Awakening Compassion - Why Was It Ever Asleep? - 177

Irenicast - A Progressive Christian Podcast

All five co-hosts grab some tea, full of compassion for one another, to talk about awakening compassion. The conversation begins with definitions and connections to spirituality. Since everyone thinks compassion is a good thing, co-hosts wonder how we become more compassionate. By awakening? By watering a seed inside of ourselves? Through training?

The conversation turns to a Christianity informed by compassion. Allen brings Tibetan Buddhism and tonglen breathing practice into the space. Bonnie brings in an Orthodox Christian breathing practice. Connecting breath and compassion, co-hosts discuss the possibility of a compassion-centered Christianity. It turns out compassion is a rather divisive, controversial idea within Christianity. Co-hosts’ formation and evolving Christian identity become exposed in interesting ways. Co-hosts realize the effects of being formed within Christianity communities that disavow Christ’s vulnerability and woundedness are still present in them.

The episode closes with a rousing round of Sound Charades. It’s obvious the cups of tea (and perhaps, compassion) have grown cold as co-hosts compete to the bitter, disputed end.

Conversation on Awakening Compassion (00:59)

Sound Charades Segment (55:12)

RELEVANT LINKS

From Our Conversation, Awakening Compassion

• The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe by Richard Rohr (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Saint Francis of Assisi (Wiki)
• Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus and the Heart of Contemporary Faith by Marcus J. Borg (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Tonglen
• Matthew 25:31-46 NRSV - The Sheep and the Goats
• Park J Palmer (American author, educator, and activist)
• Wage Peace by Judyth Hill (Poem)
• Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chodron (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)

From Our Sound Charades Segment

• Word Generator

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IRENCAST HOSTS

Rev. Allen O’Brien, MAT | co-founder & co-host | [e-mail]

You can connect with Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, GoodReads, & LinkedIn.

Rev. Bonnie Rambob, MDiv | co-host | [e-mail]

You can connect with Bonnie on Facebook and at Parkside Community Church-UCC

Pastor Casey Tinnin, MTS | co-host | [e-mail]

You can follow Casey on Twitter and Facebook, or you can check out his blog The Queerly Faithful Pastor or loomisucc.org

Jeff Manildi | co-founder, producer & co-host | [e-mail]

Follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on facebook, instagram & twitter. You can also listen to Jeff’s other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Rajeev Rambob, MCL | co-host | [e-mail]

You can follow Rajeev on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

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CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

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