This is the second of two episodes in which I share thoughts on empathy and some personal experiences with it. In this episode, I share some thoughts on the lack of empathy shown in responses to those hurt by increased ICE activity in Minnesota. I also share how experiences of vulnerability help me feel more connected with Jesus. I end with examples of how the contemporary idea of sympathy (detached from the experience of others) often leads to toxic charity that only helps the giver feel better about themselves without concern for how it affects the person receiving our random act of kindness.

Below are some of the resources cited in the two episodes

Articles on Force Empathy in Star Wars

* Why One Force Power Threatened Everything Palpatine Was Trying To Build Screen Rant

* The Force Ability Power Emperor Palpatine Feared the Most May 4 Be With You

Empathy vs Sympathy

* What’s the difference between ‘sympathy’ and ‘empathy’? Meriam Webster

* What’s the Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy? Heathline

* The Difference Between Empathy And Sympathy Simply Psychology

Bible Verses About Empathy and Sympathy

* 30 Powerful Bible Verses About Empathy (With Explanation) Bible Study For You

* 34 Bible Verses about empathy Knowing Jesus

* 35 Important Bible Verses About Being Empathetic (Explained) Bible Reposity

During the episode, I mentioned a book titled Toxic Charity. You can find the book on Bookshop.org at this link. Bookshop.org connects readers with independent booksellers worldwide. You can designate a local bookstore to receive a portion of the proceeds from your purchase. In addition, I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com

This is the first of two episodes in which I will share thoughts on empathy and some personal experiences with it. Below are some of the resources cited in the episode

Articles on Force Empathy in Star Wars

* Why One Force Power Threatened Everything Palpatine Was Trying To Build Screen Rant

* The Force Ability Power Emperor Palpatine Feared the Most May 4 Be With You

Empathy vs Sympathy

* What’s the difference between ‘sympathy’ and ‘empathy’? Meriam Webster

* What’s the Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy? Heathline

* The Difference Between Empathy And Sympathy Simply Psychology

Bible Verses About Empathy and Sympathy

* 30 Powerful Bible Verses About Empathy (With Explanation) Bible Study For You

* 34 Bible Verses about empathy Knowing Jesus

* 35 Important Bible Verses About Being Empathetic (Explained) Bible Reposity

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com

This is the second part of my podcast highlighting some of my favorite “Christmas Songs” that many don’t associate with the holiday. These songs reflect an aspect of the Incarnation that’s more raw and realistic than most traditional Christmas music. You can find my original posts of these songs from 2014 here. The second part of this episode looks at the last two songs:

* Baby Boy by for King + Country

* Cry of a Tiny Babe by Bruce Cockburn

I hope you enjoy it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com

This episode of The Way of Kanan is unique. In 2014, I authored five blog posts highlighting some of my favorite “Christmas Songs” that many don’t associate with the holiday. These songs reflect an aspect of the Incarnation that’s more raw and realistic than most traditional Christmas music. You can find the original posts here. I am splitting these songs into two episodes because, together, they would create a lengthy episode, including my commentary.

I hope you enjoy it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com

In this episode, I compare Jesus’ perspective on wealth with how some parts of the American Christian Church see it today, especially in the current political climate.

In segment 1, I examine the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew's account of Jesus' life. Back then and even now, some people see wealth as a sign of virtue and God’s blessings. Jesus doesn’t view it that way.

In segment 2, I examine three stories Jesus told: The Rich Fool, The Rich Man and Lazarus, and The Sheep and The Goats. All three stories show that God favors those who care for the poor and not those who neglect them.

In segment 3, I examine an ancient Jewish prophecy by the Prophet Isaiah. In this prophecy, we see that God prioritizes caring for the needy and justice above all our acts of piety. Acts of piety are good, but they are meaningless without compassion and justice. I compare that to an administration that appears very religious but has cut back significantly on aid for those in need. This is especially evident in the cancellation of funding to help people with AIDS in Africa.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com

If you are expecting an episode about A Christmas Story, I hope I don’t disappoint you.

The recent fuss over Bad Bunny being chosen as the performer for the Super Bowl halftime show has brought white fragility back into the national spotlight. It seems that whenever Black and Brown people are showcased in sports or entertainment these days, there are always people complaining about the choice. All of these reactions reveal a general fear that white culture is no longer the center of our society. This is sometimes called the Great Replacement in conspiracy theory circles.

The fear of your culture being replaced is not a new one. In the second segment, I examine how this fear of replacement led to the Israelites being enslaved and oppressed by the Egyptians in Israel’s early history.

In the third segment, I examine how Jesus confirmed God’s wish to include people from all cultures in His Kingdom.

Recommended sources:

In this episode, I quote Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism With Grit and Grace twice. You can find the book here. I also reference an explainer video about the role of setting in biblical narrative, produced by The Bible Project. You can watch that video here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com

This is not the type of topic I intended to cover early in this podcast. Still, the influence that Charlie Kirk had in some conservative religious circles made it necessary to address the response to his tragic murder and what it says about some people in the contemporary American civil religion called Christianity. It is appropriate to mourn Charlie Kirk's death while also responding to some of the ways his philosophy is at odds with the Way of Jesus.In Segment 1, I discuss why a topic like this is relevant to the themes of this podcast. Some of the basic reasons are:

1. A fuller understanding of the Gospel includes a commitment to justice.2. The movement Charlie Kirk represented coopts religious language to fit their political agenda. We need to recapture the meaning of those words for the sake of people who are unaware of their background.3. Friends who fit categories demonized by Christian Nationalism need to know that there are white, cisgendered, Christian males who do not see them through the "us vs. them" lens.4. We also need to respond when the character of God is misrepresented in the public square.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com

In this first episode, I outline what The Way of Kanan is all about. I also share some initial insights on how to recognize a genuine Jesus follower and provide straightforward tips for navigating times of spiritual uncertainty.

Leave a comment below. Check out my Substack at https://wayofkanan.substack.com/. You can also email me at [email protected].

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com