The God Journey

Kyle asks AI to define the message of The God Journey, leading to a brief discussion about AI and the soothing properties of the ancient cathedrals. Then he and Wayne get into the conversation about finding our fullness in his Presence, rather than seeking it in the temporal amusements of the world. Presence is about focus and simplicity, not elaborate rituals or time-consuming practices or having to “fill up” at weekend services. Religious institutions can unintentionally create a cycle of spiritual emptiness and dependency, rather than fostering a continual engagement with presence and joy. Podcast Notes: We're sorry, but we are still having technical difficulties and were not able to make a video of this podcast. The audio release of It's Time The post Living from Fullness (#1009) first appeared on The God Journey.

Why are some followers of Jesus deeply concerned over the tactics and demeanor of the Trump Administration, while others wholeheartedly endorse it? A recent article suggests it may have to do with how we view God's morality. Is it keeping to a moral code by a vengeful deity, or is it the fruit of God's love, teaching us how to treat others? Kyle and Wayne explore this article and whether or not vengeance, intimidation, and arrogance are helpful to advance Jesus's kingdom in the world. Wasn't the Incarnation God's desire to win by love what fear could never accomplish? They also discuss the complexities of U.S. immigration policies and their desire to make them more humane. Podcast Notes: We're sorry, but we are still having technical difficulties and were not able to make a video of this podcast. Article on Vertical and Horizontal Morality Walter Brugermann's talk on Justice from above, versus justice from below The audio release of It's Time The post How We View Morality (#1008) first appeared on The God Journey.

During Wayne and Sara's recent trip around the Rocky Mountains, they met many people in the cities they traveled through who have left or are considering leaving a worldwide, legalistic Christian sect. Recent revelations of child sexual abuse on the part of leadership caused many to reconsider the teachings and practices of the group. Now, many are seeking to move out of religious performance, motivated by fear and pursued by self-effort, to an affection-based relationship with God, where love provides the impetus for rest and transformation. Kyle wants to know what Wayne learned in these conversations and how he helps people process this stage of their journey. Podcast Notes: We're sorry, but we were not able to make a video of this podcast. The audio release of It's Time The post A Path out of Legalism (#1007) first appeared on The God Journey.

What would change if you trusted God's presence abiding in you instead of seeking to feel his love? Wayne and Kyle read through a recent Facebook post by Graham Cook that talks about the difference between resting in his habitation instead of seeking encounters with him. When you realize that you can stop chasing what you already have, rest in relationship instead of working for relationship, practice awareness of existing presence instead of creating encounters, live from His promise, not your feelings, and make his presence your dwelling place, not your occasional destination. Podcast Notes: Sorry, there is no video of this podcast. Here is a copy of Graham Cooke's FB Post The audio release of It's Time The post What it Means to Abide (#1006) first appeared on The God Journey.

Wayne and Kyle dive into the tension between traditional congregations and spiritual growth. They discuss how some churches can nurture new believers while others may stifle them. The hosts explore the importance of relational gatherings, authenticity, and the pitfalls of managed discipleship. Wayne encourages seeking grace-centered communities over rigid programs. They also address criticisms about their views on organized church and emphasize the value of church as a safe landing for new believers.

After Wayne and Sara shared their trauma story with Kyle's Advanced Counseling course, Kyle wanted to talk more about forgiveness as the fruit of God's healing, not the way we earn it. So many see forgiveness as an obligation God requires of us, even if we only pretend on the outside, instead of a process that flows out of his healing inside our hearts. They also talk about how easily bullies can misinterpret Scripture to great discussion, and what it means to take God's name in vain. Podcast Notes: Sorry, there is no video of this podcast. Wayne and Sara's trip to Calgary and back through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon The post The Fruit of Forgiveness (#1004) first appeared on The God Journey.

Wayne and Kyle were together in Sheridan, Wyoming, this week and had the rare chance to sit down face-to-face after Wayne had shared the Language of Healing with Kyle's sociology class. They talk about Wayne and Sara's trip so far, and that leads them to a conversation about finding calmness in the midst of chaos. Peace doesn't come from our circumstances, but from Presence. His peace can actually guide us through any difficulty and allow us to see what opportunities he has for us. Podcast Notes: Sorry, there is no video of this podcast. Wayne and Sara's trip through Wyoming, Montana, southern Alberta, and back through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon The post Finding Calm Amid Chaos (#1003) first appeared on The God Journey.

Many people are substituting AI for their interactions with other human beings. From romantic relationships to therapy, even spiritual direction. Which brings up the question: Is it healthy to try to have heart-to-heart conversations with an algorithm, even one designed to mimic human responses? Humanity has always adapted to technological changes, but does it make us even more relationally challenged than religion did? AI unleashes some powerful tools that can be used for good, and at the same time, open doors for tremendous evil. As a mental health professional, Kyle is particularly concerned that this trend will do irreparable harm to human engagement in the process. Podcast Notes: Video recording of this podcast Wayne and Sara's trip through Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, and maybe Alberta before heading back for a lap around the Pacific Northwest. The post Authentic Relationship in an AI World? (#1002) first appeared on The God Journey.

It is easy to respond to someone's pain with love and prayers for healing, but what do you do when healing doesn't come? Many feel awkward, unintentionally withdrawing from the relationship because they don't know how to support someone negotiating chronic pain. Kyle and Wayne explore what it means to care about someone with a long term condition, whether it be emotional or physical. Can we sit with someone in pain and know that the power of our presence to hold it with them is as powerful as trying to get God to fix it? The best way to learn that is by discovering how God is present with us when we are in pain. Presence is everything! Podcast Notes: Video recording of this podcast Wayne and Sara's trip through Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, and maybe Alberta before heading back for a lap around the Pacific Northwest. The post Loving Through Chronic Pain (#1002) first appeared on The God Journey.

Many have said that when God closes a door, he always opens a new one. To which someone added, "But it's hell in the hallway." What do you do when your weekend meeting is no longer a place you can go? Having been alongside numerous people over the years, Kyle wants to know how Wayne helps others find their footing in Christ. They discuss not seeking the same kind of meeting again, but instead using some time to explore how deeply loved they are by God. Most legalistic groups prey on fear and guilt to try to keep people on the straight and narrow, and many lose sight of his love. The journey begins as we become settled in his love, and then watch the relationships he will add to our lives, and connections that are far richer than we may have known before. Podcast Notes: Video recording of this podcast Read all the emails we received to celebrate The God Journey. Hell in the Hallway - podcast from 2006 Wayne and Sara's upcoming trip through Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, and maybe Alberta before heading back for a lap around the Pacific Northwest. The post Finding Your Footing Again (#1001) first appeared on The God Journey.