Hearts and Minds: Recent Episodes
Fr. John Oliver and Ancient Faith Radio
In an age of ever increasing anxiety and uncertainty, we can look to the lives of Sts. Peter and Paul as examples of how we can deepen our relationship with Christ--even in the most dire historical moments.
Father John gives us the history and meaning of the most read Psalm in the Orthodox liturgical cycle of prayer.
Do you suffer from heightened emotion, limited reason, hidden fears, and a general distortion of facts? You might have Dark Basement Syndrome. In this episode, Fr. John walks us through how our subconscious minds can have a dark influence on our thoughts and actions, and ultimately how the light of Christ illumines all--even the darkest recesses of our minds.
Father John discusses the "both/and" and "either/or" decisions that we often encounter in the spiritual life.
Father John shares a colorful thought experiment that illustrates the meaning of Pentecost and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
What do a facial scanning website and the Gospel of John have in common? Both claim to have knowledge the nature of beauty, but only one is the product of an encounter with the living incarnation of beauty.
Father John explores the unique psychology of wealthy individuals throughout the ages, and the purpose that lies beyond material abundance.
Father John discusses ways in which we can practice discernment in our inner life, prayerfully separating the thoughts inspired by God from those planted by the demons.
What does it really mean to say “Jesus saves”? In this episode, Fr. John reflects on the first four Ecumenical Councils and the controversy surrounding Nestorius, exploring the mystery of how Christ’s divine and human natures are united in one Person and what that means for receiving Communion, praying the Jesus Prayer, and understanding salvation.
Fr. John explores the differences between the Christian and secular outlooks on relationships.
Fr. John ponders the question, "What do The Ten Lepers, The Poseidon Adventure, and one minute of our life have in common?"
Fr. John reflects on losing faith, the Gospel of John, the presence of Christ, and perhaps finding faith once again through hope rather than intellect, reason and arguments.
Fr. John weaves together the punishment of an entire basketball team for one member's failed prank and the camel hide belts worn by the prophets to teach us about the consequences of the fall and the Incarnation for all of humanity.
Fr. John reflects on Theophany, how God regards humanity, and how His perspective differs from the gods of paganism. He shares a story from the life of St. Porphyrios as an example of how one can put God's perspective on humanity into practice in our daily interactions.
Fr. John reflects on a disastrous diplomatic miscommunication brought about by AI and God's communication through the incarnation of Christ.
Fr. John reflects on a simple cake mix, a marketing failure, the nature of effort, and our need for meaning in our salvation.
Fr. John reflects on road trips, vacations, and an unusual wedding homily about journeying as husband and wife under God's mysterious directions.
Fr. John reflects on the incarnation, Christ's healing ministry, and our understanding of every human person as a "special occasion" that calls us to rise above our preoccupation with de-humanizing religious regulations.
Fr. John reflects on our hearts as the center of our spiritual life, as the Nativity season prepares our hearts for the grace of the eight Beatitudes.
Fr. John reflects on the convert surge and spiritual warfare. As "prisoners of war," do we pursue rescue according to our earthly expectations, or higher, spiritual realities?
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the need for Christians to exercise self-control over our speech.
Fr. John Oliver reflects on suffering and humility. The works of C.S. Lewis are considered.
Fr. John Oliver presents us with the examples of Apollos and Simon the Sorcerer and the key difference in how they responded to corrective teaching.
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the ramifications of Professor Peter Singer's brand of utilitarianism.
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the role evil and suffering plays in drawing us closer to God.
Fr. John Oliver shares the story of the reclamation of a church after the end of the Soviet era, reminding us that "we walk by faith, and not by sight."
Fr. John Oliver reminds us that we work out our salvation in the individual particulars of our own lives.
Fr. John Oliver invites us to think about how we would treat others if we had our own little island.
Fr. John Oliver shares a remarkable story of service to inspire us to joyfully use our gifts in service of others.
Fr. John Oliver explains how we can repel the Holy Spirit, and how we can become alive in the Holy Spirit instead.
Fr. John Oliver wonders what might happen if we were to reach out for vital connection and deep healing.
Fr. John Oliver considers the mystery of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, that is known most fully in the heart.
Fr. John Oliver helps us to understand why life can be so hard, and how to find joy in the midst of the struggle.
Fr. John Oliver considers whether blessings can be found in the midst of the unexpected suffering of mental illness.
Fr. John Oliver asks whether an Orthodox Church can truly welcome all who come no matter their spiritual illness.
Fr. John Oliver invites us to consider the unbelievable news that sends us searching for more.
Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 3)
Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 2)
Fr. John Oliver reads the Sermon on the Mount, in three parts, from the translation titled "The New Testament: A Translation" by David Bentley Hart. (Part 1)
Fr. John Oliver ponders the long climb ahead of us, and the ways that we can be led astray and fall off the Ladder of Divine Ascent.
Fr. John Oliver shares a story about a group of demons discussing how best to lead humans astray, the opportunity for repentance through the mercy of God.
Fr. John Oliver reflects upon the cross that we are called to bear as we follow Christ, and pursue the healing of our will.
Fr. John Oliver asks whether it is possible for a Christian to loose their sanity, their ability to manage their lives, and how to trust God in the struggle.
Fr. John Oliver helps us to answer the question, "Who am I?", by redirecting us to the I AM.ham
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the writing of St. John Chrysostom titled "No One Can Harm the Man Who Does not Harm Himself."
Fr. John Oliver considers the motivating forces behind Zacchaeus' movement up the tree and towards Jesus.
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the recent passage of the House Equality Act by the United States House of Representatives asking, "What does the Orthodox Church mean when She says, 'You Are Welcome Here'".
Fr. John Oliver asks, Is it possible to experience true conversion? What role does our effort play in the conversion of our souls?
Fr. John Oliver discusses the true meaning of repentance, becoming the person that God desire us to become.
Fr. John Oliver offers three questions that help us trace the root of both the good and the bad in our lives. Am I being loving? Am I being accepting? Am I being appreciated?
Fr. John Oliver helps us to see that even on the days that we absolutely act pig-like, we are not our passions.
Fr. John Oliver reminds us of what lies ahead of us during Holy Week for our salvation.
Fr. John Oliver invites us to consider the unhealthy family patterns that we have been handed through birth and have a choice whether we carry them into our future.
Fr. John Oliver reflects on what it means for God to speak a Word, and how our own words can drip with the honey of truth and love.
Fr. John Oliver explains the stages of grace in the spiritual life, in the context of the journey of Great Lent.
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ (January 1st) and how God is to be found in the details of life.
Kurt Harris interviews his oldest daughter, Anna Harris, about her story of how God brought her into the Orthodox Church, in this series titled "Stories Toward the Sacred" on the Hearts and Minds podcast.
Kurt Harris interviews Dan Naes about his story of how God brought him into the Orthodox Church, in this series titled "Stories Toward the Sacred" on the Hearts and Minds podcast.
Fr. John Oliver describes the purpose of our ascetic disciplines as believers - to be set free and partake in the glory of God!
Fr. John Oliver reminds us that the Christian heart wants to taste of the incomparable heavenly banquet of the Kingdom of God.
Kurt Harris interviews Charles Chusuei about his story of how God brought him into the Orthodox Church, in this new series titled "Stories Toward the Sacred" on the Hearts and Minds podcast.
Fr. John Oliver offers a view of the pain of the "wilderness" stage of the Christian life while journeying with God to the Promised Land.
Fr. John Oliver explores the four cycles or rhythms that are embedded in nature and in the Church.
Fr. John Oliver explains the Three Powers of Thinking, Desiring and Acting. He describes the impact on our lives when one or more of theses powers are sick in our lives, and shares how we can experience healing of these powers.
As Orthodox Christians in a non-Orthodox culture, we have questions: Who are we? What is "the Church"? What is our relationship to friends and family of other faiths? What is ecumenism? Who will be saved? In this special edition of Hearts and Minds, Fr John Oliver offers a few reflections.
Fr. John Oliver interviews Kurt and Nancy Harris who share their story of how God brought them into the Orthodox Church. The Harris' will in turn interview others in this new series titled "Stories Toward the Sacred" on the Hearts and Minds podcast.
Fr. John completes his series (Part 4) by describing how failure can become a servant of God for the renewal of our lives.
Fr. John continues his series (Part 2) by redefining failure and describing the ways that we react to our own failures.
Fr. John begins a four part series on the virtue of failure by describing the inevitability and purpose of failure.
The story of Baker Sullivan reveals the importance and significance of the life of prayer.
The death of St. Elizabeth the Grand Duchess and New Martyr tells us about how she lived her life lived long before her martyrdom.
The Transfiguration of Jesus shows us the purpose of human life and how to taste of the incomparable heavenly banquet.
Every Sunday morning, the six Psalms of Matins carries us on a descent into our brokenness and ascent with a cry of faith. Gently taking us on the way of the cross.
"Life is full of small opportunities to baptize these inevitable daily pains in the mystery of the cross."
"This is how the Church address politics every Sunday. Not by endorsing or opposing candidates, but by dealing with the spiritual roots of all the issues that affect all citizens. We locate the heart, then work our way out from there."
"Like a scared child on the first day of school, fear turns us into isolated, self-protective individuals. Like an ever-tightening cocoon."
"A 'thank you' toward Heaven is nice, but how much more does it mean when it flows from sincerity—from a changing life? The human being says 'thank you' to God by becoming more like him."
"Heaven is the experience of the illuminating energy of God. Hell is the experience of the burning energy of God. The one sun has two properties. It can illumine, and it can blind. It can warm, and it can burn."
Fr. John shares his speech from the The National March for Marriage in Washington D.C., and reflects upon his experience with the counter demonstration.
The journey of Christ-likeness ends in the cross where Christ dies in love for all of His enemies.
Nothing in life matters more than the purification of our souls and bodies, so that when we meet Christ in death he recognizes Himself in us.
Let us remember to lean on each other. "A burden shared is half the burden. A joy shared is twice the joy."
The struggle is what we bring to God, only what we bring, because deliverance his His job.
Our Lord's desire is for each of us to have experiences with Him, to be able to say, "My Lord and my God," and to share that experience openly and freely with others.
Fr. John shares his reflections on the priesthood in anticipation of the 2016 Antiochian Archdiocese Clergy Symposium to be held at the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA.
Love is too precious, too powerful, and too popular to mean anything we want it to. Instead, love needs definition and contour so that we may know what love is not, just as we may know what love is.
A martyr for Christ is someone who has good reasons to live, but a better reason to die.
Why work on ridding ourselves of excuses in this life? So we won't face the consequences of our excuses in the next.
"It's not the size of the crumb that turns it into a miracle; it's whether we can see it as a miracle at all."
An old proverbs says, "When you light a torch for another, you illumine your own path too."
"The soul can not know peace unless she prays for her enemies. If you will pray for your enemies peace will come to you." St. Silouan the Athonite
St Gregory Palamas said, "Every argument has a counter-argument, but who can argue against life."
Working together as Christians can be a challenge which is why Fr. John encourages us to examine a maxim that has stood the test of time. In Essentials, Unity. In Non-Essentials, Liberty. In all things, Charity.
How does the Faith proclaim when life begins? It might surprise you and help inform you as some of you go to the polls tomorrow.
In part 3 of his series on same sex marriage, Fr. John reflects on what a civil right is and how that applies to the question of same same unions.
As our culture grows more and more accepting of things that trouble us as Orthodox Christians, Fr. John Oliver shares the example of St. Paul to guide our response.
What are your goals for 2014? Lose weight? Save more? Stop smoking? Get organized? Fr. John would like to remind us of the one goal that surpasses all others.
Fr. John Oliver reflects on the importance of keeping justice, mercy, and faithfulness preeminent, as opposed to foolish controversies, genealogies, and dissension.
A talk Fr. John Oliver gave at a symposium titled "God's Books: Reading Scripture in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam" held at the Murfreesboro Mosque in November.
The words that come out of our mouths have a direct connection to the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us.
Each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, shoppers and stores gear up for the busiest day of the shopping year. Fr. John reflects on what drives the passion for that day and how it relates to our quest for peace.
As we begin the Advent Fast, Fr. John Oliver reflects on the chasm that divides us from the Divine and the uniqueness of Christianity in bridging that gap.
Fr. John relays a story about a Monk in Greece struggling with alcohol and relates it to the Psalmist's words and the words of the Paschal hymn, "Let God Arise and Let His Enemies Be Scattered."
In this final reflection on the petitions in the Divine Liturgy, Fr. John gives some alarming statistics of those "in tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity."
As Fr. John continues through the litanies of the Divine Liturgy he reminds us of the quote, "we are saved together but we are damned alone."
All around the world there are droughts, famine, and disease. How do our intercessory prayers at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday mornings touch the people impacted by them?
In the next litany of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for our Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. Fr. John tells us why this is so important.
In the 4th litany of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for this Holy House, and those with faith, fear, and reverence enter therein.
In the 3rd litany of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for the "good estate of the holy churches of God." This is a global as well as a local prayer for our parishes. As we take in new members to our parishes, what are our responsibilities to them?
In our Divine Liturgy we pray "In peace let us pray to the Lord." We all want peace but what does it mean to be a peace maker?
In part 2, Fr. John connects the opening prayers of the Divine Liturgy to the real life issues facing our world. He begins with a typical family preparing for church on a typical Sunday morning.
In this new 10 part series, Fr. John introduces his topic which relates the necessity of intercessory prayer to the world circumstances we face.
Fr. John reminds us that "we are not God," and that it is better to use discernment in situations where we do not know the whole story than to leap to judgment.
Fr. John tells us that faith is an active expression where we offer, fill, untie, explain, rise, walk, and follow.
Fr. John reminds us that while we all seek from another person to be fully known and fully loved, this is something that only God can give.
Fr. John shows how the Bible's answer to "What must I do to be saved?" differs from the world's.
Fr. John exhorts his listeners (despite being a published author himself) to read the saints first.
Fr. John uses the great feasts we are celebrating as evidence against excusing our deviant behavior.
Fr. John explains how all the Church's words are full of grace and truth—an example for us all as we celebrate the birth of the Word.
During the afterfeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Fr. John reflects on the mystery that is Mary.
Fr. John makes the obvious (?) connection between summer and the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 8th Century, BC.
Fr. John looks at tombs we all fall into—the sins, beliefs and habits that drain the life out of us.
With the glorious Paschal season upon us, Fr. John examines the questions being asked of Christians by today's world.
Fr. John shows how Holy Week answers the question of "What happened?" between Christ's entry into Jerusalem and His glorious Resurrection.
Fr. John shows how, like the ecosystem of Guam was damaged by an unseen predator, so also what we keep hidden within us can destroy our relationships without repentance.
Fr. John uses the thoughts of St. Nikolai Velimirovich to reflect on the tragedy in Haiti.
Fr. John examines the life and faith of the Holy New Martyr and Grand Duchess Elizabeth.
Fr. John shows how participation in God's sacraments are a necessary part of our salvation.
Having previously looked at new beginnings, Fr. John now discusses the end times and those who foolishly try to predict them.
Fr. John explains why the new church year begins on September 1, then tells of a birthday party like no other.
What do those words in the liturgy mean? And how do we accomplish this? Fr. John enlightens us with the answers.
Are our physical bodies evil? Are they good? Fr. John explores these questions in light of Christ's Transfiguration.
Fr. John illustrates how lowliness and self-condemnation should be our goal, rather than pride and self-esteem.
In this Pentecost season, Fr. John looks to "Adam's Lament" by St. Silouan to show that the loss of the Holy Spirit is the source of our sorrows.
Fr. John shows that it is not modified behavior that makes us people of God, but changed hearts.
Fr. John turns to answering what happens to us over time when we gather as the Body of Christ.
Fr. John mourns the loss of the Christian male and how it runs counter to the necessity of collective worship.
Fr. John examines St. Gregory Palamas, who taught that interior stillness was the path to knowing God.
This real-life story of an Ohio runaway is reminiscent of another youth in a parable of Jesus and serves to strengthen its message.
What was the difference between the prayer of the Pharisee and that of the Publican? Humility.
With the synaxion of the Theotokos freshly celebrated, Fr. John reflects on Mary, the mother of our Lord.
God places within us a hunger for fellowship with himself and creation, but too often man distorts that hunger into an appetite for temporary pleasure.
Fr. John shows how our cultural deterioration brings us closer to the conditions that the early Church thrived in.
Fr. John notes the shift in society from text to image and warns of the power of images on the soul.
Fr. John notes that as we accept the mercy of God, that mercy is proof that God accepts us.
Do clothes make the man? Fr. John, with help from Saint Nicodemus, might beg to differ.
Fr. John, with help from St. Nicodemus, shows how to guard the sense of taste and the tongue.
Again using the teachings of St. Nicodemus, Fr. John warns us of the dangers present in front of our very noses!
For those of us who cannot go, work or provide, Fr. John notes that we can still contribute in the most important way.
Fr. John notes how Orthodox Christians see things in an iconographic way-- the images are connected to the larger reality they represent.
Using the writings of St. Nicodemus, Fr. John discusses how the eye can lead to sin or spiritual peace.
Fr. John discusses why we are enslaved to pleasure, as explained originally by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain.
In Part Three of the ongoing series based upon "A Handbook of Spiritual Council" by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, Fr. John discusses the five senses and their relationship to the will.
Fr. John continues his series on Society and The Soul, presenting us with St. Nicodemus' vision of man as "a kind of royal palace, built by the superb architectural skill of an omniscient Creator."
With this podcast, Fr. John begins a new series based upon "A Handbook of Spiritual Council" by Saint Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, a work which examines the five human senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, and the role that each one plays in acquiring or losing salvation.
Fr. John discusses the importance of the Synaxis of the Theotokos, celebrated each year on December 26.
"There is nothing in this world more glorious, more precious, or more precarious than the human soul." Within the first few hundred years of Christian history, the Roman Empire experienced at least two devastating health epidemics. Fr. John shares with us a powerful example of how the early Christians demonstrated the worth of the soul, as well as a love stronger than fear, as they ministered to those in deep need during these times of great crisis.
"Are we almost there yet?" How many times will that question be asked this holiday weekend? Fr. John explores the passing of time from a Christian perspective as we travel our journey of salvation.
The integrated Christian possesses a pro-life view that sees the environment as life giving and worthy of protection and a pro-environment view that sees the womb as an environment and worthy of protection.
In part 2 of his 3 part series, Fr. John explores further the Orthodox worldview that connects all of creation to our relationship with the Creator.
This is part one in a series exploring the connection between abortion and the environment.
What do these three have in common? Listen as Fr. John reflects on the power and beauty of the Psalter.
What would be worth standing in line for if that line was 4 miles long? Fr. John gives us a lesson in perspective and treasure in this week's episode.
We might think we know exactly what God is and should be but is that not a certainty loaded with risk?
We all have one. But what should it be? Fr. John explores the tapestry of our lives and those intrusions that can interupt the pattern.
Jesus said "the kingdom of God is taken by force" and sometime it feels like a battle to allow ourselves to love one another as God intended.
Traveling down I-75 on his way to a Parish Life Conference, Fr. John reflects on the tradition he is passing on to his children as well as the Great Tradition of the Faith.
In his second podcast, Fr. John helps us define a Christian worldview and how it should change the way we process life around us.
In his first podcast, Fr. John reflects on his midnight vigil outside a prison in Tennessee.