The Sacred

By: Theos think tank
  • Summary

  • The Sacred is a podcast about our deepest values, the stories that shape us and how we can build empathy and understanding between people who are very different. Each episode features a conversation with someone who has a public voice, from academics to journalists, playwrights and politicians. We ask them where they have come from, what they are trying to do and what might help heal our very divided public conversations. The Sacred is hosted by Elizabeth Oldfield, former director of Theos think tank. For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank, @sacred_podcast and @ESOldfield.
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Episodes
  • Catholic Priest on Chastity, Controversy & Building Bridges with LGBTQ Catholics
    Oct 23 2024
    Father James Martin and our host, Elizabeth Oldfield discuss the blessings and challenges of being a priest, becoming a vocal advocate for LGBTQ inclusion within the Catholic Church and navigating backlash as a public figure. If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to be notified whenever we release an episode! 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 📱 Follow Fr James Martin https://www.instagram.com/jamesmartinsj/?hl=en CHAPTERS 00:00:00 What is Sacred to you? Father James Martin replies 00:00:54 Understanding the Sacred 00:02:50 The Role of Discernment in Life 00:05:46 Childhood Influences and Early Life 00:09:08 Transitioning from Business to Jesuit Life 00:11:56 Exploring Religious Orders 00:14:51 Community Living and Its Challenges 00:18:10 Chastity is difficult 00:20:05 Having a public voice 00:23:00 Advocacy for the LGBTQ Community 00:27:16 Spiritual Rejection and backlash 00:32:06 Understanding Radicalisation and Disagreement 00:34:32 The Role of Politics in Division 00:38:58 Finding the Balance in Discourse 00:40:24 Exploring the Themes of 'Come Forth' 00:44:44 Jesuit Wisdom on Understanding Others 00:49:06 The Importance of Connection in Disagreement --- Keywords Compassion, Catholic, Jesuit, Priest, Humanity, Monastic, Despair, Hope, Jesus, Catholic, Religion, Theology, Spirituality, Ministry, Pastoral, Devotion, Morality, Ethics, Belief, Tradition, Contemplation, Mysticism, Interfaith, Ecumenical, Jesuit priest, Catholic spirituality, Finding God in all things, Discernment of spirits, LGBTQ advocacy in the Catholic Church, Navigating controversy and criticism, Chastity and religious life, Compassion and empathy in faith, Bridging divides and understanding differences, Vocation and calling, Spirituality and everyday life, Theological perspectives on Jesus's humanity, Intentional community and monastic living, division, politics, listening, relationship, Overcoming despair and cultivating hope, Balancing public ministry and personal faith, Lessons in listening and giving the benefit of the doubt, Exploring sacred and secular in modern life, Insights from a Jesuit priest and author, Navigating faith, difference, and social justice, Transformative spiritual journeys
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    53 mins
  • Converting to Islam and the Pursuit of Meaning with Dr Timothy Winter (Abdal Hakim Murad)
    Oct 16 2024
    Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with renowned Islamic theologian Dr. Timothy Winter (Abdal Hakim Murad) to explore his journey to Islam and the depth and richness that he finds within the Islamic spiritual tradition. Dr. Winter shares the story of his own transformative journey, from attending a Christian school to a deep immersion in the world of Islam. Beyond his personal narrative, Dr. Winter delves into the surprising commonalities between Christianity and Islam, challenging common misconceptions and inviting listeners to consider the universal human yearning for the sacred. He also reflects on the resurgence of interest in traditional forms of religion and the need for a more prophetic, counter-cultural approach to faith. If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to be notified whenever we release an episode! 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ CHAPTERS 00:00 What is Sacred to you? Dr Timothy Winter answers 03:13 The Nature of Monotheism: Understanding Semitic Traditions 06:10 Childhood Influences: A Middle-Class English Upbringing 09:03 Family Legacy: Architecture, Modernism, and Religion 11:54 Education and Early Skepticism: The Role of Westminster School 14:45 The Search for Meaning: From Unitarianism to Islam 18:06 Sexuality and Spirituality 20:55 The Path to Conversion: A Gradual Awakening 23:46 Islam and Identity: Finding Roots in Faith 29:39 The Intersection of Islam and Christianity 33:07 Understanding Key Aspects of Islam 37:16 Interfaith Engagement 41:46 The Complexities of Jesus and Muhammad 42:16 Current Spiritual Landscape and Trends 48:15 Engaging with Differences and Common Humanity --- Keywords Islam, Christianity, monotheism, spirituality, sexuality, conversion, personal journey, theology, education, family legacy, Christianity, interfaith dialogue, spirituality, conversion, religious identity, cultural differences, common humanity, religious trends, Islamic theologian, lecturer in Islamic studies, Muslim devotional literature, Islamic theology, Interfaith dialogue, religious pluralism, Spirituality and modernity, Secularization, secularisation, Religious conversion, Sufism, Islamic philosophy, Islamic culture, Muslim identity, Muslim community, Religious revivalism, Postmodernism and religion, globalisation, Globalization and religion, Spiritual awakening, Transcendence, Meaning of life, Existential questions
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    59 mins
  • Becoming the People We Need at the End of the World with Sarah Wilson
    Oct 9 2024
    From two different spiritual perspectives, we explore what it means to remain connected, rooted and to live a meaning-filled life in these turbulent times. Drawing from their personal experiences and spiritual journeys, they delve into the nature of the sacred, the importance of relationships and community, and the practical steps we can take to resist being poorly formed in these times of uncertainty. If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to be notified whenever we release an episode! 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✨ Learn more about Sarah Wilson https://sarahwilson.com/ -- Authors Elizabeth Oldfield and Sarah Wilson delve into the profound questions of what it means to be fully human and alive in these turbulent times. Exploring themes of the sacred, relationships, and spiritual core strength, they offer a holistic perspective on navigating the complexities of the modern world. Drawing from their personal experiences and diverse spiritual backgrounds, Elizabeth and Sarah share wisdom on overcoming acedia, cultivating resilience, and rediscovering a sense of purpose and connection. Whether you're grappling with grief, seeking to deepen your understanding of the human condition, or simply yearning for a more meaningful way of living, this dialogue offers invaluable insights. Listeners will be inspired to reclaim the sacred, embrace their shared humanity, and find practical steps to become more fully alive, even amidst the challenges of our current moment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, spirituality, and the future of humanity.
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    1 hr and 10 mins

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