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The Whole Church Podcast - Exploring the Divine: A Roundtable on Spirituality and Contemplative Practices
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Exploring the Divine: A Roundtable on Spirituality and Contemplative Practices

The Whole Church Podcast

01/15/25

93m

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Featured In

This Round Table discussion delves into the intricacies of Christian spirituality and contemplative practices, focusing on how they can foster unity among diverse faith traditions. The panelists, including radical theologian Josh Patterson (host of "(RE)Thinking Faith") and philosophy professor J. Aaron Simmons, explore the significance of personal experience in shaping one's spiritual journey and the importance of relational discipleship. The conversation highlights the varying expressions of spirituality within different denominations, such as Lutheranism and Methodism, and how these practices can transcend traditional boundaries. Guests Reverend Laura Wittman, Pastor Will Rose, and Pastor Joe Dea (host of Buddy Walk with Jesus) contribute insights on the need for authenticity and intentionality in spiritual practices. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes that the pursuit of spiritual growth and community requires a willingness to embrace complexity and foster genuine relationships.

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What is the real meaning of spirituality? Is spirituality a religion or a belief? What are the 3 elements of spirituality? What is the spiritual fruit? What does it mean to bear spiritual fruit? What are spiritual gifts? What are contemplative practices in Christianity? What is the difference between Christian meditation and contemplation? What is spirituality in Christianity?

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In this episode, we will:

  • Discuss the nature of Spiritual Fruit
  • Explore the different experiences of spirituality within the broader Christian faith
  • Deconstruct the priority given to certain kinds of spirituality within Christendom
  • Explain the importance of spirituality to Christians across various traditions

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Check out all of the other shows in the Anazao Podcast Network:

https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm

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Don't miss any of our Round Table episodes:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/af576211-7f60-4495-8b01-f3074b2f836a

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Hear more from Pastor Will Rose on "The Homily":

https://the-homily-with-chill-will.captivate.fm/listen

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Check out Rev Laura Wittman on Systematic Geekology:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/a5e92f29-d8b1-4945-96c8-16b5bf4626c2

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Check out more from TJ on Systematic Geekology:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/642da9db-496a-40f5-b212-7013d1e211e0

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Listen to (RE)Thinking Faith with Josh Patterson:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rethinking-faith/id1438696524

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Check out Joshua's Kingdom Hearts substack, The Kingdom Key:

https://thekingdomkey.substack.com/

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Check out "Camping with Kierkegaard" by Aaron Simmons:

https://www.amazon.com/Camping-Kierkegaard-Faithfulness-Way-Life/dp/B0CGWYN1F1

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Subscribe to Aaron Simmon's substack, Philosophy in the Wild:

https://jaaronsimmons.substack.com/

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Hear more from Aaron Simmons on his YouTube page:

https://www.youtube.com/@philosophyforwherewefindou919

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Takeaways:

  • The discussion highlighted the importance of relationships in fostering Christian unity and community.
  • Spiritual gifts and contemplative practices are deeply intertwined with personal experiences of faith.
  • Participants emphasized that spiritual growth often requires intentionality and openness to divine invitation.
  • The panelists explored various perspectives on the fruits of the Spirit and their manifestations.
  • Josh Patterson shared insights on how divine power invites us into moments of becoming.
  • Laura Wittman emphasized the necessity of understanding community needs before implementing ministry programs.

Mentioned in this epi...

Previous Episode

Today's episode is all about our friend, Dr Tom Oord and his newest 2 volume set: "Amipotence: Support & Criticism" and "Amipotence: Expansion & Application"! This 2 volume set is a collection of essays by various scholars and friends in response to Dr Oord's doctrine for Amipotence and the argument he laid out in his book, "The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence". For this special bonus episode of The Whole Church Podcast, Joshua Noel hosts a panel discussion between Dr Tom Oord, Dr J Aaron Simmons, Josh Patterson, and Nick Polk! J-Patty, Nick Polk, and Aaron all contributed essays in the two-volume set; Tom, here, addresses their essays and some other responses to his ideas as well!

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What is the true meaning of omnipotence? What is omnipotence in the Bible? What do Christians mean when they say God is sovereign? What is the problem with omnipotence? What is the omnipotence fallacy? What is amipotence? What is the meaning of God's love? What does the Bible say about God's love? What is true love of God?

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In this episode, we will:

  • Discuss philosophical problems with omnipotence and amipotence
  • Explain Tom Oord's idea of "amipotence"
  • Explore the depths of the conversations more progressive Christianity can have over God's power

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Don't miss any of the episodes we have done with Tom Oord:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/7908711e-0990-4e7c-b604-e5d4e6b1dba2

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Get your own copy of the two-volume set of essays on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Amipotence-Support-Criticism-Expansion-Application/dp/1958670839/ref=sr_1_3?crid=37T2HMM60OLS6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XEE9LYq38lyfR7OSZhmMpJIbxNfS-PrX64nhU5hKh_usrH33CErhHg8jPjpuQ9SbrPP8XbqE-b9xaQeC5QlfHwDQ_W5eGRx0h9ewI6CTGNPblPSXZqM6ui1gvBoMYIYPX7iSL1NUHsW6wYOheATSwQ.b245iuucSjFK9YeUzkWGptZFBzvVfEDXtzuVw8RM9zc&dib_tag=se&keywords=amipotence&qid=1736648595&sprefix=amipotenc%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-3

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Check out Tom's book, "The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence"

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Omnipotence-Birth-Amipotence-ebook/dp/B0C1KJ499N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2M6OYD0Q9Y6T9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9yL_6uLXRhagOjGAqlVD39as3LQsqk84IsyYMzZL2S2o2s-Urt27w-n9y98qCnSfGtS-0qjj2fWSxHbmEvhkPDWE5OtZrkkNhoWHADAepJ02lStKm3UsovOUPSQ-uz6Y1X3ddYm0CGyWz6qgKmwF6g.VN4vQ2yL-nIrVgxlh5ZSntaWMKLTmD7sXOcVn_mNj7I&dib_tag=se&keywords=death+of+omnipotence&qid=1736648574&sprefix=death+of+omn%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1

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Follow Tom on Substack:

https://substack.com/@thomasjayoord759927

.

Listen to (RE)Thinking Faith with Josh Patterson:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rethinking-faith/id1438696524

.

Check out Nick's book, "Tolkien & Pop Culture":

https://www.amazon.com/Tolkien-Pop-Culture/dp/B0DKTW5XYH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BQ3Y7MW4WTBO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ae5j5Vy58BVDlXMI9tH-Vw.v9y1BrrWMPgl7vK0cQ5IrBCHgQ2j28eCqOMizVPq1RQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=tolkien+and+pop+culture+nick+polk&qid=1734832777&sprefix=tolkien+and+pop+%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1

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Check out Joshua's Kingdom Hearts substack, The Kingdom Key:

Join us as we delve into the vital themes presented in Dr. Wylin D. Wilson's book, "Womanist Bioethics: Social Justice, Spirituality, and Black Women's Health." Dr. Wilson discusses how mainstream bioethics often overlooks the perspectives of Black women, leading to significant health disparities and negative healthcare outcomes. She emphasizes the importance of understanding lived experiences and the necessity for healthcare providers to approach patients with empathy and awareness. Through engaging stories and practical examples, we explore how churches, hospitals, and communities can unite to address these disparities and foster an environment of care and support. This conversation not only highlights the intersection of religion, gender, and bioethics but also calls for a collective effort to ensure that every individual's health and well-being are prioritized in the healthcare system.

Dr. Wilson discusses how traditional bioethics has largely been shaped by white male perspectives, resulting in a lack of representation for women of color. She argues for a reimagined bioethics that includes a diverse range of experiences and viewpoints, advocating for a holistic approach that recognizes the dignity and worth of every individual. The episode highlights the role of faith communities as agents of change, encouraging churches to become active participants in the movement toward healthcare equity. This collaborative spirit is essential for fostering community connections and ensuring that the needs of all individuals, especially Black women, are heard and addressed.

Takeaways:

  • Dr. Wylin D. Wilson emphasizes the importance of love and hospitality in Christian ethics.
  • The historical devaluation of Black women's bodies in medicine continues to impact healthcare today.
  • Faith communities can play a crucial role in addressing health disparities through education and awareness.
  • Experiencing proximity to others' stories fosters deeper understanding and connection within communities.
  • Health disparities among Black women often stem from systemic issues in the healthcare system.
  • The collaboration between hospitals, churches, and communities is essential for effective healthcare reform.

.

Check out all of the other shows in the Anazao Podcast Network:

https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm

.

Check out more from TJ on Systematic Geekology:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/642da9db-496a-40f5-b212-7013d1e211e0

.

Check out Joshua's Kingdom Hearts substack, The Kingdom Key:

https://thekingdomkey.substack.com/

.

Get your copy of "Womanist Bioethics: Social Justice, Spirituality, and Black Women's Health"

https://www.amazon.com/Womanist-Bioethics-Spirituality-Religion-Transformation/dp/1479817236/ref=sr_1_1?crid=371XX2YLMCAQ7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DAR9wnd6DL4XzDZYKTfl7jp8Hh0AG4-5KlCrj6wcmE1-NpzypMYUFo3FSVal_ZMLO9CBgdfOAb-u3QBvInmj4M0u1gkHLK7hyI_Z0nYKHdKWszDxoudHI9l-8n8qLvT_.T0KTbZI7mixIpCj6u0SC1p_omj32p8Ji179AjPNIAzI&dib_tag=se&keywords=womanist+bioethics&qid=1737476398&sprefix=womanist+bioethics%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-1

Mentioned in this episode:

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https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm . https://open.spotify.com/show/725pdvTzkle0fDWK2sdxnD?si=e317918366e04338 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/anazao-podcasts/id6447432145

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