What God is Not discussion

Welcome listeners! This thread is for any listeners who would like to introduce themselves and get to know their fellow listeners. A place to share and build each other up.

We're thankful you're with us!

I’m Cindy from a suburb of Chicago. Just finished the book I Heard Go Laugh by Matthew Kelly.

I'm Marc Shefelton, a Presbyterian (EPC) pastor from an hour south of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery. I learned of the podcast from a visit there. I appreciate monasticism and how different streams of the faith can expand and deepen our faith.

Hi, Pauline here 😊 long time listener, first time writer. Excited to hear about what everyone is reading!

Hi, I'm Andrea from Kingston, Washington! Father Michael and Sister Natalia are good friends from my days in Denver and Cleveland! I just finished Great Lent: Journey to Pascha by Alexander Schmemann and am currently reading The Wellspring of Worship by Jean Corbon.

Hi! I’m Rebecca from Sacramento, CA. I think we learned about the podcast from good friends of ours that are Fr Michael’s parishioners in Southern California. I love reading and recently finished Fr Schmemann’s Great Lent—which I think changed my life. And I’m about halfway through Willa Father’s Song of the Lark which so far is slower than some of her other novels, but enjoyable still.

Hi What God is Not Listeners! Whoa, that's a mouthful. Maybe WGiN Listeners? Maybe WGiNL? Adding that to my brainstorming list!

I'm Beth from the media team. So nice to see you all here! I met Sister Natalia a few months before she was tonsured and we've been friends ever since! I live in NE Ohio so get to see her and the other nuns periodically which is such a blessing. I'm an avid reader and hoping to pick up new book ideas from all of you, plus learn about your likes/dislikes of books Father Michael and Sister Natalia discuss on the podcast. You might be picking up on the real reason we created the group - I just need more book suggestions. :-)

Look forward to continuing to meet the rest of our listeners who also cross-over into reader land!

Hi! I’m Julie and I’m still working my way through all of the podcast episodes. I finally made it to Jan 2020 episodes so yay. I’m Roman Catholic but I’ve been all over the Christian spectrum, including being baptized Greek Orthodox.

Hey guys, Intern Olivia here. (Need I say anything else?)

The nuns of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery have prettymuch been my own personal librarians for the last few years, so I’m excited for all of our podcast listeners to be able to partake of that awesomeness (and also Fr. Michael’s super cool suggestions as well).

I love any book whose beauty makes my heart ache. I’m a bit of a sporadic reader, going months without reading much of anything and then cranking out Brideshead Revisited in under 48 hours. I prettymuch base everything off of my feelings. Haha.

Hi All - Tyler from Wisconsin - my wife and I stumbled on to the podcast as we began exploring Eastern Christianity in early January. Looking forward to finding additional resources as we continue to learn about Byzantine Catholicism and discern joining the eastern church.

Hi! I am a ukrainian greek-catholic living in Switzerland. I am 15 years old. I am discerning with the studite monks (traditional byzantine monks). I came here through Pints with Aquinas and I havelistened to all Episodes of What God is not.

Hi! I am a Catholic school librarian, and I love my faith and books, so of course when I heard the podcast was making a good reads group I wanted to be part of it! I have loved learning more about Eastern Catholicism from the podcast.

Hi, I'm the author of a book with a title that seems rather suitable here: The God I Left Behind: A journey from fundamentalism to faith. I describe myself as a spiritual tramp and religious hasbeen. That's because I'm not affiliated with any religious body but am heavily involved with an interfaith group in Herefordshire.
All profits from my books go to good causes. More info from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brian-Holley...

Good Morning All. I’m Chris, but you may know me better as Cowboy...yes the squirrel.

I’ve been friends with Fr. Michael for about 5 years, and joke I’m the only one in his life who was overjoyed when he got moved from Denver to Los Angeles where I live. Through him I’ve gotten to meet Sr. Natalie and in the most Christian sense at madly in love with her and her love for Christ.

I’m not a reader, in fact It’s rather difficult for me but with God’s help I’m pressing forward in reading more none the less. I’ll be sporadic in my recommendations but look forward to discussions with you all. God Bless.

Hi,

I'm Bethany. I live in Dallas, and I'm in the middle of slogging through The Idiot, Heart of the World, and El ruido de las cosas al caer. I discovered in May that audiobook recordings of all of Jane Austen are available on Spotify, so last week, I finished Jane Austen.

I returned to the sacraments in July of 2019. In April of 2019, I started listening to CSYSK, which then led to a surprise change from the Roman to the Byzantine Rite upon my return, so naturally I followed Fr. Michael from CSYSK to here.

I'm a bibliophile, so I'm excited about this group.

Hello!
I joined this group shortly after learning about it whenever the original introduction was made on the podcast, some time ago now, but never made an introduction!
I’m a convert to Catholicism (Roman), joined this past Easter (2021). My husband and I live in New Orleans and enjoy some good jambalaya.
Like others I tend to either be avidly reading or barely making my way through a book one page at a time. I recently finished the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson which was a fun, refreshing read. Soon to start The Cult of the Saints by St John Chrysostom which I hope to finish on All Saints day.

Hi, I'm Brian living in Herefordshire, UK. The title very much interested me as I've just updated my book, The God I Left Behind (A journey from fundamentalism to faith.) I now describe myself as a 'spiritual tramp and religious hasbeen.' Having said that, my influences are from a wide range of religious and spiritual sources. These include The Bible, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Tao Te Ching, Rumi, Hafiz, Meister Eckhart, Richard Rohr, Robert Sardello and Alan Watts - among many more. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brian-Holley...

Hi everyone - welcome to our group! Hopefully you find some good book recommendations on our page. We'd love for you to share your book recommendations too! -Beth

Hello! My name is Emily and I live in Michigan. I've been listening to WGIN for a handful of weeks now, and I logged into my Goodreads account for the first time in years (literally) just so I could join this group. ;-)
I'm a Latin rite Catholic but I think the Byzantine rite is super beautiful and fascinating and I look forward to continuing to learn more about it!

Hi - I am Susanne. I starting listening to CSYSK many years ago and then picked up WGIN when it started. I am a Roman Catholic but I love learning about the Byzantine rite. Father and now Mother are wonderful to listen to.. I am looking forward to checking out some of the book recommendations.

Emily wrote: "Hello! My name is Emily and I live in Michigan. I've been listening to WGIN for a handful of weeks now, and I logged into my Goodreads account for the first time in years (literally) just so I coul..."

Hooray - welcome Emily!

Susanne wrote: "Hi - I am Susanne. I starting listening to CSYSK many years ago and then picked up WGIN when it started. I am a Roman Catholic but I love learning about the Byzantine rite. Father and now Mother ar..."

Hooray, welcome Susanne!

Hi, everyone! I pretty much never use GoodReads (I stay at home full-time with my 3 kids under 6, so I don't use technology much haha), but I recently found and fell in love with the WGIN podcast, and I love books-so I'll be diving into some of the recommendations on here! (currently I'm pretty occupied with a book my Orthodox friends gave me recently-Unseen Warfare, by Lorenzo Scupoli, edited by Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, and revised by Theophan the Recluse). I'm a cradle Roman Catholic but also have a deep love for the other rites of the Church, and I am excited to be here :)

AnneMarie wrote: "Hi, everyone! I pretty much never use GoodReads (I stay at home full-time with my 3 kids under 6, so I don't use technology much haha), but I recently found and fell in love with the WGIN podcast, ..."

Hooray, welcome AnneMarie!

Hello! I'm a convert to Catholicism from Albany, NY. I've been listening to Fr. Michael O'Loughlin on both the podcasts he's been on for quite a while now. Also love Mother Natalia. She's got such an infectious laugh. I listen whilst I work at night and they keep me company with their banter (I am definitely pro-Banter!). I'm also a prolific reader.

Jeff wrote: "Hello! I'm a convert to Catholicism from Albany, NY. I've been listening to Fr. Michael O'Loughlin on both the podcasts he's been on for quite a while now. Also love Mother Natalia. She's got such ..."

Hooray, welcome Jeff!

Hello!

My name is Matt and I joined this group after it was announced on the podcast but have not gotten around to posting here. I post very frequently when it comes to book reviews and reading progress but I have not taken advantage of the group feature of Goodreads.

I am from Massachusetts, currently am in my senior year of college, and will be starting as a FOCUS missionary once I graduate. I entered the Catholic Church (Roman Rite) in 2019!

I first started following Fr. Michael when he was on CSYSK, and then once he started WGIN I became an infrequent listener. I always enjoy the program, however, and love discussing books!

Eric wrote: "Hello, I live in San Antonio and was received into the Melkite Eparchy on Dormition (Aug. 15) from Greek Orthodoxy. I came across the podcast about two weeks before Mother Natalia made her life pro..."

Hooray, welcome Eric! Dormition - what a great day to be received into the Eparchy. There's a group of nuns in Cleveland that always make their professions on the feast of the Assumption. There's something special about having your faith journey associated with Mary.

Matt wrote: "Hello!

My name is Matt and I joined this group after it was announced on the podcast but have not gotten around to posting here. I post very frequently when it comes to book reviews and reading pr..."

Hooray, welcome Matt! And welcome to the Catholic Church! We're glad you're here.

Eric wrote: "Beth wrote: "Eric wrote: "Hello, I live in San Antonio and was received into the Melkite Eparchy on Dormition (Aug. 15) from Greek Orthodoxy. I came across the podcast about two weeks before Mother..."

All the winning!

Hi! I’m Allison, and I love south of Seattle. I found out about the podcast from Father Michael’s Pints With Aquinas episode. I love listening and learning more about our Faith. We are (almost) officially Byzantine after a 5-year journey. Currently resting Fr. Thomas Hopko’s Winter Pascha, which was one of the recommended books from a podcast episode. I have bought probably all the book recs 🙈🤓

Allison wrote: "Hi! I’m Allison, and I love south of Seattle. I found out about the podcast from Father Michael’s Pints With Aquinas episode. I love listening and learning more about our Faith. We are (almost) off..."

Woot, welcome Allison! Your bookshelf must be huge if you're purchased all the book recommendations! Happy reading.

Hi! My name is Katrina Iamarino. I am a Roman Catholic, who resides in East Lansing, Michigan. I teach Sacred Scripture (Old Testament) at the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan as well as Church History at Siena Heights University. I have been so spiritually enriched listening to WGIN for the last few months. Reading is my passion, and I have really appreciated all of the great book recs on the podcast! Currently praying through “Silence” recently recommended by Mother Cecilia - amazing! Thank you for the podcast.

Katrina wrote: "Hi! My name is Katrina Iamarino. I am a Roman Catholic, who resides in East Lansing, Michigan. I teach Sacred Scripture (Old Testament) at the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan as well as Church..."

Hooray, welcome Katrina!

Peace and All Good ! my name is Mark, I am a Franciscan in Tampa, Florida, I was also one who found the podcast from CSYSN and followed Fr Michael here. /there... I attend a Roman rite parish however enjoy visiting all the beautiful expressions of our faith. At this moment I have been too busy writing to enjoy time reading but hoping to get back to some good formative study. Its so nice to meet you all and to be part of this community.

Mark wrote: "Peace and All Good ! my name is Mark, I am a Franciscan in Tampa, Florida, I was also one who found the podcast from CSYSN and followed Fr Michael here. /there... I attend a Roman rite parish howev..."

Hooray, welcome to the group Mark! -Beth

Thank you Beth ! Merry Christmas 🎄

Hi all! I'm Liz, originally from NE Ohio, currently in Cincinnati for undergrad, and moving to Kentucky after graduating in the summer. I've been listening to What God is Not for a little over a year. Goodreads is making a comeback in my friend groups so I'm excited to get back into reading and continue finding new books through this group too.

Beth wrote: "Mark wrote: "Peace and All Good ! my name is Mark, I am a Franciscan in Tampa, Florida, I was also one who found the podcast from CSYSN and followed Fr Michael here. /there... I attend a Roman rite..."

Thanks Beth.. glad to have an active admin :)

Elizabeth wrote: "Hi all! I'm Liz, originally from NE Ohio, currently in Cincinnati for undergrad, and moving to Kentucky after graduating in the summer. I've been listening to What God is Not for a little over a ye..."

Hooray, welcome Liz! I'm also a NE Ohio native. Cincy is a fantastic city. I used to bring back Graeters on dry ice before they expanded and started selling up here.

Hello all -- Eric here in Kansas. Latin rite Catholic but love that we have 'family' with the Byzantine's and so many other beautiful rites! Blessed to experience my first Byzantine Liturgy at St. Luke Byzantine Catholic Church in Sugar Creek, MO near KC. It was amazing! My friend (Marie from Chicago now in Kansas) who took me to Liturgy and introduced me to the rite, told me she knows Mother Natalia who used to go St. Luke's! I started listening to What God is Not in the summer of 2020. It was a very difficult year for me -- the worst for sure. This podcast along with Poco a Poco (CFRs), Fr. O's old podcast (Catholic Stuff You Should Know) & Abiding Together in a way kept me going & in the Faith -- really relying on the Faith as a rock. Thank God for these wonderful, joyful podcasts! Pls pray for me. I'm prayin4u. Nunc coepi!

I am reading Unbound by Neal Lozano, The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Greg Bottaro, Habits for Holiness by Fr. Mark-Mary, CFR, & Abba's Heart by Lozano. I am reading a couple others too. DO you all do the same thing (read many books at once) and get frustrated to never finish (or at least take a long long time to)? I should probably stick to one at a time but am so weak re: this(:

Eric wrote: "Hello all -- Eric here in Kansas. Latin rite Catholic but love that we have 'family' with the Byzantine's and so many other beautiful rites! Blessed to experience my first Byzantine Liturgy at St. ..."

Welcome Eric, we're glad to have you here! I'm also an Abiding Together listener. Plus What God is Not, obviously. :-)

I typically only have 2 books running at a time, although if I'm road tripping I will periodically listen to an audiobook. I have a book for spiritual reading as part of my morning prayer time, and then a separate book for my evening reading before bed. I'm always amazed that people can read more than 2 books at a time, I don't know how you remember everything!

Yes. That is accurate- it surely doesn’t help in retention. I should try your method- makes perfect sense. Ty for sharing. Glory to Jesus Christ!

Hi, I'm Elizabeth and I live in Iowa. Latin Rite, pondering many Eastern things. Currently reading "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge. By the end of Chapter 8 praying no longer felt like a root canal. I bought an Anthologion for Christmas and recently discovered the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos. I have no idea how it's "sung" but I love it. The standing and the absent of repetitively makes it impossible to fall asleep (sorry Rosary).

Attended a Byzantine Liturgy earlier this year. Amazing

Elizabeth wrote: "Hi, I'm Elizabeth and I live in Iowa. Latin Rite, pondering many Eastern things. Currently reading "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge. By the end of Chapter 8 praying no longer felt like a ro..."

Woot! Welcome Elizabeth. I'm glad you've found a way of praying that doesn't feel like a root canal!

Hi all, I’m Matt from PA. I’ve been listening for almost a year after first finding CSYSK and listening to that podcast before finding WGiN and Gregorian Rant (the latter is Fr Bryan Larkin, who is a companion as well). I converted to Catholicism back in 2008, and our family has many Byzantine friends, including three couples who are godparents to three of my five kids. We attend an FSSP parish, and love learning from our eastern brothers and sisters in addition to the west!

Welcome!

Matthew wrote: "Hi all, I’m Matt from PA. I’ve been listening for almost a year after first finding CSYSK and listening to that podcast before finding WGiN and Gregorian Rant (the latter is Fr Bryan Larkin, who is..."

Woot, welcome Matt! Glad you're here and with us in the Church! How nice to be surrounded by a diverse group of Catholics.