Brian McLaren and Rev. Jacqui Lewis discuss biases, doubt, contemplation, and action. They explore how biases hinder understanding, the importance of doubt for learning to see, and the role of faith in embracing uncertainty. They also address bias, love, and the desire to truly see, and highlight the transformative power of seeking a compassionate worldview. The podcast concludes with an introduction to the Center for Action and Contemplation and its resources.
Our biases shape our beliefs and hinder us from challenging our own assumptions and prejudices, and recognizing and addressing these biases is crucial for a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.
Combining contemplation and action allows us to address biases, actively engage with others, and work towards a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Deep dives
The Power of Biases
Our biases often inhibit us from truly seeing and understanding the world around us. The podcast highlights various biases that affect our perception, such as confirmation bias, complexity bias, community bias, complementarity bias, contact bias, conservative-liberal bias, consciousness bias, competency bias, confidence bias, comfort bias, conspiracy bias, and cash bias. These biases shape our beliefs and can prevent us from challenging our own assumptions and prejudices.
Action and Contemplation
The podcast emphasizes the importance of both action and contemplation in our lives. It discusses how contemplation, which involves self-reflection and the ability to recognize our biases, can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world. Meanwhile, action, particularly through activism, encourages us to challenge biases and work towards justice and equality. The combination of contemplation and action allows us to address biases and actively engage with others in the pursuit of a more compassionate and inclusive society.
The Role of Doubt and Faith
The podcast explores the role of doubt in our faith and perception of truth. It argues that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but rather the opposite of certitude. Doubt can lead us to question our biases and challenge beliefs that may be comforting but untrue. By cultivating a sense of doubt and humility, we can approach life with a beginner's mind, remain open to new perspectives, and deepen our faith in a way that is inclusive and transformative.
On this last episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Jacqui, and Richard review of the biases, and reflection on how doubt, action, and contemplation enrich our ability to see.
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!
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