Shows
Everyday TheologyS6 EP: 4 Leaving the Church to Find Jesus with Tommy PhillipsIn their new book, Tommy and Scot McKnight discuss how Jesus is disappearing in the evangelical church, and how this is leading to deconstruction. Aaron and Tommy sit down and talk about what Tommy and Scot found in their new book, Invisible Jesus: A Book about Leaving the Church and Looking for Christ.
2024-10-311h 02Everyday TheologyS6 EP:3 What Church History Tells Us About the Modern Church with Dr. Leah PayneIn order to understand the state of the church today, we need to look at the church of the past. Dr. Leah Payne joined Aaron on this podcast to discuss what we can learn about church history spanning various topics such as efficiency models, women in ministry, and everything in between.
2024-10-1755 minEveryday TheologyS6 EP:2 Where is the American Church Headed with Joseph LearThere are a lot of things to be said about the state of the church in America, but what can be said by those who are both pastors and theologians? In this podcast, Aaron chats with Joseph Lear, a pastor and professor, about the church in America today, and where it is headed.
2024-10-0155 minEveryday TheologyS5 EP:18 How to Engage in Hard Conversations with Ashlee EilandConversations on race, religion, politics, or anything that promises to be controversial has the ability to cause contentious conversations and cause ruptured relationships.
In Ashlee Eiland's new book, "Say Good", she argues that this does not have to be the only outcome of hard conversations. In this podcast, Aaron sits down with Ashlee how to have hard and fruitful conversations while staying in good relationship with other.
2024-05-0953 minEveryday TheologyS5 EP:17 Do We Need to Reconcile the God of the Old and New Testaments with Chris GreenA question has plagued Christianity for some time, what do we do with a loving God in the New Testament seen in Christ when we find a God who directs violence in the Old Testament? There are various answers and theories that have been deployed to answer this, and yet, is it even the right question to ask to begin with?
In this episode, Aaron sits down with friend of the podcast, Chris Green, to discuss his new book, The Fire and the Cloud: A Biblical Christology, and to dig to the heart of...
2024-04-041h 16Everyday TheologyS5 EP:16 The Business of Religion with Nathan ApffelHave you ever wondered about the business of the church? Wondered where your donations or tithes have gone? Have you felt that there has been a lack in the accountability of how churches spend money, or where they put there money into?
Nate Apffel set out to understand the religion of business in his new series "Religion Business", coming out in the Fall ('24). Listen along as Aaron talks with Nate about the business of religion, the problems, and the potential solution (hint: it is not taxing churches!).
2024-03-211h 00Everyday TheologyS5 EP:12 How Should Christians Vote? - With Michael WearHow should Christians vote? How do we engage in politics? What does it mean to be a Christian in a political world?
In this podcast, Aaron speaks with the Founder, President, and CEO of the Center for Christianity in Public Life, Michael Wear about the framework needed to answer those questions.
If you are looking for a podcast that says a Christian should vote for this candidate or that one, this is not that podcast. Rather, Aaron and Michael explore the framework for how Christians engage in political life. Michael's new book "The Spirit of...
2024-02-2938 minEveryday TheologyS5 EP:11 A Christian Theology of Gratitude with Dr. Cornelius PlantingaIt is easy, in polarized Christian contexts, let alone a polarized world, to be gracious, generous, and to express gratitude. Yet, according to Dr. Cornelius (Neal) Plantinga, gratitude not only is helpful for humans psychologically and spiritually, it can heal a host of other issues, including the polarized divide we find ourselves in.
This episode, Aaron speaks with Neal about his recently released book, Gratitude: Why Giving Thanks Is the Key to Our Well-Being, and how gratitude is an often forgotten yet incredibly important Christian attitude. This episode spans the range of a litany of topics, including...
2024-02-0849 minEveryday TheologyS5 EP:10 Christian Nationalism with Dr. Paul MillerWith some ardent supporters, very vocal detractors, and many left in-between, the ideology of Christian nationalism has become a topic of much debate. Particularly within an election year, asking how Christian should engage within a political life, is the continued work of theological exploration. On today's podcast, Aaron discusses Christian nationalism, what it is, what is is not, and what it should not be for Christian, with Dr. Paul Miller.
From his Georgetown Bio: Dr. Miller is a political theorist and political scientist focusing on international affairs, the American experiment, and America's role in the world. He i...
2024-01-2557 minEveryday TheologyS5 EP:9 The Spirit and the Arts with Drs Chris Green and Robby WaddellThere have been a lot of book about Jesus and movies, or Jesus and music, but have we ever stopped to ask questions about the engagement between the arts and the Spirit? In this episode, Drs. Chris Green and Robby Waddell join Aaron to discuss reflecting on the Spirit through the arts. We as the church might be surprised to find what we both understand about culture and about the Spirit when we find where the Spirit is moving within the arts.
2024-01-111h 02Everyday TheologyS5 EP:8 What Charismatic Theology Can Teach the Church with Helen CollinsIt may sound odd to hear, but often theology has forgotten the third person of the Trinity. The Spirit, her work, and what it means for us as Christians in participating with the Spirit, has often been an after thoughts in the tomes of systematic theology.
In this epidote, Revd Dr Helen Collins joins Aaron to discuss her new book Charismatic Christianity: Introducing Its Theology Through the Gifts of the Spirit. Together, the two discuss what has gone awry in thinking about the Spirit in relation to theology and what comes from intentionally thinking about the work...
2023-11-301h 03Everyday TheologyS5 EP:7 Metamodernism and a Hope for Christian Spirituality with Brendan Graham DempseyModernism gave us scientific certainty, which ultimately pushed back against the faith claims of Christianity (and religion in general). Postmodernism taught us there was nothing to be certain about, nothing real to be claimed. Is there a better way?
In this episode, Aaron speaks with his guest Brendan Graham Dempsey about what metamodernism is as a new(ish) paradigm for engaging with the world and the potential it holds for Christianity and religions in general.
2023-11-161h 34Everyday TheologyS5 EP:6 A More Holistic and Healthy Approach to the Prophetic with Dr. Mark ChironnaIt is easy to talk about the prophetic theologically and biblically. Many claims can be made, frameworks created, and methods deduced about when the prophetic is helpful and spiritual, and when it is manipulative and done poorly. Everyday Theology has explored the prophetic, good, bad, and ugly in biblical and theological ways. This week, Aaron speaks with Dr. Mark Chironna who holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham in Theology as well as a DMin, about the ways the prophetic has been used in healthy ways and spiritually destructive ways. As a Charismatic, Pentecostal Pastor, Academic, and practitioner...
2023-10-261h 05Everyday TheologyS5 EP:5 Renewing Christian Worldviews with Steven Felix and Yoon ShinWorldview is a term used often to describe how people think about, see, and engage within the world. Christians have used this term for some time now, but do we really know what the word means or why it is important for Christians to understand what comprises their worldview. Everyone has a worldview, but not everyone knows what makes up their own worldviews. In this podcast, Aaron talked with Steven Felix and Yoon Shin about their new book, "Renewing Christian Worldview" that has just been released and available everywhere books are sold.
2023-10-1254 minEveryday TheologyS5 EP:4 Jesus in Pop Culture with Blaine CharetteGod's Not Dead. . . God's Not Dead 2. . . Son of God. . . I Still Believe. . . on and on and on, there seems to be no slowing down of "Christian" media (especially media that is being created for a profit!).
In this episode, Dr. Blaine Charette joins Aaron to talk about the representation of Jesus in pop culture, what we get right, and what we get oh so wrong.
2023-09-2851 minEveryday TheologyS5 EP:3 Numerology and the Bible (and why it wont go away) with Rick WadholmEvery few years it seems that another video, blog article, or preacher espouses some idea based on the numbers of the Bible - whether it is fear over "antichrist" and the number 666 or even just saying that the number 7 means completion. What do we do with these numbers and how do we better approach what scripture is doing when it seems to use numbers as symbols? Frequent guest, Dr. Rick Wadholm, Professor of Old Testament, joins Aaron to go over the good (use), bad (use), and ugly (use) of numbers in the Bible.
2023-09-1456 minEveryday TheologyS5 EP:2 Sense-Making and What You Don't Know about the Billy Graham Rule with Ryan BeatyThe Billy Graham rule is an often touted rule for ministry and life. You don't meet with someone of the opposite sex alone. Simply right? Not really. Ryan Beaty joins Aaron to talk about the origins of the Billy Graham rule, what it was actually about when Graham's ministry instituted their rules for ministry, and how the church in the following years got it all wrong - because of poor sense-making. Sense-making helps us not only understand the world around us, but can be used to make poor decisions along the way. Join Aaron and Ryan in this discussion...
2023-08-2455 minEveryday TheologyS5 EP:1 Having a TOV Church with Scot McKnight and Laura BarringerYou cannot seem to escape it, church scandal after church scandal, with no clear end in sight. It should not surprise us that church attendance in the Unites States is dropping, and quickly.
How do we fix it? How do we create a church that is good and one that fulfills its purpose? In 2020 Scot and Laura published their book, "A Church Called Tov" discussing some of these pressing issues surrounding the church. On Sept 19th their latest book "Pivot: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church into a Tov Culture"...
2023-08-1047 minEveryday TheologyS4 EP:17 What is Practical Theology and What Does the Spirit Have to do with Public Life with Dr. Mark CartledgeFor many, practical theology just means discussing how people practice their theology, but practical theology is much more than putting to practice theology, it is a method of understanding why people practice the way they do and how theology plays a role. Dr. Mark Cartledge, Principal (President) of London School of Theology joins Aaron to talk about this as well as the role of the Spirit in public life.
2023-05-0454 minEveryday TheologyS4 EP:16 Reading Revelation as a Narrative with John Christopher ThomasRevelation for many seems to continue to be elusive. Is it left behind, is it just one big hallucination, or is it something more? Pentecostal scholar, Dr. John Christopher Thomas, joins Aaron to talk about how to read Revelation as a narrative and what that means for how we read and understand such an enigmatic letter. When we learn to read Revelation as a narrative, most of the preconceptions about John the Revelator have to take a back seat to what John is actually writing.
2023-04-201h 10Everyday TheologyS4 EP15 Art and Theology, Where They Need to Meet and How Not to Put Them Together with Scott Erickson (@scottthepainter)Who hasn't seen really hokey Christian art? Why is it that art and the Church seem to clash so often? In this episode, Aaron spends time with Scott Erickson (@scottthepainter) to talk about art, theology, the church, and where they come together, and where they don't. Art can be therapeutic, healing, and push people into better understandings of God, but they can also easily make God seem trivialized.
2023-04-0650 minEveryday TheologyS4 EP:14 Josh Butler, Complementarianism, and a Theology of Sex with Dr. Beth Felker JonesIf you paid attention to the Christian Twittersphere in the last few weeks, you would be hard pressed to not have seen the controversy surrounding Josh Butler's article on the Gospel Coalition. More than just a comedy of errors, with endorsers retracting their endorsements, claiming they only read a small part of the book, TGC claiming if everyone just knew what Josh actually wrote, his fetishized language of sex and salvation would all be better! One of the most astute readers of the situation, Dr. Beth Feller Jones, chatted with Aaron about the article, its basis in complementarianism, and how...
2023-03-1649 minEveryday TheologyS4 EP:13 Asking Better Questions of the Bible with Marty SolomonReading the Bible is not very easy, it is an ancient text that we have to work to understand. However, we only make it harder on ourselves when we ask questions of the Bible it was never purposed to answer. In this podcast, Aaron speaks with Marty Solomon, creator of the BEMA podcast, about his new book "Asking Better Questions of the Bible" and why this topic is so important.
2023-03-0850 minEveryday TheologyS4 EP:12 Lent and the Asbury Revival with Chris GreenFor many Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians in the west, Lent is a Catholic tradition. . . one that is not heeded or participated in. Yet, Lent is practiced widely and by many various traditions. In this Episode, Chris Green discusses his new book "Being Transfigured: Lenten Homilies" and why Lent is important for Christians everywhere.
Aaron and Chris go on to discuss the Asbury Revival - how to process is and who should even be speaking about it. Further, they discuss how revival and revivalism are opposed realities, and how revivalism is the death of revival.
2023-02-151h 18Everyday TheologyS4 EP:11 What Do Evangelicalism, The Charismatic Movement, and the Liturgical Church Have in Common with Bishop Page BrooksIt sounds like the start of a joke, an evangelical, a charismatic, and a liturgical church goer walk into a bar. . . except only one of those would even go to a bar! In this episode, Aaron speaks with Bishop Page Brooks, a Bishop in the Anglican Mission International, about "three streams Christianity" - those who attempt to inhabit being a liturgical, charismatic, and evangelical. Is this possible? If so, what does it mean? Listen in to find out what this group attempts to do and why it matters for those seeking something different within the church.
2023-02-021h 00
Growing Up FundieGrowing Up Fundie, Ep. 61: Aaron Gabriel Ross from "Everyday Theology" podcastSend us a textAaron Gabriel Ross, the host of “Everyday Theology” podcast, talks about interpretations of the Bible, higher education in theology, and direct-tweeting airlines when they screw up.The Website: https://everydaytheology.online/author/agross/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-theology/id1462586002Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaron_ross?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron_ross/?hl=en__________________________________________
2023-01-301h 08Everyday TheologyS4 EP:10 Leadership, Gen Z, and Theology with Mario HoodYou might have seen that Gen Z is missing from the church, or that leadership is increasingly looking more trendy. Does correlation equal causation or is there something else happening? In this episode, Aaron chats with Dr. Mario Hood about leadership within the church, how it has been needing to be reevaluated, and what this means for future generations of the church.
2023-01-181h 13Everyday TheologyS4 EP:9 Mary, Women, and the Gender of God with Dr. Amy PeelerThere seems to be three camps of Christians when it comes to the "gender of God" - those who believe that God is male, or at least masculine, those that make the claim that God is female, and the third way, those who work to not disavow the language of scripture, but find the ways in which scripture fully affirms women made in the image of God - recognizing God has no gender. Dr. Amy Peeler joins Aaron to discuss how to go about this third way. Surprising for many, the narrative of Mary provides a very helpful way...
2022-12-221h 02Everyday TheologyS4 EP:8 How to Deconstruct Well (and How to Support Those Deconstructing) with Brad JersakPastors wants their congregants back, those who have deconstructed away from the faith encourage others to do the same. Sure, we have talked about what deconstruction is before on the podcast, but how do you deconstruct well, and how do you support your friends or family who may be deconstructing? Brad Jersak is back on the podcast to discuss with Aaron how deconstruction can be healthy and how to help others in times of deconstruction.
2022-12-1554 minEveryday TheologyS4 EP:7 A Culture of Disillusionment and the Knowledge of Jesus with Brandon RickabaughWhat does culture have to provide solid answers, what even are the solid answers needed? Many often joke that Jesus is the answer to everything, but when it comes to disillusionment, Dr. Brandon Rickabaugh argues that Jesus is the answer to a culture that is disillusioned with everything. Truth, according to Rickabaugh, is a needed antidote. But what is truth? Truth is a big word with a blurry meaning. In this episode, Aaron talks with Brandon about disillusionment, truth, and what Jesus has to do with all of it.
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2022-12-0149 minEveryday TheologyS4 EP:6 The Book of Daniel and Subverting Kingdoms (and Christian Nationalism) with Rick Wadholm Jr.Christian nationalism. . . again. You may be surprised that the Old Testament, and in particular the book of Daniel, has a lot to say about subverting kingdoms and why Christian nationalism is, well, not Christian. Friend of the show Rick Wadholm Jr stops in to school Aaron on the book of Daniel.
2022-11-171h 17Everyday TheologyS4 EP:5 Pentecostals as Christian Mystics with Daniel Castelo (and special guest Marc Byrd)Christian Mysticism. . . again? It seems that the idea of Christian Mysticism resonated deeply with may who listened to the recent podcast on the topic with Dr. Dale Coulter. So Aaron invited Dr. Daniel Castelo, the William Kellon Quick Professor of Theology and Methodist Studies at Duke Divinity School, to join him along with friend of the podcast insanely talented music producer, Marc Byrd, to talk about mysticism once more. Pentecostals are a strange groups with an emphasis on experiencing the Holy Spirit through prayer, tongue speech, vibrancy of worship, and more. What may seem odd to many is in...
2022-10-271h 30Everyday TheologyS4 EP:4 Why You Should Study and Understand the Humanity of Christ with Chris GreenYou would think the humanity of Christ has been talked about to no end. Sure, many Christians claim that they follow the person of Jesus, but do they really know what it means to say Jesus was fully human, while also being fully God? In this episode, Aaron and Chris discuss the humanity of Christ, why it matters, what it means, and how we can often fall into ancient Christian heresies when it comes to how we think about and understand Jesus.
2022-10-131h 05Everyday TheologyS4 EP:3 Understanding the Trinity through the Spirit with Steven StudebakerUnderstanding the Trinity is tough and trying to understand the Trinity in ways that go beyond the typical descriptions of the Trinity are even tougher. In this episode, Aaron speak with Steven Studebaker, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Howard and Shirley Bentall Chair in Evangelical Thought at McMaster Divinity College, about his work in yet again thinking about the Trinity particularly in light of the third person of the Trinity, the Spirit. When we begin to understand the Trinity in different ways, it becomes clear that other areas of theology and life, such as our thoughts on what...
2022-09-3057 minEveryday TheologyS4 EP:2 What is Christian Mysticism and What it Means to be a Mystic with Dale CoulterMysticism, mystical, mystics, these terms often come with a negative connotation for those in the church. Christians who lived through the 90's often think about "new ageism" and worry that mysticism is going to lead Christians down a "secular" path. In this podcast, Aaron speaks with Dale Coulter about the Mystic Tradition of Christianity, what it is, how it is helpful, and how much of theology today is in part due to the work of those ancient Christian Mystics.
2022-09-1551 minEveryday TheologyS4 EP:1 Who is Jesus to Paul? with Dr. Chris Tilling. . . and we are back! After summer hiatus, Everyday Theology is back with Season 4, a great line up of new guest, and some familiar voices / faces.
It is incredible to kick Season 4 of with Dr. Chris Tilling. Chris and Aaron take time to discuss Paul's view of Jesus. Who did Paul think Jesus was and what did that mean for him, the church, and for us today?
From his bio located on St. Mellitus College's website: "Dr Chris Tilling is Graduate Tutor and Senior Lecturer in New Testament Studies at St Mellitus College. C...
2022-09-0153 min
Everyday TheologyS3 EP:19 - What is Faith? With Dr. Teresa MorganIs faith just belief, is it allegiance, is it something else? Dr. Teresa Morgan, who holds the McDonald Agape Professorship in New Testament and Early Christianity at Yale University, joins Aaron to take a deep dive into what pistis and fides (the Greek and Latin for faith or trust) meant for those who used those words within the first century. Most importantly, Dr. Morgan and Aaron talk about why Christians today need to understand these terms within their contexts. Spoiler: faith is more than belief and when we understand faith properly, Christians can be free to be in relationship...
2022-04-2859 minEveryday TheologyS3 EP:18 What Makes Pentecostalism Unique with Bishop Ed GungorPentecostalism has been in the news as of late. With more scandals within larger Pentecostal affiliated churches happening, there seems to be more discussion, good and bad, about this group. But who are Pentecostals and what makes them unique as a Christian stream? In this episode, Aaron and Chris get to chat with Bishop Ed Gungor. Bishop Ed's works has taken him deep into Pentecostal thought and thinking as he worked to construct a Pentecostal theological method, explaining how Pentecostals do theology and why it is both different and matters.
2022-04-141h 17Everyday TheologyS3 EP:17 Why Narratives in the Church Matter with Joy QuallsWe apologize upfront. We had some internet issues at the beginning of recording, but It gets better as the podcast goes on, and it is one you do not want to miss. Joy Qualls joins Aaron to talk about the narratives the church uses and the language we employ. If you have seen the news about Hillsong, Brian Houston, and more, you might see how the language employed by churches has effected the way the church engages with the world, and what we excuse ourselves from. Join Aaron and Joy in this hopefully fascinating discussion on the narratives we...
2022-03-3159 minEveryday TheologyS3 EP:16 Theology's Place in Worship with Evan CraftWhere is theology’s place in corporate worship? Are we supposed to prioritize trendy, catchy songs over those that theologically teach? What do we do with suffering and emotion in music? Aaron caught up with his good friend, Evan Craft, a dove award winning worship artist, to talk about all of these questions and more.
2022-03-1759 minEveryday TheologyS3 EP:15 Stories of Deconstruction with Landon PontiusDeconstruction has become a buzzword within Christian circles. Some use it as a word to declare heresy, while others proclaim that it is necessary. What is often lost in the discussion are those who have deconstructed, to various degrees, and what what means for them. In this episode, Aaron chats with Landon Pontius from the Meaning in the Middle podcast about Landon's story of deconstruction, what it has meant for him, and why it matters.
2022-03-031h 27Everyday TheologyS3 EP:14 Current Topics in the Church - The Passion Translation, Egalitarianism, and Being Christians on the InternetIt seems that Christianity is stuck in a loop, coming back to the same issues, over and over. In this episode, Chris and Aaron discuss (again!) women in ministry in light of Christian news that men are (again) trying to teach women, how to be women. But that is not all! The pair also discuss the news of the removal of the Passion Translation from Bible Gateway and how to be Christians on the internet.
2022-02-171h 07Everyday TheologyS3 EP:13 Religion, Politics, and the Public Life with Ron DartIn this (shorter) episode, Aaron spoke with Ron Dart, Associate Professor of Political Science and prolific writer, about two things that should never be discussed, or at least what people say shouldn't be discussed, religion and politics. Ron provides valuable insight into a perplexing problem, how do Christian faithfully engage (or not) in politics. Ron's approach through his eclectic study and humanism is just as unique as it is helpful in paving a way forward for Christians, both here in the U.S. and abroad.
2022-01-2036 minEveryday TheologyS3 EP:12 Orthodox Christmas and Don't Look UpThe Western Evangelical and Pentecostal churches have some problems with Christmas, and they need to be discussed. Now that Christmas is over, and life is beginning to settle into 2022, Chris and Aaron discuss some ways that the their Christian traditions have failed to really know the story of the birth of Christ and why deeply knowing the story changes the way Christians engage in the world.
After the break, Chris and Aaron turn to discuss the new Netflix and star-studded movie "Don't Look Up". Do movies like "Don't Look Up" help move people to fix the problems sh...
2022-01-061h 26Everyday TheologyS3 EP:11 Now and Not Yet - Living AdventFor many Christian, especially those within Evangelical and Pentecostal traditions, the Church calendar in a mystery. Advent, Lent, Epiphany all become old traditions that many do not understand. In this episode, Chris and Aaron dissect Advent, what it means, why it is important, and how Christians from non-liturgical spaces can practice the incredible season of Advent.
2021-12-0943 minEveryday TheologyS3 EP:10 Beauty and Knowing Christ with Father Kenneth TannerThis is a special episode, because Aaron and Chris welcome Father Kenneth Tanner to discuss Chris Green's new book, All Things Beautiful: An Aesthetic Christology. Most of Christianity attempts to view Christ through the lens of truth, often paired with certain interpretations of Scripture, but what happens when we take a look at the person of Christ through aesthetics: art, movies, music, and more. Beauty provides an incredibly helpful lens in exploring the person of Christ and what that means for us today. Chris' new book can be found wherever good books are sold.
2021-11-181h 07Everyday TheologyS3 EP:9 You are Only Human with Kelly KapicDr. Kelly Kapic, author of numerous books and Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College is back to discuss with Aaron his new book coming out in January, You are Only Human. Kelly's new book takes a hard look at our humanness and what it means to have limits and to be finite. Surprisingly, when we begin to really focus on what it means to be human, through looking at creation and the human person of Jesus, we begin to find that our limits are a part of who we are in very healthy ways.
Afterwards, Aaron a...
2021-11-111h 16Everyday TheologyS3 EP:8 Oneness Theology and Why We Hold to Our Theological PositionsIs T.D. Jakes a Monist? Is God really just one known as Jesus? In this episode, Aaron and Chris discuss why some might call Jakes a Monist, but then move beyond just Jakes. Has the church overtime failed at discussing the Trinity? Is the White Evangelical church in America oneness in their practices?
Theology is often taught not from a place logical coherence, but rather of taking control through power. Aaron and Chris dive into this subject and discuss why people not only believe what they do, but how preachers teach those beliefs.
2021-11-041h 02Everyday TheologyS3 EP:7 Why Are We Still Talking About Diversity with Marcia ClarkeMarcia Clarke, pastor and adjunct professor at Fuller Seminary, joins Aaron and Chris to talk about both the need to talk about diversity and why we keep talking about it. Too often in the church we just blindly move past our faults and errors, or worse, ask for forgiveness and act like nothing happened. Discussions about diversity are often too quick to solve an issue without spending the time to really engage with our failures. Marcia helps us understand that we need to not move past our failures too quickly.
Should Jonathan Edwards be cancelled because he o...
2021-10-211h 43Everyday TheologyS3 EP:6 Through the Eyes of Tammy Faye with Kim AlexanderJim and Tammy Faye Bakker were some of the most public "Christian Leaders" to go through moral and legal failures. Recently, the story of Tammy Faye Bakker came to life in a biopic "Through the Eyes of Tammy Faye". Kim Alexander joined Aaron to talk about the rise and fall of the Bakker's, their TV network "PTL", and how the Bakker's still have an affect on American Christianity. Chris and Aaron then decompress on the recent biopic, discussing their take aways from the film.
To read more from Chris on his review of ”Through the Eyes of Tam...
2021-10-141h 32Everyday TheologyS3 EP:5 What is Truth Anyways? with Yoon ShinTruth, disinformation, lies, factchecking. . . it seems that the national dialogue in the US is constantly around the idea of truth. In this episode, Dr. Yoon Shin dialogues with Aaron on how we can think about truth. Are there better ways to engage with truth than we have been given?
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2021-09-301h 02Everyday TheologyS3 EP:4 - Learning from an Early Church Father, Maximus the Confessor with Jordan Wood.Doing theology is not a one-sized-fits-all enterprise and it often can cause controversy and even death. Maximus the Confessor is a perfect example of a theologian who pushed boundaries, challenged the status quo, and even lost his right hand and tongue because of it. Jordan Wood joins Aaron and Chris to talk about Maximus the Confessor, an often ignored but monumentally important early church father and theologian.
After, Chris and Aaron discuss culture wars, controversial theology, and how Maximus the Confessor can help us.
2021-09-231h 24Everyday TheologyS3 EP:3 - What is the Gospel with Matthew BatesGospel seems to be another one of those Christian words that gets used a lot, but often with very little understanding. On this episode of Everyday Theology, Aaron interviews Matthew Bates, author of The Gospel Precisely, discussing what the Gospel is and why it matters that we understand the term faithfully.
After the interview, Aaron and Chris discuss the rise of "Kingdom Theology", exploring why there seems to be a shift towards doing theology through the lens of kingdom metaphors.
2021-09-161h 05Everyday TheologyS3 EP:2 - Andrew Ray Williams on Clark Pinnock's Shifting TheologyEver wonder how you can change your theological positions without losing your faith? Clark Pinnock was a monumental theological figure who had a theological evolution through his life. In this episode, Aaron and Chris caught up with Andrew Ray William, author of the companion to the life and theology of Clark Pinnock, about what we can learn from Pinnock's life and theology.
2021-09-101h 36Everyday TheologyTeaser 2: Everyday Theology Seasons 3We have one more teaser episode before ET Season 3 drops on September 2nd.
Have you ever been told doubt is a sin, that doubting is somehow a disease? Join the conversation as Aaron and Chris take a deep dive looking into doubt, what it is, why it happens, and how doubting is not a sin.
This season (and in this teaser episode), we're prepping to unpack a lot of big questions — like, why is the church often so exclusive? How can we implement a more equitable religious space? Can we break down some complex theological to...
2021-08-121h 01Everyday TheologyS2 EP:24 — What "Pentecostal" Really Means with Wolfgang VondeyWhat is Pentecostalism? Why do Pentecostal Christians behave differently than those belonging to other denominations (like Baptists, Presbyterians or Methodists)? In the final episode of Season 2, Aaron speaks with Wolfgang Vondey, systematic theologian and professor at the University of Birmingham, to discuss the this movement and its impact on modern Christianity. || Thanks for joining us this season... we're super excited to be prepping for Season 3! If there's any specific topic you'd like us to cover here on the show, shoot us a DM on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, linked below. (Also, we've got a blog, too: https://everydaytheology.online/).
2021-04-0948 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:23 — Interpreting Paul with Michael Gorman"Kenosis" is the Greek word that Paul uses to describe the 'self-emptying' of Jesus' own will to receive God's divine will. This generates a lot of controversy within the Christian faith, as it seems to take away Jesus' divine power as a whole. What does this word actually mean, and why does it matter how we translate it? In this episode, Aaron sits down with scholar Michael Gorman to discuss all things translation and interpretation.
2021-04-0145 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:22 — Understanding Faith with Nijay GuptaCan having enough faith change God's mind? Is faith backed by evidence, or is it blind belief? In this episode, Aaron sits down with author and professor Nijay Gupta to talk through what "faith" really means. Nijay has done extensive study into the language of Paul and how it relates to faith; check out his full list of books here: https://www.amazon.com/Nijay-K.-Gupta/e/B004I4TYLA%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share.
2021-03-2547 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:20 — Let's Talk About Spiritual Abuse with Chris GreenWhat is spiritual abuse, and why does it seem so prevalent in our churches today? Recent scandal regarding Ravi Zacharias prompts us to ask this question, and explore what causes and perpetuates this poor behavior from our church leaders. Today Aaron joins author, artist and theologian Chris Green to talk through spiritual abuse and, in turn, create a more attainable strategy to address the issue.
2021-02-2658 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:19 — What the 'Image of God' Really Means with Joel MuddamalleIf you've ever been to church, you've likely heard that you are "made in the image of God." The idea of the "image of God" raises a few questions, though: Can humanity really be broken if its identity reflects God? How does our own image affect our personalized view of Christ? Does the church abuse its idea of the "image of God" to justify poor action? Tune in today as Aaron talks through all these questions with researcher and theologian Joel Muddamalle, the Director of Theology and Research for Proverbs 31 Ministries + a part of the preaching team at Transformation...
2021-02-221h 00Everyday TheologyS2 EP:18 — How Prophets Speak on God's Behalf with Jon BentallWhat is prophecy, and how do we approach it? We often assume that prophecy is equivalent to prediction or personal revelation... when this isn't backed up by Scripture at all. On this episode, Aaron sits down with theologian and professor Jon Bentall to learn how to discern both modern and ancient prophets correctly.
2021-01-2856 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:17 — Deconstruction and Freedom with NakedPastor, David HaywardMany Christians experience ostracism and spiritual abuse when they question their core beliefs. What might the church look like if it was comfortable with uncertainty? In this episode, Aaron joins author, artist and former pastor David Hayward @NakedPastor to discuss how embracing an open-handed approach might affect church communities for good.
2021-01-2155 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:16 — Is Abortion Really an Evangelical Issue? with Frank SchaefferDid you know that Billy Graham was once pro-choice? Only in recent years has the evangelical community publicly opposed abortion. The Christian church today often insists upon "right" and "wrong" Christian values, but the Church often changes its ideas on what is right or wrong, even changing their biblical explanation. These misconceptions affect the way we view the world... and the way we vote.
In this episode, Aaron joins author Frank Schaeffer to discuss the shift over previous years toward a more polarizing church body — and how we may reconcile our beliefs about abortion with our political perspective. *Discussion is not...
2021-01-1452 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:15 — On Reading Well with Dr. Karen Swallow PriorIn this age we are content consumers, always inundated with information. How do we decipher what's true? How do we use all the information at our fingertips without being used by it? In this episode, Aaron joins author and professor Dr. Karen Swallow Prior to discuss the importance of reading effectively to expand our view of the world.
To learn more about this topic, check out Dr. Prior's book On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life Through Great Books here.
2020-12-1744 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:13 — Prophets Don't Know the Future with Rick WadholmWhat are the prophetic texts, and how should we approach them in our modern day? It may be surprising to many Evangelical Christians that known prophets in Scripture did not declare what MUST come to pass, rather what COULD come to pass.
In this episode, Aaron joins author and scholar Rick Wadholm to discuss why prophets existed in Biblical times, and what they really communicated.
2020-12-0441 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:12 — The New Perspective on Paul with Jason MyersWe know to read Scripture through its contextual lens... but we often don't realize the Lutheran-Reformed framework that alters our understanding. What if we aimed to understand Paul on his own terms? What if returning to ancient texts brings a fresher, more balanced perspective?
In today's episode, Aaron joins Jason Myers, author and professor of Biblical Studies at Greensboro College, to encourage us to stretch and expand our perspective on Paul's teachings by going back to the basics.
2020-11-2053 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:11 — The Church Must Protect the Immigrant with Dr. Erica Ramirez"We're imperfect people, but we can do better things."
Research shows that people generally believe churches to bring together all people of different political views. In today's episode, Aaron joins Dr. Erica Ramirez to discuss how to make that belief come true: by empowering the church to demand political justice for the oppressed.
For more info on the Future Story of America project, visit https://www.futurestoryofamerica.org/.
2020-11-121h 05Everyday TheologyS2 EP:10 — We're Missing the Point of the Old Testament with Brad EmbryThe church often discusses the Old Testament superficially, missing important messages the text has to offer. Many nuanced ideas reside beneath the surface. What do we do with Old Testament stories, and how do we dissect them in a balanced way?
In today's episode, Aaron joins Dr. Brad Embry, professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, to discuss what the book of Judges communicated to its historical context as well as to us today.
2020-11-0556 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:9 — Is Christianity the White Man's Religion? With Antipas HarrisEvil — racial injustice, specifically — has been done in the name of God since America's founding. History has divided a black and white identity, and American Christianity often favors the white side. Culture is learning how to integrate the two... but what about the church?
In this episode, Aaron joins author and scholar Antipas Harris to discuss how the history of the church has worked against the black community, and how to repair the divide.
. . .
"If Christianity is for everyone, why does the Bible seem to endorse slavery? Why do most popular images of Jesus...
2020-10-2949 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:7 — The Hidden Truth Behind the Religious Left with Jack JenkinsIt is easy to assume that Conservative Christians have held the majority influence on American politics. Journalist and scholar of religion, Jack Jenkins, suggests the opposite: that the Religious Left, instead, has fundamentally shaped the progressive values at the heart of American democracy — like abolition, labor reform, civil rights, and environmental preservation.
Listen today as Aaron and Jack discuss the politics that history ignores; and why, perhaps, it is time to rethink our understanding of Christianity's relation to the Left.
Read American Prophets by Jack Jenkins today: http://www.jackjenkins.me/american-prophets.html
2020-10-1553 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:5 — Biblical Social Justice with Dan MorrisonWhat is Biblical justice, and is it the same as social justice? Why do Christians often inherently avoid both?
In this episode, Aaron sits down with Dan Morrison to discuss holistic Biblical justice. Together they propose that the American Christian perspective is not the whole truth — and take a deeper look at why living Biblically is so difficult, for reasons we don't expect.
2020-10-0142 minEveryday TheologyS2 EP:4 — A Feminist Gospel with Kim AlexanderChristianity is, and always has been, a counter-cultural movement. Why does the Christian church often resist confronting its very own culture of patriarchy?
When we read Scripture through a lens of female empowerment, we see women impacting every aspect of the spread and development of the church. The problem: we aren't trained to do so.
In this episode, Aaron and Kim Alexander, Associate Professor at Regent University, dive into specific practices to adopt an accurate, well-rounded perspective of women in the church.
2020-09-241h 00Everyday TheologyS2 EP:3 — Black TheologyWhat is Black Theology? How is it different from the systematic theology our churches often follow?
Many people assume that there is a "right" way to study theology; that it is only a spiritual effort, rather than something that demands personal and institutional change.
Black Theology instead teaches us that God is in the business of setting the oppressed free, in every sense of the word.
Join us today as Aaron speaks with Professor and Ph. D student Anthony Roberts about the beauty of Black Theology, and how it encompasses oppression, power, liberation a...
2020-09-1757 minEveryday TheologySeason 2 EP:2 — Does God Know the Future? Pt. 2Last week, we fostered a healthy debate between Dr. Chris Green and Dr. Thomas Oord about whether or not God knows the future. Welcome to Part 2, where we continue that discussion and dive into a few more topics: Does God need us? Can he prevent evil on his own? If he can't, how can we trust his promises?
We are often provided a rigid perspective of faith that we must deconstruct and rebuild throughout our lives. Join us today as we take a look at seemingly contrasting ideas that, together, point to the ever-deepening love of God.
2020-09-1044 minEveryday TheologySeason 2 EP:1 — Does God Know the Future? Pt. 1*Trigger Warning: discussions of sexual assault.*
Does God know the future? If he does, why doesn't he stop bad things from happening? If he doesn't, is he really all-powerful?
Everyday Theology explored these questions in Season 1, when we brought Thomas Jay Oord and Chris Green on separate episodes to discuss their opposing views on open theism.
In this episode, launching season two, we're bringing it all together: Listen along as Aaron, Oord and Green discuss the limitations, abilities, and power of God as they relate to our understanding of him and our faith a...
2020-09-0348 min
Everyday TheologyRe-Play EP:11 Andre Henry — Unjust DiversityHow do we advance racial progress when the fabric of American society was built on white supremacy? In today's rebroadcast, Aaron and Ben join Andre Henry — songwriter, speaker, and advocate for social change — to unpack the idea that diversity is not the same as justice.
>> Click here for more info about Andre and his advocacy for the world that ought to be.
2020-06-1147 min
Everyday TheologyET Special: Engaging MLK's Vision with Ray AllenThe legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. ought to endure and advance our culture today. On this special episode of Everyday Theology, Aaron sits down with Ray Allen, Director of Multicultural Affairs at Southeastern University, to discuss how the church should actively progress MLK's dream as we look toward the future of racial justice.
2020-06-0853 minEveryday TheologyEP:23 Ashlee Eiland — Racial Justice and ReconciliationThe recent murder of George Floyd has sparked a global outcry against racism and systemic injustice. White privilege allows people to maintain a comfortable distance from racial issues and hurt Black communities by perpetuating systems of inequality and inequity. In this episode, speaker, pastor and author Ashlee Eiland discusses the importance for all people to walk in solidarity toward a healing reality in our nation and our world.
2020-06-0449 minEveryday TheologyEP:22 Shane Claiborne — Extending Compassion on Death RowIs the death penalty an attempt to operate the hand of God? In this episode, Shane Claiborne — renowned author and social activist — walks us through both the Old and New Testament interpretations of cultural violence. Join us as we learn to embody Christian peacemaking in our context today.
2020-05-281h 01Everyday TheologyEP:21 Chris Green — God's Sovereignty and Our FreedomThe concept of God's sovereignty has been heavily debated in both classrooms and churches throughout history. We constantly ask: does God's power limit ours?
We have discussed this topic here at Everyday Theology before, on EP:14 with Thomas Jay Oord. In that episode, Oord recommended that we think beyond our traditional "all-controlling" view of God, and consider limitations on God's power.
Today, however, author, artist and theologian Chris Green presents a different perspective: he proposes that we allow room for both a fully active and fully present God in our daily lives.
2020-05-2159 minEveryday TheologyEP:20 Kaitlin Curtice — Why Decolonization Matters in the ChurchThe process of decolonization requires us first to develop respect for the other. If respect is an inherently Christian value, why do our churches so often demand assimilation?
In this episode, author Kaitlin Curtice, citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, discusses the complexities in deconstructing our faith and spiritual community to understand our true personal and cultural identity.
2020-05-1437 minEveryday TheologyEP:19 Marc Byrd — Music, Mystery, and Faith (Part Two)God's presence is not only recognized through spoken word, but can also be found in mystery, beauty, and art. In part two of this episode, Marc Byrd, one-half of the band Hammock, discusses the beautiful and artistic process of a participatory relationship with God.
2020-05-071h 06Everyday TheologyEP:18 Marc Byrd - Music, Mystery, and FaithLearning, knowing, and being with God is not always about the words that are said, but can found in mystery, beauty, and art. In part one of a two-part episode, Marc Byrd, one-half of the band Hammock, talks about how music, mystery, pain, and hope create a world for us to engage with God in often surprising and life-changing ways.
2020-04-301h 11Everyday TheologyEP:17 Carolyn Custis James — Approaching Patriarchy in ScripturePatriarchy is the backdrop of the Bible; it is not the message. How, then, should we perceive gender roles as they are presented to us? In this episode, Carolyn Custis James teaches us how to look beyond our Western patriarchal lens and understand the true message of the text: one of united purpose and mutual flourishing.
2020-04-2346 minEveryday TheologyEP:16 Ed Gungor - What the Church Has ForgottenSpontaneity is not enough; immediacy does not last. Is the modern church aching to return to more traditional forms of worship? In this episode, Aaron and Robby join historian, pastor, and author Ed Gungor to understand practical ways the church may engage past traditions and symbols.
2020-04-1656 minEveryday TheologyEP:15 Brian Zahnd - The Church's Role in Times of CrisisWe don't have all the answers.
While the church is called to instill hope in crises, it is also called to engage with the emotions they cause. In this episode, Aaron and Robby join Brian Zahnd -- pastor, author and Bob Dylan aficionado -- as he teaches us how to develop habits and practices that maintain balance in tumultuous times.
2020-04-0951 minEveryday TheologyEP:14 Thomas Jay Oord - God Can'tIf God is loving and good, why do bad things happen? And why doesn't God stop them? Renowned author and theologian Thom Oord would argue that perhaps believers and unbelievers alike should reconsider the closely-held belief that God is all-powerful. On today's episode, Aaron and Dr. Archer reach out to Thom to understand how God can be loving, active and powerful -- if, at times, not capable.
2020-04-0248 minEveryday TheologyEP:13 Kelly Kapic - Coronavirus and Christian HopeThe pandemic of the coronavirus has caused some pain, suffering, fear, and more. For Christians, such a pandemic can cause a moment of reflection. How should we act, think, and pray in times of suffering and fear? Today, we talk with Kelly Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College and author of Embodied Hope, what a Christian response is to such a time as this.
2020-03-1736 minEveryday TheologyEP:12 Doug Petersen - Concern or Coercion?Caring for others as a means to an end is exploitative. How should the church exercise a moral imagination correctly? In today's episode, Aaron and Robby sit down with Professor of World Mission and Intercultural Studies at Vanguard University, Dr. Doug Petersen, to explore these ethical issues we face.
2020-03-1345 min
Everyday TheologyEP:10 Rick Wadholm - Making Sense of the Old TestamentThe Christian church has struggled to interpret the Old Testament for centuries. How should the everyday Christian read this narrative? Today Aaron invites Rev. Rick Wadholm, Jr., Old Testament scholar and all around great guy, to teach us how to bridge the gap between the Old Testament and our context today.
2020-02-0642 min
Everyday TheologyEP:9 Miroslav Volf - Creating HomeTheology bridges intelligent understanding and abstract thought in our walk with God. In this episode, Aaron and Dr. Robby Waddell sit down with Miroslav Volf, world-renowned author and theologian, to explore the concept of "home" as it relates to the world in which the Holy Spirit dwells.
2020-01-2438 min
Everyday TheologyEP:8 Jonathan Merritt - Asking the Right QuestionsBoth encouragement and critique are vital to the development of the Church. In this episode, Aaron speaks with Jonathan Merritt - acclaimed writer on religion, politics and culture - to discuss the importance of naming reality in the process of spiritual formation.
2020-01-0945 min
Everyday TheologyEP:7 Ben Lowe - Climate Change and Creation CareThis week we reach out to Ben Lowe, postgrad student in Environmental Sciences at the University of Florida, to discuss the American perception of climate change and the church's role in creation care. Join us as we explore how common ground may be shared between political, moral and religious fields of study.
2019-12-0541 min
Everyday TheologyEP:6 Brad Lomenick - The Good (and Bad) of Leadership"Leadership" has become a buzzword within the church world. When we think about leadership and leaders, what are we actually thinking about? In this episode, Aaron and Ben speak with Brad Lomenick, the founder of the Catalyst conference, about healthy and lasting ways to think about leadership.
2019-11-1545 min
Everyday TheologyET Special: Jesus is King with Travis SimonsIn this Everyday Theology Special episode, Aaron talks with Pastor Travis Simons of The Potters House North Dallas about Kanye West's new album, Jesus is King. How should the church think about Kanye, about his new album, his conversion, and being in the public eye?
2019-11-0442 min
Everyday TheologyEP:5 Zack Tackett - Halloween, Women, and the Danger of Bad TheologyHow has theology affected the way that Christian engage within the church? This week we talk with Dr. Zachary Tackett about how theology has affected not just whether or not you could trick or treat on Halloween, but how theology in the past has played out in strange ways which can still hurt people today, especially women.
2019-10-3139 min
Everyday TheologyEP:4 Aimee Franklin, The Brain and Mental HealthWhat is the brain and how does the way that we think about it matter? This week, Ben and Aaron speak with Dr. Aimee Franklin, Assistant Professor of Biology at Southeastern University, about the brain, mental health, sin, and more. Join us as we dive into thinking about what the brain is and how Christians should think about such a complex and enigmatic organ.
2019-10-1748 min
Everyday TheologyEP:3 Gabriel Salguero - Diversity in the ChurchHow should we think about diversity and why does that matter? In this episode, Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition and pastor at Calvario City Church talks to us about diversity in the church and in the United States of America.
2019-10-0335 min
Everyday TheologyEP:2 Robby Waddell - Subversive EconomicsThis week we have a conversation with Dr. Robby Waddell about money, power, and how Jesus challenges our modern ways of thinking.
2019-09-1943 min
Everyday TheologyEveryday Theology Teaser - @preachersnsneakersEveryday Theology is a podcast coming soon, brought to you by the ECCLESIAM Blog (www.ecclesiam.com). On this teaser episode, Aaron Ross and Ben Gomez speak with their guest, Chris Green - author, speaker, preacher, and theologian, about the viral Instagram account (@preachersnsneakers) and what it means for everyday Christian life.
2019-05-0548 min