Friendly Rev

How do you react when someone tells you that you said or did something racist? Find out what Jesus did when he was called on it. If even Jesus himself had to change his mind about racism to allow miracles to happen, why don’t you?

Etienne announces new services and introduces a spiritual practice of discernment that helps to recognize God’s guidance in the midst of your preoccupations wherever you are. Some references: Tetlow, Joseph A. 2021. “Discernment in a Nutshell.” Ignatian Spirituality (blog). 2021. https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/making-good-decisions/discernment-of-spirits/discernment-in-a-nutshell/.

Etienne explores 3 of your questions related to science vs religion: 1-Is Science at odds with religion?  Is Science saying there is no  God? 2-Can I still be a Christian and embrace the theory of Evolution? 3-If we accept evolution, then what does it mean that we are made in the image of God? Some references: kangielczyk, Kenneth. 2017. “What Do We Mean by ‘Theory’ in Science?” Text. Field Museum (blog). March 10, 2017. https://www.fieldmuseum.org/blog/what-do-we-mean-theory-science. LeSage, Etienne. 2018. “Sermon: Interrupted Movings.” Martelet, Gustave. 2011. “Pierre Teilhard de Chardin Prêtre jésuite, homme de science et philosophe.” Jésuites (blog). September 23, 2011. https://www.jesuites.com/pierre-teilhard-de-chardin-pretre-jesuite-homme-de-science-et-philosophe/. “Religion and Science in Schools.” 2021. Beyond Belief. BBC Radio 4. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000qwv4. Rennie, John. 2002. “15 Answers to Creationist Nonsense.” Scientific American. July 1, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0702-78. Sober, Eliott. 2005. “Evolution and Creationism From Core Questions in Philosophy: A Text With Readings (Fourth Edition).” California State University Long Beach. https://web.csulb.edu/~cwallis/100/evolution/evolution_and_creationism.html. University of California Museum of Paleontology. 2021a. “Even Theories Change.” Understanding Science. 2021. https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/0_0_0/%3C?%20echo%20$baseURL;%20?%3E/howscienceworks_20. ———. 2021b. “Science Aims to Explain and Understand.” Understanding Science. 2021. https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/%3C?%20echo%20$baseURL;%20?%3E_0/whatisscience_04. ———. 2021c. “Science and Religion: Reconcilable Differences.” 2021. https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/science_religion. ———. 2021d. “Science at Multiple Levels.” Understanding Science. 2021. https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/howscienceworks_19. ———. 2021e. “Understanding Science: Glossary.” 2021. https://undsci.berkeley.edu/glossary/glossary.php?start=s&end=z.

Etienne wipes away guilt and shame - two feelings heavily associated with Good Friday - and simplifies theories of atonement that attempted to explain how Jesus’ death worked to reconcile us with God. Only one of them consistently honours God AND us, away from shame and into free love.

Etienne addresses questions from listeners about masturbation, homosexuality, LGBTQ2S+ couples and sheds light on mishandled Bible verses which should not be used to justify exclusion nor condemnation. Some contributing references: DesRochers, Jacob. 2017. « Transgressing Boundaries: Non-Productive Sex ». Kingston, ON: Queens University. https://www.queensu.ca/religion/sites/webpublish.queensu.ca.rlgnwww/files/files/Jacob%20DesRochers-%20Transgressing%20Boundaries%20Research%20Essay.pdf. « The JEPD Theory ». 2010. St. Mary’s Press. https://www.smp.org/dynamicmedia/files/9f86f9ff327c4e2eb3a9f985b135a6ff/TX001002_1-content-The_JEPD_Theory.pdf.

Forgiveness is a present we offer ourselves as much as others and even God. Since the very beginning, Adam, Eve, Cain, Lamech, Peter and Jesus have something to do with it.

Such a short question that could go in many directions. So much to say, but the challenge is in keeping it short and useful. Étienne boils it down to 10 minutes

Do you catch yourself repeating sayings like : ”I told you so”, ”everything happens for a reason” or ”God will never give you something you can’t handle”? Learn why these are not helpful and even harmful to those you are trying to help Also, a question from the audience : why do I still doubt despite my faith?

When misfortune strikes, we can offer wonder ”why me?” or ”why did God let this happen to me, what have I done?” The book of Job in the Bible is meant to make us reconsider those questions. I boiled down its 42 chapters to a 15 minutes story. Explore it with me!

Did you know Jesus coined the expressions ”Turn the other cheek”, ”give also your shirt” and ”walk the extra mile” ? Discover how their real meaning is not suggesting submission, but a true power to change things. For more information about Jesus and social justice/power, check out the work of Walter Wink : Engaging the Powers and other books

Hell : the eternal human BBQ of a sadistic God? No. Let’s unburden you of this concept that has been heavily distorted over time to control and hurt people.

Etienne is eager to say Hi! Listen to an introduction to the English version of his FriendlyRev Podcast.  Come back soon for our first episodes!