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FAITH and FRICTION

FAITH and FRICTION

By: Larry McDonald
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About this listen

Faith and Friction is a podcast and blog that delves deep into themes of faith and culture to build a community of change agents. We provide a platform for open-minded discussions on the intersection of faith and contemporary issues, fostering intellectual exploration and personal development. Our content is accessible and engaging, inviting individuals to contemplate and engage in meaningful conversations.2025 Relationships Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Conversations on Faith: Bridges or Barriers
    Dec 23 2025

    In this second episode, the hosts explore the interplay between faith and various aspects of life, emphasizing the inevitability of friction in such interactions. They underscore the importance of practicing faith through action and explore progressive perspectives on religious and social themes, particularly social justice. The discussion also highlights the necessity of engaging with different viewpoints and the value of friction in fostering growth and deeper understanding. Additionally, they tease future topics, such as the tapestry of faith across various religions, to further examine how faith is experienced and expressed globally.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

    00:22 Exploring Faith and Friction

    01:35 Faith and Social Justice

    03:22 Living Your Faith Beyond Worship

    06:20 Progressive Perspectives in Faith

    11:43 Navigating Life's Challenges

    13:33 Embracing Complexity and Friction

    14:22 The Importance of Continuous Inquiry

    15:41 Breaking Down Barriers for Growth

    17:55 Navigating Disagreements with Kindness

    20:20 The Role of Friction in Personal Evolution

    24:30 Exploring Diverse Beliefs and Perspectives

    26:12 Introducing Future Topics and Themes

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    28 mins
  • Sacred Sparks: When Faith Meets Power
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode of 'Faith and Friction,' hosts Mack and the Rev dive deep into the intricate relationship between faith and power. Discussing historical and modern examples, they explore how religions, politics, and organizations balance or conflict with spiritual principles. The conversation touches on themes of authenticity, the dangers of religion co-opted by power, and the importance of allowing space for spiritual growth and questioning. Join them as they shine a light on the friction points that arise when faith meets the real world, and how to navigate them without losing authenticity or purpose.

    00:00 Introduction to Faith and Friction

    00:22 Exploring Faith and Power

    01:18 Historical Perspectives on Religion and Power

    04:34 Spirituality vs. Religion

    07:07 Friction as a Catalyst for Growth

    09:11 Religion and Politics: A Dangerous Mix

    11:56 The Role of Fear in Religion and Politics

    13:42 Questioning Authority and Embracing Spirituality

    13:59 Confronting and Cutting Out the Bullshit

    14:23 Fresh Air and Unconsciousness

    15:00 The Importance of Asking Questions

    15:50 Religion and Growth

    16:29 Political and Social Unconsciousness

    17:01 The Call for Evolution and Enlightenment

    18:06 Opening the Window Shades

    18:42 Shining Light on Issues

    19:15 Exploring Perspectives and Seeking Answers

    20:23 The Danger of Duality

    21:35 Checks and Balances in Society

    24:36 The Need for Conversations and Unity

    25:47 The Urgency of Listening to Warnings

    26:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

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    27 mins
  • Confronting Bias: The Intersection of Religion, Education, and Politics
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode of Faith and Friction, hosts Mack and Rev dive into the intricate and often contentious interplay between faith, politics, and culture. They discuss a recent controversial case at the University of Oklahoma where a student's paper, grounded in biblical interpretations of gender, received a zero from her professor. This decision set off a chain of escalating frictions, involving the university administration, legal actions, and even the governor. The hosts explore the broader implications of such conflicts, touching on themes of bias, dialogue, and the necessity of confronting and understanding differing viewpoints. They also draw connections to historical figures who have challenged the status quo, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of these struggles in today's society. The conversation concludes with reflections on the need for faith and science to collaborate, and the importance of maintaining open, respectful dialogues despite deep-seated differences.

    00:00 Introduction to Faith and Friction

    00:16 Diving into Spiritual Friction

    00:37 Historical Context and Current Events

    01:54 The Controversial Paper Incident

    05:05 Escalation and Broader Implications

    07:36 Bias and Conflict Resolution

    11:19 Faith, Politics, and Cultural Friction

    15:22 Drama vs. Genuine Friction

    16:37 Foundations of Faith and Kindness

    17:31 Faith and Power Dynamics on Campus

    18:00 Turning Point USA's Role

    18:22 The Importance of Intent and Understanding

    22:04 Historical Perspectives on Faith and Friction

    29:27 Science and Faith: Partners in Understanding

    31:09 Creating Reality Through Perception

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    33 mins
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