Guest teacher Kent Dobson leads us in exploring the parable of the sower. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hppOleh Denver Community Church

We live in a culture that has placed “being right” on the top of the list of important things for us. Being right about politics, about religion, about cultural issues … we are so intense about this we can even lose sight of the true conversation at hand. And so we have Jesus speaking to those who are “confident in their own rightness.” He tells th…

A short episode introducing the core concept of my upcoming book and featuring Dr. James Hollis's generous endorsement.

Guest teacher Paula Williams leads us in exploring the parable of the prodigal son. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hppOleh Denver Community Church

Guest teacher Michelle Cazas leads us in an exploration of the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hppOleh Denver Community Church

Guest teacher Cassie Lynch leads us in an exploration of Matthew 13:45-46. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hppOleh Denver Community Church

A brief reflection on how we've been coping with 7 days without power at our house. Thoughts on managing anxiety, expressing gratitude, and a "possibility" approach to life.

A reading of my latest blog exploring Cal Newport's book Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. I also reflect on how Byung-Chul Han is an exemplar of slow productivity.

Spiritual Formation Pastor Hannah Thom explores the parable of the widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hppOleh Denver Community Church

A meditation on Wilhelm Reich's first encounter with Freud and how it confirms Maya Angelou's wonderful quote: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Oleh Denver Community Church

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Stephen Bacon about his research findings that therapeutic techniques have no inherent power and that the field of psychotherapy lacks the privileged knowledge it believes it possesses. We also explore the distinction between fundamental and constructed reality and delve into what it means for psychotherapy to be a…

A meaningful conversation with Kent Dobson delving into the rich and complex subject of religion. Kent addresses several questions that arose for me after listening to his latest podcast episodes.

I speak to Paul about his bookPotential Not Pathology: Helping Your Clients Transform Using Ericksonian Psychotherapy.

“Don't take my devils away, because my angels may flee too.” ― Rainer Maria Rilke In this episode, I delve into the context of this quote and discuss why I ultimately disagree with it. I also explain why I keep a "Devil" tarot card in my office and highlight the significance of integrating the shadow in psychological development.…

Ten lepers yell to Jesus. There are all sorts of reasons they are likely “at a distance” most of which are found in the Law and its attending rules to ensure the disease does not spread. This time, Jesus does not seem to draw closer. Rather he gives them a command in keeping with the religious norms of his day, “Go show yourself to the priest …” An…

An engaging conversation with my friend, Phuc Luu, covering topics ranging from transcendence and theosis to rethinking the Christian tradition in a universalist and inclusive manner.

Here are a few more religious ramblings- this time more critical. I draw from Nick Cave, Bring Me The Horizon, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Dourley and James Hollis.

A few ramblings on Rudyard's Kipling's poem "If" and the 2024 movie "IF" (spoiler alert).

Jesus speaks in serious tones about sin – both the commission of and forgiveness of – as he should. Both subjects he addresses are serious business. The first is a warning, the second is an admonition. What seems puzzling is how they fit together at all. Maybe this can be discovered in the response of the disciples when they ask Jesus, “Increase ou…

A quick episode reflecting on a recent episode of Kent Dobson's Hints & Guesses podcast.

Luke has spent the last couple chapters of his book recounting primarily parables that deal with a specific subject matter from a number of angles. We the hypocrisy of selective compassion under the guise of Sabbath law (14.1-6); a parable about choosing exaltation or humility (14.7-11); another parable about a banquet that the rich miss out on bec…

In this episode, I speak with Patrick McGrath-Muñiz. This is the tenth installment of my series with Patrick exploring the first twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. Patrick is a professional artist from Puerto Rico. His work has been featured in art galleries and museums across the country. In this episode, we explore the symbolism a…

The topic of divorce is one that has been hotly debated for years. Some say you can, others say you can only if, and still others say “never.” If we look at the words of Jesus he seems to be quite strict. The debate of divorce existed in Jesus’ day too. One side said, “If your wife burns the toast you can divorce her.” The other side said, “Only in…

In 16.1-15, we find one the most bizarre parables out there. A dishonest man is praised by Jesus. What are we to make of it? Some have said this is Jesus’ way of encouraging his disciples to act and behave in an unethical manner. But this would obviously go against everything else Jesus taught. Perhaps if we understand two perspectives in the parab…

The stories in Luke 15.1-32 are about the joy that comes with something that was lost being found. And the joy lies in the heart of the one who found it; the shepherd finding his sheep, the woman finding her home, and the father embracing his son. What was lost has been found, let’s celebrate. This points toward something that all of us should hold…

Lead Pastor Michael Hidalgo reads a heartfelt letter to the people of Denver Community Church, announcing his transition off of staff over the next 13 months. To view more information about our 13-month succession planning process, click here.Oleh Denver Community Church

Meals were far more than simple “get-togethers” in Jesus’ day. They meant connection, identification and even went as far as meaning approval of the other. It is at a meal with some religious folks that Jesus tells a stunning parable about the inclusiveness of God’s heart. And what other story to tell at a meal than a story about a meal? Jesus’ sto…

In this teaching, we discuss our insatiable desire for more in contrast with Jesus’ exhortation to pursue less. There is a subtle image Luke deals here about this man who is suffering, whose particular illness was associated with craving and desire. When he is healed, Jesus then speaks about the craving for status and prestige that exists among tho…

The Pharisees, often seen as opponents of Jesus give him a warning about a mutual enemy, Herod Anitpas. He apparently wants Jesus dead. Jesus’ reply is not one of flattery, referring to him as a fox. In rabbinic literature, the fox was a contrast to the mighty lion, connected to deception and preying on the “chicks” to which Jesus refers. Jesus sta…

We discuss Paul's wonderful book, The Art of Creating a Magical Session: Key Elements for Transformative Psychotherapy.

When we first encounter the wounds of Jesus, it is horrific. He is crucified. Nails are hammered through his flesh, tearing fibers as they are forced through his hands and feet. This, of course, to hold him in place as he hangs on the cross spiraling toward death. After he breathes his last, a soldier approaches him and thrusts a spear into his sid…