Learning How to See with Brian McLaren

On this Season 4 of Learning How to See, we continue to grapple with the question "do I stay Christian?" In Season 3, we looked at the "yes" and the "no" answer to that question. This season, we're asking: if you do decide to stay Christian without accepting the harmful elements of the Christian faith -- how are you going to do it? Join Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, Rev. Dr...

As we kick off a new season grappling with the 'how' answer of Do I Stay Christian?, Brian wanted to revisit the previous seasons that built up and connect to this very question. Joining Brian in conversation are Center for Action and Contemplation staff members Mike Petrow, Gigi Ross, and Dawson Allen. At the end of this season, we'll come back together to reflect and respond to what the listener's submitted during the season...

How have you experienced the grief of growth?   In this episode, Barbara Brown Taylor joins Brian for a stimulating conversation about the importance of emotional honesty on each step of our spiritual journey. As we outgrow religious ideas and practices, it’s tempting to bend the truth to make us comfortable—but that reaction slows the process of transformation.  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here...

How do we remind ourselves that Love is the center of our lives? As we continue this season, Brian and the guests offer guideposts for negotiating a new relationship to Christianity when we are ready to leave limiting beliefs behind. On this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis explains that living from a space of love is an active calling: “Love that comes from the heart demands justice. It insists on wellbeing. It insists on caring for the vulnerable. And that’s fierce...

Where do we go to replenish our hearts? On this season of Learning How to See, we're exploring ways to reframe our Christian identity so that it reflects our lived reality.   In this episode author, wilderness educator, and Mennonite organizer, Todd Wynward, offers his perspective that spending time in the wilderness—physically and spiritually— can fill our hearts and minds with new meaning.  Resources: The transcript to the episode can be found here...

What gets you into the flow?   Rev. Jacqui Lewis joins Brian again in conversation to envision a new way of living Christianity in this episode talking about the 24th chapter, Find the Flow. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at podcasts@cac.org

How do you create harmony in your life?  Can Christianity inspire us to focus on what kind of human we want to be—instead of trying to prove we’re right?  In this episode, Barbara Brown Taylor returns to the show for a continuing conversation about the necessary and profound work of reconsecrating our lives—spiritually and ecologically. As Brian explains, “You can leave Christianity, but Christianity won’t leave you. Christianity must be recycled, redeemed, and reconsecrated to be transformed...

How do you stand for what you believe without making others wrong? In this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis joins Brian again to discuss how we can declare our beliefs with love—and why it is essential for the healing of our communities and our planet.  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at podcasts@cac.org

What is your response when your faith tradition demands that you deny reality? Barbara Brown Taylor is back to discuss the importance of embracing “what is” more than adhering to our beliefs. This episode is based on 27th chapter of Do I Stay Christian?, Stay Loyal to Reality. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Who reminds you of who you really are—even during dark times? Jacqui and Barbara are back, together, to explore ways to stay human amid fear and uncertainty.   In this last episode exploring the chapters of 'How', these conversation partners explore the importance of humanity at the core of an authentic faith journey...