, No. 3: pp. 465-505.  

——— (2011), “Cultural Cognition of Scientific Consensus,” Journal of Risk Research. Vol. 14: pp. 147-74.

——— (2012), “The Polarizing Impact of Science Literacy and Numeracy on Perceived Climate Change Risks” Nature, Climate Change, Vol. 2: pp. 732–35.

——— (2017), “Motivated Numeracy and Enlightened Self-Government,” Behavioural Public Policy, Vol 1, No. 1: pp. 54-86.

Putnam, Robert and David Campbell (2010), American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us (New York: Simon and Schuster)

Join us this week as we host Gabe Hart as he reacts to our "Science of Unforgiveness" episode.  In this episode, we dive deep into Gabe's story and have a real and raw conversation about forgiving ourselves to break unhealthy patterns. We hope you enjoy and, as always, be sure to like and share!

Join in this episode as Tim ruins your nativity set by giving us some context that often is ignored.  Over the years, our traditional Christmas story has been sanitized and robbed of much of its beauty.  If you feel beaten down and exhausted by the last 2 years, then this podcast is for you.  We hope you will enjoy this hopeful, grace-filled message from the Gospel of Matthew.  Thanks for listening and be sure to review and share our podcast!

Join us for part 2 of our conversation on polarization in our country.  In the second half of this conversation, we get into some practical ways that the church can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.  We hope you find some tangible ways to build bridges with your 'other.' Thanks for subscribing and be sure to like and share!

David French's latest article speaks of how our country is more divided than ever, and it doesn't seem to be getting better.  Join us this week as we talk about the unhealthy results of this growing polarization and what we can do about it.  This was a longer conversation so we decided to break it up into 2 parts.  We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!

For questions, comments, or concerns, email us at:  [email protected]

David French Article:  https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/a-whiff-of-civil-war-in-the-air?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=