Presence in the Wild

I’m a Unitarian Universalist, but I’m more interested in religion as a subject matter than I’m actually religious—or, at least, what most people would describe as religious.  I’m certainly not “spiritual.”  I’m a non-theist, influenced strongly by Humanism and secular Buddhism.  I look for the transcendent (I do!), but I look for it in people and relationships.

But, as I said, I’m fascinated by religion—from what others believe to how cultures shape, and are shaped by, religions.  Unsurprisingly, I suppose, one of my favorite radio programs is public radio’s Peabody Award-winning Speaking of Faith.  Each week, SOF host Krista Tippett interviews a compelling figure about some interesting topic in religion.  In my opinion, it’s usually Tippett who makes the show.  She knows her subject matter, and the hour-long radio format gives her the time to explore in depth what her well-chosen guests have to say.  Tippett really listens to what her guests say.

This week, I was startled and pleased to see hear that my own little faith, UUism, was getting some of Tippett’s attention.  The guest was the Rev. Kate Braestrup, a chaplain for the Maine Game Warden Service.  Braestrup’s memoir, Here If You Need Me, was one of my favorite books of 2007.  It tells some of the stories of love, life, and death that Braestrup has experienced on (and off) the job.  (If you’ve made it this far into this post, you really should read Here If You Need Me.  The audio version, read by Braestrup herself, is exquisite, too.)  This episode of SOF, “Presence in the Wild,” is one of the best I’ve ever heard, and that’s absolutely saying something.  If you’re at all interested in UUism, chaplaincy, practical theology, or, hey, even game wardens, give it a try.

I’m smitten with Krista Tippett, but Kate Braestrup is my intellectual crush of this week.

2 thoughts on “Presence in the Wild”

  1. I too am fascinated by religion and I enjoy listening to others speak about their faith/religion/spiritual tendencies.I am going to pick up Braestrup’s book, thanks for bringing it to my attention. It’ll be my holiday weekend reading.

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