Theology in the Raw

Zach Wagner is a writer, researcher, ordained minister, and is currently pursuing a DPhil (PhD) in New Testament studies at the University of Oxford. He also serves as the editorial director of the Center for Pastor Theologians, where he co-hosts the CPT Podcast. His first book, Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality, was published in 2023 with Intervarsity Press and is the topic of our conversation. In this episode, we talk about the pros and (mostly) cons of purity culture, explicit and implicit messaging from that movement, the damage its done, and what healthy male sexuality looks like. If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon Monthly Q&A Welcome to a sneak peek of the Bonus Q&A episode, part of the Theology in the Raw premium subscription. In the full episode, we discuss: 0:50 Thoughts on boycotting Target (and/or Budweiser)? Or more precisely, thoughts on doing so publicly/encouraging others to? Is it unloving to LGBT community? 8:01 I work in marketing. How would you respond if your company asked you to run a pride campaign? 13:37 I heard Paul was so sure that Jesus was going to come back in his lifetime, that most of his mandates for churches were supposed to be short term. Thoughts? 17:03 Thoughts on the 'Divine Counsel'? Do you think there are many created beings besides angels and earthly creatures? Are there any implications for evil etc? 23:13 Any thoughts on how to incorporate / improve theological education in the church? Or do we just outsource that to seminaries? 29:13 Do you think the OT gods are actual demons? I thought they were just inanimate objects but recently heard they were fallen angels / beings. 31:11 What’s Jude 1:9 about? The Devil and Angel Michael arguing about Moses’ body? Is this an extra-biblical account? 34:38 What do you think of Campbell's reasoning around divorce? (Not God's ideal, but permissible) Could you apply the same reasoning to abortion? Apples and oranges? 37:55 There seems to be a belief that not affirming transgendered people increases the chance of suicide. Are you aware of research to back this up? How to respond? 48:19 My dechurched sister doesn’t take issue with NT about Jesus/God but takes issue with epistles’ moral commands (LGBTQ, sex roles, etc) Thoughts/advice/resources? 51:46 What parts of Eastern Orthodoxy do you really wish we did in evangelical churches? 54:25 Any encouragement for a couple who can't decide if they want kids? 57:06 Do you think the Bible's seeming endorsement of levirate marriage and calling polygamy marriage informs our conversations about LGBT marriage today? 59:53 How do you handle people, if any, that would call you transphobic because you don’t affirm or agree with them? 1:03:17 Is "speaking in tongues" and being "filled with the Holy Spirit" synonymous? If not, is the teaching of that damaging + how should we respond to those churches 1:05:11 Protestants seem to divide a lot. How do you determine which doctrinal issues are worth dividing over? 1:09:25 (Rapid Fire Questions…) If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julia is a transgender woman from Toronto, Ontario, who's determined to bridge the divide that’s forming on transgender matters. In this conversation, we discuss many things related to the transgender conversation including gender dysphoria, transitioning, Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria among teens, navigating the pronoun debate, dead naming, biological sex and gender identity/expression, autogynephilia, biological males in female sports, and other related topics. You can follow Julia on Twitter (@AlottaMalotta) and through her website: https://alottamalotta.com Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dallas Jenkins is an American film and television director, writer and film producer. He is best known as the creator, director and co-writer of The Chosen, the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus. In this conversation, we talk about his heart and philosophy behind The Chosen, including the role that creativity plays in opening up the biblical account Christ. We also discuss the recent controversy over Christians being upset that a gay cameraman had a 3 inch pride flag on his own equipment on set. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Holly Catterton Allen retired in 2022 from her position as Professor of Christian Ministries and Family Science at Lipscomb University in Nashville. Her most recent books include Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community, and Worship, 2nd edition (InterVarsity Academic, 2023) and Forming Resilient Children: The Role of Spiritual Formation for Healthy Development (InterVarsity Academic, 2021). In this conversation, we talk extensively about the need for intergenerational ministries in our churches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brad Vaughn is a theologian in residence with Global Training Network and marketing manager for William Carey Publishing. He lived and worked in East Asia for almost two decades, teaching theology and missiology for Chinese pastors. He serves on the Asian/Asian-American Theology steering committee of the Evangelical Theological Society and is the author of Saving God's Face, One Gospel for All Nations, Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes, Seeking God's Face, and The Cross in Context. You can find his articles and resources at savinggodsface.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Naghmeh has one of the most incredible stories I’ve ever heard. Raised in a Muslim family, converted to Christ through her brother’s dream at age 9, helped start a massive house church movement in Iran where she faced tremendous persecution, which eventually landed her husband in prison. She then found herself on a national stage fighting to get her husband out of prison—talking to major news outlets (CNN, Fox, etc.) and to presidents Obama and Trump. She then had to face some hard truths about her abusive husband, and when she spoke out against abuse, she faced a backlash from some high-profile American church leaders. Naghmeh currently lives in Boise, ID and speaks out against the abuse of women in the church and continues to serve the house church movement in Iran. Even though that culture devalues women, the church in Iran is growing rapidly through the leadership of women, of which Naghmeh is a part. Naghmeh has written about her story in a forthoming book: I Didn't Survive: Emerging Whole After Deception, Persecution, and Hidden Abuse. You can learn more about Naghmeh from her website: https://www.tahriralnisa.org/about/naghmeh-panahi/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Craig Greenfield is the founder of Alongsiders International, a grassroots youth discipleship movement that has now spread to more than 30 countries. He is the author of Subversive Jesus, and his latest book is titled Subversive Mission: Serving as Outsiders in a World of Need. Craig has served alongside the poor in Cambodia for 2 decades and has learned a ton about effective (an ineffective) cross-cultural ministry. In this podcast conversation, we talk about the shift approaches to orphan care, meaningful cross culuteral ministry, whether the terms missionary/missions are helpful, and the pros and cons of short term mission trips. Learn more about Craig from his website: https://www.craiggreenfield.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiffany Bluhm is the author of Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up and the co-host of the popular podcast, Why Tho. She speaks and writes at the intersection of women’s issues and faith with her work featured in Publisher’s Weekly, Sojourners, Red Letter Christians, the YouVersion Bible app, Jenny McCarthy Show, and more. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and two sons. In this podcast conversation, we talk about the content of her book Prey Tell, which addresses the abuse of power in the church. What constitutes an abuse of power? Why do more people not speak up? How can you spot a leader exhibiting narcissistic tendencies? What kind of ecclesiological structures help enable the abuse of power? And what can we do to help lessen cases where people abuse their power? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Nilay Saiya is associate professor of public policy and global affairs at Nanyang Technological University. He holds research interests in religion and global politics, international security, and American foreign policy. He is author of two books: Weapon of Peace: How Religious Liberty Combats Terrorism (Cambridge University Press, 2018) and The Global Politics of Jesus: A Christian Case for Church-State Separation (Oxford University Press, 2022), the later of which forms the discussion of our podcast conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

0:00 Introduction 1:22 What was your perspective on the divorce conversation with Constantine? Did anything he said push you to re-evaluate your current stance? 8:28 With a non-violent stance (which I share), how do you see church security? To me, it seems to be suspicious of others and prioritizes the lives of believers. 14:41 Is it possible that Adam was not sexed before Eve was created? Thinking through how Adam renamed himself and wasn't "man" until woman was created. 20:18 How involved are supernatural forces in our daily lives? The ancient world recognized much more than we do. Is this important for believers today? 28:30 With all your research into the NT church, do you see any benefits to keeping church sizes intentionally smaller and more localized? 43:57 Given that circumcision was given as a sign of the covenant in Genesis 17, what does this say about women? Did God not make a OT covenant with them? 48:46 Age of accountability. Is this really a thing?? 53:59 Have you maintained a relationship with the Revoice people and what direction do you think it and the Side B movement is going? 1:00:53 Is it sinful for Christians to save money for retirement or other personal financial goals) in light of Scripture’s commands to be generous/care for the poor? 1:07:26 I recently asked ChatGPT to make a biblical case for universalism and for eternal torment. Both were compelling. How might AI impact the future of theology? 1:11:55 Thoughts on churches like North Point hosting an LGBTQ conference with primarily affirming speakers, and Saddleback partnering with “The Reformation Project”? 1:17:58 Dino episode: Was God's creation imperfect if death existed before the fall of man? Did God create death? What about Romans 8 talking about creation groaning? 1:26:38 What do you think of rewards in Heaven? To me, it seems to imply inequality in Heaven. And Matt 20:1-16 could be seen as pushing back on it. If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com My Facebook public page: https://www.facebook.com/Preston-Spri... My Facebook private page: https://www.facebook.com/preston.spri... Twitter: @PrestonSprinkle Instagram: preston.sprinkle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Carmen Imes earned her Ph.D. in Old Testament from Wheaton College and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She's the author of two books: Bearing God's Name and Being God's Image--both published by IVP. Imes has appeared on more than 50 podcasts and radio shows and launched her own YouTube channel where she releases weekly "Torah Tuesday" videos. She is a guest blogger for Christianity Today, The Political Theology Network, and The Well (InterVarsity's blog for women in the academy and professions). Imes is also a frequent speaker at churches, conferences, and retreats. Before earning her Ph.D. from Wheaton College, Carmen and her husband served as missionaries in the Philippines with SIM International, reaching out to ethnic minorities. Imes loves introducing students to the rich insights of the global church. In this podcast conversation, Dr. Imes talks about what it means to be--not bear--God's image and why it matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

George was born and raised by the shadow of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, and moved to the United States after highschool. He recieved his Ph.D. from Northwestern University and currently serves as a professor of Theology at Wheaton College. George is the author of several books and peer reviewed articles, including the book that forms the basis of our conversation: Caesar and the Lamb: Early Christian Attitudes on War and Military Service. https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/faculty/george-kalantzis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rebekah Lyons is an author, speaker, mother of four, co-host of the Rythmns of Life podcast and co-founder of THINQ, both with her husband Gabe Lyons. Rebekah has written several books about mental health and the Christian faith that flow from her own raw journey. Her most recently book is Building a Resiliant Life: How Adversity Awakens Strengh, Hope, and Meaning. In this podcast conversation, Rebekah shares her life journey, which include various seasons where she has battled depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and has also experience God's victory in these areas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Addison Bevere is the COO of Messenger International, a ministry founded by John and Lisa Bevere in 1990 that exists to develop uncompromising followers of Christ who transform our world. Addison is also the author of the recently released Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection, which forms the basis for our discussion on this podcast. What I love about Addison is that he's super honest, real, wise, and super intune with God. That's a rare combination! This episode is all about prayer, connecting with God, how to pray for miracles, and how respond to God when it seems like he's terribly absent and nonresponsive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Gorman has held the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology since 2012. He has taught at St. Mary’s since 1991, first in St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute and then, beginning in 1993, in both the Ecumenical Institute and the Seminary (School of Theology). He's a New Testament scholar who specializes in the theology and spirituality of the apostle Paul, the Gospel of John, the book of Revelation, and the theological and missional interpretation of Scripture. He is the author of nearly twenty books and numerous articles, including the one we discuss in this podcast (one of my favorites on Revelation): Reading Revelation Responsibly: Uncivil Worship and Witness: Following the Lamb into the New Creation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Constantine Campbell is Professor and Associate Research Director at the Sydney College of Divinity, and previously served as Professor of New Testament studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago and Moore Theological College in Sydney. His doctorate is in ancient Greek language and linguistics (Macquarie University, 2007). Dr. Campbell is the author of 16 books, included the recently released Jesus v. Evangelicals: A Biblical Critique of a Wayward Movement. In this conversation, we look at the question of divorce; specifically, what are the biblical allowances (if any) for divorce. Constantine takes a more generous view, which argues that the text of Scripture allows for more than just two reasons (adultry and abandonment) for divorce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Mallon is the head of Palaeobiology and Research Scientist at Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Canada. He specializes in dinosaur ecology and systematics. He recieved his Ph.D. from University of Calgary and was a post-doctoral fellow at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Ontario. In this conversation, we talk about the history of research on dinasaurs, what we used to know, what we know now, how our previous assumptions and knowledge has changed, how we go about daiting dinasaur fossils, how dinasaurs (which went extinct around 66 million years ago) relates to the age of the earth, and what do we do with "death" (among dinasaurs) happening long before the sin of Adam. https://nature.ca/en/our-science/science-experts/jordan-mallon/ Twitter Handle @Jordan_Mallon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ryan is a Canadian Police Officer trained in advanced alcohol and drug impairment recognition which includes being a certified Drug Recognition Expert. He is passionate about following God and working about how to apply God's wisdom and rules for life to the poverty, addiction, and justice issues he encounters daily. Ryan believes that a person can ingest/inhale THC and not necessarily be impaired and therefore marijuana can be used recreatonally by Christians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

00:00 Introduction 1:31 Your thoughts on Rosaria Butterfield's recent post: https://www.reformation21.org/blog/why-i-no-longer-use-transgender-pronouns-and-why-you-shouldnt-either 16:35 Thoughts on Dr. James Dobson, and Focus on the Family? Specifically around LGBTQ issues or in general. 19:32 What was your biggest takeaway from your interview with Sheila and Rebecca? 32:58 What are your thoughts on there being no Male pronouns for elder qualifications in the Greek in 1Tim3 and Titus 1? Is that accurate to say? 38:34 Is church membership Biblical? Does NT stress membership or fellowship? How can we deny church membership to people who are in Christ? Affirming gay Christian 48:08 17YO is affirming LGBTQ. Should we encourage her to attend affirming church when she is older? She struggles with the conservative church, can't see attending one 55:40 You are privy to a lot of info that you can't make public. Generally speaking, if we knew what you knew, how would this change how we would see things? 1:03:23 Would Paul’s own singleness disqualify him from his own (alleged by some) criteria of eldership based on a “plain text” interpretation of 1 Tim 3:2/Tit 1:6? 1:07:09 Your thoughts on why scripture speaks so much of the adulterous woman - it is always the woman's fault. We never read "Beware of the adulterous man" 1:12:20 You’ve mentioned the idea that someone can live without sex, but not intimacy. Do we focus too much on the family? Good resources on the theology of friendship? 1:14:20 Is God gendered? We always call him Father, but how much of that is our Western lens? Also, is the Holy Spirit gendered? 1:21:38 Some argue that Adam naming Eve implies authority over her. If that is true, what do we do with Hagar giving a name to God? If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com My Facebook public page: https://www.facebook.com/Preston-Spri... My Facebook private page: https://www.facebook.com/preston.spri... Twitter: @PrestonSprinkle Instagram: preston.sprinkle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Drew is the co-author (with his Dad, Brad) of the book Space at the Table: Conversations Between an Evangelical Theologian and His Gay Son. Drew has been on a wild journey--a journey far from other. Raised as an evangelical Christian, came out as gay around 13, left the faith at 17, lived in New York, Egypt, Los Angeles, and Portland for a number of years. Fell into a severe drug addiction, lived homeless for a while, but has now been in recovery for a couple years and is now on a spiritual journey that has led him to idenitfying as a Christian again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shaunti received her graduate degree from Harvard University and was an analyst on Wall Street before unexpectedly becoming a social researcher, best-selling author and popular speaker. Today, she applies her analytical skills to investigating eye-opening, life-changing truths about relationships, both at home and in the workplace. Shaunti has written several books (including several with husband, Jeff), including For Women Only, The Kindness Challenge, Thriving in Love & Money, and the recently released Secrets of Sex & Marriage: 8 Surprises That Make All the Difference, which she coauthored with dr. Michael Sytsma. In our conversation, we talk about sexual abuse in the church and how to respond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Vincent Lloyd is Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies and the Director for the Center for Political Theology at Villanova University. Dr. Lloyd has a B.A. from Princeton University and an M.A. and Ph.D. from UC Berkley. He’s the author of many scholarly books including Black Natural Law (Oxford University Press, 2016), Religion of the Field Negro (Fordham University Press, 2017), Break Every Yoke (Oxford University Press, 2019), and the recently released Black Dignity: The Struggle Against Domination (Yale University Press, 2022). Dr. Lloyd also wrote a provocative article for Compact Magazine titled: “A Black Professor Trapped in Anti-Racist Hell” (https://compactmag.com/article/a-black-professor-trapped-in-anti-racist-hell). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tara-Leigh is a speaker, writer, and podcaster, whose “Bible Recap” podcast is one the most downloaded Christian podcasts in the world. Tara-Leigh is passionate about studying, teaching, and helping others understand the Bible, especially how to reveal God’s character to us. She is also passionate about the land of Israel and leads bi-annual trips there every year. Find out more about Tara-Leigh at www.taraleighcobble.com If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Gupta teaches New Testament courses at Northern and works closely with the Master of Arts in New Testament and the Doctor in Ministry in New Testament Context cohorts. Dr. Gupta has been teaching for more than a decade, is the author of the recent important study, Paul and the Language of Faith and the forthcoming Tell Her Story, which addresses women’s roles in the church from an egalitarian perspective, which forms the topic of our conversation. Nijay currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Bulletin for Biblical Research, Co-Editor of The Bible in God’s World series with Scot McKnight, and as a member of the Editorial Board of both Ex Auditu and of the Biblical Interpretation Series. He is a graduate of Miami of Ohio University, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and the University of Durham. Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sheila Wray Gregoire is the founder of Bare Marriage (baremarriage.com) and the author/co-author of several books, including the great breaking The Great Sex Rescue, which she co-authored with her daughter, Rebecca Lindenbach, my other guest. Rebecca also works for Bare Marriage and is the co-host of the bare marriage podcast. Rebecca and Sheila are coming out with their latest book She Deserves Better: Raising Girls to Resist Toxic Teachings on Sex, Self, and Speaking Up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chris is the VP of Operations for The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender and the COO of Theology in the Raw. She's also the mother of our four kids and my wonderful wife. Chris and I talk about the joyful challenges of parenting and ministry, and we also debrief about our recent Exiles in Babylon conference. If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is a live TITR podcast that Patrick and I recorded at this year's "Exiles in Babylon" conference. Patrick Miller is a pastor at The Crossing Church in Columbia, MO. He's also the co-host of the Truth over Tribe podcast and the co-author (with Keith Simon) of the book Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb: Not the Donkey or the Elephant. In this live podcast conversation, Patrick and I talk about the problem of evil, various highlights and challenges from the conference, and what it means to live as an exile in Babylon. If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw 00:00 Introduction 3:00 What areas do you think Christian thinkers need to put more attention in the next five years? What would you like to see books and dissertations written on? 14:00 If God chose both Adam and Eve to rule the Garden. Why then would he say only men to rule the church? 20:30 What do “treasures in heaven” look like? It seems materialistic to do something motivated by treasures in earth or in heaven, but we’re told that’s our reward. 29:46 Why do so many Christians view decision-making in terms of “open doors” as a signal of God’s will or “feeling a peace about it”? Isn’t this a misapplication? 38:38 Thoughts on doctor assisted suicide for conscious, aware, terminally ill and suffering people whose lives are prolonged by medicine? 40:55 What is the optimal way to incorporate children (K-6th) into church services. Why Is this less a priority in many evangelical spaces? My kids don’t feel welcome. 50:17 If you’ve seen The Chosen, what are your thoughts on it? And what are your thoughts on some of the criticism that has been leveled against it? 56:03 Is there any info/data to refute the claim that a non-affirming theological position leads to suicidality/self-harm? 108:11 You said ESV wasn't biased to Gender Roles. 13 translators, 11 of them with a direct link to Grudem/on board of CBMW, complementarian, and 0 women- Thoughts? 122:00 Why does God seem so clear about some things in scripture (e.g. generosity, unity) but so unclear about other things (like women's roles in ministry and hell)? 1:26:47 What does scripture actually say about Communion? The texts in Luke 22:19 & 1 Cor 11:24 seem to simply say: whenever you have any meal at all, remember my death 1:31:13 When do you think a woman can preach/teach? If she’s the most qualified or available person in a certain situation, should she preach until a man is available? 1:34:22 Do you believe good and/or evil things can happen "randomly" in the world? Or can everything be traced back to the free will of humans and/or spiritual beings? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's episode is a very raw conversation about Sex and Theology with Josh Ryan Butler, Dr. Sandy Richter, and Brenna Blain. Josh Ryan Butler is pastor of Redemption Tempe in Arizona, the author of Beautiful Union (and a few other books). Dr. Sandy Richter is currently the The Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont college and the author of many books including one of my favorite books on the Old Testament, The Epic of Eden. Sandy has an MDiv from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and a PhD from Harvard University. When looking at Brenna Blain you might not guess that she works in ministry, with a body adorned in tattoos and piercings she doesnt fit the evangelical look many have grown up with, but that's just Brenna. Her ministry focus is on providing resources for churches, ministries and individuals who are seeking to find God in the midst of difficult topics and hard conversations. Whether she's teaching at conferences, producing podcasts or writing, you will find Brenna inviting you to pursue Biblical truth with compassion and conviction. Brenna obtained her BA in Theology and Biblical Studies from Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon and has lived in the PNW her entire life. Her greatest joys are her two sons and her husband Austin. While she speaks on many topics, Brenna is especially passionate about God’s involvement in our pain and personal struggles including mental illness, same sex attraction and abuse. In this podcast conversation, Brenna shares her story about her journey with abuse, mental health challenges, questions around her sexuality, and how her hope in Christ has remained constant in the midst of many challenges. If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Munatsi is the Executive Director for the Dash Network--a Christian organiziation that exists to glorify God by providing care to one of the most vulnerable populations in our community; people seeking asylum. In this fascinating and informative convesation, Munatsi helps us understand the great needs that exist in caring for Asylum seekers, as they wait in no-man's-land for their applation for Asylum to recieve approval. Learn more about Dash at www.dashnetwork.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Glahn is a professor of Media Arts and Worship at Dallas Theological Seminary and holds a Th.M. from DTS and a Ph.D. from University of Texas at Dallas. She's the author of many books, both fiction and non, including the forthcomiong book Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament (IVP, Fall 2023), which forms of topic of our rather scintilating and in-depth conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Art is the Director of Community Care for Revoice--an organization whose mission is to support and encourage gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other same-sex attracted Christians—as well as those who love them—so that all in the Church might be empowered to live in gospel unity while observing the historic Christian doctrine of marriage and sexuality. Art realized he was gay at around age 12 and became a Christian in his late teens. He's served as a youth pastor and currently works for Revoice. Our converation reflects upon his journey, which includes seeking to find intimacy and community as a gay man and committed Christ follower pursuing celibacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill is the founder and President of BiblicalTraining.org, serves on the Committee for Bible Translation (which is responsible for the NIV translation of the Bible), and has written the best-selling biblical Greek textbook, Basics of Biblical Greek, and many other Greek resources. He was the New Testament chair for the English Standard Version, and speaks and blogs regularly on issues relating to trusting the Bible, the Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus), Greek, and issues of spiritual growth. Bill was also a preaching pastor, a professor of New Testament and director of the Greek Language Program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a professor at Azusa Pacific University. Bill is the author of a rather prestigious commentary on the Pastoral Epistles in the Word Biblical Commentary series, and he spent 14 years researching and writing the commentary. He's also a complimentarian, a position he arrived at partly through studying this passage, so I wanted to have him walk us through how a complimentarian scholar interprets this passage. biblicaltraining.org billmounce.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joel and I discuss the topic of his Ph.D. dissertation, which examines the multiethnic nature of "household" imagery, especially Ephesians 2:19-22. We look at the Genesis 10-11 and Deuteronomy 32 background to this passage, along with how Acts 2 relates to Babel. We then talk about contemporary challenges to continuing building God's multiethnic temple in American society. Joel serves as the Director of Theology and Research for Proverbs 31 Ministries and Lysa TerKeurst, and is a part of the preaching team at Transformation Church with Pastor Derwin Gray. Joel earned a PhD in Theology under Drs. Patrick Schreiner (NT) and Michael Heiser (OT) with an emphasis on Paul's household language in Ephesians as it relates to the Old Testament. He loves studying and teaching the brilliant truths found in Scripture and unpacking how they relate to our everyday lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matthew Halsted (PhD, London School of Theology) teaches at Eternity Bible College. He is the author of Paul and the Meaning of Scripture (Pickwick) and The End of the World as You Know It (Lexham Press, forthcoming). In this paranormal podcast conversation, Matt and I talk about all the juicy stuff listed in the title. We begin with Matt's own paranormal experience with an angelic encounter when he was 14, and then we talk about UFO's, whether or not they have an extra-terrestial origin (or just Chinese baloons or whatnot), or if there's another way to interpret these phenomena (he suggests that there is). Put on your tinfoil hats, folks! This conversation is raw and real. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kelly M. Kapic (PhD, King's College, University of London) is a professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, where he has taught for twenty years. He is an award-winning author or editor of more than fifteen books, including You’re Only Human and Embodied Hope, which each won a Christianity Today Book Award. Kapic, a popular speaker, has been featured in Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition, has worked on research teams funded by the John Templeton Foundation, and contributes to the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care and various other journals. In this converation, Kelly and I talk about his latest book, You're Only Human, and what it means to celebrate our creaturly limitations as a source of joy and hope. We cover areas related to performance driven Christiantiy, Sabbath, transhumanism, and how the never ending quest to do more, produce more, achieve more, and fulfill all the duties that we're told we need to fulfill is hindering our flourshing as humans and cuts against the grain of how God wants us to live. If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elijah Drake is a third year student at Asbury Theological Seminary and has been part of the Asbury revival from day one. He's prayed over many people, been prayed over by others, experienced repentance and reconciliation, and has witnessed the overwhelming presence of God at Asbury. But the revival hasn't been without its challenges. As a celibate gay Christian, Elijah has experienced ruthless attacks from people who don't think Jesus has a place for gay people in the kingdom--let alone a revival. If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Patrick and I discuss the question in the title. Reporting on scandals and abuse and the misuse of power is absolutely necessary. Sin needs to be exposed. Corrupt leaders need to be taken down. But is there a way of reporting on these issues that could produce unforeseen and unintentional damage for the church? Should we feed an audience hungry for failure porn with…failure porn, even if the said porn is accurate? Lots of nitty gritty questions here, and Patrick and I discuss them all with, what I hope is, honesty and humility. Patrick Miller is a pastor and cultural commentator who writes about politics, culture, and technology, contributing articles to Christianity Today, Newsweek, The Gospel Coalition, and other publications. His podcast, Truth Over Tribe is one of Apple's top news commentary podcasts, featuring interviews with leading Christian thinkers, writers, and scholars. He's the co-author of Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant. Patrick received a Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary, and pastors a politically diverse church, The Crossing. He and his wife, Emily, have two children. You can connect with him on Twitter: @patrickkmiller_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to a sneak peek of the first Bonus Q&A episode, part of the Theology in the Raw premium subscription. Join now here: http://patreon.com/theologyintheraw 00:00 Introduction 1:20 Jackie Hill recently denounced the Enneagram as demonic in origin. Why do you think the broader Christian community has so casually embraced the Enneagram? 12:49 What does your personal quiet time/Bible study look like? How long, what plan, what time of day, your approach, how often, etc.? 19:06 Does 1 Corinthians 1 talking about divisions among the people apply to the concept of denominations? Is it biblical to have these splits within the church? 22:02 Do you have a theology on the dinosaurs creation and extinction? It's enough to make me doubt at times. Is there anything like that that makes you doubt? 27:32 If the new earth is a “return to Eden,” is a “second fall” possible? If not, what about free will? Can free will exist without sin? 32:58 Is the ESV is unfairly biased towards Women in Leadership? Beth Allison Bar’s book presented a case that the ESV is just RSV that doubles on gender language. 45:02 Does the Bible claim to be divinely inspired? Did Jesus say that? Why do Christians often equivocate “God’s Word” (in the biblical text) with the Bible itself? 48:05 How would you define “witchcraft”? It seems like it’s applied to things people just don’t like. What is and is not witchcraft (as mentioned in the Bible)? 50:56 I loved your recent podcast with Ernesto Duke. So where do you land ... Should Christians save for retirement? Is retirement even biblical? 58:46 Does 1 Cor 5 seems to encourage you not to eat with Brothers in Christ who live in sin. How do you Apply this to affirming Christians who are in a Gay marriage? 1:02:37 Recommended ways/books to talk with children about sex/sexuality to get in front of things they will be exposed to in their life? 1:04:34 What’s your take on the Andy Stanley kerfuffle? 108:53 How does a church that is non-affirming accept and love gay Christians even if they are actively involved in a same-sex relationship? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and I talk about a Christian theology of Creation Care, the nature of the new creation, how to interpret 2 Pet 3, where it seems like God is going to destroy the earth. We then spend the bulk of our time looking at various environmental issues related to climate change, biodiversity, sustainable living, and how Christians can live reasonable and just lives that honor our task to care for creation. Ben is originally from Singapore and currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director at A Rocha International, a network of faith-based conservation organizations working in over twenty countries on five continents. His undergraduate training is in environmental biology from Wheaton College (IL) and he earned his PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology from the University of Florida (USA). Ben is also an ordained Christian minister and has nearly two decades of experience engaging faith communities around social and environmental concerns, including being featured in media outlets ranging from Audubon Magazine and Christianity Today to The New York Times and The Wall Street Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matthew W. Bates (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame) argues that the Greek word pistis often translated as “faith” is better understood as “allegiance.” Therefore, we are justified by allegiance to Christ alone, not simply by an intellectual assent to the facts about Jesus. This, of course, raises deep theological questions about the role of human action in justification and salvation and whether the Reformers understood things correctly when they talked about justification by faith alone. Matthew is a Professor of Theology at Quincy University. His main teaching area is the Bible and early Christian literature. He also teaches courses in Western Religion, Church History, and Christian Spirituality. Dr. Bates is an award-winning author. His popular and influential books include Gospel Allegiance (Brazos, 2019), Salvation by Allegiance Alone (Baker Academic, 2017), and The Birth of the Trinity (Oxford University Press, 2015). Current book projects on salvation and christology are underway. Dr. Bates also co-hosts OnScript, a Bible and theology podcast. He enjoys family life, hiking, baseball, and good conversation. More info on Dr. Bates, his publications, and his availability for speaking can be found at MatthewWBates.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Ryan Tafilowski is an expert in the rise of the Nazi party in Germany 100 years ago and the German church’s response to the movement. It’s here where the concept of Christian nationalism became a divisive issue in the church. Ryan and I talk about the similarities and dissimilarities between German Christian Nationalism and modern American Chrisitan Nationalism. Ryan holds a PhD in systematic theology, a master’s in theology in history from the University of Edinburgh, and a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Colorado Christian University. Tafilowski has served as an adjunct professor in the Division of Christian Thought at Denver Seminary, adjunct professor of theology at Colorado Christian University, and postgraduate instructor in theology and ecclesiastical history at the University of Edinburgh. He serves as the lead pastor at Foothills Fellowship Church in Denver and as Theologian-in-Residence at the Denver Institute for Faith and Work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Sandy Richter is currently the The Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont college and the author of many books including one of my favorite books on the Old Testament, The Epic of Eden. Sandy has an MDiv from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and a PhD from Harvard University. This podcast episode is a recording of Sandy’s scintillating talk and conversation at least year’s “Exiles in Babylon” conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stanley Hauerwas is Gilbert T. Rowe Professor Emeritus of Divinity and Law at Duke Divinity School. He has a B.A. from Southwestern University, a B.D., M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. from Yale University and a D.D. from University of Edinburgh. Time magazine named him "America's Best Theologian” in 2001, to which he responded: "'Best' is not a theological category." He’s the author of dozens of books including Resident Aliens, which forms the basis of our conversation. If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ernesto was a former student of mine when I was a prof at Eternity Bible College. He’s since gone on to get a masters degree in theology from Western Seminary and been hired back on as faculty and staff at Eternity. He currently serves as co-president of the school. In this episode, we talk about what it means to be “co” president, community leadership at a Chrisitan school, the uniqueness of Eternity Bible College, debt free education, and revisiting the structures of Christian education as a whole. One thing we didn’t touch on is Eternity’s partnership with Theology in the Raw in facilitating “Conversations in the Raw”: an online based collective of Christians engaging in raw theological discipleship. Find out more about “Conversations in the Raw” at theologyintheraw.com. To learn more about Eternity Bible College’s online offerings, visit eternity.edu If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sam Allberry is a pastor, apologist, author, and speaker. He is the author of a number of books, including Is God Anti-Gay?; What God Has to Say About Our Bodies; Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With?; and 7 Myths about Singleness. In this episode, Sam and I reflect on the last 10 years of our engagement with the church and the LGBTQ conversation. Much has changed; some things haven’t. The church has been on a journey and so have we. Sam and I talk about areas where we have changed and where we think the conversation is heading. If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Todd is a professor of theology and the director of the master of theology program at Western Seminary in Portland, OR. He has an MDiv from Western Seminary and PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Todd is the author of several books including his recent book Cannabis and the Christian: What the Bible Says about Marijuana, which forms the topic of our conversation If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When looking at Brenna Blain you might not guess that she works in ministry, with a body adorned in tattoos and piercings she doesnt fit the evangelical look many have grown up with, but that's just Brenna. Her ministry focus is on providing resources for churches, ministries and individuals who are seeking to find God in the midst of difficult topics and hard conversations. Whether she's teaching at conferences, producing podcasts or writing, you will find Brenna inviting you to pursue Biblical truth with compassion and conviction. Brenna obtained her BA in Theology and Biblical Studies from Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon and has lived in the PNW her entire life. Her greatest joys are her two sons and her husband Austin. While she speaks on many topics, Brenna is especially passionate about God’s involvement in our pain and personal struggles including mental illness, same sex attraction and abuse. In this podcast conversation, Brenna shares her story about her journey with abuse, mental health challenges, questions around her sexuality, and how her hope in Christ has remained constant in the midst of many challenges. If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michelle has a BA from Harvard, 3 master’s degrees, and a Ph.D. from Notre Dame university. In other words, she’s smarter than you and I combined. Anyway, she’s also a lovely person who’s written a killer book called Neither Complementarian Nor Egalitarian, which addresses the pros and cons of where the current debates about men and women in the church lie. This book forms the topic of our conversation. We talk about Ephesians 5 and the meaning of Kephale (“head”), the meaning of leadership in the NT, and 1 Tim 2, among other things. Find out more about Michelle here: https://www.biola.edu/directory/people/michelle-leebarnewall If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.