Try My Jesus, a Christian Workbook – Carlton E. Smith

Episode 46.
Having traversed the spectrum of Christian denominations – from the middle (United Methodist) to the conservative (Pentecostal) then all the way to the liberal (Unitarian Universalist) – Carlton has derived a rich and appreciative perspective on living according to Jesus’ teachings. As he notes in the Introduction of Try My Jesus: “Anyone who invites you to try Jesus is inviting you to try their Jesus.” Structured as a year’s worth of daily reflections, Carlton quotes from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – the four Evangelists who were contemporaries of Jesus. He then includes his own reflections and a prompt for the reader. These various parts for each day offer opportunities to reflect on Jesus’ teachings and how you are applying them as you take responsibility for your spiritual life. Guiding messages are to lead a life centered in love and compassion, and that you can be fully yourself and follow the teachings of Jesus. This is especially relevant to those on the margins of society and subject to discrimination and hate.

Highlights:
00:08:51 Unitarian Universalism accepts diverse beliefs, including atheism.
00:10:46 Jesus is a child of God, like us.
00:15:48 Love, civil rights, and justice shape beliefs.
00:20:24 Summary: Four gospels highlight Jesus' teachings, audience includes marginalized and those seeking love.
00:26:08 Gospels ordered, structure carefully maintained, consistent reading.
00:30:36 Relying on myself, not religious leaders.
00:40:42 Seek within, find integrity, embrace love.

Social Media links for Carlton:
Website – trymyjesus.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/trymyjesus
Instagram – carlton.e.smith19

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271
Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13379521
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The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.
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