Commons Church Podcast Commons Church

Listen in as we grapple with the challenging depictions of divine violence in the Hebrew scriptures, contrasted with Jesus' message of grace and love. We delve into how these ancient texts can be reinterpreted through the compassionate lens of Jesus' life, steering clear of projecting our biases onto the divine. With insights from Robert Allen Warrior's analysis on the implications of conquest narratives for indigenous peoples, this conversation urges a thoughtful examination of our spiritual evolution and the consequences of our interpretations.
In this series, we examine the transformation of Biblical narratives from a glorification of conflict to an embrace of mercy and compassion. We discuss how the initial exclusionary stance in texts like Judges gradually opens up to an inclusive, loving ethos, setting the stage for Jesus' revolutionary teachings. By understanding the journey from fear to acceptance, we offer fresh perspectives on difficult passages, reaffirming our vision of God in the light of Christ's example, and invite you to join us in appreciating the dynamic, purposeful progression of history towards peace and love.


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In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day.


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In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day.


★ Support this podcast ★

In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day.


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Through the shadows of the Babylonian exile toward discovering unexpected moments of joy with the enigmatic prophet Ezekiel. We peel back the layers of history to understand how these dark times were pivotal for Jewish literature and self-reflection, fostering a rich soil from which the Hebrew scriptures grew. Listen in as we unravel Ezekiel's apocalyptic visions, and consider how catastrophic events can unexpectedly renew our sense of joy in body and soul.
In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day.


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Join us as we embark on a five-week journey, unwrapping the layers of joy within the fabric of biblical history and our everyday lives. Listen in as we explore the difference between joy, pleasure, happiness, and fun, dissecting the nuanced ways we can train ourselves to spot and sustain a sense of joy that persists even beyond the highs of celebratory moments like Easter. Drawing from Michel de Montaigne's insights, we'll ponder the profound impact of joy that arises not from the exceptional, but the ordinary, inviting you to savor the simplicity that life offers.
In our series kickoff, we recount the story of Abraham, where a casual lunch on his porch becomes a divine encounter, reminding us that profound experiences often hide in plain sight. Reflect with us on the intimacy of this moment and the human elements that make such stories relatable. We discuss how Abraham's hospitality and Sarah's laughter exemplify faith and humanity's response to divine promises. Through these narratives, we aim to recognize the joy in the mundane and understand its significance in the grand tapestry of theological and personal narratives. Tune in to rediscover the joy in the everyday and learn to celebrate life in its entirety.


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