Author James KA Smith discusses the spiritual significance of time and awakening faith in the 21st century, touching on his latest book 'How to Inhabit Time'. The conversation explores the impact of technology on the younger generation, emphasizing counter-cultural responses to address exhaustion and addiction. Insights on community living, forgiveness, and the enduring bond between parents and children are also shared.
Living a life of faith involves embracing discomfort for spiritual growth.
Christianity emphasizes the communal aspect of faith within the church community.
The traditions of the Black Church emphasize continual pilgrimage and community in faith.
Deep dives
The Significance of Embracing Discomfort in Spirituality
Living a life of faith requires a willingness to embrace discomfort and dissonance, acknowledging that the pursuit of true spirituality may not always align with immediate comfort and ease. The concept of 'refugee spirituality' emphasizes the idea of not feeling completely at home in the current world but rather longing for a deeper connection with God's kingdom to come. This approach encourages a sense of holy impatience, urging individuals to seek a higher spiritual purpose beyond simply settling for the status quo.
The Importance of Communal Engagement in Christianity
Christianity is inherently communal, emphasizing the essential role of the church community in supporting and guiding individuals on their spiritual journey. The idea of the 'refugee camp on the run' highlights the collective nature of faith, emphasizing the need for believers to remain connected to and reliant on each other. It underscores the significance of not isolating oneself but rather finding strength and refuge within the community of fellow believers.
Learning from Black Church Traditions
Exploring the traditions of the Black Church provides valuable insights into maintaining a pilgrimage mindset within the Christian faith. The Black Church's historical perspective of never losing sight of being a pilgrim people serves as a powerful reminder to all Christians to avoid complacency and false notions of having 'arrived' in their spiritual journey. By embracing the ethos of continual pilgrimage, Christians can cultivate a deeper sense of community, humility, and accountability in their faith walk.
Importance of Community and Shared Parenting
The podcast delves into the significance of community and shared parenting in contrast to the prevalent individualistic mindset. It emphasizes the value of raising children collectively within a supportive network rather than in isolation. Shared examples highlight how families presenting children to a congregation for communal guidance underscore the insufficiency of individual efforts in child-rearing.
Challenges and Complexities of Parenting
The episode addresses the complexities and challenges of parenting in the modern age, particularly focusing on the impact of technology and self-consciousness on children. It reflects on the struggle of maintaining authentic connection amidst the pressures of social performance and digital influence. Additionally, it explores the importance of vulnerability, forgiveness, and the ongoing journey of parenthood within an evolving societal landscape.
For years one of Dave's favorite books has been On the Road with Saint Augustine: A Real-World Spirituality for Restless Hearts, and today we have the author James K.A. Smith joining Dadville. Throughout the conversation, Smith gives enlightened views on not only Saint Augustine, but also his latest book, How to Inhabit Time, which shows why awakening to the spiritual significance of time is crucial for orienting faith in the twenty-first century.
Raising Boys and Girls - The Raising Boys and Girls Podcast is hosted by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan – three counsels who are serving kids and their parents in Nashville, TN. In each episode they share some of what they’re learning in the work they do with kids and families on a daily basis. New episodes every Tuesday. Go to http://raisingboysandgirls.com/podcast for more information.
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