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In the final episode of Christianity for Grown Ups, we discuss how Jesus' crucifixion represents more than just a sacrifice for sin - it's the birth of a revolutionary divine-human intimacy that transformed religious understanding forever.

Learn how the resurrection reveals Christ as the perfect union of humanity and divinity, showing up differently to each disciple based on their faith. This episode also delves into the Eucharist - God offering himself as spiritual nourishment - and its significance in physically engaging with the mystery of faith.

Instead of viewing Christianity as an escape to heaven, understand how Jesus' resurrection provides the blueprint for humanity's transformation, where divine love conquers death and decay.

This final episode challenges believers to embrace their role in bringing heaven to earth through acts of love, justice, and redemption.

Key Takeaways:

• The crucifixion of Jesus represents the birth of a new divine-human intimacy and the kingdom of God, rather than just a sacrifice for sin.
• The resurrection of Jesus reveals the integral connection between the physical and spiritual realms, and that Jesus' resurrected body is the prototype of what humanity and the entire cosmos are destined for - a transformation where death, decay, and sin are conquered by divine love.
• The Eucharist goes beyond mere symbolism, allowing us to physically engage with the mystery of our faith and become participants in the divine nature, embracing the idea of "divinization" or theosis.

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Discover how Jesus (Yeshua) challenged the established order with his radical teachings about the Kingdom of God - a concept that transcends traditional religious boundaries.

His message wasn't just about a future heavenly realm, but a present reality that requires a complete paradigm shift in how we view the world and our place in it.

Through powerful parables like the hidden treasure and the wedding feast, Yeshua illustrated that the Kingdom of God is both invaluable and accessible to all, yet demands a transformed heart and mind. His teachings emphasized self-emptying love, detachment from materialism, and solidarity with the marginalized - ideas that were revolutionary in his time and remain challenging today.

The episode explores how Yeshua flipped conventional wisdom upside down through the Beatitudes, blessing the humble and persecuted rather than the powerful. His message about becoming like children and being "born from above" points to a profound spiritual transformation that begins within.

Key Points:

Yeshua urged his followers to undergo a "paradigm shift" - to open their minds, change their perspectives, and believe in the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand, both as a future event and as a present spiritual reality within us.

Yeshua's parables, such as the hidden treasure and the vineyard laborers, emphasize that the Kingdom of God is not based on merit, but rather on the free gift of salvation available to all who respond with wholehearted commitment.

Yeshua's teachings challenge the values of modern society and call us to a profound shift in perspective and priorities, prioritizing spiritual growth over material wealth and status, and embracing radical love and detachment.

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This episode weaves together cutting-edge science and ancient wisdom, connecting the dots between technological innovation, biological intelligence, and spiritual understanding.

Learn how the ancient concept of "Logos" - divine intelligence permeating all reality - finds surprising validation in modern scientific discoveries.

The conversation culminates in a profound exploration of the Christian doctrine of Incarnation, offering fresh perspectives on how divine intelligence becomes tangible in the physical world.

Drawing from the wisdom of St. Maximus the Confessor, we discover how this ancient understanding of God's relationship with creation remains relevant in our technological age.

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Discover how shifting our perspective of God from an authoritarian figure to an omnipresent, loving force can transform our spiritual experience.

This episode challenges traditional views and explores the concept of panentheism - the idea that God is present in all things while transcending them.

Key insights include:

• Moving beyond limited human interpretations of the divine
• Understanding God as the "ground of being" rather than a supernatural being
• Exploring how the Trinity reflects divine relationships
• Addressing the mystery of suffering through a co-creative lens
• Finding sacred moments in everyday experiences

Drawing from diverse traditions, from early Christian mystics to Taoist philosophy, this discussion offers a fresh perspective on spirituality that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding.

Recommended Reading: The Experience of God by David Bentley Hart

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Welcome to Christianity for Grown Ups. If you’ve wrestled with doubt, deconstruction, or feel that your childhood faith just isn’t working anymore, this podcast is for you. As a former evangelical who lost my faith after years of wrestling with God, I’ve been right where you are. Join me as we explore the Christian tradition with fresh eyes and rediscover what it means to follow Christ - without having to leave our minds or life experiences at the door. Let’s begin.

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This first episode takes us into the heart of Gillan's religious journey, from his early years in an evangelical Baptist church in East Texas to his eventual path of questioning and deconstruction.

We'll explore the intense pressure of growing up in an environment where salvation was paramount, church attendance was mandatory, and questioning was discouraged.

Gillan shares raw, personal experiences of multiple "salvations," the psychological impact of fire-and-brimstone preaching, and the gradual awakening that led to challenging his inherited beliefs.

Key highlights include:

• Life in a fundamentalist Baptist church
• The "CBAs of salvation" and childhood religious trauma
• Struggles with doubt and questioning
• Journey through Baptist university
• Impact of real-world experiences on faith

This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of religious identity, personal growth, and the courage to question deeply held beliefs. Whether you're on your own journey of faith or simply curious about others' experiences, this episode provides valuable insights into the complex world of religious deconstruction.