Best Debra Rienstra Podcasts (2024)

1
Seeing Nature as an Artist with Christy Berghoef and Thomas Jay Oord 1:03:14

13h ago1:03:14

1:03:14

How does nature inspire your sense of creativity? On this episode, we’re looking at nature through the artistic lens, with Brian McLaren and two gifted photographers, Christy Berghoef and Thomas Jay Oord. The conversation explores the ways in which their individual experiences and practices of photography have deepened their understanding and appre…

1
Bonus: Seeing Nature as Nature With Felicia Murrell 30:11

3M ago30:11

30:11

How do you typically see your relationship with nature? In this bonus episode, Brian interviews Felicia Murrell, author of And: The Restorative Power of Love in an Either/Or World. This conversation delves into the interconnectedness of humans and nature, exploring how a shift from domination to loving interaction can lead to a deeper understanding…

1
Seeing Nature as a Gardener (Part 2) With Cassidy Steele Dale 32:16

4M ago32:16

32:16

By Center for Action and Contemplation

1
Seeing Nature as a Gardener (Part 1) With Brett McLaren and Rachel McLaren 48:10

4M ago48:10

48:10

What if the way we see nature could be the key to a more sustainable future? In this two-part series, we're turning to see nature as a gardener. In this conversation, Brian speaks with two of his children, Brett and Rachel McLaren, about their love for nature and gardening. They discuss their childhood memories of exploring and appreciating the nat…

1
Kenda Creasy Dean | Innovating for Love 35:57

4M ago35:57

35:57

Is innovation just a buzzword, or is there something going on with innovation that Christians should be paying attention to? In today's interview, Kenda Creasy Dean takes us on her own journey. A journey that began trying to figure out where young people are finding meaning and purpose. Professor Dean is an ordained United Methodist Pastor and serv…

1
Seeing Nature as a Seeker With James White, Tony Jones, and Wes Granberg-Michaelson 58:08

4M ago58:08

58:08

How does time in nature benefit you? In this episode, Brian is in conversation with James White, Tony Jones, and Wes Granberg-Michaelson exploring the experiences and perspectives of those who have awe-inspiring experiences with the transformative power of being in nature. Together, they reflect on the meaning of fishing and hunting, the connection…

1
Seeing Nature as a Doctor (Part 2) With Theresa Martella 43:15

4M ago43:15

43:15

How do you feel when you witness the destruction of creation? In this episode, Brian interviews Teresa Martella, an environmental scientist and spiritual ecologist, about the interconnectedness of ecology and spirituality. Together they discuss the ecological crisis, climate change, and the deep grief that comes with witnessing the destruction of t…

1
Andrew Root & Blair Bertrand | When the Church Stops Working 35:24

4M ago35:24

35:24

What is wrong with the church? How can we fix it? In this interview, we explore what people think is wrong with the church. Guests Blair Bertrand and Andrew Root suggest that the church's problems are not necessarily what we think they are. We'll explore how secularism has shaped our imagination, and we'll explore different ways of thinking about w…

1
Seeing Nature as a Doctor (Part 1) With Debra Rienstra and Melanie Griffin 57:40

5M ago57:40

57:40

How does the connection between nature and spirituality influence your understanding of the environment and the challenges that it faces? In the next two-part series, we're exploring a new way of seeing nature, as a doctor -- but not in the traditional sense. Through conversations with academics, activists, scientists and spiritual directors, we're…

1
Seeing Nature as a Lover (Part 2) With Miriam Smith 38:22

5M ago38:22

38:22

What shapes the connection between your inner and outer landscapes? On the second part of seeing nature like a lover, Brian interviews a non-profit leader in sustainable development, Miriam Smith. In this episode, Miriam shares her powerful story of growing up in Chad during a civil war. She discusses how these experiences shaped her perspective on…

1
Khristi Adams | Womanish Theology 33:18

5M ago33:18

33:18

What do young Black girls have to teach all of us about God and about living our Christian faith? In today's interview, Khristi Adams explores the unique and invaluable theological insights of Black girls, including their perspectives on scripture, service, suffering, and hospitality. Her new book is titled, "Womanish Theology: Discovering God thro…

1
Seeing Nature as a Lover (Part 1) With Scott Smith 42:35

5M ago42:35

42:35

What can you do, big or small, to create a positive impact on the planet? In this episode, Brian interviews Scott Smith, a retired wildlife ecologist, about his career in conservation and the importance of protecting the natural world. Scott shares his early love for nature and how it led him to become a wildlife ecologist. He discusses the work of…

1
Seeing Nature as a Scientist (Part 2) With Susan J. Tweit 35:45

5M ago35:45

35:45

What sparks your sense of wonder in the natural world? In this episode, we're continuing our exploration of learning how to see like a scientist with botanist and author Susan Tweit. Brian McLaren and Susan Tweit explore how a hike in the Badlands sparked Susan's passion for sharing nature's wonders. In this conversation, they explore the power of …

1
Seeing Nature as a Scientist (Part 1) With Paul Wallace 43:13

6M ago43:13

43:13

Can we look at nature with both wonder and a scientist's eye? In this episode, we're learning how to see nature from the perspective of a scientist. In Part 1, Author and professor Paul Wallace joins Brian to explore the intersection of science and spirituality in the natural world. Together, they discuss the awe-inspiring scale of the universe, th…

1
Seeing Nature as a Child (Wonder) 48:59

6M ago48:59

48:59

What can children teach us about loving nature? In the first episode of season 6, three of Brian’s grandchildren — Ella, Ada, and Lucas — drop by to talk about how to take responsibility and care for the planet. In this conversation, we see the from the perspective of a child as three of Brian's grandchildren highlight the impact of climate change …

1
Introducing: Learning How to See "Nature" 6:55

6M ago6:55

6:55

Welcome to the sixth season of Learning How to See which focuses on learning how to see nature in a new way. In this season, we'll look at nature through the lens of a child, a scientist, a lover, a doctor, a seeker, and a gardener. The goal is to develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the natural world. We need to see every tree and ston…

1
Montague Williams | Church in Color 27:08

6M ago27:08

27:08

What's wrong with saying, "I don't see color?" Many have pursued racial color-blindness as if it is a virtue, but in today's episode, Montague Williams, author of "Church in Color: Youth Ministry, Race, and the Theology of Martin Luther King, Jr., shares his experience with youth groups to enlighten others to what young people are longing for when …

1
Ryan McAnnally-Linz | Life Worth Living 34:32

7M ago34:32

34:32

What makes a life worth living? Do we organize our lives around the pursuit of happiness, self-sacrifice, security, power, or wealth? In today's episode, Ryan McAnnally-Linz invites us to explore life’s biggest existential questions that make up the meaning of life. At the center of this conversation is the book McAnnally-Linz co-authored with Matt…

1
Kathleen McShane & Elan Babchuck | Picking up the Pieces: Leadership after Empire 35:54

8M ago35:54

35:54

What can spiritual entrepreneurship teach us about what God is doing in the world? In today's episode, Kathleen McShane and Elan Babchuck, co-authors of "Picking up the Pieces: Leadership after Empire," take a serious look at the story of Moses to better understand how culture and empire shape the ways we think about leadership and power, especiall…

1
David White | Tending the Fire That Burns at the Center of the World 32:23

8M ago32:23

32:23

How do beauty and creativity helps us know God? How does the beauty of God's creation re-enchant the world as we know it? In this episode, David White, author of Tending the Fire That Burns at the Center of the World, shares how aesthetics, playfulness, and creativity can be reclaimed in churches as well as classrooms.…

1
Debra Rienstra | Refugia Faith 33:43

9M ago33:43

33:43

What does Christian faith have to do with creation? As the global climate crisis becomes more and more pressing, Christian communities sometimes flounder in responding to this issue. In this episode, Debra Rienstra, author of Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth, shares how individuals and communiti…

1
Douglas Powe & Lovett Weems | Sustaining While Disrupting 36:59

10M ago36:59

36:59

Which road do we take when at the intersection of tradition and innovation? Faith leaders and congregants across the country are navigating patterns of change daily in their ministry. In this episode, Douglas Powe and Lovett Weems examine how congregations can experiment as they faithfully respond to God's call. The book they co-authored, "Sustaini…

1
The Seventh Story 32:48

10M ago32:48

32:48

What if we could reimagine the future of storytelling? In the last episode of Season 5 of Learning How to See, join in the conversation about how to create a new kind of space in which we can all participate in shifting our world towards greater Love and justice. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. To learn more about Gare…

1
Accumulation Stories 27:54

11M ago27:54

27:54

How do you embrace the wisdom of letting go? In this episode, Brian and Gareth explore the power of sharing to explore the Accumulation Story, a justification of our human need to hold onto things, people, and circumstances. Gareth explains: “This is a story about money and fear. It's a story about being possessed by things rather than enjoying and…

1
Victimization Stories 33:12

11M ago33:12

33:12

How do you tell the story of a time you have been wronged or betrayed? Many of us experience victimization. But when does "victim" become an outdated part of our identity? Brian McLaren offers us: “If victims allow themselves to take an offramp from their victimizing stories, they embrace another way to define their lives.” We're continuing forward…

1
Isolation Stories 39:08

11M ago39:08

39:08

“To be fully in the world is to believe that we can love other people and places more than we fear them.” –Gareth Higgins Have you convinced yourself that you are better off alone? Today we're exploring the dynamics of the Isolation Story — the belief that we can avoid pain by avoiding others. As Gareth Higgins explains, “While it may not be physic…

1
Amy Butler | Beautiful and Terrible Things 30:28

11M ago30:28

30:28

The first episode of Season 8 begins with an intimate interview with Amy Butler, pastor, educator, and author of "Beautiful and Terrible Things," that examines the deeply dark and incredibly wonderful moments life brings. This conversation explores the nature of faith, the inevitability of doubt, and the importance of radical love in facing all the…

1
Purification Stories 43:25

11M ago43:25

43:25

“Almost everybody who does evil has convinced themselves that they are doing good.” —Brian McLaren Have you ever convinced yourself that an unloving act was justified? In this episode, we're asking ourselves the tough questions and peeling back the layers of the Purification Story — a narrative with complex dynamics that can lead us to harmful inte…

1
Revolution Stories 38:13

12M ago38:13

38:13

“If you want a better world, tell a better story — especially one that centers justice without vengeance.” –Gareth Higgins How do we tell stories that offer us the best chance of creating a more peaceful and loving reality? In this episode of Learning How to See, we're exploring stories of revolution. Although these tales often contain values of he…

1
Domination Stories 49:56

12M ago49:56

49:56

“Stories shape our reality, whether they are true or not.” —Gareth Higgins What if you told the story of your life differently? Explore the powerful influence of stories in shaping our experiences in the newest season of Learning How to See with Brian McLaren and Gareth Higgins. In this episode, we explore the Domination Story, a way of understandi…

1
An Introduction to Seven Stories 43:23

12M ago43:23

43:23

“Becoming conscious of the stories we’re telling can be lifesaving to individuals and entire cultures.”—Gareth Higgins How do you recount life’s biggest triumphs and failures? What about your deepest loves and biggest betrayals? In this season, we'll be exploring the power of storytelling to help create a more just and loving world. This season, Br…

1
Sarah Barton | Becoming the Baptized Body 30:57

1y ago30:57

30:57

Baptism is a foundational practice, and is considered a sacrament in most Christian churches. This ancient practice has been significant since Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. Churches today have divergent theologies and ways of baptizing people. But in today’s interview, Sarah Barton shares what can be learned about baptism across these the…

1
Listener Questions: Navigating Faith Shifts in Marriage and Relationships 47:32

1y ago47:32

47:32

Have your spiritual views impacted your romantic relationships? In the next episode of our listener questions series, Brian and the team examine how our faith often impacts our relationships. Together, they respond to listener questions from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to help the listeners understand how to navigate the challenges the…

1
Listener Questions: Jesus and Theology 32:39

1y ago32:39

32:39

In this third episode of listener questions, Brian and the team respond to questions that came in centered around Jesus and theology. A listener writes, “I've been questioning the virgin birth and resurrection. As of now, I believe that Jesus was an amazing prophet who was so in touch with God’s spirit that he could do miracles, and his teachings w…

1
Listener Questions: Community 31:36

1y ago31:36

31:36

What does community look like when our faith shifts? “If I support my grandson who is gay, what do I do with my Catholic faith?” Brian, and the team from the Center for Action and Contemplation reflect on questions that came in around community. Resources: A transcript for this episode can be found here.…

1
Listener Questions: Actions and Beliefs, and God's Intervention 40:42

1y ago40:42

40:42

The topic of questions related to this listener questions episode is on actions and beliefs, and if God intervenes. Listeners wrote in with questions such as: “Does God intervene? Does Jesus heal? What am I doing when I pray for people? What precisely is the gospel? If I only had more faith, prayed the right prayer, and believed the Bible literally…

1
Keri Day | Azusa Reimagined 31:17

1y ago31:17

31:17

In the early twentieth century, a series of revival meetings in Los Angeles shocked the nation. They had unsegregated worship services where both women and men spoke in tongues, performed faith healings, and wildly claimed to be filled with the Holy Spirit. These meetings, held in a small run-down building on Azusa Street, were pivotal in the creat…

1
Kimberly Wagner | Fractured Ground 29:49

1+ y ago29:49

29:49

Sandy Hook. Uvalde. Pulse Nightclub. Hurricane Katrina. COVID-19. 9/11. For millions of people in our country, these words are shorthand for unthinkable traumatic events and the lingering effects of trauma. What can be said when a community is shaken to its core? How can a Sunday morning sermon help a fractured community? In this episode, Kimberly …

1
Victoria Atkinson White | Holy Friendships 23:19

1+ y ago23:19

23:19

What happens when ordinary friendships become something deeper, something more sacred, something—dare we say—holy? On this episode, Victoria Atkinson White shares from her new book Holy Friendships: Nurturing Relationships that Sustain Pastors and Leaders. Explore the nature of “holy friendships”: how they’re formed, their benefits, and how they mi…

1
Jonathan Lee Walton | A Lens of Love 29:52

1+ y ago29:52

29:52

Questions of how the Bible should be read by modern Christians have never been more important than they are today. What does it mean to read the Bible through a sociohistorical lens? Can identifying the politics of its ancient Judean writers help us navigate the twenty-first century? On this episode of The Distillery, Jonathan Lee Walton discusses …

1
Alexia Salvatierra & Brandon Wrencher | Buried Seeds 56:31

1+ y ago56:31

56:31

In an age of secularization, church planters face new, unexpected obstacles. Could the key to solving their problems be found in ministries started by marginalized communities? In this episode, Reverend Dr. Alexia Salvatierra and Reverend Brandon Wrencher discuss their new book Buried Seeds, an exploration of base ecclesial communities in the Globa…

1
Barbara Brown Taylor | Holy Envy 34:44

1+ y ago34:44

34:44

What does it look like for Christians to live in a pluralistic society? What can be learned from neighbors who practice different religious traditions? In this episode, Barbara Brown Taylor shares from her book “Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others”. We discuss her journey from pew to pulpit to professors’ desk, and the lessons she learned…

1
Stay Human 40:34

1+ y ago40:34

40:34

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. Whether or not you continue to c…

1
Stay Loyal to Reality (feat. Barbara Brown Taylor) 26:34

1+ y ago26:34

26:34

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.…

1
Mary Farag | What Makes a Church Sacred? 32:34

1+ y ago32:34

32:34

In the wake of the Jesus Movement’s emergence from the underground, designated worship spaces like churches began to be seen as sacred spaces in and of themselves. How did this happen? According to Mary K. Farag, it was the result of centuries of debate between ancient Roman jurists, Catholic bishops, artists, and theologians. Farag is Assistant Pr…

1
Renounce and Announce (feat. Jacqui Lewis) 26:16

1+ y ago26:16

26:16

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 t…

1
Re-Consecrate Everything (feat. Barbara Brown Taylor) 34:45

1+ y ago34:45

34:45

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 expl…

1
Find the Flow (feat. Jacqui Lewis) 35:14

1+ y ago35:14

35:14

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…

1
Re-Wild (feat. Todd Wynward) 38:41

1+ y ago38:41

38:41

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 f…

1
Start with the Heart (feat. Jacqui Lewis) 37:04

1+ y ago37:04

37:04

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 …

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