Best The Liturgists Podcasts (2024)

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303: Names of God in the Beatitudes 7:02

6d ago7:02

7:02

This series is inspired by the section of Yeshua’s (Jesus) famous “Sermon on the Mount” commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” or the “Blessed Are’s”. The passage can be found in Matthew 5:3-12. To get early access to this series join us on: Harkening Deer | Christian Meditation Patreon (Best way to support!) Insight Timer (FREE option!!) Aura (3…

1
302: The Oppressed 8:52

9d ago8:52

8:52

This series is inspired by the section of Yeshua’s (Jesus) famous “Sermon on the Mount” commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” or the “Blessed Are’s”. The passage can be found in Matthew 5:3-12. To get early access to this series join us on: Harkening Deer | Christian Meditation Patreon (Best way to support!) Insight Timer (FREE option!!) Aura (3…

1
301: The Persecuted 8:23

13d ago8:23

8:23

This series is inspired by the section of Yeshua’s (Jesus) famous “Sermon on the Mount” commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” or the “Blessed Are’s”. The passage can be found in Matthew 5:3-12. To get early access to this series join us on: Harkening Deer | Christian Meditation Patreon (Best way to support!) Insight Timer (FREE option!!) Aura (3…

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EPISODE 300!! (The PeaceMakers) 7:42

17d ago7:42

7:42

This series is inspired by the section of Yeshua’s (Jesus) famous “Sermon on the Mount” commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” or the “Blessed Are’s”. The passage can be found in Matthew 5:3-12. To get early access to this series join us on: Patreon (Best way to support!) Insight Timer (FREE option!!) Aura (30-Day Guest Pass to the full app!) Har…

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#142 – Candida Moss (Part 1): Enslaved Authors of Christianity 44:00

16d ago44:00

44:00

Listen to the After Show Candida Moss is a leading theology professor, about her groundbreaking research on the enslaved Christians who helped create the New Testament. Discover how this reshapes our understanding of biblical inspiration, ancient authorship, and Christianity’s historical complicity in slavery. Get Candida's book God's Ghostwriters.…

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299: The Pure In Heart 9:39

20d ago9:39

9:39

This series is inspired by the section of Yeshua’s (Jesus) famous “Sermon on the Mount” commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” or the “Blessed Are’s”. The passage can be found in Matthew 5:3-12. To get early access to this series join us on: Harkening Deer | Christian Meditation Patreon (Best way to support!) Insight Timer (FREE option!!) Aura (3…

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#141 – Rethinking the Tower of Babel 23:31

23d ago23:31

23:31

To become a supporter of Almost Heretical and get more bonus episodes like this, click here: http://almostheretical.com/subscribe In this bonus episode of Almost Heretical, Nate Hanson and Shelby dive into the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11. They discuss its significance, the cultural context, and various interpretations, including its…

1
298: The Merciful 7:30

28d ago7:30

7:30

This series is inspired by the section of Yeshua’s (Jesus) famous “Sermon on the Mount” commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” or the “Blessed Are’s”. The passage can be found in Matthew 5:3-12. To get early access to this series join us on: Patreon (Best way to support!) Insight Timer (FREE option!!) Aura (30-Day Guest Pass to the full app!) Mor…

1
297: Those Who Hunger & Thirst 7:23

1M ago7:23

7:23

This series is inspired by the section of Yeshua’s (Jesus') famous “Sermon on the Mount” commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” or the “Blessed Are’s”. The passage can be found in Matthew 5:3-12. To get early access to this series join us on: Patreon (Best way to support!) Insight Timer (FREE option!!) Aura (30-Day Guest Pass to the full app!) Mo…

1
Try writing your next homily in a coffee shop 37:56

1M ago37:56

37:56

A homily is a public speech, so it only makes sense to write it in public, says Scott VanDerveer, who mostly writes his homilies sitting at a long shared table in a coffee shop. “I love looking up at whoever’s in line at the cash register at that moment and thinking, ‘Would this guy, or would this woman care about what I’m saying at all; would this…

1
Episode 33: The DeFrancesco Interviews, Part 2 1:02:40

1M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

In this episode, we discuss the second of Michael DeFrancesco's interviews with Fr. Rivers in the last few years of Rivers’ life, recently posted to YouTube. Emily and Eric are joined by Fr. Tom DiFolco, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and fellow friend of Fr. Rivers. The three point out interesting features of the second DeFrancesc…

1
296: The Meek 7:53

1M ago7:53

7:53

This series is inspired by the section of Yeshua’s (Jesus) famous “Sermon on the Mount” commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” or the “Blessed Are’s”. The passage can be found in Matthew 5:3-12. To get early access to this series join us on: Patreon (Best way to support!) Insight Timer (FREE option!!) Aura (30-Day Guest Pass to the full app!) Mor…

1
#140 – Frank Kenny: Unveiling the God of War 57:41

1M ago57:41

57:41

Listen to the Frank Kenny after show! How has our understanding of God evolved over time? Nate & Shelby talk with Frank Kenny about his book, The God of War: How an Ancient God Shaped a Modern World (link), exploring the historical contexts and conflicts that have shaped modern Christianity. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretica…

1
Never start a homily with these 4 words 37:32

1M ago37:32

37:32

A surefire way to lose your congregation’s attention is to start a homily with “In today’s Gospel reading,” says Thomas Groome. “The purpose of good preaching,” he says, “is to bring our lives to God and God to our lives.” A preacher’s job, then, is to facilitate a meaningful conversation between the two. This week on “Preach,” Tom, a professor of …

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Preachers: Tell a story that will stay with your listeners long after the homily is over. 34:55

2M ago34:55

34:55

Though Jesus preached in parables that still captivate us, not every story told in a homily has a similarly lasting impact. The Rev. Christopher Clohessy shares how preachers can craft stories that linger long after Mass is over. This week on “Preach,” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., is joined by another South African priest. Chris is a priest of the …

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#139 – Brian McLaren: Christianity Beyond Belief 59:13

2M ago59:13

59:13

Listen to the after show for the Brian episode where we talk about why the Church tries to control beliefs What if being a Christian wasn't about what you believed? Nate & Shelby talk with Brian McLaren about his influential works, including Do I Stay Christian? and his latest, Life After Doom. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheret…

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Ron Hansen on bringing fiction-writing techniques to homily writing 23:42

2M ago23:42

23:42

Ron Hansen has written award-winning novels that have been turned into Hollywood hits. As an ordained deacon, he crafts equally compelling homilies. This week on “Preach,” Deacon Ron Hansen, a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Washington and a prolific author, preaches for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B. His homily reflects…

1
Episode 32: The DeFrancesco Interviews, Part 1 54:36

2M ago54:36

54:36

In this episode, we discuss the first of the interviews Michael DeFrancesco conducted with Fr. Rivers in the last few years of Rivers’ life, recently posted to YouTube. Emily and Eric listen to clips of the interview and discuss their broad-ranging implications for worship today. For Episode 32 Show Notes, click here.…

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What young adults most need to hear in a homily 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

While most parishes struggle to attract young members, Saint Clement Parish in Chicago stands out with a mostly young adult congregation. This week on “Preach,” the Rev. Peter Wojcik, the pastor of Saint Clement Parish in Chicago, Ill., preaches for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B. In his homily, he reflects on the depth of Jesus’ committed love…

1
295: Those Who Mourn 7:17

2M ago7:17

7:17

This series is inspired by the section of Yeshua’s (Jesus) famous “Sermon on the Mount” commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” or the “Blessed Are’s”. The passage can be found in Matthew 5:3-12. To get early access to this series join us on: Patreon (Best way to support!) Insight Timer (FREE option!!) Aura (30-Day Guest Pass to the full app!) Sup…

1
#138 – Olivia Jackson: Why Christians Deconstruct 41:23

2M ago41:23

41:23

Listen to the after show where we talk about favorite books, women missionaries, and being anti-academia Olivia Jackson interviewed hundreds of Christians about their deconstruction experience. We talk about why people changed their faith. Is it different in America compared to the UK, Australia, etc? Olivia's book. Thoughts, questions, stories? Pl…

1
A preacher should offer the congregation a challenge—not cheap grace 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

Gemma Simmonds, C.J., a theologian and sister at the Cambridge Theological Federation in Cambridge, England, preaches for the Fifth Sunday in Easter, Year B: In her homily, she reflects on her experience of poverty in Brazil, giving significance to Christ’s words: “Make your home in me as I make mine in you.” Then, in the conversation with host Ric…

1
294: Poor In Spirit 9:18

2M ago9:18

9:18

Christian. Meditation. Podcast. Day One in our Beatitudes series. This series is inspired by the section of Yeshua’s famous “Sermon on the Mount” commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” or the “Blessed Are The’s”. The passage can be found in Matthew 5:3-12. Support for Harkening Deer: Harkening Deer | Meditation Harkening Deer Podcast Join us on P…

1
#137 – Tim Alberta: Reject Trump, Embrace Jesus 1:09:27

2M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

Listen to the after show where Nate & Shelby talk about Tim's more traditional beliefs... Why did they have Tim on? Tim Alberta reflects on how his Christian upbringing shapes his approach to politics, emphasizing critical thought over tribalism. He advocates for a church response that mirrors Christ's love and grace, facing societal challenges wit…

1
Bishop Stowe preaches on the climate crisis for Good Shepherd Sunday 27:08

2M ago27:08

27:08

“I think there's a major concern for living more in harmony with creation, which is a result of conversion,” says Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., “But I think Pope Francis is also, as our good shepherd, calling us to greater urgency to act because time is slipping away and we haven't done much.” Bishop John Stowe is a Conventual Franciscan, the third…

1
#136 – Tiffany Yecke Brooks: Spiritual Anxiety & Religious Trauma 1:02:46

3M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Listen to the after show where Nate & Shelby debrief and shore more thoughts about this conversation with Tiffany Tiffany Yecke Brooks discusses her evolution from fundamentalist roots, questioning long-held doctrines, and identifying spiritual anxiety as a trauma response. She advocates for reinterpreting biblical stories and emphasizes the import…

1
To be a good preacher, pray more and read widely 24:51

3M ago24:51

24:51

Good preaching requires mastery of rhetoric, in particular the tools of repetition and organization. “Otherwise, they’re not gonna remember,” says John Baldovin, S.J. “This is a no-brainer, but beginning, middle and end, and not trying to make too many points” are key to a compelling homily. He also adds with hyperbolic emphasis, “If you want to be…

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[Ep08] Fostering Musical Growth in Churches w/ Composer and Liturgist Greg Wilbur 30:58

3M ago30:58

30:58

In this episode, Magnus Gautestad and Greg Wilbur discuss the role of music in churches and how it can empower evangelism and worship. They delve into the importance of creating music that reflects God's attributes and how different styles can be integrated to unify the body of Christ. Greg emphasizes the pastoral role of music leaders and the need…

1
#135 – Thomas Jay Oord: Open Relational Theology 1:08:41

3M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

Listen to the Utterly Heretical after show episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with Thomas Jay Oord Dr. Thomas Jay Oord delves into open relational theology, highlighting a non-controlling, relational God and rethinking traditional omnipotence. Check out his book God After Deconstruction with Tripp Fuller. We addresses …

1
Striking a chord: The debate on singing in the homily 34:15

3M ago34:15

34:15

“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!” This is how Kim Harris starts her homily for the Second Sunday of Easter—in joyous song. “When Thomas first the tidings heard / How they had seen the risen Lord / He doubted the disciples’ word. Alleluia!...” Such daring from the ambo has long struck a controversial chord with preachers and liturgists alike, promptin…

1
When preparing to preach, treat your homily like music 35:54

3M ago35:54

35:54

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, God often makes Godself known through sound: be it a voice from a burning bush, a resounding clap of thunder or the blast of a trumpet. “God is revealed through sound,” affirms Ed Foley, O.F.M. Cap. “I think of a homily as sound theology,” he adds, “it’s acoustic engagement.” When preparing to preach, Ed, the Duns …

1
Episode 31: Found Family, Found Footage 1:03:22

3M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

In this episode, we interview Michael and Martha DeFrancesco, a Cincinnati couple who enjoyed a life-long friendship with Fr. Rivers that can only be described as “found family.” Martha and Michael share personal memories and wonderful details about Fr. Rivers the man (rather than the legend). They also share a few treasures in the form of footage …

1
#134 – Dr. Laura Anderson: Sex, Dating, Courtship and Trauma 1:02:25

3M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Listen to the 20-minute Utterly Heretical after show episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with Dr. Laura Anderson Dr. Laura Anderson tackles religious trauma, explaining it as our physiological response to religious experiences, distinct from the events themselves. She critiques purity culture for its detrimental effects…

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Ukraine military chaplain: Preaching hope to a world at war on Good Friday 32:12

3M ago32:12

32:12

When reflecting on the life, death and resurrection of the Lord while living in a state of military invasion and active war, Andriy Zelinskyy, S.J., says that “everything becomes more authentic.” For this Jesuit priest, who serves as the chief military chaplain of the Ukrainian-Greek Catholic Church, the task of preaching to those suffering in Ukra…

1
#133 – David Fitch: Is God's Love Coercive? 59:23

4M ago59:23

59:23

Listen to the extra 20-minute Utterly Heretical episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with David. Does Hell or even annihilationism mean that God's love is coercive? David Fitch (author of Reckoning With Power) debates with Nate and Shelby about whether we can call God's love "non-coercive". Thoughts, questions, stories? …

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A Preacher’s Guide to Holy Week: These are long liturgies. Be brief! 42:53

4M ago42:53

42:53

The liturgies of Holy Week need to be seen as a unity. With two weeks remaining before the start of this summit of the Christian year, the “Preach” team sought the expertise of two esteemed liturgical scholars and practitioners to give preachers a whistle-stop tour of the readings and liturgies for this sacred week. In conversation with “Preach” ho…

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#132 – Elaine Pagels: Trump and Doubting Thomas 1:05:53

4M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Elaine Pagels presents the compelling theory that the Gospel of John might have intentionally silenced the Gospel of Thomas. This interview not only explores the hidden gospels but also challenges us to rethink the foundational narratives of Christianity through the insights of Elaine Pagels. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretic…

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Father Rob Galea’s preaching strategies for reaching disengaged youth 33:23

4M ago33:23

33:23

“Explain the resurrection to me in two minutes without using any church language.” This is the challenge that Father Rob Galea sets for his staff to ensure they can easily relate to the young people they serve. “That takes practice, and that takes hanging out with the kids and understanding the way they speak, the way they reason.” Rob, originally …

1
#131 – Peter Rollins: The Philosophy of Deconstruction 1:21:09

4M ago1:21:09

1:21:09

We sit down with philosopher and theologian Peter Rollins to explore the intricate landscape of faith, doubt, and the philosophy of deconstruction. Rollins discusses the importance of embracing our uncertainties and the transformative power of questioning traditional religious narratives. Through a deep dive into philosophical theology, we uncover …

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