Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners.

This week, host Denis Nowlan sits down with Dave Belden to explore his fascinating life journey and reflections on IofC, politics, justice and inner healing. With humility and humour, Dave shares his story of growing up in a communal MRA household — christened by the founder Frank Buchman — and his shift from unquestioning faith to deep curiosity and critical evaluation, culminating in a doctoral thesis on the origins of the movement. He offers fascinating insights into gender roles, community living, and the tension between individual and systemic change, especially in addressing global crises like climate change, hunger, and restorative justice.

The conversation delves into breaking the silence around shame and fostering open dialogue, revisiting the question of whether MRA was a cult, and examining the movement’s practice of “guidance”: a pathway to inner freedom or a mechanism of control?

The discussion offers an honest, multi-dimensional perspective on a committed life within and beyond MRA and IofC. Join us as we reflect on idealism, faith and what it means to reconcile personal beliefs with larger systemic issues.

Listen now and join the conversation about change, resilience, and finding your inner voice.

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