Episode 133: Dr. Linda Mercadante

Dr. Linda Mercadante is a Distinguished Research Professor, Emerita, Methodist Theological School in Ohio. She is the founder of HealthyBeliefs – HealthySpirit, a member of the Scioto Valley Presbytery, and an active participant in many professional groups including The American Academy of Religion and The Workgroup on Constructive Theology. She is a prolific author of five books and more than 100 articles. She lectures internationally, conducts seminars for a wide variety of audiences, and teaches on a broad range of topics including: the spiritual but not religious movement, addiction recovery, gender and theology, faith and film, and spiritual memoir writing. Her most recent book was selected as among "The Best of the Best Spiritual Books of the Year" by Spirituality & Practice. She was named a Luce Scholar for her work examining the beliefs and practices of today's "Spiritual but not Religious."  ("Untethered Belief, Unfettered Practice: Thinking Theologically about 'Spiritual but not Religious')" The coveted Henry Luce III Fellowship in Theology is awarded to only six scholars per year throughout the entire U.S. and Canada. The resulting book, Belief without Borders: Inside the Minds of the Spiritual but not Religious, (Oxford Univ. Pr.) has been featured on NBCs The Today Show, in The New York Times, and in many other media outlets. Other works include Victims & Sinners: Spiritual Roots of Addiction and Recovery, exploring the theology inherent in the 12 Step method. In addition, she describes her journey from hybrid to atheist to SBNR to Christian theologian in a spiritual autobiography, Bloomfield Avenue: A Jewish-Catholic Jersey Girl's Spiritual Journey.  Her work focuses on the intersection of theology and culture, including such themes as addiction recovery, faith and film, trauma, and the "spiritual but not religious" (SBNR) movement.  Her work is both theological and interdisciplinary -- primarily using resources from sociology, psychology, and media studies -- to look at how culture, belief and behavior interact. Dr. Mercadante knows first-hand how it feels to live without a clear spiritual identity. Born into an immigrant, working class, mixed ethnic, non-religious household in the rough urban environment of Newark, NJ, she experienced the uncertainty that comes from not having a spiritual home. She went through years of searching, travel, and exploration in her quest for a spiritual identity. In the process, she earned a Ph.D. in theology from Princeton, became ordained, and found a vocation in seminary teaching. She is dedicated to helping others find a spiritual identity that can allow their spirits to come home. Follow Dr. Meradante: Website: https://www.healthybeliefs.org Facebook: Healthy Beliefs -- Healthy Spirit Twitter: @lmercadante You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@lindamercadantephd The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.