Father James Martin and our host, Elizabeth Oldfield discuss his journey to becoming a Catholic priest and the Jesuit motto of finding God in everything. We spoke about the difficulty of living a life of chastity, becoming a vocal advocate for LGBTQ inclusion within the Catholic Church and navigating backlash as a public figure.

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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

📕 Purchase Fr James Martin's new book 'Come Forth' here: https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/bible-study/academic-bible-study/come-forth/

CHAPTERS

00:00 What is Sacred to you? Father James Martin replies
00:54 Understanding the Sacred
02:50 The Role of Discernment in Life
05:46 Childhood Influences and Early Life
09:08 Transitioning from Business to Jesuit Life
11:56 Exploring Religious Orders
14:51 Community Living and Its Challenges
18:10 Chastity is difficult
20:05 Having a public voice
23:00 Advocacy for the LGBTQ Community
27:16 Spiritual Rejection and backlash
32:06 Understanding Radicalisation and Disagreement
34:32 The Role of Politics in Division
38:58 Finding the Balance in Discourse
40:24 Exploring the Themes of 'Come Forth'
44:44 Jesuit Wisdom on Understanding Others
49:06 The Importance of Connection in Disagreement

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Keywords

Compassion, Catholic, Jesuit, Priest, Humanity, Monastic, Despair, Hope, Jesus, Catholic, Religion, Theology, Spirituality, Ministry, Pastoral, Devotion, Morality, Ethics, Belief, Tradition, Contemplation, Mysticism, Interfaith, Ecumenical, Jesuit priest, Catholic spirituality, Finding God in all things, Discernment of spirits, LGBTQ advocacy in the Catholic Church, Navigating controversy and criticism, Chastity and religious life, Compassion and empathy in faith, Bridging divides and understanding differences, Vocation and calling, Spirituality and everyday life, Theological perspectives on Jesus's humanity, Intentional community and monastic living, division, politics, listening, relationship, Overcoming despair and cultivating hope, Balancing public ministry and personal faith, Lessons in listening and giving the benefit of the doubt, Exploring sacred and secular in modern life, Insights from a Jesuit priest and author, Navigating faith, difference, and social justice, Transformative spiritual journeys

Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with renowned Islamic theologian Dr. Timothy Winter (Abdal Hakim Murad) to explore his journey to Islam and the depth and richness that he finds within the Islamic spiritual tradition.

Dr. Winter shares the story of his own transformative journey, from attending a Christian school to a deep immersion in the world of Islam.

Beyond his personal narrative, Dr. Winter delves into the surprising commonalities between Christianity and Islam, challenging common misconceptions and inviting listeners to consider the universal human yearning for the sacred. He also reflects on the resurgence of interest in traditional forms of religion and the need for a more prophetic, counter-cultural approach to faith.

If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to be notified whenever we release an episode!

🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast

📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

CHAPTERS

00:00 What is Sacred to you? Dr Timothy Winter answers
03:13 The Nature of Monotheism: Understanding Semitic Traditions
06:10 Childhood Influences: A Middle-Class English Upbringing
09:03 Family Legacy: Architecture, Modernism, and Religion
11:54 Education and Early Skepticism: The Role of Westminster School
14:45 The Search for Meaning: From Unitarianism to Islam
18:06 Sexuality and Spirituality
20:55 The Path to Conversion: A Gradual Awakening
23:46 Islam and Identity: Finding Roots in Faith
29:39 The Intersection of Islam and Christianity
33:07 Understanding Key Aspects of Islam
37:16 Interfaith Engagement
41:46 The Complexities of Jesus and Muhammad
42:16 Current Spiritual Landscape and Trends
48:15 Engaging with Differences and Common Humanity
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Keywords

Islam, Christianity, monotheism, spirituality, sexuality, conversion, personal journey, theology, education, family legacy, Christianity, interfaith dialogue, spirituality, conversion, religious identity, cultural differences, common humanity, religious trends, Islamic theologian, lecturer in Islamic studies, Muslim devotional literature, Islamic theology, Interfaith dialogue, religious pluralism, Spirituality and modernity, Secularization, secularisation, Religious conversion, Sufism, Islamic philosophy, Islamic culture, Muslim identity, Muslim community, Religious revivalism, Postmodernism and religion, globalisation, Globalization and religion, Spiritual awakening, Transcendence, Meaning of life, Existential questions

From two different spiritual perspectives, we explore what it means to remain connected, rooted and to live a meaning-filled life in these turbulent times.

Drawing from their personal experiences and spiritual journeys, they delve into the nature of the sacred, the importance of relationships and community, and the practical steps we can take to resist being poorly formed in these times of uncertainty.

If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to be notified whenever we release an episode!

🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast

📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

✨ Learn more about Sarah Wilson https://sarahwilson.com/

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Authors Elizabeth Oldfield and Sarah Wilson delve into the profound questions of what it means to be fully human and alive in these turbulent times. Exploring themes of the sacred, relationships, and spiritual core strength, they offer a holistic perspective on navigating the complexities of the modern world. Drawing from their personal experiences and diverse spiritual backgrounds, Elizabeth and Sarah share wisdom on overcoming acedia, cultivating resilience, and rediscovering a sense of purpose and connection. Whether you're grappling with grief, seeking to deepen your understanding of the human condition, or simply yearning for a more meaningful way of living, this dialogue offers invaluable insights. Listeners will be inspired to reclaim the sacred, embrace their shared humanity, and find practical steps to become more fully alive, even amidst the challenges of our current moment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, spirituality, and the future of humanity.

We sit down with Dr. Kate Tomas, a philosopher and spiritual mentor, to discuss her experience as a psychic, and the rising discussion about younger generations and New Age/spiritual practices.

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to Kate about her upbringing and what led her to psychic work, how 'intuitive wisdom' is used by many of the world's wealthiest people, why young people are drawn to astrology and tarot, and how the lack of accountability may leave room for harm.

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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

We sit down with Dr. Gwen Adshead, a renowned forensic psychologist and psychotherapist, to explore her remarkable approach to understanding and treating the most disturbing human behaviours and experiences.

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to Gwen about finding the sacred and the transcendent even in the darkest corners of the human experience. Through her unique lens, she bridges the divide between victim and perpetrator, revealing the common vulnerability and potential for both good and evil that exists within us all.

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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

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In a world that often seems divided between good and evil, Dr. Gwen Adshead's work as a forensic psychologist offers a radical and compassionate perspective. By delving into the darkest corners of the human experience, Adshead challenges us to reconsider our assumptions about morality, justice, and the nature of the human condition. Her insights into the shared vulnerability and potential for both cruelty and redemption that exists within us all provide a thought-provoking exploration of the complex interplay between the sacred and the profane. Whether you're fascinated by the psychology of criminal behaviour, the role of spirituality in mental health, or the deeper philosophical questions of our time, this episode of The Sacred podcast is a must-listen.

In this episode, recorded at the 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival, Elizabeth Oldfield chats with Sam Kimbriel about how nature shapes his worldview, the growing loneliness epidemic, and the power of vulnerable friendships. Discover why philosophy is more than just an academic exercise—it’s a tool for thinking deeply and living fully.

Sam Kimbriel is a political philosopher, author, and founding director of Aspen’s Philosophy & Society Initiative.

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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

✨ Find out more about @aspeninstitute here: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/

Dear Sacred Podcast listeners,

We are growing and we need your help! Whether you're a long-time listener or a new follower, we would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the podcast.

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A massive thank you for being here from Elizabeth and The Sacred Team 🌿🤍

Join Elizabeth Oldfield and her housemates as they dive into their unconventional living arrangement, where two couples share a home in a close-knit, intentional community.

In this episode, we explore the motivations behind choosing such a radically interconnected lifestyle and the profound impact it has on combating loneliness, pride and fostering connection.

We discuss the challenges and rewards of prioritising communal needs over personal comfort, and how this journey has unlocked a deeper sense of what it means to be Fully Alive.

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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

💡 Produced by the Theos Think Tank: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

In this episode, Elizabeth Oldfield interviewed Tim Dixon about the limitations of politics in creating change, the tragic death of friend Jo Cox, and the importance of addressing the issue of polarisation and division in politics.

Tim Dixon is a social entrepreneur and the co-founder of More in Common, an organisation, in the US, UK, Germany and France, that is working to unite our increasing polarised and fragmented societies.

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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

✨ Find out more about Tim's work: https://x.com/dixontim

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to Lakwena Maciver about processing emotions, navigating comparison and using her artwork to speak powerful messages to herself and wider culture.

Lakwena is a London-based artist who combines colour and bold text to inspire joy and the gentle subversion of cultural messaging. Her work has been shown internationally with brands such as H&M, Fiorucci & Mini, and at institutions including the Tate Modern, Somerset House, and the Rotterdam Kunsthal.

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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

✨ Find out more about Lakwena's work: https://www.lakwena.com/