Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

In this episode, Kirsten and Jim answer listener questions from Season 11, focusing on the teachings of Gabriel Marcel. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: This podcast is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠ Thank you!

In this special episode, Jim and Kirsten review the season and offer a way for us to turn to Gabriel Marcel for guidance on our own spiritual path. Resource Section: A transcript for this episode can be found here. A link to the Oneing article Kirsten mentions can be found here. An information sheet on Lectio practice can be found ⁠here⁠. The book we will be using this season can be⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠found here⁠⁠⁠. Connect with us: This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠ Thank you!

On this special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Greg Sadler about the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel, with special attention paid to Marcel's ideas on fidelity, hope, and love. Greg Sadler is the president of ReasonIO, associate editor of Stoicism Today, an APPA-certified philosophical counselor, an adjunct professor at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and a faculty member in the Stoa Nova.  His main YouTube channel contains over 3,000 videos on thinkers, texts, and topics in philosophy.  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠found here⁠⁠. Find Greg's Substack here: link Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠podcasts@cac.org⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠

Dive into the captivating insights of love through Gabriel Marcel's philosophy. The discussion reveals love's profound connection to human existence, emphasizing humility and community. Explore the transformative power of universal love that transcends personal traits and illuminates our shared experiences. Reflect on the balance of unconditionality amidst life's complexities and discover how weaknesses refine our understanding of divine presence. Ultimately, love emerges as a vital force that intertwines our lives and deepens our faith.

Dive into deep reflections on love as a transformative force that connects us to each other and the divine. Discover how acknowledging imperfection enriches our appreciation for one another. The concept of unconditional love is examined, inviting personal reflection on our divine essence. The session concludes with a moment of stillness through the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, fostering gratitude and spiritual engagement. It's a meditative journey into the heart of existential love.

In this third dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on the theme of Hope within the thoughts and teachings of Gabriel Marcel. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be found here. Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: podcasts@cac.org Send us a voicemail: cac.org/voicemail   We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 13th, 2025. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/ Thank you!

Dive into the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel as hope and despair are intricately balanced. Explore the concept of invincible hope amid life's uncertainties and personal tragedies. Discover how faith sustains us through loss, reflecting on the teachings of Jesus. Embrace the tension between time and the eternal self, encouraging acceptance during life's transitions. Finally, cultivate stillness and contemplation, fostering a deeper connection to spirituality and transformative practices.

This dialogue dives into the concept of fidelity through the lens of philosopher Gabriel Marcel. The hosts explore the distinction between life's challenges and its deeper mysteries, emphasizing love and consciousness in our shared existence. They highlight the sacredness of everyday moments and the importance of being present for divine encounters, or 'thou moments.' Reflective practices like Lectio Divina are introduced as vital for nurturing spiritual connections, while discussing the transformative power of genuine relationships and the steadfastness of divine fidelity.

Explore the profound distinction between problems and mysteries in life, as outlined by Gabriel Marcel. Delve into the deep connection between personal identity and divine presence, highlighting transformative 'thou' moments. Discover how fidelity transcends traditional beliefs, encouraging a more personal and poetic understanding of the divine. Engage in collective spirituality through communal recitation, while being invited to deepen your contemplative journey with resources for further exploration.

The discussion dives into Gabriel Marcel's philosophical themes, contrasting primary and secondary reflection on existence. Awareness transforms how we perceive love, death, and interconnectedness, shifting challenges into mysteries to embrace. The speakers explore the divine connection within consciousness and the depth of being, highlighting introspection's role in spiritual awakening. They reflect on life's winding path and 'thou moments' that enhance our relationships and groundedness. Ultimately, it's about recognizing the richness of existence and fostering a deeper connection with the divine.