Shows
TensionOur super self-indulgent 100th episodeLess than 5% of podcasts make it to 100 episodes.So forgive us if we take a minute to celebrate getting to this milestone.In our super self-indulgent 100th episode, we take a look back at the impact our show has made in the lives of listeners over the last four years.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.threads.net/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.threads.net/@ericw712__________________2025-03-2450 min
TensionIt's getting really hard to love some of my neighborsWe truly believe Christians can follow Jesus together while disagreeing on how we apply our faith to politics. We even believe we can disagree with respect and dignity.But what's happening in our current culture is making it hard to love some of our neighbors around us.And while it's the politics that we see on the surface, it's the outright mean-spirited nature driving those politics and the rhetoric around them that makes it so hard to love those neighbors.This week we have an honest conversation about where we...2025-03-1753 min
TensionAmerican individualism is a cancer in the ChurchCancers usually grow inside you without you noticing they’re there. You often don’t even know they exist until it’s a major issue. That’s American individualism within the evangelical church. In today's Evangelical Culture, many would see the Gospel-inspired collectivism of Acts 2 as socialism. We are at the point where the literal Pope had to speak up because American Christians were trying to redefine what loving your neighbor meant into a more individualist view.This week we talk about how that's impacted the church as a whole and how even the most...2025-03-1056 min
TensionThere are things I don't like about JesusIf we're honest, Jesus didn't make this easy for us. There were things he did and didn't do that make following him harder. There are things he still does today that don't necessarily make sense or feel good.We're still going to choose to follow him despite those things, but if we're going to have an authentic relationship with him, we have to at least admit those things exist.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www...2025-03-0343 min
TensionPrayer alone isn't enoughWe hear a lot about thoughts and prayers in our culture. But if we're honest, prayer alone isn't enough. The single biggest way God chooses to work on earth is through the action - alongside the prayers - of people.This week we talk about that reality along with how our prayer life should change the way we view the world as well as the things we care about.And we play this season's favorite game: What unChristian executive order or policy statement was said this week?!__________________Follow...2025-02-2440 min
TensionThere are theological positions I hope I am wrong aboutIn the evangelical church - especially the version that's so overbearing today - we're taught we have to be in lock step with every position and not question any of them. After all, the Bible is clear about them all, right?!But that's not the way actual life and faith work.In reality, there are many theological positions I wish I was wrong about. In this episode, we get super honest – and only a little bit silly – about some of those positions.After all, faith is about trusting even when we do...2025-02-1743 min
TensionI know Heaven will be great, but I don't want to get there anytime soonHeads up before you press play:If you’re currently processing the loss of a loved one, this episode might not be for you. To be completely transparent: this episode talks about death, dying, and losing family members. It also talks about the fears and anxieties we have around those issues as we grow older.The first 7-8 minutes or so includes some humor around death and dying, but if you can push past the immature bad jokes, there's also a really honest and candid conversation about how we know Hea...2025-02-1043 min
TensionI'd trust Jesus a lot more if it didn't require trusting other ChristiansTo kick off Season 12, we're introducing a series of honest conversations we think people are feeling but aren't having starting with a simple idea:I'd trust Jesus a lot more if it didn't require trusting other Christians.We know we haven't been hurt by Jesus, but many of us have been hurt by other Christians. Sometimes that hurt was intentional, but more often than not it's been unintentional because people are, well, people.__________________If you want to send in a story for our 100th episode, send them to...2025-02-0352 min
TensionCan the American Church recover from Cultural Christianity?By every metric, the American Evangelical church is not in a healthy place. We've spent the last few months talking about how Cultural Christianity is killing the American church. So now we ask - can it even recover from Cultural Christianity?In this bonus episode, we talk about four things we believe are needed for the American Evangelical church to heal.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.threads.net/@jonathan_carone2024-12-2646 min
That's A Gay Ass Podcast"Is It Ok To Say Your Uncle Is Hot?" w/ Colton Dowling and Dylan CarlinoColton Dowling and Dylan Carlino (the chaos agents of SOME OF THIS IS BAD) take a turn in the hot seat (for a change!). We get into:- Colton's long distance marriage- hot uncles (is that illegal?)- fading your bush- the two most important films of all time (The Hot Chick and The Family Stone)- Dylan's future boyfriend (as decided by a psychic)- how sluts should drink apple cider vinegar - Jonathan Baileyplus we ask, "...2024-12-1148 min
That's A Gay Ass Podcast"Wicked Recap" w/ Kevin McHale and “Mr. Kristin Chenoweth" w/ Dan BucatinskyTwo guests, one (pink and green) cup! First, Kevin McHale returns to Gay Ass Podcast with a delicious and important breakdown of The Wicked Movie. We discuss:- how a straight director and choreographer booked Wicked- Jonathan Bailey thirst- the gay false endings of Defying Gravity- sobbing TikToks- One Short DayThen, (at 33:55) Dan Bucatinsky comes on to celebrate today's premiere of OUR LITTLE SECRET on Netflix with Lindsay Lohan and Queen Kristin Chenoweth. Topics include:2024-11-271h 04
TensionHow to respond when Christians don’t represent Christ (a post election bonus episode)So the election happened...And not too long after it, we saw the wave of social media posts deify Donald Trump as God's chosen savior of our country along with any number of messages filled with mean-spirited language about people who voted for Kamala Harris.If you're like us, that's left you feeling some sort of way.In this bonus episode recorded two days after the election, we talk through a framework of how we can process what we're feeling and move forward in the tensions between how we believe...2024-11-081h 00
TensionThe orange haired elephant in the roomWe’ve tried to stay fairly reserved all season, but this week some emotions came out that have been boiling under the surface.In this episode you’ll see two completely different views of how the rise of Donald Trump has impacted us when it comes to our Christian faith. Whether it’s the deification of the man, the hijacking of prophetic gifts, or how we view things overall, this episode shows how the current conservative political movement has hit both of us individually.You won’t agree with everything - and some of it mi...2024-10-2855 min
TensionCultural Christianity values influence over protecting women and childrenDid you know 1/3 of all adults who grew up in church but have since left said pastoral sex scandals played a significant role in their decision to leave?Over the past 15 years, we've seen cover up after cover up within the American church. And it's all for the same reason: churches were scared of losing their cultural influence if they fired the pastor who abused his position.This week we talk about how this has impacted evangelical culture, what a healthier approach would be, and what actual restoration looks like....2024-10-2155 min
TensionCultural Christians don't actually trust JesusWhen it comes to cultural Christianity, so much of it comes down to an actual lack of trust in Jesus.If/when we trust Jesus, we believe he'll do what he says he will do and aren't so dang scared of everything.But when we don't trust him, we feel like it's up to us to protect everything and to fight for things he never told us to fight for.This week we talk about how that idea plays out in real life while somehow mentioning Wendy Peffercorn while also...2024-10-1441 min
TensionThe real reason Gen Z is not interested in churchGen Z is the least religious generation in American history. As of 2022, 44% of Gen Z claimed to have no relationship with religion at all.In the 5th episode of our season looking at how Cultural Christianity is killing the American church, we make the case that an incomplete gospel combined with bad end times theology is the leading thing driving Gen Z to be uninterested in church.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.threads.net...2024-10-0745 min
TensionWe are more concerned with converting people than caring for themThe issue we discuss this week is a subtle, nuanced one you don't notice until a light is shined on it. What started with good intentions - telling people how Jesus has helped us - has evolved into a culture where we (unintentionally?) give off the impression we are more concerned with converting people than actually caring for them.In this episode we look at how we got to where we are today, fully acknowledge the good intentions that led to bad results, and introduce an idea for a more complete application of the gospel.2024-09-3050 min
TensionHow you talk about abortion mattersDid you know only 7% of people who had an abortion felt comfortable talking to *anyone* at church before making their decision? If that's not bad enough, only 3 in 10 believe the Church is a safe place to discuss pregnancy options (including parenting, abortion, and adoption).Why don't people who have had an abortion feel comfortable in the American Church? What is it about us that makes them feel unsafe?This week we continue our look at how Cultural Christianity is killing the American Church by discussing how the way we talk about abortion within...2024-09-2354 min
TensionThere's no place for moderates in the Evangelical ChurchHere's a stat for you: since 2008, moderates have left the Southern Baptist Convention at a 40% higher rate than the overall decline of the SBC.This season we're looking at how cultural Christianity is killing the American Church. In this week's episode, we dive into how moderates - both politically and theologically - have been pushed out of the American Evangelical church.Articles we reference:https://www.prri.org/research/religious-change-in-america/https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/the-state-of-the-southern-baptisthttps://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/southern-baptists-are-more-conservative__________________2024-09-1653 min
TensionCultural Christianity is killing the American ChurchThe American Church is in decline. Since 2013, the percentage of Americans claiming to be religiously unaffiliated has risen by 5%. During that same time, the percentage of Americans who said religion is either most important or among the most important things in their life dropped from 72% to 53%.So what's causing the decline?In the newest season of Tension, we make the argument that Cultural Christianity is what's killing the American Church. In this episode, we lay the groundwork for the next seven episodes where we'll discuss an element of Cultural Christianity each week and...2024-09-0948 min
TensionHow can a Christian vote for a Democrat?You've heard it said by Christian influencers and hyper partisans: you can't be a Christian and vote for a democrat.We don't agree with that. We believe the Gospel doesn't fit into one American political party and that Bible believing, Jesus loving people can disagree on how we apply our faith to government.In this episode, we walk through a Biblically focused grid to show how we came to the conclusion that we would be voting for certain democrats this fall. This episode is not to convince you that voting Democrat makes you...2024-07-151h 08
TensionHow studying scripture led me to becoming pro-choiceThis one is either going to alienate all our viewers or finally give words to what many of you are feeling.Building on last week's episode about studying scripture in its original context, this week Jonathan shares his journey of how studying the pro-life scriptures he was taught growing up in their full context led him to becoming pro-choice. It's a nuanced conversation but one that feels culturally relevant for many of us trying to figure out how to apply our faith to the culture around us.__________________Follow us on social:2024-05-1349 min
TensionWhat does biblical masculinity actually look like?There's been a lot of talk recently about the femininity of the American church. In this week's episode of the podcast, we answer an important question a listener sent in:What the heck does Biblical masculinity look like?__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712Email us:hello@tensionpodcast.com__________________Tension was called Unlearning Youth Group for the first six seasons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...2024-04-2950 min
TensionThe hardest part of loving your neighborWhy is it so dang hard for people to love their neighbor? It seems like on of Jesus's easiest commands. But if 'love your neighbor' is so easy, why do we suck at it so often?This week we look at two ends of the pendulum for why it's hard to love our neighbor and try to find a way to get better at it.Article referenced in the show__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw7122024-04-2245 min
TensionDoes the Bible actually say only God can judge us? (or how Tupac got it wrong...)Tupac told us only God can judge us.But does the Bible actually say that?This week we expand on how we love people like Jesus and look at what the Bible says about "judging" other people.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712__________________Tension was called Unlearning Youth Group for the first six seasons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-04-1550 min
TensionHow do we actually love people like Jesus?You hear it all the time - we just wanna love people like Jesus.But what does that actually look like?This week we look at the tension between speaking truth and loving people and look at how Jesus did both as our example moving forward.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712__________________Tension was called Unlearning Youth Group for the first six seasons. Hosted on Acast. See acast...2024-04-0849 min
TensionWe need to talk about the new prosperity gospelIt's got cooler clothes and a better marketing plan than the prosperity gospel we grew up around, but it's potentially just as dangerous.In the opener to Season 10, we talk about how the American church has swung the pendulum from young, restless and reformed all the way to the other side and how we live in the tension between the two.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712__________________Tension was called Unlearning Youth Group for the...2024-04-0145 min
TensionAn unsexy conversation about finding contentment (plus an update on the future of the show)This month we're not tackling anything controversial or hard hitting. Instead, we talk about what it looks like to find contentment in the midst of life's anxieties and how a simple biblical phrase can take on new meaning.And we give you an update on the future of the show.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712__________________Tension was called Unlearning Youth Group for the first six seasons. Hosted on Acast...2024-03-1147 min
TensionHow should Christians approach the southern border crisis?Did you know only 12% of evangelicals cited the Bible as their primary influence when thinking about immigration? Evangelicals turn to the media to form their views on the topic more than they rely on the Bible, their local church, or Christian leaders - combined.So how should Christians approach the southern border crisis and immigration? This week we talk through three basic ideas straight from the Bible so we all can live in the tension between loving God's people and supporting political policy.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram...2024-02-1238 min
TensionAn uncomfortable conversation about race, religion, and politicsIf you grew up in the evangelical movement, you've heard it said that Christians vote Republican. The only problem with that is 86% of Black Christians vote Democrat. So which is it?In this month's episode, we talk about why we believe it's not theology that influences our view of government, but rather something else and how ultimately it's okay for followers of Jesus to disagree on political issues.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712__________________...2024-01-1546 min
TensionHow do we approach apologetics, Christians we disagree with, and church leaders who leave the faith?You all sent in so many amazing questions for our Culture War Mailbag that we couldn't get to all of them in that Q&A episode. We're back this month with a bonus episode answering:(10:04) What's the role of apologetics in our faith and how do we keep from turning into debate bros?(19:41) How do we approach those who hold different Christian beliefs than we do?(35:20) What do we do with the teaching of former pastors who have now left the faith?(43:40) How do we respond to a church leadership...2023-12-181h 01
TensionMental health, medication, and the stigma around bothThis isn't the bonus episode we thought we'd be making this week but it's the one we felt like we needed to make.This week, as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, we wanted to pull back the curtain and have a candid conversation about mental health and some of the stigmas around it, especially in the church. In this episode, Jonathan opens up about the anxieties he's been dealing with and all the emotions he's gone through while processing that. We also talk about how we can better respond to those who trust us with...2023-11-2056 min
TensionCan (or should) Christians celebrate Halloween?Eric has been asking to do this episode for two dang years. So in true Halloween fashion, he's playing the role of host and Jonathan is playing the role of Eric.But seriously - this is a topic people always talk about each year. You've probably already read at least one rant on Facebook about it. This week we close out season eight with a conversation about how Christians should view Halloween, the freedom we have in Jesus, and more importantly how Jesus has come to redeem and restore everything - even Halloween.__________________2023-10-3055 min
TensionAnswering your Culture War questionsWe invited you to send in your culture war questions and goodness, you did.In this week's episode, we're talking Israel, former President Trump, cultural marxism, churches who have been politically co-opted, something about Hobby Lobby, and Eric goes on another rant.Plus we discuss how we approach our church's leadership if we feel they've gone too far one way or the other, how to support friends who may have fallen down the Christian nationalism rabbit hole, and cultural marxism.There's a lot in here this week.__________________2023-10-231h 03
TensionWhat do we do with good "fruit" from people who have done bad things?There are pastors who have done terrible things. There are Christian organizations who have engaged in horrible practices. But despite those things, they have still produced things that were good - strong, biblical based teaching; engaging mission work; great music.What do we do with those things though? Do we have to throw them out because of who was responsible for them? Or can we still engage with them?This week we talk through how we should approach the good "fruit" from people and organizations who have done terrible things.__________________2023-10-1645 min
TensionScandals, cover ups, and how they keep happeningIf you're in or around the church space in America, you've heard of all the scandals that have happened in recent years. From Driscoll to the Duggars, Hillsong to Harvest, there have been scandals, cover ups, and all sorts of general yucky-ness.But why do these keep happening?How does the same story play out over and over and over?This week we use our background on church staffs to look at three reasons church scandals and cover ups keep occurring.__________________Follow us on social:2023-10-0948 min
TensionThe real enemy of the church todayWe've all been taught our culture is at war with Christianity. But what if it's not? What if our culture doesn't even care about Christianity anymore? How does that change things?This week we talk about what we believe is the real enemy of the church today and how that perspective shift impacts how we interact with the culture at large.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_carone2023-10-0251 min
TensionLet's talk about woke ChristianityOn one side of the aisle, you have Christians who want to ignore the things going on around us in the name of "just preaching the Gospel."On the other, you've got Christians who want to ignore core tenets of church history while focusing on "just loving like Jesus."But what if both sides of the tension had some truth in them?And what if we all were honest about our biases going into these conversations?This week we talk about how dishonest the entire conversation around "...2023-09-251h 00
TensionBoycotts, cancel culture, and the hypocrisy of it allIf you've been in the church for any length of time, you know we've been boycotting things since before boycotting was considered canceling. After all, the evangelical boycott of a company and the secular canceling of a person is essentially the same thing.But where did boycotts originate from? And is there a better way to approach how we interact with the world around us?This week we talk about the hypocrisy surrounding our current boycott culture and give you a new way to look at how you support companies and entertainers in...2023-09-1844 min
TensionHow do Christians survive a culture war?In our culture, we have two groups on the extremes who are at war with each other. One side is waging war against anything that doesn’t explicitly promote white, evangelical Christian fundamentalism. The other views any type of religious conviction as bigotry and hatred.This week we talk about how people trying to authentically follow Jesus survive this war.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.twitter.co...2023-09-1151 min
TensionThe one shift we all need to make when thinking about churchThe way we view church has changed. The average "committed" church goer attends less than two Sundays per month and that number is quickly approaching only once per month. On top of that, of the people who *do* go to church, 40% are now going to a different church than they went to before the pandemic.That begs a few questions:Do we even need to go to church?What's the point of going if I can watch online?How do I find a new church?We...2023-06-2646 minTensionThe single biggest thing missing from the American churchWe talk a lot about the problems in the evangelical church in America. In today's episode, we dive into the root of so many of those issues and give you a perspective shift that will change how you read the Bible and view Christianity.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.twitter.com/@ericw7122023-06-1958 minTensionWhat does Jesus teach us about hard times, grief, and losing loved ones?If the last few years have taught us anything, it's that we're all walking around with layers of grief we aren't processing. We've lost loved ones in the pandemic. We've lost friends to the changes in our culture. We've lost ... you fill in the blank.And as Christians, we're never really taught what to do with our grief. Most of us are taught to just give it to Jesus and move on. But is that healthy? Is that biblical?This week we look at the tension between wallowing in our grief and simply...2023-06-1248 minTensionWhy is the church so obsessed with being persecuted?From the martyr obsession of the late 90s to the culture war fighters of today, the church - especially in America - has this weird obsession with being persecuted.But are we actually persecuted? Or does the culture at large just no longer represent us in the majority? In this week's episode, we talk about how we live in the tension between a society that is no longer predominately Christian while still holding to our beliefs and convictions.__________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan...2023-06-0546 minTensionAnother purity culture episodeWe can't do a season without hitting on Purity Culture at least once!Boys who grew up in church were taught to bounce their eyes when looking at girls because, y'know, every girl is a sexual temptation just by existing.How do we stop viewing the opposite sex as sexual first as opposed to just a fellow human since 99.9% of the humans on this planet are not going to be the person you are supposed to sexualize? __________________Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_carone2023-05-2935 min
TensionHow should Christians view law enforcement and government systems?This week is the three year anniversary of George Flloyd's murder that kicked off a summer of racial unrest. During that time we all lived in the tension of one side saying to support police no matter what and the other side saying all cops are bad.But what does the Bible actually say about policing?How do we balance advocating for reform and equal protection for all people with supporting law enforcement?__________________Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/4e3mp1_m7Hw...2023-05-221h 01TensionHow do we balance our emotions with the truth of the Bible?In the church, we often focus on the mind (knowledge) or on our actions (behavior) but never about the thing that influences those two (emotions).Because we should cling to the truth of scripture, we were taught to completely ignore the the idea that people make decisions based on the way they feel. This week we look at the two extremes (knowledge is everything on one side with behavior being supreme on the other) before looking at how we can process our emotions in the tension between Biblical knowledge and Christ like behavior.2023-05-1542 minTensionHow do we deconstruct our faith without deconverting?As we begin to take a fresh look at our faith, it's easy to go from the religious fundamentalism we grew up around and turn that into fundamentalism against Christianity.In the first episode of our new format, we look at the tension between deconstructing our faith and deconverting from it and how we have to decide if we’re deconstructing the toxic parts we grew up around while trying to find Jesus or are we trying to leave the people who hurt you and are doing things we disagree with.__________________...2023-05-0850 min
TensionBONUS: Let's talk about weed PLUS a huge, gigantic, life-altering announcement about the showAfter our episode on Christians and alcohol last season, we got a lot of questions about cannabis use as Christians. Today we attempt to tackle that topic while also giving you a gigantic, life altering announcement about the show.If you don't care about weed but want to hear about the announcement, fast forward to 24 minutes.Love you, bye.__________________Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/gcRMkb4QHwU Get merch: https://unlearningyouthgroup.com/Follow us on social:2023-04-2042 minTensionHow should you respond if you've been hurt by the church?The church is supposed to be a place of refuge - one where we can follow Jesus together with other believers.But unfortunately that isn't always the case.This week we give four responses for you to walk through as you begin to process the hurt you've experienced.For a FREE week of Better Help (not sponsored): http://www.unlearningyouthgroup.com/helpPS - a couple four letter words slipped out in a phrase towards the end. Nothing major - and none of the *bad* o...2023-02-2755 minTensionHow should Christians respond to those who have experienced church hurt?It seems like everywhere we look, people are talking about how they've been hurt by the church. Many of us have experienced it ourselves.But how should we respond when someone tells us the church has hurt them?This week we give you three ways to respond when you're having those conversations.__________________Watch on Youtube:https://youtu.be/dFJ2GOASNN8Get your merch or submit a funny youth group story at: https://unlearningyouthgroup.com/Follow us on social:2023-02-2047 minTensionCan married people be friends with someone of the opposite gender?Some call it the Billy Graham Rule, others the Mike Pence Rule. Regardless of the name, there's an idea amongst Christians that married people can't be friends with someone of the opposite gender. It even got Matt Chandler suspended.But is a hard rule against it really the way it should be? This week we talk about the friendship dynamics with the opposite gender when you're married.__________________Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/HrlN82ZKjcoBuy merch or share your youth group story at:...2023-02-1348 minTensionWhat's the difference in sexual purity and purity culture?One of the most damaging thing of youth group in the 90's and 00's was purity culture. But that doesn't mean we don't teach biblical sexual ethics to our kids and students.This week we talk about the difference between teaching sexual purity and what became purity culture before offering what we believe is a better way moving forward.__________________Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/OB5in3OTvesGet merch or submit your funny youth group story at: https://unlearningyouthgroup.com/F...2023-02-061h 03TensionCan (or should) Christians drink alcohol?It's the age old debate: can (or should) Christians drink alcohol?This week we look at the three main views on how American Christians have approached alcohol, look at what scripture says about it, and give you a game to play for the next time you think about drinking.__________________Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/ElU3SV_l_YoGet your merch or share your funny youth group story at: https://unlearningyouthgroup.com/Follow us on social:http://instagram...2023-01-3057 minTensionWhat's the role of women in ministry?Women make up half our population but only 20% of pastors are women. Is that by design? Are we not ordaining women when we should be? What is the role of women in ministry?In this week's episode, we dive into the distinctions between complementarianism and egalitarianism, discuss the Biblical examples of women serving in ministry, and try to figure out how we should view women in ministry as we move forward._________________Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/4DEL9YrrEm4Get merch or share a funny youth...2023-01-2359 minTensionIs the rapture really a thing?Did you grow up reading the Left Behind books? Or do memories from A Thief in the Night still haunt you?This week we talk about rapture theology, the anxiety it caused, and how we should approach that topic moving forward.Plus Eric leaves a little treat at the end.__________________Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KnrzRYg2NEBuy merch or send in your youth group story at https://unlearningyouthgroup.com/Follow us on social:...2023-01-1658 minTensionAre Christians supposed to love the sinner, hate the sin?You've heard the phrase love the sinner, hate the sin. But is it even biblical? Should we be using it? This week we talk about the origins of that phrase, how it's harmful to those around us, and what a better way forward would be.Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi2-37gJvsYShare your Youth Group story or buy merch:http://www.unlearningyouthgroup.comFollow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw7122023-01-0941 minTensionBONUS: Top 5 Worst Christmas SongsMerry Christmas everybody! We're here with a bonus episode of the podcast - and the first ever YouTube episode - putting together our Top 5 Worst Christmas Song list.Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MnhYr9cOYgGet Merch or share your youth group story:https://unlearningyouthgroup.com Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712...2022-12-0530 minTensionHow should Christians talk about politics?Politics are a necessary evil. As Christians, we should be active in them, but to what extent?In the final episode of Season 5, we talk about how we got to the point in the church where we are divided by politics instead of united by Christ. After looking at that history, we discuss a healthier - and holier - view of how Christians should frame politics into their daily life.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok...2022-10-3148 minTensionClimate ChangeBefore the fall, God commanded us to care for the earth. It was one of our first duties as humans. But in most evangelical churches, we were taught climate change was just a left wing hoax and that people who cared about the planet were hippies. This week we talk about how we can disagree on the governmental policies, but we have to care for our planet and steward God's creation.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw7122022-10-2449 minTensionSame Sex Marriage and Equal RightsWe were taught marriage is a religious covenant between a couple and God - which it is - in some forms. However, the Bible didn’t address health care, power of attorney, and other things relevant to today’s culture - the things that make up governmental marriage.In this episode we talk about the three different types of marriage we see throughout history and how equal rights under the government are a key piece to viewing everyone as made equally in the image of God.Follow us on social:http://inst...2022-10-1756 minTensionAbortionMost of us grew up in the height of the Pro Life movement and were taught Christians had always believed abortion in any form was wrong and that life absolutely begins at conception.But did you know that view doesn't match up historically with past views on abortion within the Church?This week we talk about the history of the Pro Life movement and how we got to a place where many Christians would say you can't follow Jesus and be pro-choice.The goal for this week is not to...2022-10-101h 01TensionRacismHave you ever been taught the racial history of the Bible? Or about the rich depth of the early African church? If you're like most Christians - the answer to that is no.In this week's episode we look at two parts of the racist history within the Church (whitewashing and color blindness) and try to find a better path moving forward.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok...2022-10-031h 02TensionChristian NationalismThe first two episodes of this season were big picture views at how we should approach politics and government. Now we start getting into the weeds where things are messy.This week we talk about what Christian Nationalism is (and what it isn't!), where it came from, and how we should approach Christian Nationalism in our culture today.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw7122022-09-2656 minTensionBONUS: Societal campfires and why we're so attracted to themLast episode was getting a little long so we cut this segment out as its own bonus episode. We talk about the concept of campfires and how American culture has elevated political campfires over all others.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.twitter.com/@ericw712Show theme song: High School - 90's Kids2022-09-2212 minTensionDemocrats, Republicans, and political tribalism"Yuh cain't be a democrat and be a Christian!" - Many of us were taught that growing up. But is it true? Is there only one political party for Christians? And if it's true - why are so many younger Christians going away from that idea?This week we talk about the tribalism that comes with our current political climate and how Christians should approach things differently.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_carone2022-09-1941 minTensionPolitics and GovernmentIf you grew up in the evangelical church, you were probably taught there was one certain way to vote if you were a Christian. The problem with that was Jesus never spoke on how to apply our religious beliefs to government.In this week's episode, we unlearn what we were taught growing up and talk about how Christians actually should approach politics and government.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps...2022-09-1241 minTensionWhat you need to know about Season 5Season 5 is going to be totally different from the last four. Before we get into it, there are some ground rules you need to know about. In this preview episode we talk about why we're doing things differently, what we hope to accomplish, and what you can expect over the next eight weeks.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_carone2022-09-0516 minTensionGrace vs Behavior ModificationHow do we live in the tensions between modifying our behavior to avoid sin and being free because of God's grace poured out through Jesus? That's the underlying question in almost everything we've talked about in four seasons, so we're closing out season four talking about it. Plus we give you a preview of what Season 5 (starting September 12) will look like and what you can expect with that.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_carone...2022-06-2744 minTensionLet's talk church campA friend is a friend forever, right? Especially if the Lord's the Lord of them.But seriously, church camp was usually a pretty great experience. We made leaps in our faith and built relationships that are still around today. But how do we get church camp experiences now that we're adults?Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_carone2022-06-2030 minTensionPlease stop talking about your smokin' hott wifeRicky Bobby said it and thousands of preachers started copying it. But did you know that phrase has had a lasting impact on an entire generation? This week we talk about its impact and how to talk to and about our spouses and kids in healthier ways.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.twitter.com/@ericw7122022-06-1337 minTensionYWAM, full-time ministry, and ripping phone booksDid you ever hear an altar call that included giving your life to full-time Christian service? This week we talk about how we elevated being a missionary or going into full-time ministry into the goal of the Christian. Plus we talk about the Power Team.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.twitter.com/@ericw7122022-06-0634 minTensionGood songs from bad churchesIn light of the Hillsong documentary, a listener reached out to us and asked how we should approach the music written from churches that ended up in scandal. Should we keep singing them in church? Is it okay to listen to them personally? Do we throw them out?Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.twitter.com...2022-05-3042 minTensionTwo pieces, tankinis and t-shirtsSummer starts next week. That means lake days, pool parties, and beach camps. And if you're a girl - it means you need to go out and buy a one-piece bathing suit. But guys can wear whatever they want because, y'know, girls aren't visual.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.twitter.com/@ericw712...2022-05-2332 minTensionDo we have to go to church?It's 2022. With all the technological advances and decentralization, do we have to go to church anymore? What even defines 'church' at this point?Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.twitter.com/@ericw712Show theme song: High School - 90's Kids Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-05-1639 minTensionIs youth group even good?This feels like a strange question to ask in the fourth season of a podcast about youth group, but was youth group even good? Did its positives outweigh its negatives? If so many of us are having to unlearn youth group, should we even be having youth group?Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.twitter.com...2022-05-0938 minTensionBONUS - March Madness. Church edition.It's March. We're between seasons. Hang out with us for 30-minutes while we debate made up church brackets from the @ChristiansWhoCurseSometimes Instagram account. It's silly and goofy and, given everything else going on in the world, we could all use a laugh.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ericw712https://www.twitter.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.twitter.com/@ericw712Show theme...2022-03-2132 min
TensionPerverts and PrincessesIn our culture, we treat boys like perverts and girls like princesses. In doing that, we strip away their identity as humans and don't allow them to fully be what they were created to be. Plus, y'know, purity culture issues.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoachericShow theme song: High School - 90's Kids Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...2022-02-2839 min
TensionHomosexualityToday's episode was a hard one to record. Not because we were scared of being canceled by progressives or called heretics by conservatives, but because we want to make sure we're being loving and kind as we wrestle through our beliefs on a really complicated issue. We invite you to join us for a longer-than-normal conversation about homosexuality, how the church has handled it in the past, and how we should approach it in the future.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712...2022-02-2150 min
TensionChristian dating is stupidIt started with I Kissed Dating Goodbye and went downhill from there. Ask anyone trying to date in their 30's and they'll tell you that yeah, what we taught about dating in youth group ended up with some pretty terrible results. This week we talk about why Christian dating is so stupid and how we can train the next generation to not be so awkward on the dating scene.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_carone2022-02-1441 min
TensionCan boys and girls be friends?It's February so like anything youth group related, we're kicking off four weeks of episodes centered around dating, relationships, and sex. This week we start with friendships and how we didn't teach kids how to be friends with the opposite sex, what that led to, and try to figure out how we do better moving forward.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoachericShow theme song: High...2022-02-0736 min
TensionDoubts and Deconstruction Part 2We continue our discussion on doubts and deconstruction in the church. This week we shift our focus to where we go from here and ask if deconstruction is the best route to tackle our doubts or if there's a better way.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoachericShow theme song: High School - 90's Kids Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...2022-01-3130 min
TensionDoubts and Deconstruction Part 1There is a movement across the country where people are deconstructing the faith they were taught as kids. As a response to that, there have been some really at-best out of touch, at worst unsympathetic things said by church leaders and pastors about those deconstructing. This week is the first half of a two-part episode where we discuss doubts in our faith and how to approach them in a healthy way.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan...2022-01-2432 min
TensionHeaven and HellWhether it was books about people who had gone to Heaven and come back to earth, weird paintings in church lobbies, or scary Carman music videos, youth group gave us a less-than-awesome view of Heaven and Hell. This week we talk about what those two things actually are and how having a good view of them can impact how you view your faith.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoacheric2022-01-1736 min
TensionWas it the Holy Spirit or emotional manipulation?There’s a line between letting the Holy Spirit lead and emotionally manipulating people for a response. Where is that line? How do we determine if what we experienced was actually the Holy Spirit? We talk about the balance between emotions and discernment this week on Unlearning Youth Group.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoachericShow theme song: High School - 90's Kids...2022-01-1038 min
TensionYour body is a templeDid you ever want to get a tattoo or dye your hair but were told your body is a temple and you couldn't do that? Was the person who told you that smoking or eating a Big Mac while saying it? This week we talk about the hypocrisy of how we viewed our body as a temple and what a better view of that looks like.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www...2021-11-0135 min
TensionChoose your friends wiselyIf you grew up in church, you were probably told to choose your friends wisely. While that's biblical and sound advice, it somehow turned into an us vs them mentality where we looked down on those who believed different than us. And maybe - just maybe - that's part of the reason we have so many of the issues we have in our culture today.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok...2021-10-2534 min
TensionGlorified TestimoniesGrowing up, we emphasized testimonies and conversion stories that were gigantic transformations. But often times those stories were best case exaggerated, worst case lies. And they made church kids feel shame for not having a crazy conversion story. This week we talk about the mistakes we made and look at how we need to look at testimonies and stories moving forward.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoacheric2021-10-1834 min
TensionMission trips were vacationsIf you went on a foreign mission trip in youth group, chances are it was a glorified vacation with a little bit of serving. But is there a better way to approach mission trips than the way we did growing up? Is there a better way to use that money to help other people? This week we dive into those issues and try to unlearn some bad mission trip approaches so we can have healthier ones moving forward.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw7122021-10-1133 min
TensionDepression, mental health, and JesusMental health wasn't something we talked about in youth group. We were made to feel Jesus was all we needed as if you couldn't be a Christian and struggle with your mental health. This week we talk about how that was wrong, try to find some good in that approach, and then talk about a healthier way to approach mental health moving forward.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoacheric2021-10-0446 min
TensionWhat makes belly buttons sexy; Or how we sexualized everythingGrowing up in youth group, we sexualized everything. Somehow girls' shoulders and belly buttons were too much for guys to handle. Instead of holding guys responsible for their thoughts, we blamed the girls for everything. This week we talk about all the fallout from the approach and try to figure out a better way moving forward.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoachericShow theme song: High...2021-09-2732 min
TensionThe Big SinHave you ever been a part of a church or youth group that elevates one type of sin about everything else? They pick one thing and constantly talk about it while seemingly brushing off everything else. We talk about why that's bad, how we can't project our own struggles on other people, and how people experience life different than us.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoacheric...2021-09-2033 min
TensionCry Nights at Church CampIf you've ever been to church camp or on a church retreat, you know that on the last night before you go home, there are going to be tears. It's a ritual as old as time. This week we talk about why cry nights became predictable, what the good intentions were, and how we have a lasting relationship with Jesus long after Cry Night is over.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www...2021-09-1331 min
TensionSeason 2 PreviewWe are back! Kinda. Next week we kick off Season 2 of Unlearning Youth Group. This episode talks about our favorite Season 1 moments and gives you a look at everything coming in Season 2.Follow us on social:http://instagram.com/jonathan_caronehttp://instagram.com/ericw712https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_caronehttps://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoachericShow theme song: High School - 90's Kids Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-09-0614 min
TensionChanging churches, getting doxxed, and losing friendsHave you ever lost friends because you changed churches? This week we talk about the weird tribalism of church youth group cliques, Jonathan getting doxxed at a baseball game, and how we create healthier friendships as adults.Show theme song: High School by 90's Kids Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-04-1938 min
That's A Gay Ass Podcast"Clearing the Air" w/ Ester SteinbergEster Steinberg (Stand Up Mom Podcast) clears the air about the infamous mushroom trip revealed in the Cat Cohen episode. Ester also discusses her brand new comedy special "Burning Bush" in addition to Eric's bachelor party, Ester's Penthouse spread, and the Jonathan Groff Splash Zone at Hamilton. Pure, unadulterated JOY.Watch Ester's special "Burning Bush" on all platforms hereFollow Ester on Instagram @ester.steinberg and listen to her podcast 'Stand Up Mom' wherever you pod+ follow Eric's Instagram @EricWillz and Tik Tok and That's A Gay Ass Podcast on Instagram ...2021-04-0757 min
PowerScripting PodcastEpisode 264 - PowerScripting Podcast - Eric Williams and Jeff Foster on the Cisco UCS PowerToolEric Williams and Jeff Foster on the Cisco UCS PowerTool2014-04-0752 minPowerScripting PodcastEpisode 264 - PowerScripting Podcast - Eric Williams and Jeff Foster on the Cisco UCS PowerToolEric Williams and Jeff Foster on the Cisco UCS PowerTool2014-04-0752 minPowerScripting PodcastEpisode 192 - PowerScripting Podcast - Eric Williams on the UCS PowerToolEric Williams from Cisco on the UCS PowerTool2012-07-101h 12PowerScripting PodcastEpisode 192 - PowerScripting Podcast - Eric Williams on the UCS PowerToolEric Williams from Cisco on the UCS PowerTool2012-07-101h 12