Gravity Commons Podcast

Gravity Commons
  • 4.8 (210)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Gravity Commons Podcast

Conversations to help us develop a Christian spirituality rooted in love that fosters resilient faith in everyday life

  1. On the Virtues of Book Clubs (the Non-Sketchy Kind)

    6 DAYS AGO

    On the Virtues of Book Clubs (the Non-Sketchy Kind)

    Christy, Matt, and Ben discuss the virtues of participating in book clubs, and some of the goodness that has emerged from the new Gravity Book Club. (We are selecting our next book right now, by the way!) Let us know what you think we should read and discuss together. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    45 min
  2. Thomas Jay Oord: Excommunicated for LGBTQ+ Inclusion

    NOV 12

    Thomas Jay Oord: Excommunicated for LGBTQ+ Inclusion

    We talked with Dr. Thomas J. Oord about the recent heresy trial he underwent in his denomination for LGBTQ+ affirmation, what led him to fully affirm LGBTQ+ people, and many of the issues and questions that come up when discussing human sexuality. Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord is a best-selling and award-winning author, having written or edited more than thirty books. Academic Influence ranks him among the most influential theologians in the 21st century. Oord directs doctoral programs at Northwind Theological Seminary and directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology. He is known for his research and writing on love, open and relational theology, science and religion, evil and power, and the implications of freedom and relationships for transformation. You can connect with Tom and his work on his website. Show notes: The name of the person we couldn't think of at the end of the podcast is Bridget Eileen Rivera, who wrote Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ Christians Experience Harm in the Church. We interviewed her in 2021. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    59 min
  3. Post-Election Reflections from a Panel of Faith Leaders

    NOV 7

    Post-Election Reflections from a Panel of Faith Leaders

    In this impromptu bonus episode, Matt Tebbe convenes a panel of pastors to discuss the spiritual, emotional and social implications of a second Donald Trump presidency. They explore personal reflections on identity, the challenges of fostering unity in diverse communities, and the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic issues such as racism and immigration. The discussion emphasizes the need for authentic dialogue, the complexities of caregiving in times of crisis, and the practical steps communities can take to respond to political turmoil. Matt is joined by: Juliet Liu, pastor at Life on the Vine Christian Community Long Grove, ILTimothy McCain, pastor and evangelist based in Deltona, FLMac McCarthy, pastor at Crosspoint Communty Church in Oconomowoc, WISeth Richardson, Director of Resurrection Little Rock, a contemplative community in Little Rock, ARConnect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 4m
  4. Timothy McCain: Talking to Understand, Not to Win

    NOV 5

    Timothy McCain: Talking to Understand, Not to Win

    We talk with Pastor Timothy McCain about how to have healthy, honest conversations with those different from us. Timothy's new book is Honest Conversations: Talking to Understand; Not to Win, which explores how to have conversations across differences in culture, experience, and lifestyle. Whether you want to learn more about someone's culture as you share a meal or have a more intense conversation about racism and other injustices, this book will give you tools to help. Pastor Timothy McCain is a sought out evangelist, mentor, motivational speaker, life coach, and author of Crowns are Greater than Trophies, This Is Your Chance Book, and Use Your Jab. You can connect with Timothy and his work on his website. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    43 min
  5. Jacob L. Wright: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins

    OCT 29

    Jacob L. Wright: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins

    We talk with Hebrew Bible scholar Jacob L. Wright about why no other ancient society produced anything like the Bible: a testimony of survival, but also an unparalleled achievement in human history. Wright's book Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins was on The New Yorkers BEST OF 2023 list, as well as one of the best five books on religion according to Publishers Weekly. It was also the winner of the PROSE Award from the Association of American Publishers. Jacob L. Wright is Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University. His first book, Rebuilding Identity: The Nehemiah Memoir and its Earliest Readers (de Gruyter, 2004), won the 2008 Templeton prize for a first book in the field of religion. He is also the author of David, King of Israel, and Caleb in Biblical Memory (Cambridge University Press, 2014), which won The Nancy Lapp Popular Book Award from the American Schools of Oriental Research, and most recently, War, Memory, and National Identity in the Hebrew Bible (Cambridge University Press, 2020). Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 4m
  6. Joel A. Bowman, Sr: Practicing Politics Through the Lens of Faith

    OCT 22

    Joel A. Bowman, Sr: Practicing Politics Through the Lens of Faith

    Pastor and writer Joel A. Bowman, Sr. joins us for a wide-ranging discussion on thinking about and practicing politics through the lens of Christian faith. We touch on the upcoming presidential election, the history and theology of the Black church tradition, and the culture war. Rev. Joel A. Bowman, Sr. is a native of Detroit, Michigan, and has been in ministry for 29 years. He is the founder and senior pastor of the Temple of Faith Baptist Church, in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, working with military veterans.Currently, Joel is a therapist with the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), providing mental health treatment to America’s military Veterans. Joel is a seminar facilitator, freelance writer, poet, and thought leader in the areas of racism and racial trauma. His work has been published in numerous places, including the Louisville Courier-Journal, The Front Porch, The Witness, Three-Fifths Magazine, and Baptist News Global. Joel is married to Nannette Mitchell Bowman, and they have 3 children: Kayla, Katie, and Joel, Jr. It should be noted that all perspectives expressed herein are Joel’s and do not reflect, in any way, the views of any other organization or federal entity. You can connect with Joel and his work on his website. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    47 min
  7. Emily P. Freeman: When to Stay and When to Walk Away

    OCT 15

    Emily P. Freeman: When to Stay and When to Walk Away

    Spiritual director, podcast host, and author Emily P. Freeman joins us to talk about what to do when you start to feel a shift and must decide if it's time to make a change, and how to know when the time is right. Emily's book How to Walk Into a Room: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away helps us begin to uncover the silent, nuanced, and hidden arrows for anyone asking questions like: How do I know if it's time to move on? What if I stay and nothing changes? What if I leave and everything falls apart? How to Walk into a Room is one of the best five books on religion according to Publishers Weekly, on the New Yorker's Best of 2023 list, and the Winner of the PROSE Award from the Association of American Publishers. Emily P. Freeman is the Wall St. Journal bestselling author of 5 books, including The Next Right Thing. As a spiritual director, workshop leader, and host of The Next Right Thing podcast, her most important work is to help create soul space and offer spiritual companionship and discernment for anyone struggling with decision fatigue. Emily holds a master's degree in spiritual formation and leadership from Friends University. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    56 min
  8. Chuck DeGroat: How to Heal From What's Happened to Us

    OCT 8

    Chuck DeGroat: How to Heal From What's Happened to Us

    We talked with Chuck DeGroat about how to heal from the hidden hurt of what's happened to us that we couldn't control. His new book Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself—and to God—When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering is available today. Chuck DeGroat is a professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, where he also serves as the founding executive director of the clinical mental health counseling program. He is a licensed therapist, spiritual director, author, retreat leader speaker, and faculty member with the Soul Care Institute. As a therapist, he specializes in navigating issues of abuse and trauma, pastoral (and leadership) health, and doubt and dark nights on the faith journey. He trains clergy in handling issues of abuse and trauma, conducts pastor and planter assessments, and facilitates church consultations and investigations of abuse. Before transitioning to training and forming pastors, Chuck served as a pastor in Orlando and San Francisco. He and his wife, Sara, have been married for 30 years and have two adult daughters. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    48 min
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4.8
out of 5
210 Ratings

About

Conversations to help us develop a Christian spirituality rooted in love that fosters resilient faith in everyday life

Information

  • Creator
    Gravity Commons
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    375
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Gravity Commons
  • Show Website
    Gravity Commons Podcast

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