Nomad Podcast

In this conversation, Justin Lee, an author focused on bridging divides, shares his compelling journey reconciling his identity as a gay man with his evangelical upbringing. He discusses the importance of listening and storytelling in navigating disagreements and building empathy. The challenges of echo chambers and the need for constructive dialogue in a polarized world are central themes. Justin's advocacy for understanding and hope highlights the courage required to hold space for complexity and connection.

Dr. Jennifer Bird, a biblical scholar with a PhD, discusses the Bible's complex portrayals of marriage and sexuality, revealing her journey from conservative evangelicalism to a nuanced understanding. She examines the lack of enthusiasm from Jesus and Paul regarding marriage and questions the Bible's effectiveness as a guide for healthy relationships. The conversation challenges traditional interpretations, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and a more inclusive approach to faith that accommodates contemporary perspectives on intimacy and partnership.

Munther Isaac, a Palestinian pastor and theologian from Bethlehem, tackles the history and current crisis in Gaza with empathy and insight. He discusses the intertwining of faith and politics, urging a reevaluation of how theology impacts understanding of suffering. The conversation expands to challenge Christian Zionism and the misinterpretation of scripture, advocating for justice and compassion. Isaac's reflections on hope amidst despair and the silent cries of children caught in conflict highlight urgent calls for action and personal responsibility.

In this engaging discussion, Sally Douglas, a theologian and Uniting Church minister, dives into the concept of Jesus as Sophia, the embodiment of the female divine. She brings to light themes of righteous anger, justice, and the sacredness of creation. Sally emphasizes how reclaiming feminine wisdom in the Gospels can challenge patriarchal norms and foster compassion. The conversation also touches on contemplative practices and radical hospitality, inviting listeners to rethink faith, community, and the implications of divine femininity.

Noel Moules, an Anabaptist, anarchist, and animist, dives into the mystery of incarnation from a Christian animist perspective. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, urging listeners to see the sacred in creation and spirit. Reflecting on Jesus' life, Noel inspires a vision of hope and restoration. He expands the understanding of personhood beyond humanity, highlighting the divine in every being. The podcast features a meditation to deepen engagement with these themes, beautifully complemented by music from Jon Bilbrough.

In a festive Q&A, the hosts tackle deep and quirky questions, reflecting on faith and loss, particularly the afterlife. They share joyful anecdotes about family, pets, and impactful media from the past year. A thoughtful discussion unfolds on navigating the complexities of evangelical upbringing and personal beliefs. They also confront gender biases and share insights on modern relationships, exploring evolving views on polyamory. The daydream of being Archbishop sparks serious talks on church land use alongside humorous banter. It's a delightful mix of introspection and joy!

Brian Zahnd, a noted theologian and author, discusses the complex ties between Christianity and American politics, highlighting 'Americanism' as a problematic faith identity. He critiques the evangelical movement's shift from radical beginnings to political entanglement, emphasizing the need for a faith that prioritizes compassion over nationalism. The conversation delves into navigating faith amid political turmoil and the importance of empathy in bridging divides, ultimately advocating for a spiritual life that resists oppression.

Karen O’Donnell, a feminist theologian and author known for her insights on trauma and faith, shares her thoughts on radical spiritual practices. She reimagines how we rebuild ourselves post-trauma and emphasizes the need for safe spaces in religious contexts. The conversation touches on the intersection of personal trauma with theology, offering terms like 'post-traumatic remaking' to facilitate healing. The hosts also reflect on their evolving spiritual journeys, highlighting the importance of authentic emotional expression and self-discovery in the process.

Dave Tomlinson joins us to reflect on his faith journey and how his evolving understanding of God has profoundly reshaped his approach to prayer. He explores the idea that prayer is for everyone, regardless of belief, advocating for the "democratisation" of prayer and sacraments. For Dave, these spiritual practices aren't confined to religious rituals but can be found in everyday moments, accessible to all. He invites us to reconsider the role of prayer in our lives, as a universal expression of connection and reflection. After the interview Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley reflect on Dave’s understanding of prayer, and wonder if it has a place in their own evolving faith.  Interview starts at 14m 50s  Books, quotes, links → The creation of Nomad’s thoughtful, ad-free content is entirely funded by our equally thoughtful and wonderful listeners. By supporting us, you gain access to Nomad’s online spaces—like the Beloved Listener Lounge, Enneagram Lounge, and Book Club—as well as bonus episodes such as Nomad Contemplations, Therapeutic Reflections, and Nomad Revisited. If you’d like to join our lovely community of supporters, head over to our Patreon page. You might even be rewarded with a Nomad pen or our coveted Beloved Listener mug! If a monthly commitment isn’t possible right now, a one-off donation is always deeply appreciated—you can do that here. Looking to connect with others nearby? Check out the Listener Map or join our Nomad Gathering Facebook group. And if you're up for sharing your own story, we regularly post reflections from listeners on our blog—all with the hope of fostering deeper understanding, connection and supportive relationships. If you'd like to share your story on the blog, contact us for more information here.

In this episode Joanna Leidenhag explores the fascinating nature of consciousness and its implications for how we understand ourselves and the world around us. She challenges traditional views that separate mind and body, and instead advocates for panpsychism, an understanding that she believes better fosters environmental awareness, deeper respect for diverse cultures and a view of existence that is interconnected and alive. After the interview Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Joy Brooks try to get their heads around the pros and cons of the various models of consciousness and ponder how panpsychism might shape their evolving faith.  Interview starts at 14m 19s  Books, quotes, links → The creation of Nomad’s thoughtful, ad-free content is entirely funded by our equally thoughtful and wonderful listeners. By supporting us, you gain access to Nomad’s online spaces—like the Beloved Listener Lounge, Enneagram Lounge, and Book Club—as well as bonus episodes such as Nomad Contemplations, Therapeutic Reflections, and Nomad Revisited. If you’d like to join our lovely community of supporters, head over to our Patreon page. You might even be rewarded with a Nomad pen or our coveted Beloved Listener mug! If a monthly commitment isn’t possible right now, a one-off donation is always deeply appreciated—you can do that here. Looking to connect with others nearby? Check out the Listener Map or join our Nomad Gathering Facebook group. And if you're up for sharing your own story, we regularly post reflections from listeners on our blog—all with the hope of fostering deeper understanding, connection and supportive relationships. If you'd like to share your story on the blog, contact us for more information here.