Have you ever questioned the complexities of identity, faith, or the interconnectedness of our world? This episode is a fascinating journey into the heart of these matters with my good friend, Miche Van Essen, a courageous Indonesian, Jewish, trans woman. We examine her path out of Leavened faith, a faith bound by the chains of white supremacy, homophobia, and empire, while also understanding the intersections of her layered identity.
Miche and I explore the nebulous spaces of faith and identity, discussing how the art of living in ambiguity has led her to a unique exploration of scripture and theology. We ask the tough questions, looking at how concepts like loving God and your neighbor can provide a hermeneutic of ambiguity, offering fresh perspectives on faith. The exploration doesn't stop there. We burrow into the universal Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, translating to "repairing the world", and how it resonates in our current times.
We delve into the profound idea of loving our enemies and creating safe spaces for ourselves, navigating the tough terrain of healing. In the end, we discuss the importance of having constructive dialogue about faith, especially when our starting points may differ greatly. So, come and join us on this enriching journey, unfolding the intricacies of identity, faith, and a shared human connection.
Miche can be found here.
Life After Leaven is sponsored by Sub:Culture Incorporated, a 501c3 committed to eradicating cultural, social, spiritual, financial, and academic barriers for Black College Students. If you are interested in giving a tax deductible donation toward our work with black college students, you can do that here. Thank you for helping us ensure temporary roadblocks don't become permanent dead ends for students with marginalized identities. You can follow us on Instagram: @subc_incorporated, Facebook: facebook.com/subcultureinco, and Twitter: @subcultureinco1.
Our episodes are written and produced by Tamice Namae Speaks LLC.
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