Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland, James Sholl, and Dr. Hilary McBride explore the complex relationship between religion, mental health, and societal systems. They discuss how religion can serve as both a source of support and a potential source of harm, particularly when it becomes a toxic system that prioritizes itself over the well-being of individuals. The conversation delves into the nuances of how charismatic leadership can manipulate followers and the importance of understanding the disconnection that can occur within religious contexts, ultimately leading to a deeper exploration of identity and belonging. In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and Hillary McBride explore the profound connection between embodiment, spirituality, and trauma. They discuss how disconnection from our bodies can lead to various forms of suffering and how reconnecting with our physical selves can be a pathway to liberation and healing. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of our bodies, understanding cultural narratives that devalue them, and the spiritual significance of listening to our bodies. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they highlight practices for fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the world around us.

Takeaways

* Religion can be both a source of support and harm.

* Cultural practices around spirituality can disconnect us from our spiritual longings.

* Systems can serve their own purposes at the expense of individuals.

* Charismatic leaders can create environments that feel safe but are toxic.

* Attachment styles influence how individuals relate to systems.

* Disconnection from self can lead to compliance in toxic systems.

* Religious practices can exacerbate mental health issues for some.

* Understanding the sacred purpose of systems is crucial.

* Disconnection is a key factor in understanding oppression. Disconnection from the body can lead to suffering.

* Embodiment is a pathway to spiritual and political liberation.

* Recognizing the value of bodies is essential for healing.

* Cultural narratives often devalue the body, especially for women.

* Listening to our bodies can reveal deep truths about ourselves.

* Trauma can create a disconnect from our physical selves.

* Practices for embodiment can help reconnect with our bodies.

* Spirituality is intertwined with our physical existence.

* Memory is held in our bodies and influences our experiences.

* The body can be a source of wisdom and guidance.

Dr. Hillary McBride

"We are in desperate need of a new economic story."

Ched Myers

Summary

In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage with Ched Myers to explore the interconnected themes of principalities and powers, biblical theology, activism, and social justice. They discuss the importance of apocalyptic literature as a form of resistance against oppressive systems, the role of the church in advocating for social justice, and the concept of Sabbath economics as a means of community engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for practical steps towards resistance and change, encouraging listeners to reimagine economic narratives and engage in meaningful action.

Takeaways

* Ched Myers emphasizes the importance of discussing principalities and powers in relation to social justice.

* The conversation highlights the need for a holistic understanding of biblical theology and activism.

* Apocalyptic literature serves as a vital tool for resistance against oppressive systems.

* The church has a significant role in advocating for social justice and confronting empire.

* Sabbath economics is presented as a framework for community engagement and mutual aid.

* Ched Myers calls for a new economic story rooted in biblical principles.

* The podcast encourages listeners to engage with their local communities and resist economic injustice.

* Stories are essential for understanding our history and fighting against oppression.

* The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of faith and economics.

* Ched Myers invites listeners to join the ongoing river of social justice activism.

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Links

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Principalities and Powers

10:07 Ched Myers' Journey to Faith

17:10 The Role of Apocalyptic Literature

25:08 Sabbath Economics and Resistance

34:07 The Jubilee Tradition and Economic Justice

35:34 The Biblical Foundation of Mutual Aid

37:02 Jubilee Language in Luke's Gospel

38:29 Understanding Affluenza as a Disease

39:58 Jesus and the Rich: Unmasking Plutocracy

42:37 Restoring Kinship Through Redistribution

44:05 The Role of Scripture in Political Imagination

48:55 Practical Steps Towards Economic Justice

53:13 Investing in Community Development

54:59 Challenging the Monopoly Mentality

01:00:29 The Power of Stories in Social Justice

"We live in the tension between two worlds."

Bob Ekblad

Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland, James Sholl, and Bob Ekblad delve into the complex themes of powers and principalities, exploring their nature, the role of Jesus in exposing them, and the implications for social justice and activism. They discuss the idea of redemption versus destruction of these powers, the finite nature of systems, and the call for Christians to resist and reform while living out their identities in Christ. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limitations of earthly powers and the need for a deeper understanding of faith and action in the world.

Take-aways

* The powers and principalities are not just spiritual but also manifest in systems and institutions.

* Redemption does not mean that everything will be saved; some things must be destroyed.

* Jesus's authority is demonstrated through servanthood and sacrifice, not through power and dominance.

* The church must resist the temptation to equate political power with divine authority.

* The narrative of the Exodus illustrates the futility of trying to reform oppressive powers.

* Social justice efforts must be rooted in the understanding that God is the ultimate savior, not human systems.

* The church's identity should transcend national and ethnic boundaries, focusing on unity in Christ.

* Living out our faith means divesting from the powers that seek to control and dominate.

* The tension between the kingdom of God and earthly powers is escalating, requiring a faithful response.

* We must acknowledge the finite nature of our world while actively caring for creation.

Jesus's authority is demonstrated through servanthood and sacrifice, not through power and dominance.

Links:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation

02:42 Exploring Powers and Principalities

05:29 Redemption and Destruction of Powers

12:10 The Role of Jesus in Authority

18:21 The Dangers of Reforming Powers

27:47 The Finite Nature of Powers and Creation

33:34 Theological Reflections on Fear and Power

39:06 The Nature of Authority and the Role of Jesus

45:05 Living Out Our Heavenly Identities

51:19 Divesting from Powers and Principalities

57:08 Stewardship and the Call to Action

To reject conformity to this age (aion) is to actively resist patterns of domination that distort our humanity.

JR WOODWARD

Summary

In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, hosts Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage with JR Woodward, the National Director of the V3 Movement and author of 'The Scandal of Leadership.' They explore the burdens of leadership, the powers at play within institutions, and the temptations leaders face regarding identity and purpose. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, the deceptive nature of powers, and the necessity of imitating Christ in leadership. Woodward discusses the scapegoat mechanism and the call to resistance against systemic issues, urging leaders to reflect deeply on their roles and the impact of their decisions.

Takeaways

* The burden of leadership often feels heavy and requires deep reflection.

* Understanding the powers at play in leadership can help navigate challenges.

* Institutions can shape leaders in ways that may not align with their values.

* Living in the world requires discernment to not be of the world.

* Leaders face temptations that challenge their identity and purpose.

* The powers can be deceptive, leading to justifications for unethical behavior.

* Imitating Christ is essential for authentic leadership.

* The scapegoat mechanism can create temporary peace but leads to deeper issues.

* Community and proximity to people are vital for effective leadership.

* Resistance to the powers is a necessary call for leaders today.

Links:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Right Side Up Podcast

02:26 The Burden of Leadership and Writing The Scandal of Leadership

06:12 Understanding Powers and Principalities in Leadership

10:02 The Role of Institutions and Ideologies

14:11 The Temptations of Leadership and Identity

18:16 Unmasking the Powers in Today's Context

22:08 The Call to Church Leaders and Overcoming Evil

29:51 The Impact of Interpretation on Scripture

31:10 Navigating Deception and Humility in Leadership

32:11 Understanding Mimetic Desire and Its Implications

35:33 The Scapegoat Mechanism in Society

39:10 Imitating Christ: A Path to Overcoming Powers

42:59 The Role of Honor and Identity in Leadership

46:35 Proximity to People: A Key to Authentic Leadership

50:40 The Dangers of Exceptionalism in Leadership

53:34 Faithful Resistance: Embracing the Journey of Self-Emptying

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In this engaging conversation, Danielle Strickland, James Sholl, and Aaron White explore the themes of powers and principalities, the harrowing of hell, and the complexities of the gospel. They discuss the sacredness of life, the corruption of good systems, and the idolatry of self, while emphasizing the importance of aligning with the marginalized and understanding the true nature of God's power. The conversation challenges traditional views on hell and encourages a deeper exploration of liberation theology and the good news of Jesus. In this conversation, the speakers explore the themes of death, judgment, and the nature of hell, emphasizing the influence of Dante's imagery on contemporary beliefs. They discuss the biblical stories of the rich man and Lazarus, the concept of refinement and transformation, and the significance of Jesus' descent into hell as a means of liberation. The dialogue also touches on the nature of free will, the role of mercy in justice, and the importance of recognizing and liberating those trapped in shadows of despair. Ultimately, they advocate for a vision of good news that emphasizes love, liberation, and the relentless pursuit of God.

Takeaways

* The power of babies serves as a reminder of sacredness.

* Powers and principalities are often misunderstood in evangelicalism.

* The harrowing of hell reveals the depths of God's love and justice.

* Good systems can become corrupted and serve self-interests.

* Idolatry often stems from a desire for self-preservation.

* Jesus invites us to die to our self-serving agendas.

* The true power of the gospel liberates and transforms lives.

* Understanding hell requires a nuanced theological perspective.

* Liberation theology emphasizes the voices of the marginalized.

* The conversation challenges traditional views on God's judgment and mercy. We often create an allegiance with death and judgment without realizing it.

* Dante's portrayal of hell has shaped modern Christian beliefs.

* The story of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates a great reversal.

* Refinement and transformation are essential aspects of faith.

* Jesus' descent into hell signifies victory over death and liberation for captives.

* Free will is directed towards the good, but many remain trapped in shadows.

* Jesus is the bait that leads to the liberation of souls from hell.

* Justice is ultimately trumped by mercy in God's economy.

* Evil is a shadow, and light must shine to remove it.

* The call to action is to harrow hell and liberate those in despair.

Titles

* Exploring Powers and Principalities

* The Harrowing of Hell Explained

* Understanding the Gospel's True Power

* The Corruption of Good Systems

* Idolatry and Self-Preservation

* The Invitation to Die with Jesus

Summary

In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, host Danielle Strickland and co-host James Sholl engage with James Stinson, who shares his journey from Australia to the UK and his involvement with Alpha International, focusing on youth ministry. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in reaching today's youth, particularly through the lens of recent research on the 'open generation.' Stinson discusses the importance of authenticity, empowerment, and connection in engaging young people, as well as the role of the church in addressing their needs and questions. In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Stinson discuss the nature of Jesus, the importance of social justice, and how to effectively communicate the gospel in today's context. They emphasize the need to empower the next generation, innovate church leadership, and the critical role of food in ministry. The dialogue highlights the challenges faced by the church and the ongoing relevance of Jesus's message in a world seeking good news.

Takeaways

James Stinson moved to the UK to pursue football and ended up in youth ministry.

Stinson emphasizes the importance of local church involvement for newcomers.

Alpha International aims to reach marginalized youth through innovative approaches.

The new Alpha Youth series focuses on engaging Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

Research shows that young people are spiritually open and curious about Jesus.

Authenticity is a key value for today's youth, who can see through inauthenticity.

Young people desire empowerment and autonomy in their faith journeys.

The church must listen to young people's needs and perspectives.

Connection without control is essential for engaging youth today.

The research on the open generation reveals a longing for safe spaces to explore faith. The character of Jesus is central to understanding his message.

Contextualizing the gospel is essential for reaching today's generation.

Empowerment over control is key for engaging young people in the church.

Innovative approaches are necessary for effective church leadership.

Food plays a significant role in building community and sharing faith.

The next generation is focused on social justice and helping others.

Church leaders should be willing to take risks and innovate.

Building relationships through meals can facilitate deeper conversations about faith.

The gospel remains relevant even amidst challenges in the church.

Good news must be communicated in a way that resonates with people's experiences.

Sound Bites

"We're a church for the city."

"They want to own things."

"Is God good?"

"Blow the roof off."

"Jesus responds to their faith."

"Food is central to the gospel."

"Good news in a good way."

"Share more meals together."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of James Stinson

03:32 Journey into Youth Ministry and Alpha International

08:30 The Role of Alpha in Reaching Youth

12:39 Research Insights on the Open Generation

19:22 Empowerment and Connection in Youth Engagement

20:10 Exploring the Nature of Jesus

23:02 The Importance of Contextualizing the Gospel

24:31 Empowering the Next Generation

30:00 Innovative Approaches to Church Leadership

37:11 The Role of Food in Ministry

39:03 The Good News Amidst Challenges

Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Scholl engage with Daniel Yang from World Relief, exploring his personal journey as a refugee and his work with immigrants and refugees in America. They discuss the historical context of refugee resettlement in the U.S., the challenges posed by current political climates, and the vital role of the church in welcoming and supporting vulnerable populations. Daniel shares his reflections on identity, faith, and the importance of maintaining a prophetic voice in a complex cultural moment. In this conversation, Daniel and Danielle explore the themes of Christian nationalism, the call to holiness, and the importance of welcoming the stranger. They discuss the historical context of Christian nationalism, the role of power in faith, and the need for resistance training in spiritual practice. The conversation emphasizes the cost of discipleship, the significance of biblical literacy, and the necessity of participating in acts of love and acceptance towards immigrants and refugees. Ultimately, they highlight the importance of moving from cynicism to hope through active engagement in faith communities.

Takeaways

Daniel Yang shares his journey from being a refugee to working with World Relief.

The church has historically played a crucial role in supporting immigrants and refugees.

Current political climates pose significant challenges to refugee resettlement in the U.S.

Daniel emphasizes the importance of the church's presence in addressing cultural issues.

He reflects on the emotional impact of recent policy changes on his identity as a refugee.

Daniel believes that immigrants are key to the future of Christianity in America.

The conversation highlights the need for the church to adapt to new cultural realities.

Daniel expresses concern about the church's holiness and its role in society.

He advocates for a prophetic voice that speaks truth to power without being politically aligned.

The discussion underscores the importance of faith and community in navigating complex issues. This is a moment that we're in, but that doesn't mean be passive.

We lack the spiritual depth and discipline.

Holiness is about being different and resistant.

The rise of Christian nationalism has historical roots.

American civil religion has influenced Christian identity.

Christians should be subversively involved in all aspects of life.

Welcoming the stranger is an act of protest.

Cynicism is fueled by spectating; hope is fueled by participating.

Understanding the stories of immigrants is crucial for the church.

Discipleship involves welcoming others as part of our faith.

Sound Bites

"The church welcomed us."

"This work was no longer needed."

"I worry if I'm holy enough."

"The fear of the stranger."

"We have to reconcile with that."

"Hope is fueled by participating."

"Cynicism is fueled by spectating."

"This is a part of our own discipleship."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Daniel Yang and His Journey

07:02 The Role of Immigrants in Christianity

08:33 Challenges Facing Refugee Resettlement

10:59 Navigating Complexities of Current Policies

17:07 Personal Reflections on Identity and Faith

22:35 The Call to Holiness and Refinement

23:30 Resistance Training in Faith

24:53 The Church's Response to Evil

25:59 Understanding Christian Nationalism

27:00 Historical Context of Christian Nationalism

29:46 The Role of Power in Faith

32:59 Welcoming the Stranger

35:50 The Cost of Discipleship

38:32 Biblical Literacy and Understanding

41:15 Closing the Proximity Gap

43:40 Participation vs. Cynicism

Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage with poet Drew Jackson, exploring his journey from a conservative Baptist background to his current role at the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC). They discuss the intersection of poetry, spirituality, and social justice, emphasizing how poetry serves as a powerful tool for questioning dominant narratives and fostering deeper connections with scripture and community. Drew shares his experiences of using poetry as a means of spiritual practice and social commentary, highlighting the risks involved in speaking out against societal injustices. In this conversation, Drew Jackson and Danielle Strickland explore the profound impact of poetry as a means of prophetic witness and truth-telling. They discuss the importance of maintaining hope and emotional health amidst societal challenges, the legacy of black writers, and the transformative power of scripture when approached through a poetic lens. The dialogue emphasizes the need for resistance against cultural powers and the significance of community connection in fostering resilience and vitality.

Takeaways

Drew Jackson is a poet and Managing Director at CAC.

His poetry serves as a spiritual practice and social commentary.

Contemplation and justice are deeply intertwined in his work.

Poetry invites questions rather than providing answers.

Drew's background influences his approach to spirituality and poetry.

He emphasizes the political nature of poetry.

Drew's work has helped others reconnect with scripture.

The pandemic prompted Drew to explore poetry more deeply.

He faces risks in addressing social issues through his poetry.

Drew believes he speaks not alone, but as part of a larger tradition. Drew Jackson feels a connection to the lineage of black writers.

Writing is a communal act, influenced by past and present voices.

Prophetic witness reveals uncomfortable truths about society.

Resistance to truth is expected in the journey of a prophet.

Contemplative practices are essential for maintaining hope.

Emotional connection is vital for navigating societal challenges.

Mantras can help reinforce a sense of unity and purpose.

Cultural powers often push against our emotional health.

Poetry can express doubts and fears that society wants to suppress.

Scripture's poetic nature enriches its meaning and relevance.

Sound Bites

"I found poetry to be a balm for me."

"Poetry is a political act."

"Poetry is telling it slant."

"Poetry invites us to drop our defenses."

"I don't write alone."

"We should expect resistance."

"We need one another to feel it all."

"Christ is all and is in all."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Drew Jackson

03:00 Drew's Journey and Role at CAC

06:01 The Influence of Contemplation on Justice

08:58 Drew's Connection to Poetry and Spirituality

11:59 The Role of Poetry in Social Commentary

14:56 The Power of Questions in Poetry

17:56 Navigating Risks as a Poet

20:56 The Impact of Poetry on Faith and Community

25:22 The Legacy of Black Writers and Poets

27:03 The Role of Prophetic Witness in Poetry

28:46 Practices for Maintaining Hope and Vitality

30:35 The Gift of Tears and Emotional Connection

32:51 Practicing Mantras for Connection and Hope

34:58 Resistance Training Against Cultural Powers

37:33 The Depth of Scripture and Poetic Interpretation

40:40 The Transformative Power of Poetry in Scripture

45:51 Engaging with Drew Jackson's Work