Episode 98. (replay of Episode 78)

Over the last two episodes with Judith Pajo and Zeyneb Sayilgan, we’ve talked quite a bit about faith challenges and dealing with changes in life that impact religious practice. Those changes have included moving country. With that in mind, I wanted to replay an episode from 2024 that addresses these themes among others. Aaron Solberg was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home in New York. As a young adult, he traversed several spiritual thresholds, eventually converting to Christianity. He is now a minister in the Anglican church. He has also traded in the city for the remote wilderness of Canada. In this conversation, he describes the path he’s traveled and the challenges he continues to face. While his story is unique and unusual, I believe the threads that run through it will find resonance. He offers reminders that challenges are a part of life, and that walking the path and remembering, even cherishing, your past remains with you.

Highlights:

• Jewish practice seen as "legalistic," leading to feelings of obligation and guilt.
• Importance of structure and discipline.
• Appreciation for communal aspects of both Jewish and Christian services.
• Shift from fear-based obedience to love-driven practices in Christianity.
• Human struggle with discipline and imperfection.

Bio:
Father Aaron Solberg is an Anglican priest, composer, husband, and father living in the Canadian North. A convert from Judaism, he originally worked as a conductor and cellist in Germany before feeling a calling to ministry. After studying theology, he served in Baker Lake, Nunavut, (in the Canadian Arctic) and now leads St. John's Anglican Church in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. He is the father of two young boys and writes about family life and faith, fostering a deeper understanding of spirituality within his community. In his free time, he focuses on writing and composing new music for various ensembles.

Transcript on Buzzsprout

More episodes with converts:

• Katrina Kincade
• Rabbi Tara Feldman
• Jeanne Blasberg

Social Media and other links for Aaron:

• Website – www.thesolbergs.family
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theanglicanfamily/
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/theanglicanfamily
• TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@theanglicanfamily

Transcript on Buzzsprout

Social Media and other links for Méli:

• Website – the Talking with God Project
• Meli’s email
• LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
• Facebook – Meli Solomon

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The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.