What makes the places where our homes and churches are located distinct and why should this matter to our mandate to seek shalom? In Episode 2 of Season 4, Eric and and Sara Joy seek to define "place" and bring in Chris Elisara to expound on the topic from his own personal experiences.
Place is a key element of shalom because our identities are rooted in place and we connect to one another through place. In this episode, Eric and Sara Joy discuss the difference between place and space (and why place isn’t always good and space isn’t always bad), while framing both within a biblical understanding. They trace the theme of place from the beginning to the end of the Bible, noting how we are redeemed in place. They also talk with Chris Elisara from Ormond Center who shares about his perception and experience of place and its importance in his family life and community. And they find out where Chris’s cool accent comes from.
They also challenge the notion that we need to choose whether to care for people or places and note that we often are called to love people through loving their places.
Lastly, we find out yet, another reason while Texans are a peculiar (awesome!) breed.
Access more Show Notes with pictures and resources related to this episode.
More information about this podcast and helpful church and urbanism resources can be found on The Embedded Church website.
Related Resources
First and Main Films: Find out more about the films that Chris Elisara mentions in this interview
Where Mortals Dwell: A Christian View of Place for Today by Craig Bartholomew
“The Work of Local Culture” in Sex, Economy, Freedom & Community: Eight Essays by Wendell Berry
Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America by James and Deborah Fallows
A Christian Theology of Place: Explorations in Practical, Pastoral and Empirical Theology by John Inge
Reclaiming Place in a Disengaged World: An Interview with Eric O. Jacobsen in Fuller Magazine: Issue 17
Find these Key Terms on The Embedded Church website:
- Place (and Space)
- Hospitality
- Placelessness
Show Credits
Hosted and Produced by Eric O. Jacobsen and Sara Joy Proppe
Edited by Adam Higgins | Odd Dad Out Voice Productions
Theme Music by Jacob Shaffer
Artwork by Lance Kagey | Rotator Creative