Show Notes
Episode 41. Shame vs. Guilt
Episode 41. Shame vs. Guilt
"...and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."
~ Romans 5:5
So much of human life is marked by shame and guilt. We feel the weight of our mistakes, sins, and failures. Shame and guilt are both difficult to feel, but are they both bad? Do they serve a purpose? Do they drive us closer to God or farther from Him?
In episode 41 of This Whole Life, Fr. Nathan LaLiberte returns for a conversation that delves deep into the themes of shame, guilt, and our personal struggles with them. Together with Pat & Kenna, they reflect on the Biblical roots of shame and guilt and the ways that they each affect our spiritual lives & relationships. The discussion also touches on the factors that contribute to shame, the antidotes to shame, and the place that guilt holds in a healthy spiritual life. Despite the weighty topics around self-talk and self-condemnation, the episode is punctuated with lighthearted banter and humor, as you are invited to explore your internal monologue and to begin overcoming shame.
Show Notes
“Shame is a focus on self. Guilt is a focus on behavior. Shame is ‘I am bad.’ Guilt is ‘I did something bad.’”
~ Brené Brown
“The man and his wife were both naked, yet they felt no shame. Now the snake was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He asked the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat from any of the trees in the garden’?”
Genesis 2:25-3:1
Shame needs Secrecy, Silence, and Judgment to grow and thrive
The antidotes to shame are Light, Being Around People, and Feeling Accepted
Check out the clip that Pat mentioned of Miami Dolphins’ coach Mike McDaniel taking accountability with his team
If you’re interested in The Exorcist Files podcast, check it out!
An episode of Abiding Together featuring an interview with exorcist Fr. Justin Brady
Shasta’s Complaint, the song by Sarah Sparks that’s quoted on Pat’s new favorite sweatshirt
Challenge By Choice
With whom are you dialoguing?
When you consider your image of yourself and your self-talk, with whom are you in dialogue
Are you speaking the language of shame, which comes from the evil one? Or are you speaking the language of guilt, which comes from the Lord for the sake of repentance and healing?
Reflection Questions
For personal reflection or group discussion
How do you distinguish between shame and guilt?
Reflect on a time when you experienced shame and how it affected your self-image. What steps have you taken to address these emotions and move towards healing?
Consider the difference between guilt and shame in your own life. How do these experiences show up in your thoughts and actions?
Explore the impact of internal dialogue on your emotions, behaviors, and relationships. How can recognizing and reshaping negative self-talk contribute to a healthier sense of self-worth and compassion for others?
When was a time that you brought a fear or humiliation into the light and shared it with another? What was the result of that process? What did you learn from it?