Justin Wells teaches documentary filmmaking at Biola Unversity and is the author of How to Film Truth. He has several graduate degrees, including a Master's in Philosophy from California State University- Long Beach, a Master of Theology and Art from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Master's in Art and Documentary Film from the Art Center College of Design. In today's episode, we discuss his work on the patterns and shapes of stories in film, television, and literature and how those guiding stories shape us. Is there a Christ-shaped story above all of our most compelling stories? https://justinwellsfilms.com/

Sam Tideman is a Harvard-trained biostatistical data scientist and the host of the Transfigured podcast/YouTube channel. In this episode, we continue our discussion from Part 1 on what happens when AI is put in positions where its "decisions" have life-and-death implications (like in an emergency room or battlefield). What ethical framework will guide it? Is it possible to teach artificial intelligence to be Christian? To access the full unedited video podcast of this conversation, become a supporter this podcast on Patreon. www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Become a patron on Patreon and get bonus Q&A Episodes, resources, opportunities for live discussions on Zoom, and access to our community Discord server.

Sam Tideman is a Harvard-trained biostatistical data scientist and the host of the Transfigured podcast/YouTube channel. In this episode, we discuss what happens when AI is put in positions where its "decisions" have life-and-death implications (like in an emergency room or battlefield). What ethical framework will guide it? Is it possible to teach artificial intelligence to be Christian? To access the full unedited conversation and not wait for part 2 next week, become a supporter of this podcast on Patreon. www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Become a patron on Patreon and get bonus Q&A Episodes, resources, opportunities for live discussions on Zoom, and access to our community Discord server.  

Brendan Graham Dempsey is a writer who's work focuses on the meaning crisis and the reconstruction of spirituality after postmodernism. He holds a BA in religious studies from the University of Vermont and a master's in religion and art from Yale University. He is the author of the 7-volume Metamodern Spirituality Series and, most recently, Metamodernism: Or, The Cultural Logic of Cultural Logics. In this episode, we discuss metamodernism. What is it? How did it emerge? What will religion look like in the metamodern era? https://www.youtube.com/@BrendanGrahamDempsey Exclusive access to the full, unedited 2-hour conversation is available to patrons: https://www.patreon.com/posts/exclusive-access-94836558?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Become a patron on Patreon and get bonus Q&A Episodes, resources, opportunities for live discussions on Zoom, and access to our community Discord server: www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Rafe Kelley, founder of Evolve Move Play, discusses the transformative benefits of physical fitness and embodied spiritual disciplines. He shares about his unique upbringing in the counterculture and how it has shaped his current interest in ancient Christian ideas and the intersection of myth and science. Rafe's work explores the value of physical discipline in character transformation. He's been featured on  Paul VanderKlay, John Vervaeke,  Jordan B. Peterson,  Jonathan Pageau,  and many other podcasts. Find out more about Rafe Kelley at: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/rafe-kelley/ Become a patron on Patreon and get bonus Q&A Episodes, resources, opportunities for live discussions on Zoom, and access to our community Discord server: www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Timestamps: 00:00  - Intro 02:27 - Rafe's unique upbringing 17:01 - Wrestling with our pictures of Christ 21:40 - Modern Gnosticism & the Proper Valuing of our Bodies 33:52 - Physical Participation in Pentecostal & Charismatic Christianity 39:20 - Navigating Sexual Ethics in Counterculture & Religious Communities 44:37 - Original Sin, Religious Myth, and our Evolutionary "Hardware" 54:26 - Finding a Shared Pursuit in a Religiously Pluralistic Society 59:44 - Christianity, Group Selection, and Empire 01:12:31 - Pagan Resurgence plays on the Sex & Violence Hardware 01:21:58 - Rafe Kelley reflects on  @JordanBPeterson  ARC project  01:29:30 - Sin is Pursuing a Mistaken Good 01:35:29 - Becoming Christ-like without Orthodox Beliefs? 01:46:50 - Young Men Yearn for Courageous Practices

Video of this episode available at: https://youtu.be/ub_buhL5LU8?si=j0LfzM0eMpBd-ky7   Dru Johnson, PhD is a biblical scholar at Hope College. He is also the co-host of the On-Script Podcast and director of The Center for Hebraic Study. His new book What Hath Darwin to Do with Scripture: Comparing the Conceptual Worlds of the Bible and Evolution proposes that the ancient Hebrew worldview of the Bible uniquely explores common concerns shared by Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory. Together, we discuss the challenges and hopes of seeking to understand and integrate evolutionary science and Christian theology. You can order Dru's new book here: https://shorturl.at/ektFN ___   Become a patron on Patreon and get bonus Q&A Episodes, resources, opportunities for live discussions on Zoom, and access to our community Discord server: www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

For the video of the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R0dKco1cDw4?si=Um0PpY96DJ0mOWIJ   I made this video to help those who, like me, come from church or Christian school contexts where Young Earth Creationism has been treated as the only way to think about science and the Bible. In this video, I'll explain 3 basic theological reasons why Christians who want to take the Bible seriously don't have to believe in Young Earth Creationism.   Become a patron on Patreon and get bonus Q&A Episodes, resources, opportunities for live discussions on Zoom, and access to our community Discord server:   www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Today's episode was recorded during a livestream with the Irish, Gen Z theology YouTuber extraordinaire- THEOHOPRACY. Theohopracy invited me on to discuss metamodernism, the Patrick Bateman meme / "sigma male" internet culture, and why there's a growing internet culture of young men attracted to "masculine" paganism. For Theohopracy's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW1cJ0NQOUA3G3ARqBw4JFw   Become a patron on Patreon and get bonus Q&A Episodes, resources, opportunities for live discussions on Zoom, and access to our community Discord server: www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Video of this episode is available at: https://youtu.be/_zbklHa9kPc?si=33cv1KE01BwLOABU The celebration of Halloween in America seems to be at an all-time high. Is this just because corporations are learning how to capitalize on the costumes, decorations, and candy of the season, or is something deeper at work?   In this episode, we'll explore the religious and philosophical symbolism of the Universal Classic Monsters- Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolfman, and the Mummy and why these old films can give us insights into what the increasing celebration of Halloween means in our culture.   Become a patron on Patreon and get bonus Q&A Episodes, resources, opportunities for live discussions on Zoom, and access to our community Discord server: www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Today's episode is also available in video format at: https://youtu.be/5PTczGpDIPo?si=jcEK_6BEATlnE9Vp In my podcast series on #metamodernism we've been exploring the new cultural and philosophical shift that's happening in the West and how it is changing the way we tell stories and communicate. But what will metamodernism do to Christianity? How might this shift affect Christianity in the West? Should Christians be optimistic or worried?   Support my work on Patreon and get access to bonus episodes, live Zoom discussions, and more: www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Subscribe to my relaunched YouTube Channel and watch today's episode: https://youtu.be/sdWKwWLjTXI?si=RkyrfLHkk_gCad62   The band Creed is making a comeback, and it's all thanks to metamodernism. Even the Texas Rangers are using Creed to turn their baseball season around. Let me explain what's going on.   Support my work on Patreon and get access to bonus episodes, live Zoom discussions, and more: patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Can Joseph Campbell's "hero's journey" happen within metamodern storytelling?    In today's episode, I help you understand how the structure of great myths like Homer's Illiad and The Odyssey, Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars can still exist within the emerging metamodern storytelling aesthetic. We'll explore how the critically acclaimed animated "Spider-verse" movies (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse & Across the Spider-Verse) give us a brilliant example of a metamodern hero's journey. If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

There's a cultural shift in how we are telling stories, and it's a relatively new phenomenon. It's something different from postmodernism but still incorporates elements from modernism and postmodernism.  Philosophers are just barely beginning to grasp what is happening; some call it metamodernism. In today's episode, we'll explore the shift from modernism to postmodernism and into metamodernism through the genre of the American sitcom so that you can notice the distinct flavors of each that take place across genres of storytelling and the arts.  From The Cosby Show and Home Improvement to Seinfeld and into Joe Pera Talks With You,  how is metamodern comedy shifting towards offering people a sense of sacredness and transcendence in their seemingly meaningless mundane lives? If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

There's a cultural shift in how we are telling stories, and it's a relatively new phenomenon. You can see it in Everything Everywhere All at Once, Barbie, Wes Anderson movies, and Shrek. Yes, I said Shrek.  It's something different from postmodernism but still uses postmodernism.  Philosophers are just barely beginning to grasp what is happening; some call it metamodernism. In this series, I'm going to explain what metamodernism is all about and help you identify it in popular culture. If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Does Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer tell a different story about the human condition and nihilism than the story he's told in films like The Dark Knight and Interstellar? Yes. In this episode, we'll explore how Nolan's films grapple with ideas from Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Camus, Augustine, and even New Age humanists and discuss why Oppenheimer is his most Augustinian film. https://linktr.ee/paulanleitner ______   If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Why the rule of God doesn't look like what we might expect.   ____ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Have you felt an increasing sense of division and hostility with other Christians over politics in the last few years? You're not alone. Political polarization is affecting many, if not most, church communities in America on some level. So what's the best strategy for how to successfully navigate these tensions?   In this episode, we'll explore wise strategies that are both biblically and scientifically informed. ____ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

This episode originally aired in December of 2021.   In this episode, I'm joined by  Paul VanderKlay  and  John Vervaeke  for a discussion on what the word "God" means and why we all should want to move past common Christian vs. atheist debates that seem to reduce what "God" means to a conception of a Doctor Manhattan-like supreme being in an arena of other beings. Paul Vander Klay is a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America and the host of a popular YouTube/podcast that explores questions surrounding theology & the meaning-crisis. Subscribe to his channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/PaulVanderKlay/featured Dr. John Vervaeke is a cognitive scientist and award-winning professor at the University of Toronto. His popular 50-part lecture series, "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" is a must-watch/listen for anyone interested in philosophy, science, theology, & history. Subscribe to his channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/johnvervaeke/featured ____ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In this episode, we'll explore connections between theology and science as we examine the often neglected role that cooperation plays in evolution.   Is God's supposedly "good" creation governed by violent competition or by cruciform cooperation?   ____ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/

Are we characters in a story authored by God? Can God write himself into the story? Why did God write a story with so much evil and suffering? Where is this story headed? Parker Settecase from the oustanding philosophy podcast "Parker's Pensees"  joins me to discuss all this along with reflections on the work of his mentor Kevin Vanhoozer, understanding the philosophical divide between Continental and Analytic philosophy, and so much more! Subscribe to Parker's YouTube channel at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA   ____ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/

This episode originally aired in December 2020. Make sure to listen to Part 1 before listening to this!   In this episode, we'll explore the differences between masculine & feminine cultures and the differences between cultures that avoid uncertainty and those that embrace it. Plus, we'll try to answer some of the initial questions I posed at the start of part 1 and consider how Christians can begin to comparatively discern the values of Jesus' Kingdom of God and the values within their own cultural frame.   To download the free PDF resource for this episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/mind-software-82352147?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link   ______________________ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023.  https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/

What is behind political Left vs Right cultural divide in America? Why do some people become convinced by conspiracies? Why do some march in Black Lives Matter protests while others fly Blue Lives Matter flags in their yards? Have you ever visited a foreign country and been completely shocked at how different the cultural values and behaviors were?  In this two-part miniseries, we'll explore how culture acts as software for our minds, shaping our perceptions of reality, and programming our values and behaviors. We’ll compare cultural values on the macro-national level, as well as look at how local cultures and sub-cultures like church communities develop unique values and attempt to interface with the larger cultural values of their nation. Are there American cultural values that are at odds with the values of Jesus’ “Kingdom of God” culture?  How would we even see that if our culture shapes our perceptions of reality? To attempt to answer these questions, we'll be using the groundbreaking research of the 20th-century Dutch social psychologist Geert Hofstede. Hofstede's initial research into the four dimensions of culture will be an absolutely transformative tool for helping you understand the world, your own upbringing, church community or religious experiences, and the divisive cultural moment we are living in. This episode was originally aired in December of 2020 and is one of the essential series in the Deep Talks catalog.   To download the free PDF resource for this episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/mind-software-82352147?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link   ______________________ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023.  https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/  

John Mark McMillan is a platinum-selling songwriter and artist from Charlotte, North Carolina. https://www.johnmarkmcmillan.com/   In today's episode, I continue exploring with John Mark many of the themes and questions surrounding the formative power of "hunter-hero" myths that I discussed in the previous episode with Dr. Chris Green. How do these cultural stories that center around violent heroes shape the way we (especially as men) look at God, the world, and our own sense of vocation? A full length, unedited video of this discussion is available to patrons of Deep Talks at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-john-our-81157453?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link   __________ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/

John Mark McMillan is a platinum-selling songwriter and artist from Charlotte, North Carolina. https://www.johnmarkmcmillan.com/   In today's episode, I continue exploring with John Mark many of the themes and questions surrounding the formative power of "hunter-hero" myths that I discussed in the previous episode with Dr. Chris Green. How do these cultural stories that center around violent heroes shape the way we (especially as men) look at God, the world, and our own sense of vocation? A full length, unedited video of this discussion is available to patrons of Deep Talks at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-john-our-81157453?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link   __________ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/

Has the archetypal cowboy hero of the Western film corrupted American religion and infected generations of Christian men with toxic masculinity, or is the role of these formative stories and heroes more complicated? What should we make of the relationship between Jesus and John Wayne? Dr. Chris Green joins me today to help us wrestle with the complexity of these issues and the important ramifications of our culture's guiding stories on how we read the Bible, do politics, think about the role of police and soldiers, and how we rightly esteem heroes. Chris Green is Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL) and Director for St. Anthony Institute of Theology, Philosophy, and Liturgics. He is the author and editor of a number of books, including most recently All Things Beautiful: An Aesthetic Christology. https://www.cewgreen.com/   Today's episode is also available on video at: https://youtu.be/sE130bXDHro _________ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/

As we approach the end of Lent and move into what Christians often call "Holy Week", I wanted to offer a short theological reflection on the intended message of the hope of the Resurrection to the earliest Christians - a message that is often misunderstood today. This essay is featured on my Substack page. Subscribe for free at: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/   If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Dan Kent (author and pastor at Woodland Hills Church with Greg Boyd) invited me on to his podcast Surprising God to discuss my journey in and out of Open Theism and my work done on the problem of evil in Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil & Suffering.   You can find out more about Dan Kent's writing, sermons, and podcasts at : https://thatdankent.com/   You can purchase Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil & Suffering at: https://www.amazon.com/Dis-Ordered-Christian-Journey-Through-Suffering/dp/B0BBYBWWXR   If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast    

This week's episode is part 2 of a collaboration with Makers & Mystics- a podcast hosted by Stephen Roach. In it, I participate with Stephen, Chicago pastor Ted Kim, and singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan in a roundtable discussion on  "Art & The Urge For Transcendence." This is Part 2 of 2. Check out the fantastic Makers & Mystics podcast here: http://www.makersandmystics.com/   If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

This is week's episode is part of a collaboration with Makers & Mystics- a podcast hosted by Stephen Roach. In it, I participate with Stephen, Chicago pastor Ted Kim, and singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan in a roundtable discussion on  "Art & The Urge For Transcendence" This is Part 1 of 2.' Check out the fantastic Makers & Mystics podcast here: http://www.makersandmystics.com/   If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

Strahan is a writer, award-winning folk musician, and spiritual director from Aotearoa, New Zealand. He is the founder of Commoner's Communion and the author of Beholding: Deepening Our Experience with God. Make sure to listen to Part 1 of my conversation with Strahan before listening to this one.   In today's episode, we discuss the need to move beyond consumeristic, transactional Christianity into a more healthy and less anxious view of God. Strahan offers his insights and wisdom on how to move beyond this kind of spirituality.   Here's the link to Strahan's book Beholding:   https://a.co/d/7Xg9qIt   If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast  

Strahan is a writer, award-winning folk musician, and spiritual director from Aotearoa, New Zealand. He is the founder of Commoner's Communion and the author of Beholding: Deepening Our Experience with God. In today's episode, I begin to wrap up my series on "A Quest for Meaning as a Spiritual Species" by talking with Strahan about his spiritual journey as he struggled to make sense of God while in the depths of hyper-Charismatic culture. How did he recover from liturgies of anxiety and discover a more holistic and time-tested Christian spirituality? What did he retain from his Charismatic experiences?  How might the insights from his journey help Christians with similar experiences?   Purchase Beholding here: https://a.co/d/7Xg9qIt   If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

This is part 4 of "A Quest for Meaning as a Spiritual Species" and the second segment of my conversation with Damien Walter. Damien Walter is an expert in modern myth, sci-fi, fantasy, and storytelling. Damien has written for the BBC, Wired, The Guardian, Independent, and a host of other publications. His podcast Science Fiction with Damien Walter has been in the top charts of Apple podcasts in the UK and he leads an online community of 18,000 members interested in science fiction, fantasy, modern myth, and writing. For the Science Fiction with Damien Walter podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/303cZ10vZ7kX2zrdnGqXxV?si=92c7597548d64187 https://www.youtube.com/@DamienWalter   If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

This is part 3 of "A Quest for Meaning as a Spiritual Species" Are Star Wars and Avengers the new religious myths of our culture? What role does story play in our quest for meaning? In today's episode, I'm joined by an expert in modern myth, sci-fi, fantasy, and storytelling, Damien Walter. Damien has written for the BBC, Wired, The Guardian, Independent, and a host of other publications. His podcast Science Fiction with Damien Walter has been in the top charts of Apple podcasts in the UK and he leads an online community of 18,000 members interested in science fiction, fantasy, modern myth, and writing. For the Science Fiction with Damien Walter podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/303cZ10vZ7kX2zrdnGqXxV?si=92c7597548d64187 https://www.youtube.com/@DamienWalter   If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

I believe humans are fundamentally a spiritual species in search of meaning and that we’re in the beginning stages of a massive culture-wide rejection of the materialistic, nihilistic story. In this new series, I talk with experts in a variety of disciplines who share this conviction and want to work towards solutions even if they disagree with me or don't hold to all of my religious/theological convictions. This is part 2 of this series, and it continues my conversation with Dr. Clay Routledge & Ben Wilterdink into some profoundly important territory. Dr. Clay Routledge is a leading expert in existential psychology. He is a highly cited scholar who has published more than 100 scholarly papers, co-edited three books, authored two books, and received numerous awards for his academic research and student mentorship. He is the Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute and the coeditor of Profectus Magazine. https://www.clayroutledge.com/ Ben Wilterdink is the Director of Programs at the Archbridge Institute, whose work focuses on the connection between economic and social policy and existential meaning. https://profectusmag.com/author/ben/ ___________ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

I believe humans are fundamentally a spiritual species in search of meaning and that we’re in the beginning stages of a massive culture-wide rejection of the materialistic, nihilistic story. In this new series, I talk with experts in a variety of disciplines who share this conviction and want to work towards solutions even if they disagree with me or don't hold to all of my religious/theological convictions. Dr. Clay Routledge is a leading expert in existential psychology. He is a highly cited scholar who has published more than 100 scholarly papers, co-edited three books, authored two books, and received numerous awards for his academic research and student mentorship. He is the Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute and the coeditor of Profectus Magazine. https://www.clayroutledge.com/ Ben Wilterdink is the Director of Programs at the Archbridge Institute, whose work focuses on the connection between economic and social policy and existential meaning. https://profectusmag.com/author/ben/ Listen to my first conversation with Clay Routledge back in year one of this podcast: https://deeptalkstheologypodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-22-dr-clay-routledge-science-behind-our-meaning-crisis/ ___________ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

Today’s episode is part 2 of my conversation with two Gen Z Youtubers who had read my new book and brought me on to their channels for a discussion about how the problem of evil and suffering uniquely affects their generation’s willingness to trust the Christian story. In today’s episode, we focus more on the challenge for Gen Z folks who are interested in the Christian story but struggle with the moral evils they see happening in Christian communities.   Special thanks to the two excellent interviewers, Jake Marlow and Theohopcracy: Check out their channels here: https://www.youtube.com/@jakemarlow4526 https://www.youtube.com/@Theohopracy   Buy my debut book Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil & Suffering here: https://www.amazon.com/Dis-Ordered-Christian-Journey-Through-Suffering/dp/B0BBYBWWXR ___________ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner    

In today’s episode, I sit down with a couple of Gen Z YouTubers who read my book Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil & Suffering and wanted to discuss aspects of the problem of evil & suffering that feel relevant to their generation. It was a fascinating opportunity to talk about the shape of faith and the meaning crisis for Gen Z - a generation that, by their own admission, is surrounded by material abundance and yet feels a deep sense of existential dread and nihilism.   Check out Jake Marlow and Theohopcracy's channels here: https://www.youtube.com/@jakemarlow4526 https://www.youtube.com/@Theohopracy   Buy my debut book Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil & Suffering here: https://www.amazon.com/Dis-Ordered-Christian-Journey-Through-Suffering/dp/B0BBYBWWXR ___________ If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

Patrick Miller is the co-author of Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant, and in today's episode we discuss some of the scientific and social factors that are contributing to the intense tribal polarization in America. How does the Culture War make Truth a casualty? How might Christians learn from our past mistakes and offer a better way forward? How can we navigate politically charged conversations with friends, family, and neighbors more effectively? You can pick up Patrick Miller and Keith Simon's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Over-Tribe-Pledging-Allegiance/dp/0830784780 Check out Truth Over Tribe's podcast and blog at: choosetruthovertribe.com You can purchase my debut book Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil & Suffering here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBYBWWXR ________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and access to regular Group Discussions on Zoom. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner Join our Discord community at: https://discord.gg/BzWetde3

The moral psychologist Jonathan Haidt proposed in his book The Righteous Mind that humans are "90% chimpanzee and 10% bee." According to Haidt, humans have a "hive switch" that, given the right circumstances, can be switched on and move us from self-centered concerns to a euphoric sense of being connected to some larger whole. Exploring Haidt's work and the proposal of Emile Durkheim that there's an evolutionary mechanism that psychological moves us from "the realm of the profane" to the "realm of the sacred," we'll take a look at whether or not our experiences of God in Christian worship are nothing more than this hive switch being turned on. Plus, I'll lay out a case of why studying the science of this should actually convict Christians all the more for the need to practice what the Apostle Paul called the "discerning of spirits."   You can purchase (and please consider reviewing) my debut book Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil & Suffering here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBYBWWXR ________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner Join our Discord community at: https://discord.gg/BzWetde3  

Last week my debut book Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil & Suffering was released, and I wanted to share a couple of excerpts from the book, including a personal story of one of my earliest recollections of a moment when I asked, "where are you, God?"   This question, and a host of other questions that we often uncover as we grapple with that one, can often lead those who have suffered to abandon their trust in the Christian story and push them to leave Christian community. But I do not think this has to be the result. It wasn't for me.   You can purchase (and please consider reviewing) Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil & Suffering here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBYBWWXR ______________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Hey everyone, this week it's the launch of my brand new book  Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil & Suffering, and because of all the wonderful activity I'm immersed in with the launch of this book, I thought it might be nice to just go back into the archives and pull out an important conversation from the past with Dr. John Walton. You can purchase my new book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBYBWWXR     For those who see the Bible as inspired and authoritative, are we stuck having to choose between believing the Bible or our science textbooks? Here to talk about three difficult sections of Genesis that frequently emerge in science and faith discussions is Dr. John Walton. John Walton is an Old Testament scholar who specializes in Ancient Near Eastern culture. He’s a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, and has authored numerous commentaries and books. Most notably (for the purposes of today’s episode): NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible https://www.amazon.com/NIV-Cultural-Backgrounds-Study-Bible/dp/0310431581/ref=nodl_ The Lost World of Genesis One https://www.amazon.com/Lost-World-Genesis-One-Cosmology/dp/0830837043/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24F38TL8J6WKL&dchild=1&keywords=lost+world+of+genesis+one&qid=1615766976&s=books&sprefix=Lost+world+of+gene%2Cstripbooks%2C184&sr=1-1   The Lost World of Adam & Eve https://www.amazon.com/Lost-World-Adam-Eve-Genesis/dp/0830824618/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/143-4558116-9547317?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0830824618&pd_rd_r=2f28dd49-d481-4f8a-8416-7e8bac0aa5df&pd_rd_w=mvDuR&pd_rd_wg=nx0O9&pf_rd_p=f325d01c-4658-4593-be83-3e12ca663f0e&pf_rd_r=SRRPYXZ3KH87T2Z25938&psc=1&refRID=SRRPYXZ3KH87T2Z25938 The Lost World of the Flood (with Tremper Longman III) https://www.amazon.com/Lost-World-Flood-Mythology-Theology/dp/083085200X/ref=pd_bxgy_img_3/143-4558116-9547317?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=083085200X&pd_rd_r=ab477638-60d5-4711-b8f7-ac02ba251f1c&pd_rd_w=6sotH&pd_rd_wg=DVxzX&pf_rd_p=f325d01c-4658-4593-be83-3e12ca663f0e&pf_rd_r=ZT91H5TQV6CFXE95EFYA&psc=1&refRID=ZT91H5TQV6CFXE95EFYA If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

Paul Risse is a former psychonaut turned follower of Jesus. He writes about his journey in a new book entitled The Psychedelic Christian. You can order his book here: https://tinyurl.com/3essfdcb You can listen to my first interview with Paul Risse where he shares a more extended version of his upbringing and personal story here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-58-reconstruction-stories-the-psychedelic/id1401730159?i=1000472744039    ___________   You can pre-order my new book (release September '22) Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil and Suffering at https://linktr.ee/paulanleitner If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums, and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In this mini-episode, I wanted to discuss Daniel Dennett's theory of what we could call an "evolutionary tournament of the gods" & Jonathan Haidt's work in The Righteous Mind on the positive social value of religion. In the waning years of our Secular Age, "the Universe" has become a popular euphemism for a sort of mindless "god" that is metaphysically necessary but is indifferent and capricious. Does this Secular God defeat Christian conceptions of God and lead humanity to a utopia of pure rationalism like Dennett & the New Atheists believe, or is it already proving to be a failure that leaves social groups without moral direction or any reason to selflessly give of themselves for the sake of others? Does Jesus beat "The Universe" in an evolutionary tournament of the gods? Today's episode is available on video at: https://youtu.be/y7wGQsiTThg   ___________ You can pre-order my new book (release September '22) Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil and Suffering at https://linktr.ee/paulanleitner If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums, and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Author & journalist Bonnie Kristian (Master in Christian Thought, Bethel Seminary) believes that there is a knowledge crisis breaking our brains, polluting our politics, and corrupting Christian communities. What is different now about conspiracy culture, the media, and even church life that makes it feel like we don't know who or what to trust? Bonnie Kristian is the acting editor-in-chief at The Week. She also writes for Christianity Today and Reason Magazine and has been published in USA Today, CNN, Time, National Interest, The American Conservative, & more. Her new book Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community is available now for pre-order (October '22) at: http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/untrustworthy/411490   You can pre-order my new book (release September '22) Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil and Suffering at https://linktr.ee/paulanleitner   If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums, and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Because I've been so pre-occupied with writing my new book, I haven't been able to produced regular episodes this summer; but what I wanted to do is to make available to all of you a special bonus Q & A Episode that I normally would just share with supporters on Patreon. A member of our group, Mike, asked a great question about why we tend to focus so much on individualistic salvation and the "after-life" when it doesn't seem like Jesus gave much attention to it. Are we overly individualistic in how we read and frame the Gospel? What made the message of Jesus so compelling and controversial as "Good News" in the 1st century? Is it really about fixing our death anxiety? What does the New Testament even say about heaven? (P.S.- it's not what most Christians think)   You can pre-order my new book (release September 2022) Dis-Ordered: A Christian Journey Through the Problem of Evil and Suffering at  https://linktr.ee/paulanleitner   If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Stephen Roach is the founder of The Breath & the Clay Creative Arts Organization, host of Makers & Mystics podcast, author, and a multi-instrument professional musician. In today's episode, I talk with Stephen about the role music plays in the flow state, altered states of consciousness, and what Charismatics might call "encountering the Presence of God" in worship. We discuss examples of altered states of consciousness in the Bible, Christian theories of consciousness, psychedelics, evolution, and following the Way of Jesus in a Post Secular Age. Check out Stephen's "Makers & Mystics" podcast here: http://www.makersandmystics.com/   Find out more about The Breath and The Clay here: http://www.thebreathandtheclay.com/ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Today's podcast is also available on video at: https://youtu.be/O6O5ATk5nMc Ashley Lande is a former psychonaut, author, and artist. I talk with her about her journey from atheism into psychedelic exploration and why she says she's done with psychedelics. We talk about experiencing God, altered states of consciousness, encountering "spiritual entities" on psychedelic trips, and the dark side of many communities that organize around psychedelic experiences. You can learn more about Ashley at: https://www.ashleylande.com/ Read Ashley's article "These Luminous Counterfeits" in Ekstasis Magazine at: https://www.ekstasismagazine.com/blog/2021/10/6/psychedelics If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

Today’s podcast is also available on video at: https://youtu.be/UU8XR6qgfu4   Two past guests on Deep Talks return to have a joint conversation about some of the deeper reasons for the decline of church attendance & Christian affiliation in America.  Glenn Packiam and Andrew Root have recently released books exploring some of the deeper philosophical forces at work in American culture that have contributed to the decline of church attendance, pastor burn-out, and the loss of vision and mission for many Christians particularly in Evangelical & Mainline Protestant contexts. What can we learn from this? Is there any reason for hope? Rev. Dr. Glenn Packiam (Doctor of Theology and Ministry, Durham University) is associate senior pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, and lead pastor of one of its eight congregations, New Life Downtown. A Senior Fellow at Barna Group, a visiting fellow at St. John’s College at Durham University, and an adjunct professor at Denver Seminary, Glenn is the author of several books, including The Resilient Pastor, Blessed Broken Given, and Worship and the World to Come. He is also an ordained priest with the Anglican Church of North America. For Glenn's new book "The Resilient Pastor: Leading Your Church in Rapidly Changing World": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B2NBH7R/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Andrew Root (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary)is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, USA. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture and younger generations.  His most recent books are Churches and the Crisis of Decline (Baker, 2022), The Congregation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2021), The End of Youth Ministry? (Baker, 2020), The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God (Baker, 2019), Faith Formation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2017), and Exploding Stars, Dead Dinosaurs, and Zombies: Youth Ministry in the Age of Science (Fortress Press, 2018). For Andy's new book "Churches and the Crisis of Decline : A Hopeful, Practical Ecclesiology for a Secular Age": https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09B2L7JJB?notRedirectToSDP=1&ref_=dbs_mng_calw_3&storeType=ebooks If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

This is part 2 of the two part live lecture. Again, audio quality is very much "live" :) In this session, we'll explore some of the history behind Culture War Christianity and ask whether or not this response to the threat of cultural exile in America was ever theologically sound or effective. Special thanks to Everyday Church in Minneapolis for hosting these sessions. Part 1 is available here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-eabu5-11f9e87 If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

This week's episode is part 1 of a live lecture I recently gave at Everyday Church in Minneapolis, MN. The purpose of this 2 part lecture is to give an introduction to some of the core principles of my particular framework for doing cultural theology and then to begin to do a bit of narrative and value comparison between the Guiding Stories of American macro-culture and the Kingdom of God. This is necessary groundwork for part 2 of the lecture which will focus in on assessing common evangelical understandings of the Guiding Story which contributed to the brand of Culture War Christianity that emerged in the 1980's. Special thanks to Everyday Church for inviting me in to share with their community. Apologies in advance for audio quality. This again was a live event and not a controlled podcast studio space, and audio reflects that live character. If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Today's Episode is also available as a video at: https://youtu.be/f1tFOfMh2NU My friends from the Movies While They Sleep podcast join me to discuss where we may be able to find God and deep meaning embedded within some of the best films of the past couple years. Have movies replaced church as the primary place people go to in order to find guiding stories? Some of the films discussed include: The Green Knight Dune The Batman Sound of Metal Nightmare Alley A Hidden Life Check out Mitchell and Matthew's work on the Movies While They Sleep podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/movies-while-they-sleep/id1553827672 If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Today's episode is also available as a video at: https://youtu.be/6UV3Ea2E9jg   Today's episode is a recording of a conversation I had as a guest on The Vast podcast exploring some of the ideas I wrote about in last month's piece for Ekstasis Magazine entitled "The God We Thought Was Dead". I really enjoyed the conversation with these gentlemen and I hope you find it to be helpful. You can check out The Vast podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vast-podcast/id1558428782 You can read my article for Ekstasis magazine at: https://www.ekstasismagazine.com/blog/2022/2/16/the-god-we-thought-was-dead   If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Today's episode is also available as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h_fL-zlqyfE In today's episode, I'm sharing a sermon on one of my favorite books of the Bible. How does the ancient book of Ecclesiastes provide timeless wisdom even as we wrestle with our modern meaning-crisis? Is everything meaningless? For one of the core sources I draw upon in this sermon, you can check out this scholarly paper on Ecclesiastes here: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/harvard-theological-review/article/abs/meaning-of-life-in-ecclesiastes-coherence-purpose-and-significance-from-a-psychological-perspective/6F176FEDB39125D1B71AAB25E352E0E5 f you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

Today's episode is also available as a video at: https://youtu.be/knl_8xviEGU As Americans begin a month long celebration of Black history, I thought it would be valuable to explore the personal history and theology of one of America's premier Black theologians- Dr. Dwight Hopkins. This episode originally aired in June of 2020, but is worth revisiting. Dr. Dwight N. Hopkins was born and raised in the segregated south, but through the support system of his loving family and the African American church community, he grew to become a renowned theologian. Hopkins is the Alexander Campbell Professor of Theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Graduating from Harvard, Hopkins went on to earn PhD's from Union Seminary and the University of Cape Town (South Africa). Those of you who listen to this program regularly know that I have credited Dr. Hopkins as being the one who's work first exposed me to the idea of culture as spirit, aesthetic, and labor.  In today's conversation, I talk with Dr. Hopkins about: -his personal journey of faith and calling into theology -how his experiences in African American church communities shaped his interest in cultural theology -culture as spirit, aesthetic, and labor; and if "spirits" aren't just psychologically symbolic -how he would theologically and personally evaluate the recent phenomenon of the tearing down statues and monuments throughout America (his answer surprised me!) -and more! If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Today's podcast is also available in video format at: https://youtu.be/XsZRjC-EOLw Would a corporate ethics or emotional intelligence employee training course from a healthy American company work aboard a Klingon "Bird of Prey" ship in Star Trek? Probably not. (Don't worry, you don't have to be a Trekkie to understand the thought experiment in today's video!) That's because, whether we are aware of it or not, there is an assumed narrative structure in our culture that informs our ethical norms. But we bump up against a real problem in postmodernism with the claim that any transcultural, overarching guiding story is an attempt to colonize other cultures and that ethics can only be relativistic cultural guidelines . If this is true, would we every be able to say that particular ethical norms in the fictional Klingon or the ancient Spartan culture are wrong? In my last conversation with John Vervaeke and Paul VanderKlay, John brought up a sincere concern about Christianity as a force of cultural assimilation. To use Star Trek lingo, does Christianity function like the Borg? Or do we need to distinguish between Christendom and The Way of Jesus? #culturaltheology #theologyofculture #startrek #scienceandfaith If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Today's podcast is also available as in video format: https://youtu.be/plgag7h2vPY In nearly 4 years of recording these sorts of long-form discussions, I can honestly say that this was one of the best conversations I've ever had. I struggled to even give it a title.  I never want to hype something up, so please trust me when I say that you'll really want to watch or listen to this whole thing. The crescendo of where we get to by the end together is still stirring my heart now. Long time listeners to Deep Talks know each of these gentlemen, but if you're new to the channel/podcast they are: Andy Squyres is a singer-songwriter, author & pastor from Charlotte, North Carolina best known for his song Cherry Blossoms. Andy recently released a masterful record entitled Poet Priest as well as a new book filled with collection of essays, poetry, and images entitled "Poet Priest, Vol. 1" John Mark McMillan is a Platinum-selling songwriter & artist best known for his songs How He Loves, Future/Past, & King of My Heart. Ted Kim is senior pastor of Evanston Vineyard. He did his undergrad degree at the University of Chicago and has Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Today's podcast is also available as a video at : https://youtu.be/tiSGdDc3bQY In this video, we'll compare video clips from past lectures by the famed psychologist and author, Jordan Peterson & Old Testament & Ancient Near Eastern scholar, author, and professor John Walton on Genesis chapter one. After my introduction, I will present the clips without commentary because I really want to invite you to share with me your observations in the comments. What do you see as the points of harmony and dissonance between Peterson & Walton on Genesis 1? What do you make of each of their hermeneutics? #jordanpeterson #jordanpetersonlecture #scienceandreligion #bible Here's a relevant clip of my past conversation with Dr. John Walton: https://youtu.be/TW3tX4bPM2Q To listen to my full interview with Walton on DEEP TALKS: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making podcast: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-kxb4x-f... The clips I'm using in this video come from full lectures found here: https://youtu.be/hdrLQ7DpiWs https://youtu.be/fR82a-iueWw If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

This week's episode comes from an extended segment of my conversation as a guest on The Meaning Code (a YouTube channel about philosophy, physics, art, economics, and theology hosted by Karen Wong). How might we best understand the intended meaning of Genesis 1 and what theologians often refer to as the "Four Phase Story of the Bible" (Creation, Fall, Redemption, & Consummation/Resurrection)? How do we discern the intended order for the cosmos, and what is our part in it all? You can check out that channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWSeqqpzpFE&ab_channel=TheMeaningCode For video of this episode: https://youtu.be/AW1md668hjw For my new video exploring the theology in Spider-Man: No Way Home: https://youtu.be/VTCmF1j_tz0 If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

It's a honor to be joined by  Paul VanderKlay  and  John Vervaeke  for a discussion on what the word "God" means and why we all should want to move past common Christian vs atheist debates that seem to reduce what "God" means to a conception of a Doctor Manhattan-like supreme being in an arena of other beings. Paul VanderKlay is a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America and the host of a popular YouTube/podcast that explores questions surrounding theology & the meaning-crisis. Subscribe to his channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/PaulVanderKlay/featured Dr. John Vervaeke is a cognitive scientist and award-winning professor at the University of Toronto. His popular, 50 part lecture series entitled "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" is a must-watch/listen for anyone interested in philosophy, science, theology, & history. Subscribe to his channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/johnvervaeke/featured Subscribe to the newly revamped Deep Talks YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

I've been taking some time to do some theological responses on YouTube to the recent conversation between Jordan Peterson, John Vervaeke, Bishop Robert Barron, and Jonathan Pageau. This is part 3 in that series (the other's of which are available on YouTube). There was a section of the conversation I could not neglect. Jordan Peterson thinks the New Testament book of Revelation is the result of a psychedelic experience. Is there evidence to support that claim? And what about his admiration for "The Immortality Key" book and the author's claims about Communion wine being a psychedelic mixture? Why aren't more Christian theologians grappling with psychedelics and their potentiality for producing transformative, mystical experiences? You can subscribe to the Deep Talks YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

This week I wanted to throw it back to one of the very first interviews I had on this podcast. It's probably a conversation even many of you long-time listeners have never listened to. The guest is New Testament scholar & theologian, Matthew J. Thomas who has a groundbreaking and controversial book on the Apostle Paul that seems to give a considerable amount of historical evidence that many Protestants & Evangelical Christians (especially those who are more direct theological descendants of Luther and Calvin) do not properly understand the writings of the Apostle Paul on faith & works, grace & the Law, etc...at least compared to the earliest Christians in recorded history. At the time, his book was only available in academic circles at a very steep price, but last fall it was re-released with a new publisher and a much more affordable price tag. Pick it up here: https://www.amazon.com/Pauls-Works-Perspective-Second-Century-Reception/dp/0830855262 I hope you enjoy this conversation from back in April of 2019 with Dr. Matthew. J Thomas. _____________ TAGS: Matthew J. Thomas, Matthew J. Thomas Works of the Law, Matthew J. Thomas theologian, Matthew J. Thomas New Testament, new perspective on Paul, N.T. Wright, Biblical theology, Christian theology, etc _________________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Humans have an innate sense for detecting where they stand in the hierarchical structure of social groups. As social creatures, hierarchical structures are inevitable. From the family, to the military, school and even church- every where there are human communities, there are social status competitions and delineated pecking orders.  In Matthew's Gospel in particular, Jesus is presented as an authoritative figure, perhaps even one with the authority to knock out the "alpha" at the top of the hierarchy of the 1st Century Mediterranean & Near Eastern world, but as Matthew's portrait of Jesus unfolds it becomes clear that Jesus' Lordship completely subverts our expectations of normal hierarchical ordering. Does Jesus completely eliminate hierarchy or does he re-order its functioning? _______________________ TAGS: theology and science, theology and cognitive science, theology and behavioral science, evolution and theology, biblical theology, theology podcast ________________________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

This episode originally aired September 16, 2019 If one treats the Bible as inspired and authoritative in their life, are there better or worse ways of reading the Bible that could produce good or bad results in one's life? Dr. Jeannine K. Brown is a New Testament Scholar, NIV Biblical translator, author and professor. She has taught at Bethel Seminary for over 20 years.   To check out some of Dr. Jeannine K. Brown's books/commentaries: Scripture as Communication Matthew (Two Horizons Commentary) Becoming Whole and Holy   Dr. Brown's Blog: https://jeanninekbrown.wordpress.com/ _________________ TAGS: Jeannine K. Brown New Testament, Jeannine K. Brown theologian, Jeannine K. Brown Bethel seminary, hermeneutics, Bible, theology podcast, Christian theology podcast, Scripture As Communication Jeannine Brown,  New Testament scholar ___________________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

It's Halloween this upcoming weekend, and I remember when I was a teenager going to a "Hell House". It was pretty horrifying. But where do common Christian notions of hell come from? Are they even biblical?  ___________ TAGS: hell, eternal conscious torment, universalism, Origen, Rob Bell, Gregory of Nyssa, Edward Fudge, annihilationism, conditional immortality, judgment day, soteriology, biblical theology, John Walton, biblical anthropology, eschatology ______________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

My guest today is Dr. Jeremy Perigo from Dordt University.  He is the Director of Campus Ministries & Worship Arts and an associate professor at Dordt.  He is also a visiting lecturer at London School of Theology where he previously spent six years as head of theology, music, and worship programs.  Jeremy did his undergrad at Purdue University, then went on to do a Masters in Practical Theology at Regent University and a Doctorate at Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.   My relationship with Jeremy goes back nearly 15 years as we both worked in deeply Charismatic contexts on things like 24-7 worship and prayer. Like me, Jeremy found that the experiential and mystical dimensions of Charismatic & Pentecostal spirituality fueled a deep desire to know God and understand his world via the life of the mind in more academic theology. In today's conversation, we discuss the link between our "guiding stories," the arts, music, film, & the liturgical practice of both the Church and the broader cultures we inhabit. How does the story we believe to be true about God & reality shape our practices of worship, but also how can our practices of worship shape the story we believe to be true about God & reality? ___________________________ TAGS: Jeremy Perigo, Lesslie Newbigin, Christ and Culture, theology of worship, liturgy, Cultural Liturgies, James K.A. Smith, Charismatic Theology, Dordt University, Dutch Reformed theology,  24-7 worship and prayer, Robert E. Webber, Richard Foster, Streams of Living Water, theology podcast, Christian philosophy podcast ______________________________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, discussion forums and more. We even have a MONTHLY Group Hangout on Zoom so you can build relationships with others across the world and practice theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

What if our entire lives were affected by the outcome of a battle of the gods? Invisible "spirits" have always been on top of a hierarchy of culture dictating our entire way of life. From ancient Babylon to modern-day America, we'll explore the fascinating connection between the domain of "spirit" and how this spiritual realm is made manifest in our art, movies, music, economics & politics. Plus: -The connection between national flags and ancient idols -Why early Christians didn't understand violent passages in the Old Testament the same way we usually do today -Why American Jazz & Blues might actually be a perfect model for doing cultural theology -The importance of getting exposed to other cultures & denominations in order to make sure you're aren't secretly worshipping other gods For our supporters on Patreon, make sure to go download the free graphic that will help you unpack the ideas in this episode even better! Download that here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/28442712 This episode was originally aired in July of 2019 ____________________ TAGS: H.R. Niebuhr, H. Richard Niebuhr, Christ and Culture, Christ and Culture Niebuhr, theology and culture, cultural theology, theology podcast, Christian theology podcast, Dwight Hopkins theology, Jordan Peterson, James K.A. Smith, Charles Taylor _______________________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

This is PART TWO in a series entitled "Christ & Culture". If you haven't already, you may want to listen to Part 1 first. In today's episode, we'll explore three options for how Christians may relate to culture. These three mediating options are alternatives to the extreme  "Christ against Culture" & "Christ of Culture" theologies (which were covered in part 1). _____________________________ TAGS: H.R. Niebuhr, H. Richard Niebuhr, Christ and Culture, Christ and Culture Niebuhr, theology and culture, cultural theology, theology podcast, Christian theology podcast, ___________________________________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Knowing that many of you became listeners over the past year or so, and knowing the intense difficulties many Christians in America are experiencing trying to navigate faith and culture war issues, I wanted to re-air an old series that has been absolutely foundational to just about everything else that gets covered in this podcast. So over the next several weeks, I will be re-airing the "Christ & Culture" series from the summer of 2019. Whether you've been a listener since day one or whether you're brand new to listening to Deep Talks, I strongly encourage you to listen to this series and consider participating in our discussion forums for each episode on Patreon. (See link below) _____________ Did you have to listen to D.C. Talk growing up because your church didn't let you listen to Nirvana? Why do some churches hang gay pride flags in front of their building while other churches preach that homosexuality is a sin? Did the author of John's Gospel do something wrong when he borrowed an idea from Greek philosophy and applied it to Christ? How could German Christians in the 1930s ever become Nazis? Answering these kinds of questions requires us to answer even deeper questions- how should Christians relate to their surrounding culture? Where can Christ be found in culture? Can He be found there at all? Theology of culture is a relatively new theological discipline and if you've never explored it before you might not think it's that big of a deal, but I promise you that it's actually one of the most important areas of theology that you'll ever explore. What you believe about this affects the music and entertainment choices you make, who you'll marry and how you'll raise your kids; it affects your views on science and morality, the church you choose to attend, and even your political perspective. From D.C. Talk to Christian Nazis, we'll explore it all! _____________________________ TAGS: H.R. Niebuhr, H. Richard Niebuhr, Christ and Culture, Christ and Culture Niebuhr, theology and culture, cultural theology, theology podcast, Christian theology podcast, ___________________________________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In lieu of deepening tensions among Christians caught up in the Culture War, I thought it would be appropriate this week to re-air episode 73 (from October 2020). This episode is entitled "Christ & the Culture War (don't leave republican jesus for democrat jesus). ----- I'm an 80's/90's kid who grew up in the evangelical heyday of Christian subculture. "Christian" music, movies, tv, bookstores, and even our own brand of science was all part of a larger culture war movement. A lot of people my age eventually abandoned right-wing, Republican Evangelicalism but simply traded it for left-wing, progressive post-evangelicalism (if they didn't reject Christianity altogether) not realizing they were still combatants in a culture war even though they switched teams. How does the Culture War lure people into a false sense of community?   Why is cultural influence so much easier to attain if we just play the culture war game? How might serious reflections on historic Christology and philosophical theology on the nature of the Truth help us transcend the culture war? What possible dangers should we brace for if we attempt to leave the constant cycle of culture war?  If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In part 3 of "Jesus and John Vervaeke", we'll be exploring the points of intersection between N.T. Wright's "epistemology of love" and Vervaeke's work on de-centering and agape love. How might love be foundational to knowing anything at all rightly?   John Vervaeke and I have had two wonderful discussions in the past. You can check them out here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-cuaty-f7d11a and here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-q3ccv-107e94b   A good intro to Wright's epistemology of love: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2020/02/loving-to-know https://www.amazon.com/History-Eschatology-Promise-Natural-Theology/dp/1481309625 _________________________ Tags: John Vervaeke, N.T. Wright, Tom Wright, N.T Wright epistemology of love, Awakening from the Meaning Crisis, theology an cognitive science, science and faith, cognitive science, John Vervaeke Jordan Peterson, N.T. Wright History Eschatology Natural Theology, Deep Talks, Paul Anleitner podcast, John Vervaeke Christianity,  _____________________________   f you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In part two of this series exploring the intersection of theology & cognitive science via the work of John Vervaeke, we'll examine the potential points of intersection between Vervaeke's work and the work of Christian theologians & philosophers such as David Bentley Hart, Pseudo-Dionysius, Søren Kierkegaard, & Miroslav Volf. We'll consider the nature of consciousness, how even mystical experiences may stop short of true metanoia/repentance, and what to look for as marks of genuine spiritual awakening using insights from theology and cognitive science. John Vervaeke and I have had two wonderful discussions in the past. You can check them out here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-cuaty-f7d11a and here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-q3ccv-107e94b     AS I MENTION IN TODAY'S EPISODE, there a free visual aides you can download here : https://www.patreon.com/posts/visual-aides-for-54677036?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copy_to_clipboard&utm_camp   -------------- TAGS: John Vervaeke, David Bentley Hart, David Bentley Hart consciousness, Consciousness Being Bliss, Awakening from the Meaning Crisis John Vervaeke, Soren Kierkegaard, Miroslav Volf, meaning crisis, cognitive science and theology, theology and science, post-secular, Christian mysticism, Christian mystics, Mystic theology, mysticism, meditation and contemplation ------------------ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

What are the points of resonance & dissonance between Christian theology & the latest in cognitive science surrounding personal meaning & spiritual transformation? In this series, we'll examine the work of one of the world's most important voices in the field cognitive science and in it's intersection with philosophy & religion- Dr. John Vervaeke at the University of Toronto. In this series,  I'm going to take you through some of the highlights of Vervaeke's popular "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" lecture series and examine where there may be harmony with historic Christian theology, as well as highlight places where I may have question or concern with it's compatibility.  In part one, we'll discuss the necessity of "disrupting the frame" in order for one to experience genuine metanoia (a change of mind/ the Greek word for "repentance" in the New Testament) and why "self-transcendence" can still lead to harmartia (missing the mark/ the Greek word for "sin" in the New Testament).  Plus, what about psychedelics? They seem to reliably produce altered states of consciousness & spiritual experience. Why have traditional religions been reluctant to incorporate them into their spiritual disciplines? I propose one theory.... ----------- John Vervaeke and I have two wonderful discussions in the past. You can check them out here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-cuaty-f7d11a and here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-q3ccv-107e94b   AS I MENTION IN TODAY'S EPISODE, there a free visual aides you can download here : https://www.patreon.com/posts/visual-aides-for-54677036?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copy_to_clipboard&utm_campaign=postshare   ________________ TAGS: John Vervaeke, Awakening from the Meaning Crisis, Jordan Peterson, Cognitive Science, Psychology, theology and cognitive science, Paul Vander Klay, psychedelic theology, Christianity and psychedelics, theology and science, Christian mysticism, meaning crisis, meaning making ------------------ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

As the secular age approaches its inevitable demise, many who are dissatisfied with the claim that only what is immanent is real have begun to question whether immanence is real at all & considered pursuing transcendence through various forms of Neo-Gnosticism. We see this “red pill suspicion of immanence” in popular modern cultural stories such as The Matrix, WandaVision, and Loki.  In today’s episode, we’ll explore some of the symbols of those popular stories in the cultural zeitgeist and consider some of the practical manifestations of Neo-Gnosticism such as hyper-Charismatic theology, QAnon conspiracy culture, & the psychedelic resurgence.  Can one be re-enchanted by black magic not knowing of the true, white magic? ______ TAGS: Charles Taylor, James K.A. Smith, The Matrix, WandaVision, Loki, Secular Age, Lawrence Kraus, Paul Vander Klay, Jordan Peterson, John Vervaeke, Theology, Post-Secular, Meaning Crisis, Paul Anleitner, Nihilism, Theology & Film ___________ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

I’m honored to once again be joined by Dr. John Vervaeke. Vervaeke’s first appearance on this podcast was back in Episode 83, and it was one of my all time favorites. If you want to know more about his backstory and work, then I’d encourage you to listen to that episode. John Vervaeke is a renowned scientist and award winning professor at the University of Toronto. He’s produced groundbreaking research in the area of cognitive science & the experience of meaning. He has also become a cult internet sensation with his “Awakening From the Meaning Crisis” YouTube/podcast lecture series. That series is truly an absolute gift to the world- a gift I still can hardly believe that he just gave away! While I certainly don’t want to oversell this and I generally despise hype, this felt like one of the most thought provoking conversations I’ve ever recorded. I strongly encourage you to listen all the way through. We build towards some really important questions- questions that get at the very core of religion and human experience.  Some topics/questions covered in this episode include: - What is a psycho-technology? How do they change our experience of consciousness? -What is nature of consciousness? Can it simply be the result of “bottom-up” emergence in a purely material universe, or does consciousness require a “top-down” emanation from some transcendent source? -Is God “Ultimate Consciousness” or “Necessary Consciousness”?  -Does Vervaeke agree with his colleague Jordan Peterson on value hierarchies determining what is relevant and salient to us?  - Can science make value claims devoid of religion? Can science tell us what is wise or ethically good without consulting a higher layer of reality? How do we access that? -Are there intermediary agencies or forces between our conscious experience and the highest degree of consciousness (which Paul believes is “God”, and John is properly agnostic on) that can negatively affect our experience of consciousness and move us away from wisdom? Plus so much more at the intersection of theology, philosophy, and cognitive science… including some fun moments of charitable disagreement! Dr. John Vervaeke’s “Awakening from the Meaning Crisis” is available on his YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/user/johnvervaeke If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Recently I was interviewed on the Behind the Image Leadership Podcast to discuss the role of our guiding stories and values in shaping the behaviors of individuals, non-profits, and businesses. I thought it was a fascinating conversation exploring points of application for cultural theology that I don't always explore on my podcast. Make sure to check out and subscribe to the Behind the Image Leadership Podcast, hosted by my friend Rick Guttersohn. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-image-leadership-podcast/id1464426816 If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Paul Vander Klay returns once again for a discussion on the evidence for the looming end of the secular age in America. We talk: the link Comic book movies & ancient mythology, Fight Club & Mammon, The Good Place theology, Jordan Peterson, Joe Rogan & psychedelics , Jonathan Pageau vs John Vervaeke, hyper-woke culture and the French Revolution, & did Blockbuster Video cause church decline?   Paul Vander Klay’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/PaulVanderKlay If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together.   https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

The Death of Superman. Kingdom Come. Fight Club.  These are just a few of the cultural artifacts emerging from our collective cultural consciousness that give evidence to an imminent shift away from secularity in the West. Our modern myths are showing signs of a shifting cultural moment. We were told that if we killed God we'd have a religionless world, but what we got instead were new gods. Now, we're not so sure that we like these new gods better. Who or what are the new gods? Let's look at a couple of significant cultural stories to see evidence of this growing discontent with the new gods of the secular age.   Plus, I'll discuss what happened in the 1960's and 70's in the New Age phenomenon, the psychedelic counter-cultural movement, and the Charismatic renewal movements which poked holes in the secular frame and how that eventually led to the New Atheism in the mid-2000's; and we'll see how New Atheism spawned the contemporary counter-movements to the meaning crisis like Joe Rogan pscychedllic resurgance, Jordan Peterson's intellectual dark web, Sam Harris materialist meditation practices, and John Vervaeke.  If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together.   https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Kenneth Tanner is the pastor of Holy Redeemer Church, a Charismatic Episcopal church in Rochester Hills, Michigan. He is also a writer who weaves theological insights from the ancient witness of the global, historic Church into contemporary issues. He’s written for Patheos, Christianity Today, Mockingbird, and the Huffington Post. You can read some of his articles over at his blog: https://kennethtanner.medium.com/ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together.   https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

As someone who loves cultural theology, I’m completely fascinated by ancient and modern myths and how those mythological stories serve as guiding stories for entire civilizations. Whether it is the ancient tales of Zeus and the Greek Olympian gods or the myths of virtuous super-human heroes and lazer sword wielding wizards that fill our comic book pages & big box office movie screens, I’m fascinated by what these stories reveal about our views on God, reality, what is good and evil, and what the telos of life is all about. The secular narrative has claimed that human progress is hindered by religious narratives, and that just as Christianity displaced the old pagan stories, secularism has come to displace Christianity and will bring about a better world. But the era of secularity may be approaching its end as more and more people begging to question that story. The clues that we are moving towards a post-secular Western world are increasingly finding their way into being embedded into our popular cultural stories. Take the recent DC comics movie “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” where the death of God, symbolically represented by the death of Superman, awakens an ancient sinister force to come and fill the vacuum of power- a sinister force that was once kept at bay by the old pagan gods. In today’s episode, we’ll try to step into the ancient pagan world and understand their relationship to their guiding stories, grapple with the early Christian responses to pagan culture & mythology, and begin to see why the secular goal of creating a religiously “neutral” cultural space never actually creates a religiously neutral space. For the article on C.S. Lewis and paganism that I quote in this episode, see here: https://www.sacredarchitecture.org/articles/god_the_father_of_lights_c._s._lewis_on_christianity_and_paganism If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together.   https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

My dear friends Ted Kim, John Mark McMIllan, and Andy Squyres are all back on the podcast this week to discuss a range of topics all centered around re-enchanting our secular (or post-secular?) cultural frame. Ted Kim is senior pastor of Evanston Vineyard. He did his undergrad degree at the University of Chicago and has Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. His first time on the podcast was in Episode 86. You can listen here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-tazax-fb65ff John Mark McMillan is a Platinum-selling songwriter & artist best known for his songs How He Loves, Future/Past, & King of My Heart. You can listen to the first conversation I had with John Mark back in Episode 40 here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gm2i7-c15274   Andy Squyres is a singer-songwriter & pastor from Charlotte, North Carolina best known for his song Cherry Blossoms. Andy recently released a masterful record entitled Poet Priest.  Andy's been on the podcast twice before.  He was last on back in Episode 59: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ii4s6-db4a29   If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

This is the finale to our 3 part series on salvation in a pluralistic world. In part two, I made the case that Christocentric inclusivism makes the best sense of the Biblical narrative. In today's episode, I will show you that this was the belief of some of the earliest and most important church fathers and make the case that it was during the era of Constantine that the "no salvation outside of the church" doctrine perverted what the Scriptures and earlier Christians believed. The Roman Catholic church has since changed its ecclesiocentric exclusivist stance (since Vatican II). Should other Christian traditions do the same? Who were some others throughout history that held to this inclusivist hope?   Along with our discussion forum on Patreon, I will also be posting a resource list if you wanted to read more on this subject that you may want to download. (See the Deep Talks Patreon links below) f you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In part two of our series, we will go through the Biblical narrative and explore some of the "pagan saints" of the Bible to see that the Biblical story has always affirmed a variety of epistemological paths to salvation in Christ alone.  Plus, have we completely misunderstood the Apostle Paul's argument in the book of Romans to make the Good News of Jesus Christ feel more restrictive than Paul intended? Listen and let me know what you think in our Patreon Discussion Forum for this episode (see the link below) If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Ever since I was a kid, there was a nagging question in my mind about what happened to the indigenous people who lived and died on this continent long before missionaries ever brought the message of Jesus to them. Or what about the Daoists who lived in China in the 1st century? Did they have access to salvation? What about a Muslim child in Syria who died in the rubble of another bombing?   Is there a biblically supported and historically Christian option between believing that either all religions are equally salvific or believing that many, if not most, humans who have ever lived died without access to the possibility of salvation? This is part one in our multi-part series exploring what I believe are better answers to the questions many Christians have about salvation in our pluralistic world. If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Jon Guerra is a singer-songwriter based in Austin, Texas. His album Keeper of Days is a brilliant work of "devotional music" that's among one of my favorite records in recent years.  He also composes music for the soundtracks of Terrance Malick films. In today's episode, I talk with Jon about his spiritual journey and what drew him to music, what once caused him to become cynical about God and music, and what brought him back to his calling. What is it about an experience of beauty that disarms our cynicism and invites us into a journey of wonder with God? You can find out more about Jon Guerra at: https://www.jonguerramusic.com/ Listen to Keeper of Days on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/album/0flP7iXzaUHPPyOeizocTn?si=2YXkF7GdSEONwUqrzq1jZw If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Dan Kent is an author and pastor at Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. He also co-hosts with Greg Boyd a podcast called "Apologies & Explanations with Greg Boyd." Dan joined me way back in episode 21 to share his personal story and insights from his book "Confident Humility". So if you want to know more about Dan's back story, then go back and listen to that episode. Dan also has his Master's in Christian Thought from Bethel Seminary and is a major proponent of Open Theism and  his friend Greg Boyd's "warfare view." We've talked on several occasions together about why I am no longer convinced by the Open view and thought it might be fun to hash out some of our differences together in a way that lets other people listen in. After I completed my finale of the Problem of Evil series, several listeners in our Patreon community reached out with questions and respectful objections in defense of the open view, so I thought it would be a good idea to work through some specific issues relating to open theism, Satan and spiritual warfare, and even animal suffering & veganism!   You can find out more about Dan Kent at: https://thatdankent.com/ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

For those who see the Bible as inspired and authoritative, are we stuck having to choose between believing the Bible or our science textbooks? Here to talk about three difficult sections of Genesis that frequently emerge in science and faith discussions is Dr. John Walton. John Walton is an Old Testament scholar who specializes in Ancient Near Eastern culture. He’s a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, and has authored numerous commentaries and books. Most notably (for the purposes of today’s episode): NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible https://www.amazon.com/NIV-Cultural-Backgrounds-Study-Bible/dp/0310431581/ref=nodl_ The Lost World of Genesis One https://www.amazon.com/Lost-World-Genesis-One-Cosmology/dp/0830837043/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24F38TL8J6WKL&dchild=1&keywords=lost+world+of+genesis+one&qid=1615766976&s=books&sprefix=Lost+world+of+gene%2Cstripbooks%2C184&sr=1-1 The Lost World of Adam & Eve https://www.amazon.com/Lost-World-Adam-Eve-Genesis/dp/0830824618/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/143-4558116-9547317?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0830824618&pd_rd_r=2f28dd49-d481-4f8a-8416-7e8bac0aa5df&pd_rd_w=mvDuR&pd_rd_wg=nx0O9&pf_rd_p=f325d01c-4658-4593-be83-3e12ca663f0e&pf_rd_r=SRRPYXZ3KH87T2Z25938&psc=1&refRID=SRRPYXZ3KH87T2Z25938 The Lost World of the Flood (with Tremper Longman III) https://www.amazon.com/Lost-World-Flood-Mythology-Theology/dp/083085200X/ref=pd_bxgy_img_3/143-4558116-9547317?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=083085200X&pd_rd_r=ab477638-60d5-4711-b8f7-ac02ba251f1c&pd_rd_w=6sotH&pd_rd_wg=DVxzX&pf_rd_p=f325d01c-4658-4593-be83-3e12ca663f0e&pf_rd_r=ZT91H5TQV6CFXE95EFYA&psc=1&refRID=ZT91H5TQV6CFXE95EFYA If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

This is the finale of The Problem of Evil series. Last week (Ep 87/ Part 17), I began sharing with you my conclusions and so I think it is important to listen to that one before you listen to today's episode. I imagine that some of you will still have questions, observations, and probably plenty of disagreements with where I have landed, but know that I welcome them all. The best way to share them is via our Patreon Discussion forum for this episode or by messaging me on Patreon. The next best option would be to reach out to me on Twitter. You'll find the links for all of those things below. Some work that I engage with in this episode includes the work of (no particular order): Karl Barth, Greg Boyd (Open Theism), Thomas Jay Oord, Ireneaus, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Origen, Plotinus, Gregory of Nyssa, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Luis De Molina (Molinism), Gottfried Leibniz, Immanuel Kant, Process Theism, and J.R.R Tolkien If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Well, this year-plus-long series is almost at an end. I have tried to be an impartial tour guide over the past 16 episodes (17 if you included the convo with Greg Boyd & Thomas Jay Oord), but now I get to share with you my own conclusions. I can honestly say that my own theodicy has changed as a result of going through this series together. This conclusion will be in 2 parts. Today, I talk about what to do with the book of Job and the obvious differences in the Old Testament and New Testament. Plus, I will share some nuanced agreements and disagreements with theologians like Karl Barth and Greg Boyd. I'll also talk about points of connection between the Cross, the Big Bang, and evolution. Finally, I will lay out three categories for interpreting our experiences of pain or suffering that will serve as an important framework for our finale. Are there evil AND good kinds of suffering? How could we discern them and respond properly? I'm sure questions and disagreements may abound, so I encourage you to participate in the Group Forum discussion on Patreon. You can find these forums on the Deep Talks Patreon page linked below. If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Ted Kim is senior pastor of Evanston Vineyard. He did his undergrad degree at the University of Chicago and has Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. Ted joins me today to discuss the role of “story” in our quest for meaning in an increasingly “post-secular” America. How should followers of Jesus who believe in a true-overarching story for humanity interact with the stories we are constantly consuming via streaming services, movies, books and podcasts?  How do we sift through our cultural stories to find points of harmony and dissonance with the grand story of Scripture? How is Christ at work in the our mythological fantasy stories like The Lord of the Rings or Star Wars? What can be mutually gained by expanding our cultural horizons through friendship with people in different macro and micro-cultures? We’ll discuss all this and more in today’s episode. To watch the most recent Deep Talks video on Luke Skywalker/Star Wars mentioned in this podcast, visit the Deep Talks YouTube channel at : https://youtu.be/_7ixhW_Ts7Y If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. Starting in 2021, WE HAVE A NEW BONUS REWARD- A PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. To find out more and help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons which will sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection, visit: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

The week after the storming of the U.S. Capitol, I talked with my friend Adam Russell on The Ferment podcast about the historical, theological, & psychological reasons for the development of "Culture War Christianity" and American Civil Religion. How did we get here as Christians in America? What can we do differently in our church communities? This conversation was released last week on The Ferment podcast and I'm re-airing here this week as I recover from COVID 19.  Adam has been on Deep Talks several times before. Most recently in Episode 61, where you can hear more of his story and bio.  Here's the link to that convo: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ieq4a-dcee40 If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE A PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In part 17 of The Problem of Evil series, I talk with theologians Greg Boyd and Thomas Jay Oord about their unique responses to the problems of evil and suffering. Why did each of them find traditional responses to the problem of evil in various forms of classical theism unsatisfying? What is similar and different about their respective positions? Does either Boyd's Open Theism or Oord's Essential Kenosis/God Can't theodicy provide more satisfying answers than what people like Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Leibniz, Barth provided in the past? How do they both respond to some of the more challenging theological or philosophical critiques aimed at their ideas? Dr. Gregory A. Boyd is theologian with advanced degrees from Yale and Princeton, senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is author of numerous books. Some of the more relevant books to today's conversation are: God of the Possible: A Biblical Introduction to the Open View of God  God at War: The Bible and Spiritual Conflict  Satan & the Problem of Evil: Constructing a Trinitarian Warfare Theodicy The Crucifixion of the Warrior God: Volumes 1 & 2   Dr. Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian and philosopher with advanced degrees from Nazarene Theological Seminary and Claremont Graduate University.  He directs the doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary and the Center for Open and Relational Theology. He's also authored numerous books and articles including: God Can't: How to Believe in God and Love After Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils  The Uncontrolling Love of God: An Open and Relational Account of Providence Defining Love: A Philosophical, Scientific, and Theological Engagement  If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE A PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Dr. John Vervaeke is a renowned cognitive scientist at the University of Toronto. He's published groundbreaking research on the cognitive science of "meaning." His popular "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" lecture series is a massive 50 part video & podcast series with well over 1 million total views on YouTube. In this series, Vervaeke weaves together insights from cognitive science, biology, philosophy, theology, and history to try and help people understand how we've arrived at our current cultural meaning crisis in the West and what he thinks can be done about it. It really is impossible to give a succinct summary of everything that we discuss together in this extended episode, but what I can say is that it was one of the more mind-blowing and insightful conversations I feel like I've had on this podcast. Plus, it was so great to have such a meaningful discussion with someone who would not profess to share my Christian convictions. Hopefully, we've modeled a way of dialogue together that shows that we can respect each other's convictional differences and still be open to learning from each other.  You can check out John Vervaeke's "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis" lecture series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE A PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

We're nearing the end of our problem of evil series. In today's episode, we'll explore the controversial theology and philosophy known as Open Theism, which was popularized in the 1990's by a group of predominantly evangelical theologians. These open theists challenged both classical and process views on God and attempted to find a way to make metaphysical sense of what they believed was essential to the biblical narrative. Believing that the entire biblical narrative collapses if we cannot find a way to account for human moral responsibility and that God cannot be good if He acts as the "arsonist firefighter" in creation, these controversial theologians attempted to bring an innovative approach to addressing the problems of evil and suffering. Did they succeed, or does open theism just fall into the same theodicy problems that both classical and process theists before them faced? If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. STARTING THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE AN PATREON COMMUNITY GROUP ZOOM HANG-OUT to build relationships with others across the world and to do theology and meaning-making together. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

As we discussed in Part 14 of this series, the 20th century brought unimaginable human moral evils, and yet much beneficial human progress. Our basic understanding of how the universe functions also shifted. Our Newtonian perspective gave way to Einstein and then to quantum physics. Perhaps, the metaphysics of classical theism need to be reexamined too if we're to properly address the problem of evil?  Enter the philosopher and mathematician Alfred North Whitehead and his new school of philosophy and theology known as process theism (aka process thought, process philosophy, etc). In today's episode, we'll explore what this new philosophy and theology is all about and how it attempts to address the problems with evil and suffering that proponents feel were inadequately addressed in more classical & traditional theologies. Is process theism a creative new solution, or is it simply a new kind of gnosticism? f you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue on ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Today's episode is a unique episode because I'm on the other end of the interview for a change!   Steven White is a pastor in Iowa, a long time listener of this podcast, and a member of our Deep Talks Patreon Community. He recently reached out to me to see if we could record an interview together as part of his Master's thesis he is completing focusing on cultural theology & church leadership. I was glad to be of help in that way, so we jumped on for a Zoom call last week. I thought he asked some really great questions about: -my own journey of faith and theological development -what the "meaning-making" part of my podcast title means (which I don't know if I ever properly explained on the podcast before!) - how values are connected to our cultural programming, genetic predispositions, and church environments & traditions - and some other excellent follow-up questions to material covered in the Christ and Culture series, the Mind Software series, the Hyper-Objects episode, liturgical programming and more. Steven had some really great insights of his own which really connected some dots together on how all of this stuff is related, so I asked him he wouldn't mind if I shared the recording of the conversation. I thought it might be a great way to recap so many of the things that have been discussed on this podcast throughout the course of 2020. If you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue on ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

This is part 2 of our miniseries. Make sure to listen to part 1 (Episode 78) before you listen to this one. In this episode we'll explore the differences between masculine & feminine cultures, and the differences between cultures that avoid uncertainty and those that embrace it. Plus, we'll try to answer some of the initial questions I posed at the start of part 1 and consider how Christians can begin to comparatively discern the values of Jesus' Kingdom of God and the values within their own cultural frame. For Patreon supporters, there is a PDF download with some helpful notes and visual aides to accompany this two part series. https://www.patreon.com/posts/mind-software-44833021?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copy_to_clipboard&utm_campaign=postshare f you find this podcast to be helpful and you want to see it continue on ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

What is behind the Trump vs Biden, lefts vs right cultural divide in America? Why do some people become convinced by COVID conspiracies? Why do some march in Black Lives Matter protests while others fly Blue Lives Matter flags in their yards? Have you ever visited a foreign country and been completely shocked at how different the cultural values and behaviors were?  In this two-part miniseries, we'll explore how culture acts as software for our minds, shaping our perceptions of reality, and programming our values and behaviors. We’ll compare cultural values on the macro-national level, as well as look at how local cultures and sub-cultures like church communities develop unique values and attempt to interface with the larger cultural values of their nation. Are there American cultural values that are at odds with the values of Jesus’ “Kingdom of God” culture?  How would we begin to even see that if our culture shapes our perceptions of reality? To attempt to answer these questions, we'll be using the groundbreaking research of the 20th-century Dutch social psychologist, Geert Hofstede. Hofstede's initial research into the four dimensions of culture will be an absolutely transformative tool for helping you understand the world, your own upbringing, church community or religious experiences, and the divisive cultural moment we are living in here in America in 2020. THIS IS PART ONE OF A TWO-PART MINISERIES. PART TWO WILL BE RELEASED ON 12/9/20 ALONG WITH A PDF RESOURCE FOR PATREON SUPPORTERS. f you find this podcast to be of some help in your life and you want to see it continue on ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

In our dis-enchanted secular age, many of us struggle to believe in "spiritual" entities and powers. In fact, only 4 out of 10 Americans believe that "spiritual beings" exist, yet many people believe in "hyper-objects" like systemic racism, the stock market, climate change, or the "deep state." Are there any points of commonality between this relatively new philosophical concept called "hyper-objects" and the ancient, biblical notion of cosmic spiritual powers? In today's episode, we'll explore the concept of hyper-objects, cosmic spiritual powers in the writings of the Apostle Paul, and how C.S. Lewis' "Space Trilogy" might help us remain open to there being more going on in reality than we usually like to admit in our Western, post-Enlightenment culture.  The discussion between Paul Vander Klay & John Vervaeke mentioned in today's episode is available to watch here: https://youtu.be/GCeHJtdQ0fg?t=5784 To access the article on the Apocalyptic Paul mentioned in today's episode, become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community here: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   If you find this podcast to be of some help in your life and you want to see it continue on ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

Paul Vander Klay is back on the program today to discuss a variety of topics and issues including: - The Post-COVID Church -Unplugging from the Culture War Matrix by following Jesus -The Rise and Fall of the Jordan Peterson zeitgeist and whether Peterson's theology was more Augustinian or Gnostic. -Why his church is in decline while his online influence keeps growing. - Why everyone believes in God - When dinosaurs causes a faith crisis - suffering with Christ and the problem of evil -the tension we experience on the narrow way -and so much more! Paul Vander Klay is a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church and a YouTuber/Podcaster who explores the intersection of theology with our cultural quests for meaning. Here's was our first discussion back in episode 18: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-cne6s-ae7587 And here was our second discussion back in episode 36: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-c6irj-bea95a Check out Paul Vander Klay's YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGsDIP_K6J6VSTqlq-9IPlg If you find this podcast to be of some help in your life and you want to see it continue on ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

As we discussed in part 13, the scientific discoveries of the 19th century posed monumental theodicy challenges...especially to those trying to find God in reason and in nature. The 20th century only brought greater theodicy challenges when the two worst wars in human history unleashed unimaginable moral evils. Perhaps the problem of evil had killed God. In the midst of this, a Swiss theologian named Karl Barth claimed that God's revelation wasn't to be found in nature or reason because it was "hidden" in the suffering Christ. Barth had unique ideas about evil and suffering arguing that not all pain, suffering, or even death should be thought of as evil. In Barth's attempt to distinguish the goodness of God from the real forces of evil in the cosmos, did he go too far and fall into the ditch of hyper-dualism? How did he respond when his own son died in a rock-climbing accident? If you find this podcast to be of some help in your life and you want to see it continue on ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? Members of the Deep Talks Patreon Community receive bonus Q & A Episodes, articles, charts, forum discussions and more. Help us reach our first goal of 300 patrons in order to sustain weekly, ad-free theological and philosophical education to anyone with an internet connection! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

The 19th century marked a time of significant discovery in geology and biology, but with these scientific discoveries came a picture of a much older, more violent, and less human-centric world than people previously imagined. In many ways, it was this era that marked the beginning of the "science vs. faith" debates in Western civilization that continue on to this day. Can we really blame Adam and Eve's fall for the existence of disease, famine, and natural disasters when it becomes clear that these things were around for millions of years before humans? Was there an atheistic conspiracy to use this new science to do away with Christianity, or were people like Charles Darwin thrust into a crisis of faith after their scientific discoveries? Does evolution make God a moral monster, or does it make God's world filled with more mystery and wonder? Is it all just a matter of perspective? Plus: -Frankenstein's monster as a theological symbol of this era's quest for meaning,  -the discovery of dinosaurs -the horrific details of real parasites in creation that act like Xenomorphs in the Alien movies, -the historical roots of the young-earth creationism apologetics and a priest who said Darwin was right and Christians better start dealing with it. and so much more! If you haven't gone through the previous episodes in this extensive series, check them out at : https://deeptalkstheologypodcast.podbean.com/p/the-problem-of-evil-1572355242/ Deep Talks is trying to reach a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to sustain weekly, ad-free episodes. Supporters on Patreon get access to bonus Q&A Episodes, articles, and other resources. Please consider supporting free theological and philosophical education for as little as $2 a month by going to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

I'm an 80's/90's kid who grew up in the evangelical heyday of Christian subculture. "Christian" music, movies, tv, bookstores, and even our own brand of science was all part of a larger culture war movement. A lot of people my age eventually abandoned right-wing, republican Evangelicalism but simply traded it for left-wing, progressive post-evangelicalism (if they didn't reject Christianity altogether) not realizing they were still combatants in a culture war even though they switched teams. How does the culture war lure people into a false sense of community?   Why is cultural influence so much easier to attain if we just play the culture war game? How might serious reflections on historic Christology and philosophical theology on the nature of the Truth help us transcend the culture war? What possible dangers should we brace for if we attempt to leave the constant cycle of culture war?  Deep Talks is trying to reach a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to sustain weekly, ad-free episodes. Supporters on Patreon get access to bonus Q&A Episodes, articles, and other resources. Please consider supporting free theological and philosophical education for as little as $2 a month by going to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Interested in how we see theological and philosophical ideas embedded in comic book mythology? Check out Paul's latest video on YouTube exploring the deep ideas embedded in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice: https://youtu.be/_eZkgte8Tx4    To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

How should Christians in America navigate the "culture war"? Are we forced to choose between either being angry cultural combatants or being passively assimilated into ideologies & guiding stories foreign to the way of Jesus? How do narratives, especially the hero myths that fill our comic book pages and movie theater screen, invite people to explore theology, ethics, and philosophy? Where might Christ be at work in those stories to reveal what is true, good, and beautiful? And why might you be watching entire series of The Office for the 100th time? Our guest to helps us explore these questions is Dr. Russell Moore. Russell Moore is president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the moral and public policy agency of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. Dr. Moore is the author of several books, including Onward: Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel and The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home. A native Mississippian, he and his wife Maria are the parents of five sons. Make sure to check out his forthcoming book Courage to Stand here: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/products/the-courage-to-stand-2/ To find out more about Dr. Moore's work at the ERLC, visit their website at : https://erlc.com Deep Talks is trying to reach a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to sustain weekly, ad-free episodes. Supporters on Patreon get access to bonus Q&A Episodes, articles, and other resources. Please consider supporting free theological and philosophical education for as little as $2 a month by going to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Interested in how we see theological and philosophical ideas embedded in comic book mythology? Check out Paul's latest video on YouTube exploring the deep ideas embedded in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice: https://youtu.be/_eZkgte8Tx4    To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner   You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner  

Is the role of a pastor becoming obsolete? One thousand years ago, the role of a pastor (or priest) had a radically different value in society than the role they occupy today in Western culture. Understanding how we shifted from a worldview filled with magic and enchantment where pastors were seen as powerful wizards of white magic to modern CEO's of private spiritual corporations won't merely be helpful for pastors to understand but will be transformative to anyone who's spent any amount of time in church. Our guest to help us explore these important questions and ideas is Dr. Andrew Root. Dr. Root is a theology professor at Luther Seminary. He earned his PhD from Princeton as well as a Master’s in Theology and a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. He's also the author of several books including The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God, which we spend our time discussing together today. Get a copy of Andy's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Pastor-Secular-Age-Ministry-People/dp/0801098475/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PV70T0M3AVPJ&dchild=1&keywords=the+pastor+in+a+secular+age+by+andrew+root&qid=1600184508&sprefix=the+pastor+in%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1 This summer, Deep Talks is trying to reach a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to sustain weekly, ad-free episodes. Supporters on Patreon get access to bonus Q&A Episodes, articles, and other resources. Please consider supporting free theological and philosophical education for as little as $2 a month by going to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner   You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner  

In my formative years when I first started getting into theology and philosophy, I used to really enjoy watching debates between Christian and atheist apologists on the question "Does God exist?" But the deeper I went on my journey the more I realized that this question, and many of my conceptions of God, were fundamentally flawed. I had misunderstood what the word "God" meant. When we properly understand what that word means, it becomes clear that everyone (yes, even Richard Dawkins!) believes in God. It also becomes clear, that not every Christian believes in the same God. In this episode, I'll share a bit of my own journey and lay out the case for why the question, "Does God exist?" is dead. This summer, Deep Talks is trying to reach a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to sustain weekly, ad-free episodes. Supporters on Patreon get access to bonus Q&A Episodes, articles, and other resources. Please consider supporting free theological and philosophical education for as little as $2 a month by going to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner   You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

Like Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Schleiermacher believed that our reasoning ability has its limits. With growing anti-religious attitudes spreading throughout Europe in the 18th century, Schleiermacher set out to make Christianity relevant to the "cultured despisers" of religion as the Enlightenment shifted into the 19th century. But did Schleiermacher adapt and redefine Christianity too much? Was he right to believe that we should do away with ideas about the Devil? After all, does believing that Satan exists or not even really change the problem of evil at all? Listen to his arguments and let me know what you think. This summer, Deep Talks is trying to reach a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to sustain weekly, ad-free episodes. Supporters on Patreon get access to bonus Q&A Episodes, articles, and other resources. Please consider supporting free theological and philosophical education for as little as $2 a month by going to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner   You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

In this week's episode, we'll explore how theology, philosophy, and the quest for meaning has been the spark that ignited revolutions throughout history, especially since the advent of mass communication beginning in the 15th century.  Why do revolutionaries seek to change aesthetic symbols and "holy-days" on their path towards changing a culture's guiding story? Historically, how has something as small as work of theology or philosophy been the seed for eventual political revolutions, civil wars, and mass cultural changes? Why is training in theology, philosophy, and meaning-making absolutely necessary during these tumultuous times in America? Is Frozen 2 an example of how new guiding stories seep into the cultural consciousness? (but seriously...) How do followers of Jesus deal with new or different "guiding stories" without falling into either the ditch of cultural assimilation on one side or a failed "culture war" on the other side?   To watch the Bible Project video on "The Way of the Exile" that I referred to in this episode, go to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzWpa0gcPyo&t=6s This summer, Deep Talks is trying to reach a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to sustain weekly, ad-free episodes. Supporters on Patreon get access to bonus Q&A Episodes, articles, and other resources. Please consider supporting free theological and philosophical education for as little as $2 a month by going to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner   You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner    

Our journey through history searching for insights and answers to the problem of evil has brought us to the height of the Enlightenment era where the limits of reason, especially as it relates to the problem of evil and Christian theology, were stretched and challenged. What happens if you were to only use reason and "natural" theology to determine what God is like and how reality is structured? This is was Deism attempted to do. Is there a danger to this hyper-rationalism that would eventually lead to the idea of God becoming obsolete, especially in the face of a confusing, painful universe? What if when it comes to understanding God and figuring out why evil exists at all, we reach a point that is beyond reason? Immanuel Kant thought this was the case and tried to offer a very different, and revolutionary, philosophical framework with a very different theodicy from the Deists, Gottfried Leibniz, or even early Christian thinkers like Calvin, Aquinas, or Augustine. This summer, Deep Talks is trying to reach a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to sustain weekly, ad-free episodes. Supporters on Patreon get access to bonus Q&A Episodes, articles, and other resources. Please consider supporting free theological and philosophical education for as little as $2 a month by going to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner   You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

Dr. Dwight N. Hopkins was born and raised in the segregated south, but through the support system of his loving family and the African American church community, he grew to become a renowned theologian. Hopkins is the Alexander Campbell Professor of Theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Graduating from Harvard, Hopkins went on to earn PhD's from Union Seminary and the University of Cape Town (South Africa). Those of you who listen to this program regularly know that I have credited Dr. Hopkins as being the one who's work first exposed me to the idea of culture as spirit, aesthetic, and labor.  In today's conversation, I talk with Dr. Hopkins about: -his personal journey of faith and calling into theology -how his experiences in African American church communities shaped his interest in cultural theology -culture as spirit, aesthetic, and labor; and if "spirits" aren't just psychologically symbolic -how he would theologically and personally evaluate the recent phenomenon of the tearing down statues and monuments throughout America (his answer surprised me!) -and more! This summer, Deep Talks is trying to reach a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to sustain weekly, ad-free episodes. Supporters on Patreon get access to bonus Q&A Episodes, articles, and other resources. Please consider supporting free theological and philosophical education for as little as $2 a month by going to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

The Problem of Evil series returns with part 10! In this episode, we'll review some of the reasons why theology shifted towards natural theology and rationalism during the Enlightenment and we'll see how a Christian rationalist like Gottfried Leibniz (a man who invented calculus, mechanical calculators, and artificial intelligence over 300 years ago) attempted to solve the problem of evil with his "best of all possible worlds" theodicy. You find all the previous episodes in this series at: https://deeptalkstheologypodcast.podbean.com/p/the-problem-of-evil-1572355242/ This summer, Deep Talks is trying to reach a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to sustain weekly, ad-free episodes. Supporters on Patreon get access to bonus Q&A Episodes, articles, and other resources. Please consider supporting for as little as $2 a month by going to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

As the old guiding stories found in traditional religious structures seem to be breaking down, why are horror films and nihilistic comedies like Rick and Morty apparently growing in popularity? What sorts of theological and philosophical ideas are embedded in these expressions of popular culture? To help unpack these ideas, we're joined by author and pastor, JR. Forasteros. JR writes, podcasts, and speaks extensively about the intersection of theology & pop culture. He's got a Master's in Religious Studies, New Testament, and Early Christianity from the University of Missouri-Columbia. To find out more about JR.'s work, check out his website at : http://jrforasteros.com/ This summer we're pushing for a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to keep this podcast going. If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

Nearly one year ago, we released a podcast in our Christ and Culture series called "Battle of the Gods." When it was released last year, some people struggled to see how modern people really did have these same liturgical practices of worship as people in ancient civilizations. I wanted to revisit that episode in light of the recent wave of statues and historical monuments being toppled and destroyed throughout the U.S.  I believe these events and revived debates about appropriate postures of adoration & devotion to things like the American flag make it even more clear that we are engaged in a battle of the gods. This summer we're pushing for a goal of 300 patrons on Patreon to keep this podcast going. If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

This week's guest is Bonnie Kristian. Bonnie is a contributing editor at The Week and has also been featured in Christianity Today, USA Today, Time and many other publications. She also holds a Master's in Christian Thought from Bethel Seminary.  Bonnie has been studying the QAnon movement and the growing conspiracy theory culture which centers around Donald Trump as a messianic figure. This movement has been both influencing American Christianity and developing as its own religious cult. Check out some of the articles referred to in today's discussion here: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-faqs-what-christians-should-know-about-qanon/  https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/06/qanon-nothing-can-stop-what-is-coming/610567/  https://theconversation.com/the-church-of-qanon-will-conspiracy-theories-form-the-basis-of-a-new-religious-movement-137859  To Find out more about Bonnie Kristian go to: https://www.bonniekristian.com/   If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

Today's guest is Adam Russell. Adam is the Lead Pastor at Vineyard Campbellsville in Kentucky, National Director of Vineyard Worship, and host of The Ferment Podcast. In our conversation, we discuss transformative spiritual experiences and what we do as pastors when people ask us if psychedelic experimentation should be added to the list of normal Christian practices that open us up to God. Plus the deep theological connection between sex and Christian spirituality, 90's revival stories, and whether Joe Rogan has more influence on young men than most pastors.  Make sure to check out The Ferment Podcast at: https://www.thefermentpodcast.com/podcast-episodes If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

The Bible has strict prohibitions on creating & practicing idolatry but yet also sometimes seems to bless the creation of sacred, symbolic art like the ornate features found in Moses' tabernacle and Solomon's temple, so what distinguishes the use of art and symbol as being idolatrous from something blessed as a sacred? What deeper, existential implications may we need to consider about the role of symbols and how we are to interact with them? How are we not all that different today from ancient people who would worship statues? For previous episodes exploring the intersection of theology & the arts/culture, including last week's discussion with singer-songwriter Andy Squyres check out: https://deeptalkstheologypodcast.podbean.com/p/theology-and-culture/   If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

Andy Squyres is a singer-songwriter & pastor from Charlotte, North Carolina.   He's got a new record coming out. You can hear the first two singles wherever you stream music or over at andysquyres.com To listen to Andy's first appearance on the podcast where he shared about his backstory and journey of faith you can go here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gvt9h-a550aa   If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

In this week's Reconstruction Story, we'll hear from someone who grew up in fundamentalism, left to pursue New Age spiritualities and psychedelic exploration, and eventually became a holistic follower of the Way of Jesus. And yes, we have some extended conversation about psychedelic drugs because I know so many listeners who have questions on the subject. My guest today is Paul Risse. Paul is a husband, father, and a bit of modern Renaissance man. He's a business owner. He builds tiny homes. He's a carpenter, a trainer, a firefighter, and writes about his adventures in the world and what he's learned from them. You can follow him on Instagram at instagram.com/paulrisse I got connected to Paul Risse when he became a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community. If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a one-time donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

There's been a significant movement of "exvangelicals" over this past decade. In their process of deconstruction, they come to a point where they no longer see the Christian story they've heard as viable. Deconstruction can often turn to devastation, but is reconstruction possible? In today's episode, we'll meet Rick Guttersohn, a leadership consultant & licensed master social worker who grew up with me in our small, Charismatic church & school community. Rick went through a significant process of deconstruction that led him to become suicidal, but thankfully that wasn't the end of his journey. You can find out more about Rick's work by visiting: www.rickguttersohn.com If you're a parent with young children, make sure to check the awesome videos Rick put's out for helping kids and parents talk about difficult emotions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnUwCIozuZ4 If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast  To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

Maybe as you are stuck at home during this quarantine, you find yourself binging a lot more Netflix than you normally would.  Whether you are aware of it or not, you are actually binging theology.   In today's episode we'll explore why "cultural texts" like movies, tv,  and even memes are all works of theology, and I'll give you some tips using Kevin Vanhoozer's Everyday Theology as a guide for how you can discern theological messages. If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast  To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner You can also give a donation for this episode directly at: https://cash.app/$PaulAnleitner

Today I recorded a short video to hopefully offer some "difficult encouragement" in the midst of this coronavirus pandemic. This is the audio version of that encouragement, but if you want to watch the video too you can do so at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKsLbsqtj1I&feature=youtu.be   If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

As a global pandemic rapidly affects the way we do normal life, I have been thinking quite a bit about the 20th-century philosophical masterpiece by existentialist philosopher and author, Albert Camus. Long after our own plague subsides, there will be lingering questions for millions about God, meaning, & how one ought to live in this world that Camus' novel can help us explore.  We'll discuss some of the basics of existentialist philosophy, and I'll take you through a short synopsis of the book even if you haven't read it. There is a haunting aspect to some of the parallels in this fictional story with our own real experiences in the world right now. These parallels only serve to help us give language to the deep, existential questions that emerge in unprecedented times like these. We'll explore the symbolism behind how the books central characters respond to the plague, their quarantine, and the ethical choices in front of them. If God is dead, then can there even be heroes and villains, sinners and saints in a story? Can we create our own values and meaning without God? Is Christ secretly embedded in this "godless" story from Camus? Is Christ present in our own calamities in people and places we've overlooked?   If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Christians make unique claims not only about Jesus being the Son of God, the Savior of the World, fully God and fully human, etc but they also hold to the unique belief that Jesus is the supreme example for how we are to live in the world. If this is true, why are there such diverse opinions among Christians about how we are to live in the world? In America alone, you bump into MAGA/Trump-loving Christians and Woke Progressive Christians with preferred pronouns. How can this be? At least one factor that contributes to this, is an easy Bible-reading mistake that gives people an imaginary Jesus instead of the Jesus of the Gospels. It's a simple mistake I made for years too, but I think there's a better way.   If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In today's episode, we'll do a deep dive exploration into one of the more troubling books of the Bible - Ecclesiastes. Is everything meaningless?    We'll explore both Biblical scholarship and insights from psychology to help us unpack how this book can help us in our own crisis of meaning.   Thanks to Deep Talks Patreon Member, Nathan for this week's excellent question. If you want to support this podcast and become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community, go to this link: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

One of our Deep Talks Patreon members, Sam, asked a great question about 1 Corinthians 3 and whether the Apostle Paul believed in purgatory. Is Paul teaching "salvation by works" here? To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:  Deep Talks Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community to help support this podcast and receive bonus content, Q & A opportunities, and more! Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

My guest in today's episode is Justin Brierley. Justin is the longtime host of Unbelievable?, an award-winning show in the U.K. where skeptics, atheists, historians, scientists, theologians, and philosophers exchange meaningful conversations about God, Christianity, philosophy, and the big questions of life. Along with Unbelievable?,  Justin also hosts Ask N.T. Wright Anything.   In our conversation together, I talk with Justin about how he began this program and what he's learned in nearly 15 years of hosting the show. Justin discusses a shift he has seen in the last decade with a movement away from the New Atheism of Richard Dawkins into a new curiosity about Christianity and religion sparked by curious agnostics like Jordan Peterson and Tom Holland.   For more information about Justin Brierley, Unbelievable?, his book or any of his upcoming events visit: https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable https://www.unbelievable.live/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714CP5M9/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 https://www.youtube.com/user/PremierUnbelievable   TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:  Deep Talks Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community to help support this podcast and receive bonus content, Q & A opportunities, and more! To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In our last episode in this series, we explored how Molinism attempts to solve the problem of evil; but in today's episode, we will explore some of the objections to Molina's creative theodicy. How might Hitler and the Joker get us to reconsider whether this theodicy does what it sets out to do? Plus, how did the evil and suffering perpetrated by "Christians" in the 16th-18th century lead to the beginnings of secularism? What is natural theology? How did the scientific revolution lead to its popularization? How did natural theologians like Gottfried Leibniz attempt to address the problem of evil? What are the strengths and weaknesses of trying to do theodicy within the framework of natural theology?   TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:  Deep Talks Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community to help support this podcast and receive bonus content, Q & A opportunities, and more! To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Jen Meyerson is the Director of Relief for Preemptive Love, an NGO that focuses on disaster relief in some of the most war torn places on the planet. Jen has worked extensively in places like Iraq & Syria, bringing medical relief, education, and support to those most tragically effected by the devastations of war. Jen has also worked for the United Nations serving those experiencing the horrors of war, genocide, and famine. In today's episode, I ask Jen to help us understand the conflicts in Iran, Iraq, and Syria, and share the personal stories of the real people caught up in the geopolitical conflict.  In the midst of so much tragedy and suffering, is there any evidence of hope? What can we possibly to do stop the cycle of violence and to bring relief to those who need it most? This is an important conversation you don't want to miss. You can find out more about Jen's work for Preemptive Love at: https://preemptivelove.org/   TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:   Deep Talks Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community to help support this podcast and receive bonus content, Q & A opportunities, and more! To Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Luther and Calvin both made a strong case for evil as the "alien acts of God." Calvin made an especially strong argument that the implications from the theology and metaphysics of people like Augustine and Aquinas should lead to a belief in God's predestination of all things. His argument was so strong that it forced people to reassess the "classical" doctrines of God and the metaphysical beliefs about the nature of reality in order to try and find a way to maintain a belief in libertarian free will and human responsibility for their choices. One of the first challenges to this classical position emerged as a slight variation away from the classical view by a 16th century Jesuit name Luis De Molina. Molina's new ideas would become known as Molinism.  In today's episode, we'll explore the basic concepts of Molinism and see how Molinist's attempt to give answers to the problem of evil. Maybe even a couple of well-known movies can help us understand this complex school of thought... TODAY's EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Shema Apparel https://shemaapparel.com/ Deep Talks Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community to help support this podcast and receive bonus content, Q & A opportunities, and more! To Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

The era known as the Protestant Reformation is among the most important eras in recorded history. Most Christians who aren't Catholic or Eastern Orthodox can trace their theological influence directly back to Martin Luther and John Calvin. Luther and Calvin are not only a couple of the most important theologians who have ever lived, but they are among the most controversial... even within Protestant circles! Luther and Calvin both believed they were reclaiming historic Augustinian Christianity from the corrupt Roman Catholic church, arguing for God's predetermining of all things even evil, suffering, and the damnation of the wicked. But were they right?  Don't make up your mind until you've heard their explanations.   TODAY's EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Shema Apparel: https://shemaapparel.com/ Deep Talks Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community to help support this podcast and receive bonus content, Q & A opportunities, and more! To Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In part 6 of The Problem of Evil we head into Europe's Middle Ages, a time of horrific moral and natural evils. From plagues to crusades, many superstitious explanations abounded for why these evils occurred. Simultaneously, this was an era filled with significant advancements in the arts and education.  Arguably the greatest medieval philosopher and theologian, Thomas Aquinas believed that the existence of God was not threatened by the philosophical and theological challenges that evil and suffering presents.  In this episode, we'll explore his famous "Five Ways" or the five logical arguments he thought proved the existence of God. Plus we'll see how Aquinas differed philosophically from Origen and Augustine and how that philosophical difference affected his understanding of evil, suffering, and the fundamental nature of God's creation. TODAY's EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Shema Apparel https://shemaapparel.com/ Deep Talks Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community to help support this podcast and receive bonus content, Q & A opportunities, and more! To Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In part 5 of The Problem of Evil, we explore the theology of Gregory of Nyssa and Augustine in the 4th-5th Century. These two men would become pillars of the Christian traditions of the East and West. It's really important to have listened to Part 4 where we discussed Plotinus and Origen in order to make sense of the theology of both of these men. We'll see in today's episode how Gregory of Nyssa and Augustine answered questions related to the problem of evil such as: - How do we define "evil"? -Will evil ever end? Will God save and restore all things eventually...even the most wicked people? -Are we born into the world evil, good, or neutral? -If we do have sinful souls, how did they get to be sinful? -Are humans free to chose God and the True, the Good, and the Beautiful? Do we have free will at all?   It's hard to underestimate the importance of these men (especially Augustine) in how they influenced most Christians throughout the history that follows on how we think about God, evil, sin, salvation, and even sex.   TODAY's EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Shema Apparel https://shemaapparel.com/ Deep Talks Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Become a member of the Deep Talks Patreon Community to help support this podcast and receive bonus content. To Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In part four of The Problem of Evil, we continue on in church history into the 3rd Century where we'll explore how controversial theologians Tertullian and Origen attempted to address the problem of evil. Plus we'll take a look at one of the most important Greek philosophers of that era- Plotinus. How does Tertullian attempt to reconcile the seemingly different explanations in the Old Testament and New Testament for the causes of evil and suffering? What made Origen's theodicy so controversial? How might it be similar and different to his philosophical contemporary, Plotinus?  What if evil doesn't actually exist? Special thanks to Deep Talks Patreon Community member, Paul R.! Thanks for charitable support of this podcast! There will be a special bonus episode later this week for all Patreon members, so become a member here: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner   TO LISTEN TO THE PREVIOUS EPISODE'S IN THIS SERIES, FOLLOW THIS LINK: https://deeptalkstheologypodcast.podbean.com/p/the-problem-of-evil-1572355242/

In part 3 of "The Problem of Evil", we'll explore the first two centuries of church history where Gnosticism and Marcionism provided a challenging alternative to genuine Christianity. One of the significant appeals of these movements was how they answered the problem of evil and explained the causations for suffering. In the face of these challenges and the threat of martyrdom, early church leaders like Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, and Irenaeus provided crucial responses to these challenges and key insights into how early Christians understood the root causes of evil and unjust suffering. To Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

This is part 2 of an extended series exploring the problem of evil.  In today's episode, we'll explore perspectives contained in the Old Testament and New Testament for why there is evil and suffering the world and how to respond. We'll examine several possibilities for why there seems to be a stark contrast between the Old Testament & New Testament on who causes these things. We'll also explore books written between the Old & New Testament found in the Dead Sea Scrolls which were important in Jewish thought in the 1st Century and may give us clues as to how the worldview of New Testament authors seems so different in many regards compared to the Old Testament authors. These wild intertestamental stories tell of fallen angels, Nephilim giants, Satan, final judgement, and the deception of humanity. To Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner A couple of important references in this series: https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Understandings-Evil-Historical-Trajectory/dp/1451484550/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=charlene+p.e.+burns&qid=1570420228&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Job-ebook/dp/B017J89YZW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=how+to+read+job&qid=1570420568&sr=8-1   Come to "Tackling our Deepest Questions" at Hope Community in Corcoran, MN on October 27th at 6pm. More info here: https://www.myhopecommunity.com/events?sapurl=Lys5NjQ4L2xiL2V2LytrY202cTNoP2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZQ==

This is Part 1 of an extended series exploring the problem of evil. Few things call into question our beliefs about God & challenge our sense meaning & purpose like experiences of evil, suffering, and injustice. In this episode we'll introduce the historic challenges to Christian understandings of God that the problem of evil presents. and then we'll dive into a detailed examination of the book of Job in the Old Testament. What insights does Job give us as we wrestle with the problem of evil? What are some of the common misconceptions and wrong answers people mistakenly pull out of this story? What is and isn't going on in this book? To Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner Major references/works cited in this episode: https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Understandings-Evil-Historical-Trajectory/dp/1451484550/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=charlene+p.e.+burns&qid=1570420228&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Job-ebook/dp/B017J89YZW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=how+to+read+job&qid=1570420568&sr=8-1

To Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   John Mark McMillan is a Platinum-selling songwriter & artist best known for his songs How He Loves, Future/Past, & King of My Heart. In today's conversation, I talk with John Mark about our shared experiences in the Charismatic tradition, his journey of holding on to the best theology of his past while searching for a more complete picture of God, and making music that helps people experience the transcendence & the immanence of God. You can find out more about John Mark McMillan, his discography, tour information and more at : https://www.johnmarkmcmillan.com/ To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

In Acts 17, the Apostle Paul is in one of the premier cultural centers of the ancient world- Athens. While preaching in Athens, he's called to share his message on the God of War's Mount.   This is one of the best examples of cultural theology that we have in the Bible, so after spending quite a bit of time in our Christ and Culture series this year I thought I'd shared a sermon I gave on this famous scene in Acts.   Also out this week is our new Patreon Q & A episode where I try to answer some tough questions from Deep Talks Patreon members about the wrath of God, transhumanism concerns, and more. As a supporter of Deep Talks on Patreon, you can listen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/september-q-of-30181850   To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Listen/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159     Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

If one treats the Bible as inspired and authoritative in their life, are there better or worse ways of reading the Bible that could produce good or bad results in one's life? Dr. Jeannine K. Brown is a New Testament Scholar, NIV Biblical translator, author and professor. She has taught at Bethel Seminary (Paul's alma matter!) for over 20 years.   In today's episode, we discuss: -How to figure out what the Scriptures mean when we read them -Are there good and bad ways to read the Bible? -What are some commonly misunderstood passages of Scripture? -Does Matthew's Gospel teach that the Father actually abandoned Jesus on the cross? -Does the Bible prohibit women, like Dr. Brown, from teaching the Bible?   To check out some of Dr. Jeannine K. Brown's books/commentaries: Scripture as Communication Matthew (Two Horizons Commentary) Becoming Whole and Holy   Dr. Brown's Blog: https://jeanninekbrown.wordpress.com/   THIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE DEEP TALKS PATREON COMMUNITY! To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Listen/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159     Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

Today's episode comes from a conversation I had with Paul Vander Klay for his YouTube Channel and Podcast. I first had Vander Klay on my podcast back in Episode 18, and he wanted to bring me on his program to discuss possible insights from my background and experiences into the "meaning-crisis." It's a subject we are both passionate about helping others navigate thru.  Vander Klay somehow pulled out of me some stories about my experiences deep in the Charismatic & Pentecostal tradition that I've never publicly talked about before. I talk with him about growing up in Benny Hinn meetings, revivals breaking out in my small Christian school, journeys in the 24-7 prayer movement, & strange Charismatic phenomenon I've seen like gold dust and people behaving as if they were "drunk in the Spirit."  Being a Dutch Reformed pastor, he was fascinated by all this :)  Plus: what does it mean to experience or commune with God? Can we say certain things are not valid ways of experience God? What's the difference between the Eucharist and eating bread and wine at Olive Garden? How has the Jordan Peterson phenomenon opened people up to these sorts of questions again? (this is an area of expertise for Paul Vanderklay)   There is also a video of this conversation available at: https://youtu.be/2CIeSrEW0Tc Find out more about Paul Vanderklay at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGsDIP_K6J6VSTqlq-9IPlg THIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE DEEP TALKS PATREON COMMUNITY! To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Listen/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159     Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner      

Is there a problem with our theology if it doesn't make us more Christ-like? That question lead my guest, Bruxy Cavey, on personal and theological journey into the Anabaptist tradition. Bruxy is the senior pastor at The Meeting House in Ontario, Canada which is one of Canada's largest churches. An Anabaptist mega-church? Yes, that is a unique as it sounds. Bruxy is also the author of the best-selling books Reunion: The Good News of Jesus for Seekers, Saints, & Sinners and The End of Religion: Encountering the Subversive Spirituality of Jesus. In today's episode, I talk with Bruxy about: -his unique journey of faith -what makes the Anabaptist tradition unique & controversial - the history of the "Radical Reformation" and why Anabaptists were killed for their beliefs by other Christians -Tough questions about the Anabaptist commitment to non-violence & other challenges And more! Find out more about Bruxy at: http://www.bruxy.com/ For more info on the Jesus Collective or The Meeting House go to: https://jesuscollective.com/ https://www.themeetinghouse.com/ To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Listen/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

MAKE SURE TO GO TO THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD THE CHART THAT I REFER TO THROUGHOUT THE EPISODE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/hang-on-to-this-29402721   In this episode, we'll discuss some reasons why many people go through an intense period of reevaluating & questioning their Christian faith. It's been popular recently to call this experience "deconstruction," but what causes deconstruction? Is it a normal part of intellectual & personal development? Are there ways of doing it that are more healthy than others?   To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Listen/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Today's episode was recorded live at The Creamery in Ottertail, Minnesota as part of an annual festival called "The Gathering" hosted by Firestarters Ministries. In this live event, I shared for a bit on the connection between "Spirit, Aesthetic, and Labor" (covered in more detail in Episode 29)  or the connection between our art, our work & relationships, and the God or gods we worship. Then we had a live panel discussion with some leaders in the Charismatic tradition who specialize in areas like music, record production, & various trades like carpentry.  This panel included: Leonard Jones Leonard is one of the most significant pioneers of charismatic worship music alive today. Over the last 20 years, expressions of musical worship that were once considered purely Charismatic or Pentecostal have become the mainstream norm in churches across the Evangelical spectrum. Many of the top evangelical songwriters in the church today were trained or influenced by Leonard Jones. Chris Dupree Chris is another pioneer in charismatic worship music. He helped launch the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO and has been a pastor, author, and speaker around the world. Elijah Mosely Elijah is a record producer and owner of Threshingfloor Audio. He's produced records for artists including Jonathan and Melissa Helser, John Mark McMillan, and Andy Squyres. Wendell Danielson Wendell is a brilliant craftsmen who owns Danielson Design Company. He is also member of the Firestarters church community in Ottertail, MN. Peter Thiel Peter is a songwriter, singer, and guitarist ...and also is a skilled craftsmen! He's is also a member of the Firestarters church community in Ottertail, MN. There is also a video of this talk & panel available on YouTube. CLICK HERE TO WATCH To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Listen/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Do you have questions about the theological compatibility of the Christian message with evolutionary science?   Dr. Jim Stump is the Vice President of BioLogos, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping "the church and the world to see the harmony between science and biblical faith as we present an evolutionary understanding of God’s creation." In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jim Stump about the common theological questions people have about "evolutionary creationism." Some of these questions include: - What is evolutionary creationism, and why do the people at BioLogos believe it to be true? -If the death of plants, animals, and even human species have been going on long before any sort of historical Adam or Eve, then when was creation ever good? -Were Neanderthals "image bearers"? What makes human's unique made in the image of God? -Did Satan corrupt the process of evolution, or is this what God really intended? Plus many more questions! -At what point was God's creation ever really "good" if we had death, violence, and cataclysmic events that killed most living things in the past? You can find out more about BioLogos at: www.biologos.org To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Listen/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Artificial intelligence, gene editing, robot companionship & many more technological changes in our near future present challenges to Christian theology and what it means to be a human.  My guest, Micah Redding is attempting to bring Christian theology into conversations that have seemed to many to be largely anti-religious. Micah is the Executive Director of the Christian Transhumanist Association.   What is "transhumanism"? Micah explains & lays out a theological case for Christians to be leading the way in the transhumanist movement. Plus many other provoking philosophical and theological challenges such as: - Can a machine have a soul or spirit or consciousness? -Will churches in the near future have to provide ethical instruction for how Christians should treat robots? -Is Darth Vader "human"? What makes us human? -C.S. Lewis' "Space Trilogy", SciFi tv & movies & transhumanism -Is it "playing God" to edit human genes to eliminate diseases & harmful hereditary conditions, or is that part of the Christian calling to act as healers in the world? And much more!!   For more info on the Christian Transhumanist Association: https://www.christiantranshumanism.org/ To find more of Micah Redding's work: http://micahredding.com/ To connect with Micah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/micahtredding To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Listen/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect on with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner   Subscribe to the Deep Talks YouTube page for exclusive video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg

Today's episode is our first ever Q & A episode! These questions come from members of the Deep Talks Patreon community, and they are some BIG questions! Some of the questions I respond to involve: -the origins of sin and evil -predestination & prayer -the role (if any!) of Mary in prayer & worship   Plus a whole bunch of fun theological rabbit trails! To become a Deep Talks Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Listen/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159   Connect on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

What if our entire lives were affected by the outcome of a battle of the gods? Invisible "spirits" have always been on top of a hierarchy of culture dictating our entire way of life. From ancient Babylon to modern-day America, we'll explore the fascinating connection between the domain of "spirit" and how this spiritual realm is made manifest in our art, movies, music, economics & politics. Plus: -The connection between national flags and ancient idols -Why early Christians didn't understand violent passages in the Old Testament the same way we usually do today -Why American Jazz & Blues might actually be a perfect model for doing cultural theology -The importance of getting exposed to other cultures & denominations in order to make sure you're aren't secretly worshipping other gods For our supporters on Patreon, make sure to go download the free graphic that will help you unpack the ideas in this episode even better! Download that here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/28442712 To become a Patreon member and support this podcast go to: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast Listen/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Connect on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner  

NOTE: WHEN THIS WAS ORIGINALLY UPLOADED THERE WAS AN ERROR THAT SHORTENED THE FILE TO ONLY 29 MINUTES. THE FULL EPISODE is 1 HR 4 MINUTES. CHECK TO ENSURE YOU'VE GOT THE FULL EPISODE. YOU MAY NEED TO RE-DOWNLOAD or REFRESH YOUR PODCAST PLAYER. _____ This is PART TWO in a series entitled "Christ & Culture". If you haven't already, you may want to listen to Episode 27 (which is part 1) first. In today's episode, we'll explore three options for how Christians may relate to culture. These three mediating options are alternatives to the extreme  "Christ against Culture" & "Christ of Culture" theologies (which was covered in part 1). You can financially support Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts!

Did you have to listen to D.C. Talk growing up because your church didn't let you listen to Nirvana? Why do some churches hang gay pride flags in front of their building while other churches preach that homosexuality is a sin? Did the author of John's Gospel do something wrong when he borrowed an idea from Greek philosophy and applied it to Christ? How could German Christians in the 1930s ever become Nazis? Answering these kinds of questions requires us to answer even deeper questions- how should Christians relate to their surrounding culture? Where can Christ be found in culture? Can He be found there at all? Theology of culture is a relatively new theological discipline and if you've never explored it before you might not think it's that big of a deal, but I promise you that it's actually one of the most important areas of theology that you'll ever explore. What you believe about this affects the music and entertainment choices you make, who you'll marry and how you'll raise your kids; it affects your views on science and morality, the church you choose to attend, and even your political perspective. From D.C. Talk to Christian Nazis, we'll explore it all! You can financially support Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts!  

The "afterlife" is one of the most misunderstood topics in all the Bible. In today's episode, we'll explore the afterlife terminology of the Bible and address some of the common misconceptions most people have about what these words mean. We'll try to understand the original context and culture of the Scriptures and see how different the original audience would have understood stories like the parable of "Lazarus and the rich man" or Jesus' warnings about the fires of "hell" compared to our common modern interpretations of those texts. This is stuff no one had clearly explained to me in decades of going to church! We'll also cover: -the influence of books written in between the Old Testament and New Testament on the worldview of 1st-century people -the Biblical connection between the fall of angels and Greek myths about the Titans -How it can make total sense for Jesus to tell the thief on the cross that "today" he'd be with Him in "paradise" and yet tell Mary Magdelene after the Resurrection that He hadn't gone to his Father in heaven yet and much more!   Consider becoming a patron by supporting Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159

Many people report to having dreams that have accurately predicted the future or given them insights into situations they should have no natural knowledge of. I've experienced many "prophetic dreams" over the course of my life, so this subject has always fascinated me. In today's episode we will explore: - some of the biblical precedents for prophetic dreams throughout the Scriptures - the science of dreaming, ranging from early psychological theories from Sigmund Freud & Carl Jung to the discoveries of more recent empirical scientific research -Christian theories on the nature of consciousness and how this may help us understand prophetic dreaming Consider becoming a patron by supporting Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Subscribe to the Deep Talks YouTube page for exclusive video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg

Dr. Glenn Packiam is a pastor, theologian, and author. He has a Doctorate in Theology and Ministry from Durham University in the UK and is currently the lead pastor at New Life Downtown in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Glenn's new book Blessed, Broken, Given: How Your Story Becomes Scared in the Hands of Jesus lays out a wonderful vision of what "sacramental theology" is all about (which I've talked about several times in past episodes, most prominently in Episode 17: Understand Our Meaning Crisis PT. 2). We discuss our unique spiritual and theological journeys together, and what he describes as the three "movements" of a sacramental life - blessed, broken, and given. You can pre-order his new book at: https://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Broken-Given-Becomes-Sacred/dp/052565075X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MSCGXF2BSH8C&keywords=blessed+broken+given&qid=1559256534&s=gateway&sprefix=blessed+broken%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1   Connect with Glenn on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/gpackiam Consider becoming a patron by supporting Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Subscribe to the Deep Talks YouTube page for exclusive video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg

This week my friends at The Ferment Podcast released an interview they did with me a few weeks ago where I got to share with their host, Adam Russell,  the story of my life from growing up as a kid that went to Benny Hinn Crusades, to my young adult ministry years where my first month on the job was burying a close mentor who died of cancer in his early 50's, to my own journey of deconstructing  and finding a more holistic and historic Christian spirituality in the process.  This was a really special conversation for me and I'm reposting it here because while bits and pieces of my own story come up in past episodes, there hasn't been one where I've intentionally set out to tell my personal story. I hope it can be of benefit to you.   Check out The Ferment Podcast at : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ferment-podcast-conversations-about-worship-transformation/id1442128191   Consider becoming a patron by supporting Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast You can also listen on iTunes at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Subscribe to the Deep Talks YouTube page for exclusive video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg  

Dr. Clay Routledge is a brilliant psychological scientist who's primary area of research explores the psychological needs of humans to find and meaning & purpose. He's published over 100 scholarly scientific papers, several books, and has written for the New York Times and Quillette Magazine. His work has been all over the media including CNN, BBC News, CBS News, Men's Health Magazine and more.  In this conversation, we'll explore subjects like: -why America is experiencing a meaning-crisis while many poorer nations report much lower suicide rates and much higher scores in personal meaning and happiness - the science behind the growing fascination with ghosts, the paranormal, and aliens & whether there are substitute religions for "secular" people -the link between experiencing despair & one's openness to transcendent sources of meaning - the difference between "intuitive" thinking and rational thinking and how they relate to art, music, and religious experience -how movie and tv "reboots", revived interest among Russians in vintage Soviet Union era merchandise, and other forms of nostalgia are attempts at recovering a sense of meaning & purpose and much more fascinating stuff!! You can check out more of Dr. Clay Routledge's work at: https://www.clayroutledge.com or follow him on twitter at: https://twitter.com/clayroutledge   Consider becoming a patron by supporting Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast You can also listen on iTunes at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Subscribe to the Deep Talks YouTube page for exclusive video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg

Dan Kent is an author and theologian with degrees in Psychology and a Master’s in Christian Thought from Bethel Seminary. For 20 years he’s worked in Crisis Mental Health services, he’s also authored 5 books, and is currently the Editor in Chief for Reknew.org and co-host of Greg Boyd’s podcast Greg Boyd: Apologies and Explanations. He’s even owned successful local businesses here in Minneapolis. Dan’s got a brand new book coming out entitled “Confident Humility: Becoming Your Full Self Without Becoming Full of Yourself." I invited Dan on to discuss what we might call "theological psychology" and explore how deeply intertwined one's theology and mental health can be. In particular, we take a look at the theological psychology of pride, shame, and humility, and explore how one's theological and philosophical beliefs about human nature may lead them to either oppress others or to be easily oppressed by others. You can pre-order Dan's new book published by Fortress Press here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1506451926/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thatdankent-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1506451926&linkId=56ac105e4e1cd8c863099a1d55821f04 Connect with Dan Kent on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/thatdankent You can also listen to Dan regularly on Greg Boyd: Apologies & Explanations.   Consider becoming a patron by supporting Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast You can also listen on iTunes at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Subscribe to the Deep Talks YouTube page for exclusive video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg

When I recorded with Dan Kent for Greg Boyd's Apologies & Explanations, the primary focus they wanted to bring me on for was to discuss my perspective on the meaning-crisis & science/faith issues, but Dan had a bunch of other great questions for me too. Some of them were on the more speculative side of theology including questions about consciousness & this thing called panpsychism, open theism, and other fun stuff. We went for about 2 hours together talking about all this fun and important stuff! So the primary episode we both released last week contained about 45 minutes of my interview, but Dan still thought the other points of discussion were really informative and helpful so he chopped up some of the highlights and put together a bonus episode they shared on Reknew.org. I really enjoyed this discussion and I think some of the topics we covered could be helpful for others processing some of these questions, so I thought I would put it out to share with you. In this episode, I share some of my thoughts on: -Greg Boyd's work -the pros and cons of Charismatic & Pentecostal theology -some brief (and unplanned!) reflections on open theism -politics, war, & following Jesus -consciousness, panpsychism, and "prophetic" dreams -reading Genesis with ancient eyes - and more!   Consider becoming a patron by supporting Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast You can also listen on iTunes at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Subscribe to the Deep Talks YouTube page for exclusive video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg

Today's episode is actually from Greg Boyd: Apologies & Explanations where Paul was invited to fill in on an episode for Greg to discuss the meaning crisis, science and faith issues, and so much more! You can listen to more episodes of Greg Boyd: Apologies & Explanations at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/f7vvk-41807/Greg-Boyd-Apologies--Explanations-Podcast You can read more from Greg and other's (like his co-host Dan Kent) over at Reknew.org: https://reknew.org/ Consider becoming a patron by supporting Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast You can also listen on iTunes at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 Subscribe to the Deep Talks YouTube page for exclusive video content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg

Paul Vander Klay was a simple pastor of a small church in California. Now he's considered the pastor of the Intellectual Dark Web. His Youtube talks about Jordan Peterson, Christian theology, and what's happening in our present-day meaning-crisis started drawing tens of thousands of views, and even garnered the attention of Jordan Peterson himself who came on Paul's program to talk about these deep ideas. In our conversation together, we discuss the rise of the Jordan Peterson phenomenon, why people are so desperately searching for meaning in America today, the "Intellectual Dark Web", and a whole bunch of theological ideas!  You can check out Paul Vanderklay's Youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGsDIP_K6J6VSTqlq-9IPlg You can also listen to audio only versions of his program at: https://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/ To support Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making and the other video content I'm creating on YouTube, become a patron support on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Subscribe to Deep Talks on Youtube with exclusive video content go to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg   To subscribe on iTunes/Apple go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159

In the second part of "Understanding Our Meaning Crisis" we'll explore how in a secular age, with more and more people claiming to have no religious affiliation, people are actually just as religious as they've ever been. We'll talk about why no one is actually an atheist, and how an NFL game might not be all that different from an ancient pagan ritual. Are things like Comic Con, Politics, & Netflix actually religious experience? Have we confused worshipping God with worshipping our country & the State? Finally, we'll explore how a "sacramental" view of the world may actually be the antidote to our meaning-crisis, and I'll offer some practical strategies for living "sacramentally" in our secular age.   To support this podcast and the other video content I'm creating on YouTube, become a patron support on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast To subscribe on iTunes/Apple go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159 This podcast is also available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and most other podcast platforms You can also subscribe to the YouTube channel and see exclusive video episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg?view_as=subscriber  

Is it possible that we've completely misunderstood the Apostle Paul...and perhaps even the entire Bible as a result? What do these ideas like "faith and works" or "grace vs. the Law" really mean? Did even Martin Luther and John Calvin misunderstand them? Our guest in today's conversation is Dr. Matthew J. Thomas. Matthew has Doctor of Philosophy in Theology from the University of Oxford and is an expert in New Testament and early church history. He's written a book that Scott McKnight awarded as one the top 3 theology books of 2018 entitled "Paul's Works of The Law in the Perspective of Second Century Reception." He's taught at St. Patrick's Seminary, Franciscan University, and Regent College.   You can purchase Matthew's book here (warning: it is currently at a pretty hefty academic price tag): https://www.amazon.com/Perspective-Reception-Wissenschaftliche-Untersuchungen-Testament/dp/3161562755/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=matthew+j.+thomas+paul&qid=1554215169&s=gateway&sr=8-1 You can become a patron supporter on Patreon and ensure that this podcast and the videos we're creating can keep happening here (plus there's a bunch of fun benefits for patrons!): https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   To Listen/Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159?mt=2 Deep Talks also has a YouTube channel with other unique content! Check that out here and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg?view_as=subscriber   As always, you're questions, feedback, and comments are welcome! Thanks for listening, and please consider reviewing on iTunes to help others find out about what we're doing!  

My guest today is Dr. Preston Sprinkle. Preston is a New York Times Best Selling Author, professor, and the President of The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. He has a PhD in New Testament from Aberdeen University in Scotland. He’s authored books including Fight: A Christian Case For Non-Violence, Erasing Hell co-authored with Francis Chan, and People to Be Love: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue. In today's episode, Preston joins me for a conversation about moving beyond what we believe to figuring out why we believe it. We also talk about non-violence, hell, our interpretive biases when we read the Bible, postmodernism and more. Find out more about Preston's work with The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender here: https://www.centerforfaith.com/ Grab one of Preston's books here: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com/books or take part in the Grace/Truth small group discussion materials: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com/blog/2018/7/10/grace-truth-2   You can support this podcast and the other video content Paul is creating at: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   For iTunes subscription/listening: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159?mt=2 For Spotify Podcast subscription/listening: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lgkn9W8V2YHnPkEsluysm?si=MRUvUfAfS1i1ff1D4tJksw Also, check out the unique Deep Talks video content on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg    

We're in the midst of a massive meaning crisis. Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 35. Church attendance is in decline and there is a significant rise in the "nones"- those who claim to have no particular religious adherence. But how did we get here? And are people actually less religious than they were 500 years ago, or has "religion" just evolved into something different in this secular age?   You can support this channel and podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   or Subscribe to videos on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg   Podcast also available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts    

Hey everyone, Just wanted to give everyone a short update on some stuff happening with the podcast.  First over the last couple of weeks, we've put out 2 short videos on the "6 Biggest Meaning-Making Questions." I didn't turn them into an audio podcast, because they really need to be seen in order to have the proper effect.  So you can check those out here on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLudgMWgrpr-g-w9FwkRDPnNs4uyYMsWGe   Also, we've got a Patreon page that is now live. If each of you who listen became a supporter at even just $2 a month, it would be a game changer for this podcast. As hopefully you can tell, there's a lot of work and research that goes into these podcasts. If you find them valuable, please consider becoming a patron today! There's so much more I want to do together! (there's also some fun tiers and rewards too)   https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Take a listen to this short episode to hear more!  

Understanding Interstellar in a Secular Age. How can philosophy and theology help us understand what makes Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" such a compelling movie? What does longing for transcendence and meaning in our modern, secular age look like? Does Nolan's answer ultimately satisfy us? In this episode, we'll talk about one of Christopher Nolan's best films and use it to explore: -the philosophy of Charles Taylor and James K.A. Smith -Soren Kierkegaard - Naturalism/Materialism - Christian theology about the Trinity and love -Nietzsche and morality -noted atheist, Sam Harris's search for an objective ethical standard -eugenics -"New Age" answers to human longings for transcendence and more! The best format for today's episode is to watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqr3hLCuu-c&t=2s Please consider becoming a supporter on Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

In our follow up to Episode 11 where we examined the philosophical ideas embedded in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, we take a deeper look at the six big questions people have about life, God, reality, and meaning and examine the answers that could easily lead someone to a Joker worldview. We'll also explore how Christianity and other theistic worldviews may answer those same questions. Finally, we'll talk about why nihilistic comedies like Seinfeld, Bojack Horseman, and Rick and Morty so deeply connect with people today.       If you prefer iTunes you can subscribe here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159?mt=2 or on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/Uih-Z8_gwlM  

As storied creatures, humans search for meaning and purpose in their life and the world through stories. In many ways, modern cinema has replaced traditional religious institutions as the primary location people go to in order to find stories that will help them make sense of their lives. Some of the great movies of our time are deeply embedded with profound theological and philosophical ideas. In this series, we'll explore the deep ideas and questions embedded in popular films. First up, is Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, which as we will explore, is filled existential themes and questions borrowed from the likes of Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus, and Soren Kierkegaard. To subscribe on iTunes instead go to: Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159?mt=2 or your preferred Podcast platform of choice. Click here to watch on Youtube

In our first interview of 2019, Paul talks with singer-songwriter Andy Squyres about what happens when our particular set of beliefs and experiences within our unique "stream" of faith brush up against suffering or doubt and create questions that we don't have easy answers for. In this conversation, Andy also shares about his unique upbringing in Charismatic churches, why he thinks the Church is the best place to wrestle with God, and why we need room for honest lament to stay spiritually healthy. Andy's 2015 album Cherry Blossoms was widely acclaimed as one of the best singer-songwriter records of the year beautifully capturing the joys, sorrows, pain, and hope that comes with any authentic journey of Christian faith. Not only is he a songwriter, but he is also a pastor in Charlotte, North Carolina where he and his wife Amy and their six children reside. He has a new record in the works, scheduled to be released later this year. Paul and Andy's long form discussion is presented in its entirety, unedited, after a brief introduction. All music in today's episode comes from his 2015  Cherry Blossoms release. Enjoy! Thanks for subscribing, rating/reviewing, and leaving your feedback on the discussion! you can find out more about Andy and listen to his music on: Spotify Twitter

Along with our regular full-length episodes and series, I will also be producing this year some shorter episodes that we'll affectionately call Shower Thoughts. These shorter episodes will be an opportunity to have some fun wrestling with some of the more speculative ideas and hypotheses in the world of theology and meaning-making. Today's episode is all about Christianity & evolution. Living things are fundamentally driven to survive and procreate. They adapt features that best help to ensure they do just that. The ones that don't die out.  Traditionally, Darwinian theory suggests that evolution has no goal, but for some reason, as Jeff Goldbloom's character in Jurassic Park exclaims, "Life finds a way." But why? Does evolution have a point? And can the answer be found in the Christian story of Good News?

Does God sanction "holy war?" What disagreements have Christians had about war and violence over the past 2,000 years? Are common American attitudes towards war compatible with following Jesus?     In this episode we'll tackle these questions (and much more!) and explain the 3 most common perspectives Christians have had on the subject of war & violence.   

In part 4 of our series surrounding issues relating to Christian theology and science, we'll explore why there is no such thing as "theology-less" science. Despite the claims of many naturalists to the "objectivity" of science, we'll discuss why there is no "neutral" position when it comes the subject of God and science. We'll also explore the theological influences on Charles Darwin and try to understand why Darwinian language isn't theologically neutral. Finally, we'll consider why humility, honest inquiry, and open dialogue among differing perspectives should be welcomed by people who are seriously committed to the meaning-making process.

In part 3 of our series exploring issues relating to science and the Christian faith, we analyze Genesis 2-3 and explore common misunderstandings of this creation story and tackle some questions that have perplexed many Christians such as: Is the one called "Adam" in this story the first and only human being on the planet?  Was everything on earth perfect, free of evil, with no animals even eating other animals until Adam & Eve messed it up? How would the ancient Israelites, to whom this story is written, have understood Adam and Eve, the garden, cosmic trees and talking snakes?

In the second part of our series exploring issues relating to theology and science, we dive deep into chapter one of the book of Genesis. Some have searched Genesis 1 to find answers to questions about the age of the earth or have looked to this story for scientific descriptions of the origins of creation, while others feeling faced with what they presume to be an either/or choice between science and Genesis 1 have simply discarded the Biblical text as irrelevant. But what if we're asking all the wrong questions of the story? What if God's inspired intentions for the story reveals something far more profound?

Evangelical Christians in the U.S. have had a contentious relationship with science in recent history. But is the "war between faith and science" really necessary? Is there really even a war? In this series, we'll explore questions like: -Can I reconcile modern geology and biology with the book of Genesis? -What does it mean to read the Bible "literally" and have I really been reading the Bible the right way? -Is there a global bias among scientists against Christianity? -Is there such a thing as "theology-less" science? -Do I really have to choose between Darwin or Jesus? In this first episode, Paul will share a bit of his own journey growing up as a Young Earth creationist and explore why learning how to take Biblical inspiration seriously might radically change the way you answer these questions.

What's theologically missing from Jordan Peterson's message? Perhaps a voice from the past can help. In this final episode of a 3 part series exploring the theology of Jordan Peterson, we'll explore some of the similarities and differences between Jordan Peterson and the 19th Century Christian existentialist philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard.

In this second episode of our three-part series on the theology of Jordan Peterson, we'll explore what I perceive to be some of the theological weaknesses of Peterson's message.

The provocative author and lecturer, Dr. Jordan Peterson, has become quite the cultural phenomenon in the United States with millions of youtube hits over thousands of different channels, selling out sizeable venues, and appearing on many news programs and podcasts. In this episode, we'll explore the theology presented by Jordan Peterson and analyze where there is alignment within the broad spectrum of Christian theology, as well as provide nuanced critiques of possible weaknesses. First in a two-part series.