The Changing Faith Podcast with Michael Hidalgo

Episode 034 :: Paula Williams and the Righteous Mind

Why do good people divide over politics and religion? It’s not because both contain divisive issues or, in and of themselves, are hot topics ... it has far more to do with ourselves; who we are, how we process information, how we learn and how we grow. On this episode, Paula Williams joins with us to discuss the book The Righteous Mindby Jonathan Haidt. Together, we explore the idea of why we divide what we can understand to be those who work to heal division.

Episode 033 :: How the Bible Made Me a Heretic

On this episode, I share about the direction the Bible has taken me and how I got to where I am today. It all started in 1998 when I picked the Bible up and began reading, which led to studying, which led to asking questions, which led to digging deeper, which led to exploring further, which led me away from where I was to where I find myself in this moment – and the only thing I know is where I am now is not where I will remain. Why? Because I am still committed to diving deeper into this ancient collection of books that has a pulse.

Episode 032 :: Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson and Some Thoughts on Prayer

On Episode 032 of Changing Faith Podcast, we explore how, for many, discussion, writing and teaching about prayer is often rigid, confining, formulaic and can be a turn off. But, if prayer is supposed to be communion with the Divine, then turning it into a formula can actually serve to stunt our connection to God. But it doesn’t have to be this way and that’s what the new book titled Prayerby Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson is all about. They join us to talk about the book and how they have (re)discovered the beauty and intimacy of prayer. You can learn more about Justin and his work here: http://www.justinmcroberts.com You can learn more about Scott and his work here: http://scottericksonart.com

Episode 031 :: Allen Hilton and The Divided States of America

On Episode 031, Allen Hilton, the author of A House United, joins with us to talk about moving toward unity. If you have a pulse, you are well aware of the division and anger that exists today – it has seemingly infiltrated every single area of life. Faith, politics, family, friendships and some would say it is not getting better. So how do we working together toward unity? How do we come alongside one another not in spite of differences, but in the midst of them. Allen reflects back on how we have gotten here, and look ahead to how we can move through it. To learn more about Allen and his work, you can visit his website: https://www.houseunitedmovement.org and you can purchase his book here: A House United Book

Episode 030 :: The B-I-B-L-E!

It often seems there is a lot of talk about the Bible among those who identify as Christians and those who don’t. One aspect of conversations is how anyone can actually know what the Bible means. On this episode we consider how we can ask more helpful questions about the Bible, be honest regarding what we bring to it in our attempt to understand and consider some ways we might approach the Bible and allow it to approach us. It’s possible if we can take these initial steps, we can rediscover the Bible again and again for what it is and less what we tell the Bible it should be.

Episode 029 :: Christmas, The Zodiac and A Boy Named Jesus

On Episode 029, the Second Annual Christmas Episode, we explore how God invites all people to encounter the beauty, joy and mystery of the Divine. From an ancient Hebrew poem, to a donkey who talks and even prophecies known as horoscopes ... all this brings us to the Nativity, to witness the birth of Jesus, and celebrate the scandal of Christmas.

Episode 028 :: Brian McLaren and What's Next?

On Episode 028, Brian McLaren joins with us to share how the Christian story, from Genesis until now, is fundamentally about people on the move - outgrowing old, broken religious systems and embracing new, more redemptive ways of life. It’s time to move again. Notwithstanding the dire headlines about the demise of faith and drop in church attendance - Christian faith is not dying. Rather, it is embarking on a once-in-an-era spiritual shift. For millions, the journey has already begun.

Episode 027 :: Jonathan Williams and She's My Dad

On Episode 027 of The Changing Faith Podcast, Jonathan Williams joins us to share about his new book titled She’s My Dad. He was was three months into launching a new, evangelical church plant when his father confessed a secret: he was transgender. His father, Paul, a prominent evangelical pastor, soon became Paula, and Jonathan’s life and ministry went into a tailspin. Feeling betrayed by his mentor and confidante and scared that his church would lose funding and support if Paula’s secret was exposed, Jonathan sunk into depression and alcoholism. She’s My Dad explores Jonathan’s long and winding journey toward reconciliation, forgiveness, and acceptance of his father as well as his church’s journey to become one of the few fully LGBTQ-inclusive, evangelical churches in America. He writes of his family’s continuing evolution, the meaning of remaining loyal to one’s father even when she is no longer a man, the ongoing theological evolution surrounding transgender rights and advocacy in the church, and the unflinching self-scrutiny of a pastor who lost his God only to find God again in his father’s transition.

Episode 026 :: Your Brain on Thanksgiving

It’s nearly Thanksgiving! On Episode 026 of The Changing Faith Podcast we talk about gratitude … how it shapes us, why it is good for us physically and emotionally, and, of course next steps as to how we can practice it. Gratitude has the power to make us more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious, less envious, more empathetic, more forgiving, more helpful, more supportive, and less materialistic! Which means if we learn the discipline of gratitude, of giving thanks, of saying thank you, our lives may change for the better and our world will be better too.

Episode 025 :: Facebook, Digital Tribes, Inspiration, Sanity and Footnotes

The Changing Faith Podcast, Episode 025 is here! This episode is the second installment of responding to your questions about all sorts of topics. Thank you for sending the questions on, keep the coming!

Episode 024 :: Let's Get Physical

On this episode, we explore why, for many of us, God is out there somewhere, wherever that is, and talk of faith often stops at the level of “belief” or “conviction” or “doctrine”. Very little involves concrete reality. Is it any wonder so many of us feel confused, disillusioned and disheartened with regard to faith? What might change if we understood our faith as something right here in front of us? What in us might grow within us if we understood God as more present and far more tangible in every single moment than we may ever have imagined? Together, we explore what it looks like to see our faith, our belief, and even our understanding of God as something concrete, something physical … something that is real and alive, something we can taste, touch, see, feel, hear and smell.

Episode 023 :: Heather Nelson and Connecting as Humans

Heather Nelson, the founding director of Khesed Wellness joins us to share about what connects us as humans. So often it seems we are able speak with ease about all kinds things disconnect us from one another, because of that often see the world as “us” and “them.” But what if, there are far more things that connect us to one another? What if we as human beings - clumps of dirt with the breath of the divine in us – are more alike than different? What if we truly share more in common than any of our stated differences? Heather lends her insights, wit and heart to help us see just that.

You can learn more about Heather’s work here: https://www.khesedwellness.com

Episode 022 :: Jonathan Merritt and Speaking God

On Episode 022 Jonathan Merritt joins us to talk about his latest book Learning to Speak God From Scratch. The book is about his about moving from the Bible Belt to New York City, only to find himself mute in a strange land—one that didn’t automatically understand the “Christianese” to which he was accustomed in the South. So he decided to investigate - commissioning both a nationwide study and conducting his own through polling friends and strangers - and delved into a full-on study of linguistics. He reflects, "If we do not use sacred words, then our minds will be less attuned to transcendence. If we do not have spiritual conversations, then we’ll be less shaped by our spirituality. And if moral language is vanishing—with the decline of words like grace, mercy, honest, courage, and wisdom—then we can expect our communities and culture will reflect this shift.”

Learn more about Jonathan and his book here: https://www.speakgodbook.com

 

Episode 021 :: This And / Or That

The Changing Faith Podcast is back for Season 2! On Episode 021 titled, This And/Or That, We ask how do we - in the midst of a time where we have lost the ability to disagree while lending dignity, honor and respect to one another - act as a healing presence? Together we explore the deep interconnectedness of every last particle in the universe, and consider a way of seeing our world that can be helpful to each of us in the midst of a time when so many people seem divided.   We will consider how we can transcend our binary thinking and move beyond seeing only two options or two competing thoughts – life is not This OR That.

How then do we become people who are comfortable in the tension and reflect a preference for seeing even the hardest conversations – from the most pressing issues in our country, important conversations including our theology and our politics – as This AND That? Perhaps if we can see the depth and complexity in all things, we will discover how to exist as people who invite others toward unity, not division.

Episode 020 :: My Exit Interview

Episode 020 of the Changing Faith Podcast is titled “My Exit Interview” because sometimes we need to go, which is to say, sometimes we need to leave. On this Episode I reflect upon the many questions, conversations and discussions I’ve had in the process of expanding beyond The Evangelical Tribe and shedding the Evangelical label. And I am not alone. Many are saying goodbye and jumping off the Evangelical Ship. So what now? Where to? What’s next? Together we explore taking risks, the health of asking questions and what we can take with us as we go … knowing deep in our bones we cannot stay here.

Episode 019 :: Carla Ewert and Moving Into Our Space

On Episode 019 of The Changing Faith Podcast Carla Ewert joins with us to talk about what it is like being a woman in a the world of male dominated Church work. While this nearly drove her away from the Church altogether, something within drew her back. Today, she shines her light brightly working, serving, leading and creating with her full self. She hosts the Holy Writ Podcast, is a Co-Creator of She is Called, a national conversation for women who lead, and co-hosts the She is Called Podcast. Carla's convictions and courage are sure to encourage and challenged us all. Enjoy! 

Episode 018 :: Colby Martin and Legos, Balloons, Jesus and Bradley Cooper

On Episode 018 of The Changing Faith Podcast pastor, author and friend Colby Martin joins with us to share what motivates and frames his passion for exploring, expanding and deepening his understanding of the Christian Tradition. He talks about changing his mind about LGTBQ inclusion in the Church, and the four reasons why he wrote the book Unclobber. Those questions lead him to share about his movement toward a more just and generous orthodoxy – he also speaks about his love for the Bible, how understanding the heart of Jesus changed everything and how we can hold our beliefs with humility. Colby and his wife Kate, live in San Diego, where together they pastor Sojourn Grace Collective and co-host The Kate and Colby Show, a Progressive Christian Podcast. He is the author of UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality. You can learn more about Colby by visiting his website: https://www.colbymartinonline.com and listen to Kate’s and his podcast here: https://www.thekateandcolbyshow.com

Episode 017 :: Elyse Snipes and Paralysis, EMDR and Vulnerability

On Episode 017 of The Changing Faith Podcast Elyse Snipes, a licensed marriage and family therapist, joins us to share her story, what she is learning and what she is doing to help us and many others walk in and through our pain to live honest, authentic and courageous lives. We cover a lot of ground in this episode - from milk shakes and fries and group therapy, to paralysis, to healing, to why I cannot eat mashed potatoes, to EMDR Therrapy, to why Elyse chose vulnerability over sounding smart ... and we conclude with a surpise visit from one of her children! Recorded at her home in California I left knowing I had learned a lot, been challenged and been encouraged by Elyse. You can learn more about her work, her retreats her speaking, and her Podcast here:http://www.elysesnipestherapy.com

Episode 016 :: Adam Phillips & Elsa Johnson and Beer and Big Bibles

We live in a time where it often seems dignified dialogue has gone the way of the dinosaur. However, all is not lost. There are moments when we glimpse what is possible when we invite others to share, listen well and honor those in all places of the journey. Adam Phillips and Elsa Johnson join us on the Changing Faith Podcast to tell a story about being in a bar in Portland when a couple walked in with big Bibles and stated they like to argue about the Bible. The story does not go the way you might guess. Join us as we talk about how we can all move forward together toward a healtier spirituality.

Episode 015 :: Seeing Critics and Responding to Criticism

On Episode 015 of the Changing Faith Podcast, it's the first installment of responding to your questions! On this episode we consider the question, "How do you respond to critics?" In doing so we make eight observations about critics and criticism and how we can view it, hold it and grow from it.

Episode 014 :: Jane Clementi and Grieving and Healing

On Episdode 014 of The Changing Faith Podcast Michael speaks with Jane Clementi (via telephone). She shares about her process of grief and healing following the death of her son Tyler, who took his life after being bullied online while a student at Rutgers University. Tyler was bullied for being who he was: a young gay man. Since losing Tyler, Jane’s spiritual journey has continued to carry and transform her in ways she never would have imagined. She leads an inspirational life through her unique experience which she shares with other parents. Jane speaks passionately to parents and community leaders about the need to not merely “accept” or “tolerate” children who come out as LGBT, but to embrace them as wondrous creations of God. Learn more about Jane her work by visiting The Tyler Clementi Foundation here: TylerClementi.org

Episode 013 :: Right Here, Right Now

We live in a world today that constantly pulls our attention in a million different directions. We are often distracted by what's to come, and can find ourselves stuck in what's already been ... all this makes it difficult to be present right here, right now. On this episiode we explore new ways we can think about the past, the future, the present, space, time and what light teaches us about the Divine Presence. In this, together, we learn ways to take our next step toward being more present.

Episode 012 :: Susan Cottrell and How Love Includes

Susan Cottrell, is the prominent voice for faith parents of LGBTQ children. Her story is born out of her loving heart as a mom. We explore what it looks like to take our next step in wholeheartedly loving, including and embracing the LGTBQ Community - with the wild, expansive love of God. We also learn about her organizatin FreedHearts you can learn more about Susan and FreedHearts here: FreedHearts.org

Episode 011 :: Tina Schermer Sellers and A Sex Positive Gospel

Sex. If you're anything like me you grew up in a world that shoveled shame in heaps on top of sex. It was a taboo subject that was often met in conversation with discomfort and a certain level of embarassment. On Episode 011 Tina Schermer Sellers joins us to talk about how we can move beyond shame and the negativty often associated with sex. In doing so, we can reclaim the beauty, mystery, joy, passion and positivity found within sex. Tina is the author of Sex, God & Conservative Church and is an educator, sex therapist, family therapist, speaker, author, consultant, and thought leader. You can learn more about her work by visiting: http://tinaschermersellers.com/

Episode 010 :: Storage Units, Televisions, Scarcity and Desires

Wants. Needs. Lust. Desire. We all wrestle from time to time with how much is too much and how we can discover the secret of contentment. On Episdode 010 we explore how we can attend to our desires and, in doing so, live more fully as humans.

Episode 009 :: Paula Stone Williams and All Sorts of Things

Paula Williams joins us and talks about all sorts of things ... sharing from her life experience she has a kind way of inviting us to (re)consider our many assumptions and challenging our assumptions.

Episode 008 :: User Error

Have you ever noticed how many of us (or maybe ... how all of us) quickly deny what we may have done wrong when things break down, fall apart or stop working? It's possible this is connected to our refusal to acknowledge pain both in our world and in our lives. On this episode we consider how we might overcome the human propensity to find fault outside of ourselves, and in doing so find liberation in admitting our faults.

Episode 007 :: God is Here?

Christmas tells the story of Immanuel, which means "God with us." But what do we do when those words don't seem to offer hope? How do we respond when we wonder, God is here? Together we explore how Christmas tells the story of a God who does not stay removed, but is found in the midst of our suffering.

Episode 006 :: Chris Heuertz and The Sacred Enneagram

Chris Heuertz joins us and talks about his new book The Sacred Enneagram. He shares how the enneagram is a sacred map to the soul and offers a path to cutting through the internal clutter and finding our way home, back to God and to our true identity.

Episode 005 :: Jon Huckins and Mending the Divides

We’ve been told that the enemy is to be destroyed. Jesus tells us to love our enemies. We’ve been told that the other is a threat. Jesus tells us that it’s in the eyes of the other that we see God.

Episode 004 :: When I Was the Older Brother Who Was with the Older Brother

On this episiode Michael talks about people who are judgmental, and why so many of us have such a negative view of it. It just may have something to do with the fact that all of us, in one way or another, are judgmental.

Episode 003 :: Michelle Ferrigno Warren, The Power of Proximity

Michelle Ferrigno Warren joins the Changing Faith Podcast and talks with Michael about her new book, The Power of Proximity ... they talk about awareness and ignorance, what justice includes, racism and immigration and, of course, your next steps!

Episode 002 :: Ryan Taylor, A Spirituality of Awkwardness

On this episode of The Changing Faith Podcast, Michael welcomes Ryan Taylor, Director of Access and the Co-Director at Network Coffee House in Denver, CO. Ryan shares about his work in hard places, how we grow, are challenged and about taking next steps by allowing ourselves to be, at times, awkward.

Episode 001 :: What Is This All About?

On this first ever episode of The Changing Faith Podcast, Michael responds to the question, "What is this all about?" ... so we can know what this podcast will be all about!