What happens when a staunch conservative evangelical embarks on a transformative journey toward progressive Christianity? Join us in an enlightening conversation with Simon J. Cross as he unpacks his remarkable shift in faith and ideology. Simon reflects on his evangelical upbringing, the political and justice commitments it fostered, and the limitations he encountered within traditional evangelical frameworks. Discover how he balances his deep-rooted Christian identity with progressive values, offering profound insights into the importance of change as a cornerstone of his theology and worldview. Through his work at the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and social science, Simon delves into how relational theology can bolster mental well-being.

In our exploration of evolving theological perspectives, Simon challenges traditional notions of a distant, omnipotent deity. Instead, he presents a compelling case for a relational understanding of God, one that is deeply affected by human suffering and social injustice. This chapter ties together themes from post-Holocaust theological developments and liberation theology, all while addressing the dual role Christianity plays in Western society—both as a force for liberation and oppression. Simon's experiences in mentoring, client work, and his reflections on the pervasive influence of Christianity offer listeners a nuanced perspective on faith's role in contemporary issues.

Our conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as we discuss the importance of interfaith and intra-faith dialogue, the preservation of community spaces and rituals, and the intersection of Christianity and anarchism. Simon shares his views on rethinking tradition to maintain relevance in modern society and emphasizes the mental health benefits of communal activities. We also dive into the concept of challenging imaginary borders, especially in the context of national boundaries and migration. Finally, Simon highlights his current projects and invites listeners to engage with his ongoing work on Substack. This episode promises to be a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of a progressive faith journey.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

Can understanding primal fears reshape our polarised society? Join us for an interesting conversation with Kirk Schneider, an esteemed psychologist in existential-humanistic existential-integrative psychotherapy. Kirk shares his groundbreaking concept of the "polarized mind," a state driven by primal fear and anxiety, and reflects on how his upbringing, political interests and the US' response to the Iraq War shaped his thoughts on societal issues. Drawing insights from Otto Rank and Ernest Becker, he emphasises the importance of addressing our inner lives and existential struggles to foster a more harmonious society.

In navigating some of the complexities of modern life, Kirk and Robbie delve into the tension between contemporary diversity and the nostalgic longing for simpler times. We discuss the allure and pitfalls of quick fixes versus the desire for a more contemplative existence. By exploring Emmanuel Levinas' ideas on recognizing shared vulnerabilities, we discuss the necessity of creatively engaging with diverse perspectives to bridge our societal divides. We also explore shedding light on the underlying fears that drive polarisation and the importance of addressing them to foster coexistence.

Finally, we explore the political landscape through the lens of liberalism and conservatism, examining some of their tendencies and the dynamics of polarisation. By sharing practical insights from bridge-building dialogues, like those from the Experiential Democracy Dialogue and Braver Angels, we discuss tools that might be helpful in fostering understanding across ideological divides. We finish by discussing the role of fear in shaping reactive behaviours and the transformative potential of connectedness and embodied presence. Our hope is that this conversation might support appreciation for the power of meaningful, emotionally restorative interactions.

What if your personal and political identities could revolutionize your approach to therapy? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dwight Turner, a renowned psychotherapist and social activist, who intricately weaves his journey from a British Caribbean upbringing, school, and military experiences to his transformative time in Berlin. Dwight shares how his exposure to therapy and political literature ignited a passion for integrating activism with his clinical work, challenging the traditional boundaries of psychotherapy.

In this episode, we discuss the need for diversity and decolonization within the therapy field. We explore Dwight's role at the University of Brighton, emphasizing the integration of feminist and political perspectives into the training of humanistic psychotherapists. We also look at the importance of therapists' ethical self-awareness to prevent bias projection, advocating for training programs that reflect historical and political contexts. This discussion underscores the collective responsibility of the psychotherapeutic profession to evolve, incorporating voices and narratives from minority communities to foster inclusive and impactful practice.

In this episode, Dwight provides invaluable insights into maintaining professional boundaries while challenging oppressive systems, emphasizing the potential for political change within clients through the therapeutic relationship. This episode is a call to action for therapists to stay engaged in political discourse and advocate for sustained social change beyond the election cycles.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents