Drew Sams On Living A Curious Life of Wonder

“Live a life filled with wonder and curiosity. Ask questions.”
Drew Sams


I don’t consider myself religious.
But I am spiritually curious; deeply interested in faith.
From Sikh kundalini master Guru Singh and Buddhist monk / tea master WuDe to iconoclast Christian pastor Rob Bell, the exploration of faith in its varying incarnations has been a fascinating, recurring theme of this show.
Today, I continue the tradition with Dr. Drew Sams, senior pastor and head of staff at Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles.
Hardly conventional, Drew is many things. Life-long surfer. Avid ultra-runner. Passionate environmentalist. Devoted family man deeply interested in social justice, nutrition, and wellness. And a progressive doctor of divinity with a take on the Christian faith that is inspiring audiences in Los Angeles and across the world.

I think Jesus was an extraordinary guy. But I freely admit that conversations on the subject of organized religion can leave me queasy. Perhaps it’s my personal baggage. I don’t know. But I do know I really enjoyed this particular exchange — grounded and relatable, Drew made it fun.
Today I unpack this pastor’s personal journey to faith. It’s a conversation about Drew’s evolving perspective on God and Christianity.
It’s about the distinction between literal, allegorical and personal interpretations of the Bible.
It’s about the relationship between faith, consumerism and environmentalism.
It’s a conversation about masculinity — cultural ideation around what a man “should be” versus the strength that can be mined through compassion & emotional vulnerability.
But mostly it’s an engaging exchange about our collective moral responsibility to ourselves, our fellow humans, and the planet at large.
Drew was great.
So let’s talk to a pastor!
Peace + Plants,







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charity: water
I want to personally thank everyone who responded to my podcast with Scott Harrison and donated to charity: water by joining The Spring. As of the date of this writing, the RRP community has collectively raised enough revenue to build 4 wells annually! Amazing. Inspired by your generosity, my company has decided to sponsor one well per year – so that makes 5 wells for 2017. But why not make it 10? For just $20-$40 in monthly donations (100% of which go directly to clean water projects), you can make an incalculable difference in countless lives by investing in a world where everyone has clean water. There is simply no better feeling than providing a basic, life-altering human right. To learn more and join, please visit The Spring at cwtr.org/richroll.com 

Thanks to this week’s sponsors:
Boll & Branch: The first honest and transparent bedding company that only uses sustainable and responsible me...