We talked with Dr. Andrew Bauman about the preponderance of sexism and abuse in the church, and what we can do to counteract and guard against it, which are the themes of his book Safe Church: How to Guard Against Sexism and Abuse in Christian Communities.Dr. Andrew J. Bauman is the founder and director of the Christian Counseling Center: For Sexual Health & Trauma (CCC) and a licensed mental health counselor. A former pastor, Andrew now works with men and women to bring healing and wholeness to their sexual and spiritual lives. His mission is to use his unique position to elevate women's voices and expose a disease that desperately needs to be removed from the church's body. you can connect with Andrew and his work on his website.Connect with Gravity Commons:Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Malcolm Foley, a pastor and historian serving as a special adviser at Baylor University, discusses a provocative view of racism as rooted in greed rather than hate. He explores how economic motivations shaped racial systems, especially during periods like chattel slavery. Foley emphasizes the need for financial morality in faith and advocates for economic justice, urging listeners to act with love and obligation towards the marginalized. His insights challenge the notion of racial capitalism and call for a redefined spiritual engagement with societal issues.

We talked with podcaster and author Jonathan Foster about indigo: the color of grief, his book of poems that came from processing the painful loss of his daughter.Jonathan is the partner of one and father of three, founder of lovehaiti.org, podcaster, and award-winning author with some degrees in open and relational theology who loves to hike. You can connect with Jonathan and his work at jonathanfosteronline.com.Connect with Gravity Commons:Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We talked with pastor and author Marc Alan Schelske about the practicalities of following Jesus on the path of other-centered, so-suffering love.Marc's new book Walking Otherward is a forty-day devotional (just in time for Lent!) that follows the Gospel texts of Jesus' final weeks before his crucifixion. Each entry invites you to try on Jesus' attitude, setting aside self-centered, ego-defending ambition in exchange for other-centered, co-suffering love.Marc Alan Schelske writes at the intersection of grace and growth. He hosts the Apprenticeship Way podcast and writes books about the inner life and the other-centered, co-suffering way of Jesus. He serves as the pastor of Bridge City Community Church and lives in Portland, Oregon. You can find out more about him and his work at marcalanschelske.com.We've talked with Marc a couple times before on the podcast:Cultivating Spiritual Growth Through JournalingWhat Emotions Are For in the Life of the LeaderConnect with Gravity Commons:Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Award-winning essayist Liz Charlotte Grant, author of "Knock at the Sky," discusses her journey of faith after losing trust in biblical inerrancy. She delves into the complexities of interpreting Genesis, advocating for a fresh, imaginative approach to scripture. Liz emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural contexts and the emotional depth within biblical narratives. She also addresses moral dilemmas in biblical stories, particularly Abraham's, and highlights the necessity of spiritual autonomy and community in navigating faith.

The hosts dive deep into their personal journeys leaving white evangelicalism, addressing the shifting political landscape and moral reasoning that shaped their experiences. They tackle post-COVID injustices and advocate for a justice-oriented faith. The emotional challenges of disconnecting from a familiar community are explored, along with the complexities of maintaining faith amid changing beliefs. Lighthearted moments include gardening anecdotes and humorous exchanges, balancing serious topics with warmth and camaraderie.

The hosts share their personal journeys leaving white evangelicalism, tackling the evolving definition of what it means to be evangelical today. They discuss how political ideologies impact faith and the core beliefs within the community. The podcast examines the relationship between evangelical theology and sensitive issues like abortion, calling for a reevaluation of longstanding narratives. The identity crises faced by those distancing from tradition amid societal pressures are explored, encouraging listeners to engage in this vital conversation.

Matt and Ben share personal stories about their departure from white evangelical spaces, reflecting on its complexities. They dive into the essence of evangelicalism and examine how political ideologies shape beliefs. The speakers also discuss the evolving definitions of evangelicals, highlighting tensions between faith and politics. Humor mingles with serious inquiry as they question the desirability of the evangelical label, inviting listeners to reconsider what it means to identify within this dynamic community.

In this insightful discussion, Christy Penley, a pastor and emotion-focused scholar, dives into the intricate relationship between emotions and spiritual formation. She explores how our feelings can serve as guides in our spiritual journeys, rather than obstacles. Christy shares a three-step approach to process emotions, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness for personal growth. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how emotional health fosters deeper connections with God and enhances overall well-being.

As the new year approaches, the hosts explore the concept of a 'rule of life' to promote intentional living. They discuss the nuances of email etiquette and its cultural significance while emphasizing nurturing life-giving relationships. The conversation encourages listeners to reassess their values and personal spaces, balancing joy with responsibilities. They also tackle the tension between short-term desires and long-term values, and reflect on future technologies with a humorous twist, making insights relevant for a fulfilling year ahead.