Month: June 2024

[135] Exploring Hell, Purgatory, and God’s Love with Derek Kubilus

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Unpacking the mysteries of hell and love with Derek Kubilus on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Derek takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the complex relationship between a God of love and the concept of eternal torment. Explore his ideas on purgatorial universalism, the evolution of hell in Christian theology, and how these beliefs shape our spiritual lives.

Derek has written a compelling book called “Holy Hell: A Case Against Eternal Damnation”. It is aimed at those traumatized by the fear of hell, offering hope and relief to individuals plagued by questions about the eternal fate of loved ones and themselves. We’ll explore how traditional views of eternal torment have impacted people’s relationships with God and spirituality, and how early Christian interpretations differ significantly from the dominant narrative.

In this episode:
(00:00) Compass explores spirituality, challenges conventional Christian doctrine.
(06:00) Book resonates with those questioning eternal hell.
(09:41) Exploratory theological journey led to innovative seminars.
(12:13) Convinced of purgatorial universalism, wrote book to help.
(16:43) People’s perception of God impacts relationships with others.
(19:39) Ancient Christians interpreted various words for hell.
(23:25) Spread of early Christian views on hell.
(26:09) Pruning: essential for growth and eternal punishment.
(29:17) Lost leg in 2012, endured painful rehab.
(35:32) Union with God, divinization, in human destiny. (39:36) Reinterpret old Christian standards for new generation.
(40:49) United Methodist Church embracing change with generosity.
(44:13) Busy episode, leave a rating, back soon.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications and is hosted by Rev. Ryan Dunn.

For episode notes and more ways to engage with Compass: www.umc.org/compass

Compass releases new episodes every other Wednesday.

Conservative pastor focuses on common mission amid differences

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A lifelong United Methodist and career minister who describes himself as “conservative” discusses how, rather than focus on differences within the denomination, he concentrates on the common mission to make disciples, a space that supports The UMC’s “big tent” distinction.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

MyCom Podcast 096 | Understanding AI with Rev. James Lee

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AI remains a hot topic online, in the news, and in the church. UMCommunications recently hosted a webinar on AI, and hundreds of people like you signed up. We have seen an explosion of AI tools – from standalone or customized apps (like PulpitAI, which we discussed earlier this year) to AI integrations in apps you are likely already using. The next generation of phones, tablets, and computers are being developed with AI built right in. So, as AI becomes even more integrated in our daily lives, we wanted to continue the conversation here on the podcast. Joining us today to help with that is Rev. James Lee, Director of Communications for the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey Conferences of the United Methodist Church.

 

 

 

Methodist Abolitionists: Boldly following a ‘higher law’

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The Rev. Dr. Christopher P. Momany, author of “Compelling Lives: Five Methodist Abolitionists and the Ideas that Inspired Them” joins Dr. Ashley Boggan D. as a guest on “Un-Tied Methodism” to discuss key Methodists whose opposition to slavery and witness for justice was grounded in the “higher law” of godly authority rather than human-made laws.

Learn more about and/or purchase Momany’s book at christopherpaulmomany.com.

Check out this video produced by the Michigan Conference of The UMC that features Momany’s study and outreach in support of “Compelling Lives.”

Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.

Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.

Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.

[134] Spiritual practices for busy lives with Andrew Lang

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Rediscover centering and spirituality with Andrew Lang on “Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday.” Andrew Lang, a guiding voice in spiritual practices, shares transformative insights on integrating centering practices into daily life, overcoming the “dark night of the soul,” and finding creative ways to connect with our spirituality.

Listen in as Lang explains how centering practice can reshape our responses to life’s challenges and help build personalized spiritual rhythms. Whether grappling with the daily grind or seeking meaningful spiritual practices that fit your modern life, this episode offers practical wisdom and thoughtful reflections.

(00:00) Discovering spirituality in daily life with Andrew.
(04:39) Educator, non-profit worker, and spirituality advocate.
(09:13) Reflect on life, relationships, and behaviors honestly.
(11:29) Writing, drawing, and mapping express individual experiences.
(15:43) Embracing the spiritual connection of body and soul.
(18:31) Centering defined as finding alignment in the body.
(21:29) Physical and mental practice in different sizes.
(24:35) Glorification of dark night of the soul.
(26:28) Measuring effectiveness in spiritual practice for connection.
(30:32) Variety of meditation practices including box breathing.
(36:10) Prayer can be flexible and creative.
(37:43) Upcoming workshops on practice and self-improvement.
(40:03) Cultivating everyday spirituality for meaningful stories.

Find episode notes and more from Compass at www.umc.org/compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

Following a ‘holy nudge’ from self-doubt to self-discovery

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Discover how a “holy nudge” led Jordan Cramer on a journey from self-doubt to self-discovery while earning his Master of Divinity degree. The cradle United Methodist’s story of commitment and faith reveals God’s transformative power available to all of us.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.