111: Aaron Niequist: Faith, Liturgy, and Navigating Disillusionment

Mar 26, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Key Takeaways

From Beliefs to Practice: Aaron advocates for shifting from a beliefs-based faith to a practice-based spirituality, where doing (e.g., forgiveness, liturgy, service) shapes belief more than intellectual assent.

Ecumenical Future: The future of faith communities lies in crossing denominational silos, integrating traditions (e.g., evangelical hospitality with liturgical depth), and creating spaces for diverse expressions of worship.

Critique of American Christianity: Both progressive and conservative Christian traditions often prioritize cultural power (e.g., nationalism, consumerism) over the "enemy-loving, peacemaking way of Jesus."

Embodied Spirituality: Practices like the Ignatian Examen, centering prayer, and communal lament help re-enchant faith by grounding it in the body and daily life.

Soundtrack of Struggle: Aaron’s current spiritual "soundtrack" is the Icelandic band Sigur Rós, whose haunting, wordless music mirrors his mix of disillusionment and hope.

Chapter Breakdown

Introductions & Soundtrack of Life (00:00–10:00)

Aaron shares his emotional state (disillusioned yet hopeful) and chooses Sigur Rós as his metaphorical soundtrack.

Tom recommends Jesse Wells, a folk artist embodying modern resistance music.

Faith Roots & Deconstruction (10:01–25:00)

Aaron’s upbringing in the Plymouth Brethren tradition and later evangelical mega-churches.

His faith crisis and rediscovery of Jesus’ kingdom message through Dallas Willard’s The Divine Conspiracy.

Liturgy, Hospitality, and Re-enchantment (25:01–45:00)

The role of liturgy in forming community and the need for "hospitable" worship.

Critique of evangelical emotional manipulation vs. liturgical depth.

Tom’s story of revitalizing liturgy by rediscovering its symbolic meaning.

American Christianity & Political Disillusionment (45:01–01:00:00)

The dangers of conflating faith with political power.

Reflections on MAGA, progressive capitalism, and the church’s failure to discern.

The Future of Faith Communities (01:00:01–End)

The importance of ecumenical retreats (e.g., Pastors, Priests, and Guides).

Aaron’s book The Eternal Current and practices like forgiveness as “miraculous” acts.

Links & Resources

Aaron’s Book: The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us from Drowning

Website: aaroniequist.com

Instagram: @aaroniequist

Retreats: Pastors, Priests, and Guides Retreats (Boston, Chicago, Malibu in 2024)

Music Mentioned:

Sigur Rós (Aaron’s soundtrack)

Jesse Wells (Tom’s recommendation)

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/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.