This conversation explores the life and theology of Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century mystic who lived through the Black Death. Tom Rundel discusses how Julian's experiences shaped her radical theology, emphasizing God's love and presence in suffering. The conversation also delves into the nature of God, the distinction between the world and God's kingdom, and the importance of radical inclusion in the Christian faith. Finally, it advocates for a shift from Christian nationalism to localism, encouraging deeper community engagement and awareness of God's presence in everyday life.

takeaways

• Julian of Norwich lived through the Black Death, shaping her theology.
• Her visions emphasized God's love and presence in suffering.
• Julian's radical theology countered the belief in God's wrath during the plague.
• God's love is deeper than death, offering hope amidst suffering.
• The world is not separate from God's kingdom; we live in both.
• God's presence is often unrecognized due to societal power structures.
• Radical inclusion in God's family transcends race and status.
• Christian localism emphasizes community engagement and care.
• God's vulnerability is shown through proximity to humanity.
• The gospel addresses both spiritual and physical realities.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Julian of Norwich
2. Julian's Life During the Black Death
3. Visions and Revelations of Divine Love
4. The Nature of God's Love
5. Understanding the World and God's Presence
6. The Power Structures of the World
7. Radical Theology and Belonging
8. Christian Localism and Community Engagement

Sponsors
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summaryThis conversation explores the unique perspectives of the Gospels, particularly focusing on the historical context of the Hebrew people, the rise and rule of Herod the Great, and the implications of Jesus' birth in relation to Herod's tyranny. It delves into the narrative parallels between Moses and Jesus, the significance of lamentation as a form of resistance, and the overarching theme of power dynamics in biblical history. The discussion culminates in reflections on authenticity and the nature of silence in the face of oppression.

takeaways

• Different Gospels target different audiences with unique perspectives.
• Herod the Great's rule was marked by violence and political maneuvering.
• The historical context of the Hebrew people is crucial to understanding the Gospels.
• Herod's fear of losing power led to the slaughter of innocent children.
• The narrative aligns Jesus with Moses, framing him as a new leader.
• God communicates through dreams, bypassing traditional power structures.
• Lamentation is a vital form of resistance against oppression.
• Herod's death symbolizes the triumph of Jesus' life and message.
• Matthew's account seeks to correct the narrative surrounding Herod.
• Silence can lead to authenticity and self-discovery.

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

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This reflection explores love as a disruptive, risky, and compassionate force revealed in the Advent story of Joseph and Mary. Rather than portraying love as perfection or rule-following, it shows how imperfect love—choosing mercy over fear and presence over withdrawal—is enough to bring God into the world. Joseph’s decision to stay, despite uncertainty and social risk, reframes righteousness as compassion and justice as mercy, inviting listeners to see love as embodied courage in liminal, in-between spaces.

Liminal Space and Advent Love
Life is lived in “in-between” spaces where transformation and possibility emerge; Advent highlights love within this liminality.

The Disruption of the Virgin Birth
God breaks patriarchal and monarchical expectations by entering the world quietly, without coercion or male control.

Joseph’s Imperfect Love
Joseph follows the law yet chooses mercy, redefining righteousness as compassion rather than strict rule-keeping.

Love Resists Sanctioned Violence
Love stands against violence even when that violence is justified by religion or law.

God Interrupts Closed Systems
Through dreams and divine invitation, God opens new possibilities beyond fear-driven decisions.

Love Must Be Embodied
Love is not an idea or doctrine but something lived out through risky, faithful action.

Risky Fidelity Over Safe Withdrawal
Joseph chooses to stay and grow through love rather than escape discomfort.

Reflection and Practice
Listeners are invited into self-examination and imaginative prayer to embody love in their own lives.

Love often arrives as disruption, not certainty

Imperfect love is still enough to bring God into the world

Righteousness is compassion, not mere rule-following

Justice and mercy are inseparable

Love resists fear-driven withdrawal

God opens new possibilities when systems feel closed

Love grows when fear is faced rather than avoided

Staying present can be a holy, transformative act

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

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