Listeners delve into the intricate world of faith, exploring how to embrace doubt as a path to growth. They confront the age-old issue of loneliness and its impact on community and relationships. The discussion touches on inclusivity versus exclusivity in religion, and how different beliefs can coexist. The transformative power of prayer is examined, emphasizing its role in navigating life's uncertainties. Lastly, laughter is celebrated as a healing force, underscoring the importance of humor in connecting with others.

Clementine Morrigan, a writer, moral philosopher, and host of 'Fucking Cancelled,' joins Elizabeth for a captivating discussion. They explore the intersections of Christianity with modern issues like sexuality, addiction, and trauma. Clementine shares insights on the value of empathy and dialogue in navigating complex societal norms. The conversation delves into the relationship between spirituality and sobriety, highlighting practices like ecstatic dance as transformative. Ultimately, they advocate for compassion and understanding in addressing conflicts and embracing diverse perspectives.

In this engaging discussion, the hosts invite listeners to share their questions for an upcoming Ask Me Anything session. They emphasize the importance of community input and express enthusiasm for reconnecting in the new year. With warm holiday wishes, they create a sense of anticipation for the insights and answers that will follow. The interactive element is sure to draw in listeners eager to participate.

Join Alex O'Connor, a.k.a. Cosmic Skeptic, a philosopher known for his critical views on religion, along with former Archbishop Rowan Williams and philosophy professor Philip Goff. They dive into the intricacies of God, atheism, and life's purpose. The discussion tackles love as the essence of creation, the debate on divine existence through the lens of fine-tuning, and the problem of suffering. Their dynamic conversation also weaves in personal journeys of faith, the evolution of Christianity, and existential quests, making for a profound exploration of belief and understanding.

Join Jon Yates, author of "Fractured" and founder of a youth charity, as he dives into the pitfalls of sticking with 'people like us.' He reveals the dangers of echo chambers and societal division, drawing on personal experiences and insights from community programs. Yates highlights the importance of empathy and inclusivity, especially in schools, and discusses how we can break free from our comfort zones. Discover practical ways to embrace diversity and foster meaningful connections for a more cohesive society.

In collaboration with the Larger Us podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with musician and activist Daryl Davis Daryl Davis shares a unique perspective on the motivations behind white supremacy and what it takes to see the gradual transformation of KKK members. Hosts Elizabeth Oldfield and Alex Evans, delve into the extraordinary story of Daryl Davis, a Blues musician who has spent decades befriending and dialoguing with members of the Ku Klux Klan. Driven by a deep curiosity to understand the roots of racism, Daryl has taken an unconventional approach, choosing empathy and open communication over confrontation. Discover the profound impact one person can have in bridging the divide and fostering greater understanding between communities. If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to be notified whenever we release an episode! 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 📕 See Daryl's work: https://www.daryldavis.com/

Sarah Ditum, a writer and columnist for The Times, shares her journey through feminism and the troubling 'upskirt decade' that objectified women in media. She analyzes how contemporary pornography shapes cultural attitudes and reflects on the evolving roles of women in celebrity culture. Ditum emphasizes the importance of disagreement in journalism and how personal experiences, such as motherhood, have influenced her views on feminism. This insightful conversation offers a critical look at societal narratives surrounding misogyny and women's autonomy.

Rod Dreher, an American conservative journalist and author known for works like The Benedict Option, joins Elizabeth Oldfield to discuss profound topics. They explore the impact of the Catholic sex abuse scandal on faith, his journey to Eastern Orthodoxy, and the search for spiritual transcendence. Dreher shares insights on humor in grief, the importance of community in chaos, and his views on contemporary political issues. Their conversation dives into personal transformation, supernatural experiences, and the need for compassion in a divided society.

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with author and Catholic priest Fr James Martin Father James Martin and our host, Elizabeth Oldfield discuss his journey to becoming a Catholic priest and the Jesuit motto of finding God in everything. We spoke about the difficulty of living a life of chastity, becoming a vocal advocate for LGBTQ inclusion within the Catholic Church and navigating backlash as a public figure. If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to be notified whenever we release an episode! 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 📕 Purchase Fr James Martin's new book 'Come Forth' here: https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/bible-study/academic-bible-study/come-forth/ CHAPTERS 00:00 What is Sacred to you? Father James Martin replies 00:54 Understanding the Sacred 02:50 The Role of Discernment in Life 05:46 Childhood Influences and Early Life 09:08 Transitioning from Business to Jesuit Life 11:56 Exploring Religious Orders 14:51 Community Living and Its Challenges 18:10 Chastity is difficult 20:05 Having a public voice 23:00 Advocacy for the LGBTQ Community 27:16 Spiritual Rejection and backlash 32:06 Understanding Radicalisation and Disagreement 34:32 The Role of Politics in Division 38:58 Finding the Balance in Discourse 40:24 Exploring the Themes of 'Come Forth' 44:44 Jesuit Wisdom on Understanding Others 49:06 The Importance of Connection in Disagreement Keywords Compassion, Catholic, Jesuit, Priest, Humanity, Monastic, Despair, Hope, Jesus, Catholic, Religion, Theology, Spirituality, Ministry, Pastoral, Devotion, Morality, Ethics, Belief, Tradition, Contemplation, Mysticism, Interfaith, Ecumenical, Jesuit priest, Catholic spirituality, Finding God in all things, Discernment of spirits, LGBTQ advocacy in the Catholic Church, Navigating controversy and criticism, Chastity and religious life, Compassion and empathy in faith, Bridging divides and understanding differences, Vocation and calling, Spirituality and everyday life, Theological perspectives on Jesus's humanity, Intentional community and monastic living, division, politics, listening, relationship, Overcoming despair and cultivating hope, Balancing public ministry and personal faith, Lessons in listening and giving the benefit of the doubt, Exploring sacred and secular in modern life, Insights from a Jesuit priest and author, Navigating faith, difference, and social justice, Transformative spiritual journeys

Dr. Timothy Winter (Abdal Hakim Murad), a prominent Islamic theologian, shares his captivating journey from a Christian upbringing to embracing Islam. He highlights surprising commonalities between the two faiths, challenging popular misconceptions. Dr. Winter reflects on the resurgence of interest in traditional religions, advocating for a deeper, prophetic approach to faith. His insights into the sacred nature of sexuality in both religions invite listeners to appreciate the richness of Islamic spirituality and the interconnectedness of all human experiences.