Review of Michael Bogar on the Gary Mantz Radio Show
It has been said that corporate radio stations are sinking the medium to a common denominator in the same way that most newspapers are written for a third grade reading level. Perhaps even worse is the preponderance of syndicated radio shows that limit even our choices of which bloated nothingness to give our listening. Not true of the live and local Seattle Gary Mantz Show. The interview with Michael Bogar on January 25, 2009 comes with a disclaimer. Only for the intelligent! Do not listen to this hour unless you are prepared for a deep, rich, thoughtful discussion about soul growth. Michael sorts through spiritual perspectives in a way that makes our life experiences seem right, sensible, and even necessary.
He talks about stages of the soul, humans growing in consciousness, and how we can see that growth in different areas of our lives. He explains and makes sense of high-level philosophical ideas and delivers them with popular culture examples and a touch of humor. Michael is a theological visionary with a practical side to his thinking. What he says about where we are as human beings and human becomings is an above-average conversation. Not for the uneducated. Not for the superficial. Not for the lowest common denominator. If you missed the original, look for this show when it is posted online in the archives.
Thank you Gary and Michael for a great hour of talk.
Dear Friends,
"I have been a Unity Minister for 25 years. Most all my Sunday talks and classes include quoting from the Bible. I am always looking to further my understanding of the Bible metaphysically, mystically, and historically. Mike Bogar is a Master teacher, presenter and educator when it comes to the bible. He brings it to life at all levels and knows how to keep repeating ideas so they move from classroom concepts to teachings that can be applied to everyday life. His style is dynamic, concise, and filled with a good sense of humor that brings the teachings to life. I highly recommend Mike to share his incredible skills with your congregation. You will be grateful that you did."
Richard H. Levy
Senior Minister
Seattle Unity Church
"I cannot recommend Michael Bogar highly enough. His Introduction to the Bible class and other classes at the Seattle Center for Spiritual Living are outstanding. People in our culture need to know about the Bible - where it came from, who wrote it and why – because so much of our civilization is shaped by Judeo-Christian beliefs derived from the Bible. Knowing about this book is not only informational, it's empowering as Michael makes it come alive for the 21st century! Michael knows his subject and he knows how to present it as an exceptional instructor
~ Reverend Doctor Kathianne Lewis, Center for Spiritual Living, Seattle, WA
"Michael, you are one of the best teachers I have ever experienced. You coalesce deep spiritual and psychological material into a practical and entertaining presentation. Your Power Point is the most creative I've ever seen. Many people need to hear what you have to share."
Stephanie Bell, Supervisor of the King County Alternative Dispute Resolution Center and adjunct Law Faculty at the University of Washington and Seattle University.
"Thank you, Michael, for such a wonderful presentation to our class at Bastyr University. Several students mentioned you were the best speaker we've had all quarter. The students found you very inspirational, informative and humorous. I highly recommend Michael to anyone seeking a joyful dose of zest on their learning path!”
~ John Donald, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
"I've been struggling with the most difficult questions regarding God and my faith since perhaps when I was 9 and decided I didn't like the God I was experiencing in my life. Deep painful questions that leave me feeling as though life is about soul-breaking not soul-making. In your teachings I find a place where I can simply let the dark side be and begin to let the suffering about the suffering ease into simply the naked suffering itself. Thank you for that gift. I have never found a minister who supported that in the way that you do. I hope that in your lifetime, your openness to this critical aspect of our souls stimulates other ministries and teachers to follow that path and nurture this within their congregations."
Carrie, student from class, The Bible in Fifteen Words
“Mike is one of the best teachers I have ever had. His presentations are never boring, always relevant and fresh. From the World’s Religions to The Da Vinci Code, he will move you to a deeper level of spiritual awareness. I cannot endorse or recommend him too highly.”
~ Rev. Ann Thomas, Lynnwood Unity Church, Lynnwood, WA
“When I moved into my position of Business Director here at Unity of Bellevue last year, one of the first things I did was to get Michael Bogar to teach! We have had three different class series with him and everyone raves about how much they learned. We have also had him as a guest speaker several Sundays while Max has been recuperating from his stroke. Michael is very much a professional and gifted teacher. The New Thought movement is extremely fortunate to have him teaching in any church, retreat or conference. I highly recommend him for the Crystal Mountain Retreat in any context, well maybe not as a singer! I don’t think he can do that!!!”
~ Beverly, Bellevue Unity Church, Business Director
“As an instructor, Michael is able to create instant comfort in the classroom with his warmth and humor. Through solid academic preparation and exceptional communication skills, he makes education interesting and available to people from all walks of life. I would highly recommend him to you as an instructor.”
~ Valerie Barnes, Ph.D., Psychologist and former Instructor at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA
"Mike is an innovative teacher and presenter. He has a deep grasp of the underlying spiritual stories and beliefs that guide a culture and he is able to articulate them. His presentations are insightful, humorous and always timely. Mike's greatest gift is to take what seems abstract and make it understandable and applicable. His rare gift of presenting spiritual ideas in an understandable way is an experience that everyone should have. It is always a pleasure to hear Mike speak or to be part of a class he presents. I always come away with a deeper understanding of Spiritual truth and how it applies to me.”
~ Rev. Janet Garvey-Stangvik, Napa valley Center for Spiritual Living, Napa, CA
"Michael I thank you for mastery in turning biblical stories and teaching into real life adventures for my own spiritual growth. I especially appreciate your ability to put this information into historical context, broaden its meaning through its interaction with other sacred teachings, and present it in a way that I can visualize as if I were there. Your quick wit, humor, and use of everyday symbolism really help in breaking down complex spiritual concepts into easy to understand principles. Your knowledge of spiritual writings, their origin and interplay, never ceases to amaze me. I look forward to our sessions together; you are truly a gifted teacher. Michael has a unique to put information into historical context, broaden its meaning through interaction with other sacred teachings, and present it in a way that the student can visualize as if he were there. His quick wit, humor, and use of everyday symbolism really helps in breaking down complex spiritual concepts into easy to understand principles. Michael’s knowledge of spiritual writings, their origin and interplay, never ceases to amaze me. He is truly a gifted teacher."
~ David Goldsmith, Former Jefferson County Administrator, Port Townsend, WA
Michael, I am astonished and in awe at how you have brought the Bible story to life and light to me in a way that no other person has accomplished. I acknowledge you for your upbeat energy, clear explanations, lively translations and having the gift of awakening students to the power of the Bible story. It is ironic that I am a voracious reader of many many psycho-spiritual and human development books and have sidestepped one of the most ancient! Thank you for opening my eyes to a new view!Suzette K. La Plant, Vision Coach
“Michael Bogar’s ability to teach religious history in a practical manner is phenomenal. He presents it in a way that is memorable and useful in learning about all the world’s religions.”
~ MaSanda LaRa Gadd, Business Manager, Seattle Unity Church, Seattle, WA
