Begin Again: Recent Episodes
John Chaffee
My name is John, I am a pastoral theologian and Begin Again (formerly Ambushed) is one of the ways I try to make good use what I have been given. I enjoy talking with people about new insights from or about church history, developmental theories, Spiral Dynamics, the enneagram, Christian mysticism, and integrating all of them together.
Christianity. I think these adjectives are incredibly helpful to add to our vocabulary, especially since they seem to give people struggling with faith so much freedom.For more, visit: https://www.johnchaffee.com
This is a reflection on St. John of the Cross's piece The Ascent of Mount Carmel (Book 1, Chapter 13, Paragraphs 11 and 12). His teaching on Todos y Nadas, or Everything and Nothing, has been utterly transformative for me... and so here I am sharing about this piece of mystical, post-conventional, second-wisdom.
alongside Jesus walking his way to the Crucifixion, and the twists, turns, and unexpected events of our lives.To sign up for my free weekly email, join an online class, or otherwise see more of what I do, visit https://www.johnchaffee.com
This one is essentially a Bible Study on Galatians 5, the Greek word Sarx, and how we know the Spirit from the Selfish Ego by what fruit they bear.For more, visit https://www.johnchaffee.com
, and our need to learn how to make really good amends.For more, join my free newsletter at https://www.johnchaffee.com and join my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
This episode essentially follows a version of Lectio Divina on a famous prayer by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin called Patient Trust (or Trust in the Slow Work of God).To join my free weekly email, visit https://www.johnchaffee.com, or to join my Patreon, look me up on https://www.patreon.com
This episode is devoted to understanding the ideas of empires and the kingdom of God. First it begins with the story of Exodus, to Solomon, to Jesus, to Constantine, to this cultural moment in America.For more, visit: https://www.johnchaffee.com
I hope you enjoy this!For more, visit https://www.johnchaffee.com and https://www.patreon.com/cw/johnchaffee
To reach out to me directly or to sign up for spiritual direction with me, visit https://www.johnchaffee.com
For more of my work, visit: https://www.johnchaffee.comOr, sign up for a session of spiritual direction with me at https://calendly.com/johnchaffee/spiritualdirection
Check out www.johnchaffee.com to sign up for spiritual direction, join an online cohort, learn more about my books, or get my free weekly newsletter.
Hey friends, check out this interview I had with #RobBell! We talk about his most recent book, Where'd You Park Your Spaceship?, Dill Tudd, Sigur Ros, Rafiki, Grief, and the writing/creative process!For Rob's Website: https://www.robbell.comFor John's Website: https://www.johnchaffee.com
This was a dense one! Dr. Wood adapted his Ph.D. dissertation into one of the most impressive, modern expositions on Maximus the Confessor. Maximus was a later Patristic of the early church and had his hand cut off and tongue cut out for how firmly he held to the logic of saying Jesus is the central logic (read: logos) of everything.He was incredibly humble while also showcasing that he is an expert on Maximus. What a great guy!Click here to get his book, The Whole Mystery of Christ: Creation as Incarnation in Maximus the Confessor: https://a.co/d/1bSsxfW
This was a delightful interview for the Begin Again Podcast with David Hayward about the kind of work he does, being people who chose to take the Bible VERY seriously, what a healthy church looks like, having a spirituality not built upon fear, anger, or shame, Bible quotes we are not allowed to talk about in church and so much more.If you would like to see more from David, check out his website at https://www.nakedpastor.com as well as @nakedpastor on all social networks.If you would like to see more from John, check out his website at https://www.johnchaffee.com as well as @thatjohnchaffee on all social networks.
Dr. Drew Moser is a professor at Taylor University in Indiana, author of The Enneagram of Discernment, father of 5, co-host of Fathoms Podcast, and so much more.This was a delightful conversation about his book on the Enneagram and how helpful it is, not only to young adults, but to anyone looking for ways to overcome being stuck in their decision-making and how to live a life with more wisdom and discernment. This truly was a joy and it was beyond the shadow of a doubt that Drew knows what he is talking about.To see Drew's Linktree of all the is up to, visit: https://linktr.ee/drewmoserTo see John's website, visit: https://www.johnchaffee.com
Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord is a best-selling and award-winning author, having written or edited more than twenty-five books. Academic Influence ranks him among the most influential theologians in the 21st century. Oord directs a doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary and directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology. He is known for his research and writing on love, open and relational theology, science and religion, evil and power, and the implications of freedom and relationships for transformation.For Tom's website: https://thomasjayoord.comFor John's website: https;//johnchaffee.com
Brad Jersak (www.bradjersak.com) is the Dean of Theology and Culture at St. Stephen's University (https://www.ssu.ca), and November 22nd is the release date of his newest book entitled, "Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction."
He was such a delight to talk with and I believe that his book is one of the best, if not my favorite, on the topic of deconstruction and how absolutely normal it is within the Christian tradition. In this interview we talk through St. John of the Cross, burnout, vulnerability, Moses, how the term "deconstruction" is now a little bit behind us, and how what comes next in Western Christianity might be incredibly exciting.
Enjoy!
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Without a doubt, this was one of the most fun and humble and exciting interviews I have ever done. Terry Wildman is the point man behind the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament.
Terry was so gracious as to talk with me for a full hour and we discussed not using the word "God" in the translation, Rabbis as "wisdom-keepers," the prayer practices of his people, decolonizing the Scriptures, and how this translation has been so positively received by so many various types of peoples and cultures globally.
https://firstnationsversion.com | www.johnchaffee.com
Shane and I sat down to talk about how Rusty Bowers, a witness of one of the January 6th hearings, referenced the Constitution as "inspired." Of course, this led to a further discussion about faith and politics, a conversation that goes all the way back to Constantinian times and the start of the Church's seduction to political power. It was a great convo. Shane is such a good dude. www.redletterchristians.org | www.johnchaffee.com
Keith Giles is an author of numerous books, a former Southern Baptist pastor, and currently lives in Texas with his wife. He has multiple podcasts and started a home church in which all tithing goes directly to local charities. His personal mantra and mission statement is: "I introduce Christians to Jesus." How fantastic is that? In this episode we talk about his most recent book, Sola Mysterium, and how people can embrace mystery as an integral part of their faith.
Personally, this was an absolute delight for me. I hope you all enjoy it!
Keith's website: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/keithgiles/
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christian #christianity #sola #mystery #jesus #cosmos #sauloftarsus
What does it look like to have a Christianity that is anchored in the best of the old while integrating the best of the new?
Check out my website at www.johnchaffee.com!
Shane Claiborne is one of the founders of https://www.redletterchristians.org, an organization based out of Philly that emphases the "red letters of Jesus." He is the author of many books and frequently travels the US to speak at churches and rallies and more. Shane clearly has a Franciscan heart in today's world and has settled into being a great example of "walking the walk."
In case you are interested, here is his Amazon page of all of his books: https://www.amazon.com/Shane-Claiborne/e/B001H6L6JA?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1655999673&sr=8-1
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Alexander John Shaia is a renowned author and speaker on Christian spirituality, psychology and is a self-proclaimed "ritual nerd." It was a privilege and a joy to talk with him seeing as his work has expanded my own heart, mind and soul so very much. To see more of what he is about, check out www.quadratos.com.
For John's Website: www.johnchaffee.com For John's Free Email the 5 on Friday: signup.johnchaffee.com
Brian Zahnd is the senior pastor of Word of Life Church (www.wolc.com) in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is the author of a number of books, all of which can be found on Amazon. His personal website is www.brianzahnd.com.
For more, check out John's website: www.johnchaffee.com To sign up for his weekly email: signup.johnchaffee.com
It was a joy and a privilege to talk with Cameron Trimble! Cameron is a serial entrepreneur committed to the triple bottom line – a concern for people, progress and the planet. Driven by an adventurous spirit, she runs businesses and NGO organizations, both secular and faith-based. She serves as a consultant, a frequent speaker on national speaking circuits, is a pilot, and an author.
In this episode we come together to talk about "The Great Unveiling" that these past few years of Covid has caused, an unveiling of what wasn't working for most people anyways. Her personal website can be found at https://camerontrimble.com.
For more, check out John's website: www.johnchaffee.com To sign up for his weekly email: signup.johnchaffee.com For a parent resource: parents.johnchaffee.com To donate: www.johnchaffee.com/donate
As a result of recent news, I was experiencing some heavy anger... and I don't think it was unjustified. The things I saw and the things that I read about actively led me to become angry over the injustices of the world... and I believe that we perhaps need to come to a better understanding of anger. So buckle up, in this one we are going to talk about healthy and holy anger. My hope is that it helps you to express your anger in a healthy and holy way and let it evolve into holy action that the world so desperately needs from you.
For more, check out John's website: www.johnchaffee.com To sign up for his weekly email: signup.johnchaffee.com For a parent resource: parents.johnchaffee.com To donate: www.johnchaffee.com/donate
This one is a straight up shout out and encouragement for all the thru-hikers on the AT this year. I met a good number of you at Trail Days in Damascus, VA last week, and I hope we stay in touch. Please share this with any other thru-hikers that listen to podcasts. Just trying to pay forward the good times. Remember, "Last one to Katahdin wins!"
For more, check out John's website: www.johnchaffee.com To sign up for his weekly email: signup.johnchaffee.com For a parent resource: parents.johnchaffee.com To donate: www.johnchaffee.com/donate
This week I thought it would be great to share with you two lengthier quotes from Thich Nhat Hanh's Living Buddha, Living Christ. TNH was good friends with the Catholic monk, Thomas Merton, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by his friend, MLK Jr. I believe that it is helpful to be inspired by what is good, beautiful, true and loving in someone else's tradition as well as to listen to what people of another faith say about how Christianity is done in the world.
For more, check out John's website: www.johnchaffee.com To sign up for his weekly email: signup.johnchaffee.com For a parent resource: parents.johnchaffee.com To donate: www.johnchaffee.com/donate
I want to share with you a personal story of mine from 10 years ago, what it taught me, and then shift to talking about Luke 13, Ram Dass, and doing your own self-work.
Check out my website and sign up for the free weekly email: www.johnchaffee.com
Also check out a paid email subscription I do every Monday that is a devotional reflection on another quote from a Christian mystic: learningfromthemystics.johnchaffee.com
Bouncers and Bellhops. Interesting title, right? It's all about you and the life of faith.
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Happy Easter, y'all! Here is a straight up sermon about Jesus being a "True Rebel" and how we are invited to be "True Rebels" in his footsteps. Have a wonderful day!
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Brian McLaren (http://brianmclaren.net) is the author of an upcoming book entitled, "Do I Stay Christian?" The book is broken up into three parts: No, Yes and How. It gives an honest look at the reasons why someone might want to leave Christianity, reasons why someone might want to stay, and some perspectives on how someone might choose to stay. So here is an interview about "Do I Stay Christian?" Enjoy!
John Chaffee (http://johnchaffee.com) is a NJ native with 20 years of professional ministry background and two masters degrees turned professor/writer/holy fool. You can join his weekly email list by signing up at his website.
This past week I happened to come across a particular quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer that I first highlighted years ago. Bonhoeffer is a fantastic Christian ethicist, pastor, and figure of Church history. So here is an episode devoted to what he had to say about living in an already reconciled world.
For more, check out www.JohnChaffee.com and be sure to join the email list.
Been on a kick the past week about "liminal spaces", the in-between spaces, seasons between the seasons of life, etc. Apparently, this is where learning and growth happen the most. So let's chat through some insights about that.
To sign up for my email list mentioned at the beginning, check out www.johnchaffee.com
This most recent episode is all about the book of James saying that showing favoritism actually discredits for him whether or not someone is following the Way of Jesus. To show partiality to the greatest, the first, the never lost, never victimized and the robust is still giving into the old formula of religion. I hope this one challenges you in the right ways.
Check out John's Website: www.johnchaffee.com Socials: @thatjohnchaffee
Interested by that title? This one might get me in some heat but its okay, the Good News is supposed to be Good News, not Good Advice. Perhaps this one will invite you to "begin again" about how you think about Judgment Day... because what if God has good, and true, and beautiful, and loving things planned for us?
Check out my website at www.johnchaffee.com and feel free to contact me through that if you would like to discuss this episode further!
Suzanne Stabile is a master enneagram teacher that often brings it alongside other topics and themes that you may not immediately associate with the enenneagram. Her most recent book, The Journey Toward Wholeness focuses on what she considers is the untapped wisdom of the enneagram to help people be transformed (which for her, is NOT the same thing as "changing").
This was an absolute delight and I felt enormously privileged to have the chance to talk with her. She is a healer for certain...
Check out her work at: lifeinthetrinityministry.com suzannestabile.com @suzannestabile
Also check out John at: signup.johnchaffee.com johnchaffee.com @thatjohnchaffee
My goodness, this was an ABSOLUTE gift being able to talk with Dr. Jerome Lubbe. He is an accomplished doctor, author and family man. In this, we chat through neuroscience, the enneagram, growth mindsets, and more. Hands down I look forward to the day I can take this guy out for a cup of coffee in person. I hope you enjoy listening to this!
If you are able, go to his website and get his book on the Brain Based Enneagram, which we talk about in this interview, for its unique take on the Enneagram in connection to neuroscience. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Follow Dr. Jerome Lubbe at: @doctor.jerome on Instagram @DrJeromeLubbe on Twitter
And, his personal website at https://www.drjerome.com
This episode was a real treat. I've been a long time fan of this guy since being in seminary together... the Very Reverend Randy van Osten (van Awesome). Randy is a fantastic and stand up gentleman with the heart of a lion (and the mane to match it). A family man, pastor, and dreamer, Randy embodies for me and enacts what a good pastor can be when they are present to the needs of their community.
Follow Randy at @hippiepastor First Baptist Church of Pitman at @firstbaptistpitman Lighthouse Community Center at @thelighthousecommunitycenter
Don't worry. It's all good. Nothing but gratitude for all that brought me to this point. This is just to invite you into what I will try to do next. Sometimes it's just time to grow, even if it isn't "good timing."
Join my email list by checking out the link: simplesignup.johnchaffee.com
I think the title says all you need to know, but stay to the end, because there is a humble surprise for you...
To check out more from John, check out these links: Website - johnchaffee.com Twitter and Instagram - @thatjohnchaffee Email List - https://newsletter.johnchaffee.com/
The word "metanoia", which is often translated as "repent" is better understood as "change your mind." So, let's chat through the life of Peter, and chat through what it means to constantly be "changing our minds" all life long.
In this episode I also reference Teilhard de Chardin on the Gospels by Louis Savary. It's a fantastic and thought provoking book. The amazon link to the book is this: https://www.amazon.com/Teilhard-Chardin-Gospels-Message-Evolutionary/dp/0809154498/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=de+chardin+on+the+gospel&qid=1639427977&sr=8-1
To check out more from John, check out these links: Website - johnchaffee.com Twitter and Instagram - @thatjohnchaffee Email List - https://newsletter.johnchaffee.com/
On the 53rd anniversary of Thomas Merton's death, let's chat through contemplation, deep seeing, activism, false religion vs true religion, and learning to look at the world the same way that God might.
To check out more from John, check out...
Website - johnchaffee.com Twitter and Instagram - @thatjohnchaffee Email List - https://newsletter.johnchaffee.com/
On this episode we have one of my own personal pastoral and theological heroes, Brian Zahnd. He is the founding pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri and recently launched his most recent book, When Everything's on Fire: Faith Forged From the Ashes. We chat through some of the chapters of the book, talk about influences of the Cloud of Unknowing and Julian of Norwich, the current word of the day known as "deconstruction", and finish by talking about 3 movies every Christian should watch. I hope you enjoy this because it was an absolute joy and privilege for myself!
You can follow Brian's works at: BrianZahnd.com @BrianZahnd
And myself at: JohnChaffee.com @ThatJohnChaffee https://newsletter.johnchaffee.com/p/366fc7d7-5643-4990-a505-d9d1d4bc6652
Let's look at the feeding of the 5,000 in the Gospel of Matthew... from two perspectives: The Miraculous and the Materialist. Whether you consider yourself religious or not, I think you will be able to glean something from this. Plus, if we are honest, we all have both of those worldviews in us to some degree or another.
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Over the years I have had a number of conversations that stop short as a result of starting to sound too "Eastern" in my understanding of spirituality. So, reflecting on that experience, I thought it might be good to explore the differences to spirituality in the East and the West and see what kind of path forward there might be. Because, after all, what if authentic spirituality is both and yet, more that what the East and the West says it is?
And, if you are so inclined, give a review on iTunes for a potential shoutout in a later episode. Not to mention, join my email list below.
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The other day, I was working on a word document about 10 Commitments of a growth mindset. It takes conscious thought to keep growing, it doesn't happen accidentally, but it can be accelerated by being mindful of how to go about it. I thought I would share the draft version of the 10 Commitments (since it will likely keep evolving). So, here it is, just little old me talking through the document. Enjoy.
And, if you are so inclined, give a review on iTunes for a potential shoutout in a later episode. Not to mention, join my email list below.
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- Borne out of some discussions I recently had over the Dark Night of the Soul, a recent Facebook post, and more, let's chat about the "Turf War" that need not exist between spirituality and therapy/psychology.
And, if you are so inclined, give a review on iTunes for a potential shoutout in a later episode. Not to mention, join my email list below.
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I came across the work of Julius Spradley of Contemplative Icons on social media. Iconography is an art form of depicting different saints and church figures, that is rooted in being theologically accurate and symbolic more than Renaissance realism might attempt. As a fan of iconography myself, I thought, "Why not reach out and see if he would be willing to chat about his art?" Needless to say, he said he would be up for it. I found out so much about icons that I did not previously know about it. There is geometry, harmony, symbolism, and so much more that goes into these pieces of "visual theology."
After we were done, Julius was so kind as to send some other iconographers worth checking out.
Here is his recommendations of people to look into: Greta Lesko Philip Davydov and Olga Shalamova Jose Xamist Ivan Polverari Maxim Shashukov Alexander Tsypkov Sergii Radkevych Khrystyna Kvyk Aidan Hart Julia Bridget Hayes Giorgis Kordis
If you are interested in his work, check out: www.contemplativeicons.com @cntmpltvicons on twitter @contemplative.icons on instagram
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Kris Cook is a NJ born and raised CMA pastor and missionary now living in Bordeaux, France along with his family. I've known him for nearly 15 years and is equal parts devoted to the Christian path as well as being an intellectual in his own right. Having read the entire catalog of Soren Kierkegaard, Kris was the perfect person to talk about Kierkegaard's Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing.
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This is a great primer/introduction into Spiral Dynamics and how it can be used to help one another and our communities to grow. Its a fantastic and helpful read for anyone. Check it out on Amazon.
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Josh Saunders is a fantastic guy. He has been learning a lot as a result of some experiences in Montana with people in ministry or non-profit burnout as well as currently being a theology and psychology program in Washington state. Enjoy!
For all websites and contact info: www.johnchaffee.card.co
Steve Chaffee is a youth minister in Edinburgh, Scotland and holds two masters degrees. The second of which is an emphasis on Science and Religion, which makes him more than qualified to talk about how we might think Science and Religion should relate to one another. Enjoy!
Click here for all contact info and websites: www.johnchaffee.carrd.co
Happy Easter, y'all! I hope this finds you well, and that it is something of a breath of fresh air for you this Easter 2021!
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Marty is a reading and literacy specialist with two masters and a PhD. She also happens to be my wonderful Mom. In this, she breaks down the three types of learning before we shift into talking about how church culture and mentorship could utilize the insights of education to help people better understand how learning happens across the lifetime of someone on the Jesus path/spiritual journey. The first half simply sets up the second half of this episode. You'll see what I mean.
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FREE 8 Week Video Series on 8 Definitions of Sin from Church History: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/4645ccb04f
I am VERY happy with this one. Not going to lie. I was absolutely excited to share how I have come to understand pre-conventional, conventional and post-conventional Christianity. Enjoy.
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FREE 8 Week Video Series on 8 Definitions of Sin from Church History: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/4645ccb04f
The ordering of the books of the Bible, which can be divided into 5 main categories, are ordered in a way that matches how we grow through our own understanding of the faith journey. By looking at these 5 main categories, we can find a "roadmap" through the 5 main ways of thinking about faith.
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FREE 8 Week Video Series on 8 Definitions of Sin from Church History: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/4645ccb04f
Here we talk about stages of faith. Its good to have a basic roadmap of how we grow and change, of how we mature in faith, and to know that (unfortunately) we might hit a wall in our growth and that it is a part of the journey. Of course, I am drawing a lot from The Critical Journey, but I gotta say, reading that book was so incredibly helpful for me. Hopefully, this "roadmap" is helpful for you as well.
The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition by Amazon.com Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1879215497/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YA6PT1SCB96K2FGCCMQR
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FREE 8 Week Video Series on 8 Definitions of Sin from Church History: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/4645ccb04f
This is all about Dante Aligheieri's epic poem The Divine Comedy and how it is actually an ancient roadmap of how people change and grow... You may have heard the stages as "Illumination, Purgation, Perfection" but I title them as "Shine, Burn, Unite."
Find me on twitter and instagram: @thatjohnchaffee Website: thatjohnchaffee.com
FREE 8 Week Video Series on 8 Definitions of Sin from Church History: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/4645ccb04f
This is straight up a sermon in light of the assault on the House and Senate, the New Year and Christianity.
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Let's talk about the Genesis Poem, humanity upgrading it's view of the universe, and how we can hold all these things together.
Find me on twitter, too. Let's start a convo on there.
@thatjohnchaffee
Here is a chat about how the vocabulary we use with God, the Death of God movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Augustine, and why its good to be a part of a tradition, denomination, church with its own ways of talking about God.
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Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Blog: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/blog Podcast: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/the-ambushed-podcast Twitter: www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Instagram: www.instagram.com/thatjohnchaffee Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnchaffee.77/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
So, let's talk about the Bible. Let's chat about how we are prone to having too low or too high a view of it. Let's chat through 10 ways to know its time to rethink how you understand the Bible. And, of course, talk about a helpful way of reading it...
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Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Blog: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/blog Podcast: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/the-ambushed-podcast Twitter: www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Instagram: www.instagram.com/thatjohnchaffee Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnchaffee.77/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
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Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Blog: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/blog Podcast: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/the-ambushed-podcast Twitter: www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Instagram: www.instagram.com/thatjohnchaffee Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnchaffee.77/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
Last week, I had a great conversation with my spiritual director, who blew me away with this singular quote from Antonio Machado: "Pilgrim, there is no path: paths are made by walking." Riffing on that, and that odd passage on "the heart is deceitful beyond all things", is it possible that we have misunderstood the place of listening to our heart's compass? So here is a chat about spiritual directors, having an inner compass and rethinking Jeremiah 17.
And here is the poem by Antonio Machado, translated into english by Nadine JL.
"Wanderer, the way is made by walking.
Everything passes and all remains, But our task is to pass, pass by making paths, paths on the sea.
I never pursued glory, nor sought to leave in the memories of men my song; I love the subtle worlds, weightless and gentle, like bubbles; funerals floating along.
I like to see them painted, with sun and cochineal, fly under the blue sky, tremble suddenly and break…
I never pursued glory.
Wayfarer, your footsteps are the way and nothing more; wanderer, there is no way; the way is made by walking.
While walking, the way is made; and while turning back to see the view behind, the footpath is seen, that needs never be tread again.
Wanderer, there is no way but stelae on the sea…
Some time ago in that place where today the forests are dressed with thorns there was the voice of a poet shouting “Wanderer, there is no way, the way is made by walking…”
Blow by blow, verse by verse…
The poet died far from home. Was covered with the dust of a neighbouring country. When receding, they saw him mourn. “Wanderer, there is no way, the way is made by walking…”
Blow by blow, verse by verse…
When the goldfinch can not sing. When the poet is a pilgrim, when praying is of no use to us. “Wanderer, there is no way, the way is made by walking…”
Blow by blow, verse by verse…"
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Support at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Email me at: johnqchaffee@gmail.com
Let's chat about oreos, a parable, and well-intentioned religious folk missing the point about the Kingdom of Heaven, shall we?
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Support at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Email me at: johnqchaffee@gmail.com
Building off of reflections from my own past couple months with depression, here is a chat about the process of "building a self - denying yourself - having no self - to having a Christ-self."
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Support at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Email me at: johnqchaffee@gmail.com
Each 15th of the month will be a Q+A video, in which I will give my best try at (1) answering a question that you send in or, (2) complicating the question and thereby creating MORE questions. Let's have some fun.
Three main questions going on here: Resurrection Bodies, Heaven and Violence. Feel free to send questions to be in the next Q&A episode!
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Support at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Email me at: johnqchaffee@gmail.com
Tommy and Noah make up the band Lowercase People (go check them out). They are ragtag misfits, just like me... that's probably why we have kept in touch since meeting back in 2015. These two are thoughtful guys that are navigating what it means to have Christian upbringings, and owning it for themselves now that they are in their early 20s. Check it out. It's a long one, but a fun one. We got a bit excited at certain parts. Enjoy.
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The book of Job is ancient wisdom... that often gets misunderstood and so glossed over. Chances are, if you have heard of this book, you have some insights as towards the plot of the epic poem of Job, but do you know what it is really about? Suing God. Yup.
In this episode, we chat through God showing up to Job's "courtroom," flipping the game on him, and going through what makes Job "repent OF dust and ashes." Truly, this book is not understood for all the gold it really has within its words!
If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
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You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com
The book of Job is ancient wisdom... that often gets misunderstood and so glossed over. Chances are, if you have heard of this book, you have some insights as towards the plot of the epic poem of Job, but do you know what it is really about? Suing God. Yup. In this episode, we chat through Job's final statement, his concise lawsuit that he has against God, and... how it's pretty airtight.
If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee
Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public
You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com
The book of Job is ancient wisdom... that often gets misunderstood and so glossed over. Chances are, if you have heard of this book, you have some insights as towards the plot of the epic poem of Job, but do you know what it is really about? Suing God. Yup.
If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee
Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public
You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com
Thank you for checking out the Ambushed Podcast! If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee
Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public
You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com
Matthew 25:14-30 can be problematic, especially if it keeps you up at night on a retreat like me. But maybe there is something deeper to this parable than we realize in the West...
Thank you for checking out the Ambushed Podcast! If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
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You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com
Let's chat about John 14:1-6, and whether or not it is exclusive, inclusive or something else...
Thank you for checking out the Ambushed Podcast! If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
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You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com
Just wrapped up a very fun convo with Rev. Dr. Deborah Watson. We often riff on pastoral and theological things at the church where we both work... So why not record one for y'all to enjoy on your next walk? Also up on iTunes now. Have a great day, y'all.
The book of Lamentations is actually titled "How." How... brilliant is that? Here we chat through chapter 4, which has the author-poet give a perspective of the fall of Jerusalem that resonates with our lives today. Don't worry, there is some hope sprinkled throughout.
Lamentations 3, is a chapter all about hope and despair over the loss of home. Here, we break it down, read the whole chapter, and try to make sense of some of the TIMELESS wisdom of this brutal chapter. Enjoy.
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The OT book of Lamentations could also be called "How." In pt. 2 we chat through how there is such a thing as angry-lament, read Lamentations ch. 2, and tie it all together and put a nice bow on it... Actually, no, we don't.
And here is the link the NT Wright article on Lament: https://time.com/5808495/coronavirus-christianity/
The book of "How?" is also known as "Lamentations." You probably know it by that name, and boy is it a doozy. This is the first in a series that looks at it chapter by chapter for the next 5 weeks. Buckle in, because it is a tragic, brutal, hopeful, angry, dejected, faithful book... No wonder it is often avoided by most churches.
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You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com
Thank you for checking out the Ambushed Podcast! If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee
If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram.com/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee
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I think the title says it all.
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So here we go... into Exodus 33, one of the most brilliant and bewildering passages of the Hebrew Scriptures. We talk about two ideas that stretch from the Hebrew to the Greek Scriptures, as well as how Moses is experiencing something that all of us experience, frustration and bartering with God.
Here is the link to the YouTube Playlist I mention: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVQtFZwv79arC0vZqNF4AgJkYAp2QIZKL
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From August 18th to the 26th, I did a solo road trip down to Kentucky to stay at the Abbey of Gethsemani. This is the same Abbey where Thomas Merton lived and wrote so many of his books. This is a recap of that experience and some of the insights I personally got out of a week long silent retreat in the hills of Kentucky.
Here is a youtube video I made of the trip: https://youtu.be/v93zvKmvBYo
In seminary we are taught "Orthodoxy leads to orthopraxy." Well, that isn't always the case, is it? So here I propose an update to the phrase by inventing a word. Buckle in.
I didn't know it when I started writing the notes, but this one ended up being the opposite of a previous episode... Plus, can we all just talk about how we get uncomfortable when some people talk about the devil?
Soooo, how about that title, huh? Does that intrigue you or not?
My understanding is that we misunderstand the word "apocalypse." And so, even if you are religious or non-religious, I guarantee you, you want to have not just one but many apocalypses happen to you in your life.
Enjoy.
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Part 2 in a series of trying to "reframe" different parts of the life of faith, this is all about understanding immature religion, mature religion, the place of nature, the place of soul, and the importance of mystery. All of which, of course, inspired by the writing of St. Bonaventure's The Soul's Journey into God.
What do Rafiki, Yoda, Gandalf and Jesus have in common? Well, more than you may think. Plus, they all have something very important in common...
All taken from 1 Kings 19, this story is brilliant. It's all about cynicism, being a prophet, hope, despair, the "axis mundi," calamities, catastrophes and "The Calm that Carries the Voice."
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So, for the past couple of years, some ideas have been swirling about how everything is connected, everything is seeking wholeness, everything is seeking holiness in Christ. Here is an episode completely devoted to that topic: Whole-Making. Enjoy.
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Let's wrap it up, shall we? Here is the final part on the book of Jonah. I hope that you have enjoyed this journey and that it has given you even more of an appreciation for this hilarious, profound, insightful and bewildering campfire story of a book. Here is Jonah Pt. 4. Enjoy.
Also, feel free to check out this recent video chat I did on "The Difference Between Theology and Spirituality": youtu.be/b-3zEu_e92I
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And here we are with Jonah Pt. 3! This part of the book is equally as bonkers as chapters 1 and 2. Jonah finally gets around to being a prophet after going through a storm while on the high seas and inside the belly of a whale. Still, this part of Jonah has some great insights that still can cause us to pause today. Enjoy.
Check out this recent video chat I did on "The Difference Between Theology and Spirituality": youtu.be/b-3zEu_e92I
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Jonah gets swallowed by a big fish and humbly gives thanks for it? Something is fishy here... Get it? Maybe it's time to revisit this famous chapter and try to understand it from a different angle.
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And, we are back.
The book of Jonah is a great one... and often misunderstood or made out to be a cartoon. In reality, it is masterful, hilarious storytelling at its best.
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This is part 2 of 2, and it is born out of the contemplative tradition and it's discussion of what it means to have a "False Self" and a "True Self." Listen in for quotes from Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, Soren Kierkegaard and how you can "lose yourself" in the best way possible.
In addition to that, here is the link to the Charity:Water account I made. Feel free to give money to help bring clean water to parts of the world. 100% of the proceeds go to making clean water happen!
https://my.charitywater.org/john-chaffee/let-s-do-something-good
This is part 1 of 2, and it is born out of the contemplative tradition and it's discussion of what it means to have a "False Self" and a "True Self." Listen in for quotes from Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, Soren Kierkegaard and how you can "lose yourself" in the best way possible.
In addition to that, here is the link to the Charity:Water account I made. Feel free to give money to help bring clean water to parts of the world. 100% of the proceeds go to making clean water happen!
https://my.charitywater.org/john-chaffee/let-s-do-something-good
With all the ways that it seems Christianity has gone wrong today (and it's likely going to go wrong in some way in every generation), let's consider this one a conversation about what it looks like when it goes right.
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Once upon a time, I was told, "It might be best if you never preach here again." Oh man. I look back now and laugh. So, here is an episode about the love of God, the topic that got me in trouble.
From Nietzsche to Teilhard to the Yes we say to all of life. This one is all about how new life is being brought forth in the hardships of life.
Apprentice (n.) - one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling
Let's have a chat about 3 bad ways of being a person, and 1 really good one... And then talk about how boundaries are a spiritual discipline.
You gotta like that title, right? Did you know that challenging things to be better is a spiritual practice? Did you know there is an incredibly long tradition of doing this? Did you know that all of are intended to be iconoclasts? Give it a listen and then perhaps a rating on iTunes!
And we are back from a short summer hiatus... to talk about gossip, of all things! Born out of a few experiences I had this summer, I thought it would be great to come back and talk about how we talk. I hope you enjoy!
A modern parable for you... It is a suburban tragedy about radical freedom, all centered around a bowling ball.
Just a bunch of hard learned observations about pain, hurt and loss. Either from my own life or from wisdom said to me, I hope this helps those of you in the midst of hard times. Until next time, check out www.patreon.com/johnchaffee !!!
As a result of great conversations recently, this one is all about diving into a single verse from the Gospel of Matthew and realizing that it has incredibly far more depth, nuance and richness than first glance may show!
Buckle in!
This is how you love your enemies... you heap burning coals on their heads. (It doesn't mean what you think it does!)
Parables like this one, the rich man and Lazarus, are actually all about how to live THIS life well. Soooooo, let's chat about that.
For those of you "in-between" seasons of life, for those of you "wandering" and not knowing what they are doing, for those of you who are stressed by the pressure of thinking life is meant to be lived going from one success story to another... There is good news for you. Its okay.
This one goes out to anyone trying to figure out who they are. For those tired of impressing other people, for those who feel like slaves to other people's opinions of them, for those who feel incomplete or as though they will never arrive. There is something you need to know...
Steve Chaffee has been stateside for the past two weeks, so of course I snagged him for a chat on his speciality, thinking and talking about God better through what is called "theological method."
30 min of tips I’ve learned over the years on how to listen to others well. Taken from times spent as a chaplain, being a teacher, and learning to be a decent human being. Take notes and enjoy.
I once met a tall forest gnome who gave me some life changing advice. Here's the story.
In response to the recent shooting in Las Vegas, which was absolutely horrific and beyond words, here is my attempt to try and move my little corner of the world. Dietrich Bonhoeffer gives us a thought on ethics, and Teresa of Avila closes us out with a poem.
Camp stories are great, especially when they challenge everything about the way you do life.
This second half is my explanation of the parable, why I wrote it, what authors I had in mind, and so forth. Should be fun to compare with what you thought Pt. 1 was about!
So, I have been writing my own parables in my spare time recently. And here is a good one. I've already told it in a few different places in person and, not to brag, but its a good one.
Henri has been an influential person in my life. His writings have spoken to me when theology and academia have not. A man aware of his struggles and sometimes writing from places of loneliness and depression, Henri has helped many of us. Enjoy.
In response to the recent events in Charlottesville, I dive into a groundbreaking work by a groundbreaking individual. I present to you, Howard Thurman.
One standard view, and then three other angles of looking at this mystery. To be in the "Image of God" is a privilege and a profoundly perplexing promise. Enjoy!
I think the title describes it all. Well, that and the fact I break down how people may have had "Be holy as God is holy" taught to them in an oppressive and shame-inducing manner, then, provide a better way of understanding it.
Shout out to all those graduating high school, college, or just moving from one phase of life to another! Your faith is about to be challenged!
What are we here to do? I can't answer that for you, specifically. But there may be some helpful guidelines...
One of Julian's most famous lines comes on the heels of a rather scandalous or challenging comment. Yeah, some might say she crossed a line...
So, here is a perfect "ambushed" moment for me. In the midst of doing some reading on the burning bush event in Exodus 3, I found an ancient, but new to me, interpretation of the event... It is an interpretation that bore a lot of fruit for me personally, hopefully it will do the same for you.
Last year I was encouraged to check out St. Bonaventure. He is the one responsible for the most famous biography of St. Francis of Assisi and is also responsible for the Franciscan order becoming what it is today. St. Bonaventure, since first reading him about 2 years ago, has become one of my favorite figures in church history. He loved philosophy and theology, but also loved nature and teaching on the importance of justice. Enjoy.
And we're back. Due to the busy-ness of life, I had to put this on hold. However, we are back! This season of Lent has been a great one as I have purposefully put myself in a place to hear some new and challenging voices. But it's all good, because I have been processing what true religion is. So, give a listen if you want to hear a little bit about immature religion vs authentic faith and how Luke 18 is a fantastic commentary on these two things.
Last summer I binge read Teillard De Chardin. He was a french Jesuit paleontologist who taught me how and why to have faith in man and hope for man.
Just musing on the Sermon on the Mount, an alternative approach to the passage "do not judge," and getting down out of our trees or off of our ladders...
You, me, and everyone else on the planet need to get to know St. John of the Cross (16th century). If you are going through a dark time or feel like you are about to lose faith, his poetry and commentary on his own poetry have helped people for centuries. As a Doctor of the church, his writings have been esteemed as good for people everywhere of every time.
Just me riffing on punk rock, prophets, and my favorite Rabbi. Oh, and about echo chambers. And New Year's Resolutions.
And after another hiatus... We are back. A new job and moving takes time and energy doesn't it? Here is a quick comment on Jesus asking Peter three times in one conversation if Peter loves him from the end of John's Gospel. I was a little under the weather recording this, so grab a mug and sit under a blanket... Because that's what I did.
For the first interview in Ambushed history... is an upcoming scholar and theological juggernaut. He also happens to be my brother, Steve Chaffee. Join us as we chat about Torrance, Barth, American Christianity, physical vs spiritual and more!
A quote from George Carlin and another one from Blaise Pascal inspired this one. The question is this, have we been encouraged to make a cartoon of Jesus our hero?
Just some reflections on Not-Zeus, children playing, and the Trinity. Be ready for Perichoresis and the fact that it sounds so new-age but is, in reality, quite an ancient way of looking at the Divine!
Ever have a moment where you hear a little voice say, "Pay attention, something is happening..."? Well, I can't say these moments happen to me often but here is one of those instances that happened to me about 6-7 years ago and still resonates mystifies me.
Christianity is absurd... and that's a good thing. Early scholastic theologians came up with the phrase "credo quia absurdum", which translates as "I believe because it is absurd." However, to take this faith seriously may mean that we are seen as absurd, not only by those outside of the church, but maybe also by those within it. This too, is a good thing. Why? Because the church has only ever been reminded to be what it should through the words and the works of the saints, the holy fools. Thus, the title, "Brennan Manning and Holy Foolishness.”
Here is part 2 of "Reclaiming ______"! This time, I want to reclaim the Greek word Metanoia as "to change one's mind." This is a follow up to the last podcast on the Hebrew word Teshuvah. In all likelihood, these will be the start of an ongoing series that looks at different words that are helpful to our holistic health, betterment and spirituality. Enjoy and feel free to share!
Being raised by teachers, literally, my family has always highly valued books. And what goes with books? Well, words, of course. Here is 1 of 2 podcasts looking at specific words. Here I chat over the word teshuvah, which some translate as "repent", but more accurately should be "return." Enjoy and feel free to pass on to others!
The two greatest commandments, Jesus' own distillation of the Jewish Law, has got some other angles that we can understand them. Here are three different ways of understanding "You shall love God and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Back in grad school I was told I was iconoclastic, that I enjoyed challenging the popular ways of looking at things to see if there was not a better viewpoint. This week you can expect comments against a narcissistic god, three guidelines of physical humor, and how we choose to talk about the "Good News." Enjoy!
It's a simple question... Is it possible to make an idol of the life of Jesus? Maybe it's splitting hairs, but perhaps it is more necessary as a question than we care to admit. This is sure to be conversation fodder for you and others. Enjoy!
Culture says don't talk about religion, politics or finances when over at someone's home for dinner. Here I talk about 2 out of those 3.
After a few recent conversations and a number of great sunsets, I thought it would be fun to share my definition of mysticism. I am convinced that many of us would benefit from learning from the greats. So, here I talk about one of my favorite fire tower moments as well as St. Francis. Enjoy!
"Real spirituality begins where your religious system fails you." Be ready, we go deep into Bonhoeffer and Good Friday on this one!