Shows
The Central Cast7/20/25: Embracing Mysticism: The Light WithinIn this episode of the Central Cast Podcast, we delve into the profound teachings of St. John of the Cross and his emphasis on inner illumination. We explore the concept of the 'dark night of the soul' as a pathway to divine love and unity, transcending traditional religious constraints.
The discussion flows into contemporary themes, comparing the classic mystical journey with modern deconstruction to exemplify personal transformation and societal change. Listeners are invited to reflect on love and connection as guiding forces in a world often divided by politics and societal norms.
We introduce the...2025-07-2041 minThe Central Cast7/13/25: VBS for Mystics Pt2: Mysticism as Rebellion: Exploring Christian GnosticismJoin us in this intriguing episode of the Central Cast as we delve into the heart of Christian mysticism and its rebellious spirit. Discover the early Christian mystical movement of Gnosticism and how it contrasted with proto-Orthodox Christianity, redefining the human journey from repentance to enlightenment.
Explore the provocative teachings of Jesus, who challenged established religious and social structures, advocating for a profound understanding of our oneness with God. This episode unveils the radical nature of mysticism as a form of resistance, emphasizing its political implications and its critique of societal hierarchies.
Reflect on the...2025-07-1326 minThe Central Cast7/6/25: VBS for Mystics: Unveiling the Infinite WithinWelcome to the first episode of our three-week series "VBS for Mystics," where we explore profound questions about our existence, consciousness, and our inherent connection to the universe. Drawing from the wisdom of philosopher Gabriel Marcel, we discuss the idea that we are not only a part of the infinite but are the infinite itself, manifesting as living beings. This episode invites you to contemplate our oneness with all things, suggesting this is the crucial story we need today.
As the world feels more fragmented, we delve into the spiritual and social implications of seeing ourselves as...2025-07-0641 minThe Central Cast6/29/25: Redefining Faith: Breaking Up with the BibleJoin us this week as Julie Davis, our community pastor, speaks about vulnerability and transparency as essential elements of community building.
Julie shares an honest, personal story of a transformative moment in her spiritual journey, where she confronts her relationship with the Bible and embraces a new way of seeing faith. This pivotal experience leads her to question traditional scripture and explore how stories from our own communities can illuminate the sacred among us, fostering new connections and spiritual growth.
Engage in the dialogue and explore how art, listening, and personal experiences contribute to understanding...2025-06-2928 minThe Central Cast6/8/25: Understanding Gender Identity and How It Plays Out In the Culture WarThis thought-provoking episode examines the role of evangelical churches and conservative politics in shaping societal attitudes towards the trans, intersex, queer, and non-binary communities today. It highlights the historical and cultural patterns of scapegoating minority groups, emphasizing the complexities surrounding gender identity in our current socio-political climate.
Join us as we engage in a candid dialogue exploring the intersections of history, religion, politics, and identity, and seek to understand the dynamics of empathy, privilege, and systemic change in fostering a more inclusive society.
2025-06-0858 minThe Central Cast6/1/25: Embracing the 'Other': Unveiling the Power of Queer TheologyJoin us in this compelling episode of the Central Cast as we welcome Julie Davis, the new community pastor, who delves into the transformative power of queer theology and its potential to revitalize modern Christianity. Reflecting on her personal journey and struggles within the evangelical church as a queer Christian, Julie advocates for embracing non-binary perspectives and honoring the process of becoming within our faith communities.
Through an insightful discourse enriched with references to prominent works like "Queer Virtue" by Reverend Elizabeth Edmond, Julie highlights the importance of disrupting binaries and embracing transness as a path to...2025-06-0130 minThe Central Cast5/25/25 Crisis and Faith: How Socio-Political Turmoil Shapes BeliefsIn this episode, we delve into the profound impact of crisis on faith formation, tracing back to how socio-political upheavals like the Babylonian conquest of Judah led to the creation of the Old Testament. The discussion explores how these challenges not only birthed the Hebrew Bible but also shaped its theological narratives.
The episode further examines how similar themes of crisis re-emerge in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and the Book of Revelation, reflecting responses to subsequent social and political crises.
A broader examination reveals how contemporary socio-political events continue to shape faith...2025-05-2534 minThe Central Cast5/18/25: Embracing Impermanence: The Beauty of Letting GoIn this week's discussion, we delve into the inspirational words of philosopher Ayodeji Timi Williams, exploring the concept of life as a wave meant to pass through us rather than being held onto. Join us as we uncover the beauty of fleeting moments and the significance of living in the present.
Our journey takes a personal turn as we hear insights from a hospice chaplain's perspective on embracing impermanence and the deep connection found in momentary encounters. Through heartfelt discussions, we are reminded of the importance of practicing presence and understanding that beauty and meaning lie not...2025-05-1827 minThe Central Cast5/11/25: Honoring Rachel Held Evans: A Spiritual Legacy for Progressive ChristianityIn this week's episode of the Central Cast, we honor the life and legacy of Rachel Held Evans, celebrating her contributions as a significant voice in progressive Christianity. Recorded live at our church in Glendale, California, we explore her influence on many, particularly Millennials and Gen Xers, as both a spiritual leader and a personal inspiration to our community.
We reflect on Rachel's journey from an evangelical upbringing in Dayton, Tennessee, through her groundbreaking work as a blogger and author challenging traditional Christianity's norms. Highlighted by her impactful books, including "Evolving in Monkey Town" and "A Year...2025-05-1233 min