Learning How to See with Brian McLaren

“Stories shape our reality, whether they are true or not.” —Gareth Higgins What if you told the story of your life differently? Explore the powerful influence of stories in shaping our experiences in the newest season of Learning How to See with Brian McLaren and Gareth Higgins. In this episode, we explore the Domination Story, a way of understanding our world that distorts our relationships with others and the Earth. Learn how to identify and shift this kind of story so that you can experience a truer and more loving reality.  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. To learn more about Gareth Higgins, click here. To learn more about Brian McLaren, click here. To explore the seven stories in more depth, visit the website here. You'll find details about the children's book, essays for adults, and more. Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Brian or Gareth to answer about the seven stories? Email us: podcasts@cac.org or leave us voicemail. Questions for this season will only be accepted until November 22nd, 2023. 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!

Writer and peace builder Gareth Higgins joins Brian McLaren to discuss the power of storytelling in shaping a more just and loving world. They explore themes of power, oppression, friendship, and gratitude, introducing the concept of the seventh story as a path towards reconciliation and community building.

The podcast discusses how our faith impacts romantic relationships and provides advice on navigating faith shifts in marriage. It explores deeper patterns in relationships and emphasizes the importance of validating difficulties. The episode also delves into navigating differences in a changing relationship and understanding perspectives. It highlights the significance of authenticity in conversations and offers gratitude and reflection.

In this podcast, Brian and his team respond to listener questions about Jesus and theology. They discuss the power of stories and interpretation, various atonement theories, the evolving nature of Christianity, interpretations of the cross symbol in Christianity, and the concept of alternative orthodoxy.

What does community look like when our faith shifts?“If I support my grandson who is gay, what do I do with my Catholic faith?”Brian, and the team from the Center for Action and Contemplation reflect on questions that came in around community.Resources:A transcript for this episode can be found here.

The topic of questions related to this listener questions episode is on actions and beliefs, and if God intervenes.Listeners wrote in with questions such as: “Does God intervene? Does Jesus heal? What am I doing when I pray for people? What precisely is the gospel? If I only had more faith, prayed the right prayer, and believed the Bible literally, maybe these awful things like the death of my young sister-in-law may not have happened.” Brian, and the team from the Center for Action and Contemplation reflect on these questions.Resources:A transcript for this episode can be found here.

Who reminds you of who you really are—even during dark times? Jacqui and Barbara are back, together, to explore ways to stay human amid fear and uncertainty.  In this last episode exploring the chapters of 'How', these conversation partners explore the importance of humanity at the core of an authentic faith journey. Whether or not you continue to call yourself Christian—or a member of any other faith—how do we retain the courage to see the world as it truly is? Resources:The transcript for this episode can be found here.

What is your response when your faith tradition demands that you deny reality?Barbara Brown Taylor is back to discuss the importance of embracing “what is” more than adhering to our beliefs. This episode is based on 27th chapter of Do I Stay Christian?, Stay Loyal to Reality.Resources:The transcript for this episode can be found here.

How do you stand for what you believe without making others wrong?In this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis joins Brian again to discuss how we can declare our beliefs with love—and why it is essential for the healing of our communities and our planet. Resources:The transcript for this episode can be found here.Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at podcasts@cac.org

Barbara Brown Taylor returns for a conversation with Brian McLaren about reconsecrating our lives spiritually and ecologically. They discuss leaving religion, finding harmony, understanding beliefs and passions, recycling biblical stories, and the importance of reconsecrating everything as holy and spiritual.