Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day United Methodist Communications

Are you ready to explore the intersections of artificial intelligence and spirituality? Join us on the latest episode of Compass as we dive into the impact of AI on the Christian spiritual journey.

We navigate the potential benefits and pitfalls of integrating AI into our everyday spirituality, play around with AI Jesus entities, and hear how Jay Cooper and the congregation of Violet Crown City Church have utilized artificial intelligence as part of their community life.

Here are a few key takeaways from this episode:

– AI can serve as a powerful tool for exploration and learning.

– It’s essential to remain skeptical of the limitations and potential biases AI may carry.

– The Christian spiritual journey is a beautiful, messy, and deeply personal endeavor. It is not about finding easy answers or relying on technological shortcuts.

In this episode:

(00:00) Exploring our use of artificial intelligence

(02:35) AI can inform Christian practice; limitations explored.

(06:52) AI Jesus on Twitch answers theological questions with patience and humor.

(09:14) Texting with AI Jesus

(11:55) Meeting with Jay Cooper and AI in Violet Crown City Church

(19:49) What happens in AI-generated worship

(26:36) AI and messy spirituality

(32:39) Artificial intelligence replacing pastors?

(43:47) New technology has always faced skepticism. AI can be helpful in certain areas, like communication and SEO.

(47:14) AI and prevenient grace

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications and is produced by Ryan Dunn and Michelle Maldonado.

See episode notes and more episodes at www.umc.org/compass

Rev. Josh Scott, author of “Bible Stories for Grown Ups” explores with us the paradoxical possibilities of the Bible’s ancient narratives. We dive deep into the serious question of faith: “What do we make of the seeming contradictions and inconsistencies in the Bible?” Josh helps us see how asking these tough, discomforting questions can become catalysts for spiritual growth.

Josh Scott (he/him) has been a pastor for the last two decades. The focus of his work is reimagining, reframing, and reclaiming faith. For the past severak years, Josh has served as lead pastor at Gracepointe Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Gracepointe is leading the theological development and practice of Progressive Christianity. Josh is also the author of “Bible Stories for Grown Ups”. 

For more spiritual practices and inspiration for your spiritual journey: www.umc.org/compass

In this episode:

(00:00) Welcome to Compass: the Divine in the everyday

(02:53) Bible interpretation revelation during college religion class.

(08:28) Thinking Bible, notes, resources, observations, sharing.

(11:45) Bible contains contradictions but fosters meaningful conversations.

(18:42) Bible’s errors don’t discredit its importance.

(21:20) Favorite sections: gospels, Paul’s genuine letters

(27:11) Mark: The earliest and shortest gospel, full of movement. Ends with an empty tomb and a rumor. Failed discipleship is comforting.

(34:00) New book in April, contextualizing scripture stories.

(35:23) Gratitude for growth in sermons over time.

It’s time for cosmic theology as we examine the spiritual depths of Star Wars and Star Trek. Covering everything from Jedi to Klingons, Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn are going boldly forth seeking the spiritual in space.

Join us as we explore the theological reflections found in these iconic franchises.

For episodes and notes, visit www.umc.org/compass

In this episode: Star Wars, Star Trek, The Next Generation, Picard, Force, franchise, theology, theological, reflection, culture, Michelle Maldonado, Ryan Dunn, Methodist, podcast, streaming, movies, film, justice, good vs evil, theodicy, exploration

 

Reverend Jerry Herships shares his unique perspective on creating a nontraditional community that connects with something bigger and provides a sense of belonging.

Jerry has worked as stand-up comedian. He wrote for Jay Leno. He’s authored a couple books, including Last Call: from serving drinks to serving Jesus and Rogue Saints: Spirituality for Good Hearted Heathens. Jerry is one of the founders of AfterHours Denver–a unique expression of church reaching outside of the traditional meeting places.

In this episode:

(02:37) Challenges with after-hours gathering: focus on Christ-likeness, reaching out to marginalized, fostering dialogue and community.

(07:10) Summary: Jesus aligns with marginalized and voiceless people. Our community supports the homeless in giving them voice and friendship.

(10:08) People seek connection and tribe, regardless of faith.

(14:29) “Discovering personal connections to the sacred”

(17:22) Being a good Christian requires effort and connection.

(21:02) Monks prove it’s hard without church.

(25:11) Pastor connects with community, emphasizes togetherness.

(29:30) Morning rituals are unavoidable but can evolve.

(33:06) Pub conversation about church connection and service.

(37:48) Rocky Mountains have high suicide rates due to access to guns and lack of mental healthcare.

(39:26) Importance of entering our space and listening.

(44:04) Explore more

Rev. Canaday shared with us his story of recovery in alcoholism and finding deep connection with a higher power. This connection led Ryan to explore the power of support groups and specifically the role of spirituality in recovery. All this ultimately led to Ryan founding a church based on recovery.

We’re five years on from that conversation, but the church–called Free Spiritual Community–is still changing lives. They’ve grown from meeting in the Canaday’s backyard to moving into their own spaces. 

The story of this community and Ryan’s ongoing story behind it are hopeful and inspiring. And totally relevant for today.

In this episode:

(00:00) Rev. Cannaday’s recovery story inspires present-day listeners.

(06:01) Hitting rock bottom

(09:46) Holding onto God, struggling with addiction, finding freedom.

(16:28) Recovery community with music, stories, and discussions.

(22:37) The need to welcome all

(24:55) A life transformed

(27:55) Family involvement in recovery ministry

(30:42) Acceptance of people expressing their experiences.

(35:11) Connect with the Free Spiritual Community

(37:39) Connect with us

Art and prayer share much in common–so much so that art can lead us into prayer and connection with the Divine. In this episode of Compass, Michelle and Ryan try out two art-based spiritual practices… and they provide directions on how you can utilize these practices as well.

To see “The Annunciation” by Henry Ossawa Tanner, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art:

https://philamuseum.org/collection/object/104384

To view the video of this episode:



For more spiritual practices and inspiration for your spiritual journey: www.umc.org/compass

In this episode:

(00:00) Catching up

(02:49) Why art is spiritually meaningful

(09:42) Visio Divina

(20:16) Doodle Prayer

(30:28) Other episodes to check out