Poema Podcast
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 25, 2017
Poema 004: Kyle Strobel On Harry Potter & The Christian Way Of Power
Wednesday Jan 25, 2017
Wednesday Jan 25, 2017
Today, theologian and author Kyle Strobel joins me to talk about the challenging topic of what true wisdom is, and Christianity in relation to the concept of power - and how this has been misunderstood and abused.
Kyle and his colleague Jamin Goggin have interviewed some of the oldest and wisest prominent Christian leaders and learned a lot about what true Christ-like wisdom. We discuss how, in fact, the way of Jesus is about surrender, about giving up power, not claiming more and more. We talk about the myth of Christian celebrity, and Kyle shares the powerful metaphor of Harry Potter, and how his story is a metaphor for this in many ways, and what the story of Harry Potter has to say to our own spiritual journeys.
This is a fascinating insight into important issues of power, wisdom and surrender - and Kyle has great wisdom on the topic. Definitely worth a listen!
*****
Kyle's new book 'The Way Of The Dragon Or The Way of the Lamb', which explores this topic in much more depth, releases Jan 25.
Thursday Jan 19, 2017
Poema 003: Shane Claiborne on Executing Grace & The End Of The Death Penalty
Thursday Jan 19, 2017
Thursday Jan 19, 2017
The inspiring author, speaker and activist Shane Claiborne joins me today. He talks about his most recent work in campaigning for the end of the death penalty in the US.
Shane passionately and with great wisdom shares about how the death penalty is about more issues than justice - it's about race, equality, and about grace.
He shares some moving testimonies of people on death row, and argues that as Christians we are called to believe that no one, not even murderers, are beyond redemption, and for an approach to justice which begins with grace, with mercy - and beginning to see all people as God sees them.
This is one of the most inspiring interviews I've ever done - and whether you're Christian or not, this will challenge, encourage and inspire you.
Quotes:
"The death penalty has survived not despite Christians but because of us. The Bible belt is the death belt."
"We live in a world where violence is pervasive, we've created this myth of redemptive violence, this myth we can fight violence with violence. Violence is the problem, not the solution. The disease, not the cure"
"Support for the death penalty has hit historic lows"
"Jesus was an executed, forgiving victim of tremendous violence, who died with grace on His lips, saying 'Father forgive them, they don't know what they're doing'. That should change us."
Wednesday Jan 18, 2017
Poema 002 : Max Strom On Healthy Breathing & Why There Is No App For Happiness
Wednesday Jan 18, 2017
Wednesday Jan 18, 2017
For my first Poema interview I welcome Max Strom. Max is an author of several books, including 'A Life Worth Breathing' and 'There Is No App For Happiness'. Max speaks and trains people all over the world around these topics, and has also spoken at TED.
Max is passionate about us all having a holistic, healthier rhythm to life, and teaches healthy breathing exercises and routines, including some yoga-based exercises.
Max and I talk about what a healthy breathing pattern really looks like, how anxiety can be directly linked to grief, and also touch on the damage our culture's addiction to social media can do to our personal well-being.
Max has great wisdom and provides some genuine, healthier alternatives to the rhythms we often choose live by and consumerism can pressurise us to follow, refreshing alternatives which can help us all lead a healthier life, inside and out.
Tuesday Jan 17, 2017
Poema 001 : What Is Poema?
Tuesday Jan 17, 2017
Tuesday Jan 17, 2017
Today 'James Talks' relaunches as the 'Poema Podcast'. This week we have three episodes - today, tomorrow and Thursday. The others will have very special guests, today's is the first of some reflective episodes - all of these will be hosted and curated by me, James Prescott.
In this first episode, Poema's I'll be talking about the changes to the podcast, what we'll be doing in this first season of the 'Poema Podcast'. I also explore what this word 'Poema' really means, its roots in scripture, and how it's fundamental to us exploring our identity, finding our calling, and stepping out in faith to create the life God intended us to live.
I unpack the idea that we're all God's masterpiece, our lives are works of art - and share how if we root ourselves in grace, we can be liberated to create the life God always wanted for us - and ultimately, help create a better world.