Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

Hearts and Minds

Fr. John Oliver, and Ancient Faith Ministries

Personal Renewal and Cultural Change

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22 episodes
English

Episodes 22

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Tuesday · length unknown
Being in Control or Having Control Issues? A Lesson from Trees
What is the difference between being "'in control" and having "control issues"? St. Joseph the Hesychast and St. Paisios look to the order of nature for the answer.
August 15 · length unknown
Thoughts Come with a Tone of Voice
In this episode. Fr. John explains how the tone of our thoughts can tell us a lot about their origins.
July 6 · length unknown
Control Is an Illusion
In an age of ever increasing anxiety and uncertainty, we can look to the lives of Sts. Peter and Paul as examples of how we can deepen our relationship with Christ--even in the most dire historical moments.
June 24 · length unknown
Our Secret Weapon: A Reflection on Joy
Father John gives us the history and meaning of the most read Psalm in the Orthodox liturgical cycle of prayer.
June 19 · length unknown
Dark Basement Syndrome
Do you suffer from heightened emotion, limited reason, hidden fears, and a general distortion of facts? You might have Dark Basement Syndrome. In this episode, Fr. John walks us through how our subconscious minds can have a dark influence on our thoughts and actions, and ultimately how the light of Christ illumines all--even the darkest recesses of our minds.
June 18 · length unknown
Right or Left, Right or Wrong: the Choices We Make Every Day
Father John discusses the "both/and" and "either/or" decisions that we often encounter in the spiritual life.
June 5 · length unknown
Pentecost: Color in a World of Black and White
Father John shares a colorful thought experiment that illustrates the meaning of Pentecost and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
May 27 · length unknown
What Is Beauty? Wrong Question
What do a facial scanning website and the Gospel of John have in common? Both claim to have knowledge the nature of beauty, but only one is the product of an encounter with the living incarnation of beauty.
May 13 · length unknown
It’s Summer: Where to Store the Leftovers
Father John explores the unique psychology of wealthy individuals throughout the ages, and the purpose that lies beyond material abundance.
May 5 · length unknown
Mavis and Her Strong Feelings
Father John discusses ways in which we can practice discernment in our inner life, prayerfully separating the thoughts inspired by God from those planted by the demons.
April 27 · length unknown
Jesus Saves, But How? The Wonder of Communicatio Idiomatum
What does it really mean to say “Jesus saves”? In this episode, Fr. John reflects on the first four Ecumenical Councils and the controversy surrounding Nestorius, exploring the mystery of how Christ’s divine and human natures are united in one Person and what that means for receiving Communion, praying the Jesus Prayer, and understanding salvation.
February 20 · length unknown
”Hell is Other People"? Not So Fast.
Fr. John explores the differences between the Christian and secular outlooks on relationships.
January 21 · length unknown
Prepping for the Polycrisis
Fr. John ponders the question, "What do The Ten Lepers, The Poseidon Adventure, and one minute of our life have in common?"
January 15 · length unknown
Show of Hands: Who Wants a Cold Universe?
Fr. John reflects on losing faith, the Gospel of John, the presence of Christ, and perhaps finding faith once again through hope rather than intellect, reason and arguments.
January 9 · length unknown
Basketballs, Bells, and a Leather Belt
Fr. John weaves together the punishment of an entire basketball team for one member's failed prank and the camel hide belts worn by the prophets to teach us about the consequences of the fall and the Incarnation for all of humanity.
January 7 · length unknown
Porphyrios Visits the Prostitutes: A Theophany Story
Fr. John reflects on Theophany, how God regards humanity, and how His perspective differs from the gods of paganism. He shares a story from the life of St. Porphyrios as an example of how one can put God's perspective on humanity into practice in our daily interactions.
January 5 · length unknown
Christ Is the Question
Fr. John reflects on a disastrous diplomatic miscommunication brought about by AI and God's communication through the incarnation of Christ.
Dec 29, 2025 · length unknown
Where Meaning Gathers Its Strength
Fr. John reflects on a simple cake mix, a marketing failure, the nature of effort, and our need for meaning in our salvation.
Dec 19, 2025 · length unknown
Why Listening is Better than Knowing
Fr. John reflects on road trips, vacations, and an unusual wedding homily about journeying as husband and wife under God's mysterious directions.
Dec 10, 2025 · length unknown
The Mourner and His Message: Every Day is A Special Occasion
Fr. John reflects on the incarnation, Christ's healing ministry, and our understanding of every human person as a "special occasion" that calls us to rise above our preoccupation with de-humanizing religious regulations.

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