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

The United Methodist Church is going to be in the news due to the big General Conference Gathering. Here’s why.

ALSO, we’re going to miss a couple of full episodes due to the big event. We’ll be back with new episodes on May 15, 2024.

Join us as Dr. Richard Beck discusses mysticism in daily life, and how enchantment can transform our view in “Hunting Magic Eels.”

Feeling world-weary? Richard discusses how moral beauty & acts of kindness can awaken awe. Explore the mystical in the mundane on the Compass Podcast!

Richard is a Professor of Psychology at Abilene Christian University, and he is the author of the popular blog Experimental Theology: The Thoughts, Articles and Essays of Richard Beck. His latest book is called “Hunting Magic Eels: Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age… it is out now. As an experimental psychologist and a practicing Christian, Richard attempts “to integrate theology with the experimental social sciences.”

In this episode:

(00:00) Compass podcast embraces awe and mystery.

(06:15) Enchantment focuses on experiential perspective, openness to surprise.

(07:44) Yearning for enchantment amid shifting religious beliefs.

(12:12) Vocational crisis due to moral questioning.

(14:48) Natural beauty not main trigger for awe.

(18:28) Small local churches offer moral beauty weekly.

(22:38) Biking to work, sunrise, prayerful start.

(24:42) Embracing the little way in daily life.

(30:16) Criticism about depending solely on God’s aid.

(33:39) Using poetry to find meaning in life.

(34:58) Seek joy, God’s witness, widen divine encounters.

More episodes and show notes available at umc.org/compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

Are you sometimes afraid to ask questions about faith and spirituality? Does doubt scare you a little bit? Do you have some questions you’re skeptical about ever finding the answers to?

Debie Thomas’s approach to faith as a storied theology challenges the conventional beliefs. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on the dynamic nature of faith, inviting us to embrace our evolving spiritual journeys.

Debie is the author of “A Faith of Many Rooms”. She is also a columnist and contributing editor for The Christian Century. Debie’s perspective is one of an explorer, a believer, a doubter, and a wonderer.

In this episode:

(00:00) Welcome to Compass

(04:26) Questioning God’s gender and accountability for events.

(07:20) Interpreting ancient stories and understanding their context.

(12:38) Faith is a mystery that sparked curiosity.

(14:16) Shift from self-driven faith to communal spirituality.

(17:06) Support from others sustains me on journey.

(21:46) Creating opportunities for intergenerational connections is beautiful.

(23:50) We want stories with struggle, growth, support.

(27:04) Compass community explores spirituality, recommends podcast episodes.

For notes and more episodes: www.umc.org/compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

Lenny duncan takes us through a spiritual journey in hip-hop on Compass. Engage in conversations about systemic change and personal faith.

If you want to hear some cultural commentary from a spiritual perspective, if you want to explore how hip-hop music speaks to both our human experience and our longing for spiritual connection, and if you want to learn a bit about the church of the future, stay tuned for this conversation with lenny.

Lenny is a writer, speaker, scholar, and media producer working at the forefront of racial justice in America. lenny is the author of Psalms of My People, Dear Church, and Dear Revolutionaries, and co-creator of the podcast BlackBerryJams with PRX. A PhD student in Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion. lenny is originally from West Philadelphia, has hitchhiked thousands of miles on American byways, and makes home up and down the I-5 to see found family, and in the E bay for research.

In this episode:

(00:00) “Book explores hip hop’s spiritual authenticity.”

(06:25) Amid conflict, empathize with those you oppose.

(12:20) Jimmy Hendrix, hip hop, music, family, church.

(13:08) Early exposure to Nation of Islam, gang culture.

(17:52) Early hip hop parties provided community for kids.

(21:09) Understanding hip-hop as a nerdy experience.

(27:30) The struggle of artists in hustle culture.

(30:40) Reflection on societal gaze and impact on art.

(33:31) Considering the legacy of humanity through music.

(37:55) Women and queer artists leading innovative hip-hop.

(40:50) Interpretation of Jesus creates ontological problem.

(43:20) Share songs for spiritual playlist in community.

Compass is hosted by Rev. Ryan Dunn and is a production of United Methodist Communications.

For episode notes and more episodes: www.umc.org/compass

We’re talking with Christine Valters Paintner about the spiritual significance of fasting and Lent. Christine, the founder of the Online Abbey of the Arts, shares her insights on how fasting can go beyond traditional ideas of abstaining from food and can instead be a way to open ourselves to a deeper encounter with the divine. Christine outlines the various forms of fasting, including from multitasking and inattention, and the practice of fasting from scarcity, speed, and certainty. 

Christine founded the Abbey of the Arts, a virtual monastery offering classes and resources on contemplative practice and creative expression. She is a Benedictine Oblate, poet, writer, spiritual director, retreat facilitator, teacher, and pilgrimage guide. She has authored over 20 books, including her most recent: A Different Kind of Fast.

In this episode:

(00:00) Liturgical seasons offer opportunities for renewal.

(04:29) Online community brings together contemplative practice, creativity.

(08:24) Embrace full presence by fasting from multitasking.

(13:31) Letting go of planning and surrendering control.

(17:39) Finding sacred moments in contemplative walks.

(20:44) Seeking nourishment for a famished heart.

(25:44) Seeking deeper connection to the divine mystery.

(28:37) Intensifying focus, choosing life-giving practices, practicing resurrection.

(31:10) Reflect, share, and explore spiritual practices.

Find episode notes at www.umc.org/compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

Faith, science and life calling! In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Rev. Kara Slade, an engineer turned priest whose journey from the world of mechanical engineering to the pulpit is an interesting blend of spirituality and professional transformation. 

Rev. Canon Dr. Kara Slade holds a PhD in Christian theology and ethics from Duke University.  She also earned a PhD in mechanical engineering and materials science and then joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as a research engineer and test manager for a variety of civilian and military projects. Kara’s career took a turn towards ministry (as we’ll hear), and today she serves as associate rector at Trinity Church in Princeton, New Jersey. Along the way, she’s written many enlightening articles and a book entitled “The Fullness of Time”.

In this episode:

(00:00) Podcast episode featuring engineer turned priest’s journey.

(03:33) Career changes.

(06:53) Struggled with faith, left church, worked for NASA.

(11:28) Struggles with faith and government work post-9/11.

(13:19) Christian life involves repentance, brings whole self.

(17:07) Evolution theories shape human social and political beliefs.

(23:06) Assuming bias impacts technology, particularly for people of color.

(26:39) Scripture is primary, but don’t over-construct.

(28:47) Priest emphasizes humility and reason in faith.

(32:41) Exploring spiritual forces, justice, and cultural conflicts.

(38:03) Reflect on science, religion, share your thoughts.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

Find show notes and more episodes of Compass: www.umc.org/compass