Wonder In A Jaded World {Reflections} Central Lutheran Church

24d ago 7:54

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What happens when we lose our capacity for wonder? Through the lens of Abraham Joshua Heschel's profound wisdom, this episode explores how modern life has gradually eroded our ability to be amazed by the extraordinary world around us.
Ryan shares a touching moment from church where a young girl demonstrated the pure, unfiltered wonder that children naturally possess—wide eyes and open-mouthed amazement at what appeared to be a color-changing flower. This childlike capacity for wonder stands in stark contrast to our adult experiences, where familiarity and busy schedules have dulled our perception of life's everyday miracles.
"As civilization advances, the sense of wonder declines," Heschel writes, calling this "an alarming symptom of our state of mind." His powerful assertion that "life without wonder is not worth living" serves as a wake-up call for listeners. Ryan unpacks how our modern obsession with rationalism and information has left us starving for appreciation and genuine awe, reminding us that faith itself begins with wonder.
The episode doesn't just diagnose the problem—it offers practical wisdom for reclaiming wonder in our daily lives. Following advice from a rabbi who teaches children to notice nature, Ryan suggests intentional practices for rediscovering amazement: gazing at the moon and stars, observing animals with fresh eyes, and simply slowing down enough to notice the miracle of breathing. These small practices can profoundly reshape our spiritual experience and reconnect us with the divine.
Ready to transform your perspective? Join us in rediscovering the power of wonder and how it might just deepen your faith in unexpected ways. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of life's magic, and connect with us in person at Central in Elk River or online at clcelkriver.org.

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Chapters

1. Wonder in a Jaded World {Reflections} (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to Reflections Podcast (00:00:15)

3. Abraham Heschel's Jewish Theology (00:00:46)

4. The Wonder of Children (00:01:30)

5. Heschel's Powerful Quotes on Wonder (00:03:16)

6. Practicing Wonder in Daily Life (00:05:17)

7. Invitation and Closing (00:07:24)

196 episodes