

The Dallas Willard Podcast
Dallas Willard
Join us each week as we go back to the archives and share all of Dallas Willard's original, long-form teaching. Hosted by his daughter, Rebecca Willard Heatley.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 4, 2025 • 47min
43. What Matters to Me and Why: Realism (2003)
Dallas Willard, a renowned philosopher and Christian thinker, shares profound insights into realism and its impact on human choice and agency. He debates the essence of reality, emphasizing that true freedom is rooted in the ability to make responsible decisions. Willard also explores the spiritual dimensions of talent, challenging reductionist views of identity. He addresses the tension between determinism and morality, advocating for the integration of logic in education to foster greatness and emotional understanding, while promoting love over hate in human interactions.

14 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 11min
42. Living Wholeness of Life in the Kingdom and Power of God (2003)
Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher and author, shares deep insights on spiritual formation and personal transformation. He discusses the crucial role of individual choices in healing the heart and developing character over time. Willard emphasizes embracing discipleship and the power of prayer for genuine spiritual growth. He addresses the importance of community and personal responsibility in pursuing holiness, urging listeners to embody Christ-like qualities in their daily lives while navigating the challenges of faith.

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 22min
41. The Restoration of the Soul: 'He Restoreth my Soul' (2003)
Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher and author, dives into the importance of soul restoration in one's spiritual journey. He emphasizes the connection between body and soul, encouraging practices that promote healing through love. The discussion highlights the transformative power of surrendering one's will to God, nourishing the soul for clarity in life's decisions, and understanding the grace inherent in law. Willard also touches on how healing and sanctification are lifelong journeys that flourish in the embrace of divine love.

31 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 20min
40. The Broken Body and Its Social World. Healing the Family and Its Wounds (2003)
Dallas Willard, a Christian philosopher renowned for his insights on spiritual formation, dives deep into the healing power of relationships. He explores how our physical and spiritual selves interconnect, shedding light on overcoming lovelessness and enhancing compassion in social interactions. Willard emphasizes the importance of spiritual self-awareness, genuine repentance, and embracing grace through worship. He encourages listeners to meditate on love as a transformative practice, nurturing both personal growth and community connections.

57 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 20min
39. Out of the Furnace of Feeling. Escaping the Tyranny of Feeling, Passion & Emotion (2003)
Dallas Willard, a renowned philosophy professor, dives into the transformative power of spirituality and emotional understanding. He emphasizes the need for authenticity in spiritual growth and how faith can reshape our feelings. Willard critiques contemporary influences on our emotions, urging listeners to prioritize goodness over impulses. He discusses the destructive nature of contempt and advocates for spiritual practices to foster respect. Ultimately, he highlights that true joy stems from understanding God's love, leading to a life rooted in character over fleeting emotions.

32 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 10min
38. Understanding the Will and the Mind, the Center of Brokenness and of Healing (2003)
Dallas Willard, a distinguished professor of philosophy, delves into the intricate connection between mind and faith. He discusses how engaging with scripture, like Psalm 23, can prompt deep personal transformation and healing. Willard emphasizes dismantling mental strongholds to foster spiritual growth and the necessity of moral foundations in today’s secular society. He encourages listeners to align their desires with divine goodness, practice gratitude, and embrace hope for a fulfilling spiritual life. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of an active relationship with God in everyday living.

34 snips
May 26, 2025 • 1h 18min
37. How Our Hearts and Lives are Broken and the Promise of Healing (2003)
Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher and author known for his insights on spiritual transformation, explores profound themes of healing and brokenness. He emphasizes that healing is an active journey, requiring personal engagement and a heartfelt connection with Jesus. Willard contrasts the innocence of childhood with adult complexities, advocating for a nurturing spiritual environment. He also highlights the importance of discipleship and spiritual practices, offering a pathway to inner peace and growth, ultimately guiding us toward genuine restoration.

13 snips
May 19, 2025 • 48min
36. Church Activities Organized around Character Development (2010)
Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher and author, dives into character formation within church communities, providing practical advice for young pastors. He emphasizes aligning church activities with spiritual growth as guided by the Great Commission. The discussion highlights the transformative power of the Sermon on the Mount, the significance of emotional management through discipleship, and the impact of spiritual disciplines on personal growth. Willard also examines the balance between work identity and character development, advocating for a joyful and purposeful life.

May 12, 2025 • 1h 32min
35. Realism About Character Transformation (2010)
Dallas Willard, a Christian philosopher renowned for his insights on spiritual formation, delves into the complexities of character transformation. He discusses the VIM structure—Vision, Intention, and Means—as essential to spiritual growth. Willard emphasizes the critical role of self-awareness, intentional actions, and grace in this journey, highlighting the significance of community and vulnerability. He advocates for a transformative approach rooted in God's love and commandments, promoting a holistic integration of faith with everyday life.

76 snips
May 5, 2025 • 1h 51min
34. The Complexity, Components and Order of Character and Personality (2010)
Dallas Willard, a noted Christian philosopher and author, delves into the intricate relationship between character formation and knowledge. He stresses the importance of aligning faith with intellectual rigor to tackle societal challenges. Key discussions include the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings, the contrast between desire and love, and the necessity of humility in spiritual growth. Willard also addresses the destructive nature of anger and contempt, urging listeners to embrace genuine discipleship and grow in agape love for true moral fulfillment.