being human.: Recent Episodes
Chris Lewis
Whether through ancient wisdom, philosophy or religion, how do we navigate the 21st century whilst maintaining our humanity?
Hello fellow Humans! On today's Sermon Sunday, we'll be working through my favorite scripture. It is a rare occasion to go without notes and adequate preparation. But since there's great significance within, here are some thoughts on this specific text found within Paul's Letter to the Galatians.
Hello fellow Humans! In today's episode, I work through some of my life joys and challenges within the year 2023 C.E so far. Checking in and taking inventory are healthy behaviors that encourage personal growth and internal awareness. This my attempt at doing exactly that. Being human is a wonderfully, beautiful experience; take the time to be present and truly enjoy it.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's episode, Justin Choi joins us to discuss the document that changed the direction of history. Whatever your political, cultural or religious positions, the Declaration of Independence birthed an idea that resulted in a formation of a country many have called home. Our guest gives us some insights often forgotten as he helps us to remember the document that still impacts us today.
Hello fellow Humans! Today's episode marks the conclusion to the Creative Series. It approaches the "why" question concerning creativity, which can potentially lead towards life fulfillment. We are all little creators and expressing our unique crafts can help us discover our true selves whilst bringing us closer to the ideal of human potential, namely a connected society, united in achieving great feats.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's episode, Justin Choi is back for a special Fathers's Day episode. We take a journey through the Star Wars Saga, analyzing it through the lens of fatherhood. Join us as we celebrate dads on their special day.
Hello fellow Humans! Creativity is a beautiful process but it does come with its own set of challenges. One potential problem is creative blocks. They arrive in myriad form and can be molded to each individual's unique personality and essence. In this episode, we create awareness around some of the creative blocks many experience, as well as, some helpful ways to approach that which is obstructing our creativity.
Hello fellow Humans! Welcome to Sermon Sundays! On today's episode, we work through a text found within Paul's first letter to Timothy. Even though not all desire to become overseers within church community, it's incumbent upon all Jesus followers to become examples of God's heart to the world. So, let's take a dive into what healthy teaching looks like and how we can develop more faithfully to God's call on our lives.
Hello fellow Humans! Today's episode requires a "Trigger Warning"; as it deals with both the psychological and cultural definitions of triggering. Although this conversation isn't from a licensed therapist; the goal is to create awareness concerning the sufferings of traumas and perhaps, provide some helpful solutions toward enduring them when they return to visit our psyches. There's hope for us yet and hopefully, this episode is able to help point us in that direction.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's Sermon Sunday, we'll be working through a text found within Paul's Letter to the Romans. Through this particular passage, we dig into what it means to be a "living sacrifice", as well as, what it looks like to "renew the intellect" and lastly, is it okay to test God's will? Transformation is required of the church toward the similitude of Jesus; let's discover that life together!
Hello fellow Humans! Ever feel uninspired to create? Are you struggling to discover a source of creative energy? We've all been there and more than likely, we'll be there again sometime in the future. There exists methods to help during these moments and on this episode, we process through some of those methods, in hopes that they may help contribute to our creativity.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's Sermon Sunday, we work through Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer", found within John's Gospel. Why is Jesus' prayer for a united humanity important? Can unity even be achieved and if so, how? There's an answer to these questions but they won't be found in a sermon explaining an ancient text; only through the person of Jesus.
Hello fellow Humans! Join us today as we appreciate Mental Health Awareness Month. There are methods for developing a healthy mind and on this episode, we discuss some the tools for constructing a rich and meaningful life whilst dealing with mental illness.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's Sermon Sunday, we work through Matthew's account of Jesus walking on water. Has there been moments of doubts concerning Jesus' involvement when life begins to overwhelm? Are you struggling with your faith in Jesus? All Jesus followers experience these moments and hopefully, this sermon will encourage us to continue to trust God, even when we don't feel him near.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's episode, we're joined by Justin Choi to discuss resurrection and miracles within a Christendom paradigm. Justin works through these ideas from the scientific, medical and historical perspective.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's Sermon Sunday, we'll be working through an extremely difficult text found within the Gospel According to Luke. Jesus challenges the first century jews concerning their allegiances to family, self and their concept about the Kingdom of God. Jesus' words are still challenging today and it's our responsibility to consider the true cost of following him.
Hello fellow Humans! Do you know that the power to create is within you? What creative expression brings beauty to your life? Today's episode is part one of an examination concerning creativity. We all contain an innate desire to create, in fact, we're born to.
Hello fellow Humans! The church in Corinth suffered many issues dismantling unity and developing divisions. Paul challenges this young church to resolve their problems by remembering the foundation on which it was all built, Jesus the Anointed one. In the 21st century, we too deal with issues that divide. Join me in working through a text within Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians and just maybe we'll discover a way to recover Jesus' vision for his church.
Hello fellow Humans! Ever feel like you're living someone else's life, fulfilling someone else's expectations? Have you given up authenticity for the sake of acceptance? In a way, we all have experienced these emotions. This episode is an effort toward encouraging us to live out our truth; to be the person we were born to be.
Hello fellow Humans! Have you ever believed you're not enough? Or not good enough? Perhaps, you've sought approval from those who have never or will never give it. If you're like millions of humans on planet Earth who've experienced this lie, then this episode is for you. My heart goes out to you.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's Sermon Sunday, the atonement Jesus made on the cross gets its time in the light. Dogma, tradition and religious paradigms won't help us here. In fact, Jesus wants us to hold onto him, not the ideas attempting to create certainty and comfort. Only Jesus is for certain. And there is healing to be found in him.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's episode, solitude becomes the focal point of discussion. Have you ever felt the necessity to just 'get away'? In actuality, humans do need to be alone sometimes but not aimlessly. Solitude is being alone with intention.
Hello fellow Humans! Palm Sunday is here. Join me in unpacking a text found in John's Gospel concerning Jesus' "Triumphal Entry". The outcome wasn't what first century Jews had anticipated but it became much more than that.
Hello fellow Humans! Do you know your measure? Do you know yourself? If we don't know who we are, assuredly, others will tell us exactly who they think we are. Self-Discovery is important, included knowing our inclinations, limitations and strengths. On this episode, we start at the entry level into the unknown of who we are and potentially learning our life's task.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's Sermon Sunday, we'll be working through a text located within Luke's Gospel. The author spent a lot of time compiling the eyewitness stories that comprise a beautifully, compelling narrative concerning the person, Jesus of Nazareth. So, we appreciate god telling his redemption story through ordinary folks searching for light amidst darkness.
Hello fellow Humans! Have we truly thought about the qualities required to have lasting friendships? Honestly, if it's not something frequently thought deeply about, that is okay. This episode is the beginning of that process and you are invited to join me through it.
Hello fellow Humans! Do the things we own possess us? Is our relationship with money and wealth healthy? On today's Sermon Sunday, we work through the story of the young rich ruler. Hopefully, Jesus' challenge to the young man will help us examine our own connection to modern economics.
Hello fellow Humans! On today's episode, we're joined again by Justin Choi. Plunging into the depths of his brilliant mind, we work through the story of Mary Surratt; her connection to the Lincoln Conspiracy, subsequent trial and untimely condemnation. Thinking the worst in people is someone all human beings struggle with. But can we do any better?
Hello fellow Humans! Do you ever feel burdened, weighed down or overwhelmed? If you're like me, then yes, we certainly all do. On today's Sermon Sunday, we work through a text located within the Gospel According to Matthew. Jesus of Nazareth provides humanity with a very pertinent promise, rest.
Hello fellow Humans! Do you find it hard to stay consistent with your pursuits? Is showing up regularly hard for you? Well, then, this is our episode because it's difficult for all of us. On today's episode, let's work through the subject of consistency the best way we can, with vulnerability and honestly.
Hello fellow Humans! Today's episode marks the beginning of a new segment entitled "Sermon Sundays". The text is John 3:16. Perhaps, you have seen or heard it somewhere, probably at a sports event, bumper sticker or quoted by an evangelist who was simultaneously preaching God's love and threatening hellfire. Listen, as I struggle with the text and attempt to encourage the discouraged; a camp I'm often in, if I'm speaking honestly.
Hello fellow Humans! Have you ever been bored? Seems like a rhetorical question and perhaps it is. On today's episode, I attempt to look at boredom positively; seeing it as an opportunity for meditation, introspection and creativity. Join the journey towards unlocking human potential by allowing the mind to become bored.
Hello fellow Humans, personal rebirth is a desired achievement for many when going through some of life's most difficult circumstances. But, what doesn't get discussed often is the preceding death that has to occur. Death to a former self. A painful process with potential for great opportunity. Or at the very least, this episode is my attempt at creating an awareness for it.
Hello, fellow Humans! In this episode, Justin Choi joins me in working through a controversial topic found in the Hebrew scriptures. The subject of genocide in the Old Testament has been confusing, caused interpretive argumentation and has left many folks uncertain concerning continuing in their faith.
Hello fellow Humans! Did you know the probability of us existing as individuals is 1 in 10^2,685,000! Within this number is established the idea of uniqueness, which means, we offer a specific contribution to the common good. Join me, in this episode, as I work through this concept and attempt to reorient our minds to see beauty within both ourselves and others.
Hello fellow Humans! For theology Thursday, we are joined by special guest, Jonathan Taylor, to discuss the Christian doctrine of Biblical Inspiration. Firstly, what does inspiration mean? Does it matter? And lastly, what authority does Scripture have for the modern church? Join us on our journey as we navigate through these controversial waters.
Hello fellow Humans! Have you ever gone to the movie theaters alone? Do you think it's weird? Well, I definitely used to. In this episode, I work through some good reasons to go to the movies alone and how it can potentially help one become more independent.
Hello, fellow Humans! Do you know what core values you hold? Is it important? What are core values anyways? In this episode, I work through my journey in therapy and how my therapist opened my eyes to a world of core values. Awareness of which are most valued can radically reveal a window into our behavior and choices.
Hello, fellow Humans, on today's episode, I process through some methods for getting work done even when motivation is nowhere to be found. It can become quite inconvenient when important projects are due, insecurities are inhibiting progress or even when creativity dries up. It's in these moments that opportunity for personal growth arises.
Hello fellow humans, do you ever make New Year's resolutions and not keep them? Well, I would argue that few new habits actually stick but hey, that doesn't stop us from making annual promises to ourselves. In this episode, I share a personal approach towards beginning the New Year, which has benefited me substantially.
Hello fellow humans, have you ever avoided talking to a stranger because you knew they were going through something painful? We all have. Considering the holidays and the difficulties some experience during this season, how can we learn to lend out a helping hand or maybe just lend a listening ear? It just might change someone's world for the better.
Hello Humans! Has your imperfections ever held you back from pursuing dreams or from accepting yourself? Well, you're not alone, I have too. In this episode, I work through some personal stories of my own imperfections and get more honest than planned.
Hello, fellow humans! Today's episode works through the topic of failure. What it means, why we abhor it and how we can learn to embrace it.
Hello fellow humans! We all get hung up on our own personal identities. Whether, it's political parties, religious affiliation or even sports teams, we all connect ourselves to these systems. But what truly connects us all? Or rather, within a world of differences, in what way are we similar?
Hello fellow humans! Today's episode is a special one on the subject of Thanksgiving. Even though American history is extremely complicated and controversial, we ought to choose a heart of gratitude and kindness as we celebrate the best of humanity.
Hello, fellow humans! Life can often leave us feeling stressed out. So, how the hell do we deal with it? Well, in this episode, I work through recognizing the symptoms stress can produce and discuss some helpful strategies for managing it.
When romantic relationships deteriorate, who's to blame? In this episode, I work through taking ownership of my own marriage failures, mistakes and how to gather invaluable wisdom learning from them.
Fellow humans, loneliness is a viscerally, human experience. In this episode, I share my own personal battles with loneliness and some methods for getting though it. Loneliness can be an opportunity for self-growth and discovery, so, let us seize the moment with fervor.
A podcasters's great sin is not staying consistent with publishing content but what about rest? What if I need a break? Well, in this episode, I work through how to interpret bodily symptoms that perhaps reveal it's time to put down the mic and welcome the silence.
Fellow humans, in today's episode, Jonny Taylor joins me in a conversation about the Doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy and Infallibility. Is the doctrine helpful for Jesus followers? Can we find liberation through shrugging off the tyranny of Christian dogma?
Struggle with placing expectations on people? Me too. Let's work on it together as I process through my own story and discuss how we can break free from it.
Work is a complex concept. There exists an aversion towards the subject but can we discover a way to find meaning in our work? Listen as I struggle to illumine an answer.
In this episode, I briefly review Olivia Wilde's 2022 film, Don't Worry Darling. Also, using the film as a starting point, it seems as though the discussion of the dark side of human nature is definitely called for, specifically psychological abuse.
Family. How do we deal with missing them? And can we learn to use a negative emotion to propel our lives forward, thus making us a better human? In this episode, the "Fast & Furious" film series becomes a great starting point to a philosophical understanding of family.
In this episode, I work through the meaning of the words, "I love you" and how powerfully they can potentially affect our lives. Also, Noam Chomsky, the linguist, challenges my thoughts on knowledge through his book entitled, "On Language". Listen, as I struggle to make sense of the preposition he puts forward.
In this episode, I think through a wonderful quote by Stoic philosopher, Cato the Younger. Also, I discuss the importance of developing a discipline for listening to others and knowing when to speak and when not to.
In this episode, I do not discuss Taylor Swift's 2017 album, Reputation, but rather, the reality that we do not control what others say about us and how we can deal with it virtuously. Also, regret doesn't have to debilitate our capacity to move forward in life, so how can we learn to accept, process and learn from our failures? Listen as work through the problem of regret.
Who or what is "the Word of God"? Many Christians today accept the overwhelming consensus that the ancient documents, called the Bible, is God's Word. But shouldn't divine expression be more relational or even mystical? In this episode, my guest and I work through some common misunderstandings and what approach may be a healthier and more beneficial way to relate to the divine Word.
Do you have a tendency towards a melancholic mind? Wrestle with depression? If yes, then you share a similar affliction as myself. In this episode, I discuss a useful tool that has help me through my depression, curiosity. There is hope through life's foggy encounters, let's discover the potential of what that could be.
Writing is an art difficult to cultivate but we all have stories worth telling. In this episode, I read a post published May 11, 2022, encouraging people to write and to discover the story within. Also, I work through the question, "Why do people choose to emphasize evil in others?", in juxtaposition to the good in humanity.
Do you have trouble accepting uninvited life situations? Or maybe you have trouble letting go when life requires it? This episode discusses the necessity for both as learned through the writings of philosopher king, Marcus Aurelius.