Proclaim Peace

Faith Matters
  • 5.0 (104)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to the Proclaim Peace podcast! Co-hosts Jennifer Thomas, Co-Executive Director at Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and Patrick Mason, Professor at Utah State University, explore a peaceful reading of the scriptures by talking with guest experts who show us how to create peace in turbulent times. Subscribe to the show on YouTube or your favorite listening app and follow along at https://proclaimpeace.org/ for show notes and more resources.

  1. Aug 11

    Repairers of the Breach: Peace, Justice, and Isaiah 58 with Rev. Adam Taylor

    Rev. Adam Taylor joins Jen and Patrick for a wide-ranging conversation about peace, justice, and the prophetic vision of Isaiah 58. He shares how his own faith journey, shaped by interracial family roots, the civil rights movement, and Black church tradition, led him to Sojourners and to a deep conviction that peace is more than the absence of conflict.The episode explores why justice and peace are inseparable, how Isaiah 58 challenges transactional religion, and what it means to become a “repairer of the breach” in both public life and personal discipleship. TIMESTAMPS: 00:54 - Peace defined as wholeness and right relationship 05:20 - The Jim Wallis course that led to Sojourners 08:59 - Why peace and justice belong together 10:06 - Biblical justice language: mishpat and tsedek 13:13 - Isaiah 58 in context: exile and true fasting 17:18 - Why injustice is structural, not just interpersonal 24:15 - Moving beyond zero-sum thinking 31:53 - Wages, land, labor, and other biblical justice issues 35:32 - Pastoral advice for people resistant to justice language 43:07 - How unjust systems advantage some and trap others 49:57 - “Repairers of the breach” and the call to peacemaking 52:48 - Breath prayer: “Be still and know that I am God” For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org For more details and registration information, go to waymakers.us

  2. Jul 28

    Building Peace Through Welcoming the Stranger with Elizabeth Davis Edwards

    Elizabeth Davis Edwards joins Jen and Patrick to share inspiring stories of community-led refugee support and explores how welcoming strangers aligns with faith, history, and peacebuilding. This episode emphasizes that peace is cultivated through everyday acts of hospitality, community effort, and faith-based compassion. It encourages listeners to look around their neighborhoods for opportunities to serve, love, and welcome "one more." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to peace and the deeper meaning of shalom 04:15 - Afghan families in Greece and their transformative impact 08:15 - The biblical call to remember and welcome the stranger 10:45 - Abraham’s hospitality as a model for modern welcome 13:01 - Reframing division through recognizing sacredness in others 16:46 - How communities can surmount "othering" and embrace shared humanity 23:29 - Gregory Boyle’s quote on human hospitality 28:56 - Opportunities for faith communities to actively participate in peacebuilding 33:31 - Personal peace amidst chaos and the importance of small, everyday acts of goodness 38:13 - Addressing misconceptions about refugee support and community capacity 44:24 - The faith perspective on resilience, hope, and trusting divine guidance 48:21 - Recognizing that true peace comes from charity, hope, and divine power For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org For more details and registration information, go to waymakers.us

  3. Jul 14

    What It Means to Be Chosen with James Patton

    Jen and Patrick are joined by James Patton to explore the multidimensional nature of peace, emphasizing its relational and movement-driven aspects. Drawing from his rich spiritual journey and extensive experience in peacebuilding across cultures and faiths, James offers nuanced perspectives on community, faith, truth, and conflict. They discuss the Old Testament idea of a chosen people, how that relates to diverse faith groups today, and how to avoid conflict when believing in chosenness. TIMESTAMPS: [01:36] The theme of chosenness in the Old Testament — beauty and tension [04:55] Introducing James Patton — career in religion, conflict transformation, and global peacebuilding [08:45] Defining peace: relationship, mutuality, and progressive healing over harm [12:19] James's path to peacebuilding — Peace Corps in Paraguay and the power of community [15:02] Faith journey: from Catholic roots to Quaker practice and interfaith work [22:34] Two models of chosenness — zero-sum in/out vs. inclusive divine invitation [27:30] Case study: reducing sectarian violence in Pakistan by elevating identity rather than erasing it [35:41] Truth, religion, and peacebuilding — static vs. relational understandings of truth [41:06] Navigating simple and complex worldviews — how different people hold truth [46:34] Integrity in practice — restorative vs. punitive justice, and the difficulty of living your values [50:39] Where James finds peace — Wendell Berry's The Want of Peace and The Peace of Wild Things Find more show notes and transcript at https://proclaimpeace.org For more details and registration information, go to waymakers.us

  4. Jun 30

    True Peacemaking Needs Both Fire and Compassion: Lessons from Elijah and Elisha with Sarah Perkins

    Jen and Patrick are joined by Sarah Perkins to explore the profound ways stories shape our understanding of peace, justice, and reconciliation. They focus on the contrasting peacemaking styles of Old Testament prophets Elijah and Elisha. Sarah shares her journey as a writer, filmmaker, and peacemaker, emphasizing the power of faith, imagination, and human connection in transforming conflicts into moments of compassion. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction: The biblical and modern models of peacemaking (03:19) Elijah as a prophet of justice and the challenge of non-passive activism (07:44) The importance of speaking truth without contempt or dehumanizing others (11:27) How to be conflict-avoidant while still advocating for justice (15:35) The differences between Elijah's fiery approach and Elisha's humble miracles (20:14) The role of small acts of kindness in peacebuilding and social change (25:05) Using stories like "They that be with us" to expand moral imagination (32:10) Insights from international peacemaking efforts in Northern Ireland (36:29) The power of storytelling, especially in faith contexts, to foster hope (39:00) How children can inspire adults to love and imagine peace For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org For more details and registration information, go to waymakers.us

  5. Jun 16

    The Courage to Disagree Respectfully through the Story of Jonathan and David with Marianne Viray

    Marianne Viray joins Jen and Patrick to delve into the dynamics of conflict and peacemaking within leadership and society, drawing lessons from the biblical story of Jonathan, David, and Saul. They explore how leadership decisions can influence societal polarization and offer practical tools for engaging with leaders respectfully. The discussion emphasizes the importance of modeling civility and virtue in public discourse and provides strategies for individuals to break cycles of conflict. The conversation highlights the power of personal transformation, empathy, and community action in fostering a respectful and civil society. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Peace in the context of biblical conflict resolutions 06:39 - Navigating disagreement with leaders respectfully 15:34 - Disagree Better: reducing polarization through leadership modeling 23:17 - The basis of true peace: love, empathy, and recognition of human complexity 30:12 - The power of small, intentional acts in societal peacebuilding 38:32 - Engaging civility in city councils and local government For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org For more details and registration information, go to waymakers.us

  6. Jun 2

    The Art of Reconciliation and Moral Imagination with John Paul Lederach

    Jen and Patrick are joined for a profound conversation with conflict transformation pioneer John Paul Lederach, who shares deep insights on peace, reconciliation, and the power of moral imagination rooted in faith and human connection. They explore the story of Jacob and Esau, why reconciliation is a horizon more than an event, and the four ways to use moral imagination to achieve reconciliation.  Main Topics: The biblical story of Jacob and Esau as a model for conflict and reconciliationDefining peace as relational, rooted in dignity, love, and justiceThe concept of moral imagination as a tool for peacebuilding across long-standing conflictsThe importance of interior work, ongoing forgiveness, and relational transformationPractical strategies: moving one step at a time, curiosity, creativity, and risking for peaceThe interconnectedness of faith, community, and peace effortsThe role of hope and multigenerational perspectives in peacebuildingFor full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org For more details and registration information, go to waymakers.us

  7. May 19

    Reconciling Old Testament Divine Violence and a Peaceful Christ with Terryl Givens

    Terryl Givens joins Jen and Patrick as they explore how faith traditions, especially within Christianity and Latter-day Saint teachings, approach the difficult questions surrounding violence in the Old Testament. Terryl shares insights on understanding scripture, God's nature, and the path to peace amidst challenging texts. Main Topics: How do we define peace and its relation to faith, hope, and love?The challenge of violence in the Old Testament: historical context and theological reinterpretationThe Christian and Jewish responses to Old Testament violence, including allegorical and spiritual readingsThe influence of Marcionism and early heresies on Christian views of the Old TestamentModern approaches in LDS thought: biblical scholarship, spiritual discernment, and prophetic guidanceJesus' editing and reinterpretation of Old Testament scriptures, exemplified in Luke 4The personal and relational impact of understanding God's nature through scripturePractical pathways for faithful engagement with difficult texts without losing faithFor full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org For more details and registration information, go to waymakers.us

  8. May 5

    Bridging Faith and Family Conflicts Peacefully with Réka Bordás

    Jen is joined by guest co-host Maybree Spilsbury and guest Réka Bordás as we explore the biblical stories of Abraham, Lot, Sarah, and Hagar through the lens of peacemaking, sharing practical insights on conflict resolution, boundary setting, and maintaining relationships amidst differences. Our guests, experienced in conflict transformation and peacemaking, offer valuable advice on fostering connection and peace in family and faith conflicts. Timestamps:  02:26 - Recognizing patterns in biblical conflicts and personal faith transitions 05:27 - Abraham’s story of migration and parallels to personal journeys 10:09 - Starting organizations to foster family reconciliation and peace 12:18 - Healthy separation and boundary setting in family conflicts 15:29 - Conflict styles: avoidance, competition, and collaboration 20:17 - The importance of maintaining relationships during faith transitions 22:08 - Healing grief and unspoken emotions at the root of conflict 23:49 - Differentiating peace from conditional agreement 25:22 - The role of self-awareness and community in conflict resolution 27:12 - Small steps like listening and vulnerability that promote trust 28:45 - Personal reflections on finding peace through connection 33:50 - Practical tips for loving family members with differing beliefs 36:17 - The transformative power of conflict as a path to deeper relationships 37:10 - Closing remarks and invitation to listen and learn more For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org For more details and registration information, go to waymakers.us

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About

Welcome to the Proclaim Peace podcast! Co-hosts Jennifer Thomas, Co-Executive Director at Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and Patrick Mason, Professor at Utah State University, explore a peaceful reading of the scriptures by talking with guest experts who show us how to create peace in turbulent times. Subscribe to the show on YouTube or your favorite listening app and follow along at https://proclaimpeace.org/ for show notes and more resources.

Information

  • Creator
    Faith Matters
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Proclaim Peace
  • Show Website
    Proclaim Peace