Liminal Living Dr. Thomas J Rundel

Rev. Daniel Wolpert, is a Presbyterian minister, research scientist, psychologist, spiritual director, farmer, teacher, and construction worker. He earned his Masters of Divinity degree at San Francisco Theological Seminary. Since then he has authored or co-authored 8 books, interim pastored many churches, led retreats, given talks, and co-founded the Minnesota Institute of Contemplation and Healing. Today we are talking about how contemplation helps alleviate suffering by freeing individuals from habits and patterns that cause suffering and promoting compassion and care. It also emphasizes the importance of communal practice. Contemplative psychology explores the concept of the human person as a bundle of habits and activities that create our sense of self and the world. The individual and communal practice of contemplation can dissolve ego habits and projections, leading to more humane and loving relationships. The book 'Looking Inward, Living Outward' explores the integration of contemplation and action for social transformation. In this conversation, Daniel Wolpert and Tom Rundel discuss the concept of the ego and its role in shaping our perception of reality. They explore how the ego constructs a sense of self and how this construction can lead to suffering. They also delve into the practice of contemplation and how it can help unravel the ego and open us up to a deeper spiritual realm. The conversation touches on themes of powerful presence, embracing powerlessness, and our relationship with money and wealth. They discuss the distortion of teachings in Christianity and the need for a more contemplative approach to spirituality. The conversation ends with a reflection on hope and the potential for transformation in the world.

Join Tom Rundel as he welcomes Brian McLaren to the Liminal Living Podcast for a thought-provoking exploration of spirituality in times of change. From questioning conservative beliefs to embracing ecological crises, McLaren's insights delve into the complexities of hope, grief, and resilience. Together, they navigate the intersections of capitalism, colonialism, and indigenous wisdom, urging listeners to reimagine religion and power structures for a more sustainable future. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that challenges us to confront reality with courage and compassion.

"Have you ever had a difficult time reading Paul’s Epistles? Ever felt like your questions were not part of the pre-approved rhetoric of the groupthink? Zach felt the same way growing up in the Southern Baptist Church and lived at the edges of inclusion, fading further away from his faith. And then he read the Gospels and wondered why his church was not talking about this Jesus guy at all.

"Have you ever wondered how much of what you believe to be true is actually influenced by the quirks of your own mind? In this solo episode of the Liminal Living podcast, we delve into the fascinating realm of cognitive biases and their impact on our perception of reality. We use Brian McLaren’s list of 13 cognitive biases that cloud our judgment, revealing how they shape our understanding of truth and certainty. Through a philosophical lens, we examine the notion of absolute certainty, suggesting that acknowledging the presence of biases allows us to embrace uncertainty with an open hand.

Have you ever always hated the doctrine of eternal conscious torment but felt like it was too central to the faith to discard? Chad is the guy to talk to. Today we deconstruct the theology of ECT, discuss its origins, its evolution, and its future home in the proverbial lake of fire. We also discuss open and relational theology, evangelicalism, liminality, contemplation, and more views of the afterlife.

Have you ever wondered how one finds their voice in a world that often seeks to silence them? Today, we're diving deep into that question with author and advocate-minister Ally Henny, as we explore her journey of resilience, faith, and empowerment.