Atypical Christmas Songs Part 2

Unnerving The Empire Part 2

This is the second of two episodes in which I share thoughts on empathy and some personal experiences with it. In this episode, I share some thoughts on the lack of empathy shown in responses to those hurt by increased ICE activity in Minnesota. I also share how experiences of vulnerability help me feel more connected with Jesus. I end with examples of how the contemporary idea of sympathy (detached from the experience of others) often leads to toxic charity that only helps the giver feel better about themselves without concern for how it affects the person receiving our random act of kindness. Below are some of the resources cited in the two episodes Articles on Force Empathy in Star Wars * Why One Force Power Threatened Everything Palpatine Was Trying To Build [https://screenrant.com/star-was-force-power-empathy-threatened-palpatine/] Screen Rant * The Force Ability Power Emperor Palpatine Feared the Most [https://may4bewithyou.com/the-force-ability-power-emperor-palpatine-feared-the-most-ty95/] May 4 Be With You Empathy vs Sympathy * What’s the difference between ‘sympathy’ and ‘empathy’? [https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/sympathy-empathy-difference] Meriam Webster * What’s the Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy? [https://www.healthline.com/health/empathy-vs-sympathy]Heathline * The Difference Between Empathy And Sympathy [https://www.simplypsychology.org/sympathy-empathy-compassion.html]Simply Psychology Bible Verses About Empathy and Sympathy * 30 Powerful Bible Verses About Empathy (With Explanation) [https://biblestudyforyou.com/bible-verses-about-empathy/] Bible Study For You * 34 Bible Verses about empathy [https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Empathy] Knowing Jesus * 35 Important Bible Verses About Being Empathetic (Explained [https://biblerepository.com/bible-verses-about-being-empathetic/]) Bible Reposity During the episode, I mentioned a book titled Toxic Charity. You can find the book on Bookshop.org at this link. [https://bookshop.org/a/119863/9780062076212] Bookshop.org connects readers with independent booksellers worldwide. You can designate a local bookstore to receive a portion of the proceeds from your purchase. In addition, I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com [https://wayofkanan.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Unnerving The Empire Part 1

This is the first of two episodes in which I will share thoughts on empathy and some personal experiences with it. Below are some of the resources cited in the episode Articles on Force Empathy in Star Wars * Why One Force Power Threatened Everything Palpatine Was Trying To Build [https://screenrant.com/star-was-force-power-empathy-threatened-palpatine/] Screen Rant * The Force Ability Power Emperor Palpatine Feared the Most [https://may4bewithyou.com/the-force-ability-power-emperor-palpatine-feared-the-most-ty95/] May 4 Be With You Empathy vs Sympathy * What’s the difference between ‘sympathy’ and ‘empathy’? [https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/sympathy-empathy-difference] Meriam Webster * What’s the Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy? [https://www.healthline.com/health/empathy-vs-sympathy]Heathline * The Difference Between Empathy And Sympathy [https://www.simplypsychology.org/sympathy-empathy-compassion.html]Simply Psychology Bible Verses About Empathy and Sympathy * 30 Powerful Bible Verses About Empathy (With Explanation) [https://biblestudyforyou.com/bible-verses-about-empathy/] Bible Study For You * 34 Bible Verses about empathy [https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Empathy] Knowing Jesus * 35 Important Bible Verses About Being Empathetic (Explained [https://biblerepository.com/bible-verses-about-being-empathetic/]) Bible Reposity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com [https://wayofkanan.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Atypical Christmas Songs Part 2

This is the second part of my podcast highlighting some of my favorite “Christmas Songs” that many don’t associate with the holiday. These songs reflect an aspect of the Incarnation that’s more raw and realistic than most traditional Christmas music. You can find my original posts of these songs from 2014 here [https://diakonoslife.org/category/atypical-christmas-songs/]. The second part of this episode looks at the last two songs: * Baby Boy by for King + Country * Cry of a Tiny Babe by Bruce Cockburn I hope you enjoy it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com [https://wayofkanan.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Atypical Christmas Songs Part 1

This episode of The Way of Kanan is unique. In 2014, I authored five blog posts highlighting some of my favorite “Christmas Songs” that many don’t associate with the holiday. These songs reflect an aspect of the Incarnation that’s more raw and realistic than most traditional Christmas music. You can find the original posts here [https://diakonoslife.org/category/atypical-christmas-songs/]. I am splitting these songs into two episodes because, together, they would create a lengthy episode, including my commentary. I hope you enjoy it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com [https://wayofkanan.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

If I Had A Trillion Credits

In this episode, I compare Jesus’ perspective on wealth with how some parts of the American Christian Church see it today, especially in the current political climate. In segment 1, I examine the story of the Rich Young Ruler [https://www.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.19.16-30] in Matthew's account of Jesus' life. Back then and even now, some people see wealth as a sign of virtue and God’s blessings. Jesus doesn’t view it that way. In segment 2, I examine three stories Jesus told: The Rich Fool [https://www.bible.com/bible/116/LUK.12.13-21], The Rich Man and Lazarus [https://www.bible.com/bible/116/LUK.16.19-31], and The Sheep and The Goats [https://www.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.25.31-46]. All three stories show that God favors those who care for the poor and not those who neglect them. In segment 3, I examine an ancient Jewish prophecy by the Prophet Isaiah [https://www.bible.com/bible/116/ISA.58.1-10]. In this prophecy, we see that God prioritizes caring for the needy and justice above all our acts of piety. Acts of piety are good, but they are meaningless without compassion and justice. I compare that to an administration that appears very religious but has cut back significantly on aid for those in need. This is especially evident in the cancellation of funding to help people with AIDS in Africa [https://pepfar.impactcounter.com/]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wayofkanan.substack.com [https://wayofkanan.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]