198: Seasons of Light!

Latter-day Faith

In this episode, Mark Crego and Terri Petersen explore the universal themes of light and fire as celebrated across diverse cultural, religious, and spiritual traditions. From the twinkling Christmas lights of Christianity to the lamps of Diwali in Hinduism, the menorah of Hanukkah in Judaism, and the kinara of Kwanzaa, light has long symbolized hope, renewal, and the triumph of good over adversity. We delve into how these traditions connect humanity to something greater—be it divine presence, communal unity, or the rhythm of the cosmos. Their conversation spans light and darkness throughout religious and cultural traditions, finding balance between them. Through personal reflections and a deep dive into these global traditions, they uncover shared truths: light as a source of inspiration, fire as a force of transformation, and both as symbols of connection and renewal. Yet, they also address concerns, such as the risks of dualism that pits light against darkness and the potential for hierarchical domination when institutions claim ownership of light. Closing with the warmth of Christmas, they tie these themes together, inviting listeners to embrace light—not to dominate darkness but to foster balance, understanding, and love. This holiday season, let the light you share illuminate not just your home but the lives of those around you!