The Zeitcast with Jonathan Martin

"Turn or burn." There may be some turns we need to make, but what if even those who turn...still burn? In this conversation, Jonathan Martin explores the themes of transformation, judgment, and the nature of God through the lens of the Christian gospel. He challenges the notion of 'turn or burn' by emphasizing that everyone will experience a form of burning, which can lead to purification and renewal. Martin discusses the weight of responsibility towards vulnerable individuals, and the healing nature of God's fire. He invites listeners to embrace the transformative journey of faith, recognizing the need for introspection and the acceptance of truth as a path to spiritual growth.

In this episode of the Zeitcast, we explore the art of listening to one's life as a spiritual practice--being present to the everyday moments that shape our existence, and the divine messages that can be found within them. You can learn how to connect your own experiences, both with each other, and to the broader story that is the communion of saints, integrating faith with the richesof culture and community. This conversation culminates in a prayerful invitation to recognize the grace in our lives, and to actively listen to the stories they tell. Takeaways: Listening to your life is essential for spiritual growth. All moments in life are significant and filled with grace. Holiness is about integration and wholeness, not perfection. God communicates through our everyday experiences. The communion of saints provides support and inspiration. Personal experiences shape our understanding of the divine. We have the authority to interpret our own lives. Listening to our lives can reveal deeper truths. Finding joy and playfulness in our spiritual practices is important.

Whether you are new to prayer, or trying to figure out where prayer fits into your life now… here are some basic practices that work for me. Let’s not just talk about it…let’s pray!

Welcome to the very first Zeitcast live: daily reflections! the questions we are afraid to ask, the questions we don't ask simply because we are no longer curious; J.D. Vance, Haitian immigrants, and Springfield, OH; NC Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, and a little reflection on my time at The Atlantic Fest, a remarkable show with our friend Brittney Spencer...and a very unexpected Kings of Leon concert! #thezeitcast #theology #spirituality #christianity #christian #Jesus #jdvance #trump #donaldtrump #trumpism #election2024 #brittneyspencer #markrobinson #kingsofleon #TAF24

Savannah Locke joins Jonathan for a vulnerable and hilarious conversation, drawing insights from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "After 10 Years," and discuss how faith demands that we trust others and work towards a better future. (Also, Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Perry Stone, and Eric Metaxas may or may not catch some strays) We explore the challenge of navigating contrasting communities and the importance of seeing the goodness in people despite political differences. There are some really poignant moments here, from Savannah talking about forgiving Donald Trump, to her experience of witnessing a suicide--illuminating the way that proximity to death and evil, clarifies and simplifies things. Ultimately, this is an invitation to build bridges to the future, whether or not we get to the future ourselves, as call to Christian witness (but it's also just a really, really good time!).

In this conversation, Jonathan and Nicole talk about the current election cycle, Kamala Harris, JD Vance, and childless cat ladies! They explore themes of political strategy, hope and joy, disinformation, anti-intellectualism, and the co-opting of religious groups. Ultimately, the conversation explores the dangers of Christian nationalism and the need for followers of Jesus to engage responsibly in the world. They emphasize the need for a deeper grounding in the way of Jesus, which is characterized by self-sacrifice, love, and humility--encouraging Christians to resist the culture war mentality, and instead focus on loving their neighbors and advocating for the vulnerable. #kamalaharris #jdvance #donaldtrump #election2024 #theology #spirituality #christianity #christian #fascism #christiannationalism #republican #democrat #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity

Exploring fear, punishment, and the concept of hell faith and moral development. Also the connection between rock and roll and Pentecostal worship, highlighting the shared energy and ecstasy…and the lives of Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart—two famous cousins who both grappled with “hellfire” in their own ways. How do fear-based beliefs contribute to destructive behavior, and affect moral development and the ability to love others. Basically another day in the office 🤣 #theology #christianity #spirituality #jerryleelewis #jimmyswaggart #hell #judgement #eschatology #pentecostal #jesus

A word to the spiritual “undecideds.” It’s confusing to know how to navigate conflicting narratives around religion, eschatology, antisemitism, and the horror that’s happening to our Palestinian siblings. What might it look like to clear your head of all the scripts that tell you how the world must become, so you actually begin to take responsibility for the world you are helping to create? #israel #palestine #theology #eschatology #christianity #jesus #spirituality #thezeitcast #margaretgaines #interfaith #pentecostal #pentecostaltheology

BZ waxes philosophical...also, don't miss the lovely q and a on the back half!