Practices to Prevent a Civil War, Ep 1 (with Brian McLaren)

Aaron Niequist invites us into the practice of Centering Prayer. He shares the story of how this practice helped him heal through a difficult season, and guides a short centering prayer during the episode.  Show notes, links, and further next steps are at The Between Retreats Substack.

Author and Teacher Sophfronia Scott reflects on the power of language to both destroy and mend the world, and then teaches a brilliant practice to help us see each other as we truly are. Both an inspiring and deeply practical episode. Show notes, links, and next steps at the Between Retreats Substack. Join us!

Author, therapist, and priest Ian Morgan Cron helps us engage Practices to Prevent a Civil War through the lens of his upcoming book on the Twelves Steps. A fascinating and really insightful conversation. Show notes, links, and next steps are at the Between Retreats Substack.

Dave Davis and David Katibah from The Telos Group join us to talk about October 7th, Gaza, and the widening violence in the middle east. Out of the realities on the ground, they appeal to diverse communities of American peacemakers to stand with both Palestinians and Israelis to sustain dignity, freedom, and security for all. And they offer Six Principles and Practices of Peacemaking to help us participate. Powerful.  All six practices, along with links and next steps, are at the Between Retreats Substack. Join us!

Spiritual Director Nina Barnes helps us reflect on the great cloud of witnesses, the anger and cynicism of being awake right now, and the necessity of carrying each other.  Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Justice advocate and author Shane Claiborne helps us engage our hearts and our hands in the needs of the country. Especially the poor and forgotten. After sharing a couple stories, Shane teaches a historic practice to help us remove the plank in our own eye before we attempt to remove the speck in our neighbor's eye. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Author Shauna Niequist invites us to stop scrolling and begin gathering. She reminds us about the power of the table and the necessity of being face to face with those we love and those we don't yet understand. A compelling and highly practical episode. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Poet and Preacher Drew Jackson reflects on the apocalyptic times we live in and the calling of the American church while things crumble. To carry us through these days, he calls us toward hope and teaches a powerful breath prayer from Colossians 3. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Reverend Cannon Dr Stephanie Spellers shares her love for America and her ache for how we fall short of our ideals. And she teaches a practice based on four soul-opening questions. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Author and public theologian Brian McLaren reflects on the rise of authoritarianism in our country and world, and teaches two powerful practices to help us choose the way of Christ instead. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.