Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

Hearts and Minds

Fr. John Oliver, and Ancient Faith Ministries

Personal Renewal and Cultural Change

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28 episodes
English

Episodes 28

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Thursday · length unknown
The Hope of Hopelessness
In this episode, Fr. John explores how God uses our lowest moments to restore hope in our lives.
November 5 · length unknown
Enough: the Difference between the Haves and the Have-Nots
As the Nativity Fast approaches, Fr. John ponders where we should be turning our focus. It is a time to reflect on what we have, what others lack, what we are willing to give, and what we are willing to receive.
October 31 · length unknown
The Beelzebub of the Bridge: A Story about Spiritual Warfare
In this episode, Fr. John highlights a common thread running through the lives of one of our greatest modern saints and a humble seamstress for an important lesson on how we can approach encounters with the demonic.
October 28 · length unknown
External Display, Internal Awakening
What do Nikita the Hermit, Simon the Sorcerer, the demons obeying the 70 Disciples, and the influx of seekers to the Church have in common?
October 13 · length unknown
The Reprobate Repents: a Story of a Father and a Son
Father John relates the spiritual fruits that can be found in the most unlikely of places—even in the repentance of one father to his sons.
September 29 · length unknown
Of Christ and Conversations
In this episode, Fr. John highlights how our everyday, one-on-one interactions with others can so often boil down to a choice between self-interest and self-emptying.
September 22 · length unknown
Being in Control or Having Control Issues? A Lesson from Trees
What is the difference between being "'in control" and having "control issues"? St. Joseph the Hesychast and St. Paisios look to the order of nature for the answer.
August 15 · length unknown
Thoughts Come with a Tone of Voice
In this episode. Fr. John explains how the tone of our thoughts can tell us a lot about their origins.
July 6 · length unknown
Control Is an Illusion
In an age of ever increasing anxiety and uncertainty, we can look to the lives of Sts. Peter and Paul as examples of how we can deepen our relationship with Christ--even in the most dire historical moments.
June 24 · length unknown
Our Secret Weapon: A Reflection on Joy
Father John gives us the history and meaning of the most read Psalm in the Orthodox liturgical cycle of prayer.
June 19 · length unknown
Dark Basement Syndrome
Do you suffer from heightened emotion, limited reason, hidden fears, and a general distortion of facts? You might have Dark Basement Syndrome. In this episode, Fr. John walks us through how our subconscious minds can have a dark influence on our thoughts and actions, and ultimately how the light of Christ illumines all--even the darkest recesses of our minds.
June 18 · length unknown
Right or Left, Right or Wrong: the Choices We Make Every Day
Father John discusses the "both/and" and "either/or" decisions that we often encounter in the spiritual life.
June 5 · length unknown
Pentecost: Color in a World of Black and White
Father John shares a colorful thought experiment that illustrates the meaning of Pentecost and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
May 27 · length unknown
What Is Beauty? Wrong Question
What do a facial scanning website and the Gospel of John have in common? Both claim to have knowledge the nature of beauty, but only one is the product of an encounter with the living incarnation of beauty.
May 13 · length unknown
It’s Summer: Where to Store the Leftovers
Father John explores the unique psychology of wealthy individuals throughout the ages, and the purpose that lies beyond material abundance.
May 5 · length unknown
Mavis and Her Strong Feelings
Father John discusses ways in which we can practice discernment in our inner life, prayerfully separating the thoughts inspired by God from those planted by the demons.
April 27 · length unknown
Jesus Saves, But How? The Wonder of Communicatio Idiomatum
What does it really mean to say “Jesus saves”? In this episode, Fr. John reflects on the first four Ecumenical Councils and the controversy surrounding Nestorius, exploring the mystery of how Christ’s divine and human natures are united in one Person and what that means for receiving Communion, praying the Jesus Prayer, and understanding salvation.
February 20 · length unknown
”Hell is Other People"? Not So Fast.
Fr. John explores the differences between the Christian and secular outlooks on relationships.
January 21 · length unknown
Prepping for the Polycrisis
Fr. John ponders the question, "What do The Ten Lepers, The Poseidon Adventure, and one minute of our life have in common?"
January 15 · length unknown
Show of Hands: Who Wants a Cold Universe?
Fr. John reflects on losing faith, the Gospel of John, the presence of Christ, and perhaps finding faith once again through hope rather than intellect, reason and arguments.

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