E4 | Rev. Dr. Eric Elnes | The Wild Wisdom of Jesus: Illuminating Gifts in the Darkwood

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“If God truly loves the world, why wouldn’t God create as many paths as there are people?”

— Eric Elnes

In this episode, we meander our way around substantial aspects of spirituality and personal growth. Through discussions on the significance of identifying life's 'sweet spots' and 'un-carving our blocks', listeners are encouraged to contemplate the essence of being as compared to doing. Drawing parallels between the teachings of Tao and Christ, we uncover Jesus as a wild and provocative figure challenging societal norms while embodying profound compassion. Themes such as forgiveness, acceptance of uncertainty, understanding the nuances of temptation, and finding divinity in the darkness are illuminated as transformative gifts to be unearthed in the inevitable darkwood of our lives. Boldly challenging conventional perspectives on Christianity, Eric also advocates for an experimental and controversial approach labeled 'Christianity 3.0'.

Find Thematic Show Notes Below.

Eric’s bio and relevant links:

Rev. Dr. Eric Elnes is a nationally-recognized interfaith leader and award-winning author with a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies. He's known for his book "Gifts of the Dark Wood," and as the former host of Darkwood Brew, a groundbreaking television program exploring faith and culture. During his ministry in Omaha, Nebraska, his congregation joined the Tri-Faith Initiative — where a Jewish synagogue, a Christian church, and an Islamic mosque co-located to a 38-acre Commons to move beyond interfaith dialogue into interfaith community. Currently, Dr. Elnes serves as an Interim Minister and Executive Director of the Eden Tree Foundation, focusing on leveraging technology for spiritual growth and interfaith exploration. He's also deeply passionate about the "Christian Pluralism Project," an initiative dedicated to fostering inclusivity among Christians committed to interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

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Thematic Show Notes

Exploring Life's Essence:

• Recognizing and cherishing moments of joy and fulfillment in life.
• Overcoming obstacles as a means for personal growth and fulfillment.

Balancing Doing and Being:

• Contrasting active tasks with contemplative presence in the moment.
• Drawing parallels between Christ's teachings and Taoist principles.

Deepening Spiritual Connection:

• Exploring the transformative power of love and diverse paths to God.
• Remembering Jesus as a provocative figure inspiring change.

Encountering the Divine:

• Reflecting on divine experiences amidst life's challenges.
• Embracing heaven as a present reality in everyday life.

Forgiveness, Resilience, and Mortality:

• Liberating effects of forgiveness in healing relationships.
• Finding strength and peace in the face of adversity and mortality.

Navigating Uncertainty and Temptation:

• Viewing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth.
• Reflecting on the challenges and shaping influences of temptation.

Reimagining Faith and Controversy:

• Challenging traditional notions and embracing change in Christianity.
• Exploring controversy's transformative potential in faith.
• Imagining what a ‘Christianity 3.0’ might be li