In this engaging conversation, Tony Jones, a seasoned author and educator, opens up about his transformative memoir, *The God of Wild Places*. He explores vulnerability in writing, discussing the emotional toll of personal struggles and the search for spiritual authenticity. Laughter intertwines with poignant reflections on faith, loss, and the complexities of church identity. The duo shares heartfelt anecdotes from their Minnesota community, illustrating how shared experiences can nurture connection, even in life's wildest moments.
The podcast highlights the deep bond between the hosts, showcasing how friendship enriches vulnerable conversations about faith and personal struggles.
Tony Jones discusses the backlash against the Emerging Church Movement, framing it as part of a larger cultural dialogue on faith and community.
His book, 'A God of Wild Places', reflects his journey through personal darkness and nature to find divine presence and meaning.
Deep dives
The Journey of Friendship
The deep bond between the speaker and Tony Jones is evident throughout the conversation, highlighting their long-standing friendship. Their relationship adds richness to the dialogue, allowing for an engaging exploration of personal and professional themes. Both individuals share a sense of humor and vulnerability, which enhances the intimacy of their discussion. The podcast captures the essence of friendship, showcasing how mutual support and shared experiences can foster understanding and connection.
Navigating the Emerging Church Movement
The conversation touches on the significant backlash faced by the Emerging Church Movement, an important context for Tony's narrative. Highlighting various influential figures within the movement, the discussion addresses criticisms from prominent theologians. This backlash is presented not as an isolated incident but as part of a broader cultural dialogue on faith, belonging, and spiritual evolution. The exchange invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of modern theological discourse while emphasizing the importance of understanding differing perspectives.
Exploring 'A God of Wild Places'
Tony Jones shares insights into the themes of his new book, 'A God of Wild Places', which has taken over a decade to write. The narrative captures his personal struggles with faith and identity, often through the lens of raw honesty and vulnerability. He discusses the extensive revisions and care taken in the writing process, particularly concerning sensitive topics, such as his past relationships and emotional turmoil. The book serves as a testament to his journey of self-discovery, inviting readers to engage with their own experiences in understanding the divine.
Darkness and Dazzling Light
A recurring motif in the book is the concept of navigating through darkness to find meaning and divine presence. Tony reflects on how moments of profound personal suffering led him to embrace nature and the essence of life outside traditional church boundaries. This exploration emphasizes the idea that engaging with one's own struggles can illuminate a deeper understanding of faith and spirituality. Listeners are encouraged to consider how their own experiences of darkness can lead to moments of stunning clarity and insight.
Reflections on Life and Fatherhood
The discussion touches on the profound impact of losing a father on one’s identity and approach to relationships. Tony shares candid reflections on his father’s death and how it reshaped his understanding of familial bonds and responsibilities. The experience fostered a greater appreciation for vulnerability and honesty in his relationships with his own children. By addressing these layered themes, he highlights the importance of nurturing open and heartfelt connections with loved ones, especially in the face of loss.
I have been friends with Tony Jones for a long time. For over 12 years, he has been working on his memoir, and it was worth the wait. The God of Wild Places: Rediscovering the Divine in the Untamed Outdoors is now out in the world and we got to sit down in his living to record this conversation about it. Longtime listeners will be familiar with Tony since he has been on the podcast over 30 times in the last 16 years, but this visit is different. You will hear a vulnerable conversation between two friends, including challenging stories, laughter, and reflection on faith in life's darkest moments.
If you aren't following our new podcast, Emerged: an Oral History of the Emerging Church Movement, you won't want to miss the latest episode. In it, we are joined by Nadia Boltz-Weber, Brian McLaren, and Doug Pagitt as we dig into all the backlash the emerging church movement generated. We laughed quite a bit while creating it :)
Tony Jones is the author of The God of Wild Places and contributing writer to several outdoors periodicals. He’s written a dozen books, including Did God Kill Jesus? and The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life, hosts the Reverend Hunter Podcast, and teaches at Fuller Theological Seminary and The Loft Literary Center. He writes a weekly newsletter on Substack.