In Good Faith

How can we approach faith with the head and heart? In this episode, Justin Brierley talks with Steven about how he faces opposing views to Christianity intellectually and emotionally. After hearing so many arguments for aetheism, he shares how his faith has been shaped and strengthened. Justin is a freelance writer, speaker and broadcaster who creates dialogue between Christians and non-Christians around faith, science, theology and culture. He aims to showcase an intellectually compelling case for Christianity, while taking seriously the questions and objections of sceptics.

Mina Thomas Brett, Ashley Hess, and Isaiah Bailey from 'the King will come' chat with Steve about how their faith has evolved along side the development of their worship ensemble 'the King will come.' This episode includes 5 songs from the group, recorded live in the In Good Faith studios, and performed by Jake Hansen, Isaiah Bailey, Tamy Stevens, Ashley Hess, Mina Thomas Brett, Sean Stevens, Brie Ray Aupiu, Garon Brett, Joseph Moore, with Miles Mann on piano. You can watch the performances on our YouTube channel.

Juliana Boerio-Goates, a retired BYU chemistry professor and a dedicated member of her Catholic community, shares her insights on spiritual direction influenced by Henri Nouwen. They discuss how downward mobility can lead to profound spiritual callings and the power of community in nurturing identity. The conversation highlights the significance of stillness and contemplative prayer in deepening one's faith. Personal stories enrich the dialogue, illustrating the transformative journey of recognizing one's belovedness and the importance of divine listening.

What does the monastic life require? Join Steve as he asks four monks at the Holy Cross Abbey about how they got there, what it's like, and why they stay. Father James, Brother Paul, Brother John, and Brother Efrain speak about the faith experiences that support them day to day and how they see themselves as active in the lives of other through prayer, chant, work, and service.

How can we find peace in a busy world? Join Joan Burda as she tells Steve about her experience at a 5-day silent worship retreat, and why she goes back yearly--despite not professing a religion. Joan M. Burda is a writer, Anne Lister Codebreaker, and retired lawyer. She writes for online and print publications on a variety of issues including legal, travel, and retirement. She also writes reviews for the New York Journal of Books.

How can we vary our worship? Join our host Steven Kapp Perry as he discusses silent worship with Susan Bentley. Listen for her stories on changing up her worship in the silence, in chapels and in hospital rooms. The Rev. Susan E. Bentley is an Episcopal priest, canonically resident in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. She is currently serving as a PRN-Flex Chaplain at Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital, in Roanoke, Virginia, a trauma 1 center.

What is contemplative practice? Steve sits down with Dani Lee to talk about her experiences with self-emptying. Join them as they discuss the different forms of contemplative practice, and how community plays a part in silent worship. The Reverend Daniela Lee is the priest-in-charge at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Provo, Utah. Originally from Romania, Dani is married with two children. Currently she is teaching her congregants about Christian contemplation and planning an upcoming contemplation retreat. You can hear more from Rev Dani about her personal conversion in Episode 161.

How can silent worship help us experience the presence of God? Steve sits down with Joan and Rich Liversidge to talk about the experiences that led them to the Religious Society of Friends, commonly referred to as the Quakers. Join them as they discuss the forms and benefits of silent worship, and how they have encountered God in the stillness. Joan and Rich Liversidge have worshipped with the Religious Society of Friends since 1981 and are members of Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting in Maryland, where Quakers have worshipped for over 200 years. Joan and Rich have visited and worked with Quakers from all around the US, as well as in the United Kingdom and Kenya.

Steve heads to the Japanese Buddhist temple in Salt Lake City to learn more about the religious holiday Obon with Reverend Jerry Hirano.

Steve, Lia, James, and Alia test their interfaith trivia knowledge as they take Interfaith America's online quiz! How many answers does our team know?