[133] Cultivating empathy in polarized times: Insights from John Pavlovitz

Curious about maintaining compassion and engaging in meaningful conversations in your daily life? On Compass 133, join Ryan Dunn as he speaks with John Pavlovitz about finding common ground and exploring spirituality amidst life’s challenges. Discover how to navigate differences with empathy, find solace in nature, and embrace your faith journey authentically.

John shares his personal journey from questioning his Christian identity to embracing a compassionate approach that transcends religious and ideological boundaries. We’ll explore the need for human connection beyond political or religious labels and John’s latest endeavors including his work on grief, his online community Empathetic People Network, and his new book “Worth Fighting For.”

John Pavlovitz is a pastor, writer, and activist from Wake Forest, North Carolina. In the past several years his blog, Stuff That Needs To Be Said, has reached a diverse worldwide audience. A 20-year veteran in the trenches of local church ministry, John is committed to equality, diversity, and justice. His books include:  If God Is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk, A Bigger Table, Hope and Other Superpowers, Low, Rise, Worth Fighting For and Stuff That Needs to Be Said.

In this episode:
(00:00) Compass with John Pavlovitz: Finding common ground.
(05:33) Exhausted people need empathy and encouragement.
(09:18) Curiosity and compassion breed meaningful conversations.
(10:59) Impactful online conversations reach a wide audience.
(15:12) Spiritual history, seeking compassion.
(20:43) Church adapting to modern challenges and changes.
(22:48) Challenging American evangelical church, seeking Jesus’ teachings.
(27:20) Embrace curiosity and find beauty in ordinary things.
(29:19) Empathetic People Network offers inclusive social platform.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

Find more episodes and show notes at www.umc.org/compass