Liminal Living

By: Dr. Thomas J Rundel
  • Summary

  • Welcome to the Liminal Living Podcast, where we dive deep into the realm of liminal spaces—those transitional phases where uncertainty is our companion. I'm your host and curator of conversations, Dr. Tom Rundel, and it's my pleasure to serve as your guide through these uncharted territories. With a doctoral background in spirituality and leadership from Portland Seminary, my research has centered on the spirituality found in the narratives of liminality in the Bible, but I have expanded my research to include other faith traditions and cognitive science. Since our launch in 2023, we've been dedicated to exploring the nuances of dark nights and deconstructions, but our journey expanded to include insights from a diverse array of modern-day thinkers and artists. Through a blend of stories, practices, and perspectives, we provide valuable guidance for fellow travelers navigating their own liminal spaces. So, join us as we embark on this journey and embrace the uncertainty in order to uncover the hidden wisdom that lies within the liminal spaces of life.
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Episodes
  • 115: Kevin Sweeney: A Cosmic Christ Meets a Concrete Jesus
    Apr 23 2025

    Show Outline:

    Podcast Reflections & Growth

    Tom’s journey from uncertainty to confidence in hosting.

    Lessons from awkward interviews and maintaining consistency.

    Peter Rollins & Parables

    Kevin’s college story using Rollins’ parable of the mystic, evangelical, and fundamentalist.

    The role of mysticism in challenging dogma.

    Kevin’s New Book: Cosmic Christ and Concrete Jesus

    Origins: Re-examining faith post-church closure and vocational shifts.

    Defining the “Cosmic Christ” (universal divine presence) vs. “Concrete Jesus” (liberation-focused activism).

    Bridging mysticism and social justice.

    Deconstruction & Embodiment

    Faith as direct experience vs. intellectual belief.

    The danger of “spiritual insulation” and clichés.

    Black Prophetic Tradition

    Contrasting the “white Jesus” of power with the radical, marginalized Jesus.

    Liberation theology’s influence on Kevin’s work.

    Personal & Vocational Shifts

    Kevin’s transition from pastoring to hospice chaplaincy.

    Letting go of “next things” to embrace the present.

    Links:

    Web: https://www.kevinsweeneynow.com/

    Pod: The Church Needs Therapy

    Book: Cosmic Christ Concrete Jesus

    Sponsors
    Quoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)

    Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)

    Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)

    Connect
    Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/

    Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving

    Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow

    Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 114: Bruce Epperly: Progressive Christianity Can Save Us
    Apr 16 2025

    takeaways

    • Howard Thurman is a significant figure for understanding hope in difficult times.
    • The current political climate creates a crisis of hope for many.
    • Progressive Christianity can serve as a counterforce to conservative ideologies.
    • Empathy is essential for ethical behavior and morality.
    • There is a divide in Christianity that reflects differing beliefs about God.
    • Fear and grievance play a significant role in conservative Christianity.
    • The importance of social justice and activism in faith communities.
    • Mysticism can be a pathway to understanding our spiritual lives.
    • The need for a strong, theologically grounded progressive movement is urgent.
    • Bad behavior often reflects a misunderstanding of God's nature. Empathy is essential in understanding differing perspectives.
    • Progressive Christianity aims to bring health to society and the planet.
    • Christianity must evolve to meet contemporary challenges.
    • Experience should take precedence over rigid doctrines.
    • Faith should be dynamic and culturally relevant.
    • God's presence is universal and not confined to one place.
    • Politics should not define faith, but faith should inform politics.
    • Moral accountability is crucial in political engagement.
    • Hope can be found in small, everyday actions.
    • Self-care and community support are forms of resistance.

    Links

    Blog: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/livingaholyadventure/

    Book: https://tinyurl.com/35ftpnac

    Sponsors
    Quoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)

    Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)

    Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)

    Connect
    Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/

    Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving

    Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow

    Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 113: Dillon Naber Cruz: Untangling Faith, Fundamentalism, and Nationalism
    Apr 9 2025

    takeaways

    • Dillon discusses the cultural diversity in Lancaster County, highlighting the coexistence of Amish and Christian nationalists.
    • He emphasizes the importance of love and neighborly kindness in his theological approach.
    • Dillon's writing project critiques Christian nationalism through the lens of Jesus and Paul's teachings.
    • He expresses a desire to understand biblical figures and their teachings more deeply.
    • The conversation touches on the significance of orthopraxy over orthodoxy in modern faith practices.
    • Dillon shares his personal journey through fundamentalism and the impact of early religious experiences.
    • He reflects on the challenges of reconciling faith with modern scientific understanding.
    • The role of permaculture is discussed as a metaphor for spiritual growth and interconnectedness.
    • Dillon's experiences in seminary led to a deeper exploration of theology and spirituality.
    • The conversation concludes with a focus on finding community and meaning in a changing world. Navigating post-fundamentalism involves reconciling faith with personal beliefs.
    • Experiences of spirituality can transcend traditional dogma.
    • Spiritual nourishment is essential in today's politically charged environment.
    • Christian nationalism poses a significant challenge to authentic faith.
    • The golden rule is a universal principle found across various belief systems.
    • Personal experiences of grace can reshape one's understanding of faith.
    • Community support is vital for those struggling with mental health issues.
    • Hope exists in the form of individuals reevaluating their beliefs.
    • Compassion towards others, even enemies, is a difficult but necessary pursuit.
    • The need for a global perspective on love and humanity is more pressing than ever.

    Links:

    Podcast: https://godsquadpodcast.com/

    Blog: https://tattooed-theologian.com/about/

    Book: [click here]

    Sponsors
    Quoir Square 2 Class: https://www.bk2sq1.com/square-2-next-steps-into-reconstruction (Promo code: Liminal for 10% off)

    Kineo Center: https://www.thekineocenter.com/cohort (mention "Liminal" in Application for $100 off)

    Monk Manual: https://monkmanual.com/LIMINAL (10% off all merchandise)

    Connect
    Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/

    Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving

    Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow

    Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 5 mins
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