Hope in Source

Joseph Choi, an insightful thinker on faith, shares his transformative journey of belief deconstruction and reconstruction. He dives into the anxieties of labeling faith and the balance between commitment and open perspectives. Choi contrasts scarcity and abundance mindsets, discussing how they shape creativity and generosity. He also examines the role of pastors in modern communities and the impact of technology on spiritual engagement. The conversation captures the tension between traditional rituals and contemporary expressions, making faith relatable in today's digital age.

Austin Chen, who explores the balance between rationality and faith from a Catholic upbringing, dives deep into the nuances of effective altruism. He shares a personal car wash story tied to charitable giving and reflects on the challenges of separating utilons and fuzzies in philanthropy. The conversation highlights the significance of community in faith, the importance of tithing, and the quest for humility in a world driven by productivity. They also discuss the creative idea of secular liturgies like Taco Tuesdays, illustrating unique ways to connect tradition with modernity.

In this engaging discussion, Sonya Mann, a returning guest with deep insights into biblical themes, explores the paradox of faith and God's generosity. They dive into the layered meanings of parables, focusing on concepts like obligation vs. grace and the transformative nature of community praise. Sonya connects ancient rituals with modern belief, humorously revealing how laughter can coexist with spirituality. The conversation culminates in the significance of weddings in Christian theology, highlighting faith's relational journey.

Drew Austin, a thought leader on the intersection of digital and physical environments, dives into how technology alters our lives. He shares insights on New York's unique culture and the pandemic's impact on urban perception. Discussion points include the concept of 'airport lounge-ification,' the role of fashion in public spaces, and the paradox of digital connections that alienate even as they unite. He also examines how coding aesthetics can strengthen community resilience and influence our collective identity in an increasingly digital world.

L.M. Sacasas, a thoughtful commentator on material and digital culture, returns to explore how we function as 'protestants' online. He delves into the frictionlessness of digital interactions and its impact on personal identity. Sacasas discusses our longing for tactile experiences, contrasting them with the convenience of tech. He also critiques the extraction of private life for public gain and emphasizes the importance of genuine community grounded in individual strengths. The conversation navigates both the challenges and the nuances of finding meaning in a digital world.

Where can hope be found? Alex Kim joins again to open up questions of responsibility, and our place in relation to times of weariness. He speaks out his experiences growing up and also shepherding a local church body as a youth pastor. We speak amidst the burnout on notions of time, the work of Charles Taylor through Andrew Root, work/play, and living out in hope. Maybe it's what this podcast is attempting to work towards! (Recorded June 2022) Transcript: https://hopeinsource.com/hope

Can our digitally mediated environment be spiritual? Nick Ripatrazone takes us through the lens of the Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan, focusing on his not well-known Catholic faith. McLuhan himself describes his testimony into the Church as, "I came in on my knees. That is the only way in." We discuss the topics around inter-textuality, the complexity of life, on form/function within mediums like poetry, concept/percept, ambiguity and paradox, and McLuhan's famous phrase "the medium is the message". (Recorded April 2022) Transcript: https://hopeinsource.com/communion

What is the place of history in our society? Who was Ivan Illich and how might he be a helpful voice, even in his passing? David Cayley shares about his new book, "Ivan Illich: An Intellectual Journey". It's not really a biography, and as Illich himself would say, "you can't capture me!" We talk about open source, big tech, and enclosure, history which gives you roots, how tradition and change are intertwined, the many myths/idols of society, on good vs. value, aestheticism, and much more. (Recorded in January 2022)

What is the nature of reality? Esther Lightcap Meek speaks of reality as interpersonal, saying yes to life, everyday knowing. We discuss hope as a person-ed affair, how life is a sort of scrabbling together of clues, gift economies, covenant epistemology, on commitment, consent, belonging. (Recorded in November 2021) Transcript: https://hopeinsource.com/reality

Conley Owens, author of The Dorean Principle, discusses the commercialization of Christianity and the concept of the Gospel being freely given. Topics include being a colaborer vs. a customer, Bible translation, Christian music licensing, copyright, and the open source ethos.