In this third installment from our “Christian Shadow Work” series, the conversation reveals a striking contradiction between Christian history—famous for its condemning practices—and Christ's actual relationship with human darkness. Rather than simply erasing or punishing sin, Christ demonstrates a radical integration of human brokenness into the transformative process. Like an alchemist turning lead into gold, Christ shows us how our darknesses can become the very substance of our spiritual maturation.

We explore why modern spiritual paths that simply affirm "you're perfect as you are" miss something crucial about human development. Without acknowledging our shadows, we remain stuck in a static self-image rather than participating in the dynamic process of becoming. Our darkness isn't merely tolerated by divine love—it serves a purpose in our becoming fully human.

The third episode of our series looks again at the nature of “shadow” or “sin” as that in the human being which hinders Divine Reality from being revealed. Humanity is still working to reveal the image of God in which we have been made. We can understand our shadows, then, as opportunities to grow and mature—parts of ourselves that need to be acknowledged, understood for what they are, and transformed over time.

How does Christ Jesus relate to the sin of humanity? He demonstrates for us the path of salvation by taking up the cross, suffering, dying and being raised again by the Father. We can take up our own sin with Him and walk the same path.

Support the show

The Light in Every Thing is a podcast of The Seminary of The Christian Community in North America. Learn more about the Seminary and its offerings at our website. This podcast is supported by our growing Patreon community. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/ccseminary.

Thanks to Elliott Chamberlin who composed our theme music, “Seeking Together,” and the legacy of our original show-notes and patreon producer, Camilla Lake.

Dear Patrons,

Today, June 24, 2025 is the festival day dedicated throughout the world-wide Christian Community to the person of John the Baptist: St. John’s Day. He stood at the banks of the Jordan as “a voice crying out in the loneliness”—a voice calling people to reorient their lives toward the spirit; a voice summoning each heart to radical truthfulness as preparation for the coming grace of God.

In honor of this extraordinary human being, whose earthly mission was to prepare the way, we are sharing episodes from our Christian Shadow Work series, first posted in May 2023. This episode is the first in that series. We hope it may serve you in your own encounter with John’s voice—his call to turn, to see, and to ready the soul for grace.

With gratitude,

Patrick

for The Light in Every Thing team

***

From the first posting:

Our new series takes up the far reaching subject of working with our “shadow,” especially as it relates to the overarching question posed this year, “What divides us?” In this first episode, Jonah and Patrick begin to lay down some of the core elements of working with the shadows we cast in the light of Christ. How do we as individuals relate to the shadow we cast into this world? Can we perceive ourselves accurately? Can we integrate our shadow in a way that bears fruit? How do we relate to the shadows of others, both individuals and larger human communities, such as Christianity as a whole or The Movement for Religious Renewal? Why is working with the shadow part of the Christian path of walking with Christ? These questions and more will be explored together over the coming episodes.

Support the show

The Light in Every Thing is a podcast of The Seminary of The Christian Community in North America. Learn more about the Seminary and its offerings at our website. This podcast is supported by our growing Patreon community. To learn more, go to www.patreon.com/ccseminary.

Thanks to Elliott Chamberlin who composed our theme music, “Seeking Together,” and the legacy of our original show-notes and patreon producer, Camilla Lake.