In Good Faith

What are key beliefs in the most ancient world religion? Listen as Steve talks with Arman Ariane about how he came to Zoroastrianism, what it is, and how it guides him to be more God-like. Arman Ariane is a businessman from Claremont, California who was previously the President of the California Zoroastrian Center. He is currently a council member on the Zoroastrian Studies Council at Claremont Graduate University and speaks on Zoroastrianism all over the United States. He appeared in Morgan Freeman's National Geographic documentary series "The Story of God."

Can we see the divine in everyone? Kathleen Messina talks about ministering as a chaplain in the Harris County prison system; she asks us to recognize Christ in our daily interactions with everyone, including those we can't imagine ourselves having anything in common with. For her, it was those in prison. Kathleen Messina is the Director of the Spiritual Direction Institute at the Emmaus Spirituality Center. She also works as a chaplain in the Harris County Jail. She is an active minister in her parish—St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Missouri City, TX.

How can we renew our spiritual practices? Mark Glanville talks "Improvising Church", his most recent book, with ideas ranging from the need for a 'leader-full' community to how we can best find our individual gifts from God. Mark shares insights about the flexibility and creativity encouraged by both faith and jazz traditions and highlights the significance of embracing one's unique gifts to contribute meaningfully to their 'incarnational community.' Mark R. Glanville (PhD, Bristol University) is associate professor of pastoral theology at Regent College, Vancouver, and an Old Testament scholar. He is also a jazz musician, and you'll hear some of his music in this episode!

Does jazz music have a place in church? Join Steve and William G. Carter as they talk about community, improvisation, and - that's right - jazz! Carter's journey highlights how God opens unexpected doors, integrating his musical talents with his ministry. He shares insights from his book 'Thriving on a Riff', exploring the communal aspects of jazz and church communities. William G. Carter maintains a dual career as a jazz pianist and a Presbyterian minister. He is the pastor and head of staff at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, and the leader of the Presbybop Quartet.

Is it ever too late to learn more about your faith? Join Mary Lahaj as she tells Steve about her experience turning to God during a low point in her life. After growing up having not learned much about Islam, her family's religion, she tells about her journey to learning more. Mary Lahaj currently lives in Lowell, Massachusetts, and works as a professional freelance writer for a prominent law firm in Boston. Over the years, she has reimagined religion, not as an organized institution, but as an open question. In Bird on a Wire, her recent memoir, she makes a compelling case to her readers to do the same.

How can we approach faith with the head and heart? In this episode, Justin Brierley talks with Steven about how he faces opposing views to Christianity intellectually and emotionally. After hearing so many arguments for aetheism, he shares how his faith has been shaped and strengthened. Justin is a freelance writer, speaker and broadcaster who creates dialogue between Christians and non-Christians around faith, science, theology and culture. He aims to showcase an intellectually compelling case for Christianity, while taking seriously the questions and objections of sceptics.

Mina Thomas Brett, Ashley Hess, and Isaiah Bailey from 'the King will come' chat with Steve about how their faith has evolved along side the development of their worship ensemble 'the King will come.' This episode includes 5 songs from the group, recorded live in the In Good Faith studios, and performed by Jake Hansen, Isaiah Bailey, Tamy Stevens, Ashley Hess, Mina Thomas Brett, Sean Stevens, Brie Ray Aupiu, Garon Brett, Joseph Moore, with Miles Mann on piano. You can watch the performances on our YouTube channel.

Juliana Boerio-Goates, a retired BYU chemistry professor and a dedicated member of her Catholic community, shares her insights on spiritual direction influenced by Henri Nouwen. They discuss how downward mobility can lead to profound spiritual callings and the power of community in nurturing identity. The conversation highlights the significance of stillness and contemplative prayer in deepening one's faith. Personal stories enrich the dialogue, illustrating the transformative journey of recognizing one's belovedness and the importance of divine listening.

What does the monastic life require? Join Steve as he asks four monks at the Holy Cross Abbey about how they got there, what it's like, and why they stay. Father James, Brother Paul, Brother John, and Brother Efrain speak about the faith experiences that support them day to day and how they see themselves as active in the lives of other through prayer, chant, work, and service.

How can we find peace in a busy world? Join Joan Burda as she tells Steve about her experience at a 5-day silent worship retreat, and why she goes back yearly--despite not professing a religion. Joan M. Burda is a writer, Anne Lister Codebreaker, and retired lawyer. She writes for online and print publications on a variety of issues including legal, travel, and retirement. She also writes reviews for the New York Journal of Books.