About this episode
I don't consider myself religious. But I am spiritually curious; deeply interested in faith. From Sikh kundalini master Guru Singh and Buddhist monk / tea master WuDe to iconoclast Christian pastor Rob Bell, the exploration of faith in its varying incarnations has been a fascinating, recurring theme of this show. Today, I continue the tradition with Dr. Drew Sams, senior pastor and head of staff at Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. Hardly conventional, Drew is many things. Life-long surfer. Avid ultra-runner. Passionate environmentalist. Devoted family man deeply interested in social justice, nutrition, and wellness. And a progressive doctor of divinity with a take on the Christian faith that is inspiring audiences in Los Angeles and across the world. I think Jesus was an extraordinary guy. But I freely admit that conversations on the subject of organized religion can leave me queasy. Perhaps it's my personal baggage. I don't know. But I do know I really enjoyed this particular exchange — grounded and relatable, Drew made it fun. Today I unpack this pastor's personal journey to faith. It's a conversation about Drew's evolving perspective on God and Christianity. It's about the distinction between literal, allegorical and personal interpretations of the Bible. It's about the relationship between faith, consumerism and environmentalism. It’s a conversation about masculinity — cultural ideation around what a man “should be” versus the strength that can be mined through compassion & emotional vulnerability. But mostly it’s an engaging exchange about our collective moral responsibility to ourselves, our fellow humans, and the planet at large. Drew was great. So let's talk to a pastor! Peace + Plants, Rich