Begin Again Podcast

All taken from 1 Kings 19, this story is brilliant. It's all about cynicism, being a prophet, hope, despair, the "axis mundi," calamities, catastrophes and "The Calm that Carries the Voice." Instagram: @thatjohnchaffee Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee Mailchimp: https://mailchi.mp/56532be6894a/getemailsfromjohn

So, for the past couple of years, some ideas have been swirling about how everything is connected, everything is seeking wholeness, everything is seeking holiness in Christ. Here is an episode completely devoted to that topic: Whole-Making. Enjoy. Instagram: @thatjohnchaffee Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee Mailchimp: https://mailchi.mp/56532be6894a/getemailsfromjohn

Ep. 71 | No, Seriously, This Is All About You by John Chaffee

Let's wrap it up, shall we? Here is the final part on the book of Jonah. I hope that you have enjoyed this journey and that it has given you even more of an appreciation for this hilarious, profound, insightful and bewildering campfire story of a book. Here is Jonah Pt. 4. Enjoy. Also, feel free to check out this recent video chat I did on "The Difference Between Theology and Spirituality": youtu.be/b-3zEu_e92I And be sure to follow me on these platforms... Instagram: @thatjohnchaffee Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee Mailchimp: mailchi.mp/56532be6894a/getemailsfromjohn

And here we are with Jonah Pt. 3! This part of the book is equally as bonkers as chapters 1 and 2. Jonah finally gets around to being a prophet after going through a storm while on the high seas and inside the belly of a whale. Still, this part of Jonah has some great insights that still can cause us to pause today. Enjoy. Check out this recent video chat I did on "The Difference Between Theology and Spirituality": youtu.be/b-3zEu_e92I And be sure to follow me on these platforms... Instagram: @thatjohnchaffee Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee Mailchimp: mailchi.mp/56532be6894a/getemailsfromjohn

Jonah gets swallowed by a big fish and humbly gives thanks for it? Something is fishy here... Get it? Maybe it's time to revisit this famous chapter and try to understand it from a different angle. And be sure to follow me on these platforms... Instagram: @thatjohnchaffee Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee Mailchimp: https://mailchi.mp/56532be6894a/getemailsfromjohn

And, we are back. The book of Jonah is a great one... and often misunderstood or made out to be a cartoon. In reality, it is masterful, hilarious storytelling at its best. And be sure to follow me on these platforms... Instagram: @thatjohnchaffee Twitter: @thatjohnchaffee Website: www.thatjohnchaffee.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/johnchaffee Mailchimp: https://mailchi.mp/56532be6894a/getemailsfromjohn

This is part 2 of 2, and it is born out of the contemplative tradition and it's discussion of what it means to have a "False Self" and a "True Self." Listen in for quotes from Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, Soren Kierkegaard and how you can "lose yourself" in the best way possible. In addition to that, here is the link to the Charity:Water account I made. Feel free to give money to help bring clean water to parts of the world. 100% of the proceeds go to making clean water happen! https://my.charitywater.org/john-chaffee/let-s-do-something-good

This is part 1 of 2, and it is born out of the contemplative tradition and it's discussion of what it means to have a "False Self" and a "True Self." Listen in for quotes from Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, Soren Kierkegaard and how you can "lose yourself" in the best way possible. In addition to that, here is the link to the Charity:Water account I made. Feel free to give money to help bring clean water to parts of the world. 100% of the proceeds go to making clean water happen! https://my.charitywater.org/john-chaffee/let-s-do-something-good

With all the ways that it seems Christianity has gone wrong today (and it's likely going to go wrong in some way in every generation), let's consider this one a conversation about what it looks like when it goes right. To see more from me, check out: www.ThatJohnChaffee.com www.Patreon.com/JohnChaffee

Once upon a time, I was told, "It might be best if you never preach here again." Oh man. I look back now and laugh. So, here is an episode about the love of God, the topic that got me in trouble.

From Nietzsche to Teilhard to the Yes we say to all of life. This one is all about how new life is being brought forth in the hardships of life.

Apprentice (n.) - one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling

Let's have a chat about 3 bad ways of being a person, and 1 really good one... And then talk about how boundaries are a spiritual discipline.

You gotta like that title, right? Did you know that challenging things to be better is a spiritual practice? Did you know there is an incredibly long tradition of doing this? Did you know that all of are intended to be iconoclasts? Give it a listen and then perhaps a rating on iTunes!

And we are back from a short summer hiatus... to talk about gossip, of all things! Born out of a few experiences I had this summer, I thought it would be great to come back and talk about how we talk. I hope you enjoy!

A modern parable for you... It is a suburban tragedy about radical freedom, all centered around a bowling ball.

Just a bunch of hard learned observations about pain, hurt and loss. Either from my own life or from wisdom said to me, I hope this helps those of you in the midst of hard times. Until next time, check out www.patreon.com/johnchaffee !!!

As a result of great conversations recently, this one is all about diving into a single verse from the Gospel of Matthew and realizing that it has incredibly far more depth, nuance and richness than first glance may show! Buckle in!

This is how you love your enemies... you heap burning coals on their heads. (It doesn't mean what you think it does!)

www.patreon.com/johnchaffee

Ep. 52 | What Is Holy Discontent? by John Chaffee

Ep. 51 | Reclaiming Sabbath (with Heschel's Help) by John Chaffee

Ep. 50 | (Dis)Integrate by John Chaffee

Ep. 49 | Easter With Mark Reiff by John Chaffee

Ep. 48 | Good Friday With Mark Reiff by John Chaffee

Ep. 47 | Riffing on Palm Sunday with Mark Reiff by John Chaffee

Parables like this one, the rich man and Lazarus, are actually all about how to live THIS life well. Soooooo, let's chat about that.

Ep. 45 | Cynicism Is A Rabid Dog by John Chaffee

Ep. 44 | Reclaiming Ekklesia by John Chaffee

Ep. 43 | Ash Wednesday 2018 by John Chaffee

Ep. 42 | Candles And Chaos by John Chaffee

Ep. 41 | How You Shouldn't Read Your Bible by John Chaffee

For those of you "in-between" seasons of life, for those of you "wandering" and not knowing what they are doing, for those of you who are stressed by the pressure of thinking life is meant to be lived going from one success story to another... There is good news for you. Its okay.

This one goes out to anyone trying to figure out who they are. For those tired of impressing other people, for those who feel like slaves to other people's opinions of them, for those who feel incomplete or as though they will never arrive. There is something you need to know...

Steve Chaffee has been stateside for the past two weeks, so of course I snagged him for a chat on his speciality, thinking and talking about God better through what is called "theological method."

Stability, routine, growth, ruach, pneuma, the universe, dusty attic air and more.

30 min of tips I’ve learned over the years on how to listen to others well. Taken from times spent as a chaplain, being a teacher, and learning to be a decent human being. Take notes and enjoy.

I once met a tall forest gnome who gave me some life changing advice. Here's the story.

In response to the recent shooting in Las Vegas, which was absolutely horrific and beyond words, here is my attempt to try and move my little corner of the world. Dietrich Bonhoeffer gives us a thought on ethics, and Teresa of Avila closes us out with a poem.

Camp stories are great, especially when they challenge everything about the way you do life.

This second half is my explanation of the parable, why I wrote it, what authors I had in mind, and so forth. Should be fun to compare with what you thought Pt. 1 was about!

So, I have been writing my own parables in my spare time recently. And here is a good one. I've already told it in a few different places in person and, not to brag, but its a good one.

Henri has been an influential person in my life. His writings have spoken to me when theology and academia have not. A man aware of his struggles and sometimes writing from places of loneliness and depression, Henri has helped many of us. Enjoy.

In response to the recent events in Charlottesville, I dive into a groundbreaking work by a groundbreaking individual. I present to you, Howard Thurman.

One standard view, and then three other angles of looking at this mystery. To be in the "Image of God" is a privilege and a profoundly perplexing promise. Enjoy!

I think the title describes it all. Well, that and the fact I break down how people may have had "Be holy as God is holy" taught to them in an oppressive and shame-inducing manner, then, provide a better way of understanding it.

Shout out to all those graduating high school, college, or just moving from one phase of life to another! Your faith is about to be challenged!

What are we here to do? I can't answer that for you, specifically. But there may be some helpful guidelines...

If you don't like treadmills, I give you permission to burn them.