Mid-faith Crisis

27/07/2024

Episode 293: Now with added wrath

In this episode we dive deep into the idea of the wrathful God. Can we understand it in a different way? And what do we do with all the bits in the Old Testament where the almighty gets all smitey? Are the accounts of the tribal, violent, Old Testament God real? Or are they stories? And if they are, how do we read them? Meanwhile, Nick has been spending time with hundreds of dead people, and Joe thinks that all Independent Financial Advisors are out to get him.

In this episode we dive deep into the idea of the wrathful God. Can we understand it in a different way? And what do we do with all the bits in the Old Testament where the almighty gets all smitey? Are the accounts of the tribal, violent, Old Testament God real? Or are they stories?… Read More »....

20/07/2024

Came across this again recently. Still makes me laugh!

I own nothing!

20/07/2024

Episode 292: Decluttering, deconstructing and sorting your life out

We're back! And after a long break there is a lot of catching up to do. Has Nick really stopped watching the news? Is there actually such a thing as a Purple Hairstreak Butterfly? Is the Mid-faith Crisis Podcast the Kendal Mint cake of spirituality? And what happened when Joe took Nick to the theatre?

Also - our friend Andy is carrying out some research looking at how podcasting is becoming a significant resource for those who are going through some sort of faith shift in their lives. Will you help by taking part in a short survey? [Go here](bit.ly/podcastsanddeconstruction).

https://midfaithcrisis.org/podcast/episode-292-decluttering-deconstructing-and-sorting-your-life-out/

We’re back! And after a long break there is a lot of catching up to do. Has Nick really stopped watching the news? Is there actually such a thing as a Purple Hairstreak Butterfly? Is the Mid-faith Crisis Podcast the Kendal Mint cake of spirituality? And what happened when Joe took Nick to the thea...

14/07/2024

Well now. If it’s in scripture…!

How could we not mention the football somehow !

13/07/2024

So good to spend the day together. Back to normal now. New podcast next Saturday.

13/07/2024

A slight technical issue meant this came out a bit late today. I’m delighted to say this is due to Nick’s total technical ineptitude. (And I’m so glad he’s not on Facebook)

Joe interviews friend and fellow celebrant Claire Bradford about her experiences walking the Camino. They discuss the importance of doing things when you can, the Joy of Missing Out and and how the pilgrimage, far from being about solitary detachment, led to an amazing sense of community and connect...

07/07/2024

Hey Friends. I have a favour to ask you. A beloved listener is doing PhD research into podcasts and faith. If you would be willing to do a short survey (really only a few mins), it would be an enormous help. (See below)

Andy is carrying out some research looking at how podcasting is becoming a significant resource for those who are going through some sort of faith shift in their lives. He is interested in how people use podcasts as a form of spiritual practice, how a sense of community might form around them, and about how experiences of listening compare with experiences of church. In order to get an accurate picture of what is happening in the UK right now, he is hoping to be able to speak to listeners of various British podcasts to hear their voices. If you would be interested in being a part of this study, you can fill out a quick survey at bit.ly/podcastsanddeconstruction .

06/07/2024

Hey friends. Thought some of you would appreciate (as I did) this stain glass window in the middle of the Forest of Dean. Sacred space. Love it!

29/06/2024

Episode 290: OMG - A Bad Christian's Prayer Book with Dave Tomlinson

Joe talks to friend of the podcast Dave Tomlinson about his book 'OMG, A Bad Christian's Prayer Book'. Dave also chats about prayer, and about the need for us to be committed to hope or, as he terms it, 'defiant imagination'.

Joe talks to friend of the podcast Dave Tomlinson about his book ‘OMG, A Bad Christian’s Prayer Book’. Dave also chats about prayer, and about the need for us to be committed to hope or, as he terms it, ‘defiant imagination’. Mentioned in this episode:

15/06/2024

Episode 289: Start the week with a sabbath

We discuss the concept of the sabbath, mainly because Nick has heard an interesting sermon on the topic. What if we see sabbath as the start of the week and not the end? How does it help us escape the world of 'things'? And is it obligatory to have a bath? Also, we touch on whether you can have 'Stage 4' churches, talk a bit about demons and exorcism, and we ponder whether mysticism, far from being an escape from reality, actually helps you to see it more clearly.

We discuss the concept of the sabbath, mainly because Nick has heard an interesting sermon on the topic. What if we see sabbath as the start of the week and not the end? How does it help us escape the world of ‘things’? And is it obligatory to have a bath? Also, we touch on… Read More »Episo....

08/06/2024

Celebrity author to speak at Literary Festival!

Join Nick Page for a humorous and action packed tour of the history of Christianity.

08/06/2024

Episode 288: Happy Be Kind to Clergy Day!

We carry on our discussion about churches and church leadership. Do churches need visible locations? How do we preserve their communal identity without creating barriers that keep others out? And, crucially, when Jesus said 'where two are three are gathered' does that include rabbits? Also, we reflect more on bad behaviour in the church – but in this case on how many clergy are on the receiving end of bullying by church members. Which is why we have declared this Sunday to be the international 'Be Kind to Clergy' day!

We carry on our discussion about churches and church leadership. Do churches need visible locations? How do we preserve their communal identity without creating barriers that keep others out? And, crucially, when Jesus said ‘where two are three are gathered’ does that include rabbits? Also, we r...

05/06/2024

Hey all. If you want to hear Nick and I talking about friendship, you can listen to the podcast here!

A place for honest conversations about interactive life with God. Nathan Foster draws wisdom from guests—including authors, pastors, and artists—who are…

02/06/2024

Loved church this morning!

01/06/2024

Episode 287: It's nature, but is it churching?

In keeping with his theme, Joe has been nature churching. We discuss his experiences so far, what makes something 'church', the importance of your spiritual trellis and whether some churches turn the tricycle of faith into a unicycle.

In keeping with his theme, Joe has been nature churching. We discuss his experiences so far, what makes something ‘church’, the importance of your spiritual trellis and whether some churches turn the tricycle of faith into a unicycle. Mentioned in this episode:

25/05/2024

Episode 286: God is speaking our language

We have a think about Pentecost. What was it all about? Was it really the birthday of the church? Is it an
eschatological thing? Actually, what even is an eschatological thing? Also an interview with Lisa-Jayne Lewis, our very own Eurovision correspondent.

We have a think about Pentecost. What was it all about? Was it really the birthday of the church? Is it an eschatological thing? Actually, what even is an eschatological thing? Nick, has a three-point sermon, and naturally, each point begins with the same letter. Also an interview with Lisa-Jayne Le...

21/05/2024

Remembering our dear friend Perry and his wonderful family.

The government is due to announce what it says will be a "comprehensive" compensation scheme.

18/05/2024

Episode 285: How to be wise

Following his year of wisdomness, Nick wrote an article on wisdom. We discuss whether the church downplays wisdom in favour of revelation, the steps we can take to intentionally gain more wisdomness and the need, as Nick puts it, to 'Squeeze the tube of your mistakes for the toothpaste of wisdom'.

Following his year of wisdomness, Nick wrote an article on wisdom. We discuss whether the church downplays wisdom in favour of revelation, the steps we can take to intentionally gain more wisdomness and the need, as Nick puts it, to ‘Squeeze the tube of your mistakes for the toothpaste of wisdom.....

15/05/2024

And for those who like storks! Here’s the live we**am at Knepp!

Here is a live camera feed on one of our stork's nests at Knepp Estate!

11/05/2024

Episode 284: It's theological correctness gone mad

In a feedback-fuelled episode, we chat about heresy, gratitude, and the circuit board of love. Is heresy just speculation that is not the official speculation? Do we have to score 100% on our exams to get into heaven? Also, we think about whether sin is better viewed as separation and Nick gets rather agitated about how we read the Bible. Again.

In a feedback-fuelled episode, we chat about heresy, gratitude, and the circuit board of love. Is heresy just speculation that is not the official speculation? Do we have to score 100% on our exams to get into heaven? Also, we think about whether sin is better viewed as separation and Nick gets rath...

10/05/2024

Here’s the link we mention in tomorrow’s podcast.

At the turn of the century, the following letter was sent to Dr. Laura, a US radio personality who regularly and publicly deemed homosexuality to be a “mista...

05/05/2024

A few pics from Knepp today. Lovely to meet a few podcast listeners and of course, to hear the cuckoos and nightingales preaching. That's my kind of church! Thanks to Peter King for the photos!

04/05/2024

Episode 283: Life After Doom - an interview with Brian McLaren

Brian McLaren talks about his new book, 'Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart'.
He and Joe discuss how denial is exhausting, why our enemies are not people, but systems and how we all need to exercise our power to show up. 'Once you discover the God of love you fire all your other gods'. Also, remember, humans are a mess, but the birds are awesome.

Brian McLaren talks about his new book, ‘Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart’.He and Joe discuss how denial is exhausting, why our enemies are not people, but systems and how we all need to exercise our power to show up. ‘Once you discover the God of love you fire all...

03/05/2024

Hey Friends. If you want a dose of wisdom you can read Nick's article here!

Wisdom takes many forms, says Nick Page, including the words of scripture, the person of Jesus and our own ability to think for ourselves

30/04/2024

“In Search of the Cuckoo”. Hi Friends. I am going to do a little meditative walk on the Knepp Estate this Sunday 5th May at 8.30am. I hope to provide an opportunity to pause, connect with nature and connect with ourselves. We will pause to hear the beautiful birdsong at this time of year and perhaps even hear the call of the cuckoo! As well as, to quote Mary Oliver, consider our ‘one wild life.’ Everyone is welcome if you’d like to join me. Details below.
Meet at the Walkers Car Park on the Knepp Estate at 8.25am. I think the nearest postcode is RH13 8NQ. (But follow the signs!) Terrain is a bit bumpy and likely to be muddy so bring appropriate footwear. We will be done by about 10.00am and that would be a walk of just over 2 miles.

27/04/2024

Episode 282: Custard is holy ground

This week we discuss the relationship between human skills and endeavour and the work of God. Or as Nick put it, 'Why does God get all the praise when I did all the work?' Does the fact that we live in a God-filled universe mean that the Divine should get all the credit? Or, by dismissing humanity's input are we actually devaluing the fact we are made in the image of God? And if that sounds too deep, there's a lot of custard.

This week we discuss the relationship between human skills and endeavour and the work of God. Or as Nick put it, ‘Why does God get all the praise when I did all the work?’ Does the fact that we live in a God-filled universe mean that the Divine should get all the credit? Or, by… Read More »E....

25/04/2024

Interviewing the wonderful (and dear friend of the podcast) Brian McLaren tomorrow about his new book Life After Doom.

23/04/2024

Why does God get all the praise when we do all the work!? Discuss.

20/04/2024

Well really!!!?