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.

This 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.

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.

In this episode, Dr. Tom Rundel explores the themes of Advent, focusing on peace as a central concept. He reflects on personal experiences of chaos and stress, particularly during a planned power outage, and contrasts these with moments of genuine peace found in community service. The discussion delves into the nature of peace, emphasizing that it is not merely the absence of chaos but a powerful force that can disrupt unjust systems. The episode concludes with a reflection on expectations and how they can blind us to the peace that exists in our lives.

He contrasts joy with happiness, emphasizing that joy is a deeper, more resilient state that can coexist with sorrow and is not dependent on circumstances. The discussion also delves into the historical context of apartheid in South Africa and how Tutu's joyful spirit served as a powerful form of resistance against oppression. The conversation concludes with an invitation to meditate on joy and its significance in our lives.

In this episode, Tom Rundel explores the concept of hope versus toxic positivity, particularly within the context of Advent and the Christian faith. He discusses how hope is often misunderstood as mere optimism or positivity, and instead argues that true hope involves acknowledging reality and potential, even in the face of despair. Rundel shares personal insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of co-authoring a better future with God, rather than relying on clichéd narratives.

In this episode, Tom Rundel explores the meaning of Christ the King Sunday, the conclusion of the liturgical year, and uses Psalm 46 to challenge the common Western tendency to treat God as a mere idea rather than an embodied reality. Rundel unpacks the Psalmist’s imagery—refuge, river, stillness—to point listeners toward a faith that is lived, practiced, and experienced in the body, not simply thought in the mind. He contrasts the biblical embodied pathway of spiritual trust with the modern habit of “spiritual bypassing,” urging listeners to regulate their nervous systems not with ideas but with grounding practices, presence, and embodied trust. In a world that feels like it is shaking, this episode reframes stillness as a revolutionary act of faith.

In this episode of Liminal Living, Tom Rundel welcomes theologian and author Bruce Epperly back for his third appearance to discuss his new book, Healing the World: Whitehead, Francis, Clare, and Bonaventure on Spiritual and Planetary Transformation. Their conversation flows through themes of hope, mysticism, process theology, and spiritual imagination in a world in need of healing

In this engaging conversation, Tom Rundel and Kathy Khang explore the complexities of faith, deconstruction, and the journey towards reimagining spirituality in a modern context. They discuss the importance of love, community, and the challenges of navigating conversations with differing perspectives. Kathy shares her insights on embodied theology, the significance of human connection, and the need for authenticity in faith practices. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of acknowledging past mistakes, trusting one's voice, and finding magic in everyday moments, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and human-centered approach to spirituality.

In this conversation, Chad Bahl and Tom Rundel explore the philosophical and theological implications of suffering and evil in the world. They discuss the existence of a good God in light of the tragedies that occur, questioning the concept of greater good and the challenges it presents to supernatural beliefs.

In this engaging conversation, Tom Rundel and Thomas Jay Oord explore the complexities of spirituality, deconstruction, and the nature of God. They discuss the challenges of understanding divine action, the role of prayer, and the implications of a non-controlling God. Oord emphasizes the importance of reimagining past spiritual experiences and the need for a new framework that integrates both scientific and philosophical perspectives. The dialogue culminates in reflections on life after death and the enduring presence of loved ones, offering a hopeful vision for the future of faith and spirituality.

In this engaging conversation, Tom Rundel and Andrew M Davis explore the intersection of philosophy, science, and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of wonder and enchantment in understanding the universe. They discuss the challenges of reconciling modern scientific advancements with traditional religious beliefs, the role of art and poetry in enriching human experience, and the need for a holistic approach to values and meaning. Davis shares personal anecdotes and insights on how to cultivate a sense of enchantment in daily life, encouraging listeners to embrace the mysteries of existence and remain open to new possibilities.

In this conversation, Tom Rundel and Anthony Smith explore the complexities of personal and political transitions, the challenges of community organizing, and the contrasting images of God in contemporary society. They discuss the implications of Christian nationalism, the true nature of the Kingdom of God, and the essence of revival as a transformative force for social justice. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements and the hope found in community solidarity amidst political turmoil. takeaways Anthony moved to Birmingham to care for his mother and seek new career opportunities. His political experience provided encouragement through community impact but also revealed discouragement from corporate influence. Change requires a critical mass of people working together, not just one individual in office. The image of God in Christian nationalism contrasts sharply with the God of compassion and solidarity. Revival is not merely emotional experiences but involves real social and political change. The Kingdom of God is about justice, community, and the reversal of societal norms. Grassroots movements are essential for creating meaningful change in society. Hope can be found in local community efforts and mutual aid networks. Cruelty in politics may awaken a collective consciousness to fight against oppression. The narrative of Christian nationalism is a tactic to maintain power and division.

In this two part conversation, Tom Rundel and Matt Tebbe explore the intersections of adventure, community, and the challenges faced by modern pastors. They discuss the importance of genuine hope versus toxic positivity, the complexities of navigating political issues within ministry, and the moral dilemmas that arise in a world influenced by capitalism and Christian nationalism. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, they delve into the vital role of community support and the need for pastors to find meaning in their work amidst societal chaos. In this conversation, Matt Tebbe and Tom Rundel explore the complex relationship between self-interest, capitalism, and the teachings of Christianity. They discuss how the Kingdom of God operates on principles of grace rather than merit, and how societal structures often conflict with spiritual teachings. The dialogue delves into the implications of Christian nationalism, the impact of Enlightenment thought on religious practices, and the need for Christians to critically examine their relationship with capitalism and systemic issues. They also share practical examples of how individuals and communities can challenge the dominant economic narratives and engage in meaningful experiments to align their lives more closely with the values of the Kingdom of God

In this two part conversation, Tom Rundel and Matt Tebbe explore the intersections of adventure, community, and the challenges faced by modern pastors. They discuss the importance of genuine hope versus toxic positivity, the complexities of navigating political issues within ministry, and the moral dilemmas that arise in a world influenced by capitalism and Christian nationalism. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, they delve into the vital role of community support and the need for pastors to find meaning in their work amidst societal chaos. In this conversation, Matt Tebbe and Tom Rundel explore the complex relationship between self-interest, capitalism, and the teachings of Christianity. They discuss how the Kingdom of God operates on principles of grace rather than merit, and how societal structures often conflict with spiritual teachings. The dialogue delves into the implications of Christian nationalism, the impact of Enlightenment thought on religious practices, and the need for Christians to critically examine their relationship with capitalism and systemic issues. They also share practical examples of how individuals and communities can challenge the dominant economic narratives and engage in meaningful experiments to align their lives more closely with the values of the Kingdom of God

In this episode of the Liminal Living podcast, host Tom Rundel engages in a deep conversation with Tori Owens and Jonathan Foster about open and relational theology, the definition of love, and the impact of personal stories on our understanding of God. They explore how emotional well-being influences spirituality and the importance of integrating new understandings of God into daily life. The discussion emphasizes the need for a reimagined view of God that aligns with love rather than power, and how this shift can affect our interactions with others and our own mental health.

In this episode of the Liminal Living podcast, Tom Rundel interviews Matt Alexander, who shares insights on the challenges faced by ministry leaders, particularly regarding burnout. They discuss the unique pressures of pastoral work, the importance of emotional well-being, and the mission of the Kineo Center in supporting pastors through personal retreats and sabbaticals. The conversation delves into the four components of burnout: vocational disappointment, internalized expectations, relational injuries, and unregulated emotions, emphasizing the need for pastors to navigate their emotional landscapes and foster healthy relationships within their congregations.

In this engaging conversation, Tom Rundel and Josh Patterson reconnect to explore themes of radical and process theology, the importance of storytelling in spirituality, and the need for re-enchantment in a post-deconstruction world. They discuss the interconnectedness of all beings, the role of symbols in religious traditions, and the significance of humility in understanding different faiths. The hosts encourage listeners to experiment with their faith and experiences, emphasizing that faith is about risking oneself in the direction of love and that better stories can guide us in our spiritual journeys.

Tom Rundel and Jeremie Wilson conclude their Summer Songs of Resistance series with a cover of Lenny Kravitz's Let Love Rule

In this conversation, Tom Rundel and Jeremie Wilson explore the intersection of music, social commentary, and personal reflection. The discussion delves into the influence of U2 on contemporary music, the role of songwriting in addressing social injustices, and the emotional power of music as a form of escapism. Throughout the conversation, themes of love, hope, and the human experience are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of music in fostering connection and understanding in a complex world. Pt 4 of 4