Try Tank Podcast On Sacred Listening and the Art of Being With
Dec 15, 2025
Dr. Josh Packard, sociologist of trust and belonging exploring sacred listening. Rev. Dr. Sam Wells, Anglican theologian known for incarnational, being-with theology. They discuss theology as presence not problem‑solving. They unpack eight dimensions of being with, listening as spiritual practice, rebuilding trust through small, local relationships, and choosing curiosity over correction.
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Incarnation As God’s Desire To Be With Us
- God’s primary purpose is to be with humanity rather than primarily to fix our problems or rescue us from the fall.
- Sam Wells argues the incarnation was intended 'before the foundation of the world,' so Jesus came to embody God's desire for presence, not only to remedy sin.
Eight Dimensions That Define Being With
- Being with has eight dimensions: presence, attention, mystery, delight, participation, enjoyment, and glory (summary uses 'presence' and 'attention' prominently).
- Wells ties these to concrete practices: showing up, focused listening, refusing to treat people as problems, and enjoying their gifts, illustrated via parish work and Gospel stories.
Groups Reveal Stories People Never Shared Before
- Being With groups use 'wondering' exercises where participants share memories; many discover aspects of themselves not known by spouses.
- Wells reports people often say, 'You all know me better than my spouse,' after weeks of attentive storytelling and listening.
