In this episode of Spiritual AF Sundays, host Jess Karels delves into empathy and its portrayal as potentially sinful within certain American Christian circles.

We also discuss the theological and historical perspectives on sin, the evolution of Christianity, and how concepts like Manifest Destiny and American Exceptionalism have shaped modern evangelical thought.

We contrast the biblical advocacy for empathy and compassion with contemporary Christian conservatism’s focus on power and dominance. The episode uncovers a dichotomy within American Christianity and examines its impact on national identity and social justice through scriptural references.

Timestamps:

00:00 SAFS - What the Bible Says About The Sin of Empathy

01:04 "Toxic" and "Sinful" Empathy?

02:37 Intro for those who are new to me

04:15 America at the Crossroads

05:15 What is "Sin" in the Bible?

06:57 The Morphing of Christianity in America

15:32 Cain, Abel, and America

22:22 The Bible on Empathy

33:11 The Sect That Believes Empathy is Toxic

Information referenced:

Read the transcript on Patreon (and support the show)⁠

Join Jess's Discord Server, ⁠The Mystic Geek's Lair

In this reboot episode of Spiritual AF Sundays, host Jess Karels, also known as The Mystic Geek, delves into the multi-faceted impacts of the recent TikTok ban from both political and spiritual perspectives. Discover how this event connects with American Exceptionalism and its deeper societal implications.

Don't miss out on unraveling these complex layers—listen now to bridge the gap between current events and mystical insights.

00:00 Introductions

01:12 The TikTok Ban - Lead-Up & Experiences

08:24 The Emotional Impact of the Ban

11:03 The Emotional Impact of TikTok's Return

14:10 TikTok and the Egregore of American Exceptionalism

15:23 What is an Egregore?

16:16 Understanding American Exceptionalism

23:18 How TikTok Challenged American Exceptionalism

Join Jess's Discord Server, The Mystic Geek's Lair

Welcome to Spiritual AF Sundays, a podcast where we mix culture, commentary, and witchcraft.

I'm your host, Jessica Karels also known as The Mystic Geek, and I'll be diving into discussions about current events and trends from a Xennial, occult-nerd perspective.

Social media RARELY does these topics justice, so let's approach them with a more nuanced take.

Grab your favorite beverage, sit in a comfy chair, and get ready to peel back the layers of reality, because THAT is Spiritual AF.

This week, we talk about the darker side of religious practices, exploring emotional, psychological, and even financial abuses that can occur in religious contexts. Join us as we discuss the process of deconstruction, the path to recovery, and the importance of a safe healing space. Whether you've faced religious trauma or are keen on understanding this uncharted area, this episode is a key resource.

This week, we invite counselor, teacher, researcher, and podcaster Paula Swindle to discuss the sensitive subject of religious trauma or when spirituality is weaponized instead of used as a healing tool. Swindle, who works at the Center for Healing Religious Harm, dives deep into the aspects of religious abuse and explains three broad categories of such trauma. She further highlights the importance of self-examination and transparency in her roles as a counselor, teacher, and podcaster.

00:00 Guest Quote

00:24 Opening Music

01:19 This Week's Topic

03:25 Introduction and Guest Background

04:07 Studying Religious Trauma

08:36 Understanding Religious Trauma

15:22 Counselor, Teacher, Podcaster - Navigating Power and Transparency

22:25 Final Thoughts

25:41 Recap

27:44 Closing Music

About our guest:

Paula Swindle is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in North Carolina who maintains a private practice called the Center for Healing Religious Harm. She is also an associate professor of counseling at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, where she trains new counselors. Last but not least, she and her pastor co-host Sacred Intersections, a podcast about navigating the twisty roads of harmful theology, mental health, and religious abuse.

Find Paula Online

* https://www.sacredintersectionspodcast.com

* https://instagram.com/drpaulaswindle

Support our show:Subscribe to this channel to receive notifications of upcoming episodesShare this episode with your friendsPlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts so that more people find us:

More about the host (The Mystic Geek)Connect with me on social - themysticgeek.com/socialCheck out my gemstone bracelets at crafted.themysticgeek.comBook an online session with me at bookings.themysticgeek.com

Dive into an enlightening journey of self-discovery with our special guest, Michael McGinnis. Embark on a captivating exploration of spirituality and personal development as Michael narrates his authentic journey that culminated in the creation of his transformative trilogy, "The Essential Revolution." Experience how this profound journey transcends the individual, sparking a global awakening.

In an age of division and chaos, McGinnis addresses the integral role of personal awakening in navigating our world. He unveils the potent impact of perspective and the liberating power of forgiveness in breaking the chains of victimhood. Whether you're seeking inner peace amidst the turbulence, longing for purpose, or thirsty for personal growth and spiritual evolution, this episode holds valuable insights for you.

00:00 Guest Quote

00:21 Opening Music

03:40 Introduction and Guest Background

04:39 The Essential Revolution: A Spiritual Allegorical Fiction

06:39 Impact of the Book Series

09:31 The Connection Between the Book and Current World Events

11:19 Understanding the Victim Mindset

18:58 The Essential Revolution: A Global Awakening

25:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

26:37 Recap

29:10 Closing Music

About our guest:

Michael "Mike" McGinnis, Jr., also known as The Jungle Writer, is an author dedicated to the global awakening of humanity. He is best known for his Essential Revolution series. A spiritual powerhouse, he is also an entrepreneur, big wave surfer, and race car driver, using his transformational experiences to inspire others. Currently involved in a reforestation-backed crypto project, Mike's work serves as a beacon of introspection and self-realization.

Find Michael online:

www.michaelmcginnis.com

Support our show:Subscribe to this channel to receive notifications of upcoming episodesShare this episode with your friendsPlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts so that more people find us:

More about the host (The Mystic Geek)Connect with me on social - themysticgeek.com/socialCheck out my gemstone bracelets at crafted.themysticgeek.comBook an online session with me at bookings.themysticgeek.com

Journey into the intriguing realm of psychedelic therapy. This week, we welcome Anne Metz, a groundbreaking psychedelic therapist, as we delve into the unexplored depths of mind-altering substances and their potential in treating mental health conditions.

Discover the journey that led Anne to this revolutionary field, influenced by the insightful work of author Michael Pollan. Together, Jessica and Anne explore the nuances of psychedelics and how they stand apart from conventional drugs, shedding light on their resurgence as a novel solution to mental health problems.

Addressing pressing issues like responsible regulation of psychedelic substances, Anne draws interesting parallels between the current scenario and past challenges like the opioid crisis. Not one to shy away from future prospects, the conversation also navigates the promising research landscape and potential benefits, particularly for veterans struggling with PTSD.

Tune in to understand the strides taken by states like Oregon and Colorado in developing accessible community-based treatments and decriminalizing plant-based psychedelics. Gain insight into the necessity of ethical practice, rigorous training, and the spirit of inquisitiveness in this emerging field. Listen, learn, question, and grow with us on this mind-bending journey.

About Our Guest: 

Anne is a psychedelic therapist who came into the profession after working as a community-based mental health care provider. She found that a lot of her clients were struggling to get the results they wanted from traditional therapy and wanted to find new ways to support them. She found out about psychedelics from Michael Pollan's book, How to Change Your Mind, which led her to seek out training on plant-medicine-based treatments. She is a Southern New Hampshire University faculty member and holds licenses to practice counseling in multiple states.

Anne's passion for therapeutic uses of psychedelics and her commitment to social reform have led to groundbreaking research and significant policy changes. When not working, she’s exploring the great outdoors in her current home of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Find Anne online:

* www.annemetz.com

* https://www.instagram.com/doctormetz

Support our show:Subscribe to this channel to receive notifications of upcoming episodesShare this episode with your friendsPlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts so that more people find us:

More about the host (The Mystic Geek)Connect with me on social - themysticgeek.com/socialCheck out my gemstone bracelets at crafted.themysticgeek.comBook an online session with me at bookings.themysticgeek.com

In this episode of Spiritual AF Sundays, we discuss The Five Love Languages and how our guest made a new tool to make this framework accessible to everyone - all ages and all backgrounds.00:00 Guest Quote00:22 Opening Music01:18 Greeting, Episode Summary, & Guest Intro03:57 Meeting Our Guest, Paul Zolman04:11 Paul's Personal Journey and Challenges08:38 Creating a Game to Learn the Five Love Languages11:09 The Role of Love Dice: A New Approach14:11 Impact and Success Stories18:14 The Potential for Societal Change21:40 Recap24:28 Closing MusicAbout our guest:Paul Zolman is the international bestselling author of the Role of Love, but the true author of love is God. In His wisdom, He placed us in a variety of circumstances that require us to find our way back to His pure love.Where to find Paul online:www.roleoflove.comwww.facebook.com/roleoflovedicewww.twitter.com/roleoflovedicewww.youtube.com/@roleoflovedicewww.tiktok.com/@roleoflovedicewww.instagram.com/roleflovedicewww.pinterest.com/RoleOfLoveDiceSupport our show:Subscribe to this channel to receive notifications of upcoming episodesShare this episode with your friendsPlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts so that more people find us:

More about the host (The Mystic Geek)Connect with me on social - themysticgeek.com/socialCheck out my gemstone bracelets at crafted.themysticgeek.comBook an online session with me at bookings.themysticgeek.com

If you've been following me for a while, you know that I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to all the talk about manifestation, vibration, Law of Attraction, and all that jazz. I'm aware of what I do and what I focus on, and I see where I'm at in life. I'll admit I'm very fortunate. I also see the amount of work others are doing and how they struggle, and I have a hard time believing that their struggles are because they aren't trying hard enough or because they aren't thinking the right thoughts. It's hard to reconcile the simplistic messages around manifestation with the systems and structures in the world that make life easier for some and harder for others based on things outside of their immediate control. Plus, whenever I hear people talk about manifesting - it's typically something material and extravagant. Like, manifestation coaches who live in luxury homes or destination locations. We follow them because we think that if we have what they have, we'll be happier, and that's not the case.

It turns out I'm not alone in thinking critically about this.

About Our Guest:

Laura Hartley is an activist & coach helping changemaker deepen their impact while living their most thriving life. Fascinated by the relationship between inner and outer change, Laura bridges system change with self-work to empower changemakers with the skills of Getting Free: dismantling capitalism and patriarchy from the inside out. She offers coaching & courses in healing burnout cycles & culture, inner leadership, & finding purpose in a climate-changed world.

Where to find Laura online:

* laurahartley.com

* facebook.com/laurahartleycoaching

* instagram.com/laura.h.hartley

Support our show:

* Subscribe to this channel to receive notifications of upcoming episodes

* Share this episode with your friends Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts so that more people find us:

More about the host (The Mystic Geek)

* Connect with me on social - themysticgeek.com/social

* Check out my gemstone bracelets at crafted.themysticgeek.com

* Book an online session with me at bookings.themysticgeek.com

In this enlightening conversation, we chat with Rajeshwari Rai, a certified Reiki Master Teacher. Rajeshwari shares her journey of seeking spiritual practices and her move towards self-reliance in connecting to Divine Source. She discusses the importance of embodiment, focusing on the physical world, and our senses. Rajeshwari also talks about the different types of Reiki, including Usui Reiki, Karuna Ki Reiki, Money Reiki, Dragon Reiki, and Soulmate Reiki, highlighting how they can help people process old patterns, and challenges such as grief and pain. The conversation explores the concept of 'spirituality shopping' - adopting parts of different cultural traditions - and the resurgence of focusing on embodiment in spiritual practice. Rai concludes by emphasizing the importance of community and tuning into our own bodies for spiritual guidance.

00:00 Guest Quote

00:26 Opening Music

01:23 Greetings, Episode Summary, & Guest Intro

03:33 Meeting Our Guest, Rajeshwari Rai

04:22 Exploring Different Forms of Reiki

05:35 Reiki Practice in Different Geographical Locations

06:21 Personal Experiences with Reiki

09:11 The Intersection of Different Spiritual Practices

10:48 The Energetics of Cultural Borrowing in Spirituality

12:58 The Resurgence of Embodiment in Spirituality

15:09 Exploring the Globalization of Spirituality

19:30 Guidance for Navigating the Global Spiritual Landscape

22:38 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

23:26 Recap

26:43 Closing Music

About our guest:

Rajeshwari Rai is a certified Reiki Master Teacher. She is trained in several forms of Reiki, including Usui Reiki, Karuna Ki Reiki, Money Reiki, Dragon Reiki, and Soulmate Reiki. Through her business, Reiki Energetix, she supports her clients as they process old patterns and work through challenges such as grief and pain management. In addition to remote healing sessions, Rajeshwari also teaches classes and offers coaching services. You can learn more at reiki-energetix.com or follow Rahesh at reikienergetix on Instagram.

Where to find Rajeshwari online:

* Reiki Energetix: https://www.reiki-energetix.com/

* Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reikienergetix

Support our show:

* Share this episode with your friends

* Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts so that more people find us:

More about the host (The Mystic Geek)

* Connect with me on social - themysticgeek.com/social

* Check out my gemstone bracelets at crafted.themysticgeek.com

* Book an online session with me at bookings.themysticgeek.com

In this transformative episode, we delve deep into the energy type AND energy system known as "Reiki" with none other than Debi Barr, a Reiki Master from Northern Ireland.

Debi's going to share her powerful healing story, which showcases how Reiki can transform lives. She's also going to share some pretty profound insights on the essence of Reiki. We're also going to talk about some hot-button topics that tend to pop up on social media and forums - the Westernization of this practice after World War II, and the mish-mashing in of frameworks from other cultures, which again seems to be a Western thing.

If you're drawn to this realm of energetics and spiritual healing, or you've seen Reiki-related critiques pop up on Tumblr, Reddit, Twitter...Tiktok... whathaveyou, this episode is a must-listen.

Join us as we unearth the secrets of this about-century-old healing practice and its relevance in today's modern world.

About Our Guest: 

Debi Barr, owner of Rocks and Rituals, is a Reiki practitioner and healer. She has firsthand experience in the transformative power of Reiki - not just on the treatment side, but what happens when someone chooses to undergo the levels of attunement. She attests that Reiki is the cornerstone of her healing and is passionate about sharing this gift with others. 

Find Debi Online:

• Rocks N Rituals: https://rocksnrituals.co.uk/


• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocksnrituals/


• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocksnrituals

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Subscribe to this channel to receive notifications of upcoming episodes
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Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts so that more people find us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spiritual-af-sundays/id1660473504