Liturgical rebels

• Episode 35 - Rachel Jordan the Coral Nerd

  Send us a textIn this conversation, Christine Sine and Rachel G. Jordan explore the intersection of marine biology, faith, and environmental conservation. They discuss personal journeys into marine science, the challenges faced by women in the field, and the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems. The conversation also highlights the threats to coral reefs and practical steps individuals can take to contribute to conservation efforts, emphasizing the role of faith in understanding and responding to environmental issues.TakeawaysRachel's journey into marine biology was inspired by childhood experiences in tide pools.The wonder found in studying the natural world scientifically deepens faith.The scientific community has been curious about Rachel's faith and open to her experiences, offering deep conversations.In Rachel's experience, women in marine science are increasingly supported within the scientific community.Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience and stability.The natural world is a manifestation of what God values. Its diverse, interconnected design shows us God's plan for what to value and how to thrive.Coral reefs face significant threats from climate change and human activity.Coral bleaching is an existential crisis caused by rising ocean temperatures.Practical actions, like reducing plastic use, can help protect marine ecosystems.Understanding the interconnectedness of ecosystems is vital for conservation efforts.Rachel G. Jordan is a professional marine biologist and lay theologian. A self-professed Jesus-loving coral nerd, she was raised in Idaho and has since traveled the globe chasing her passion for faith and science. She has an MS in marine biology and ecology from James Cook University (Australia), a BS in ecology from Seattle Pacific University (USA), and a certification in biblical studies from Bodenseehof Bible School (Germany). In addition to working as a coral biologist for the US National Park Service, Rachel has worked in marine aquaculture research, organic chemistry laboratories, veterinary research facilities, the pet industry, and a museum. When not diving or writing, she can be found reading C.S. Lewis, growing wildflowers, and exploring creation with her husband. Rachel Jordan can be found on Instagram @shorelinesoul or at rachelgjordan.comFind out more about Christine Sine onWalking In Wonder on Substackand on her website GodspacelightAnd on social media:InstagramFacebookX

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• Episode 34 - Church of the Wild with Victoria Loorz

  Send us a textIn this conversation, Christine Sine and Victoria Loorz explore the intersection of faith and ecology, discussing Victoria's journey from a corporate career to becoming a leader in the Wild Church movement. They delve into the importance of connecting spirituality with nature, the emergence of the Wild Church Network, and the significance of sacred conversations with the natural world. Victoria shares insights from her work with the Seminary of the Wild, emphasizing the need for intentional practices to foster a deeper relationship with the earth and each other. This conversation explores the deep connections between nature, spirituality, and community and addresses the importance of rewilding both the land and the soul. Victoria and Christine emphasize the need for storytelling in fostering a deeper relationship with the natural world. The dialogue highlights the interconnectedness of health, biodiversity, and spirituality, advocating for a holistic approach to living in harmony with nature. The concept of a 'wild God' is introduced as a call to action for individuals to engage more fully in the miraculous dance of life, ultimately leading to a rewilding of the church and spiritual practices.TakeawaysVictoria Loorz emphasizes the importance of connecting faith with nature and the spiritual implications of climate change.The Wild Church Network was founded to create a space for worship in nature, recognizing the earth's inherent holiness.Sacred conversations with nature are deeply important.The Field Guide to Church of the Wild serves as a resource for those looking to start their own gatherings in nature.The practice of wandering in nature allows individuals to connect with the divine and their surroundings.Community and shared experiences are crucial for understanding spirituality.The Seminary of the Wild focuses on deepening relationships with the natural world and fostering conversations with it.Victoria discusses the concept of sacred reciprocity and how it relates to our connection with nature.Intentional practices are necessary to reconnect with the earth and each other. Storytelling and community engagement are crucial for successful rewilding efforts.Rewilding involves restoring both land and spiritual practices.A healthy ecosystem reflects the importance of diversity.The concept of a 'wild God' encourages deeper participation in life.Unlearning disconnection is a vital part of spiritual development.Victoria Loorz, MDiv, is a wild church pastor, an eco-spiritual director and co-founder of several transformation-focused organizations focused on the integration of nature and spirituality. After twenty years as a pastor of indoor churches, she launched the first Church of the Wild, in Ojai CA and began to meet others with the same sense of call to leave building and expand the Beloved Community beyond our own species. She then co-founded the ecumenical Wild Church Network.   Victoria is co-founder and director of Seminary of the Wild, which is focused on a deep-dive yearlong Eco-Ministry Certificate program for all those who feel called by Earth and Spirit to "restore the great conversation." (Thomas Berry)  She has two books about Wild Church - Church of the Wild and Field Guide to Church of the Wild. Victoria Loorz can be found on her website: https://www.victorialoorz.comFind out more about Christine Sine onWalking In Wonder on Substackand on her website GodspacelightAnd on

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• Episode 33 - Greening Faith at Circlewood with James Amadon

  Send us a textIn this conversation, Christine Sine and her husband, Tom Sine, interview James Amadon about the evolution of Circlewood, an ecological ministry on Camano Island, and the journey that led James to take on leadership. They explore the integration of ecology and faith, the history of the land, and the vision for future development, including educational programs and community partnerships. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of hope and the need for new paradigms in pastoral leadership to address ecological challenges.TakeawaysA new paradigm of pastoral leadership is needed to address ecological crises.Circlewood aims to create spaces for transformative experiences.Celtic spirituality and ecological awareness are foundational to Circlewood's work.Educational programs are being developed to foster ecological discipleship.Partnerships with local organizations enhance community engagement.The work of Circlewood is about serving the common good.Hope is essential in navigating the challenges of our time.James Amadon was raised in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire, but has called the Pacific Northwest home since 2007.  His desire to integrate faith and ecology led him to start Circlewood in 2017. As the Executive Director of Circlewood, James guides the mission to “accelerate the greening of faith” through creative and global media, including the Earthkeepers podcast and The Ecological Disciple online journal, immersive education like The Journey of Ecological Discipleship leadership cohort, and the development of Circlewood Village, a sustainable learning center on Camano Island. James is ordained in the Covenant Church, and pastored in churches for 15 years. He has a BA from Gordon College, an MDiv from North Park Theological Seminary, and a DMin from Duke Divinity School, where he focused his work on developing a framework for Ecological Christian Leadership (ECL). James can be found at:https://www.circlewood.online/https://www.facebook.com/CirclewoodEarthCarehttps://www.instagram.com/circlewood_earthcare/https://www.linkedin.com/company/circlewood/https://bsky.app/profile/circlewoodearth.bsky.socialFind out more about Christine Sine onWalking In Wonder on Substackand on her website GodspacelightAnd on Instagram

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• Episode 32 - Exploring Contemplation as Mission with Ian Mobsby

  Send us a textIn this conversation, Ian Mobsby shares his transformative journey from a liberal atheist background to embracing the Christian faith. He discusses his involvement in alternative worship and missional communities, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and fostering spiritual journeys. The conversation delves into the rise of contemplative spirituality, highlighting its appeal to both churchgoers and those outside the faith. Ian presents a contemplative approach to mission, focusing on God's work of restoration rather than human manipulation. The cyclical nature of spiritual growth and the transformative power of the contemplative tradition in Christianity is explored. They delve into the concept of being 'spiritual but not religious' and the need for a shift from traditional hierarchical models of church leadership to a more community-oriented approach. TakeawaysThe alternative worship movement provides a space for those disenchanted with traditional church settings.Missional communities focus on building relationships and on spiritual journeys not just attendance.Contemplative spirituality is gaining traction among both churchgoers and those outside the faith.The cyclical nature of spiritual growth involves awakening, purgation, illumination, and union with God.Mission should be seen as God's work of restoration rather than human manipulation.Prayer is about more than making requests.Ian facilitates meditation groups that blend spirituality with community engagement.Contemplative practices can bridge the gap between spirituality and religion.Leadership in the church should focus on being of service rather than using power.The concept of kin-dom emphasizes community over hierarchy.Contemplative practices can foster resilience in chaotic timesIan Mobsby became a Christian through the alternative worship and emerging church movements in the 1990s from a lefty atheist background and never quite fitted into traditional church. He has over 10 years experience of working as a lay pioneer/missioner, and over 20 years as an ordained missioner/pioneer practitioner. Ian has developed a deep contemplative Christian faith and practice and written a number of books on aspects of contemporary mission and spirituality. He recently completed a research PhD, part exploration of the 'Spiritual But Not Religious', part theological response exploring a particular contemplative model of mission. The most recent book “The Seeking Heart: A Contemplative Approach to Mission and Pioneering was published in January 2025.  Ian moved to Canada to take up the senior position as the Diocesan Community Missioner working directly to the Bishop of Niagara to develop mission and missional communities. Ian continues his work as a chapter member of the international new monastic Society of the Holy Trinity and as a Trustee of the St Anselm Community in Lambeth Palace. Ian can be found atPersonal Website: https://www.ianmobsby.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ian.mobsbySubstack: https://postsecularcontemplative.substack.comBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/ianjmobsby.bsky.socialLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-mobsby-8ab7a3b/Find out more about Christine Sine onWalking In Wonder on Substackand on her website GodspacelightAnd on social

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• Episode 31 - Cosmic Christ, Concrete Jesus with Kevin Sweeney

  Send us a textIn this episode of the Liturgical Rebels podcast, Kevin Sweeney shares his transformative journey from a conservative Christian background to a more progressive and radical perspective. He discusses the significance of the Black prophetic tradition in shaping his faith and the importance of understanding the Cosmic Christ as a universal force. The conversation also delves into the role of the Concrete Jesus in calling believers to action and the limitations of traditional creeds in addressing love, justice, and liberation. In this conversation, Christine Sine and Kevin explore the significance of embodiment in faith, the limitations of creeds, and the transformative power of mysticism. They discuss how the teachings of the mystics can guide individuals towards a more experiential understanding of God. The conversation emphasizes the importance of love, community, and personal transformation in the journey of faith.TakeawaysKevin's graduation moment symbolized a challenge to institutionalized white supremacy.The Black prophetic tradition profoundly shaped Kevin's Christian imagination.Experiencing God can happen outside traditional church settings.The Cosmic Christ represents a universal force present in all creation.Creation itself is seen as the first incarnation of Christ.The Concrete Jesus emphasizes action and involvement in the world.Faith should be about transformation and direct experience with God. The creeds focus on beliefs but neglect embodiment.Mystics offer a deeper, experiential understanding of God.Being seen by God liberates us from seeking validation from others.The cosmic Christ invites us to trust in a loving reality.Personal transformation is rooted in direct experiences of God.Community and love are central to the Christian journey.Kevin Sweeney was co-founder and lead pastor of Imagine Church for almost ten years. Imagine was an urban church in Honolulu that was welcoming of all people. Kevin was co-founder of the Honolulu based creative collective The (un)Commons, spoke at Hawai’i Contemporary’s premier art Biennial, and helped lead “Saying Grace,” a curated gathering of dinners and stories between the church and the LGBTQ community in Honolulu. After receiving Masters Degrees in Theology and Intercultural Studies (with a focus on Black and Womanist theology) Kevin is fascinated with and committed to creating environments for creativity, cultural innovation, social healing, communal cohesiveness, and personal transformation.Kevin is the host of podcast “The Church Needs Therapy” and is a best selling author. His three books are "The Cosmic Christ and the Concrete Jesus", “The Making of a Mystic: My Journey with Mushrooms, My Life as a Pastor, and Why It’s Okay For Everyone to Relax,” and “The Joy of Letting Go." He currently lives and surfs in Honolulu with his wife and co-founder of Imagine, Christine, and their two kids, True and Mikayla. You can connect with Kevin Sweeney at his website www.kevinsweeneynow.com or on InstagramFind out more about Christine Sine onWalking In Wonder on Substackand on her website GodspacelightAnd on social media:InstagramAs an Amazon Associate I receive a small amount for purchases made through appropriate links. Thank you for supporting Godspace in this way.

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