Shows
Spiritually IncorrectThe "Secret" Gospels of Jesus?The so-called "Gnostic" Gospels have been the subject of innumerable books (including the famed The Da Vinci Code), documentaries, and scholarly fascination. These texts are often said to have been suppressed by the early church in order to sanitize the story of Christ, creating the "orthodox" version passed down to us. How much truth is there to these claims? Do these gospels pose a threat to the traditional claims about Jesus and his teachings? Here to help us through this issue is the esteemed New Testament scholar Craig Evans, author of the book Fabricating Jesus (as well...2025-07-151h 17
Spiritually IncorrectJONATHAN'S NEW BOOK!!! The Journey of GodGuess what, everyone? Jonathan's newest book, The Journey of God, is now available! Go check it out here! But in the meantime, listen to us discuss its origins, its content, and even get a reading of the book itself.2025-07-0141 min
Spiritually IncorrectSo... How's the New Pope? w/ Jimmy AkinIt's been a few weeks since the world welcomed a new pope. And while there was plenty of coverage at the beginning, it's about time to ask: how is he doing? What have the first few weeks revealed about the future of the Catholic Church and how he will operate as pope?Well, the last two people you want discussing this are your two Protestant hosts, so to help us out, we brought on Jimmy Akin from Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World and Catholics Answers to help us out. Find more from Jimmy Akin here!2025-06-171h 21
Spiritually IncorrectBad Christian Movies: God's Not DeadHot take! (not really)There are plenty of faith-based films, and it seems that the avalanche of Christian movies has only been increasing in recent years. There is only one problem: nearly all of them are awful. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is the film series God's Not Dead. While Christians flocked to see it and applauded it for its message, most others were appalled by its portrayal of non-Christians, its shallow storytelling, and its simplistic view of the world. In this episode, we review the film and offer our...2025-06-0357 min
Spiritually IncorrectWhat Does the Bible Say About Suffering?The problem of evil has been a major theological and philosophical conundrum for millennia. Writers even before the time of Jesus were wrestling with the idea of why God (or the gods) would allow such pain and suffering in the world. Where is God in the midst of all this evil?Needless to say, Scripture is not silent on this issue. On this episode, we jump straight into this thorny issue with Dr. Matthew McBirth and look particularly at how St. Peter dealt with the issue in the Bible. In short, we have Peter, pain, and the...2025-05-201h 12
Spiritually IncorrectCan Christians Be Feminists?Is Christianity opposed to feminism? If you listen to many, the answer is a definitive yes. The church, they say, has suppressed women and women's rights for centuries, and it continues to be a force for misogyny in the world today. Women's rights and Christianity simply have not been allies.Yet here to give us a fresh perspective on the true relationship of feminism and the faith is Dr. Sarah Williams.To hear our post-discussion, be sure to join our Patreon!2025-05-0657 min
Spiritually IncorrectIs Preaching Dead?Every Sunday, churches perform the same ritual. There's singing, some announcements, and a word from the preacher. And, undoubtedly, the same complaints reemerge. The sermon was too long, too boring, too unrelatable, etc.With declining church attendance across the Western world, one has to wonder what the church can do. Are our sermons no longer touching the lives of the congregants? Is there something we can do to reshape how we see preaching and the spoken word? Here to guide us on his own journey into a new way of preaching is Dr. Mark Glanville: Old Testament...2025-04-221h 10
Spiritually IncorrectDecoding Revelation: How to Interpret the Bible's Strangest BookThe book of Revelation has sparked no shortage of debate and intrigue. Who is the Beast/antichrist? What is the Mark of the Beast? Is the book an outline of events that are soon to take place?But is it possible that we have gotten the book wrong entirely? Is the book not a roadmap of the future but something far more relevant to the here and now?Here to help us decode this mysterious piece of literature is Dr. Shane J. Wood, whose new book, Thinning the Veil, attempts to pierce the interpretive haze...2025-04-081h 00
Spiritually IncorrectIs the Trinity Nonsense?1+1+1=...1? According to Christian teaching, God is three persons... but there is only one God. How does that make any sense? It is easily one of the great mysteries of the faith, yet it is one Christians have still ceaselessly tried to solve. Is there a way to make sense of it? Or are we fated to never understand this central point of Christian teaching?Here to give his radical take is our host Jonathan, whose book MonoThreeism attempts to, once and for all, end the conversation and say, yes, the Trinity is nonsense, but it...2025-03-251h 01
Spiritually IncorrectThe Spirituality of... Quantum Physics?The world of quantum physics is a strange one, but it is becoming increasingly popular with the recent Marvel movies. In this episode, we explore the possible implications of quantum physics on spirituality. Specifically, we decided to shake things up a bit and have Allan Furic, a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, speak to the strange alignment between the thought of quantum physicist David Bohm and certain aspects of Buddhism. It's as weird and wacky of an episode as you'll see from us!2025-03-111h 09
Spiritually IncorrectMuslim vs Christian Debate!In the first of its kind on our show, we have a (friendly) debate with Paul Williams, the host of Blogging Theology and prominent Muslim apologist. We argue whether the New Testament (particularly the earlier documents) can tell us whether or not Jesus saw Himself as divine. 2025-02-251h 04
Spiritually IncorrectShould the Church Be Political?Another US election, and everyone is back to arguing! But mixed in with these discussions are questions about Christianity and the role of the church in politics. Bishop Budde just made the news over her comments to President Trump. Vice President Vance has appealed to theordo amoris in his politics. It seems the question of church-state relations is more relevant than ever, but what is the right approach? How should Christians react to politics? Is it right to try and push Christian agendas? Or should we leave our faith out of the ballot box?2025-02-111h 02
Spiritually IncorrectRobot Humans, Homicidal Bigfoot, and the TikTok Ban - In The News #2A lot has been going on in the news, but plenty of stories may have gone under your radar. On this second episode of In The News, we cover everything from the future of robotics, the TikTok ban, and whether or not alcohol is actually healthy for you (!).
All that and much more as we plow our way through the lesser-known headlines!2025-01-2849 min
Spiritually IncorrectWhen Narnia Met Middle Earth: The Fascinating Friendship of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. TolkienIn this episode, we look at the fascinating friendship of two of history's greatest fiction authors. In our interview with Oxford scholar Michael Ward, we look at how Tolkien led Lewis to Christianity, the impact the two had on one another's thoughts and writings, and many more topics on the two most famous Inklings.2025-01-141h 11
Spiritually IncorrectHappy New Years! (and a few updates)Happy 2025 (almost)! We're taking our normal holiday break, but this time, we're leaving you with a short filler episode that has some good banter and exciting updates on our next episode.2024-12-3112 min
Spiritually IncorrectAre Séances and Psychics Real?We're back with our third annual Halloween episode! This year we tackle the strange world of mediums, psychics, telepathy, and beyond as we interview R. Alan Streett, a professor of theology at Criswell College and author of the new book Exploring the Paranormal: Miracles, Magic, and the Mysterious. Streett has been a believer and practitioner of mediumship, an ardent skeptic, and everything in-between. Join us as he gives his life story and helps us come to a conclusion of what Christians should believe about these perplexing phenomena2024-12-3154 min
Spiritually IncorrectWho are the Spiritual but not Religious?The West is rapidly losing its religion, but strangely, that does not mean it is losing its belief in the supernatural. In fact, such beliefs are as common as ever. The "Spiritual but not Religious" subgroup has quickly become one of the biggest and fastest-growing groups in the US and other Western nations.
But who are they? What do they believe? And where did this trend come from? In this episode, we discuss (in obsessive detail) the origins and common threads surrounding the Spiritual but not Religious.2024-12-311h 02
Spiritually IncorrectWho Are the Spiritual but Not Religious? (Part 2)While in our last episode, we talked about who the spiritual but not religious are, this episode we tackle what we, as a church, ought to do about it. Is there anything we can learn from this movement? Or should we see it as something completely hostile to Christianity?2024-12-3138 min
Spiritually IncorrectDesign Arguments in Islam and JudaismWhen you look into the night sky, it can sometimes be tough not to think that there is a designer to it all. And, as it turns out, it is not just Christians who have thought this. The design argument, an apologetic argument that seeks to show God's existence from evidence for design, has had a long history in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. What do these other faiths have to say? Are they much different from Christianity's claims? And are they convincing?
Here to help us through this issue are Erkki Rope Kojonen and Shoaib Malik who...2024-12-171h 12
Spiritually IncorrectShould Christians Vote For Trump? Part 2Election season is here! And it is just as heated as ever. The past two elections, evangelicals have overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump. However, we recently heard from Jim Wallis, Obama's spiritual advisor, why this is misguided. Is he correct?
Here to give the case for voting for Donald Trump is R. R. Reno, editor of the journal First Things. According to him, Trump is a symptom of something much, much deeper and important that needs to be reclaimed in our country. Be sure to give both episodes a listen and let us know which side you think...2024-11-041h 02
Spiritually IncorrectShould Christians Vote For Trump? Part 1The election is just around the corner, and many Christians are perplexed by their options. While most white Evangelicals prefer Trump, the question of his moral character consistently plagues him, and, indeed, many wonder how God's church can support a man who consistently attacks and demeans various people.
Are Christians wrong to side with Trump so heavily? Here to argue they are is Jim Wallis, a renowned theologian and former advisor to Barack Obama. PART 2 will include the opposite case: that Christians ought to support Trump. Be sure to check out this podcast in the coming days...2024-10-221h 10
Spiritually IncorrectExciting Podcast Updates, a Season's End, and the Great Filler Episode of 2024!Read the title. That's all you get.2024-10-1516 min
Spiritually IncorrectAre Science and Religion at War?We've talked a lot about science on this podcast and even touched on the supposed warfare between science and religion. However, today we have the honor of bringing on an expert to help us parse through the supposed conflict. Derrick Peterson, author of the acclaimed Flat Earths and Fake Footnotes, is here to set us straight on where the conflict really lies and how we have massively misunderstood the history of both these fields.
Be sure to access the full episode (plus two free university courses) for only $5 a month here!2024-10-011h 06
Spiritually IncorrectWhere was God in the Holocaust?The problem of evil is the toughest question Christians can face, and the Holocaust is perhaps the most glaring and incomprehensible example of evil ever committed. How ought Christians handle the reality of such blatant wickedness? Does the reality of such a grotesque act say something about the God who presumably allowed it to happen? Should it challenge our conception of God and God's place in the world?
We discuss these questions and much more on this episode!
And for much more from us, check out our Patreon page here! 2024-09-1757 min
Spiritually IncorrectWhat Beliefs Are Really "Essential"?We've all been told that certain beliefs are "essential" for being a Christian, whereas others are not quite as important. Yet while we can usually agree on this, there seems to be no consensus on what these "essential beliefs" truly are. In fact, disagreements on these topics are the cause of many (if not most) church splits.
Is there any way to know which beliefs are truly essential? What must we believe to be Christians, and what should be the standard for fellowship? Here to help us sort through this thorny topic is Andy Nichols, an expert...2024-09-031h 16
Spiritually IncorrectC. S. Lewis's Strangest BeliefsC. S. Lewis is one of the most respected and famous Christians of the past century. He is one of the few authors with near universal love and praise from Evangelical circles, in particular. However, many of Lewis's beliefs would be considered odd (or perhaps even heretical) by many within the church today.
What are these beliefs? And what are we to make of the fact that they come from one of the heroes of the faith? Here to guide us through this sticky issue is Dr. Jahdiel Perez, who has recently secured a doctorate from Oxford...2024-08-201h 09
Spiritually IncorrectProof of Demons?: The Strange Tale of Skinwalker RanchOnce an unknown range in the middle of Utah, the place known as Skinwalker Ranch has been catapulted into fame over the past two decades. The subject of a decade-long research project partly funded by the US government, the ranch is now home to a scientific investigation that has become one of the most popular documentary series on television ("The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch").
Why spend so much attention on such a relatively innocuous place? In short, the ranch is sometimes credited with being the most active paranormal spot in the country (and perhaps in the world...2024-08-061h 02
Spiritually IncorrectInterview with a SatanistYes, we finally went there. In the most incorrect of Spiritually Incorrect episodes, we bring on a chaplain from the Global Order of Satan, a branch of Satanism, to talk about what Satanists actually believe and practice and what bits of it are just Hollywood fiction and relics of the Satanic panic from the 1980s.
This is definitely an episode you don't want to miss!
Exclusive Offer:
For our $5 and up Patreon subscribers, you now have access to a free university course taught by Jonathan called "The History of Christian Thought"! And if...2024-07-231h 00
Spiritually IncorrectDo Religions Cause Violence?As violence erupts around the world, many are feeling more unsettled now than ever. And one conflict at the forefront of many's attention is the war in Gaza. For some, it's just one more example of religions causing divisions and violence that would otherwise not exist. It joins a long list that includes the medieval Crusades, Witch Hunts, and the Wars on Terror.
But how true is this? Are religions inherently violent, and would the world be more peaceful without them? To quote John Lennon's famous song, if there were no religions, would we all just live...2024-07-0958 min
Spiritually IncorrectIs Euthanasia a Human Right?Special Giveaway: For all $5 a month Patreon subscribers, you now have free access to Jonathan's book Monothreeism: An Absurdly Arrogant Attempt to Answer All the Problems of the Last 2000 Years in One Night at a Pub!
Euthanasia, the act of ending someone's life in hopes of sparing them further pain and misery, has become an increasingly common practice in Western nations. Already, nations like The Netherlands, Canada, and Australia have programs for carrying it out.
But despite its name meaning "good death," is euthanasia morally acceptable? Or have we gone one step too far when...2024-06-251h 18
Spiritually IncorrectThe Politics of JesusWith November rapidly approaching, it's everyone's (least) favorite time of year... political season. Most of us are already tired of the constant ads, the infighting, and the nonstop social media disputes.
And even among Christians, we can never seem to agree. But what did Jesus teach us about politics? Did He have certain positions that we have ignored? Would he have voted Republican or Democrat? To help us answer these questions, we have Dr. Mark Moore, an expert on the topic and a New Testament scholar.
And DON'T FORGET! Our Patreon subscribers get access to...2024-06-111h 04
Spiritually IncorrectShould Christians Care for the Earth?We're constantly bombarded with bad news about the environment. Another species has been declared extinct... Another natural disaster blamed on changing temperatures...
How much of it is true? And should we, the church, care? If the world is ultimately going to end, why care too much about it? Or is this mentality wrong?
On today's episode, we tackle the ever-controversial topic of environmentalism with Prof. Bethany Sollereder!2024-05-281h 08
Spiritually IncorrectDid Jesus Know He Was God?While most Christians obviously assume Jesus knew who He was, it may surprise them to learn that many (if not most) New Testament scholars debate about this. And even assuming Jesus did know this, when did He learn it? Did He come out of the womb with this knowledge or learn it along the way? How?
Here to help us through these difficult questions is Dr. Austin Stevenson, who has recently written on the topic. 2024-05-141h 13
Spiritually IncorrectWho's Afraid of Buddhism?Outside of Jesus, Siddhartha Gautama, better known as "The Buddha," is perhaps the most revered spiritual figure in history. Indeed, even many Christians have come to admire and revere the teachings attributed to this mysterious figure. But what did he actually teach? And what are we to make of the enormous religion that remains his greatest legacy?
On today's episode, we invite Dr. Tyler McNabb to help us wrestle through the teachings of Buddhism and the enigmatic sage who supposedly taught the way to Enlightenment. 2024-04-301h 08
Spiritually IncorrectExploring Higher Dimensions?When talking about God, angels, etc., you may sometimes hear it described as a "spiritual/higher dimension". In fact, authors such as Billy Graham and C. S. Lewis used just such language. It's an interesting description, but what does it mean? Are there other dimensions? Are they like the three dimensions of space we have only... more? Where did this talk come from?
Joining us today is Dr. Christopher White, an expert on the origin of and conversation around higher dimensions and their relationship to Christian faith. 2024-04-161h 09
Spiritually IncorrectIs the Rapture Fake?War. Disease. Famine. No, I'm not talking about the evening news (though I easily could be). These are the supposed signs of the end of the world. Yet many Christians believe that before it gets too bad, the church will be raptured and taken away from the world.
The idea of the Rapture and the Apocalypse has gained pop cultural attention through the Left Behind series and an uncountable number of books claiming to interpret the prophecies of Revelation. Yet according to many biblical scholars, we may have gotten it wrong. In fact, the majority now believe...2024-04-021h 02
Spiritually IncorrectWhat Emotions Does God Feel?Does God really get angry? Upset? Horrified? If so, is God's emotional life less than perfect? How, then, can we call God perfect? If God doesn't feel these emotions, why does Scripture portray Him this way?
Can we truly figure out what sort of emotions God feels? According to our guest, Dr. Ryan Mullins, we can. Join us in this episode for our deep dive into the emotional life of God!2024-03-191h 01
Spiritually IncorrectAI, Mediums, and the Unevangelized: Our First Audience Q&AYou have questions; we have answers. We can't promise they're good ones, but on this episode, we take your questions and give our best (off-the-cuff) responses!2024-03-0557 min
Spiritually IncorrectMuslim Apologetics?We've spent plenty of time discussing the evidence for the Christian faith on Spiritually Incorrect. Still, we would be lying if we said Christians were the only ones attempting to use reason and evidence to support their faith.
Islam, the world's second-largest religion, has marshalled its own intellectuals to the task of defending the core tenets of the religion. What are their arguments? With Islam becoming an ever-increasing presence in the West, understanding this faith tradition and its claims is becoming increasingly important, and here to help us through this topic is Dr. Shoaib Malik, one of...2024-02-201h 10
Spiritually IncorrectNear-Death Experiences of Hell? with Jimmy AkinNear-death experiences (or NDEs) have become something of a sensation as of late. While virtually no one knew about them just a few decades ago, now we know a huge number of people who have come close to death have experienced them. Even mainstream science is now being forced to take them seriously. But should Christians take them seriously?
And while a good percentage of them are generally positive, there are quite a few that... aren't. Are people really experiencing Hell and living to tell the tale? On today's podcast, we bring on Jimmy Akin, host of...2024-02-061h 03
Spiritually IncorrectRanking the Arguments for God's ExistenceDoes God exist? And can we prove it? Apologetics is the field of study that attempts to prove the central claims of the Christian faith, and for centuries, it has offered arguments for God's existence.
How successful have they been? In this episode, we rank the most famous arguments for (and one against) God's existence.
And for our Patreon subscribers, you get over twice the content! Check out an entirely separate episode debating these separate arguments!2024-01-231h 07
Spiritually IncorrectRethinking Hell: UniversalismOne of the more common Christian slogans you might see plastered upon shirts, bracelets, or other paraphernalia is "Make Heaven Crowded." A nice thought, to say the least!
But if that should be our ambition, shouldn't it be God's, as well? If God wants all people to be saved, why aren't they? Why isn't heaven not just crowded... but overcrowded?
For a select but growing number of theologians, the answer is that, yes, it will be! Universalism is a position that has seen a recent resurgence, even among Evangelicals, and holds that everyone will (eventually...2024-01-091h 06
Spiritually IncorrectMerry (Belated) Christmas! A Short UpdateA brief update from us for Years' End!2023-12-2601 min
Spiritually IncorrectRethinking Hell: The Divine Presence ModelHell is the absence of God's presence... right? Many are taught that. It seems to make sense, to some degree. If we reject God, He rejects us.
But is that what the Bible actually teaches? Here with us today to offer a startling and Biblically-founded model of Hell is Dr. Zachary Manis. He suggests that Hell isn't caused by God's absence but by God's presence! If that sounds astonishing, confusing, or interesting in the slightest, this is the episode for you. 2023-12-121h 12
Spiritually IncorrectRethinking Hell: The Annihilationist ViewHell is likely the least favorite topic of most Christians. It's often times considered one of the hardest doctrines to swallow. The idea of an eternity of misery separated from God seems horrendous, so it's no wonder we often like to avoid it.
But there is a certain segment of Christians who believe we have gotten Hell wrong. In fact, they think the Bible portrays a very different image of Hell. Hell, they argue, isn't a place of unending suffering but simply nonexistence. In other words, the fate of the unredeemed is less like Dante's Inferno and...2023-12-071h 17
Spiritually IncorrectWho's Afraid of Purity Culture?Purity culture. It's one of the most divisive topics you can bring up. For many Christians, it is a bastion of hope against the sex-crazed state of our pop culture and college campuses. For others, it has been repressive and harmful to youth, and the horror stories are everywhere to be found. Some now even claim it isn't even a truly Christian sexual ethic.
So which is it? Is purity culture a good thing with some fixable quirks? Or is it something that is so fundamentally flawed that it ought to be abandoned altogether? In the first...2023-11-141h 00
Spiritually IncorrectScientific Proof of Ghosts?Happy Halloween! It's the best time of year for Spiritually Incorrect since we love to cover topics ranging from the bizarre to the paranormal.
And this year, we have a special treat for you:
Joining us is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Deborah Blum to discuss the topic of ghosts and the supposed scientific evidence the top scientists in the world gathered at the dawn of the 20th century. While nearly forgotten today, there was a time when the study of ghosts was a serious academic discipline, and the results they came up with were... astonishing.2023-10-311h 11
Spiritually IncorrectShannon Harris: A RetrospectivePurity culture once dominated the American church scene, and the book at its center was I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. Now, over 25 years later, Joshua and Shannon, his wife, have divorced. Joshua has renounced Christianity, and, most recently, Shannon has released a new, different perspective, in a book called The Woman They Wanted, giving us a behind-the-scenes view of what really went on in their church and their marriage.
Now, in an exclusive interview, we talk to Shannon to hear all the hard truths of what really happened and what we can learn from the...2023-10-1737 min
Spiritually IncorrectTalking to Ghosts?Without a doubt, the subject of ghosts is an insanely popular one. Shows, movies, and ghost tours are a billion-dollar industry. But it's all fun and games. None of this has any basis in reality, right?
According to a new study, there may be something to it. Believe it or not, over 4 in 10 Evangelicals believe they have been contacted by a dead relative over the past year. And that number is below the overall percentage of the population.
What are we to make of this? Is contacting the dead real? Is it something we ought...2023-10-031h 00
Spiritually IncorrectWhat's Wrong with the Modern World? We all love a good story. We watch movies, listen to friends talk about their last vacation, or listen to podcasts (this one included) just to hear an entertaining and provocative tale. But one story trumps them all: the story of how we have arrived at our modern world.
With technology evolving every year, drugs lessening the effects of illness, and possibilities undreamt of just a few decades ago, it's easy to imagine that the story of how we got here is one of triumph. We've conquered the stone age, overcome every obstacle, and now the march...2023-09-191h 02
Spiritually IncorrectAliens, Atheists, and Homeschoolers - In The News #1In the first of its kind, Jonathan and Seth investigate some of the top news stories that have likely gone under your radar. With their normal irreverent attitude, they dissect some of the most important events through a theological and philosophical lens. One part humor, another part cutting critique of the modern world, it's an episode you won't want to miss.
This episode includes:
-Congressional hearings on UFO retrieval programs
-Invasion of the self-driving car
-Confessions of an ex-churchgoer
-The rise of homeschooling
-Much, much more!2023-09-051h 02
Spiritually IncorrectAre Psychedelic Experiences Real?While psychedelics seemed to have had their heyday in the 1970s, when hippies and the counterculture were all the rage, they now appear to be having a remarkable comeback. However, unlike the 70s, this revolution is being felt not just by the common person but also within the hallowed halls of academia. Psychedelic research is bigger than ever, and it's revealing some remarkable things. Could it be that these experiences, which often lead people to believe in the religious and supernatural, actually have some truth to them?
Here to help us through this thorny issue is Dr...2023-08-221h 05
Spiritually IncorrectIs God Genocidal?We've all heard it before: God in the Old Testament just seems to be a different character than the one portrayed by Jesus. In the New Testament, God is loving, patient, and forgiving. In the Old, He sometimes appears vindictive, violent, and remarkably harsh. He commands the destruction of nations, kills countless people, and even floods the earth.
How do we reconcile the two images of God? Here to help us out with this age-old question is Dr. Matthew Lynch, who has recently published a work on the topic entitled Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and...2023-08-081h 09
Spiritually IncorrectBigfootJoin our Patreon for the Extended Interview
We do a lot of serious topics on Spiritually Incorrect, but sometimes, we like to have a little fun. And on this episode, we going to have a lot of it. But for some people, the topic of Bigfoot isn't just fun. In fact, there are many active scientists who believe the evidence warrants belief in Bigfoot.
And we got to talk to one. On this week's episode, we are lucky to have Dr. Jeff Meldrum, a primate anthropologist and the world's foremost expert on Bigfoot. He's appeared in d...2023-07-251h 09
Spiritually IncorrectAbortion, Part I: The Case ForPerhaps the most heated, contentious, and difficult topic in Western World today is the topic of abortion. For those in favor of it, it is a part of basic reproductive rights and necessary for ensuring full equality of women. For those against, it is the slaughter of unborn life on the altar of convenience.
Which position is right? While the church has stereotypically sided with the pro-life position, there are many Christians who disagree with that stance.
In the first part of this two-part episode, we ask Rev.
Jasmine Mimitzraiem to help us work through...2023-07-1146 min
Spiritually IncorrectAbortion, Part II: The Case Against
Perhaps the most heated, contentious, and difficult topic in Western World today is the topic of abortion. For those in favor of it, it is a part of basic reproductive rights and necessary for ensuring full equality of women. For those against, it is the slaughter of unborn life on the altar of convenience.
Which position is right? Stereotypically, the church has sided with the pro-life camp, and many today continue in that tradition.
Dr. Calum Miller is one such person. In this second part of our two-part episode, we ask Dr. Miller...2023-07-1145 min
Spiritually IncorrectWhat Is Intelligent Design?Many may be forgiven for thinking the primary target of evolutionary biologists has been the young earth creationist movement. With thinkers like Ken Ham stealing much of the spotlight in the media, it's easy to forget that another movement, one perhaps just as significant, has arisen in the past few decades to challenge the evolutionary hegemony.
The Intelligent Design movement continues to make a major impact on popular culture, perhaps most exemplified in the 2005 Dover trial that saw it brought to national attention. And in the past two decades, it has only grown and now boasts figures...2023-06-2747 min
Spiritually IncorrectDo Science and Religion Conflict?When most people hear the term "science and religion", they usually expect to hear something like "conflict" or "clash" soon afterward. The two domains, we are told, are in a constant state of warfare, and science has been on a triumphant march while religion slowly recedes into obscurity. In fact, this is often one of the first lines of attack against professing Christians.
Is this the case? Or has this supposed battle been highly overblown? In this episode, Jonathan asks Seth to step up and tackle the question himself. A Ph.D. candidate on the topic of...2023-06-131h 05
Spiritually IncorrectAre Arranged Marriages Better?In the West, romance is king. It's a billion-dollar film and book industry. Dating apps are everywhere, and it seems virtually every new song is about relationships. And they all seem to tell the same tale: you meet, you date, you fall in love, you know the rest...
But that's not the whole story. For many people even today, they didn't date their spouses. Many barely knew the person they would pledge their lives to. As antiquated as it sounds, there are millions who still practice arranged marriages in the 21st century. Perhaps this isn't too surprising...2023-05-301h 10
Spiritually IncorrectBONUS EPISODE: What's Wrong With Evangelicalism?In the past few years, the word "evangelical" has taken on a new meaning. For those who proudly claim it, it has become a sign of countercultural rebellion against a rapidly changing world. To those outside, however, the group has come to represent a backward clan of intolerant and close-minded individuals who may even threaten the well-being of the nation. In just a few decades, the religious tradition that once proudly held the reigns of the culture's morals has lost much of its social power.
What's happened? Why has evangelicalism become so alienating in the Western world...2023-05-161h 03
Spiritually IncorrectDid Adam and Eve Exist?Origins Series, pt. 3: An Old Earth and the Historical Adam
There are so many questions Christians have about what to do with modern-day science and the Genesis text. Indeed, it sometimes seems like it might be the biggest barrier to having real conversations about faith. Does science undermine faith? Does one have to put their brain aside in order to believe the first pages of Scripture? Many have certainly claimed that, and others have tried to fight back against the scientific consensus.
Is there another option? In this week's episode, we're joined by Dr. Andrew...2023-05-0243 min
Spiritually IncorrectIs Evolution Evidence for God?Origins Series, pt. 2: Theistic Evolution
Evolution and Christianity have never been the best bedfellows. Just hearing the two terms together often evokes images of conflict and fierce rivalry. Both, it seems, cannot occupy the same territory. But does that need to be the case? While many have claimed the two can coexist, our guest today has an even more bold proposal:
Evolution may be Christianity's best friend. Dr. Zachary Ardern is here to show us just how he is able to pair both his faith and the science in a way that is not only...2023-04-1843 min
Spiritually IncorrectWho's Afraid of Creationism?Origins Series, pt. 1: Young Earth Creationism
How old is the earth? Did God use evolution? How should we interpret the first few chapters of Genesis?
These are the questions that never seem to die... except, we are told, if you're a scientist. In fact, the story we often hear is that no self-respecting scientist would ever affirm young earth creationism. As it turns out, that's not the case, and our guest today, Dr. Marcus Ross, is living proof of that. A credentialed paleontologist, he is among a number of scientists who take the claims of...2023-04-041h 11
Spiritually IncorrectInterview with a Former WitchThanks to titanic franchises like Harry Potter and Dungeons and Dragons, the topic of witchcraft has never been more popular. These worlds offer a much-needed, magical escape from the mundane boredoms of the real world. But for many, the idea of witches is more than just a silly fantasy. In fact, the Wiccan religion has seen astronomical growth in the past few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Millions now claim the faith as their own, and millions more likely will in the coming decades. Yet many, especially within the church, have no idea what Wiccans...2023-03-211h 19
Spiritually IncorrectWho Are The Ex-vangelicals? with Jon MathieuWhy are young people leaving the church in droves? That is the question that has been on the minds of Evangelicals for decades now, and over the past few years, the numbers have only seemed to skyrocket. Whether for political, ethical, or personal reasons, more and more millennials and gen-z are joining what has been collectively called the ex-vangelical movement. Who are they, and why has the movement gained such momentum?
Here to help us think through the topic is Jon Mathieu, an editor for the Christian Century and founding pastor of the post-evangelical Harbor Online Community...2023-03-071h 03
Spiritually IncorrectAre We Living in a Simulation? with Parker Settecase (Parker's Pensées)One of the few philosophical topics that has become mainstream is the idea that everything you know - your family, your friends, and even your whole life - is just the product of one giant simulation. We're all stuck inside a computer program with no way of figuring out that our world isn't really real (at least not real in the way we think it is!). As wacky as this idea sounds, it actually has been defended by many major thinkers, and people no less famous than Elon Musk, Neil Degrasse Tyson, and Joe Rogan have taken it seriously...2023-02-211h 07
Spiritually IncorrectAre Facebook and TikTok Evil? with Dr. Chad RagsdaleSocial Media. Everyone has it. In fact, most of us have multiple accounts on different platforms, and it seems a new one pops up every couple of years. Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram...
We all use it and enjoy it. But, until recently, very few stopped and wondered if these media titans were good for society. Many are already familiar with the controversies around fake news, selling personal data, and election tampering, but these might be just the tip of the iceberg.
New data shows that social media consumption might have harmful effects on many groups of people. Are you part...2023-02-071h 06
Spiritually IncorrectAre Missionaries Guilty of Colonizing? with Dr. Chris DeWeltHistory books are filled with stories of colonization, oppression, and cultural genocide perpetrated by the hands of European settlers. It's an unfortunate saga, to say the least, and it is made all the more painful by the church's participation in the conquest. Across the world and to varying degrees, the church stood by and often participated in some of the most appalling instances of what would collectively be referred to as colonization.
To this day, it is a scar on the history of the church, and the involvement of missionaries in the building of European empires at...2023-01-241h 03
Spiritually IncorrectIs Monarchy Better? with Dr. James OrrIn the United States, we don't have a good history with royalty. As Lorde so aptly put it, we will never be royals. In fact, most of Western history has been one long slide away from monarchies. While the transition hasn't always been smooth, it's been consistent, and even in the UK, the monarchy is coming under severe attack. It seems that if we can agree on anything, it's that kings and queens are positively medieval.
Is that correct? It's rarely challenged, yet it's a question worth asking: Did we make a mistake by getting rid of...2023-01-101h 06
Spiritually IncorrectAre Extraterrestrials Christian? with Dr. Andrew DavisonIn the second part of our alien series, we bring in Cambridge professor Andrew Davison, famed for a recent series of articles about theologians funded by NASA to investigate the religious implications of extraterrestrial life. Bearing the (remarkably appropriate) title Starbridge Professor in Theology and Natural Sciences, Dr. Davison has doctorates in both biochemistry and theology. In a book releasing next year, Dr. Davison tackles the most difficult issues around alien life and the church.
Will extraterrestrials need a savior?
Would God incarnate on their planet?
If we ever make contact, how ought the church...2022-12-131h 13
Spiritually IncorrectWho's Afraid of Catholicism?It's been over five hundred years since the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, and tensions within the Western church haven't abated. However, the 20th century saw renewed efforts to open communication between the two largest branches of Christianity. Catholics began to refer to Protestants as "separated brethren" rather than heretics and schismatics. The formation of the document Evangelicals and Catholics Together was approved in 1994 which communicated a new era of ecumenicism. Yet the division remains, and there is little hope for further reunification in the near future. For many, this is no bad thing.
In many Evangelical c...2022-11-291h 17
Spiritually IncorrectSerial Killer Converts?God's grace can cover any sin, right? Well, there is that one unforgivable sin, and then Jesus does say that those who don't forgive others won't be forgiven...
Does grace have a limit, then? And, if so, what is it? Are serial killers beyond the scope of forgiveness? In this episode, we tackle the bloody and horrific reality of serial killer conversions. Many high-profile murderers have become Christians in their final moments. How should we as Christians interpret this? Do we embrace them as fellow repentant sinners? Or does the reality of some unforgivable sins make us...2022-11-151h 02
Spiritually IncorrectIs Telepathy Real? with Dr. Rupert SheldrakeFew subjects are more taboo than the topic of mental telepathy, and this might be especially true in the church. The idea that we can somehow tap into the thoughts and feelings of others seems like pure science fiction. Yet, astonishingly, there's a live scientific research program aimed at demonstrating its truth. While it might be convenient to ignore such programs, it might not be wise.
Is telepathy real? And if so, how would that impact our understanding of Christianity? There seem to be few more equipped to answer this question than Prof. Rupert Sheldrake, a Cambridge-trained scientist whose research...2022-11-011h 04
Spiritually IncorrectInterview with an ExorcistDemonic Possession. It's not something we usually like to talk about. For nonbelievers, it's the perfect example of the religious clinging to medieval superstitions. For believers, it is an uncomfortable and frightful topic, one few seem comfortable addressing.
But is it real? Are there really dark forces lurking around us waiting to overtake our bodies? Do people really manifest ungodly, supernatural powers, or is this just a movie spectacle? In this Halloween special, we bring in Father Vincent Lampert to answer these very questions. If you don't know him, he is the designated exorcist of the Roman C...2022-10-181h 26
Spiritually IncorrectAlien Life? With Dr. Paul RimmerScience fiction has had a heyday speculating on whether or not we are alone in the universe, but there are, in fact, real scientists trying to discover life on other worlds as we speak. What would it mean for our faith if they are successful? What would such life look like?
On this week's episode, we ask Dr. Paul Rimmer, a Christian and geochemist at the University of Cambridge and the Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe, about his thoughts on the question. As someone who has actually participated in this research, what are the chances w...2022-10-0359 min
Spiritually IncorrectReincarnation: Is There Evidence?The idea that our souls are reborn over and over throughout history is a popular one among Eastern faiths (and a growing one in the West), but it's just something one takes on faith. It's not something Christians need to worry too much about.
Or is it? Well-credentialed scientists have made some shocking discoveries that may challenge the faith of many. How ought the church respond to the supposed scientific case for reincarnation? Is it an open and shut case? Or can we poke holes in the evidence?
In this week's episode, Jonathan and Seth...2022-10-0358 min