2016 Episode 14

Show open: John Wagner in studio, tonight's lineup

A host opens the show from the Pathway Studios in Johnston proper and introduces John Wagner as the returning in-studio guest. The lineup is previewed: advice letters on work-life balance for a young working man, plus a discussion of a Pew Research study about Christian identity.

Pew survey: what Christians call essential — belief in God, gratitude

• What do Christians say is essential to being a Christian, and what does that reveal about our understanding?

The hosts walk through a Pew study asking Christians what is essential to being a Christian. They react to 86% naming belief in God and to 71% naming being grateful for what you have, arguing gratitude is a fine moral trait but a strange second-place answer and not the essence of following Jesus.

Pew survey continued: forgiving, helping the poor, family time, honesty

Continuing the survey, the hosts note forgiving others at 69%, working to help the poor and needy at only 52% (contrasted with Matthew 25's sheep and goats), committing to family time at 48%, and being honest at all times at 63-67%, debating whether 'essential' is a misleading survey word.

Pew survey conclusion: individual faith vs community, Christ-focus critique

The hosts conclude the survey discussion: religious leaders have over-emphasized 'you and God' and sidelined community; most community happens outside Sunday morning. They argue the right trajectory is following Jesus first and letting moral checkpoints follow, and warn that knowing God requires knowing his revealed character in scripture.

Dear LFTP: young father weighing overtime against family time

• How do I both work hard and spend time with my family as a young husband and father?

A listener who loves working and has a shot at big overtime asks how to balance hard work with a young family. Advice: redefine 'provide' to include presence; treat overtime as a season, not a lifestyle; set priorities and purpose before taking the hours; check that your family values what you produce; let your community hold you accountable. Mike is noted absent.

Dear LFTP: nearing-retirement wife of a critical, friendless husband

• What makes a man chronically critical of everyone, and is there any hope he can change?

A wife describes her husband as constantly critical of coworkers, friends, family, and strangers, always right, quick to shift blame; she needs space as they near retirement. The hosts advise gentle, honest accountability in love, hold out hope change is possible, and counsel her to build her own time, hobbies, and relationships.

Dear LFTP: widow's warning — second marriage, dementia, estate planning

• Should older women remarrying keep their money separate to protect against manipulation?

An older widow warns other women remarrying with adult stepchildren to keep money separate: her husband's money-hungry children took power of attorney, exploited his dementia, and had him divorce her. Advice: plan for worst cases without cynicism, put the spouse on power of attorney, update wills after remarriage, use clear trusts with multiple trustees, and don't assume you'll be around to manage things yourself.

Dear LFTP: the over-hugger in the athletic community

• Am I odd to not want this man's hug, and would I be wrong to tell him I prefer a handshake?

A letter-writer who hugs often but politely asks whether she's wrong to want one aggressive hugger (lifts people off the ground, overrides a handshake) to stop. The hosts joke through it and land split: just say no with clear personal boundaries, or avoid the losing confrontation and embrace the hug — agreeing the underlying question is who gets to set physical boundaries.

Dear LFTP: psychotherapist breakup, manipulated, should she report him

• Should I report my psychotherapist ex for discussing his clients' confidential information, or am I just seeking revenge?

A woman from Minnesota describes a breakup with a psychotherapist who took back 'gifts' (nightstand, candy dishes, candle holders), made her feel manipulated, and disclosed clients' confidential information. The hosts advise moving on rather than pursuing revenge through the APA, and riff that the candy dish and nightstand were red flags all along.

Close: first Facebook live broadcast, contact info, sign-off

A host thanks the Facebook audience for the show's first live Facebook broadcast, invites feedback and emails to info@livefromthepath.org, notes the show records Monday nights, thanks John Wagner, and closes with the sign-off about being faithful in the means while God handles the ends.