199: Redefining God as Fundamental to Healing LDS Faith Crisis
Feb 12, 2024
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In this episode, the hosts discuss redefining the concept of God in a faith crisis, moving towards a compassionate and universalist view. They draw wisdom from various theologians and scholars, challenging traditional perceptions of a conditionally-loving God. The conversation sets the stage for upcoming discussions on the harmful effects of patriarchy, discovering the True Self, and honoring dissenting voices.
47:56
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Quick takeaways
Redefine your concept of God to promote spiritual healing and growth.
Challenge traditional perspectives of a conditional, performance-based God to embrace a compassionate and universalist view.
Deep dives
The Importance of a Healing Reconstruction Journey
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the significance of the reconstruction journey in spirituality and faith. They express their passion for exploring the teachings of Father Richard Rohr, who has greatly influenced their own spiritual growth. They highlight the importance of moving away from a harsh image of God and instead embracing a more loving and healing concept. Through personal anecdotes and experiences, they emphasize the transformative power of understanding the divine as a being of unconditional love.
Challenging the Fear-Based God Image
Nathan leads the discussion on the negative impact of a fear-based concept of God. He shares insights from Richard Rohr's book and lectures, highlighting the idea that God's love does not depend on our ability to change or meet certain conditions. Instead, change is empowered by experiencing God's love and acceptance. Nathan examines how our image of God is often shaped by our upbringing, and how scriptures and the influence of others can reinforce a harsh and judgmental God image. He encourages a shift towards a more compassionate and loving understanding of God.
The Power of Personal Experience with God
The hosts delve into the difference between a God concept and a God image. They assert that while a God concept may be based on teachings and intellectual understanding, a God image is a personal and emotional experience of God in the dynamics of a relationship. They discuss the importance of looking beyond external sources, such as scriptures and church teachings, to have a direct experience with the divine. They share the transformative impact of their own encounters with God, which have reshaped their understanding and challenged traditional beliefs.
Reimagining God as a God of Love
The hosts explore the discrepancy between a punitive God of the Old Testament and the loving nature of God as revealed in personal encounters. They discuss the theological implications of certain atonement concepts that perpetuate the idea of an angry God. They highlight the importance of reevaluating our theology and embracing a God image that reflects radical love and acceptance. They emphasize the significance of personal growth and spiritual autonomy, encouraging listeners to experience the divine directly and see their own divine nature mirrored in others.
Series Title: Father Richard Rohr’s Influence on LDS Faith Crisis Healing [Part I of IV]
In this profound four-part series, Nathan and Valerie delve into some of the most formative ideas that they have learned on their faith reconstruction journey with the help of Father Richard Rohr.
In this episode they talk about the nature of God and how this basic concept impacts EVERYTHING else in one's spiritual journey.
They riff on ideas from Julian of Norwich, Richard Rohr, John Calvin, and current LDS scholars and theologians Fiona and Terryl Givens as formative in their reconfiguration of a compassionate and universalist God, challenging traditional perspectives of a conditionally-loving God demanding performance and repentance to achieve "worthiness" and present or eternal blessings.
This conversation also paves the way for upcoming discussions on the prophetic wisdom of Richard Rohr which includes topics around why patriarchy is so harmful, the excavation of the True Self, and the importance of honoring brave voices of dissent.
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