Shows
New Persuasive WordsTo Be Free Or Not To BeWe continue talking about the romance of Christian orthodoxy by looking at some of the ideas and figures that challenged it. This episode deals with one of Augustine's most famous opponents: Pelagius. They debated the nature of original sin and the capacity of human beings to choose the ultimate good, God.
2020-02-1940 minNew Persuasive WordsAmerican PaganismIn this episode, our first one in the "new bunker", we discuss an article from Commonweal Magazine. In it David Albertson, a religion professor at USC, argues that many conservative intellectuals justify supporting Trump in the name of defending Christianity and fighting a new kind of American paganism. But what is paganism? What if it's not what we think it is?
You can find the article here: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/american-paganism.
2020-02-1238 minNew Persuasive WordsInfinite Love?In this episode, joined by our friend Adam Morton, we discuss a controversial tweet that Tim Keller posted about the Trinity and the Cross.
You can find the tweet and a host of replies and comments to it here: https://twitter.com/timkellernyc/status/1221485536415768576?s=20.Special Guest: Adam Morton.
2020-01-3129 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Two PopesIn this episode we talk about the recently released Netflix film The Two Popes.
2020-01-3028 min2019-12-2431 minNew Persuasive WordsIconoclasmIn this episode, joined by Matthew Milliner, we talk about iconoclasm. The Iconoclastic Controversy, was a dispute over the use of religious images (icons) in the Byzantine Empire in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Iconoclasts (those who rejected images) objected to icon veneration for several reasons, including the Old Testament prohibition against images in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:4) and the possibility of idolatry. The defenders of the use of icons insisted on the symbolic nature of images and on the dignity of created matter.
You can download Matt Milliner's review essay "Everything you know about Byzantine...
2019-12-0748 minNew Persuasive WordsFully Human, Fully DivineWe continue our "Romance of Orthodoxy" series. We've been considering the development of Christian orthodoxy and some of the major challenges and debates that helped formulate the heart of the Christian faith. In this episode we consider the Fourth Century controversies that led to the Chalcedonian Council, which declared that Christ had two natures in one person, and the relationship between the natures.
2019-11-3042 minNew Persuasive WordsArianismIn this episode we continue talking about the Romance of Christian Orthodoxy, considering what many consider to be the grandest heresy of them all: Arianism.
2019-11-1435 minNew Persuasive WordsNo Gnosis is Good Gnosis...In this episode we continue our series on the Romance of Orthodoxy. We consider the heresy that seems to have perennial appeal in Christian history: Gnosticism.
2019-10-2336 minNew Persuasive WordsModalism: The Clark Kent/Superman TrinityContinuing our series about the Romance of Orthodoxy, we consider the modalist heresy, which holds that Father, Son, and Spirit are really not persons but more like masks or roles God puts on in relationship to the world.
2019-10-2232 minNew Persuasive WordsMarcion, Thor and YHWHIn this episode we continue to talk about the Romance of Orthodoxy. We talk about Marcionism, a heresy that claims the God of the Hebrew Bible is fundamentally different than the God revealed in Jesus Christ. We find a surprising modern example of the position in renowned theologian David Bentley Hart. We consider a recent exchange he had with First Things contributor Peter Leithart.
2019-10-1741 minNew Persuasive WordsDocetismContinuing our series on the Romance of Orthodoxy, we discuss the "docetic" heresy, which claims that Jesus Christ was divine, but not really human.
2019-09-3036 minNew Persuasive WordsJesus, Judaism and the Early ChurchContinuing our discussion of the romance of orthodoxy, we consider controversies in the history of the church. In this episode we discuss the early church's struggle with the role of Torah observance and the inclusion of Gentiles.
We reference an atonement chart put together by Brad East. You can find it here.
2019-09-2531 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Romance of OrthodoxyFresh off of our summer vacations, we talk about how Christian orthodoxy has romanced us both and continues to do so.
We reference two podcast interviews in this episode. You can find them below.
https://giveandtake.fireside.fm/175
https://giveandtake.fireside.fm/174
2019-09-1036 minNew Persuasive WordsSummer PotpourriWe're both looking toward summer vacation! In this episode we mix it up, like the Jeoprady Potpourri category. You never know what's coming next.
2019-08-1638 minNew Persuasive WordsGuns, God and White SupremacismIn this episode we talk about the recent mass shootings in Texas and Ohio and how to face what they tell us about ourselves as Americans.
2019-08-0732 minNew Persuasive WordsKissing The Faith GoodbyeIn this episode we talk about renowned former megachurch pastor Josh Harris's announcement that he has left the Christian faith.
2019-07-3139 minNew Persuasive WordsUs, Them, Trump, and The SquadIn this episode, inspired in part by David Fitch's new book, we talk about the recent inflammatory statements President Trump made about four women of color in the House of Representatives.
2019-07-2429 minNew Persuasive WordsApocalypse Now?Many are troubled by evangelical love affair with President Trump. Sometimes people talk like it means that the sky is falling or that the end is near. Is this overstated? Might historical perspective teach us a thing or two in this cultural moment?
2019-07-1131 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Gift of Wonder, with Christine SineIn this episode we talk with a special guest, Christine Sine. Her new book is entitled The Gift of Wonder: Creative Practices For Delighting In God.
Can you imagine a God who dances with shouts of joy, laughs when you laugh, loves to play, enjoys life, and invites us to join the fun? Like many of us, Christine Sine had spent many years with an image of God who was "a very serious, workaholic type of God." And even when her theology told her this was not true, she struggled to live into this new way of...
2019-06-2040 minNew Persuasive WordsThe One, The Three and The ManyIn this episode we talk about the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and it's connection to reality and everyday life.
We reference a book by our friend Glenn Scrivener. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Story-God-World-You/dp/1909611948.
2019-06-1429 minNew Persuasive WordsGame of Thrones and the End of EmpathyIn this episode we discuss our thoughts on the Game of Thrones Finale and a recent Invisibilia episode on empathy.
You can find the Invisibilia episode we reference here: https://www.npr.org/2019/04/11/712276022/the-end-of-empathy.
2019-06-0731 minNew Persuasive WordsCan a Command be a Gift?In this episode we continue to talk about the moral life, with some theological help from Karl Barth and John Milbank. We also talk a bit about Game of Thrones, and consider the reactions to the untimely and sad death of Rachel Held Evans.
2019-05-1328 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Battle of the Dead and the Source of LifeIn this episode we talk Game of Thrones, legalism and antinominiasm, in that order pretty much.
2019-05-0132 minNew Persuasive WordsIs The Christian Life Worth Living?Check out this crossover episode we did with our friends from Crackers and Grapejuice in New York City. We talk about the nature of the Christian life and what it means to live it.
2019-04-2649 minNew Persuasive WordsChristological Exegesis?In this episode, inspired by a post on Facebook by our friend Kenneth Tanner, we talk about how Christians ought to read the Hebrew Bible, which we call the Old Testament.
2019-04-2245 minNew Persuasive WordsNavigating Social ChangeIn this episode, inspired by revelations about Joe Biden's "touchiness", we talk about changing norms and navigating social change.
2019-04-1528 minNew Persuasive WordsBullgeschichte, with Adam BornemanIn this Bullgeschichte episode we're joined by Adam Borneman. He's a Presbyterian minister (PCUSA) and the Program Director of Macedonia Ministries. We talk about 19th century theology, the relevance of the Gospel for public life, and a host of other things. Special Guest: Adam Borneman.
2019-04-0858 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Prodigal GodIn this episode we talk about the parable of The Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15. We consider what roles we play in it at different parts in our public and private lives, and how it speaks to them all.
2019-04-0632 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Mueller Malaise, Part 2In this episode we continue to discuss the Mueller Report now that Attorney General Barr's summary of it has been made public.
2019-03-2628 minNew Persuasive WordsAre We Heading For Mueller Malaise?We recorded this episode a half hour before the release of the summary of the Mueller report by U.S. Attorney General William Barr. We talk about it what it might mean for the country. We also talk about how people generally deal with uncertainty.
2019-03-2422 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Person vs The PrincipleIn this episode, inspired by a piece published on the site of our friends over at Mockingbird, we talk about the relationship of the person of Christ to principles that we devise and even cherish.
You can find the piece we reference, written by Jared Jones, here: https://mbird.com/2019/03/the-living-christ-and-the-principle-of-grace/.
2019-03-2028 minNew Persuasive WordsOur Culture of ContemptIn this episode, inspired by NY Times op-ed piece, we talk about the problem of contemptuousness in our culture.
You can find the NY Times piece we discuss here: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/02/opinion/sunday/political-polarization.html.
2019-03-1634 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Methodist Church ControversyIn this episode, after a few minutes talking news, we turn to the recent controversy about sexuality and LGBT inclusion in the United Methodist Church.
2019-03-0542 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Visible and the InvisibleIn this episode we talk about the visible and invisible church, and our ideals and the church's realities.
2019-03-0127 minNew Persuasive WordsFacts Don't Change People's MindsIn this episode, inspired by something we read online, we talk about the inability of facts to change minds. If facts are stubborn things, are our minds even more stubborn? Why is this the case?
You can find the article we reference here.
2019-02-1928 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Righteous and The Woke...Flip Sides of the Same Coin?In this episode, inspired by a piece written by Valerie Tarico, we talk about the strange similarities between some types of conservative evangelicals and woke activists. Most people wouldn't see these groups having much in common. But does their particular sort of tribalism make their similarities greater than their differences?
You can find Valerie Tarico's piece here: http://new.exchristian.net/2019/02/the-righteousness-and-woke-why.html.
2019-02-1042 minNew Persuasive WordsTalking Theology, Culture and Counter-Culture with Dave FitchIn this episode we talk with friend and always interesting interlocutor David Fitch. Dave is a theologian, pastor and church planter. He's also a self-described "Neo-Anabaptist." He also identifies as an evangelical Christian. We ask him about his Neo-Anabaptist theological vision and how it relates to the evangelical tradition in North America. Special Guest: David Fitch.
2019-02-051h 05New Persuasive Words250!In this our 250th episode, we are joined by our friend Matt Milliner. We discuss a host of issues and ideas and do a lot of laughing along the way. Special Guest: Matt Milliner.
2019-01-291h 05New Persuasive WordsGrace is GraceIn this episode we talk about grace. Specifically, we talk about the term common grace, and how to us grace always seems particular and special.
2019-01-1728 minNew Persuasive WordsWhat We Worry AboutIn this episode we talk about the things that keep us up at night, and the things that don't.
2019-01-0632 minNew Persuasive WordsOrigen, Irenaeus, and The Meaning of ChristmasIn this episode we consider two different ancient approaches to the meaning of redemption and the role of Jesus in it, and how it shapes our understanding of Christmas.
2018-12-2427 minNew Persuasive WordsKeep the Christendom in ChristmasIn this episode we talk about the blessing of Advent and Christmas traditions and the benefits of living in a culture even superficially shaped by the Christian story.
2018-12-1127 minNew Persuasive WordsKeeping The FaithIn this episode we interact with a recent piece that appeared on the Gospel Coalition website. The author claims that there is slippery slope (or natural progression?) from progressive evangelical Christianity to atheism. We're less than convinced.
You can find the piece, written by Alisa Childers, here: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-beliefs-progressive-christians-atheists-share/.
2018-11-2340 minNew Persuasive WordsTalking Politics at ThanksgivingIn this episode we talk about how to deal with contentious hot button issues at the holiday dinner table.
2018-11-2131 minNew Persuasive WordsWhy We Need EvilIn this episode we talk about what happens in the wake of horrific things when we lose the capacity to call them evil in a meaningful way.
We referenced two books on the episode: People of the Lie and Evil in Modern Thought. You can find the links below:
https://www.amazon.com/People-Lie-Hope-Healing-Human/dp/0684848597
https://www.amazon.com/Evil-Modern-Thought-Alternative-Philosophy/dp/0691168504
2018-11-2128 minNew Persuasive WordsIt's Been a Rough Week in AmericaThis past week we saw 16 people killed in hate crimes in 2 states, one of which was the biggest killing of Jews in American history. We also saw a crazed man send bombs to some of the Democratic party's leadership and key supporters. We try to think about where we go next.
2018-10-3034 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Rich White Civil WarIn this episode we talk about a new study of the American electorate, inspired by a recent op-ed in the NY Times by David Brooks. New research shows that the political tribalism that characterizes American political culture is actually fueled by the elites on the right and the left.
You can find the David Brooks piece here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/15/opinion/politics-race-white-tribalism.html.
You can find the research he cites here: https://hiddentribes.us.
2018-10-2327 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Politics of the CrossIn this episode we reflect on America's deep political divisions and tribalism in light of the theology of the cross.
2018-10-0936 minNew Persuasive WordsPolitics after KavanaughIn this episode, recorded as the Senate was voting to confirm Brett Kavanaugh, we discuss the events that led up to his confirmation and what they might mean for the future of American politics and culture.
We reference two articles during our discussion. They can be found below.
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/10/02/brett-kavanaugh-lying-politics-220812
http://mbird.com/2018/10/hiding-in-plain-sight-the-lost-doctrine-of-sin/
2018-10-0631 minNew Persuasive WordsIs There a Philosophy of the Cross?In this episode, inspired by an essay that appeared in the Expository Times, we talk about the relationship between Christianity and philosophy. Specifically we consider what Christ crucified, "the foolishness of God," has to do with the philosophical enterprise.
You can find the essay we discuss here:
This is the Von Balthasar quote referenced:
Neither religious philosophy nor existence can provide the criterion for the genuineness of Christianity. In philosophy, man discovers what is humanly knowable about the depths of being; in existence, man lives out what is humanly livable. But Christianity disappears...
2018-10-0235 min2018-09-2634 minNew Persuasive WordsA Post-Christian Conservatism?In this episode we discuss the results of a recent study that show that there is an increasing number of secular and irreligious people forming Trump's GOP base. These less religious Republicans tend to share more of Trump's views that their religious counterparts. What does this mean for the future of the Republican party and the conservative movement?
We found out about the study in a recent New York Times piece by Ross Douthat.
2018-09-1928 minNew Persuasive WordsWhat Was Paul's Problem Anyway?In this episode, drawing inspiration from a book by Stephen Westerholm, we discuss the Old and New Perspective on Paul and whether Paul's "problem" was a Gentile issue or a problem facing the entire human race.
Westerholm's book is entitled Justification Reconsidered: Rethinking A Pauline Theme. You can find a conversation with Westerholm about the book here.
2018-09-1631 minNew Persuasive WordsDoes The Media Get The Church?In this episode, inspired by a piece in Commentary Magazine about the current crisis in the Catholic Church and the controversy surrounding President Trump's recent dinner with prominent evangelical leaders, we talk about how the media covers and sometimes misunderstands the church and church controversies.
2018-08-3035 minNew Persuasive WordsSocialism on the Rise?In this episode, inspired by a discussion on the Commentary Magazine podcast, we discuss the rising popularity of socialism in America today.
2018-08-2126 minNew Persuasive WordsInfrastructure and TraditionIn this episode we talk about Roman roads, the importance of infrastructure and the nature of preservation and innovation in traditions.
You can find the story about the study of Roman roads and current economic activity here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5673247/Roman-roads-contributing-spread-prosperity-scientists-claim.html.
2018-08-1634 minNew Persuasive WordsPatriotism and NationalismWilliam F. Buckley once said: "I’m as patriotic as anyone from sea to shining sea, but there’s not a molecule of nationalism in me.” Inspired by this quote, we consider whether one can be an American patriot and a nationalist at the same time.
2018-08-0828 minNew Persuasive WordsNature and GraceIn this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, we discuss the relationship of nature and grace.
2018-08-0328 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Show About NothingWe welcomed friend of the show Geoff Holsclaw into the bunker for the first time. We went into this episode without a topic. It was a show about nothing that became something. This goes down as one of our favorite Bullgeschicte episodes. Can't wait to have Geoff back.
2018-07-1651 minNew Persuasive WordsWhen Politics Shapes ReligionInspired by a recent piece in the New York Times, we discuss new research that shows how political affiliations and commitments are shaping religious one, not the other way around.
You can find the New York Times piece, written by Michele Margolis, here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/11/opinion/religion-republican-democrat.html.
2018-07-1321 minNew Persuasive WordsGod, Predestination and EvilIn this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, we offer a postscript to our previous episode on Calvin and predestination. We grapple with questions about providence, predestination and evil.
2018-07-1025 minNew Persuasive WordsCalvin and PredestinationIn this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, we talk about Calvin and predestination.
2018-07-0727 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Little LutherIn this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, we talk about Luther and the Reformation reception of Augustine, in conversation with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, popularly know as "The Little Flower of Jesus."
2018-06-2826 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Laodicean AugustineLa·od·i·ce·an
adjective
adjective: Laodicean
lukewarm or halfhearted, especially with respect to religion or politics.
noun
noun: Laodicean; plural noun: Laodiceans
a person with a halfhearted attitude toward religion or politics.
In this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, Bill argues for a "Laodicean" Augustinian understanding of human nature.
2018-06-2331 minNew Persuasive WordsCreation and FallIn this episode we begin a new series of indeterminate length. We're attempting to talk through Creation, Fall and Redemption and everything in between and how this shapes how we discuss our understanding of salvation and the human condition.
2018-06-2234 minNew Persuasive WordsCreation In AnticipationIn this episode, inspired by Richard Rohr and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, we talk about what it means for creation to look forward to its fulfillment.
You can find the Richard Rohr piece we reference here: https://cac.org/evolving-the-universe-2018-06-08/.
2018-06-2122 minNew Persuasive WordsFaith Without UnderstandingIn this episode we consider what happens when faith is unreflective and ceases to seek continued understanding.
2018-06-0126 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Forgotten TrinityIn this episode, inspired by a provocative and self-admittedly unorthodox sermon Trinity Sunday sermon posted on The Episcopal Cafe website, we reflect on the enduring significance of the doctrine of the Trinity.
We reference Colin Gunton's book The One, Three and the Many: God, Creation and the Culture of Modernity. You can find it here.
2018-05-2835 minNew Persuasive WordsOriginal SinIn this episode, inspired by a piece in the New York Times by a contemporary philosopher, we reflect on the contemporary relevance of an often maligned ancient Christian doctrine.
The article we mention by Professor Crispin Sartwell can be found here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/21/opinion/original-sin-ethics.html.
2018-05-2333 minNew Persuasive WordsGreater ThingsIn this Bullgeschichte episode we are joined by Doug Pagitt. Doug is the founder and director of the non-profit Greater Things Foundation, which is the umbrella organization that much of his work operates within. We talk about faith, life, evangelicalism and politics. And of course, a little Donald Trump. Special Guest: Doug Pagitt.
2018-05-171h 01New Persuasive WordsJerusalemIn this episode we talk about Jerusalem and the tragedy in Gaza. We consider how things got here and if there's hope on the horizon. We also consider a past conversation "The Grace of Doing Nothing."
2018-05-1627 minNew Persuasive WordsRabbiThis is the fourth episode of a short series of podcasts we are doing on the identity of Jesus Christ. In this episode we consider Jesus as rabbi.
We regularly reference Robert Sherman's King, Priest, and Prophet: A Trinitarian Theology of Atonement. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/King-Priest-Prophet-Trinitarian-Atonement/dp/0567025608.
2018-05-1032 minNew Persuasive WordsKingThis is the third episode of a short series of podcasts we are doing on the identity of Jesus Christ. Our first episode considered Jesus as prophet. The second considered Jesus as priest. In this episode we consider Jesus as king.
We regularly reference Robert Sherman's King, Priest, and Prophet: A Trinitarian Theology of Atonement. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/King-Priest-Prophet-Trinitarian-Atonement/dp/0567025608.
2018-05-0731 minNew Persuasive WordsLaw, Grace, Life and LoveIn this Bullgeschichte episode we talk with our friend and colleague Dr. Matt Milliner about a host of things that matter to us all. This was one of our favorite episodes. Special Guest: Matt Milliner.
2018-05-011h 03New Persuasive WordsPriestThis is the first of a short series of podcasts we are doing on the identity of Jesus Christ. Our first episode considered Jesus as prophet. In this episode we consider Jesus as priest.
We reference Robert Sherman's King, Priest, and Prophet: A Trinitarian Theology of Atonement. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/King-Priest-Prophet-Trinitarian-Atonement/dp/0567025608.
2018-04-2632 minNew Persuasive WordsProphetThis is the first of a short series of podcasts we are doing on the identity of Jesus Christ.
2018-04-2134 minNew Persuasive WordsKierkegaard and ComeyIn this episode we consider what Kierkegaard's philosophy can tell us about James Comey and Donald Trump.
2018-04-2129 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Humor of ChristIn this episode we reflect on and riff off of Bill's most recent contribution to "The Mockingbird", the magazine of Mockingbird Ministries (www.mbird.com). The issue's theme was humor and Bill's essay argues that Jesus really did have a sense of humor.
2018-04-1432 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Future of the Politics of FreedomIn this episode of the podcast, inspired by a conversation between Bill Kristol and Peter Berkowitz II, we consider the future of classical liberalism in light of contemporary challenges to it that come from both the Left and the Right.
You can find the conversation between Kristol and Berkowitz here:
http://conversationswithbillkristol.org/video/peter-berkowitz-ii/?start=15&end=2375.
2018-04-1228 minNew Persuasive WordsJordan Peterson on the Significance of EasterIn this episode we discuss a piece Jordan Peterson wrote for the London Times which appeared in the newspaper on Easter Sunday.
The article can be found here:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/the-sunday-times-magazine/jordan-peterson-the-bestselling-author-and-clinical-psychologist-on-why-theres-still-power-in-the-easter-story-rx5njr0zl.
2018-04-0827 minNew Persuasive WordsGod's Death, Our LifeIn this episode, recorded on Good Friday 2018, Bill and I talk about the events that preceded Easter and their meaning for us today.
2018-03-3136 minNew Persuasive WordsBullgeschichte Session, with Todd LittletonOccasionally we invite someone on to talk with us about a host of things, or whatever comes to mind. We call it a "Bullgeschicte" Session. Our guest for this episode is Todd Littleton. He's a pastor, writer, consultant, professor, blogger and podcaster. We talk love, death, necrophobia and food. Special Guest: Todd Littleton.
2018-03-2930 minNew Persuasive WordsMore on the Essence of ChristianityFrom time to time on the podcast we reflect on the essence of Christianity. We return to this theme, with a little help from Hans Urs von Balthasar.
2018-03-2925 minNew Persuasive WordsSelf-DeceptionIn this episode of the podcast we talk about self-deception and how hard it is to know when you're deceiving yourself.
2018-03-2935 minNew Persuasive WordsEvangelicals and the Trump TemptationIn this episode we talk about two recent pieces, one in the Atlantic and the other in the National Review, that discuss the continued support for Trump in the evangelical community. The authors, Michael Gerson and David French, are both conservative evangelical never Trumpers.
Below are the links to both pieces:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/04/the-last-temptation/554066/
https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/03/evangelicals-support-donald-trump-political-realities-2016-election/
2018-03-1640 minNew Persuasive WordsBaptismWe're at episode 202, and we realized we have never talked about baptism! Thanks to Nathan Smith, a regular listener, for asking us to share our thoughts. Keep the suggestions coming friends.
2018-03-0334 minNew Persuasive WordsBilly Graham the Evangelist and Our Thoughts on EvangelismIn this episode we reflect on the legacy of Billy Graham and consider the nature and future of evangelism in the modern world.
2018-02-2737 minNew Persuasive WordsOur 200th episode! With Special Guest Mark OppenheimerWhen we began this podcast we never imagined we'd get to 200 episodes. It's been a wild ride. We were joined on our 200th episode by Mark Oppenheimer, Editor at Large at Tablet Magazine and co-host of the wildly popular Unorthodox podcast. We talk faith, politics, public life and even epigenetics. Thanks to all our listeners. Here's to 200 more!Special Guest: Mark Oppenheimer.
2018-02-2258 minNew Persuasive WordsIs It Getting Better?In our second episode of 2018 we ask if the world is getting better. We reflect on Time Magazine's interview with Bill Gates and Rowan Williams' review of John Millbank's newest book, The Politics of Virtue, co-authored with Adrian Pabst.
You can find the Bill Gates interview here: http://time.com/5086907/bill-gates-nancy-gibbs-interview/.
The Rowan Williams review is here: https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/2016/10/liberalism-and-capitalism-have-hollowed-out-society-so-where-do-we-turn-now.
2018-01-1335 minNew Persuasive WordsSober FaithIn this episode we consider what it means to have a faith that does not simply react to the turbulent and sometimes outrageous times in which we live, but actually serves as a kind of calming reality in the eye of the storm.
The episode was inspired by this quote from one of Bill's recent sermons:
I think one of the pressing needs for Christians in this current time is to develop spiritual sobriety. A sober faith is one that is not in crisis because Christians behave badly and think poorly; a sober hope is...
2017-11-2131 minNew Persuasive WordsThe Death of AmbitionIn this episode we discuss ambition, mortality and everything in between. Our conversation was inspired by Bill's recent article in The Mockingbird print magazine.
You can get a copy of the most recent issue of the magazine at www.mbird.com.
2017-08-1028 minNew Persuasive WordsBullgeschichte, Friday Night Lights & Law/Gospel, with Adam Morton|n this Bullgeschichte/Friday Night Lights episode we talk with the Prince of Lutherans (according to us), Adam Morton. He and Bill argue the finer points of Luther and Lutheranism. Scott cracks bad jokes. Special Guest: Adam Morton.
2017-08-0440 minNew Persuasive WordsJudge Not...In this episode we talk about the powerful temptation to judge other people, which most of us give in to all the time.
Our launching point was one of Bill's blog posts: https://www.residentexile.com/single-post/2017/07/08/As-You-Judge.
We also quote Jason Micheli: http://tamedcynic.org/the-worm-at-the-core-of-the-apple/.
This is the full context for the Karl Barth quote we reference:
This fact that God has here come amongst us in the person of His Son, and that as a man with us He exercises judgment, reveals the full seriousness of the human...
2017-07-1030 minNew Persuasive WordsFriday Night Lights: More on the SpiritIn this Friday Night lights episode, recorded on Bill's birthday, we continue reflecting on the Holy Spirit and spirituality.
2017-06-0929 minNew Persuasive WordsWhere Do Words Come From?In this episode, inspired by a short essay written by the renowned novelist Cormac McCarthy. It deals with the origins of human language, and whether evolutionary explanations do it justice.
Show Notes:
The essay that inspired the podcast can be found here: http://nautil.us/issue/47/consciousness/the-kekul-problem?utm_campaign=5.11+Bill+Ringa+%28PVZrqH%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Official+-+The+Newsletter+%28US+-+East+Coast%29+.
2017-05-2032 minNew Persuasive WordsA New Relativism?Traditionally relativism has been something that conservatives blamed on liberals. But in a new world of alternative facts is there a new relativism on the rise? We talk about this, and Bill's frustrations after doing a google search.
2017-02-1030 minNew Persuasive WordsAmerican ExceptionalismIn this episode we discuss the concept of American Exceptionalism, in addition to rehashing Bill's recent chastisement by a Facebook Group administrator.
Show Notes:
We reference this article by Kevin Baker which appeared in the New York Times on January 21, 2017:
https://goo.gl/nMPckO.
2017-02-0732 minNew Persuasive WordsDonald Trump Is Born Again (?)On this episode Bill and Scott cover what could be the religious news story of the year: Donald Trumps born again evangelical experience.
2016-06-2832 minNew Persuasive WordsShould Tragedies Change Our Thinking?In this episode Bill and Scott spend some time trying to find words to understand the Orlando mass shooting and what it means for thinking about modern life.
2016-06-1831 min