Mark Longhurst: Mysticism and Aliveness
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Episode 82 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh.
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“I think when we’re playing we’re participating in the playfulness of God.”
-Mark Longhurst
IN THIS EPISODE
In the latest episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh FSPA chats with Mark Longhurst, author of the newly released book, The Holy Ordinary: A Way to God , a member of a new monastic community, and “ordinary mystic.” They discuss Mark’s journey from a young Evangelical to UCC pastor to social justice ministry, and eventually to mysticism. “I would say that my journey is just one of constant failure and suffering,” Mark says, “and then finding greater depth and God’s presence in the midst of it.”
Mark and Sister Julia discuss the old beliefs they have had to “unlearn,” including atonement theology, and the peace and playfulness found in growth. They also delve into integrating contemplation and mysticism into an “ordinary” life, and different styles of parenting.
Name Drops:
Jesus
Richard Rohr
Dostoevsky
Hildegard of Bingen
James Baldwin
Mirabai Starr
DC Talk
Michael W. Smith
Jars of Clay
Pearl Jam
Celtics
Community of the Incarnation
Topics Discussed:
Evangelicalism
mysticism
mainline Christianity
contemplation
deconstruction and reconstruction
atonement theology
parenting
playfulness
discipleship
messiness of Gospel living
Books Mentioned:
the Bible
The Brothers Karamazov
The Holy Ordinary
Ordinary Mysticism
ABOUT THE GUEST
Mark Longhurst is a writer and “ordinary mystic.” He is a member of the new monastic “Community of the Incarnation” and works as the Publications Manager at the Center for Action and Contemplation. A former pastor, he served United Church of Christ churches for ten years and worked as a faith-based social justice activist in the Boston area for ten more. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, and a longtime yoga-practitioner, he runs two Substack newsletters at marklonghurst.substack.com. Mark lives in western Massachusetts with his family.
MESSY JESUS BUSINESS is hosted by Sister Julia Walsh.
Produced and edited by Colin Wambsgans.
Email us at messyjesusbusiness@gmail.com
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