Mid-faith Crisis

We're coming to the end of our season of spiritual decluttering, and taking a look at some of the things that we have hidden away in the attic. What practices have we stored away up there, hoping they might come in useful again some day? Also, we check in on our themes and Nick has been thinking about the topic of maintenance. Thrilling stuff, I'm sure you agree. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Hummingbird hawk-moth | The Wildlife Trusts Reimagining the Landscape of Faith: Essential pathways for spiritual growth | Mary Hippsley and Charles Hippsley LOL: Last One Laughing UK - Wikipedia Maintenance of Everything | Stuart Brand

In a slightly unexpected moment, we delve into the ritual of communion. Last week we talked about it as a key Christian activity, but what is our understanding of it? We discuss the importance of ritualism, but also the dangers of exclusion. Also, we announce new ways of supporting the podcast, and Nick may or may not be able to balance on one leg and be a tree. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Ludwig - BBC iPlayer Arundel Wetland Centre | WWT Arundel

We continue our journey unpacking the rooms of faith by looking at 'church' – a big word, with so many meanings. But what is it really? Is it just people talking about God? What about things like communion? We discuss the necessity of community, the fundamental practices of faith and, most importantly, reflect on what Christian Gandalf has to say on the matter. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Wildfires: Phone alert was 'entirely appropriate', government says - BBC News Ladies First (2026) Being Christian | Rowan Williams

More on the theme of worship, but this week we focus on the why. Why do we worship? What is the role of gratitude? Is God really that needy, or are there other gods who are a lot more needy than the Divine? Should worship songs be sea shanties? We explore what the Bible actually says about worship, and how it might be more of a choice of direction than just saying nice things about God. Also, keep your diaries free, folks – we've got news of an event in 2027. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Sea Lane Cafe Spider-man - Brand New Day

So, Joe is still away, but here's a little something from the vaults – an interview with Brian McLaren about his book Life After Doom. Given all the extreme weather we're experiencing at the moment, this seemed like a good episode to revisit! We'll be back with you next week. In the meantime, remember, humans are a mess, but the birds are awesome! Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Brian McLaren Centre for action and contemplation Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart

This week's episode brings us to worship. How do we define it? Is it just music, or does worshipping God involve more than just warbling? What are our places of worship, and do we still have to sing? Also we talk about death and head injuries, just to cheer everyone up a bit. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: The Odyssey Emily Wilson Translation: 'A complicated man' Episode 332: Bill Graham Kendrick Primary School Bangers at Glastonbury

We're back in the library as we continue to sort out our house of faith. This time we're thinking about books we don't use as much, and why it's worth keeping old bits of the Bible around, because you never know which bits are going to come in handy. Also, Joe has had some issues with paint, and Nick has been giving martini recipes to medical staff. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: The Dark Night of the Shed | Nick Page The Badly Behaved Bible | Nick Page

As we continue our journey around our house of faith we've come to the library. And this week, we're restocking the shelves with your book recommendations. You can find a full list on our website. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: The Sacred Veil | Eric Whitacre Books mentioned in the episode. See the complete list of recommendations. Faith Unravelled | Rachel Held Evans Unforming, De-Westernising Christian Formation | Cindy S. Lee Finding Your Hidden Treasure | Benignus O'Rourke. Life Of The Beloved | Henri Nouwen Unapologetic | Francis Spufford Know Doubt | John Ortberg Reimagining the Landscape of Faith | Charles and Mary Hippsley. There are Rivers in the Sky | Elif Shafak Devotions | Mary Oliver Universal Christ | Richard Rohr The Return of the Prodigal Son | Henri Nouwen The True Wilderness | H.A. Williams Every Job a Parable | John Van Sloten The Badly Behaved Bible | Nick Page Speaking Christian | Marcus Borg The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse | Charlie Mackesy For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy on My Little Pain | Victoria MacKenzie Kissing Fish | Roger Wolsey

We continue our discussion about prayer, this time focusing on our current approach to prayers and praying. We talk about the role of personality, about confession and the need to be 'meeked', and about finding simple ways to trigger moments of stillness and prayer. Also, Nick reveals his impressive new technique for avoiding difficult prayer situations. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: The Cloud of Unknowing - Wikipedia 'Whistling Swans' | Mary Oliver

In the first of our sort-of series on decluttering faith, we look at the prayer room. We discuss the mystery of intercession and think about prayer as 'primary speech', as an art more than a science. Prayer is crucial in our journey of understanding, both of God and of ourselves. So what needs clearing out? And what do we want to keep? (And keep those book suggestions coming!) Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog