Wholeness in Fractures: Jonathan Foster Discusses Love, Grief, and Theopoetics

Author: anazao ministries
Published: Wed 29 Jan 2025
Episode Link: https://the-whole-church-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/wholeness-in-fractures-jonathan-foster-discusses-love-grief-and-theopoetics

This episode features a profound conversation with Jonathan Foster, author of "Indigo: The Color of Grief," who explores the intersection of grief, love, and theopoetics. Jonathan emphasizes that acknowledging and valuing sadness can foster deeper connections within faith communities, as it allows individuals to be present with one another without rushing to provide answers. He shares his personal journey through grief, particularly following the loss of his daughter, and how it has shaped his understanding of God and love. The discussion also touches on the importance of humility in theological discourse and the transformative power of nature in personal healing. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and the ways they can foster unity and understanding within their communities.

Joshua Noel, TJ (Tiberius Juan) Blackwell, and Jonathan Foster engage in a profound dialogue that weaves together the themes of grief, love, and the theological understanding of presence. Drawing from Psalm 126, they explore how the church can reshape its approach to sadness, recognizing it as a vital aspect of the human experience. Foster articulates the idea that sadness can serve as a grounding force, helping individuals navigate their journeys with greater awareness and intention. The conversation expands into personal territory as Foster recounts the impact of his daughter's death on his faith, revealing the complexities of finding God in absence and loss.

Throughout the episode, the hosts challenge listeners to reconsider their relationships with grief and joy. They introduce the concept of lowercase theology, emphasizing a more intimate and humble approach to discussing God that allows for mystery and uncertainty. This approach fosters a space where individuals can express their struggles and questions without fear of judgment. By encouraging open dialogue and vulnerability, they propose that faith communities can cultivate deeper connections among members, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and supportive environment that honors the multifaceted nature of human emotion.

Takeaways:

The significance of acknowledging both sadness and joy in faith communities can foster deeper connections.
Grief is a profound experience that intertwines love and loss, creating a unique journey.
Nature offers a healing space for personal reflection and grounding amidst life's chaos.
Theopoetics encourages humility and openness in theological discussions, promoting unity over division.
Lowercase theology emphasizes the importance of personal experience over rigid doctrinal statements.
Engaging with grief can lead to transformative insights about love and human relationships.

Check out all of the other shows in the Anazao Podcast Network:

https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm

Check out more from TJ on Systematic Geekology:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/642da9db-496a-40f5-b212-7013d1e211e0

Check out Joshua's Kingdom Hearts substack, The Kingdom Key:

https://thekingdomkey.substack.com/

Follow all things Jonathan Foster:

https://www.jonathanfosteronline.com/

Get your copy of "Indigo: The Color of Grief"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMRT1JY5?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_P2ZARMZGTSEH9WWKY132&bestFormat=true&newOGT=1

Mentioned in this episode:

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