This Is Not Church Podcast October Rebroadcast: Theosis And The Four Paths: A Conversation with Alexander John Shaia
Oct 4, 2023
59:30
- Thie quoircast episode is brought to you by The Seeds of De(con)struction by Nat Turney. It is published by Quoir and is available now.
- In this episode we talk with Alexander John Shaia.
- Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Alexander John was part of a large extended family that had emigrated from Lebanon a generation previously. He grew up immersed in the ancient traditions of Middle Eastern Christianity (Maronite Catholicism) and was expected to become a priest, a family tradition since the year 1300. He was led otherwise. Alexander John attended the University of Notre Dame and received a degree in Cultural Anthropology. Next came a brief time in seminary followed by a Master’s in Counseling Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a graduate certificate in Pastoral Psychotherapy, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. His extensive psychological training across many modalities finally led him to Switzerland where he studied with the Jungian Analyst and founder of Sandplay Psychotherapy, Dora Maria Kalff. Alexander John became the first US man admitted to the International Society for Sandplay Therapy and continues to serve as a senior Certified Teaching Member of the organization. Returning to the United States, he undertook years of private practice, teaching, parish and retreat ministry and further study. Integrating his life-long practice of prayer with many cross-disciplines—anthropology, psychology, spirituality, and ritual work—has shaped him into a unique thought-leader and a widely sought consultant, trainer, and inspiring keynote speaker. Then in 2000, Alexander John’s professional life expanded from being primarily a speaker to also that of an author, now with some eight books and more in the works. He lives in the high Rocky Mountains in Northern New Mexico and the wild Atlantic coast of Northwest Spain. A perfect day finds him in the presence of ancient trees, massive stones, his dog and a book of poetry.
- You can Follow Alexander John Shaia on:
- Facebook Twitter Instagram
- You can find all things Alexander John Shaia relayed on his website
- You can purchase Alexander's books on Amazon.com
- You can connect with This Is Not Church on:
- Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube
- Also check out our Linktree for all things This Is Not Church related
- Please like and follow our Quoircast Partners:
- Heretic Happy Hour Messy Spirituality Apostates Anonymous Second Cup with Keith The Church Needs Therapy
- Ideas Digest The New Evangelicals Snarky Faith Podcast Wild Olive Deadly Faith
- Jonathan Foster Sacred Thoughts Holy Heretics Reframing Our Stories
- Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!