Épisodes

  • Welcome to Making Sense of Faith

    Welcome to Making Sense of Faith
    Oct 31 2024
    Do you ever find yourself asking big questions about life—questions that keep you up at night. Questions like: - How do we find faith in uncertain times? - Are science and faith even compatible? - And why do the innocent suffer?This podcast isn’t about easy answers or blind faith. It’s about diving into the tough questions—exploring faith with both your head and your heart. I want to invite you on a journey where we wrestle with doubt, embrace curiosity, and discover how a 2,000-year-old faith still speaks to the deepest parts of our lives today.In each episode, we’ll explore what it means to have faith in a world full of diverse beliefs, differing opinions, and real challenges. Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or a believer, Making Sense of Faith is here for anyone who’s looking for hope—without having to check their brain or values at the door.So, if you’re ready to explore a faith that builds bridges and offers hope, this podcast is for you. Let’s make sense of faith together.
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    1 min
  • Faith and Presidential Elections, Pt. 1

    Faith and Presidential Elections, Pt. 1
    Nov 6 2024
    In this inaugural episode of Making Sense of Faith, Pastor Adam Hamilton tackles faith and politics head-on in the wake of Donald Trump's 2024 presidential victory. Join Adam for an honest, thought-provoking conversation about finding hope and building bridges in politically divided times.Rather than offering easy answers, this episode wrestles with tough questions:How do we process disappointment and fear after an election?Where is God when prayers seem to go unanswered?What does it mean to put faith in Jesus over politics?How can we build bridges instead of walls between different viewpoints?Whether you're celebrating or grieving the election results, this episode offers wisdom for moving forward with hope, grace and purpose. Adam shares personal insights from his experience leading one of America's largest United Methodist congregations and practical guidance for being part of the solution rather than adding to the division.Making Sense of Faith is a podcast for anyone who knows life's hardest questions deserve more than simple answers. Join us as we explore how ancient wisdom speaks to modern challenges.Subscribe for new episodes exploring life's biggest questions through the lens of Christian faith.Visit makingsenseoffaith.com for show notes and resources.
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    37 min
  • Faith and Presidential Elections, Pt. 2

    Faith and Presidential Elections, Pt. 2
    Nov 7 2024
    In this candid continuation of Making Sense of Faith's inaugural episode, Pastor Adam Hamilton finally answers the question many have wondered: How did he vote in the 2024 election? But more importantly, he and Executive Pastor Scott Cros explore what it means to be defined by faith rather than political identity.Through personal stories about conversations with his granddaughter and lessons learned from nine presidential elections, Adam wrestles with critical questions:How can Christians shock the world with radical kindness?Is practicing kindness enough to create real change?What does it mean to be "prisoners of hope" in divided times?How do we face our fears with faith?Whether you're celebrating or grieving the election results, this episode offers wisdom for moving forward with purpose and courage. Join us for an honest conversation about maintaining hope and building bridges in politically turbulent times.Making Sense of Faith is for anyone who knows that life's hardest questions deserve more than simple answers. Join us as we explore how ancient wisdom speaks to modern challenges.Visit makingsenseoffaith.com for show notes and resources.
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    44 min
  • The Power of Gratitude: Where Hope Meets Reality

    The Power of Gratitude: Where Hope Meets Reality
    Nov 25 2024
    Ever wonder how some people maintain a thankful heart even when life gets messy? In this heartwarming Thanksgiving episode, Adam Hamilton invites us into an intimate conversation about the life-changing power of gratitude. Adam explores how thankfulness isn't just for turkey day - it's a transformative practice that can reshape our daily lives, deepen our faith, and even change our relationships. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, this conversation shows us that gratitude isn't about ignoring life's challenges; it's about finding light even in our darkest moments.Soul-Stirring Stories:- From Adam's early morning walks with enthusiastic dogs interrupting his prayers, to touching moments with families facing loss, these real-life examples show how gratitude can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary gifts - A powerful story closes the episode about Sam Haggerty, who found joy in autumn leaves while battling terminal cancer - a testament to gratitude's ability to lift our spirits even in life's toughest seasonsPractical Ways to Transform Your Life:- Discover the simple 3-thing gratitude practice that studies show can make you 25% happier in just 10 weeks - Learn how expressing daily appreciation can revolutionize your relationships and marriage - Find out why those pre-meal "thank yous" might be more powerful than you thinkHope for Hard Times:- Uncover how Holocaust survivors used gratitude as a lifeline to maintain their humanity - See how thankfulness can help quiet those 3 AM anxiety thoughts - Learn why feeling grateful doesn't mean ignoring your pain - and how it can actually help you healWhether you're going through a tough season or simply want to cultivate more joy in your life, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how gratitude can transform your world.
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    33 min
  • When God Became Human: Wrestling with the Mystery of Christmas

    When God Became Human: Wrestling with the Mystery of Christmas
    Dec 3 2024
    In this enlightening episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton and guest Melissa Gepford explore the deep meaning of Advent and its relevance in today's world. The conversation weaves together historical context, personal reflection, and profound theological insights about waiting, hope, and the revolutionary concept of God becoming human. For those wrestling with faith questions or feeling disconnected from traditional religious practice, this discussion offers fresh perspectives on how ancient traditions speak to our modern experiences of longing and anticipation.The True Meaning of Advent Goes Beyond Shopping Lists: While our culture starts celebrating Christmas right after Halloween, Advent originally began as a four-week period of spiritual preparation. Adam explains how this season of waiting helps us prepare not just for celebrating Christ's birth, but for understanding what it means to be ready for divine encounters in our own lives. From Royal Palace to Refugee Cave: The episode unpacks the surprising way God chose to enter the world - not in King Herod's mountaintop palace with a swimming pool, but in a cave used for sheltering animals. This stark contrast reveals something profound about God's character and solidarity with the vulnerable, including modern-day refugees. Wrestling with Doubt is Part of Faith: Through an exploration of Jesus's humanity, Adam addresses a listener's thoughtful question about whether Jesus experienced human flaws. The conversation offers comfort to those who struggle with doubt, revealing how even Jesus himself experienced moments of questioning. Hope in a Post-Election World: The timing of Advent, coming after presidential elections, offers a powerful reminder about where we place our ultimate trust. Adam discusses how this season helps put our political divisions in perspective and points to a deeper source of hope. Light Conquering Darkness: The episode concludes with a fascinating explanation of why Christmas is celebrated near the winter solstice, revealing how even the rhythms of nature tell the story of light overcoming darkness. This natural phenomenon becomes a powerful metaphor for spiritual transformation.Whether you're a skeptic curious about Christianity or someone seeking to deepen their faith, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how ancient traditions speak to our modern experiences. Adam’s authentic, intellectually honest approach creates space for both questions and wonder. The conversation concludes with a warm invitation to experience the power of Christmas Eve services, either in person or online, where the simple act of passing candlelight becomes a profound reminder of hope in our divided world. Don't miss this episode that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary life.
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    30 min
  • Beyond the Manger: The Hidden History Behind Jesus's Birth

    Beyond the Manger: The Hidden History Behind Jesus's Birth
    Dec 10 2024
    In this compelling episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton takes listeners on an intimate journey through the Holy Land, offering fresh perspectives on the Christmas story. The conversation weaves together personal experiences, historical context, and modern-day realities to help both spiritual seekers and those familiar with Christianity understand the profound significance of these ancient places. Through vivid descriptions and firsthand accounts, Adam brings to life the humble beginnings of Jesus, from Mary's cave home in Nazareth to the stark contrast between Herod's palatial Herodium and the simple cave where Christ was born in Bethlehem.From Trailer Park to Sacred Ground: Discover how Nazareth, Jesus' hometown, was the ancient equivalent of "the other side of the tracks" - a humble village of perhaps 500 people living in caves, contrasting sharply with the wealthy neighboring city of Sepphoris. This geographical reality adds deeper meaning to God's choice of Mary, a young woman from this overlooked place.A Journey of Faith and Perseverance: Experience Mary and Joseph's remarkable nine-day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem through Hamilton's own walking pilgrimage. Their 90-mile trek, with Mary likely in her eighth or ninth month of pregnancy, reveals the extraordinary determination behind this familiar story.Sacred Spaces in Modern Times: Step into the Church of the Nativity, built in the 300s AD, where visitors can touch the very ground where tradition holds Jesus was born. Bridging Ancient Divisions: Learn how Jesus' ministry of reconciliation between Jews, Samaritans, and Romans offers profound insights for today's conflicts in the Holy Land. The pastors discuss the current Israeli-Palestinian crisis with sensitivity and care for all peoples involved.For those wrestling with faith questions or seeking to understand Christianity more deeply, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how physical places can deepen our understanding of spiritual truths. Adam’s discussion reinforces that the Christmas story isn't just a fairy tale - it happened in real places that still exist today, with real people who faced challenges not unlike our own. Whether you're a skeptic, a committed believer, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you into a conversation that promises to transform how you see the Christmas story. Though current conflicts prevent immediate travel to these sacred sites, the insights shared in this episode offer a meaningful way to connect with these places and their enduring significance for our modern world.
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    46 min
  • Ask Adam ANYTHING! Christmas Edition

    Ask Adam ANYTHING! Christmas Edition
    Dec 17 2024
    In this thought-provoking episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles the questions many people wrestle with during the Christmas season. Through an engaging conversation with listener-submitted questions, Adam explores everything from the commercialization of Christmas to the historical accuracy of the nativity story, offering fresh perspectives that bridge faith and skepticism. His honest, down-to-earth approach makes complex theological concepts accessible while addressing the very real challenges many face during the holidays.Key takeaways from the episode:Finding Peace with "Happy Holidays" vs "Merry Christmas." Adam offers a refreshing take on this cultural debate, explaining that Christmas is the Christian story to share, not one to force upon others. He emphasizes that showing consideration for those of different faiths actually demonstrates Christian love rather than compromising beliefs.Navigating Holiday Blues with Grace and Understanding. For those struggling with anxiety and sadness during the season, Adam provides comfort by revealing how the original Christmas story wasn't about perfect joy - it was about hope breaking through in dark times. He reminds listeners that it's okay not to feel festive, as the real message of Christmas speaks directly to those experiencing difficult times.Reimagining the Historical Christmas. Through vivid descriptions of first-century Bethlehem, Adam helps listeners picture Jesus's birth in a cave rather than a wooden stable, offering a more historically accurate and surprisingly more meaningful understanding of the nativity story. This fresh perspective makes the ancient narrative more relatable and powerful today.Balancing Santa and Spirituality. Adam shares practical wisdom for families wrestling with how to embrace both the magic of Santa and the meaning of Jesus, suggesting ways to root Santa in the historical St. Nicholas while teaching children about generosity and giving to those in need.Wrestling with Faith and Facts. The episode tackles head-on the questions many have about the virgin birth, the star of Bethlehem, and other supernatural elements of the Christmas story. Adam’s approach helps skeptics and believers alike understand these stories' deeper theological significance while acknowledging the natural tension between faith and scientific understanding.Whether you're questioning your faith, seeking deeper meaning in holiday traditions, or simply curious about the historical context of Christmas, this episode offers valuable insights for both believers and skeptics. Hamilton's ability to address complex theological questions while maintaining intellectual honesty makes this conversation particularly relevant for those who want to engage with Christianity thoughtfully. His approach demonstrates that it's possible to embrace both faith and reason, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to make sense of faith during the holiday season.HIGHLIGHTS: [1:14] Do we say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?[3:50] How do you juggle the joy, excitement, and wonder of Santa Claus, but then also the truth of Jesus when talking to Children? [9:30] What do you think Jesus would say about how commercialized Christmas has become? [13:12] How do you deal with all the Christmas joy that’s going to be flooding the airwaves when inside you’re filled with anxiety, sadness, or grief? [17:22] Do I have to take the Bible literally when I read the Christmas story? Do I have to believe that Mary was really a virgin?[27:43] Was there really a bright star that led people to Bethlehem when Jesus was born?
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    35 min
  • From Fear to Faith: Mary, Elizabeth, and the Christmas Story We Need Today

    From Fear to Faith: Mary, Elizabeth, and the Christmas Story We Need Today
    Dec 24 2024
    In this soul-stirring Christmas episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton brings fresh insight to the remarkable story of Mary and Elizabeth's relationship. Moving beyond the traditional holiday narrative, he explores the raw humanity, fears, and transformative moments that make this ancient story deeply relevant today. His conversation weaves together biblical wisdom with contemporary understanding, offering both skeptics and believers a meaningful way to connect with the Christmas season.Key moments from the episode:The Power of Intergenerational Relationships: Adam shares how the story of 14-year-old Mary and 60-year-old Elizabeth demonstrates that every person needs both mentors and mentees in their spiritual journey. He illustrates this through his own touching story about his relationship with Reverend Firestone, showing how these connections shape our lives and faith.Finding God in Everyday Moments: Adam reveals his practice of actively looking for "God moments" in daily life, from chasing after church members in the parking lot to responding to unexpected texts. These small but significant encounters remind us that the sacred often shows up in surprising ways.Wrestling with Pain and Disappointment: The episode tackles Elizabeth's struggle with infertility and challenges the ancient belief that inability to bear children was a sign of God's disapproval. Through this discussion, Adam offers comfort to modern listeners facing their own struggles, affirming that pain doesn't equal divine abandonment.The Reality Behind "Silent Night": Adam explains why he titled his book "Not a Silent Night," painting a vivid picture of the messy, painful, and decidedly not-silent reality of Jesus's birth. This honest portrayal helps listeners connect with the very human elements of the Christmas story.Finding Joy in Dark Times: Through Mary's Magnificat and Cheryl Sandberg's story of grief and healing, Adam explores how joy can coexist with pain. He offers practical wisdom about perspective, gratitude, and serving others as pathways to finding light in darkness.Whether you're skeptical about religion, wrestling with faith, or simply seeking a fresh perspective on a familiar story, this episode offers something meaningful for everyone. Adam's thoughtful exploration demonstrates that it's possible to engage with ancient faith traditions while maintaining intellectual honesty and emotional resonance. His discussion shows how the Christmas story, far from being a mere historical account, continues to offer wisdom and hope for navigating life's complexities today.HIGHLIGHTS: [0:43] How was Mary and Elizabeth? [4:50] Do you see amazing “God-moments” happen today? [8:35] How can we trust God like Mary? [11:09] Everyone needs an Elizabeth (aka mentor) and a Mary (aka mentee) in their life. [15:38] What would you want someone to hear who is experiencing struggle or pain, especially with infertility?[18:50] Where and how do we find joy when life is hard? [22:23] What is the Magnificat and why does it matter today? [26:07] It was NOT a silent night when Jesus was born
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    30 min