Libsyn Directory

The Mysticism of Jesus

The Loft LA - Progressive Christianity in Podcast Form

The majority of Christians would probably not use the term “mystic” to describe Jesus. Many Christians, especially those of us in the West, think of mysticism as a spirituality that is disconnected from the everyday experiences of life. However, what we see in the life of Jesus is that his spiritual practices created a sense of Oneness with God and with other human beings, which deeply informed his beliefs about our responsibilities towards one another. www.TheLoftLA.org

Jesus & His Neighbors

The Loft LA - Progressive Christianity in Podcast Form

From the outset of his public ministry, Jesus included disciples within his inner circle whom his Jewish contemporaries believed did not deserve a seat at the table. When questioned by a lawyer about one person's moral obligations to another, Jesus begins and ends a parable with the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Matthew Hom from Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice will be joining me in the center to discuss their work helping faith communities live out the principles of this parable. www.TheLoftLA.org

The Way of Jesus is The Way of Love

The Loft LA - Progressive Christianity in Podcast Form

Like other wisdom teachers, Jesus spoke of two ways. There is a common way, the one followed by most people, and an alternative way, a path of transformation leading from how we ordinarily live our lives to a different way of being in the world. By following the narrow way, Jesus suggests that we move closer to discovering our true and authentic selves in God. www.TheLoftLA.org

Jesus & The Imperial World

The Loft LA - Progressive Christianity in Podcast Form

The context surrounding Jesus' life was complicated by an imperial domination system. The central features of Roman colonial power were its political oppression and poverty-inducing effects. How was it possible for Jesus to develop a spiritual path of radical compassion out of this social world of political and economic marginalization? www.TheLoftLA.org

Who Do You Say That I Am?

The Loft LA - Progressive Christianity in Podcast Form

After having spent time in his community preaching and teaching, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do the people say that I am?” For those of us who grew up Christian, how we answered that question was of utmost importance. However, as we mature in our faith, an equally important question begins to emerge: how do we tell the story of Jesus? There are many ways to tell the story of Jesus, but how we choose to tell it significantly informs how we practice the religion he taught his disciples. www.TheLoftLA.org

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene

The Loft LA - Progressive Christianity in Podcast Form

Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus's disciples. The Gospels say she traveled with him, was present at his crucifixion, and was the first to see him after his resurrection. Most Christians don’t view her as one of the more important disciples, if they see her as a disciple at all. However, this wasn’t always the case; plenty of evidence suggests that the writings attributed to Mary played a key role in shaping the early Christian movement. Join us this Sunday as we explore what happened to Mary’s teachings and how the decision to exclude her voice continues to affect Christianity today....

Hagar: The Woman Who God Named

The Loft LA - Progressive Christianity in Podcast Form

When most Christians read the story of Abram, Sarai, Hagar, and Ishmael, Hagar is seen as having a small role in a story that ultimately is not about her. However, upon a closer reading, Hagar plays a central role in God’s unfolding relationship with Abram and his family. Hagar’s story of survival, hope, and redemption mirrors the experiences of many Black, Indigenous, and Other women of Color in America. www.TheLoftLA.org

Listening For Sophia: Finding Wisdom In Places It Has Always Been

The Loft LA - Progressive Christianity in Podcast Form

In Jewish and Christian traditions, the voice of wisdom has long been personified as Sophia, a woman. It is a sad irony that the voices of women and other marginalized communities are not usually seen as sources of wisdom in modern Christian communities. What might we learn if we listen to the voices of those whose wisdom has been marginalized? What wisdom can we draw from the community response in Minneapolis and apply here in Los Angeles? Join us this Sunday as Rev. Dr. Carter is joined in the center by our Director of Youth and Social Justice, Everest Harvey, for a conversation on learning...

Breaking Patriarchy: Queen Vashti & The Holy No

The Loft LA - Progressive Christianity in Podcast Form

The book of Esther was written to help Jewish believers live faithfully in a world that is often unfaithful and sometimes openly hostile. Although she only appears in the first chapter, the same could be said about Queen Vashti. Her story shows the cost and risks women face when they stay true to themselves. Denying patriarchal ownership over her body cost her wealth and prestige, but it gave her so much more in return. Rev. Dr. Cater and Rev. Blair discuss patriarchal power dynamics and how "no" can be a holy word. www.TheLoftLA.org

Women Who Dare to Tell the Truth

The Loft LA - Progressive Christianity in Podcast Form

As we continue in the sermon series inspired by women of the Hebrew Bible and Claire McKeever-Burgett's book, In the Beginning Were the Women, we turn this week to a little known story: The Witch of Endor. Yes, there's a witch in the Bible. No, she's not the bad guy. Join us to consider the way society has often labeled women who dare to tell the truth, turning them into villains instead of the prophets God made them to be. www.TheLoftLA.org

TOPICS