In the first episode of "Have You Heard...", Rev. Phil Dieke and Jeb Bunting have a conversation with Damon Garcia, a writer, video essayist, and public theologian, about liberation theology and liberative Christianity.

In this conversation they discuss the origins and principles of liberation theology, the intersection between liberation and faith, and the radical message of Jesus. They also explore how liberative Christianity is being practiced and preached in the modern world, and the importance of grassroots movements and community engagement. The conversation highlights the need for a contextual and inclusive approach to theology that prioritizes the liberation of the marginalized and oppressed; as well as the intersection of faith, activism, and community.

They highlight the need for religious communities to actively engage in social justice and liberation movements, specifically the importance of viewing faith as a communal effort and allowing marginalized voices to shape and change religious communities. They also emphasize the need for inclusivity and affirmation of all individuals, regardless of their identities.

The conversation encourages young people to embrace a more collective mentality and seek community in third spaces if religious communities are not liberative. It concludes with a reminder that the journey of faith and activism is ever-evolving and that individuals are not alone in their pursuit of justice and liberation.

To learn more about the work of Damon Garcia follow him on social media (whoisdamon) or his YouTube channel ( @DamonGarcia ). He mentions the work of Dr. Joerg Rieger and the work of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice. You can find out more about their Solidarity Circles here. 

To become a part of the collective work or learn more about The 787 Collective, follow us on social media (@787Collective) or connect with us here. You can watch each episode of The Collective Voice on our YouTube channel.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:00 Holy Week and Meaningful Celebrations
03:29 Damon's Journey and Departure from Evangelicalism
04:24 The Radicality of Jesus and Liberation Theology
06:08 Introductions and Personal Backgrounds
08:41 Jeb's Experience with Christianity and Jesus
09:05 Jeb's Response to Damon's Book
10:32 Explaining Liberation Theology
11:16 Damon's Introduction to Liberation Theology
18:14 Liberative Christianity in Today's Context
19:18 Liberative Christianity as a Fringe Movement
21:44 Activating and Inspiring People in Liberative Christianity
25:00 Solidarity Circles and Grassroots Movements
26:46 Supporting Existing Work in Communities
27:43 Jesus Flipping Tables and Liberative Christianity
28:33 Jesus and the Den of Robbers
31:56 Faith and Activism
34:52 Materialist Answers and Spiritual Questions
37:56 The Communal Nature of Faith
40:54 Creating Community and Third Spaces
44:06 Being Changed by Others
47:43 Creating Liberative Faith Communities
53:59 The Journey of Faith