Untangled

In this final chapter of Mark's gospel we hear about the women who go to his tomb on Easter morning. They meet a stranger who gives them instructions to overcome fear and return to the starting point. This sounds like an invitation to a life of courage. We also hear another ending with a different tone and instructions that are more judgemental. What will inspire you as this story ends and becomes intwined with yours?Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Pilate was amazed by Jesus and so are we as we read the last bit of Mark's gospel. He's accused of crimes he didn't commit and there are layers of betrayal as people are influenced by corrupt political systems. We stay with Jesus all the way to the end when the temple curtain is torn in two and talk about what his death means for humanity. Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we get close to the end of the story. Jesus gets anointed in a prophetic act, has dinner with his friends, gets betrayed by one of them and then is put on trial. Damian and Joan talk about what it feels like to listen to this story unfold. Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Damian and Joan discuss what it's like to hear Jesus talk about the end of days. Jesus predicts the distruction of the temple and what could happen if human beings don't treat each other and the planet with respect. All this apocalyptic talk culminates in a call to wake up to what's happening around us. Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Joan and Damian discuss the increasingly provocative way Jesus engages with the state and temple leadership. There's a story of tenant's killing their master's son, a discussion about paying taxes, a debate about the nature of the resurrection, talk of the greatest commandment, speculation about the Messiah and an interesting observation about a widow giving all she has to the temple. Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode starts with a parade as Jesus enters Jerusalem. People welcome him by waving branches, and then he heads off to the temple, where he becomes angry with those who make money and use the system to manipulate others. Jesus comes in with a threat to the power structures, and it's not surprising that the religious and political systems try to suppress Jesus' message. Damian and Joan end up having a fascinating conversation about the nature of prayer and authority. Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In today's episode, we examine a debate about divorce and an attempt to manipulate Jesus into taking a side. Instead of being captured by their game, Jesus promotes a third way and highlights the importance of relationships. Joan and Damian discuss how to connect with this relationship with God. Jesus invites us to be childlike as we approach the mystery of connectivity with God. It's not cleaverness, it's through awe, wonder, release of control and sharing resources that Jesus says we get closer to God. Jesus gets annoyed with his disciples about arguing about status, instead we hear stories about Jesus call to share love and mercy. Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Whoever wants to be the greatest has to be the servant of all. This chapter begins with Jesus on a mountain, implying that he is in the company of the greatest of the prophets. He then descends the mountain, where the disciples attempt to heal a boy, and subsequently gets into an argument about who is the greatest. Damian shares key insights into the way power breaks down when people embody love. Jesus highlights the importance of being like a child, and Joan and Damian talk about the wisdom of listening to our inner child.  Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Bread is a significant theme in this chapter, as Jesus can multiply it. Damian and Joan discuss the nature of yeast in bread as a symbol for the hidden aspects that grow and amplify life. Mark contrasts the yeast of the Pharisees with the yeast of Jesus, and even though Damian can't get his head around the literal miraculous stuff that happens in this chapter, he made strong connections with the symbolism of bread and the way it nourishes life.Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Mark 7, there's a lot of discussion about how to interpret the law. Damian likes Jesus' radicality and can see that the lawyers are trying to trick him into breaking some of the old rules. Jesus is pretty rude to a foreign woman who crashes a dinner party, and somehow she stays long enough to convince him to change his mind. Damian is impressed by Jesus humanity and the way he can listen to her from an undefended stance of love. Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jesus has been out and about for a while when he returns home to a very unimpressed group of family and friends. He sends his disciples out to do some healing work without him, and Joan and Damian discuss the concept of repentance. What on earth is that about? There's a Game of Thrones-like bit in the middle of the chapter with a child being used by her mother to order an innocent man's beheading. The last two stories are a bit more palatable with Jesus feeding crowds and walking on water, but are a bit hard for Damian to believe.Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From parables in the last chapter, this chapter is all about healing. Jesus heals three people. A legion of demons possesses a guy who doesn't want to be healed, but is healed when Jesus puts the demons into a herd of pigs; a woman reaches out and is healed by just touching Jesus; and a girl wakes up from her deathbed when her dad pleads for help. How does Jesus do it? What makes healing possible? Joan talks theology, and Damian connects with the psychological healing that happens when people become free.Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Mark 4, the tone of the gospel changes as Jesus starts teaching people using parables. Damian and Joan listen to the stories and untangle the symbols and metaphors that point to a way of being rather than a directive. Damian adds insights from psychotherapy as they explore theological concepts and Jesus' teaching about peace.Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Another lively discussion about Mark's gospel, where in chapter 3, more disciples are called. Jesus is accused of being possessed by a demon. Damian is stunned that some people would drop everything and follow him, while other people really don't like what Jesus is doing. Despite the authorities' concerns, Damian is warming to this man who can heal people when life's challenges wither their hands and hearts. Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Joan and Damian are finally up to reading chapter 2, where Jesus gets stuck into healing people. They discuss big themes like sin, paralysis, dissociation and restoration that come along with healing. Damian's not convinced about the physical healing stuff, but they psychological healing makes lots of sense. Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Picking up where they left off, Joan and Damian explore the second half of Mark chapter 1. Damian shares his first impressions, and they discuss Jesus' time in the wilderness as a retreat space where he refined his message before beginning his work.Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Damian wants to read the bible but doesn't know where to start. Joan explains how the bible is a collection of smaller books. They discuss how these ancient stories evolved into books and how those books ultimately came together to form the Bible. Damian asks Joan about when they were written and why we call these books scripture. If you already know this stuff, you can skip on to E3 where they start reading Mark's gospel.Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Damian and Joan discuss reading the Gospel of Mark for the first time. Damian shares his first impressions, and they discuss significant concepts, such as the Kingdom of God. Damian hears about John the Baptist baptising Jesus in the Jordon River, and a voice from heaven saying, 'Listen to him'. Oddly enough, as soon as Jesus comes onto the scene, he's sent out into the wilderness and is tempted by a strange power and they talk about the difference between power over and the power of love. There's so much going on they only make it to verse 13. Tune in next time to hear them talk about the rest of the chapter. Contact us via email: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the first episode of "Untangled", we, Damian, a psychodynamic psychotherapist, and Joan, a Uniting Church minister and PhD candidate in spiritual care, introduce our podcast's purpose: exploring the Bible and spirituality through ten guiding principles. Key principles include God as love, the Cosmic Christ, Trinitarian theology, the Bible as a living document, the harm caused by weaponised religion, curiosity, equal collaboration, and respect for Indigenous Australians and their spiritual wisdom. We begin our journey with Mark’s Gospel, emphasising first impressions and mutual learning.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.