Learning How to See with Brian McLaren

Latest Episodes:

Listener Questions: Jesus and Theology Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

In this third episode of listener questions, Brian and the team respond to questions that came in centered around Jesus and theology. A listener writes, “I've been questioning the virgin birth and resurrection. As of now, I believe that Jesus was an amazing prophet who was so in touch with God’s spirit that he could do miracles, and his teachings were life changing. Would you let me know how you feel about my thoughts?”

Brian and the team responds by discussing the differences between “fact” and “truth.” Together, they explore the power of Mary saying “yes” to God’s calling, even though it meant painfully going against cultural norms. The team also dives into various atonement theories in theology. Listen now!

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Listener Questions: Community Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

What does community look like when our faith shifts?

“If I support my grandson who is gay, what do I do with my Catholic faith?”

Brian, and the team from the Center for Action and Contemplation reflect on questions that came in around community.

Resources:

A transcript for this episode can be found here.

Listener Questions: Actions and Beliefs, and God's Intervention Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

The topic of questions related to this listener questions episode is on actions and beliefs, and if God intervenes.

Listeners wrote in with questions such as: “Does God intervene? Does Jesus heal? What am I doing when I pray for people? What precisely is the gospel? If I only had more faith, prayed the right prayer, and believed the Bible literally, maybe these awful things like the death of my young sister-in-law may not have happened.”

Brian, and the team from the Center for Action and Contemplation reflect on these questions.

Resources:

A transcript for this episode can be found here.

Stay Human Mar 24, 2023

Show notes

Who reminds you of who you really are—even during dark times? Jacqui and Barbara are back, together, to explore ways to stay human amid fear and uncertainty.

In this last episode exploring the chapters of 'How', these conversation partners explore the importance of humanity at the core of an authentic faith journey. Whether or not you continue to call yourself Christian—or a member of any other faith—how do we retain the courage to see the world as it truly is?

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Stay Loyal to Reality (feat. Barbara Brown Taylor) Mar 17, 2023

Show notes

What is your response when your faith tradition demands that you deny reality?

Barbara Brown Taylor is back to discuss the importance of embracing “what is” more than adhering to our beliefs. This episode is based on 27th chapter of Do I Stay Christian?, Stay Loyal to Reality.

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Renounce and Announce (feat. Jacqui Lewis) Mar 10, 2023

Show notes

How do you stand for what you believe without making others wrong?

In this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis joins Brian again to discuss how we can declare our beliefs with love—and why it is essential for the healing of our communities and our planet.

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at podcasts@cac.org

Re-Consecrate Everything (feat. Barbara Brown Taylor) Mar 03, 2023

Show notes

How do you create harmony in your life?

Can Christianity inspire us to focus on what kind of human we want to be—instead of trying to prove we’re right?

In this episode, Barbara Brown Taylor returns to the show for a continuing conversation about the necessary and profound work of reconsecrating our lives—spiritually and ecologically. As Brian explains, “You can leave Christianity, but Christianity won’t leave you. Christianity must be recycled, redeemed, and reconsecrated to be transformed.”

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at podcasts@cac.org

Find the Flow (feat. Jacqui Lewis) Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

What gets you into the flow?

Rev. Jacqui Lewis joins Brian again in conversation to envision a new way of living Christianity in this episode talking about the 24th chapter, Find the Flow.

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at podcasts@cac.org

Re-Wild (feat. Todd Wynward) Feb 17, 2023

Show notes

Where do we go to replenish our hearts?

On this season of Learning How to See, we're exploring ways to reframe our Christian identity so that it reflects our lived reality.

In this episode author, wilderness educator, and Mennonite organizer, Todd Wynward, offers his perspective that spending time in the wilderness—physically and spiritually— can fill our hearts and minds with new meaning.

Resources:

The transcript to the episode can be found here.

Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at podcasts@cac.org

Start with the Heart (feat. Jacqui Lewis) Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

How do we remind ourselves that Love is the center of our lives?

As we continue this season, Brian and the guests offer guideposts for negotiating a new relationship to Christianity when we are ready to leave limiting beliefs behind. On this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis explains that living from a space of love is an active calling: “Love that comes from the heart demands justice. It insists on wellbeing. It insists on caring for the vulnerable. And that’s fierce.”

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at podcasts@cac.org

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