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Episode Notes: Summary of Arguments 1. Palm Sunday is a political confrontation, not a celebration. Tom establishes the historical and cultural context: Jerusalem at Passover swelled from 30,000 to upward of 500,000 people. Rome, aware of the uprising potential, flooded the city with military forces. On the same day Jesus processed in from the east on a donkey, Roman Governor Pontius Pilate rode in from the west on a war horse with full military escort — a deliberate display of imperial power. The crowd's response to Jesus was not festive; it was insurrectionary. 2. Every symbol in the passage is a declaration of war — or its subversion. The donkey, the cloaks, and the palm branches are not incidental details. Each one carries a loaded history. Riding a colt into the city was a messianic claim rooted in Zechariah 9:9 and the traditions of David and Solomon. The cloaks replicated the crowd's welcome of Jehu in 2 Kings 9, signaling a regime change. The palm branches were the national symbol of the Maccabean liberation, and "Hosanna" was the literal battle cry used to charge against the Syrians. The crowd was not worshipping — they were rallying. 3. Jesus seized the expectations of the people and then refused to fulfill them violently. He accepted the messianic symbols deliberately, but rode on a colt described in Hebrew as anah — poor, afflicted, oppressed. His kingship is subversive from the outset. He is not another Judas Maccabeus. He is not another Judas the Galilean. He is something the crowd had no category for: a Messiah who refuses to win through violence. 4. The neuroscience of the crowd explains the shift from "Hosanna" to "Crucify him." When political and religious symbols enter the picture, the brain's logic centers shut down and emotion centers light up. The crowd was not being fickle — they were being human. Their hopes were enormous, their suffering was real, and Jesus walked past all of it toward a cross. They felt profoundly betrayed. That betrayal is the hinge of Holy Week. 5. The pastoral challenge: give up faith in violence. The enduring message of Palm Sunday is that humans are tempted to believe one more act of force will finally set the world right. It never does. Seeds of violence grow more violence. Jesus entered as the king the world needed and refused to become the king the world wanted — and that distinction is everything. The episode closes with a call to lay down our own palm branches: the version of Jesus we've constructed to serve our preferred vision of power. Key Takeaways Palm Sunday is set against a backdrop of colonial oppression, military buildup, and a population at its breaking point — not a festive parade. Pontius Pilate's military procession and Jesus's entry happened simultaneously from opposite sides of the city — a deliberate counter-narrative. Jesus riding a colt was a deliberate, public claim to be the Davidic Messiah, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. The Hebrew word for "humble" (anah) in Zechariah means poor, afflicted, and oppressed — God's definition of leadership is inverted from the world's. Spreading cloaks was not hospitality — it was a political act modeled on the crowning of Jehu in 2 Kings 9, a declaration that regime change had come. Palm branches were the national symbol of Maccabean independence; waving them was like raising a liberation flag. "Hosanna" was a war cry meaning God save us now — the prayer of colonized people at their breaking point, not a gentle hymn. Neuroscience confirms what the crowd shows us: when political and religious symbols collide, logic shuts off and emotion takes over — in every age. The crowd's turn from "Hosanna" to "Crucify him" was not arbitrary — it was the grief of profound betrayal by someone who carried all their hope. Jesus entered as the king the world needed and refused to become the king the world wanted — and every demand that Jesus endorse our vision of power repeats the crowd's mistake. SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jesus is a wanted man. He’s been run out of Jerusalem twice, nearly stoned to death, and is hiding in the wilderness when word arrives: your friend Lazarus is dying. What he does next—and how long he waits before doing it—will raise more questions than it answers. In this message from John 11, Tom Rundel explores the theology of delay, the geography of exile, and the difference between the kind of love that shows up when it’s convenient and the kind that enters a tomb. Grounded in the Greek text, Black theology, liberation thought, and honest pastoral experience, this sermon asks: Where does God actually live? And who is supposed to do the unbinding? Key Take Aways God refuses the abstraction. The God of Israel knows proper names and local addresses. When the text moves from 'a certain man was ill' to naming Lazarus and his town and his family, it is making a theological claim: the God of Scripture sees specific people in specific places, not categories of suffering. Bethany is not incidental—it is the gospel. The town where Jesus performs his greatest miracle is the town built to house people politely exiled from the seat of power. God doesn't anointed in Jerusalem's temple. God is anointed in the group home for the sick and the marginalized. This is not the consolation prize of the gospel. It is the gospel. Phileo love has a ceiling. Tribal love—built on shared connection, affinity, and mutual benefit—withdraws when you become inconvenient, too loud in your grief, too different in your evolution. When Lazarus became sick and dependent and unable to reciprocate, Phileo couldn't hold him. It never can. Agape is different in kind, not just degree. Agape love is not built on what you share with the other person. It is built on the character of the person who loves. It moves toward the other at personal cost. It transforms the identity of the one who receives it. According to philosopher John Vervecky, this is Christianity’s singular contribution to the evolution of human moral consciousness. The delay is not a bug in the story. Jesus knew. Jesus loved. Jesus stayed. And Lazarus died anyway. The text doesn't resolve this—it sits inside it. The invitation is not to find a theological answer to the delay but to examine what kind of love we actually want: a controlling love that prevents suffering, or a humble love that enters grief and stands at the tomb. 'Jesus wept' is not a footnote. It is the theological center. Embodied compassion precedes resurrection. God does not manage the moment from a safe distance. God enters inside it. And when Jesus says 'I am the resurrection and the life,' the 'I am' is the divine name—not a future promise but a present-tense encounter. We build our own Bethanys—communal and interior. Communities build systems that push the sick, the poor, the doubting, and the different to the margins and call it order. Individuals exile parts of themselves they fear won't be accepted. The story of Lazarus says: may it not be that way. The miracle belongs to God. The unbinding belongs to us. Jesus raises Lazarus. Then he hands the work to the community: 'Unbind him and let him go.' The church is not the source of resurrection life. It is the community that removes the grave clothes—of injustice, exclusion, shame, and old systems of merit—from the people God has already made alive. The kingdom doesn't arrive in halls of power. Every time Jesus escapes Jerusalem and lands somewhere else, the pattern is the same: the place of power cannot receive what love is doing. The kingdom rises from the margins—from Bethany’s humble streets, not Jerusalem’s religious machinery. What looks like the space between death and resurrection is actually the condition for growth. The old framework has collapsed. The new one has not yet arrived. Most of our faith operates in that threshold. It is not an obstacle to growth. It is the condition of it. SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Summary Jesus heals a man born blind using mud and spit — a deliberate echo of Genesis 2 and a declaration that the sacred arrives through the physical, not despite it. But the miracle is almost beside the point. The real story is what happens next: a twenty-verse interrogation by the Pharisees who cannot allow this healing to mean what it means, because it would unravel the world they've built. The disciples' first question — "Who sinned?" — reveals a theology of retribution that places the cause of suffering in the body of the sufferer rather than in the structures that produced it. Jesus dismantles the question entirely: Neither this man nor his parents sinned. With one word — neither — he breaks open the either/or logic that has defined this man's entire life. We also examine what it means that the man's parents are too afraid to speak, that the formerly blind man ends up being the freest person in the room, and why Jesus' final words to the Pharisees are among the most quietly devastating in all of Scripture: "Since you say you can see, your sin remains." Lent is the season that teaches us how to see — not just what to see. This episode is an invitation to ask: what are we most certain about, and could that certainty be the very thing obscuring our sight? Key Themes The theology of retribution and why the church must repent of it Incarnation: why Jesus healed with mud, not just a word The Pool of Siloam and its prophetic significance Power, narrative control, and how systems respond to unauthorized transformation Perceptual confirmation bias as a spiritual condition The freedom of those who have nothing left to lose SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Follow the Drinking Gourd: A Map Encoded in Song Tom opens with his love of astronomy and the Big Dipper, tracing it to the African American folk song "Follow the Drinking Gourd" — a secret map taught to enslaved people escaping north on the Underground Railroad. The stars, the rivers, and the mysterious guide Peg Leg Joe become an extended metaphor for the kind of liberation the Woman at the Well is seeking. Setting the Scene: Why Jesus "Had To" Go Through Samaria By the time Jesus heads north in John 4, he's already overturned the temple economy and rattled religious authorities. Tom unpacks why most Jewish travelers avoided Samaria entirely — doubling a three-day journey to seven — and why the text's insistence that Jesus had to go through Samaria signals something theologically deliberate, not logistically necessary. 700 Years of Animosity: The Jew-Samaritan Divide Tom traces the deep historical roots of Jewish-Samaritan hostility — from the fall of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC, through Assyrian resettlement, the destruction of the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim, and the desecration of the Jerusalem temple — showing that Jesus was walking into centuries of compounded grievance and mutual contempt. A Woman at Noon: Double Exile Jesus arrives at the well at midday and waits. Tom explains that women drew water in the morning — coming at noon meant this woman wasn't welcome at the communal gathering. She's already an outcast within an outcast community: doubly exiled, doubly marginalized. Rereading the Five Husbands: Levirate Marriage and Courageous Faith Tom challenges the traditional "woman searching for love in all the wrong places" reading entirely. Through the lens of Levirate marriage law — in which a widow was passed to her late husband's brothers to produce an heir — he reframes her story as one of faithfully following every rule and finding the system failed her anyway. Drawing a parallel to Tamar in Genesis, Tom argues she isn't a cautionary tale about sin; she's asking the oldest theological question: Where is God when the system has failed you? Worship in Spirit and Truth: Dismantling Geographic Holiness When the woman asks about the mountain debate — Gerizim or Jerusalem — Tom argues she isn't deflecting. She's asking whether there's any avenue left for someone barred from all the accepted paths to God. Jesus's answer — that God is worshiped in spirit and truth, not geography — is a revolutionary dismantling of every gatekeeping system organized around sacred buildings and in-group access. "I AM": The Divine Name Spoken to the Most Marginalized Jesus speaks his most stunning self-disclosure — the divine name I AM from the burning bush — not to Nicodemus, not to the disciples, but to this woman at a well at noon in Samaria. Tom connects this to Moses's commissioning in the wilderness and shows how the same words now send her on an identical mission: go lead an exodus. Photini: Light-Bearer and Spiritual Mother The Eastern Orthodox Church honors this woman with the name Photini — "light." The town that excluded her now listens to her. She has no son, yet she becomes the spiritual mother of an entire community. Tom closes by returning to the drinking gourd image: we are not the North Star, just the constellation that helps people find it. SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Tom Rundel explores the deeper meanings and contexts surrounding the famous biblical verse John 3:16, discussing its historical significance, the character of Nicodemus, and the spiritual journey of understanding faith. He emphasizes the importance of context in scripture, the role of doubt in faith, and the transformative practices of Lent as a means to deepen one's spiritual life. takeaways John 3:16 became famous through a man with a rainbow wig. The context of scripture is crucial for understanding its meaning. Nicodemus approached Jesus out of curiosity and a desire for truth. Nighttime symbolizes a space for honest questioning in faith. Doubt can drive deeper spiritual inquiry and understanding. Spirituality involves seeing interconnected layers of reality. The kingdom of God is within every human heart. Lent invites us to explore our true selves without pretense. Transformation requires letting go of old understandings. Practices during Lent can help cultivate a deeper spiritual life. SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Tom Rundel explores the significance of Lent as a time for spiritual recalibration and intentional practices. He emphasizes the importance of understanding hunger versus appetite, the experience of mortality through hunger, and the temptations faced by Jesus. The discussion culminates in an invitation for personal reflection and growth during Lent, highlighting the power of love over the love of power.  takeaways Lent serves as an annual recalibration of our habits and patterns. Intentional practices during Lent can help cultivate virtues. Understanding the difference between hunger and appetite is crucial. Experiencing hunger connects us to our mortality and need for community. The temptations of Jesus illustrate recurring human struggles with power and control. Lent invites us to reflect on what we truly desire and need. The power of love is greater than the love of power. We are called to embrace our vulnerability and neediness. Lent is a time to displace negative habits with positive practices. Holistic growth during Lent can encompass physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Chapters 00:00 Lent: A Time for Recalibration 03:35 Intentional Practices for Lent 06:24 Understanding Hunger vs. Appetite 12:17 The Wilderness Experience 18:17 The Temptations of Jesus 30:08 The Power of Love Over Power 35:57 Invitation to Lent Practices SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Tom Rundel reflects on Black History Month, focusing on the inspiring story of Ruby Bridges and her courage during the Civil Rights Movement. He discusses the significance of Norman Rockwell's painting, 'The Problem We All Live With,' and how it encapsulates the struggles faced by Ruby as she integrated an all-white school. The conversation transitions into the themes of mountaintop moments, sacred separation, and the transfiguration of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of community, love, and the journey of transformation. Rundel encourages listeners to embrace their own moments of clarity and to practice resurrection in their daily lives. takeaways Tom Rundel reflects on Black History Month and personal growth.Ruby Bridges' story exemplifies courage in the face of adversity.Norman Rockwell's painting highlights racial tensions in America.Mountaintop moments provide clarity and vision for life's challenges.Sacred separation is different from escapism; it leads to transformation.Community plays a crucial role in individual becoming.Love is a powerful force that transcends arguments.Transfiguration reveals our true identity and destiny.Practicing resurrection is a continuous journey, not a one-time event.We must trust the light we carry, especially in difficult times. SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Tom Rundel explores the profound teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing its counterintuitive nature and the challenges it presents to individuals across the Christian spectrum. He delves into the historical context of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, illustrating how acts of non-violence and dignity can challenge oppressive systems. The discussion further expands on the metaphor of being 'salt of the earth' and 'light of the world,' calling for a communal approach to justice and love that preserves life and reveals truth in society. Takeaways The Sermon on the Mount is challenging and counterintuitive.Rosa Parks' actions sparked a significant movement for civil rights.The Montgomery Bus Boycott demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance.Salt symbolizes preservation and healing in a violent world.Light represents justice and communal action that restores dignity.Christian nationalism can distort the true message of the Gospel.Repentance is a way to reclaim dignity from oppressive narratives.Small acts of faithfulness can have a significant impact.Communities should organize around justice and love.Living out the teachings of Jesus requires courage and authenticity.Chapters The Challenge of the Sermon on the Mount Historical Context and Rosa Parks The Impact of the Montgomery Bus Boycott Salt of the Earth: A Call to Action Light of the World: Living Out Goodness   SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Tom Rundel shares personal anecdotes and insights about the nature of light, the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, and the significance of the Beatitudes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding unseen forces that affect our lives, the transformative power of imagination, and the call to justice and mercy as central themes in the Beatitudes. The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the societal structures around them, advocating for a compassionate and just approach to living.  takeaways  Just because you can't see something doesn't mean it's not affecting you. The nature of light includes both visible and invisible elements that impact us. The Sermon on the Mount offers a new perspective on societal norms and values. Jesus' teachings challenge our survival instincts and societal hierarchies. The Beatitudes call for a radical reimagining of how we engage with the world. Solidarity is essential in understanding Jesus' message. Imagination is crucial for hope and social transformation. Justice and mercy are intertwined in the teachings of Jesus. The meek are strong-souled individuals who refuse violence as a means of progress. A vision for the world must be rooted in the Beatitudes to be effective. SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This conversation explores the context of Jesus' beginning ministry, the nature of time, the role of prophets in society, ancient fishermen, and the call to solidarity and healing within communities. Tom Rundel shares personal fishing memories, transitions into discussing the serious nature of fishing in Jesus' time, and delves into the importance of understanding time as a social construct. He emphasizes the need for prophets to challenge unjust systems and highlights Jesus' radical choice of disciples from the margins of society. The conversation concludes with reflections on healing and the presence of God among those who are marginalized. takeaways Fishing memories evoke nostalgia and family connections.Jesus' disciples were not just hobbyists but working fishermen.Understanding the context of Jesus' ministry requires a shift in perspective.Time was measured seasonally in ancient societies, not precisely.Prophets challenge unjust systems and advocate for change.Jesus' withdrawal to Galilee was a strategic move for a new movement.The marginalized often see God's light more clearly than the powerful.Healing is an act of solidarity, not just a display of power.Community and care are essential in the Kingdom of God.Imagination shapes hope and action in our lives.Chapters 00:00Fishing Memories and Family Traditions 06:20Understanding the Context of Jesus and Fishermen 12:05The Nature of Time and Its Impact on Society 18:21The Role of Prophets in Challenging Systems 24:22Jesus' Radical Call to the Margins 30:20Healing and Solidarity in the Kingdom of God SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

n this episode, Tom Rundel delves into the historical and theological significance of Pope Sergius I's refusal to conform to political pressures in the late seventh century, particularly regarding the phrase 'Lamb of God.' This pivotal moment in church history illustrates the tension between faith and power, as Sergius stood firm in his beliefs despite the threat of arrest. Rundel draws parallels between this historical event and contemporary issues within the church, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of faith in the face of societal pressures. He highlights how the phrase 'Lamb of God' serves as a radical declaration of God's nature, contrasting with imperial power and domination, and invites listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the deeper meanings behind their beliefs. Throughout the conversation, Rundel encourages a re-examination of what it means to follow Jesus, emphasizing that true spirituality is not merely about beliefs but about living out those beliefs in a way that embodies love, vulnerability, and sacrifice. He challenges listeners to consider their desires and how they align with their spiritual lives, ultimately calling for a deeper allegiance to the values represented by the 'Lamb of God.' Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pope Sergius and Historical Context02:58 The Significance of the 'Lamb of God'05:27 Political Pressures and Faith Integrity10:00 Contrasting Symbols: Eagle vs. Lamb15:46 The Radical Nature of the 'Lamb of God'20:27 Faith as a Witness and Spirituality25:26 Desire and Spirituality: What Do You Want?30:50 Vocation and Living Authentically34:51 Closing Reflections and BenedictionTakeaways 'I'm a Christian.''God's power doesn't look like empire power.''What do you want?''Faith is a witness.''Desire is naturally human.''Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?''The lamb symbolizes self-emptying love rather than imposed force.''We can't pretend otherwise, even if these people in power ask us to.''This is who Jesus is.''Come and see.' SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Tom Rundel reflects on his journey from city life to a deeper understanding of faith, exploring themes of baptism, identity, and the call to repentance. He shares personal anecdotes and historical insights, particularly focusing on the significance of baptism as a transformative act that reveals one's true identity as beloved by God. The discussion emphasizes the importance of solidarity with others and the need for a profound reorientation of values in the context of faith. takeaways I did not grow up a country boy.I wanted to get out of the city.Fire is a symbol of baptism in the Bible.Worship what you have burned and burn what you have worshiped.Salvation and liberation are the same words.Baptism is an identity marker for us.We need a new epiphany for the new year.Repentance is a profound reorientation of values.We must stand in solidarity with those we help.You are God's beloved and he is well pleased.Chapters From City Life to Country DreamsThe Symbolism of Fire and BaptismThe Epiphany of Christ's BaptismSolidarity and the Call to RepentanceIdentity and Belovedness in Baptism SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This conversation explores the life and theology of Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century mystic who lived through the Black Death. Tom Rundel discusses how Julian's experiences shaped her radical theology, emphasizing God's love and presence in suffering. The conversation also delves into the nature of God, the distinction between the world and God's kingdom, and the importance of radical inclusion in the Christian faith. Finally, it advocates for a shift from Christian nationalism to localism, encouraging deeper community engagement and awareness of God's presence in everyday life. takeaways Julian of Norwich lived through the Black Death, shaping her theology.Her visions emphasized God's love and presence in suffering.Julian's radical theology countered the belief in God's wrath during the plague.God's love is deeper than death, offering hope amidst suffering.The world is not separate from God's kingdom; we live in both.God's presence is often unrecognized due to societal power structures.Radical inclusion in God's family transcends race and status.Christian localism emphasizes community engagement and care.God's vulnerability is shown through proximity to humanity.The gospel addresses both spiritual and physical realities.Chapters Introduction to Julian of NorwichJulian's Life During the Black DeathVisions and Revelations of Divine LoveThe Nature of God's LoveUnderstanding the World and God's PresenceThe Power Structures of the WorldRadical Theology and BelongingChristian Localism and Community Engagement SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

summaryThis conversation explores the unique perspectives of the Gospels, particularly focusing on the historical context of the Hebrew people, the rise and rule of Herod the Great, and the implications of Jesus' birth in relation to Herod's tyranny. It delves into the narrative parallels between Moses and Jesus, the significance of lamentation as a form of resistance, and the overarching theme of power dynamics in biblical history. The discussion culminates in reflections on authenticity and the nature of silence in the face of oppression. takeaways Different Gospels target different audiences with unique perspectives.Herod the Great's rule was marked by violence and political maneuvering.The historical context of the Hebrew people is crucial to understanding the Gospels.Herod's fear of losing power led to the slaughter of innocent children.The narrative aligns Jesus with Moses, framing him as a new leader.God communicates through dreams, bypassing traditional power structures.Lamentation is a vital form of resistance against oppression.Herod's death symbolizes the triumph of Jesus' life and message.Matthew's account seeks to correct the narrative surrounding Herod.Silence can lead to authenticity and self-discovery. SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This reflection explores love as a disruptive, risky, and compassionate force revealed in the Advent story of Joseph and Mary. Rather than portraying love as perfection or rule-following, it shows how imperfect love—choosing mercy over fear and presence over withdrawal—is enough to bring God into the world. Joseph’s decision to stay, despite uncertainty and social risk, reframes righteousness as compassion and justice as mercy, inviting listeners to see love as embodied courage in liminal, in-between spaces. Chapter BreakdownLiminal Space and Advent Love Life is lived in “in-between” spaces where transformation and possibility emerge; Advent highlights love within this liminality. The Disruption of the Virgin Birth God breaks patriarchal and monarchical expectations by entering the world quietly, without coercion or male control. Joseph’s Imperfect Love Joseph follows the law yet chooses mercy, redefining righteousness as compassion rather than strict rule-keeping. Love Resists Sanctioned Violence Love stands against violence even when that violence is justified by religion or law. God Interrupts Closed Systems Through dreams and divine invitation, God opens new possibilities beyond fear-driven decisions. Love Must Be Embodied Love is not an idea or doctrine but something lived out through risky, faithful action. Risky Fidelity Over Safe Withdrawal Joseph chooses to stay and grow through love rather than escape discomfort. Reflection and Practice Listeners are invited into self-examination and imaginative prayer to embody love in their own lives. Key TakeawaysLove often arrives as disruption, not certainty Imperfect love is still enough to bring God into the world Righteousness is compassion, not mere rule-following Justice and mercy are inseparable Love resists fear-driven withdrawal God opens new possibilities when systems feel closed Love grows when fear is faced rather than avoided Staying present can be a holy, transformative act SponsorsQuoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off) Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)  Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)   ConnectFind us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.