In an unexpected move - well, unexpected for Joe, at least – we revisit an episode from 2017. Eight years ago we had a stab at writing our own creeds and now, having completely forgotten even doing it, we go back to see what we wrote and whether we still agree with it. Also we have important clarifications about cauliflowers, and we worry whether both the podcast and our lives are now travelling in reverse.

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Romanesco broccoli
• Self-similarity
• An idiot’s guide to the Council of Nicea’s big posh creed of compromise | Premier Christianity
• Mid-faith Crisis Episode 22: The schism starts here
• Epistula Apostolorum

This week's topics include the ethics of slug control, the 1700th anniversary the council of Nicea, whether transformation is always difficult and what it would be like if we met our internal critic at a party. Also, how do we approach difficult events when it really seems like God is to blame? Oh, and Nick has a theory that stories are like cauliflowers. Or something like that.

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• Nick's Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

• Knepp - Rewilding Pioneers
• Leonardslee Gardens
• An idiot’s guide to the Council of Nicea’s big posh creed of compromise | Premier Christianity
• Romanesco broccoli - Wikipedia
• Self-similarity - Wikipedia
• Self-similarity: Properties and Applications – Sera Markoff
• Meliorism - Wikipedia

Nick gives his belated thoughts on Easter and reflects on how it's not about the doctrine but about the story: we are invited to live in the story of Easter and to allow it to give pattern to our lives. We talk about some classic story shapes, and how the Easter story is embodied in baptism and in the eucharist. Finally we reflect on what meal would tell our story: chicken Madras, or cheese and wine?

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• Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page
• Nick's Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

• Tulip Festival - Arundel Castle & Gardens
• Wisden Cricketers' Almanack

It’s the Easter Special! Well, half an Easter Special maybe. Nick has the flu so in this shortened episode, it's Pastor Joe to the rescue, reflecting on how the Easter story of suffering, bewilderment and joy is a challenge to us to live all of life. Maybe, like the disciples on the Emmaus road, 'we had hopes'; but maybe, also like them, we can look back and recognise that Jesus was with us all along. Now, anyone for a liturgical breakfast?

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• Nick's Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

• Richard Rohr — Center for Action and Contemplation
• John O'Donohue | Anam Cara

As we head into Holy Week, we discuss what it's like to celebrate Easter in mid-faith crisis. We explore how Easter is about our identity as Christians and how, by examining the practices of the early church, we might be able to develop a shape for our own rituals. Also we touch on why the Mid-faith Crisis is like owning an old car, and we say hello to Grandpa Joe!

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• Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page
• Nick's Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

• Meditations for Mortals | Oliver Burkeman
• Episode 50: The Scandal of The Cross - Mid-faith Crisis
• Episode 51: The Mystery of the Cross - Mid-faith Crisis
• Epistula Apostolorum - Wikipedia
• Irenaeus - Wikipedia
• The Longest Week | Nick Page
• The Longest Week: Holy Week Devotional Reading Guide

We're back! Joe has returned from Mexico and Nick has returned from an unfortunate act of wire-cutting. We catch up on how things are going with our themes, discuss how life (and theology) keeps adding complexity, and think about how we respond to fear when, inevitably, it arrives. Also we talk a little more about the need to embrace uncertainty, and the importance of telling yourself some good stories. Meanwhile does Nick have a poltergeist or just a very clean rodent? And what is a squidgy goat?

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Turquoise-browed motmot
• Witness, Nick Page & Eddie Lyle
• Mid-faith Crisis Themes
• Beatrix Potter
• Evenings at the microscope
• Temperance (virtue) - Wikipedia
• Paul McGee How Not to Worry Podcast 1
• The Power of Regret, Daniel H. Pink

With Joe away in Mexico we have an interview with Bekah Legg. She talks about the work of Restored with the victims of domestic abuse, and shares a little of her own story of loss and grief.

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• Nick's Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

• Restored
• DR Congo conflict: Mobile phones, coltan and the fighting - BBC News

It's our annual themes episode! We talk about our themes for the year, and reflect on how last year's themes worked out. And Joe has received an encouraging birthday card. Church notice: we're taking a brief break, so the next podcast will be in two week's time.

• Support the podcast
• Contact the podcast through your email machine
• Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page
• Nick's Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 279: Focus and … er… something else
• Sort Your Life Out