Restore The Glory Podcast

When we understand and exercise right judgement then we can offer and receive mercy, which leads to healing. Jake and Bob break down the role of mercy with helpful analogies and discussion to draw a more complete picture of healing. They also take a look at what happens when we get judgement wrong. Key Quote: Without the presence of the merciful Father, we are delivered up to our faults, without any possible remedy.  There would be no forgiveness of error or sin.  No place for weakness, frailty, or failure, all of which are nonetheless a part of our lives. - Fr. Jacques Philippe, Priestly Fatherhood Key Points: Bob illustrates with examples how mercy cannot exist without right judgement  The opposite of wrong judgement leads to false or cheap mercy Mercy is the what leads to healing A sound anthropology is needed for real healing Mercy is a combination of truth and love Hesed = an Old Testament word for God’s mercy and love toward his people, an undeserved kindness and generosity Misericordia = a heart for our misery Jake and Bob share personal experiences of experiencing hesed and misericordia The importance of remembering our encounters with God’s mercy Notice what captivates you, and notice what challenges you Resources:  Episode 66: Judgement, Mercy & Healing (Part 1) - Right Judgement Episode 14: Anatomy of a Wound (Part 3) Priestly Fatherhood, Fr. Jacques Philippe (book) Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

In response to the previous series on same-sex attraction, Jake and Bob begin a new series on Judgement, Mercy and Healing from a Catholic lens. The first topic on the table is Right Judgement as they address the tension between ‘we have to judge’ and ‘we can’t judge’. Key Quote: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us - Matt 6:12 Key Points: Jake and Bob revisit some feedback from the series on same-sex attraction  The umbrella of truth that underpins the entire podcast  Catholic anthropology is the basis of good therapy Subjectivity as defined by JPII How the parable of the prodigal son illustrates Bob and Jake’s approach to the podcast Defining right judgement and false judgement The tension between “we have to judge” based on objective truth and “we can’t judge” because justice belongs to the Lord The important distinction between sharing truth and the way in which it’s shared The backlash against judgement has manifested in the woke community Cancel culture What Scripture says about judgement Resources:  Anatomy of a Wound series Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake and Bob take time to debrief the series on Same Sex Attraction and address feedback from listeners. Key Quote: For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. - Ephesians 6:12 Key Points: Jake and Bob address some listener feedback about the series The distinction between a pastoral approach and a philosophical or theological approach to the conversation Can heterosexual and homosexual sins be weighted the same?  The denial of truth that’s pervasive in our current culture Why it’s problematic to apply the term ‘conversion therapy’ too broadly Bad therapy vs good therapy The difference between being ‘value neutral’, imposing an ideology or respecting a client’s freedom in therapy Defining healing and the healing process Jake and Bob close with their hopes for this past season and a reveal of what’s coming next Practical Application/ Reflection Questions: Did you experience a reaction of grief during any episodes in this series? Note when and why and spend some time in prayerful reflection. Consider the distinctions presented between a pastoral approach vs a philosophical or theological approach to this topic. How do you find yourself more inclined to respond to others? Where might you need to adjust your approach to bringing more truth or more love to the conversation? What’s your response to Jake and Bob’s distinction between ‘good therapy’ and ‘bad therapy’?  Which guest did you appreciate hearing from the most and why? Resources:  Begin our series on Same-Sex Attraction here Living the Truth in Love: Pastoral Approaches to Same Sex Attraction, Janet Smith & Fr. Paul Check (book) Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

In this extended episode, Jake and Bob sit down with Christopher Dowling for a deeply nuanced conversation examining the the Catechism of the Catholic Church, ‘camps’ that exist around the Church’s teaching on homosexuality, and how we can love one another while fundamentally disagreeing on how to approach same-sex relationships. Christopher came out as gay in 2018 and is currently engaged to be married to another man. He and Bob know one another from their time in shared ministry, and for the first time revisit how the events of 2018 affected them individually. This is a powerful conversation that we hope is one small step towards healing and relationship as we respectfully dialogue about grief and hope, doubt and faith, sadness and love.    Key Quote:   We stand in different camps, but where we can be united is in reverencing each other, and wanting to understand each other’s heart. - Jake Khym   Key Points: Christopher shares his background in the Church, including several major ministries that he’s worked for or spent time with Jake and Christopher define what sort of ‘camps’ they see emerging in the conversation around Church teaching and homosexuality Christopher shares his experience of ‘coming out’ and choosing to pursue relationships with men Jake pauses the conversation to assess how people may interpret the questions that he and Bob are posing to Christopher  Christopher and Bob speak for the first time about how they both felt when Christopher came out in 2018 The men take time to address the personal and unique grief and hurt that is at the heart of much conversation around homosexuality and the Church, and how we can do better to listen to one another Christopher answers the common question, ‘How can I love you without compromising my beliefs?’ Christopher speaks to the difference between accepting vs affirming The men unpack how the pastoral tone changes around this topic when we’re in relationship with each other and truly ‘sitting across the table’ instead of in a faceless forum A discussion ensues about paragraph 2357 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church that references the unexplained ‘psychological genesis’ of same-sex attraction and the ‘great variety of forms’ it has taken throughout history The episode concludes, as Christopher puts it, with lingering feelings of doubt, grief and sadness, but simultaneously faith, hope and love   Practical Application: Do you find it difficult to listen to and receive someone who has an opinion or lifestyle that’s different from yours? Practice having a conversation with someone you love without interrupting them to share your own opinion right away. Pay attention to how you feel throughout the episode. What emotions come up for you? Do you feel defensive or grieved by anything that is said? Do you feel encouraged? Consider your involuntary feelings and allow yourself to feel these things without jumping to immediate conclusions.    Resources:  Catechism of the Catholic Church para 2357   Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!   Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake and Bob sit down for an honest conversation with Hilde, a woman who would have once called herself a ‘gay Catholic.’ Hilde’s lifelong attraction to the truth made her feel intensely divided between the Catholic faith she was raised with and a lifestyle of same-sex relationships. Then, a spontaneous trip to Medjugorje changed everything. Now, Hilde defines herself more through her identity as a daughter of God than her sexual desires. Hilde’s unflinching retelling of her story is a beautiful example of how God always pursues us.    Key Quote:   Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction. - Deus Caritas Est (Benedict XVI) Key Points: While wrestling with some deep questions, Hilde found a copy of ‘Be Healed’ on campus and ended up connecting with Bob for the first time Through her friendship and conversation with Bob, Hilde slowly grew trust and encountered inner healing Hilde shares her upbringing as the youngest in a large, orthodox Catholic family During a time of difficulty in her relationship with her mom, Hilde was innocently drawn into a relationship with an older woman which became sexual Hilde wrestled with questions of her identity and conscience while entertaining same-sex relationships, and some poor spiritual advice furthered her exploration In a moment of turmoil and prayer, Hilde felt drawn to go to Medjugorje and it was a transformative experience Hilde exhorts priests and spiritual leaders to share the truth in love about the Church’s teaching, beginning with finding our identity as sons and daughters rather than focussing on our attractions Hilde continues her story, sharing what happened after Medjugorje and how she feels a strong new desire to become a saint, but doesn’t feel called to marriage Each layer of healing comes with facing different shame but also experiencing deeper relationship with Jesus and new freedom Practical Application: Listen to this episode with a pen and paper in hand. What stands out to you? Make notes about key ideas that stand out to you. Reflect on why you highlighted those particular themes. Resources:  Be Healed, Dr Bob Schuchts (book) Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers (book) Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

This episode, Jake and Bob sit down with AJ Benjamin, the author of “When the Son Frees You.” They discuss his journey of healing that led to his writing a book. AJ discusses his childhood wounds, the pathway of his healing and how it led to a fulfilled life with his wife.    Key Quote: “The purification of our hearts has to do with paternal or maternal images, stemming from our personal and cultural history, and influencing our relationship with God.” (CCC 2779)   Key Points: -AJ’s journey of same-sex attraction. -His insistence on not labelling people as gay or straight because in his mind labels box people in and people are more than their sexual orientation. -A discussion of gender/sexual fluidity -Working through wounds from childhood to find healing   Practical Application: Look into the work of Desert Stream Ministries and Living Waters small groups.  Reflect on your own relationship with your mother and father and how it influenced your view of God and your experience your sexuality.  Explore one of the resources below.   Resources:  When the Son Frees You: A Catholic Man's Journey of Healing From Same-Sex Attraction (Book by A.J. Benjamin)  Desert Stream Living Waters  Theology of the Body, Pope John Paull II (writings) Theology of the Body Institute (ministry from Christopher West)   Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

This week in our series on same-sex attraction, Jake and Bob speak with Andrew Comiskey, founder of Desert Stream Ministries. Desert Stream helps people of all every sexual orientation begin to heal areas of sexual brokenness. Andrew brings his humor, passion, faith and care to this conversation. Andrew desires to offer a safe space within the Church to those who are seeking integration, wholeness and healing in areas of sexuality and we hope you experience the Father’s merciful heart through him in this episode.   Key Quote:   The heart is our hidden center, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully. - CCC 2563 Key Points: Andrew introduces himself and his ministry The common ground of sexual healing no matter your sexual orientation and/or brokenness Why small groups at Living Waters are made up of women and men working through a variety of brokenness toward greater integration Andrew expresses his desire to see the Church be known for being a place that is safe, merciful and healing Andrew shares his testimony of experiencing same-sex attraction and encountering evangelical Christianity in his youth which set him on a path to reconcile his desires to Christ Andrew and Bob discuss some formative writings on this subject, especially those of Leanne Payne - they address why she’s sometimes seen as controversial Andrew addresses some cultural shifts that have occurred in our view of homosexuality as well as enduring truths Jake and Bob summarize their conversation with Andrew and offer further clarification and explanation of what was discussed Practical Application: Look into the work of Desert Stream Ministries and Living Waters small groups.  Reflect on your own relationship with your masculinity or femininity.  Explore one of the resources below. Resources:  Andrew Comiskey  Desert Stream Living Waters  Theology of the Body, Pope John Paull II (writings) Theology of the Body Institute (ministry from Christopher West) Leanne Payne Crisis in Masculinity, Leanne Payne (book) Broken Image, Leanne Payne (book) The Healing Presence, Leanne Payne (book) Restoring the Christian Soul, Leanne Payne (book) Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake and Bob begin a series on same-sex attraction with the desire to bring hope, clarity and understanding to this topic and the Church. Why this series? We have seen this topic impact many people who are trying to navigate this conversation well. As we move forward, we want to be sensitive and use great reverence toward the people that this directly affects, including our listeners. We believe that love and charity are essential in this discussion, as well as humility in the pursuit of truth. The depths of the human heart are holy ground.   Key Quote:   The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition. - CCC 2358 Key Points: Jake and Bob introduce the topic, acknowledging that it is sensitive and may bring up many feelings for people We believe that the Church teaches infallibly what is true, and we also believe that this topic can be discussed in the Church with greater charity and humility Desires themselves are not inherently wrong, and disordered desires extend beyond same-sex attraction We define what is meant by ‘psychological genesis’ and why the Catechism of the Catholic Church does not attempt to explain a psychological genesis for same-sex attraction How to simultaneously honor the objective reality of who we are and the subjective reality of what we experience in our sexuality Trauma is inflicted on those who experience homosexuality when they are not treated with dignity Behind every disordered desire is a search for something good, for love Jake and Bob acknowledge the mystery and the unknown behind several dimensions of this topic  Practical Application: Read and reflect on the section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the Sixth Commandment.  Resources:  Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 2331-2359 Episode 41: Sexual Healing (Part 5) Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

In this episode, Jake and Bob speak with Renee Lemire, a podcast listener who used Dr. Bob’s book, “Be Restored” as a guide for a personal healing retreat that led to tremendous healing. Her story has aspects that are common to us all, and we pray that this gives you hope that healing in your own life is possible and doesn’t need to be costly or complicated. Key Quote: “And they implored Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were cured.” - Matthew 14:36 Key Points: Renee shares how she went from a destructive party lifestyle in highschool to finding comfort in the Church and ultimately experiencing an encounter with Jesus at Florida State University that changed her life After the initial conversion of her heart, Renee experienced a feeling of disintegration that she needed healing in other areas of her life “Be Restored” gave Renee words to understand her wounds and what needed to be healed Renee shares the origin of the wounds in her identity as a daughter Renee recounts her experience of going on a personal retreat and using Dr. Bob’s book as a guide to healing Renee shares insight into what she tangibly did during her retreat and how she let the Holy Spirit lead Practical Application: Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide in the healing process. Consider taking time out of the year ahead to use “Be Restored” as a guide for personal healing.  If you can’t take a day of time to conduct a personal retreat, simply read through “Be Restored” at home.  Resources:  St. Paul’s Outreach (SPO) Brotherhood of Hope   Be Restored, Dr. Bob Schuchts (book) Episodes 57 & 58: The Healing Process, Restore the Glory Florida State University - Catholic Student Union Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic

Jake and Bob walk step-by-step through the practicals of the healing process using the Immanuel Approach. This episode is packed with practical content that you’ll want to revisit again and again.  Note to listeners: there was an issue with Jake's audio in this episode and we are working to fix this for future recordings. Thanks for your patience.   Key Quote: [In the Immanuel process], the goal of healing is connection with God - Jake   Key Points: The disposition of our hearts and receptivity to grace How self awareness helps us respect the process Our interpretation of events matter - do we fear our triggers or see them as God wanting to heal us? A complete walk-through of the steps in the healing process, based on the Immanuel Approach (see the practical application) We can have pre-verbal memories that are attached to wounds Types of barriers: vows, judgements, lack of forgiveness, unconfessed sin Renunciation of vows and the announcing of God’s truth/ blessing   Practical Application: Draw your attention to God. Recall a positive memory of connection with God or others and allow it to overflow in an expression of gratitude to Him. This is called the ‘Immanuel Moment.’ Now, bring to mind a moment of recent distress or disconnection. What is it that you’re feeling in that moment? What are you ‘believing in the feelings’?   Ask Jesus to show you the root of the distress; don’t try to figure it out yourself. Identify the painful experience and corresponding belief. Ask the Lord to reveal what He desires for you to know.  If you begin to feel ‘stuck’ in the process, there is likely a barrier present. Address the barrier using a corresponding technique such as renunciation. Test the fruit: go back to the original memory and original distress and sense if there is peace. If difficult emotion is still present, go back and repeat the relevant steps.     Resources:  The Immanuel Approach Anatomy of a Wound (Restore the Glory series) Be Healed, Dr. Bob Schuchts (book) and the seven signs of healing Be Restored, Dr. Bob Schuchts (book) and appendix with healing prayer scripts Be Transformed, Dr. Bob Schuchts (book)  Healing content on the Hallow App with Dr. Bob Schuchts and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT Healing the Whole Person (retreat)     Connect with Restore the Glory: Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks! Audio editing by Forte Catholic