In this episode, Tim chats with psychologist and theologian Richard Beck about his book The Shape of Joy, which explores the idea that much of modern misery stems from a life turned inward—and that joy comes when we shift our attention beyond ourselves.
Drawing on ancient theology, modern psychology, and lived experience, Richard challenges the dominance of a belief-centric, self-focused faith and invites us into a more outward-facing spirituality. He unpacks the difference between therapeutic introspection and the kind of excessive rumination that often leaves us stuck, and offers a vision of spiritual practices that open us to the world, to others, and to the divine.
After the interview, Nomad hosts Tim and Anna reflect on how Richard’s insights resonate with their own journeys—particularly their experiences of rumination, mental health, the role of spiritual practices, and the inward/outward tension in modern life.
Interview starts at 16m 11s
SUBSTACK
BOOKS
Hunting Magic Eels: Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age
Stranger God: Meeting Jesus in Disguise
Reviving Old Scratch: Demons and the Devil for Doubters and the Disenchanted
Trains, Jesus, and Murder: The Gospel according to Johnny Cash
Unclean: Meditations on Purity, Hospitality, and Mortality
QUOTES
“Before the Enlightenment, truth and well-being were pursued by seeking an alignment or an attunement to a sacred reality that was greater than and other than your own.”
“Faith and spirituality are positively correlated with meaning in life, satisfaction with life, and better mental health.”
“The empirical science points to the way joy and good mental health comes from an attunement with some horizon of the true and the beautiful and the good.”
