Oprah's Super Soul Super Soul Special: The Rev. Ed Bacon: Do You Recognize Grace?
Dec 31, 2025
The Rev. Ed Bacon, a retired Episcopal priest and author of "8 Habits of Love," shares insights on recognizing grace in our lives, especially during tough times. He discusses the eternal struggle between fear and love in our relationship with God. Ed urges listeners to embrace their inner divine presence and reconcile spiritual experiences with doctrine. Touching on topics from intuition to modern interpretations of Jesus, he emphasizes the importance of being an instrument for a greater purpose and recognizing the unexpected gifts that grace can bring.
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Beloved In The Pine Grove
- The Rev. Ed Bacon describes a childhood moment in a South Georgia pine grove when he felt enveloped by warmth and heard he was "the most beloved creature."
- That experience taught him everyone else is equally beloved and shaped his life and ministry.
Fear Puts God In A Box
- The Rev. Ed Bacon frames resistance to new spirituality as coming from the "house of fear," which boxes God and enforces strict doctrine.
- He argues fear-driven theology reacts to broader spiritual language by policing belief and resisting universal truths.
Follow Grace, Not Explanation
- Follow experiences of grace rather than trying to explain or preempt them with doctrine.
- Let feelings of undeserved, overwhelming goodness guide reconciliation between belief and spiritual experience.