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Rational Christianity

Author: Paul Shepherd

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Some people think that faith means believing a bunch of things that we know are impossible. In this podcast, we use science, common sense, the Bible, and an understanding of human nature to make Christianity make sense.Christianity can be rational! And a rational Christianity is better able to fight racism, sexism, and other social diseases.
30 Episodes
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With the crisis in Gaza right now we are hearing many different voices. One voice I wanted to hear was from Palestinian Canadians. In this episode I share an interview I made with Ehab Mustapha, a Palestinian Canadian from Mississauga, Ontario.
It is 140 days since Oct 7, 2023, the day of the atrocious attack by Hamas on Israel. Since that day, Israel has killed more than 30,000 civilians. And over 1 million Palestinians are facing the very real possibility of death by starvation. Whatever side you are on, many people these days are calling for an immediate, permanent, ceasefire. I was invited to speak at a multi-faith ceasefire event recently. And I want to share my talk with you.
Palestine / Israel

Palestine / Israel

2024-02-0216:48

Many people are rightly concerned because of the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023. But that attack did not come out of nowhere. It came out of the 75 year occupation of Palestine. And in fact, the story goes back even further. Let’s talk about that today.
The only constant in life is change. That is even true when it comes to the theology of the church. There is a movement called "Progressive Theology" which is all about change. Today we will discuss what that is and I will show that it is actually a very old idea.
Homelessness has always been an issue. But in recent years - at least in Canada, the number of people experiencing homelessness has risen dramatically. In this episode we explore whether homelessness is a problem, or if it is better understood as a symptom.
What more do you need?

What more do you need?

2023-08-2710:31

I'm sure that most people have heard the story about Jesus feeding 5000 people with a bit of bread and a few fish. What that story is really about - in modern terms - is the contrast between a mindset of abundance and a mindset of scarcity. Let's talk about that today.
One of the features of western society is Islamophobia - which is an irrational fear of Muslims, or a fear of Islam. Join me today for an interview with Imam Tarek, who was the Imam at the Brantford Mosque when I moved to Brantford. We will both offer our own perspective on Islamophobia and how to combat it.
We all deserve to have a great 2023. But how do we make that happen? Do we just recycle our list of resolutions from last year? Or do we take stock of what is holding us back and let those things to?Join with me as we discuss how to have a great 2023.
Advent #1: Longing

Advent #1: Longing

2022-11-2810:56

We are now in Advent. Traditionally a time that we are invited to look for Jesus in our midst. But what does that really mean? Join with me as we discuss why we need to get very real about our own longings as a first step in looking for Jesus in our midst.
This is the last Sunday in the Christian Calendar, which is called "Christ the King" Sunday. What is that all about? And what does that have to do with the Trans Day of Remembrance? Please join with me and we will discuss it.
Remembrance Day - perhaps more than any other occasion, raises up a strong discrepancy between what Christians say and what they actually do. That's because Jesus had some very challenging things to say about warfare.Let's talk about that!
We all want to be happy. But where do we find happiness? Does happiness come when we have enough stuff? or does happiness come when we share with others and create community?
Do you want to be well

Do you want to be well

2022-09-2211:23

I think that most of us value being "well". But often, when an opportunity comes along where we can make life changes and become more well, we don't actually do it. Perhaps it's not so obvious that we want to be well. Certainly, it is worth discussing.I wonder. Do we want to be well? Let's talk about it.
Christians have traditionally supported the idea of the "Holy Trinity". That is the idea that God exists as 3 "persons" - Father, son, and spirit. But what does that even mean? How can Jesus be both a person and God? In this episode we offer a rational way to understand the Trinity.
I'm delighted in this episode to interview Dr. Darrell Picketts, a member at Sydenham-Heritage United Church and a friend. He has his own take on "Rational Christianity".
Listen to Creation

Listen to Creation

2022-05-2610:50

In the Bible, God is sometimes represented in wind and fire. What do we hear if we listen to wind and fire today? We hear the voice of climate change and environmental destruction. Perhaps that is the voice of God today? And perhaps if we actually listen, we can find hope.
In our society, the subject of sexuality and gender can create a lot of angst. Many people struggle with people who have diverse sexualities and genders. But why is that?Jesus preached love, not hate. Homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia are wrong. We can do better.
Mental Health Sunday

Mental Health Sunday

2022-05-0212:11

People with physical health issues often get a lot of sympathy. But people who struggle with mental health issues often do not. Why is that? Let's discuss that today.
Science and Religion

Science and Religion

2022-04-2512:02

Many people think that science and religion are like opposites. Science is about thinking and religion is about faith, right? Well, I think that reality is far more interesting than that! And to really grapple with the difference (and similarities) between science and religion we need to consider the pivotal role of doubt.
Forgive - and live

Forgive - and live

2022-04-1811:45

Forgiveness sometimes feels like a duty. But forgiveness is actually a tool to help us find our own freedom. Forgiveness is unlocking a door and realized that we ourselves were the prisoner.Join with me as we discuss, "Forgive - and live".
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