“The Anxiety Opportunity” in the New Year with Curtis Chang
Jan 5, 2024
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Author Curtis Chang joins the podcast to discuss how to navigate personal and collective anxiety in the midst of global challenges. They explore topics such as the impact of a book on anxiety, global conflicts and political tensions, reshaping politics by addressing anxiety, applying the 'how' of Jesus' teachings to policies, and introducing the After Party project focused on spiritual values and relational practices.
Engaging with our own anxiety and that of others can pave the way for more restorative conversations and offer more hope as we look into the year ahead.
Recognizing anxiety as a pathway for transformation ultimately leads to a better understanding of oneself, relationships, and engagement with the broader world.
Deep dives
The Year of Dread
As the new year begins, the hosts discuss their anticipation of 2024 being a year marked by increased division, despair, and dissolution. They introduce Curtis Chang, author of 'The Anxiety Opportunity,' and reflect on the positive response his book received for providing a more realistic understanding of anxiety. They discuss how anxiety has been improperly addressed within the church and emphasize the need to face anxiety rather than trying to make it go away. They highlight the importance of understanding anxiety in order to navigate other areas of life effectively.
A Shift in Political Paradigm
The podcast hosts introduce Curtis Chang's upcoming book, 'The After Party: Towards Better Christian Politics,' which aims to reframe how Christians understand and engage with politics. They critique the common practice of aligning Jesus with specific ideologies, parties, or policies and suggest shifting the focus to the how of politics rather than the what. They emphasize the need for Christians to engage in politics with a posture of love, forgiveness, and humility, acknowledging that differences will exist but can be reconciled within the Jesus-centered approach.
Hope Amidst Political Polarization
The hosts explore the idea that engaging in politics from the perspective of love allows for the consideration of justice and mercy. They address concerns about compromising on justice while promoting the after party's approach, noting that justice can still be pursued while embracing the reconciliation and humility advocated by the Jesus-centered politics. They highlight the ultimate hope lies in the wedding feast of the lamb, where all differences will be reconciled, including political differences, and stress the importance of recognizing that earthly political outcomes are ultimately provisional and secondary to the kingdom of God.
Anxiety as an Opportunity for Growth
Drawing connections between anxiety, political polarization, and Christian politics, the hosts discuss how anxiety presents an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. They point out that anxiety is a universal experience that requires a healthy way to navigate and understand it. They underscore the significance of recognizing anxiety as a pathway for transformation, ultimately leading to a better understanding of oneself, relationships, and engagement with the broader world.
As we step into 2024, the global landscape presents us with profound challenges – from conflicts in Palestine and Israel to widespread war, economic disparities, and political divisions. Add to this mix the heightened levels of anxiety and rage permeating our society, all unfolding against the backdrop of an election year here in the U.S. In the midst of this complexity, how do we navigate our growing personal and collective anxiety, and can it be an opportunity for us to live more fully according to the gospel?
To explore these questions, we’re honored to welcome back Curtis Chang, the author of "The Anxiety Opportunity" and co-author of "The After Party," as our first guest of the year. Curtis chats with us about how engaging with our own anxiety and that of others can pave the way for more restorative conversations and offer more hope as we look into the year ahead.
Join us for this enlightening conversation to learn more about Curtis's work with his latest project, "The After Party," in today's episode. If you missed our previous discussion with Curtis last spring, you can catch it here.
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