The Central Cast
Central is a healing and inclusive spiritual community for those hurt by religion and seeking the sacred. We are a fully affirming community that discusses challenging spiritual topics, reflects through progressive Christian liturgy, communes over food and drink, and serves our neighbors.
Episodes
This episode follows the host's journey from seminary doubt to spiritual re-discovery. He recounts wrestling with atonement, the collapse of traditional beliefs, and the friendships that shaped his faith.
The conversation explores what it means to take ownership and responsibility for your beliefs, how we project ourselves onto gods, and why freedom to choose can feel overwhelming.
Drawing on stories of Abraham and Moses, reflectio...
This episode explores the collapse of American and religious myths, drawing parallels between political crisis and spiritual deconstruction. Aaron reflects on Jesus' myth-shattering ministry, historical examples of renewal after failure, and the fragility of national narratives.
The conversation turns to hope found in small, committed communities, practical resistance, and the possibility of reinventing faith and society after trau...
In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Mary Magdalene, exploring the misconceptions that have long clouded her true role in biblical history. Our guest, Madison, shares insights on how Mary Magdalene’s identity was shaped by historical and biblical misunderstandings, and how she was ultimately a powerful witness to Jesus’ resurrection.
We discuss the historical silencing of women in ministry and the impact of patria...
In this episode Julie discusses the power of humility in our lives and in the church and how spiritual arrogance and ego often dominates the church scene, especially the lives of pastors. She details how we can spot and resist such individuals and institutions, and why they often proliferate unchecked.
In this episode of the Central Cast Podcast, we delve into the profound teachings of St. John of the Cross and his emphasis on inner illumination. We explore the concept of the 'dark night of the soul' as a pathway to divine love and unity, transcending traditional religious constraints.
The discussion flows into contemporary themes, comparing the classic mystical journey with modern deconstruction to exemplify personal transforma...
Join us in this intriguing episode of the Central Cast as we delve into the heart of Christian mysticism and its rebellious spirit. Discover the early Christian mystical movement of Gnosticism and how it contrasted with proto-Orthodox Christianity, redefining the human journey from repentance to enlightenment.
Explore the provocative teachings of Jesus, who challenged established religious and social structures, advocating for a p...
Welcome to the first episode of our three-week series "VBS for Mystics," where we explore profound questions about our existence, consciousness, and our inherent connection to the universe. Drawing from the wisdom of philosopher Gabriel Marcel, we discuss the idea that we are not only a part of the infinite but are the infinite itself, manifesting as living beings. This episode invites you to contemplate our oneness with all things...
Join us this week as Julie Davis, our community pastor, speaks about vulnerability and transparency as essential elements of community building.
Julie shares an honest, personal story of a transformative moment in her spiritual journey, where she confronts her relationship with the Bible and embraces a new way of seeing faith. This pivotal experience leads her to question traditional scripture and explore how stories from our own c...
This thought-provoking episode examines the role of evangelical churches and conservative politics in shaping societal attitudes towards the trans, intersex, queer, and non-binary communities today. It highlights the historical and cultural patterns of scapegoating minority groups, emphasizing the complexities surrounding gender identity in our current socio-political climate.
Join us as we engage in a candid dialogue exploring the...
Join us in this compelling episode of the Central Cast as we welcome Julie Davis, the new community pastor, who delves into the transformative power of queer theology and its potential to revitalize modern Christianity. Reflecting on her personal journey and struggles within the evangelical church as a queer Christian, Julie advocates for embracing non-binary perspectives and honoring the process of becoming within our faith commun...
In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of crisis on faith formation, tracing back to how socio-political upheavals like the Babylonian conquest of Judah led to the creation of the Old Testament. The discussion explores how these challenges not only birthed the Hebrew Bible but also shaped its theological narratives.
The episode further examines how similar themes of crisis re-emerge in the New Testament, particularly in...
In this week's discussion, we delve into the inspirational words of philosopher Ayodeji Timi Williams, exploring the concept of life as a wave meant to pass through us rather than being held onto. Join us as we uncover the beauty of fleeting moments and the significance of living in the present.
Our journey takes a personal turn as we hear insights from a hospice chaplain's perspective on embracing impermanence and the deep connect...
In this week's episode of the Central Cast, we honor the life and legacy of Rachel Held Evans, celebrating her contributions as a significant voice in progressive Christianity. Recorded live at our church in Glendale, California, we explore her influence on many, particularly Millennials and Gen Xers, as both a spiritual leader and a personal inspiration to our community.
We reflect on Rachel's journey from an evangelical upbringin...
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