Category: Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

  • Quick takes on tough questions of the Christian faith

    We’ll explore questions like: Does God need our worship? Are some sins worse than others? How does spirituality affect mental health? Can science and religion coexist? Where do we see evidence of God? And why would a good God allow for evil? We’ll provide perspectives and insights on these questions, emphasizing that our answers are…

  • [121] Israel, conflict, end times and interventions of peace

    The Compass Podcast looks into a topic that has been making headlines and stirring heated debates: the Israel and Gaza conflict. Specifically, we will address a perplexing phenomenon: the religiously driven blind support of Israeli militarism by some Christians. What theological perspectives drive such a fascination with this conflict and where did those ideas come…

  • [120] Discovering evidence of the Divine in everyday moments with Mark Feldmeir

    Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, culture, and personal experiences with Rev. Mark Feldmeir. Mark’s faith journey led him to question the nature of God’s power, especially in the face of suffering and evil. He emphasized that God’s power is not coercive or unilateral, but rather persuasive. Mark also reflected on the…

  • [119] What makes United Methodists different?

    Hosts Ryan Dunn and Michelle Maldonado, alongside guest Ashley Boggan, take us on a journey to uncover the distinctiveness of the Methodist faith. Initially produced as part of the United Methodist Podcast-a-thon, this episode offers insightful perspectives from Dr. Ashley Boggan, the general secretary of the United Methodist Church’s General Commission on Archives and History.…

  • [118] Artificial intelligence and your spiritual journey

    Are you ready to explore the intersections of artificial intelligence and spirituality? Join us on the latest episode of Compass as we dive into the impact of AI on the Christian spiritual journey. We navigate the potential benefits and pitfalls of integrating AI into our everyday spirituality, play around with AI Jesus entities, and hear…

  • [117] Does the Bible contradict itself? With Josh Scott

    Rev. Josh Scott, author of “Bible Stories for Grown Ups” explores with us the paradoxical possibilities of the Bible’s ancient narratives. We dive deep into the serious question of faith: “What do we make of the seeming contradictions and inconsistencies in the Bible?” Josh helps us see how asking these tough, discomforting questions can become…

  • 116: The Force and the Final Frontier

    It’s time for cosmic theology as we examine the spiritual depths of Star Wars and Star Trek. Covering everything from Jedi to Klingons, Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn are going boldly forth seeking the spiritual in space. Join us as we explore the theological reflections found in these iconic franchises. For episodes and notes, visit…

  • Re-listen: Rediscovering church with Jerry Herships

    Reverend Jerry Herships shares his unique perspective on creating a nontraditional community that connects with something bigger and provides a sense of belonging. Jerry has worked as stand-up comedian. He wrote for Jay Leno. He’s authored a couple books, including Last Call: from serving drinks to serving Jesus and Rogue Saints: Spirituality for Good Hearted…

  • 114: [Re-listen] Wagon of grace with Ryan Canaday

    Rev. Canaday shared with us his story of recovery in alcoholism and finding deep connection with a higher power. This connection led Ryan to explore the power of support groups and specifically the role of spirituality in recovery. All this ultimately led to Ryan founding a church based on recovery. We’re five years on from…

  • 113: Art and your spiritual journey

    Art and prayer share much in common–so much so that art can lead us into prayer and connection with the Divine. In this episode of Compass, Michelle and Ryan try out two art-based spiritual practices… and they provide directions on how you can utilize these practices as well. To see “The Annunciation” by Henry Ossawa…