Listening Series
9 WAYS TO DEAL WITH COMPLEXITY AT CHURCH
INTRODUCTION
In this introduction, Tom makes the case for understanding a set of frameworks to help aid our self awareness that in turn helps us to deal with complexity in general and in complex discussions and situations at church.
EPISODE 1
IAIN MCGILCHRIST
In Episode 1, Tom briefly introduces the two "takes" on the world provided by Iain McGilchrist's Right and Left hemispheres. Tom also explores how these two different ways of "attending to the world" relate to themes in the book of Job and in the life of Jesus. For more on this topic, listen to Tom and Naomi discussing this idea in more detail on episode #15 of their podcast From the Platform.
EPISODE 2
OTTO SCHARMER
In Episode 2, Tom sets out Otto Scharmer's 4 levels of listening from Theory U and links them to the right and left hemisphere "ways of attending". Tying it back again to Job and how God listens in a very different way to Job's friends. For more on this topic, listen to Tom and Naomi discussing this idea in more detail on episode #14 of their podcast From the Platform.
EPISODE 3
JORDAN PETERSON
In Episode 3, Tom highlights a continuity between Jordan Peterson's “Chaos and Order” theory with Iain McGilchrist's Right and Left Hemispheres. Can hero myths help us understand how to integrate the two? How does Jesus' embracing death relate to this and our topics of complexity? For more on this topic, listen to Tom and Naomi discussing this idea in more detail on episode #2 of their podcast From the Platform.
EPISODE 4
JOHN VERVAEKE
In Episode 4, Tom explores the question “What does it mean to know God?”. Is it to have a list of propositions about God or does it require more than this? John Vervaeke talks about 4 ways of knowing from understanding something from a textbook to understanding something through a dynamic participating in it.
EPISODE 5
JONATHAN HAIDT
Are our moral values innate or learnt? Are we predisposed to take a certain outlook on the world? How might this affect the way we read scripture or debate its meaning with others? Jonathan Haidt's book “The Rightous Mind” gives some key insights into these questions. You can listen to Tom go into more detail on early episodes of the From The Platform podcast.
EPISODE 6
DAVID KANTOR
According to David Kantor, when we engage in conversations or debates, we switch between four different "voices". Can we relate these to how Jesus talks to those he encounters? How does he respond to those who oppose him and how does this fit into the wider model we've been establishing? Listen to Tom and Naomi discuss this in our full length podcast here From the Platform.
EPISODE 7
ERIC BERNE
Transactional Analysis is a common framework used by relationship counselors. In episode 7, Tom sets out how we can take the position of a parent, child or adult when holding conversations highlighting some examples you might come across at church. For more on this topic, listen to episode 11 of Tom and Naomi’s podcast From the Platform.
EPISODE 8
MARSHALL ROSENBURG
In Episode 8, Tom explains one of the most practical tools in the series - non-violent communication by Marshall Rosenburg. This is a way of understanding the feelings and needs behind what we say and how to make requests of people rather than make demands. Listen to Tom and Naomi discuss this in more detail in Episode 14 of their podcast From the Platform.
EPISODE 9
KEN WILBER
In episode 9, Tom looks at ideas from Ken Wilber's “Integral Theory”. Part of this theory deals with cultures; how they interact, evolve and innovate. Can we see any patterns here in our own community or your own journey in finding a spiritual home? For more on this topic, listen to Tom and Naomi discuss in detail on episode 12 of their podcast From The Platform.
EPISODE 10
SUMMARY
In this final episode, Tom summarizes the content from the series. He urges listeners to think about what the form and structure of Church currently affords us and how we can integrate new forms, like the ones suggested, in order to develop greater insights into God’s love.