Proclaim Peace

Faith Matters
  • 5.0 (102)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    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

    38 min

  2. APR 21

    Joseph's Story from Pride to Compassion: Breaking Generational Cycles with Rabbi Sam Spector

    Patrick and Jen discuss peace and leadership with Rabbi Sam Spector through the story of Joseph. They explore the Hebrew concept of "shalom," meaning complete peace, and its relevance to personal and national contexts. The conversation highlights lessons from intergenerational conflicts in biblical narratives, emphasizing communication and reconciliation. Rabbi Spector shares insights on leadership qualities and the importance of challenging authority respectfully. He also offers practical advice on resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding, providing listeners with valuable insights into fostering peace in relationships and communities. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction to biblical concepts of peace and the story of Joseph00:55 - Historical context of Israel’s conflicts and peace treaties03:29 - The story of Joseph: favorite son, dreams, and family conflict06:14 - Intergenerational conflicts: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and sibling rivalry14:53 - The brothers’ revenge, subsequent reconciliation, and lessons on dealing with jealousy20:12 - The danger of using peace as manipulation in relationships26:11 - Joseph's foresight, hope, and resilience in adversity31:53 - Free will, personal responsibility, and the potential for growth in conflict36:26 - Challenging leadership constructively and exemplars from scripture and recent history44:10 - Personal practices for finding inner peace and balance, including family moments48:39 - Connecting biblical stories to contemporary issues of peace-making and leadershipFor full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

    47 min

  3. APR 7

    Embracing Diversity and Building Peace: Lessons from the Tower of Babel with Daryl Davis

    Jen and Patrick are joined by Daryl Davis to explore the profound lessons of peace, unity, and diversity through the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. They engage in a compelling dialogue about how understanding, communication, and exposure can transform hatred into harmony. This episode reminds us that peace begins with understanding and that even in the most difficult conversations, empathy and exposure can open pathways toward reconciliation. Bridging divides is about listening, storytelling, and the courage to challenge our perceptions. Topics Covered: The biblical story of the Tower of Babel as a metaphor for human diversityThe importance of cross-cultural communication and understandingHow misinformation and ignorance breed fear, hate, and destructionDaryl Davis’s personal journey fighting racism and bridging dividesThe power of perception, storytelling, and emotional engagement in conflict resolutionPractical steps for building peace within oneself and with othersDiversity as a designed feature for learning rather than a flaw to be eradicatedCommunication as the most effective tool to defuse hostilityExposure and travel as means to broaden understanding and challenge stereotypesListening as a critical skill in addressing deeply held beliefs and perceptionsThe importance of internal peace as a foundation for external harmonyFor full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

    53 min

  4. MAR 24

    The Story of Cain and Abel: Exploring Conflict and Perspective with Jonathan Walker

    Jonathan Walker (Jen’s brother!) joins Jen and Patrick in this episode as we dive into the profound and complex biblical story of Cain and Abel, examining themes of conflict, motives, and reconciliation from multiple perspectives. They emphasize that peace begins with understanding our internal motives, choosing accountability, and aligning with divine principles rather than external resolutions. Whether you see yourself as a Cain or Abel in daily life, this story invites reflection on the path of reconciliation and the power of Christ’s love to heal division. TOPICS: Distinguishing destructive versus constructive conflictComparing Genesis and Moses versions: perspectives and implicationsThe roles of Satan, God, and human agency in the storyThe significance of motives, sacrifice, and fairnessHow stories reflect and teach about violence and controlThe concept of "order" versus "chaos" Muppets and their allegorical presencePractical insights on avoiding escalation and fostering peaceLiving in Cain's world versus embracing Jesus's path of reconciliationFor full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

    50 min

  5. MAR 10

    Enoch's Lessons on Peacemaking in Zion with Melaney Tagg

    Melaney Tagg joins Jen and Patrick to share her insights on building Zion through peacemaking from her personal experiences with facilitating local community dialogue. She emphasizes the importance of seeing others as divine manifestations of God, the need for divine assistance in peacemaking, and the role of language in conflict resolution. The discussion also covers the Venn Diagram Project, which aims to bring together opposing sides to find common ground, and offers practical advice for everyday peacemakers. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the divine call to love and understand one another. Takeaways Peace is defined as sitting together in love and understanding.Humans are a divine manifestation of God's creative ability.Conflict is inherent wherever there are humans.Divine assistance is needed to see others as God sees them.Language plays a crucial role in how we perceive and engage with others.Building a refuge requires inclusivity and understanding of differences.Finding common ground is essential in polarized issues.The Venn Diagram Project aims to foster dialogue between opposing sides.Patience and understanding are key in the peacemaking process.True peace comes from recognizing the divinity in ourselves and others.For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

    51 min

  6. FEB 24

    Adam and Eve as an Archetype for Understanding Conflict with Mallory Everton

    Jen and Patrick are joined by Mallory Everton to explore the themes of personal peace, the complexity of relationships, and the foundational story of Adam and Eve as a lens for understanding conflict and decision-making. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, self-compassion, and the role of creativity in navigating life's challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for community and connection in the pursuit of peace and spiritual growth. Personal peace is defined as a deep state of trust.The Adam and Eve story serves as an archetype for understanding conflict.Conflict often arises not from good versus evil, but from differing perspectives.Spiritual growth requires embracing uncertainty and complexity.Vulnerability is essential for meaningful connections and creativity.Self-compassion is crucial for extending grace to others.Creativity often emerges from tension and conflict.We are all called to explore different truths in our spiritual journeys.The complexity of the Adam and Eve story highlights the nuances of human experience.Finding peace involves recognizing the interconnectedness of our choices and relationships.For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

    46 min

  7. FEB 10

    Navigating Peace in Relationships with Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

    Jennifer Finlayson-Fife joins Jen and Patrick to discuss the multifaceted nature of peace, particularly in the context of relationships and marriage as they read about Adam and Eve. She emphasizes that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but involves a sense of well-being and mutual respect. The discussion explores the importance of navigating differences, the role of conflict in fostering growth and intimacy, and the significance of agency and responsibility in relationships. Additionally, the conversation touches on societal pressures regarding gender roles and the impact of these dynamics on personal relationships. The dialogue encourages listeners to embrace conflict as a means of creating deeper connections and understanding in their relationships. Peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of well-being.Relationships thrive on the introduction of difference and the ability to navigate it.Resentment in marriage often stems from unmet expectations and the need for validation.Creating a marriage requires active participation and self-determination from both partners.Conflict can be a catalyst for growth and deeper intimacy in relationships.Agency in marriage means taking responsibility for one's own happiness and choices.The story of Adam and Eve illustrates the importance of mutual decision-making in relationships.Moral development involves moving from obedience to personal responsibility and integrity.Societal pressures can create division between genders, impacting personal relationships.Finding common ground in conflict is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

    50 min
  8. The Role of Division in Creation and Growth with Jared Halverson

    JAN 27

    The Role of Division in Creation and Growth with Jared Halverson

    In this episode of the Proclaim Peace podcast, hosts Patrick Mason and Jennifer Thomas are joined by Jared Halverson to explore the themes of peace and conflict through the lens of scripture. They discuss the significance of division in creation, the life-giving aspects of conflict, and the balance of opposites in relationships. The conversation delves into the creation, fall, and atonement as a divine paradigm, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity amidst differences. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of unity amidst differences.The Old Testament offers insights into peacemaking, often overlooked in favor of conflict narratives.Division in creation is essential for life and growth, not something to be feared.The balance of opposites, such as light and darkness, is crucial for a robust creation.Conflict can be life-giving, providing opportunities for growth and understanding.The fall is a necessary part of the divine paradigm, leading to greater holiness.Unity in relationships requires maintaining individual differences while working together.The atonement stage is about balancing the strengths of creation and fall stages.True peace is found in the presence of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.The journey from creation to atonement involves embracing and learning from conflict.For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

    51 min
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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
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Proclaim Peace
  • Show Website
    Proclaim Peace

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