007: Exploring Confession and the Spiritual Practice of Lent

"I'm a Bear, I'm Meant to Be Hibernating" Subtitle: Episode Overview In this episode, Anthony Parrott and Tonetta Landis-Aina discuss the spiritual practices of Lent, with a particular focus on the often overlooked practice of confession. They explore their personal histories with liturgical traditions, why Lent remains meaningful to them today, and how confession serves as an important spiritual practice for both personal growth and collective liberation. Key Points Personal histories with Lent: Anthony and Tonetta share their journeys from non-liturgical upbringings to embracing Lenten practices The importance of alternative liturgies: How the liturgical calendar offers a counter-cultural way of measuring time apart from the dominant calendar of empire Lent as wilderness: Understanding the desert experiences of faith as normal and necessary spiritual cycles The value of darkness: How Lent reclaims darkness as a space where God moves and works Confession as practice: The tension between unhealthy guilt and the necessary practice of taking responsibility Collective confession: The importance of public confession paired with assurance for communal healing The dangers of avoiding confession: How avoiding self-reflection can lead to calcified hearts and unjust systems Notable Quotes "We are formed by calendars in time, whether we like it or not." - Anthony "The question is not if we are being spiritually formed, it's what is forming us." - Anthony "Wilderness is a really healthy part of the life of faith." - Tonetta "If you do not create... alternative routines and practices, you will be formed by the values of the empire." - Tonetta "Confession as willingness to take responsibility to name what is wrong... is really important for the health of the soul." - Tonetta "If you cannot be vulnerable in confession... it endangers your heart." - Tonetta "Confession should drive us towards renewal and recreation and collective liberation." - Anthony What They're Watching Tonetta: "Loot" with Maya Rudolph on Apple TV+ Anthony: "Severance" on Apple TV+ Resources Mentioned Barbara Brown Taylor's book "Learning to Walk in the Dark" The liturgical year wheel The Ignatian Examen practice Willie James Jennings' "The Christian Imagination" Connect With Us Instagram: @loam.fm Tonetta Landis on Instagram: @TonettaLandis Anthony Parrott online: @PastorParrott Submit feedback and questions: [email protected]