Deep Talks: Exploring Theology and Meaning Making
Deep Talks: Exploring Theology and Meaning-Making is a podcast dedicated to exploring the integral relationship between theology and all of our efforts to find and make meaning in the world. Fostering nuanced, non-combative dialogue about theology and culture, science, the arts and entertainment, and philosophy within a broad, historic Christian perspective.
About the Host
Paul Anleitner is a theologian of culture, author, and pastor. He has degrees in history from the University of Michigan and a Master of Christian Thought from Bethel Seminary where he graduated with highest honors.
Connect with more of his work at :
https://linktr.ee/paulanleitner
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Please consider supporting.
Patrons receive bonus episodes, exclusive video content, discussion forums, live Zoom calls and more!
Episodes
Tuesday Jul 30, 2019
Tuesday Jul 30, 2019
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
Wednesday Jul 17, 2019
Ep 29: Christ & Culture (Pt. 3)- Battle of The Gods!
Wednesday Jul 17, 2019
Wednesday Jul 17, 2019
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/28442712To become a Patreon member and support this podcast go to:https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcastListen/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
Wednesday Jul 03, 2019
Ep 28: Christ & Culture (Pt. 2)- Synthesis, Paradox, or Metamorphosis?
Wednesday Jul 03, 2019
Wednesday Jul 03, 2019
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!
Tuesday Jun 25, 2019
Ep 27: Christ & Culture- From Jesus Freaks to Christian Nazis (Part 1)
Tuesday Jun 25, 2019
Tuesday Jun 25, 2019
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!
Tuesday Jun 18, 2019
Ep 26: The Afterlife- What Does It Really Say in the Bible?
Tuesday Jun 18, 2019
Tuesday Jun 18, 2019
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
Monday Jun 10, 2019
Ep 25: Prophetic Dreams- The Bible, Science, Consciousness
Monday Jun 10, 2019
Monday Jun 10, 2019
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
Monday Jun 03, 2019
Ep 24: Dr. Glenn Packiam conversation. Seeing the Sacred Everywhere
Monday Jun 03, 2019
Monday Jun 03, 2019
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
Tuesday May 28, 2019
Ep 23: The Eucharist is Everywhere- Paul's story on The Ferment Podcast
Tuesday May 28, 2019
Tuesday May 28, 2019
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
Monday May 20, 2019
Ep 22: Dr. Clay Routledge conversation- Science Behind Our Meaning Crisis
Monday May 20, 2019
Monday May 20, 2019
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
Monday May 13, 2019
Monday May 13, 2019
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=56ac105e4e1cd8c863099a1d55821f04Connect 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
Monday May 06, 2019
Ep 20: Greg Boyd Bonus Episode!
Monday May 06, 2019
Monday May 06, 2019
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
Sunday Apr 28, 2019
Ep 19: Greg Boyd Apologies & Explanations- Paul guest hosts!
Sunday Apr 28, 2019
Sunday Apr 28, 2019
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
Monday Apr 22, 2019
Ep 18: Paul Vander Klay Conversation / Jordan Peterson, Theological Dark Web
Monday Apr 22, 2019
Monday Apr 22, 2019
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
Wednesday Apr 10, 2019
Wednesday Apr 10, 2019
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 platformsYou can also subscribe to the YouTube channel and see exclusive video episodes at:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg?view_as=subscriber
Tuesday Apr 02, 2019
Tuesday Apr 02, 2019
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!
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
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=2For 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
Thursday Mar 14, 2019
Ep 14: Understanding Our Meaning Crisis (Pt 1)
Thursday Mar 14, 2019
Thursday Mar 14, 2019
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
Thursday Mar 07, 2019
Podcast Update!!! We've got new videos!
Thursday Mar 07, 2019
Thursday Mar 07, 2019
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!
Friday Feb 15, 2019
Ep 13: Deep Ideas in Film- Understanding Interstellar in a Secular Age
Friday Feb 15, 2019
Friday Feb 15, 2019
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=2sPlease consider becoming a supporter on Patreon today!https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
Monday Feb 04, 2019
Monday Feb 04, 2019
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=2or on Youtube at:
https://youtu.be/Uih-Z8_gwlM
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Ep 11: Deep Ideas in Film- Philosophy in the Dark Knight
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
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
Monday Jan 21, 2019
Monday Jan 21, 2019
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:SpotifyTwitter
Wednesday Jan 16, 2019
Ep 9: Shower Thoughts- What's The Point of Evolution?
Wednesday Jan 16, 2019
Wednesday Jan 16, 2019
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?
Monday Oct 29, 2018
Ep 8: God of War?
Monday Oct 29, 2018
Monday Oct 29, 2018
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.
Wednesday Aug 29, 2018
Ep 7: Darwin, The Bible, Theology & Science (Part 4- Darwin the Theologian?)
Wednesday Aug 29, 2018
Wednesday Aug 29, 2018
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.
Wednesday Aug 08, 2018
Ep 6: Darwin, The Bible, Science & Theology (Part 3- Genesis 2-3)
Wednesday Aug 08, 2018
Wednesday Aug 08, 2018
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?
Wednesday Jul 25, 2018
Ep 5: Darwin, The Bible, Science & Theology (Part 2- Genesis 1)
Wednesday Jul 25, 2018
Wednesday Jul 25, 2018
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?
Wednesday Jul 18, 2018
Ep 4: Darwin, The Bible, Science & Theology (Part I)
Wednesday Jul 18, 2018
Wednesday Jul 18, 2018
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.
Tuesday Jul 03, 2018
Ep3; The Theology of Jordan Peterson (Part 3)
Tuesday Jul 03, 2018
Tuesday Jul 03, 2018
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.
Monday Jun 25, 2018
Ep2: The Theology of Jordan Peterson (Part 2)
Monday Jun 25, 2018
Monday Jun 25, 2018
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.
Tuesday Jun 19, 2018
Ep1: The Theology of Jordan Peterson (Part 1)
Tuesday Jun 19, 2018
Tuesday Jun 19, 2018
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.