From MMA Fighter to Orthodox Christian | Witness the Journey - Gurus to Grace | TLTS010 CWP054

Cloud of Witnesses Radio

Professional MMA fighter converts to Orthodox Christianity!
Have you ever witnessed a fighter transform, not just in the ring, but spiritually? Our latest guest, Joshua Williams, a former MMA fighter and current black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, takes us on a gripping odyssey from the highs of his fighting career to the depths of his soul, and the extraordinary spiritual renaissance that followed. His journey from the self-focused doctrines of New Age thought to a profound spiritual awakening, finding Orthodox Christianity, is not just a story; it's a testament to the human spirit's relentless quest for truth.
Throughout this episode, Joshua details his global pilgrimage from the monasteries of Thailand to the peaks of the Himalayas, delving into the world's religions, cultures, and the universal yearnings of the heart. His encounters range from the mystical to the harrowing, as he grapples with personal loss, confronts enigmatic gurus, and uncovers the dark underbelly of a controversial spiritual school. Each chapter of his story peels back the layers of his evolving faith, culminating in his unexpected gravitation towards Eastern Orthodoxy, influenced by modern thinkers and ancient traditions alike.
As we close this chapter of our podcast, Joshua's narrative encourages us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys and the communities that shape our path. His profound transformation into a life centered around Christ's teachings of humility and trust is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Join us as we share in the celebration of his new chapter, where martial arts and spiritual insight converge at his coming San Diego gym and through his YouTube channel—a fitting arena for a fighter reborn.
This episode will take you full throttle. Please leave us your thoughts.
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Visit Joshua at: https://www.youtube.com/@thewaymma/videos

Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

Luvut

1. Spirituality in MMA and New Age (00:00:00)

2. Search for Spiritual Truth in India (00:13:27)

3. European Travel Encounters With the Unknown (00:26:00)

4. New Age Coping and Spiritual Exploration (00:30:03)

5. Conflicted Belief Systems and Spiritual Growth (00:44:33)

6. Spiritual Crisis and Confirmation Journey (00:55:07)

7. Dysfunction in Spiritual School Community (01:06:05)

8. Journey to Orthodoxy (01:18:13)

9. Journey of Faith and Transformation (01:27:28)