Spirituality and Christianity
By Shirley Paulson
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Podcast Description
Spirituality and Christianity welcomes conversation among thoughtful people of different faith communities. Dialog consists of people who love to talk about religious and spiritual themes. Shirley Paulson, a Christian Science practitioner, searches for and invites discussion on topics ranging from practical spirituality to the meaning of religion and its practices, and even the technique of talking to people whose beliefs are different. Listeners are invited to join the conversation on the website, www.spiritualityandchristianity.com.
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What does ‘healing’ mean? | Episode #33 is a discussion with Barbara Zeman and Shirley Paulson who are trying to find a definition of healing. Barbara has changed her mind over the years as to what healing really means. When she was young, she said, it meant that something in your body that hurt didn’t hurt any more. But now she thinks it has more to do with the soul and with wholeness. I think there’s a lot more to healing than stopping the body’s complaints too, but I feel rather strongly that healing needs to include the body along with the soul. Healing is beautiful We also touched on what healing means in other faith traditions. We recognize that almost every faith tradition has a different understanding of the meaning of ‘healing.’ And yet, we also found some interesting threads among the various ways of thinking about it. The relationship between prayer and healing is a complex one. For instance, we noted that a prayer of human will is probably going to feel like a disappointment. But the right prayer will inevitably be answered. So, what is the right prayer? What should happen in a prayer? Why is healing an integral part of prayer? What we most enjoyed in the conversation ourselves was the mutual agreement that the connection between prayer and healing is beautiful. We still have a lot of questions, and we hope our listeners will join in the discussion with their own insights and observations. Related links: Examples of Christian Science healing Roman Catholic Healing Prayers | 9/14/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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What is spirituality? | Episode #32 is a question Barbara Zeman and Shirley Paulson asked each other. What concepts do we envision when we use the term ‘spirituality?’ It’s an important topic for this website, especially, since the very name of the website includes the term, ‘spirituality.’ I remember when I selected the name, I thought the word was a powerful one, even though just about everyone has a different definition of it. I thought it would be good to discuss its meaning from time to time, to see if we can find some clarification on the subject. Shirley Paulson and Barbara Zeman discussing 'spirituality' Barbara starts off by asking what’s driving my passion with these topics? Why do I care so much? I think there is something very deep, very relevant for today, and very beautiful about the happenings in early Christianity, and that something was a type of spirituality. But interestingly, the very thing I find so beautiful seems also to have been that which the early Church was concerned with. Barbara points out that whatever is spiritual removes us from our material senses and makes us lean on something entirely different. It sure does take us out of our comfort zones, and yet it also brings a new kind of comfort and happiness. Is there a reason to be afraid of it? Probably, because it challenges the authority of worldly ways. On the other hand, it speaks with grace, purity, and compassion. So whatever it is, it doesn’t seem capable of harming anyone. And even though it appears to draw persecution, it can’t be destroyed. Please join the conversation. If you know of someone who can contribute to this question, would you please pass this podcast along and encourage them to contribute to the comments? Thanks! Thomas Merton Center for Catholic Spiritual Development Christian Science on spirituality Buddhism on spirituality Judaism on spirituality | 7/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The Code of Silence in the Church | Episode #31 is a discussion between Barbara Zeman and Shirley Paulson about an often unknown but potent code of silence in the church. Barbara begins the conversation by wondering aloud why it is that when women are given the chance to exercise leadership or authority in a religious community, men almost always want to dominate. It’s a phenomenon in society, but it seems to be especially notable within the church context. For sure, this is not a male-bashing conversation, because we both acknowledge there are men who are very supportive of women and their authority. Also, most men we know are kind and good men. There seems to be something working within the system that puts men and women both in the position of having to defend the subordination of women. As we probed the issues involved, we also asked ourselves what we know of Christ that is bringing resolution. We’re convinced that injustice must be overthrown by the divine law of justice; and that no one is left out of the good given by God. But we also recognize that without saying something or objecting to it, the evil force would continue to suppress. There is a code of silence that preserves the unjust status quo. No one made it up or ordered anyone to agree to it, but it operates in such a way that both men and women feel very threatened by it. We are eager to expose the problem for the purpose of shedding light for the benefit of everyone. Please let us know what you think about this. We’re convinced Christ is breaking this form of injustice, and we’d love to hear what experiences you’ve had, big or little, that may give evidence of progress. For related links: Paper by N.T.Wright: “Men, Women, and the Church Talk by Karen King: Women in Ancient Christianity: the New Discoveries | 8/23/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Mary Magdalene and Catholic womenpriests | Episode 30 is a conversation with Barbara Zeman and Shirley Paulson about the connection between Mary Magdalene of 2000 years ago and the recent Vatican action regarding the ordination of women. It’s an especially poignant topic for Barbara, since she is an ordained Catholic priest herself. She and I share a special appreciation for Mary Magdalene, as we find her an example of Christian leadership. Scholars are fascinated with this woman, because she exemplifies so many things right and wrong in the history of Christianity. Here was a woman of obvious spiritual maturity who was a leader of the apostles during the time of Jesus and immediately after. But her male detractors succeeded in marginalizing or misconstruing her message and place among Christian thinkers and leaders. But her re-emergence as an important Christian in recent years is causing a great deal of re-thinking among scholars and church leaders. It is ironic that only two days after the Vatican announced its new policy regarding sex abuse among priests – managing to equate the horror of p********a with the ordination of women – Barbara Zeman is giving a homily on the subject of honoring Mary Magdalene. Listen to our discussion on women leaders. We raise the point that there is a critical difference between a servant leader and a servant governed or manipulated by someone else. Both can serve, but the former serves according to her/his own heart. The latter serves due to the manipulation of others. Power and prestige is not the goal, but exercising the authority of one’s own conscience is. See Barbara’s poem: She goes before us USA today report on Vatican statement on child sex abuse Catholic womenpriests press release on Vatican statement | 7/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Dialogue with Buddhist Monk and Christian Scientist | Episode #29 of SpiritualityandChristianity.com is a dialogue with Thai Buddhist Monk, Venerable Direxis and Christian Scientist, Shirley Paulson. Venerable Direxis and Shirley Paulson It was easy to find people to talk to at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, and it was easy to find people who have lived religious lives quite different from my own. What rich conversations, everywhere I turned! Direxis and I found easy similarities in our faith practices too, between my Christian Science faith and his Buddhism, even though our languages and cultures are worlds apart from each other. We both take seriously the importance of the movement of our thought. As Venerable Direxis puts it, our thoughts always need to move to a centered place, a place of peace, where healing happens. We surprised each other when we discovered how we both commit our lives to healing others. Direxis’ life of devotion started earlier than mine. When he was sixteen, Direxis became a novice and by the time he was 20, he became a monk. I always loved God and wanted to be of service to others, but I wasn’t ready to devote my whole life this way until after I had a family. He now spends his life practicing meditation for the Buddha, the God, and I spend my life praying for the purpose of healing. And of course, we’re both interested in listening and learning from others, since we met at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. When we tried to learn from each other the basis of our prayer/meditation and healing, we found such similar concepts with slightly different words. For example, we agreed we need to admit an original mind/Mind, and we both think it’s necessary to move our human thoughts away from the world of emotionalism/self-originated thought. We agree it requires meditation/prayer in order to move from the world of sensuality in order to find the peace and health of the universal love/divine Love. Join us for a little conversation from people on the opposite sides of the world. I’m happy to discover “it’s a small world,” indeed. Check out some of these related websites: Buddhism in Thailand Monk ordination at age 20 Christian Science practitioners Photos from the Parliament of the World’s Religions Please leave a comment. Let us know if you’ve had some similar conversations or discoveries. | 3/27/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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The spirituality and practicality of Progressive Christianity | Episode #28 of SpiritualityandChristianity.com is a conversation that took place at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne, December 2009. Nick Brenton, a follower of a network of Spiritual Progressives, lives in Melbourne just a few blocks from the new convention hall. A conversation between a spiritual progressive and a Christian Scientist would naturally lead to an exploration of the meaning of spirituality. We agreed that the disconnect from human will is what allows God into the center of our lives. “Awareness” is the way Nick describes the consciousness into one’s inner being. Awareness is a joy, bringing awe and wonder. While we share a desire to find God at the center – whether it’s the “kingdom of God” or the consciousness within one’s being – we also agree that spirituality needs to be made practical. Nick thinks that one must take a position in the public sphere and be willing to engage politically. He said that progressives may tend to lean left, but their greater priority is to challenge the polarity of left and right. I also resist polarity, because I find Christ as type of “option 3” – that is, when left and right oppose each other, I think they miss the relevance of spiritual ideas. Prayer, we agreed, in its basic form awakens us to forces beyond the mundane life. This is where we find practical, real solutions for the human experience. Let me introduce the magazine Nick shared with me: Tikkun — whose mission is to “create a new bottom line, a world that values compassion, creativity, ecological sanity, awe and wonder; and not just money and power.” | 2/15/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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New Thought and its relationship with Christian Science | Episode #27 of Spirituality and Christianity.com is a discussion about the relationship between Christian Science and New Thought. Across the aisle from each other in the Exhibition Hall at the Parliament of the World’s Religion in Melbourne, were the booths (or, “stands”) of Christian Science and Association of Global New Thought. Christians Scientists think of their distinction from New Thought, whereas New Thought representatives welcome their origins in Christian Science. Although we were all busy running around listening to talks on Buddhism, Islam, peace, pluralism, and a mind-boggling array of topics, we also thought it was important to take time to listen to each other! Indeed, Peggy Price surprised me with the similarities I wasn’t familiar with. The description of her healing practice sounded quite familiar to aspects of my own. Her motives – to love, to heal, to care for humanity – resonate with me. Also her commitment to the goodness of God and God’s whole creation is very close to my heart. Peggy was easy to talk with, and following our initial conversation, I began to wonder if we could plunge a bit deeper. I went back to the booth and found other people willing to engage in conversation too. We dug into questions about the meaning of spiritualism and medicine. Also the role of Christ Jesus in our faith journeys. We discovered the place where we agreed to our disagreement, but this clarification did not diminish our mutual appreciation for each other’s commonalities. Christian Science was a participant in the first Parliament, which took place in Chicago in 1893. New Thought wasn’t recognized as a religion at the Parliament in Barcelona five years ago, but the Alliance has grown, highlighting especially their love for youth and for interfaith activities at this year’s Parliament. It was good for us to become better acquainted. The following websites are rich resources for both New Thought and Christian Science: New Thought sacred texts New Thought Movement Home Page International New Thought Alliance Declaration of Principles (includes all New Thought denominations as well as the agreement for adherents, as amended January, 2000) Official Christian Science website with discussion forums Daily Lift (two-minute inspirationals) TMC Youth (Christian Science activity and discussion for youth and young adults) | 1/30/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Asking God for help | This episode of Spirituality and Christianity.com is a conversation with Bob Wellington about asking God for help. He’s really good at caring for others and being attentive to the needs of others. But he never liked asking for help for himself — until the day he had no alternative. I don’t want to give away the adventure in the wilderness in the show notes here, because it’s more fun to hear Bob tell it himself on the podcast. What we can say is that the scary moments brought him face to face with the realization that his own strength and wit were not enough. We thought together a bit about why so many people face reluctance in asking God for help. Obvious reasons may include pride and doubt. But there are also more subtle excuses that keep us wandering in the dark far too long. Getting over that reluctance has added benefits as well. Bob and I discovered that in our moments of humility, when we surrender to God’s availability and capacity to help, we discovered our own increased desire to help others. Be sure to check out Bob’s entire website, where he shares the details of this story more fully. You’ll also find his personal reflections and transparent prayers dealing with other tough life situations. Don’t forget how much we’d like to hear from you too. Have you had to struggle with the reluctance to ask God for help? What made you do it? What happened? Share your comments at the end of the show notes on this website, at Spirituality and Christianity.com. References in the podcast: * Bob’s website * Luke 13:4-5 | 8/25/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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S+C | Politics and Religion | Episode #26 is a conversation with Will Buchanan on the relationship between politics and spiritual ideas. Sometimes the effort to discuss politics and religious convictions in the same conversation can be hazardous. All the more reason to find a basis for successful conversations. Will is a student at Principia College, where he’s studying political science. He’s also deeply committed to his spiritual growth. Our discussion raises questions and uncovers possibilities for those who deeply care about the relevance of spiritual living in a political context. Whether you lean left or right, it’s encouraging to find common ground in the belief that God’s goodness is available to everyone at all times. It gives hope for peace, and it encourages grace in the midst of our differences. It might be helpful to clarify one point in the podcast conversation. Near the end of the podcast, Will is discussing “three degrees” of human experience, which come from his study of Mary Baker Eddy’s book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (115). He is distinguishing between the second and third degrees, in which the second is a transitional state of thought to the third level, which includes spiritual understanding and power. Will describes the meaning of that third state of human thought without clearly identifying it; but his point is that it’s helpful for us as humans to be clear about the type of thinking we bring to our experiences. We are able to achieve wisdom, spiritual understanding, and spiritual power (the “third degree”) as we grow spiritually; and on that basis we are not victims of politics, but contributors to society’s well-being. Please do join us in this conversation. We’re interested in they way you make connections between your spiritual searching and your political pragmatism. Share your comments at the end of the show notes on the website, SpiritualityandChristianity.com. Some relevant links: The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Religion and Ethics Newsweekly See spirituality.com for podcast reference to Science and Health | 7/22/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Eucharist prayer for a Catholic and Christian Scientist | Episode 24 is a conversation with Michele Moon, a Roman Catholic, and Shirley Paulson, a Christian Scientist, about their mutual love of the Christian Eucharist prayer. Anyone who knows anything about Roman Catholicism and Christian Science knows that we celebrate the Eucharist in entirely different ways, but Michele and I were interested in discovering its profound meaning in both of our lives. For Michele, the celebration of the Eucharist is an awakening to the presence of “kairos,” or the meaning of life’s moments filled with God’s presence. For Shirley, the celebration (which takes place without ritual) is a pricking of the heart, reminding us of God’s healing love. Our mutual enthusiasm for this sacred prayer is that it calls us to ministry. The cross, for instance, is more than a symbolic reminder of Jesus’ crucifixion. When we think deeply about it, we’re impelled to “take up our own cross,” as Jesus asked of his disciples. We notice others in need, and we confront our own obstacles that would keep us from binding up the broken hearted and seeking healing for others. What a rich experience it is to share our mutual love of this prayer. We’d like to multiply our exploration on this topic and hear what Eucharist means to you. Would you jot down your own thoughts or life experiences with it? We’re convinced this is a topic that provides lots of space for learning from each other. Submit your comments just below the show notes on the website, SpiritualityandChristianity.com. References from the show Eucharist from Catholic Encyclopedia Search “Eucharist” from Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy | 7/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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S+C | Religion, technology, and emerging media | Episode #23 is another conversation with Meg Ballias, a student at Butler University and Shirley Paulson, a Christian Scientist. Meg is immersed in the issues of emerging media, and we decided to explore together the impact this new technology might have on religion, and vice versa. Meg is a Journalism student who was selected as one of the scholarship students attending the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) convention in Boston this year. She was featured on episode #21 also. Globalization can offer exciting new opportunities, but the idea of a single currency for the world, for example, can also be scary if it leads to the end of society as we know it. Meg wonders aloud whether journalism technology is contributing to it or offering sufficient warnings against it. Some of our other questions have to do with the relationship between soul and digital machinery. Does God give humanity dominion, or are we victims of our own creations? Does moral strength play a role in the development of technology? We feel like kids peering into an unopened treasure box, ready to discover things no one ever told us about before. We’d love to hear your insights and questions too. This is a topic that needs the best of everyone’s thinking. Please join in! Post your comments on the Spirituality and Christianity.com website. Subscribe to the podcass at the link on the right side of the website page: “Sunbscribe to S+C Podcast.” Thanks! Related Links: Ray Kurzweil, The Age of Spiritual Machines Ragan on emerging media Religion Communicators Council | 5/31/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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S+C | Mother’s Day without Mothers | Episode 22 is a conversation with Judy Valente (see episode 9) and Shirley Paulson about how they love and honor their mothers on Mother’s Day, when they’re no longer with them. My mother passed away just a few weeks before Mother’s Day this year, and Judy’s mother passed on suddenly a few years ago. Our different faith backgrounds — in Christian Science and Roman Catholicism — have given strength, love, and spiritual insights to the meaning of our mothers’ lives. While it’s never a good time to say goodbye to those we love so much, we both found that our own spiritual depth has given us more profound ways of living the blessings of our mothers. Judy’s poem (read on the podcast) is a beautiful tribute to her mother’s affection for the Madonna, and I find my tribute to my mother in my every day actions. Loving our mothers has also helped our spiritual journeys progress. We have discovered that it’s easier to understand life beyond corporeality, and that the meaning of life is greater as we transcend the limitations of our bodies. We’d love to have you join the conversation. Please post your comments on the Spirituality and Christianity.com website. And if you haven’t subscribed to these podcasts yet, there’s an easy “Subscribe to S+C Podcast” link on the right side of the website page. Thanks! | 5/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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S+C | Religious identity and diversity | Episode 21 is a conversation with Meg Biallas and Shirley Paulson. Meg is a religiously minded Journalism student at Butler University. She is one of nine scholarship students who attended the recent Religion Communicators Council (RCC) convention this year, and I had the privilege of being appointed as her mentor. This year’s topic – Identity amid diversity – was a perfect springboard for our podcast conversation. Meg has just been discovering the depth of spirituality within herself, so the anchor of her identity is important while she navigates the contemporary pluralistic religious world. I have lived with a more secure religious foundation, but the security of my identity is increasingly challenged in the context of the same increasing pluralism. Meg and I are happy to discover in our discussion how much the changing landscape of increasing contact with new religious communities has been enriching in our experiences. Meg points out that contact with her new Muslim friend at RCC (another scholarship student) made her ask herself about her own level of devotion. And I find it helpful to learn that others cope with feeling as isolated or different as I do. And an even greater benefit is the unifying power we discover together in our mutual love for God. Regardless of our different religious practices, our desire to be close to God and to live faithfully to God brings the security we need in the midst of the diversity. Here are some questions we’d love to hear your thoughts on: How have you related to others with strong differences in faith backgrounds? How do you balance the need to establish an identity for your religious community, and yet maintain your unique individuality? How has your experience with religious pluralism benefited your own faith? Please post your comments just below the links related to this podcast on the Spirituality and Christianity.com website. Also, if you haven’t subscribed to these podcasts, there’s an eas “Subscribe to S+C Podcast” link on the right side of the website page. Thanks.! Some related links: Religion Communicators Council Meg’s blog called “Digital Disciple” Meg’s church away from home Meg’s intership with the Center for Faith and Vocation Trends in online journalism | 4/24/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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S+C | Healing with God Part II | Episode #20 is a conversation about healing from a faith perspective. Shirley Paulson, a Christian Science practitioner, and Barbara Zeman, a Roman Catholic, find common ground in the quest for healing. The complexity of healing arises out of the limitations of human language, but the beauty of healing is evident in the closer relationship with God. While we might be enthusiastic about the spiritual adventure of seeking healing through prayer, we also recognize that the struggle that precipitates the healing often includes the battle with the very thing that resists the healing. Stubbornness is an example. Despite our shortcomings, though, we agree that God or Christ is able to move our thoughts where we need to be in order to welcome the healing adjustment. People need personal healings, and the whole family of humanity needs healing of injustice, oppression, and economic disruption. We’d love to welcome your thoughts on healing of any kind. Tell us how you’ve experienced healing, or how you heal others. Please scroll down to the “comments” here on the Spirituality and Christianity.com website. Tell us your thoughts or experiences. Thanks! Some related links: Christian Science healing Catholic healing prayers Beliefnet healing prayer archive Healing prayer: online resource for Christian prayer Christian Science Sentinel (print version) | 4/2/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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S+C | Healing with God, Part I | Episode #19 is a conversation with Barbara Zeman, a Roman Catholic, and Shirley Paulson, a Christian Science practitioner, on the subject of our healing practices. We know it’s a topic close to the hearts of many spiritually minded people, as was evident in a recent cover story with TIME magazine, called, “How Faith Can Heal.” Barbara did a healing service with her colleagues at the hospital, and I keep a full time office devoted to healing through prayer. Even though our traditions and practices are different, we find a common thread in our understanding of the way healing happens. God’s will is harmony, peace, wholeness, and blessing, so our prayers for healing are for the purpose of finding alignment with God. It appears that the sincere desire to be close to God inspires us to find healing for our own broken hearts, broken peace, or even broken bodies; and this is the same inspiration that impels us to extend that same kind of healing for others. Please join the conversation and tell us your healing experiences. Click on the comments button at the end of the show notes, here on the website, “spirituality and Christianity.com.” thank you! References from the podcast: Healing in the History of Christianity, Amanda Porterfield, p. 158 Saint Blaise Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, pp.326-442 | 3/15/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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S+C | Living with God on a daily basis | Episode #18 is a conversation with Bob Wellington, a long time friend and spiritual thinker. Bob has experienced a variety of religious practices, searched for his own path, and exemplifies a kind of postmodern approach to religion and spirituality. We’re discussing a very contemporary problem: how to be responsible with mounting pressures from economic stress. Sometimes people who live with a deep-seated spiritual connection with God are challenged to show how that spirituality can be relevant in the midst of lost jobs or lost hope. The theme of our conversation centers on responsibility, because so many people find it tough to take care of themselves during economic downturn, let alone care for dependents and others. Bob and I think that a very spiritually understanding of God, or love for God brings genuine hope and peace. It’s not naive, because finding the connection with God’s grace and government opens our eyes to the presence of goodness. Please join the conversation and tell us your stories. Click on the comments button at the end of the show notes here on teh website, spiritualityandchristianity.com. Thank you! | 2/28/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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S+C | Intimately close to God | Today I'm speaking with John Bunce, a Roman Catholic, about our spiritual journeys and how these journeys lead us to a beautiful and intimate relationship with God. | 2/7/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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S+C | Jesus and miracles | Jesus and his miracles require the rest of us to come to terms with the way they disagree with empirical knowledge. Barbara Zeman and Shirley Paulson explore the spiritual significance of these events. | 1/24/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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S&C | Historical Jesus | Episode #15 is a discussion about the way Jesus relates to us in our human experience. Barbara Zeman is back for this conversation. She was ordained in November, and she’s alive with joy. We discovered in our last conversation that there’s a lot more we want to talk about. So we’ll share our explorations with our podcast listeners. The biggest question we were discussing this time is how to deal with Jesus who was a human being, but a human being that did and said things that other human beings didn’t say and do. Of course we’re curious about his human family and every day life, but we keep searching for the way his human life relates to ours today. It continues to energize us, and yet everything Jesus did resulted in overturning the status quo. It’s his message about the kingdom of God that got us going in this conversation. There’s a huge power play in that it Jesus’ message was threatening and yet promising. It seemed to throw the powers of the state together with the powers of the church, until that power-sharing exploded. The “king” part of the kingdom is problematic. But whether we call it “king”dom or realm, there’s clearly something about the presence of God that changes lives. It transcends history, and it transcends our human bodies too. Tell us what you think about the historical Jesus. What difference does it make that there was a human being named Jesus of Nazareth who lived over 2,000 years ago? Be sure to leave your comments here at the end of the show notes on Spirituality and Christianity. Here are some links related to our discussion: Leo Tolstoy: The kingdom of God is within you Stephen T. Davis: Why the historical Jesus matters Lyle Young: The historical Jesus and the living Christ Elaine Follis: Citizens of the kingdom Bart D. Ehrman: Historical Jesus (Course 643 of the Teaching Company) | 1/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 19 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
Is the monastic life or prayer selfish or good for humanity
The discussion between Judy Valente and Shirley Paulson was great. Shirley's podcasts are conversations, discussions. They identify shared values among people of different faiths. What a refreshing atmosphere - for intelligent people of faith to come together and not try to convert the other, or insist one is superior to the other. To come together with respect and love, and a willingness to listen with one's heart is a tremendous achievement. Thank you Shirley, and to your guests too.
A wealth of interfaith, yet Christian, conversations
Under the large umbrella of Christianity there are so many specific religions and contrasting, sometimes contradictory, beliefs. Shirley and her guests have provided us with a wonderful series exploring those beliefs conversations. Both Shirley and her various guests approach each other - and their topics - with an open mind, willing to appreciate what the other has to say, and eager to listen to and think about sometimes contrasting beliefs. This collection is a treasure of interfaith exploration and dialogue.
Worth listening
I just found this new podcast and listened to the most recent interview. It was with a Hari Krishna. I'm not interested in Eastern thought at all, but the interviewer wove Christian principles into the discussion. I found myself thinking about grace and living our faith in new ways. The interviewer is so respectfuol but still communicated her Christian faith. What a fresh approach to Christian thought, listening to non-judgmental conversations. I found it worthwhile.
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- Category: Christianity
- Language: English
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