How do we transform and transcend our biases? From judgments made unconsciously to complacency in systemic evil, we must learn how to see if we are to learn how to transform. Center for Action and Contemplation faculty members Brian McLaren and Richard Rohr join Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D. of New York’s Middle Church for this special six-episode podcast series Learning How to See. Listen as these three powerful public theologians discuss how seeing is social, political, and contemplative. Learning How to See starts October 5th, 2020.

On this introductory episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Jacqui, and Richard talk about two biases that set the stage for all the others: Confirmation Bias: the human brain welcomes information that confirms what it already thinks and resist information that disturbs or contradicts what it already thinks. Complexity Bias: the human brain prefers a simple lie to a complex truth. Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Rev. Jacqui Lewis PhD: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Richard Rohr: Twitter | Sign up for his Daily Meditations here This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Jacqui, and Richard talk about the next three biases that look at the social dimensions of seeing: Community bias: It is very hard to see something your group doesn’t want you to see. This is a form of social confirmation bias. Complementarity bias: If people are nice to you, you’ll be open to what they see and have to say. If they aren’t nice to you, you won’t. Contact bias: If you lack contact with someone, you won’t see what they see. Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Rev. Jacqui Lewis PhD: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Richard Rohr: Twitter | Sign up for his Daily Meditations here This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Jacqui, and Richard talk about the next three biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Conservative/Liberal bias: Conservatives and Liberals see the world differently. Liberals see through a “nurturing parent” window, and Conservatives see through a “strict father” window. Liberals value moral arguments based on justice and compassion; conservatives also place a high value on arguments based on purity, loyalty, authority, and tradition. Our brains like to see as our party sees, and we flock with those who see as we do. Consciousness bias: A person’s level of consciousness makes seeing some things possible and others impossible. Our brains see from a location. Competency bias: We are incompetent at knowing how incompetent or competent we are, so we may see less or more than we think. Our brains prefer to think of ourselves as above average. Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Rev. Jacqui Lewis PhD: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Richard Rohr: Twitter | Sign up for his Daily Meditations here This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Jacqui, and Richard talk about the next two biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Confidence Bias: We mistake confidence for competence, and we are all vulnerable to the lies of confident people. Our brains prefer a confident lie to a hesitant truth. Conspiracy Bias: When we feel shame, we are vulnerable to stories that cast us as the victims of an evil conspiracy by some enemy “other.” Our brains like stories in which we’re either the hero or the victim ... never the villain. Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Rev. Jacqui Lewis PhD: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Richard Rohr: Twitter | Sign up for his Daily Meditations here This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Jacqui, and Richard talk about the next three biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Comfort/Complacency/Convenience Bias: Our brains welcome data that allows us to relax and be happy and reject data that require us to adjust, work, or inconvenience ourselves. Catastrophe/Normalcy Bias: Our brains notice sudden changes for the worse, but we easily miss slow and subtle changes over time. We think what is now normal always was and always will be. Our brains are wired for what feels normal. Cash Bias: It is very hard to see anything that interferes with our way of making a living. Our brains are wired to see within the framework of our economy, and we see what helps us make money. Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Rev. Jacqui Lewis PhD: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Richard Rohr: Twitter | Sign up for his Daily Meditations here This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this last episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Jacqui, and Richard review of the biases, and reflection on how doubt, action, and contemplation enrich our ability to see. Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Rev. Jacqui Lewis PhD: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Richard Rohr: Twitter | Sign up for his Daily Meditations here This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

What could happen if we approached the world in silent wonder, with a humility and openness to learning? Brian McLaren is back for Season 2 of this powerful podcast unpacking the biases that impact the way we see—and ultimately love—ourselves and each other. From judgments made unconsciously to complacency in systemic evil, we must learn how to see if we are to learn how to transform. In Season Two, listeners will have the chance to participate in specially curated practices for each bias, designed to stretch and deepen our hearts so that we can transform how we see into how we pray.

On this introductory episode for Season 2 of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul review the biases and talk about two biases that set the stage for all the others: Confirmation Bias: the human brain welcomes information that confirms what it already thinks and resist information that disturbs or contradicts what it already thinks. Complexity Bias: the human brain prefers a simple lie to a complex truth. The prayers/intentions used in this season can be found here at the following links, depending on where you listen to podcasts: Apple | Spotify | RadioPublic | Stitcher Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul talk about the next three biases that look at the social dimensions of seeing: Community bias: It is very hard to see something your group doesn’t want you to see. This is a form of social confirmation bias. Complementarity bias: If people are nice to you, you’ll be open to what they see and have to say. If they aren’t nice to you, you won’t. Contact bias: If you lack contact with someone, you won’t see what they see. The prayers/intentions used in this season can be found here at the following links, depending on where you listen to podcasts: Apple | Spotify | RadioPublic | Stitcher Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul talk about the next two biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Consciousness bias: A person’s level of consciousness makes seeing some things possible and others impossible. Our brains see from a location. Competency bias: We are incompetent at knowing how incompetent or competent we are, so we may see less or more than we think. Our brains prefer to think of ourselves as above average. The prayers/intentions used in this season can be found here at the following links, depending on where you listen to podcasts: Apple | Spotify | RadioPublic | Stitcher Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul talk about the next two biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Conservative/Liberal Bias: Conservatives and Liberals see the world differently. Liberals see through a “nurturing parent” window, and Conservatives see through a “strict father” window. Liberals value moral arguments based on justice and compassion; conservatives also place a high value on arguments based on purity, loyalty, authority, and tradition. Our brains like to see as our party sees, and we flock with those who see as we do. Comfort Bias: Our brains welcome data that allows us to relax and be happy and reject data that require us to adjust, work, or inconvenience ourselves. The prayers/intentions used in this season can be found here at the following links, depending on where you listen to podcasts: Apple | Spotify | RadioPublic | Stitcher Resources: The transcript for this episode. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul talk about the next two biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Catastrophe Bias: Our brains notice sudden changes for the worse, but we easily miss slow and subtle changes over time. We think what is now normal always was and always will be. Our brains are wired for what feels normal. Cash Bias: It is very hard to see anything that interferes with our way of making a living. Our brains are wired to see within the framework of our economy, and we see what helps us make money. The prayers/intentions used in this season can be found here at the following links, depending on where you listen to podcasts: Apple | Spotify | RadioPublic | Stitcher Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this episode of Learning How to See, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul talk about the last two biases that look at the social-political dimensions of seeing: Confidence Bias: We mistake confidence for competence, and we are all vulnerable to the lies of confident people. Our brains prefer a confident lie to a hesitant truth. Conspiracy Bias: When we feel shame, we are vulnerable to stories that cast us as the victims of an evil conspiracy by some enemy “other.” Our brains like stories in which we’re either the hero or the victim ... never the villain. The prayers/intentions used in this season can be found here at the following links, depending on where you listen to podcasts: Apple | Spotify | RadioPublic | Stitcher Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On this bonus episode, Brian, Gigi, Mike and Paul conclude the season in their reflections on the dynamics of suffering and the art of beginning again in order to learn how to see. The prayers/intentions used in this season can be found here at the following links, depending on where you listen to podcasts: Apple | Spotify | RadioPublic | Stitcher Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Brian's e-book: Why Don't They Get It? Song: Bruce Colburn - "Us All" (Youtube) Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On the third season of Learning How to See, Brian McLaren invites us to see and experience Christianity in new ways. Exploring sections from his new book Do I Stay Christian? Brian helps listeners at a spiritual crossroads to honestly examine their evolving faith.   Joined by guests Diana Butler Bass, Lisa Sharon Harper, Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Valerie Kaur, Richard Rohr, James Finley, Barbara Holmes, and Tripp Fuller, Learning How to See season 3 reveals how a contemplative mind can help us see, understand, and engage with the Christian faith. Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week. The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. (Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a URL to join the discussion group via email.)

What does “Christianity” mean to you? Do you see it as a force for good in the world? How much harm has it caused? Do you want to stay Christian? And if so, what kind—and how? In this first episode from season three of Learning How to See, host Brian McLaren goes straight to the heart of these questions and more. Joined by scholar and historian of Christianity Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., and CAC staff member Mike Petrow, Ph.D., these theologians discuss the diverse experiences they have with Christianity. Informed by Brian’s new book Do I Stay Christian?, season three of Learning How to See will challenge listeners to relearn how they see Christianity by embracing exploration over explanation and dialogue over dogma. From transcending toxic theology embedded in childhood to applying ancient wisdom to modern life, this first episode sets the trajectory for an enlightening and transformative season.  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here Diana's book, Freeing Jesus can be found here. Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week. The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. (Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a URL to join the discussion group via email.) Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Diana Butler Bass: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On the second episode of this season, Brian is joined by Lisa Sharon Harper and Gigi Ross exploring the many ways colonialism has injected racism into Christianity, politics, and the culture we live in. Utilizing theology, research, and drawing heavily from Lisa's work in her latest book Fortune, this episode offers a gripping examination of slavery’s lingering impact on the shadow of Christianity. Please be advised this episode discusses topics around sexual violence that may elicit difficult emotions and memories for some.  Note: This episode was recorded on March 10th, 2022, before the Supreme Court draft opinion potentially overturning Roe vs. Wade was leaked. Some elements of the conversation will reflect this. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here Lisa's book, Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and The World and How to Repair It All can be found here. Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week. The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. (Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a URL to join the discussion group via email.) Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Lisa Sharon Harper: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

Antisemitism, theology, empire—this week’s episode invites us to examine our histories and faith traditions with an honest lens. Explore a different perspective of Christianity with Rabbi Jill Jacobs, who discuss what is means to have Christianity as a neighbor.  Rabbi Jill Jacobs (she/her) is the CEO of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, an organization that trains and mobilizes more than 2,300 rabbis and cantors and their communities to bring a moral voice to protecting and advancing human rights in North America, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories. She is the author of Where Justice Dwells: A Hands-On Guide to Doing Social Justice in Your Jewish Community and There Shall Be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice through Jewish Law and Tradition, both published by Jewish Lights. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here Rabbi Jill Jacob's work with T'ruah can be found here. Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week. The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. (Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a URL to join the discussion group via email.) Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Rabbi Jill Jacobs: Website | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

Renowned civil rights leader and best-selling author Valarie Kaur joins Brian for this episode of Learning How to See. In this conversation, they help us see how learning about another faith tradition can help us see our own tradition in a different way. Valarie Kaur is a renowned civil rights leader and celebrated prophetic voice "at the forefront of progressive change" (Center for American Progress). Valarie burst into American consciousness in the wake of the 2016 election when her Watch Night Service address went viral with 40 million views worldwide. Her question "Is this the darkness of the tomb – or the darkness of the womb?" reframed the political moment and became a mantra for people fighting for change. Valarie now leads the Revolutionary Love Project to reclaim love as a force for justice in America.  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here Valarie Kaur's work with Revolutionary Love can be found here. Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week. The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. (Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a URL to join the discussion group via email.) Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Valarie Kaur: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!