Begin Again Podcast

Let's look at the feeding of the 5,000 in the Gospel of Matthew... from two perspectives: The Miraculous and the Materialist. Whether you consider yourself religious or not, I think you will be able to glean something from this. Plus, if we are honest, we all have both of those worldviews in us to some degree or another. johnchaffee.carrd.co

Over the years I have had a number of conversations that stop short as a result of starting to sound too "Eastern" in my understanding of spirituality. So, reflecting on that experience, I thought it might be good to explore the differences to spirituality in the East and the West and see what kind of path forward there might be. Because, after all, what if authentic spirituality is both and yet, more that what the East and the West says it is? And, if you are so inclined, give a review on iTunes for a potential shoutout in a later episode. Not to mention, join my email list below. Check out: johnchaffee.carrd.co www.johnchaffee.com @thatjohnchaffee Join Email List: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/a1b474e67d

The other day, I was working on a word document about 10 Commitments of a growth mindset. It takes conscious thought to keep growing, it doesn't happen accidentally, but it can be accelerated by being mindful of how to go about it. I thought I would share the draft version of the 10 Commitments (since it will likely keep evolving). So, here it is, just little old me talking through the document. Enjoy. And, if you are so inclined, give a review on iTunes for a potential shoutout in a later episode. Not to mention, join my email list below. Check out: johnchaffee.carrd.co www.johnchaffee.com @thatjohnchaffee Join Email List: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/a1b474e67d

- Borne out of some discussions I recently had over the Dark Night of the Soul, a recent Facebook post, and more, let's chat about the "Turf War" that need not exist between spirituality and therapy/psychology. And, if you are so inclined, give a review on iTunes for a potential shoutout in a later episode. Not to mention, join my email list below. More Info on John Chaffee, check out: johnchaffee.carrd.co www.johnchaffee.com @thatjohnchaffee Join Email List: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/a1b474e67d

I came across the work of Julius Spradley of Contemplative Icons on social media. Iconography is an art form of depicting different saints and church figures, that is rooted in being theologically accurate and symbolic more than Renaissance realism might attempt. As a fan of iconography myself, I thought, "Why not reach out and see if he would be willing to chat about his art?" Needless to say, he said he would be up for it. I found out so much about icons that I did not previously know about it. There is geometry, harmony, symbolism, and so much more that goes into these pieces of "visual theology." After we were done, Julius was so kind as to send some other iconographers worth checking out. Here is his recommendations of people to look into: Greta Lesko Philip Davydov and Olga Shalamova Jose Xamist Ivan Polverari Maxim Shashukov Alexander Tsypkov Sergii Radkevych Khrystyna Kvyk Aidan Hart Julia Bridget Hayes Giorgis Kordis If you are interested in his work, check out: www.contemplativeicons.com @cntmpltvicons on twitter @contemplative.icons on instagram - More Info on John Chaffee, check out: johnchaffee.carrd.co www.johnchaffee.com @thatjohnchaffee Join Email List: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/a1b474e67d

Kris Cook is a NJ born and raised CMA pastor and missionary now living in Bordeaux, France along with his family. I've known him for nearly 15 years and is equal parts devoted to the Christian path as well as being an intellectual in his own right. Having read the entire catalog of Soren Kierkegaard, Kris was the perfect person to talk about Kierkegaard's Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing. johnchaffee.carrd.co

This is a great primer/introduction into Spiral Dynamics and how it can be used to help one another and our communities to grow. Its a fantastic and helpful read for anyone. Check it out on Amazon. johnchaffee.carrd.co

Josh Saunders is a fantastic guy. He has been learning a lot as a result of some experiences in Montana with people in ministry or non-profit burnout as well as currently being a theology and psychology program in Washington state. Enjoy! For all websites and contact info: www.johnchaffee.card.co

Steve Chaffee is a youth minister in Edinburgh, Scotland and holds two masters degrees. The second of which is an emphasis on Science and Religion, which makes him more than qualified to talk about how we might think Science and Religion should relate to one another. Enjoy! Click here for all contact info and websites: www.johnchaffee.carrd.co

Happy Easter, y'all! I hope this finds you well, and that it is something of a breath of fresh air for you this Easter 2021! www.johnchaffee.carrd.co

https://johnchaffee.carrd.co/

Marty is a reading and literacy specialist with two masters and a PhD. She also happens to be my wonderful Mom. In this, she breaks down the three types of learning before we shift into talking about how church culture and mentorship could utilize the insights of education to help people better understand how learning happens across the lifetime of someone on the Jesus path/spiritual journey. The first half simply sets up the second half of this episode. You'll see what I mean. https://johnchaffee.carrd.co/ FREE 8 Week Video Series on 8 Definitions of Sin from Church History: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/4645ccb04f

I am VERY happy with this one. Not going to lie. I was absolutely excited to share how I have come to understand pre-conventional, conventional and post-conventional Christianity. Enjoy. https://johnchaffee.carrd.co/ FREE 8 Week Video Series on 8 Definitions of Sin from Church History: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/4645ccb04f

The ordering of the books of the Bible, which can be divided into 5 main categories, are ordered in a way that matches how we grow through our own understanding of the faith journey. By looking at these 5 main categories, we can find a "roadmap" through the 5 main ways of thinking about faith. https://johnchaffee.carrd.co/ FREE 8 Week Video Series on 8 Definitions of Sin from Church History: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/4645ccb04f

Here we talk about stages of faith. Its good to have a basic roadmap of how we grow and change, of how we mature in faith, and to know that (unfortunately) we might hit a wall in our growth and that it is a part of the journey. Of course, I am drawing a lot from The Critical Journey, but I gotta say, reading that book was so incredibly helpful for me. Hopefully, this "roadmap" is helpful for you as well. The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition by Amazon.com Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1879215497/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YA6PT1SCB96K2FGCCMQR https://johnchaffee.carrd.co/ FREE 8 Week Video Series on 8 Definitions of Sin from Church History: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/4645ccb04f

This is all about Dante Aligheieri's epic poem The Divine Comedy and how it is actually an ancient roadmap of how people change and grow... You may have heard the stages as "Illumination, Purgation, Perfection" but I title them as "Shine, Burn, Unite." Find me on twitter and instagram: @thatjohnchaffee Website: thatjohnchaffee.com FREE 8 Week Video Series on 8 Definitions of Sin from Church History: https://astounding-artist-3034.ck.page/4645ccb04f

This is straight up a sermon in light of the assault on the House and Senate, the New Year and Christianity. https://thatjohnchaffee.com/join-email-list/

This is the 2020 Christmas sermon. Merry Christmas, y'all, and a Happy New Year!

Let's talk about the Genesis Poem, humanity upgrading it's view of the universe, and how we can hold all these things together. Find me on twitter, too. Let's start a convo on there. @thatjohnchaffee

Here is a chat about how the vocabulary we use with God, the Death of God movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Augustine, and why its good to be a part of a tradition, denomination, church with its own ways of talking about God. To join my email list click this link below: https://mailchi.mp/56532be6894a/getemailsfromjohn - Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Blog: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/blog Podcast: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/the-ambushed-podcast Twitter: www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Instagram: www.instagram.com/thatjohnchaffee Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnchaffee.77/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee

So, let's talk about the Bible. Let's chat about how we are prone to having too low or too high a view of it. Let's chat through 10 ways to know its time to rethink how you understand the Bible. And, of course, talk about a helpful way of reading it... - Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Blog: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/blog Podcast: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/the-ambushed-podcast Twitter: www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Instagram: www.instagram.com/thatjohnchaffee Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnchaffee.77/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee

- Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Blog: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/blog Podcast: www.thatjohnchaffee.com/the-ambushed-podcast Twitter: www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Instagram: www.instagram.com/thatjohnchaffee Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnchaffee.77/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee

Last week, I had a great conversation with my spiritual director, who blew me away with this singular quote from Antonio Machado: "Pilgrim, there is no path: paths are made by walking." Riffing on that, and that odd passage on "the heart is deceitful beyond all things", is it possible that we have misunderstood the place of listening to our heart's compass? So here is a chat about spiritual directors, having an inner compass and rethinking Jeremiah 17. And here is the poem by Antonio Machado, translated into english by Nadine JL. "Wanderer, the way is made by walking. Everything passes and all remains, But our task is to pass, pass by making paths, paths on the sea. I never pursued glory, nor sought to leave in the memories of men my song; I love the subtle worlds, weightless and gentle, like bubbles; funerals floating along. I like to see them painted, with sun and cochineal, fly under the blue sky, tremble suddenly and break… I never pursued glory. Wayfarer, your footsteps are the way and nothing more; wanderer, there is no way; the way is made by walking. While walking, the way is made; and while turning back to see the view behind, the footpath is seen, that needs never be tread again. Wanderer, there is no way but stelae on the sea… Some time ago in that place where today the forests are dressed with thorns there was the voice of a poet shouting “Wanderer, there is no way, the way is made by walking…” Blow by blow, verse by verse… The poet died far from home. Was covered with the dust of a neighbouring country. When receding, they saw him mourn. “Wanderer, there is no way, the way is made by walking…” Blow by blow, verse by verse… When the goldfinch can not sing. When the poet is a pilgrim, when praying is of no use to us. “Wanderer, there is no way, the way is made by walking…” Blow by blow, verse by verse…" - Support at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Email me at: [email protected]

Let's chat about oreos, a parable, and well-intentioned religious folk missing the point about the Kingdom of Heaven, shall we? - Support at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Email me at: [email protected]

Building off of reflections from my own past couple months with depression, here is a chat about the process of "building a self - denying yourself - having no self - to having a Christ-self." - Support at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Email me at: [email protected]

Each 15th of the month will be a Q+A video, in which I will give my best try at (1) answering a question that you send in or, (2) complicating the question and thereby creating MORE questions. Let's have some fun. Three main questions going on here: Resurrection Bodies, Heaven and Violence. Feel free to send questions to be in the next Q&A episode! - Support at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Email me at: [email protected]

Tommy and Noah make up the band Lowercase People (go check them out). They are ragtag misfits, just like me... that's probably why we have kept in touch since meeting back in 2015. These two are thoughtful guys that are navigating what it means to have Christian upbringings, and owning it for themselves now that they are in their early 20s. Check it out. It's a long one, but a fun one. We got a bit excited at certain parts. Enjoy. - If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com

The book of Job is ancient wisdom... that often gets misunderstood and so glossed over. Chances are, if you have heard of this book, you have some insights as towards the plot of the epic poem of Job, but do you know what it is really about? Suing God. Yup. In this episode, we chat through God showing up to Job's "courtroom," flipping the game on him, and going through what makes Job "repent OF dust and ashes." Truly, this book is not understood for all the gold it really has within its words! If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com

The book of Job is ancient wisdom... that often gets misunderstood and so glossed over. Chances are, if you have heard of this book, you have some insights as towards the plot of the epic poem of Job, but do you know what it is really about? Suing God. Yup. In this episode, we chat through Job's final statement, his concise lawsuit that he has against God, and... how it's pretty airtight. If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com

The book of Job is ancient wisdom... that often gets misunderstood and so glossed over. Chances are, if you have heard of this book, you have some insights as towards the plot of the epic poem of Job, but do you know what it is really about? Suing God. Yup. If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com

Thank you for checking out the Ambushed Podcast! If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com

Matthew 25:14-30 can be problematic, especially if it keeps you up at night on a retreat like me. But maybe there is something deeper to this parable than we realize in the West... Thank you for checking out the Ambushed Podcast! If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com

Let's chat about John 14:1-6, and whether or not it is exclusive, inclusive or something else... Thank you for checking out the Ambushed Podcast! If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com

Just wrapped up a very fun convo with Rev. Dr. Deborah Watson. We often riff on pastoral and theological things at the church where we both work... So why not record one for y'all to enjoy on your next walk? Also up on iTunes now. Have a great day, y'all.

Ep. 89 | The Book Of How Pt. 5 - Prayer by John Chaffee

The book of Lamentations is actually titled "How." How... brilliant is that? Here we chat through chapter 4, which has the author-poet give a perspective of the fall of Jerusalem that resonates with our lives today. Don't worry, there is some hope sprinkled throughout.

Lamentations 3, is a chapter all about hope and despair over the loss of home. Here, we break it down, read the whole chapter, and try to make sense of some of the TIMELESS wisdom of this brutal chapter. Enjoy. If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram.com/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee

The OT book of Lamentations could also be called "How." In pt. 2 we chat through how there is such a thing as angry-lament, read Lamentations ch. 2, and tie it all together and put a nice bow on it... Actually, no, we don't. And here is the link the NT Wright article on Lament: https://time.com/5808495/coronavirus-christianity/

The book of "How?" is also known as "Lamentations." You probably know it by that name, and boy is it a doozy. This is the first in a series that looks at it chapter by chapter for the next 5 weeks. Buckle in, because it is a tragic, brutal, hopeful, angry, dejected, faithful book... No wonder it is often avoided by most churches.

If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram.com/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com

Thank you for checking out the Ambushed Podcast! If you like what you heard and found it helpful, please share it with a friend or consider being a patron at: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter: www.instagram.com/thatjohnchaffee www.twitter.com/thatjohnchaffee Subscribe to my Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFWLIbWiSTQhtZvX8Ayb8A?view_as=public You can also check out my website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com And sign up for occasional emails here: mailchi.mp/e8138ab903c1/musings-of-a-holy-fool-485967

I think the title says it all. Instagram and Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee Mailchimp: https://mailchi.mp/0522e0e89d5c/musings-of-a-holy-fool-491271

Instagram and Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee Mailchimp: mailchi.mp/e8138ab903c1/musings-of-a-holy-fool-485967

So here we go... into Exodus 33, one of the most brilliant and bewildering passages of the Hebrew Scriptures. We talk about two ideas that stretch from the Hebrew to the Greek Scriptures, as well as how Moses is experiencing something that all of us experience, frustration and bartering with God. Here is the link to the YouTube Playlist I mention: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVQtFZwv79arC0vZqNF4AgJkYAp2QIZKL As well as some of my online accounts and weekly email signup: Instagram and Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee Mailchimp: https://mailchi.mp/3d589209ae27/musings-of-a-holy-fool-456051

From August 18th to the 26th, I did a solo road trip down to Kentucky to stay at the Abbey of Gethsemani. This is the same Abbey where Thomas Merton lived and wrote so many of his books. This is a recap of that experience and some of the insights I personally got out of a week long silent retreat in the hills of Kentucky. Here is a youtube video I made of the trip: https://youtu.be/v93zvKmvBYo

In seminary we are taught "Orthodoxy leads to orthopraxy." Well, that isn't always the case, is it? So here I propose an update to the phrase by inventing a word. Buckle in.

I didn't know it when I started writing the notes, but this one ended up being the opposite of a previous episode... Plus, can we all just talk about how we get uncomfortable when some people talk about the devil?

Soooo, how about that title, huh? Does that intrigue you or not? My understanding is that we misunderstand the word "apocalypse." And so, even if you are religious or non-religious, I guarantee you, you want to have not just one but many apocalypses happen to you in your life. Enjoy. - Instagram: @thatjohnchaffee Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee Mailchimp: https://mailchi.mp/56532be6894a/getemailsfromjohn

Part 2 in a series of trying to "reframe" different parts of the life of faith, this is all about understanding immature religion, mature religion, the place of nature, the place of soul, and the importance of mystery. All of which, of course, inspired by the writing of St. Bonaventure's The Soul's Journey into God.

What do Rafiki, Yoda, Gandalf and Jesus have in common? Well, more than you may think. Plus, they all have something very important in common...