Learning How to See with Brian McLaren

Latest Episodes:

Include and Transcend (feat. Barbara Brown Taylor) Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

How have you experienced the grief of growth?

In this episode, Barbara Brown Taylor joins Brian for a stimulating conversation about the importance of emotional honesty on each step of our spiritual journey. As we outgrow religious ideas and practices, it’s tempting to bend the truth to make us comfortable—but that reaction slows the process of transformation.

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

An Introduction to Season 4 Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

As we kick off a new season grappling with the 'how' answer of Do I Stay Christian?, Brian wanted to revisit the previous seasons that built up and connect to this very question. Joining Brian in conversation are Center for Action and Contemplation staff members Mike Petrow, Gigi Ross, and Dawson Allen. At the end of this season, we'll come back together to reflect and respond to what the listener's submitted during the season.

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

A transcript for this episode can be found here.

Season 4: Learning How to See: Christianity (How) Jan 25, 2023

Show notes

On this Season 4 of Learning How to See, we continue to grapple with the question "do I stay Christian?" In Season 3, we looked at the "yes" and the "no" answer to that question. This season, we're asking: if you do decide to stay Christian without accepting the harmful elements of the Christian faith -- how are you going to do it? Join Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, and others to explore ways we all can live good and full, meaningful, and just lives--whether we continue to identify as Christian or not.

We'd love to hear from you throughout this season. We'll be doing an episode responding to what arises for you. Contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at podcasts@cac.org

Christianity as a Road We Make By Walking Jul 01, 2022

Show notes

Could technology be key to deepening our faith experience? From the printing press to podcasts, the newest technology has been inviting people into faith conversations for centuries.

On this episode, Brian is joined by theologian and podcaster Tripp Fuller as we embrace walking towards a fresh and vibrant theology that is accessible to everyone. Tripp is a self-described “theology nerd,” and brings his deep knowledge of Biblical history and a commitment to creating space for everyone to cultivate a more authentic relationship with their faith.

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here
Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here
Tripp's podcast, Homebrewed Christianity is available wherever you like to download podcasts.
Brian and Tripp will be leading an online class on the book starting in September. Details here: https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/doistaychristian/

Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week.

The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. (Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a URL to join the discussion group via email.)

Connect with us:

We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org
Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Tripp Fuller: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

Christianity as a Set of Insistent Questions Jun 24, 2022

Show notes

What if questions are God’s way of communicating? Could we learn to embrace asking questions as a spiritual practice?

For this episode, Brian McLaren invites two great wisdom teachers of our time, Dr. James Finley and Dr. Barbara Holmes into a conversation about the simple steps we can take to celebrate the sacredness of each moment. This conversation journeys into the heart of embracing mystery and all that is unsolved in your heart.

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here
Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here
Dr. Barbara Holme's podcast, The Cosmic We can be found on: CAC | Apple or wherever you like to download podcasts.
Dr. James Finley's podcast, Turning to the Mystics can be found on: CAC | Apple or wherever you like to download podcasts.

Connect with us:

We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org
Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Christianity and the Cult of Innocence Jun 17, 2022

Show notes

What is the Christian Cult of Innocence and how does it limit our view of ourselves, God, and Christian wisdom? In this episode, Brian McLaren continues his journey of discovering wisdom and perspectives that can break Christianity open. In this conversation, Fr. Richard Rohr and Paul Swanson explore how embracing our flawed human nature can free us from limiting judgements that keep us and everyone else limited, small, and feeling unworthy of Divine Love. Learn to liberate yourself and everyone else you know to be unapologetically human!

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here
Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here

Connect with us:

We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org
Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Christianity as Neighbor (Part 2) Jun 10, 2022

Show notes

Renowned civil rights leader and best-selling author Valarie Kaur joins Brian for this episode of Learning How to See. In this conversation, they help us see how learning about another faith tradition can help us see our own tradition in a different way.

Valarie Kaur is a renowned civil rights leader and celebrated prophetic voice "at the forefront of progressive change" (Center for American Progress). Valarie burst into American consciousness in the wake of the 2016 election when her Watch Night Service address went viral with 40 million views worldwide. Her question "Is this the darkness of the tomb – or the darkness of the womb?" reframed the political moment and became a mantra for people fighting for change. Valarie now leads the Revolutionary Love Project to reclaim love as a force for justice in America.

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here
Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here
Valarie Kaur's work with Revolutionary Love can be found here.

Connect with us:

We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org
Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Valarie Kaur: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Christianity as Neighbor (Part 1) Jun 03, 2022

Show notes

Antisemitism, theology, empire—this week’s episode invites us to examine our histories and faith traditions with an honest lens. Explore a different perspective of Christianity with Rabbi Jill Jacobs, who discuss what is means to have Christianity as a neighbor.

Rabbi Jill Jacobs (she/her) is the CEO of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, an organization that trains and mobilizes more than 2,300 rabbis and cantors and their communities to bring a moral voice to protecting and advancing human rights in North America, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories. She is the author of Where Justice Dwells: A Hands-On Guide to Doing Social Justice in Your Jewish Community and There Shall Be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice through Jewish Law and Tradition, both published by Jewish Lights.

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here
Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here
Rabbi Jill Jacob's work with T'ruah can be found here.

Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week.

Connect with us:

We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org
Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Rabbi Jill Jacobs: Website | Twitter

Christianity, Race, and Politics May 27, 2022

Show notes

On the second episode of this season, Brian is joined by Lisa Sharon Harper and Gigi Ross exploring the many ways colonialism has injected racism into Christianity, politics, and the culture we live in. Utilizing theology, research, and drawing heavily from Lisa's work in her latest book Fortune, this episode offers a gripping examination of slavery’s lingering impact on the shadow of Christianity. Please be advised this episode discusses topics around sexual violence that may elicit difficult emotions and memories for some.

Note: This episode was recorded on March 10th, 2022, before the Supreme Court draft opinion potentially overturning Roe vs. Wade was leaked. Some elements of the conversation will reflect this.

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here
Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here
Lisa's book, Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and The World and How to Repair It All can be found here.

Connect with us:

We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org
Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Lisa Sharon Harper: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Christianity is Many Things May 20, 2022

Show notes

What does “Christianity” mean to you? Do you see it as a force for good in the world? How much harm has it caused? Do you want to stay Christian? And if so, what kind—and how?

In this first episode from season three of Learning How to See, host Brian McLaren goes straight to the heart of these questions and more. Joined by scholar and historian of Christianity Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., and CAC staff member Mike Petrow, Ph.D., these theologians discuss the diverse experiences they have with Christianity.

Informed by Brian’s new book Do I Stay Christian?, season three of Learning How to See will challenge listeners to relearn how they see Christianity by embracing exploration over explanation and dialogue over dogma.

From transcending toxic theology embedded in childhood to applying ancient wisdom to modern life, this first episode sets the trajectory for an enlightening and transformative season.

Resources:

The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here
Diana's book, Freeing Jesus can be found here.

Connect with us:

We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org
Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Diana Butler Bass: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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