Learning How to See with Brian McLaren

How do you stand for what you believe without making others wrong? In this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis joins Brian again to discuss how we can declare our beliefs with love—and why it is essential for the healing of our communities and our planet.  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You ca...

How do you create harmony in your life?  Can Christianity inspire us to focus on what kind of human we want to be—instead of trying to prove we’re right?  In this episode, Barbara Brown Taylor returns to the show for a continuing conversation about the necessary and profound work of reconsecrating our lives—spiritually and ecologically. As Brian explains, “You can leave Christianity, but Christian...

What gets you into the flow?   Rev. Jacqui Lewis joins Brian again in conversation to envision a new way of living Christianity in this episode talking about the 24th chapter, Find the Flow. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Throughout this season, as questions or thoughts arise, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us by leaving a voicemail or emailing us at pod...

Where do we go to replenish our hearts? On this season of Learning How to See, we're exploring ways to reframe our Christian identity so that it reflects our lived reality.   In this episode author, wilderness educator, and Mennonite organizer, Todd Wynward, offers his perspective that spending time in the wilderness—physically and spiritually— can fill our hearts and minds with new meaning.  Reso...

How do we remind ourselves that Love is the center of our lives? As we continue this season, Brian and the guests offer guideposts for negotiating a new relationship to Christianity when we are ready to leave limiting beliefs behind. On this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis explains that living from a space of love is an active calling: “Love that comes from the heart demands justice. It insists on well...

How have you experienced the grief of growth?   In this episode, Barbara Brown Taylor joins Brian for a stimulating conversation about the importance of emotional honesty on each step of our spiritual journey. As we outgrow religious ideas and practices, it’s tempting to bend the truth to make us comfortable—but that reaction slows the process of transformation.  Resources: The transcript for this...

As we kick off a new season grappling with the 'how' answer of Do I Stay Christian?, Brian wanted to revisit the previous seasons that built up and connect to this very question. Joining Brian in conversation are Center for Action and Contemplation staff members Mike Petrow, Gigi Ross, and Dawson Allen. At the end of this season, we'll come back together to reflect and respond to what the listener...

On this Season 4 of Learning How to See, we continue to grapple with the question "do I stay Christian?" In Season 3, we looked at the "yes" and the "no" answer to that question. This season, we're asking: if you do decide to stay Christian without accepting the harmful elements of the Christian faith -- how are you going to do it? Join Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, and others...

Could technology be key to deepening our faith experience? From the printing press to podcasts, the newest technology has been inviting people into faith conversations for centuries. On this episode, Brian is joined by theologian and podcaster Tripp Fuller as we embrace walking towards a fresh and vibrant theology that is accessible to everyone. Tripp is a self-described “theology nerd,” and bring...

What if questions are God’s way of communicating? Could we learn to embrace asking questions as a spiritual practice? For this episode, Brian McLaren invites two great wisdom teachers of our time, Dr. James Finley and Dr. Barbara Holmes into a conversation about the simple steps we can take to celebrate the sacredness of each moment. This conversation journeys into the heart of embracing mystery a...

What is the Christian Cult of Innocence and how does it limit our view of ourselves, God, and Christian wisdom? In this episode, Brian McLaren continues his journey of discovering wisdom and perspectives that can break Christianity open. In this conversation, Fr. Richard Rohr and Paul Swanson explore how embracing our flawed human nature can free us from limiting judgements that keep us and everyo...

Renowned civil rights leader and best-selling author Valarie Kaur joins Brian for this episode of Learning How to See. In this conversation, they help us see how learning about another faith tradition can help us see our own tradition in a different way. Valarie Kaur is a renowned civil rights leader and celebrated prophetic voice "at the forefront of progressive change" (Center for American Progr...

Antisemitism, theology, empire—this week’s episode invites us to examine our histories and faith traditions with an honest lens. Explore a different perspective of Christianity with Rabbi Jill Jacobs, who discuss what is means to have Christianity as a neighbor.  Rabbi Jill Jacobs (she/her) is the CEO of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, an organization that trains and mobilizes more tha...

On the second episode of this season, Brian is joined by Lisa Sharon Harper and Gigi Ross exploring the many ways colonialism has injected racism into Christianity, politics, and the culture we live in. Utilizing theology, research, and drawing heavily from Lisa's work in her latest book Fortune, this episode offers a gripping examination of slavery’s lingering impact on the shadow of Christianity...

What does “Christianity” mean to you? Do you see it as a force for good in the world? How much harm has it caused? Do you want to stay Christian? And if so, what kind—and how? In this first episode from season three of Learning How to See, host Brian McLaren goes straight to the heart of these questions and more. Joined by scholar and historian of Christianity Diana Butler Bass, Ph. D., and CAC st...

On the third season of Learning How to See, Brian McLaren invites us to see and experience Christianity in new ways. Exploring sections from his new book Do I Stay Christian? Brian helps listeners at a spiritual crossroads to honestly examine their evolving faith.   Joined by guests Diana Butler Bass, Lisa Sharon Harper, Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Valerie Kaur, Richard Rohr, James Finley, Barbara Holmes,...

On this bonus episode, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul conclude the season in their reflections on the dynamics of suffering and the art of beginning again in order to learn how to see. The prayers/intentions used in this season can be found here at the following links, depending on where you listen to podcasts: Apple | Spotify | RadioPublic | Stitcher Resources: The transcript for this episode can be...

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul talk about the last two biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Confidence Bias: We mistake confidence for competence, and we are all vulnerable to the lies of confident people. Our brains prefer a confident lie to a hesitant truth. Conspiracy Bias: When we feel shame, we are vulnerable to stories that cast u...

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul talk about the next two biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Catastrophe Bias: Our brains notice sudden changes for the worse, but we easily miss slow and subtle changes over time. We think what is now normal always was and always will be. Our brains are wired for what feels normal. Cash Bias: It is very h...

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul talk about the next two biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Conservative/Liberal Bias: Conservatives and Liberals see the world differently. Liberals see through a “nurturing parent” window, and Conservatives see through a “strict father” window. Liberals value moral arguments based on justice and compass...

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul talk about the next two biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Consciousness bias: A person’s level of consciousness makes seeing some things possible and others impossible. Our brains see from a location. Competency bias: We are incompetent at knowing how incompetent or competent we are, so we may see less...

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul talk about the next three biases that look at the social dimensions of seeing: Community bias: It is very hard to see something your group doesn’t want you to see. This is a form of social confirmation bias. Complementarity bias: If people are nice to you, you’ll be open to what they see and have to say. If they aren’t nice to you,...

On this introductory episode for Season 2 of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul review the biases and talk about two biases that set the stage for all the others: Confirmation Bias: the human brain welcomes information that confirms what it already thinks and resist information that disturbs or contradicts what it already thinks. Complexity Bias: the human brain prefers a simple lie t...

What could happen if we approached the world in silent wonder, with a humility and openness to learning? Brian McLaren is back for Season 2 of this powerful podcast unpacking the biases that impact the way we see—and ultimately love—ourselves and each other. From judgments made unconsciously to complacency in systemic evil, we must learn how to see if we are to learn how to transform. In Season Tw...

On this last episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Jacqui, and Richard review of the biases, and reflection on how doubt, action, and contemplation enrich our ability to see. Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplat...