Messy Jesus Business

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Episode 82 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh.

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"I think when we're playing we're participating in the playfulness of God."

-Mark Longhurst

IN THIS EPISODE

In the latest episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh FSPA chats with Mark Longhurst, author of the newly released book, The Holy Ordinary: A Way to God , a member of a new monastic community, and "ordinary mystic." They discuss Mark's journey from a young Evangelical to UCC pastor to social justice ministry, and eventually to mysticism. "I would say that my journey is just one of constant failure and suffering," Mark says, "and then finding greater depth and God's presence in the midst of it."

Mark and Sister Julia discuss the old beliefs they have had to "unlearn," including atonement theology, and the peace and playfulness found in growth. They also delve into integrating contemplation and mysticism into an "ordinary" life, and different styles of parenting.

Name Drops:

JesusRichard RohrDostoevskyHildegard of BingenJames BaldwinMirabai StarrDC TalkMichael W. SmithJars of ClayPearl JamCelticsCommunity of the Incarnation

Topics Discussed:

Evangelicalismmysticismmainline Christianitycontemplationdeconstruction and reconstructionatonement theologyparentingplayfulnessdiscipleshipmessiness of Gospel living

Books Mentioned:

the BibleThe Brothers KaramazovThe Holy OrdinaryOrdinary Mysticism

Mark Longhurst

ABOUT THE GUEST

Mark Longhurst is a writer and “ordinary mystic.” He is a member of the new monastic “Community of the Incarnation” and works as the Publications Manager at the Center for Action and Contemplation. A former pastor, he served United Church of Christ churches for ten years and worked as a faith-based social justice activist in the Boston area for ten more. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, and a longtime yoga-practitioner,