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Home > Academy Podcast > The Contemplative Life as the Path to Justice and Peace with Elaine Heath
Podcast: Academy Podcast
Episode:

The Contemplative Life as the Path to Justice and Peace with Elaine Heath
Category: Religion & Spirituality
Duration: 00:48:33
Publish Date: 2026-03-09 21:00:01
Description:

In this conversation, host Shalom Agtarap is joined by Elaine Heath, theologian, spiritual director, and longtime faculty member of The Academy for Spiritual Formation. Drawing from her journey through contemplative spirituality, community life, and regenerative ministry, Elaine invites us into a rich conversation about grounding ourselves in God’s presence during times of chaos and change.

Together, they explore the healing wisdom of the natural world, the power of daily prayer rhythms, and how contemplative practices form people for discernment, justice, and renewal. Elaine shares stories from her life, her work in new monastic community, and the spiritual voices that have shaped her faith, reminding us that nothing in our lives is wasted — even our pain can become sacred compost for compassion and wisdom.

Elaine Heath’s vocational journey includes having served as Dean of the Divinity School at Duke University and the McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology. She is a pioneer in new forms of theological education. In that capacity, Heath is co-founder and former President of Neighborhood Seminary. The author of thirteen books, Heath is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served in pastoral ministry prior to her academic ministry.  She lives with her husband at Spring Forest, an intentional Christian Community and farm in rural North Carolina, where she serves as Abbess.

Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission.

Audio editing and production by Tim Savage.

A special thanks to the staff of The Upper Room, the Academy team, and everyone who helps bring this podcast to life.

For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources

The next Two-Year Academy begins October 26, 2026. Learn more about Two-Year Academy #44 and apply here.

If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at Academy.UpperRoom.org/donate

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