Shows
Modern CloisterInterview with Todd Hains and Natasha KennedyIn this episode, we sit down with Todd Hains, editor, and Natasha Kennedy, illustrator, who together have shaped the creation and launch of a new children's books series called "FatCat" that aims to make the practice of catechism both accessible and engaging for children and families alike.
There are three books in the series so far (Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer, and King of Christmas) with more to come in 2023.
About FatCat Books
How can anyone, no matter how young or old, grasp the message of the Bible? The church’s answer has always been the catechism. Maybe “catech...2022-12-0450 minModern CloisterInterview with Hannah NationIn this episode, we sit down with Hannah Nation, co-editor of Faith in the Wilderness: Words of Exhortation from the Chinese Church (released April 2022), to discuss both the book and the state of the Chinese house church.
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About the book
For many Western Christians, the experience of persecution is remote. For Chinese Christians, on the other hand, suffering is a regular aspect of the Christian life. With a history of faithfulness under persecution and a rich theology of suffering, the Chinese house church movement has much to contribute theologically to the global church. In Faith in...2022-07-2443 minModern CloisterSoli Deo Gloria (God’s Glory Alone)What do we mean when we talk about Soli Deo Gloria, or God's Glory Alone? Join us as we unpack this Sola, exploring everything from God's internal glory that existed before time and space to His manifestation and communication of that glory externally through creation, providence, and the entire redemptive narrative. We also dive into our modern culture of self glory and the implications for how this sola must reorient us as believers and foundationally shape the way we think, feel, live, serve and worship.
For a brief background on the "who, what, when, where, why and h...2022-07-1020 minModern CloisterSolus Christus (Christ Alone)What do we mean when we talk about the doctrine of Christ Alone or "Solus Christus"? Join us as we explore this Sola, which centers on the fullness of Christ's work alone for salvation and His uniqueness as Savior. We also dive into how this belief shaped the thinking of the Reformers, how it influenced the history and development of the church, how it should impact us today as believers, and how it must be reclaimed for the sake of the gospel.
For a brief background on the "who, what, when, where, why and how" of the R...2022-06-1929 minModern CloisterSola Fide (Faith Alone)What is the doctrine of Sola Fide and how did it define and shape the Reformation? In this episode, we explore the the doctrine of justification by faith alone, how this teaching and belief showed up during the Reformation, and how this "Sola" still impacts us today and needs to be reclaimed by the modern church.
For a brief background on the "who, what, when, where, why and how" of the Reformation, which introduces the Five Solas, we invite you to listen to our episode What led to the Reformation? Then, make sure to check out our con...2022-06-0517 minModern CloisterSola Gratia (Grace Alone)What exactly is the doctrine of Sola Gratia, and how did it define and shape the Reformation? How does the "Grace Alone" sola still impact us today and how can it be recaptured and reclaimed by both believers and the modern church? In this episode, we explore the history and essential components of this sola and how it challenges our contemporary culture and world around us.
For a brief background on the "who, what, when, where, why and how" of the Reformation, which introduces the Five Solas, listen to our episode What led to the Reformation? Then, ma...2022-05-2224 minModern CloisterSola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)What exactly is the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, and how did it define and shape the Reformation? How does this particular "sola" still impact us today and how can it be recaptured and reclaimed by both believers and the modern church? Join us as we explore the history and essential components of the "Scripture Alone" sola, including the concepts of inspiration, inerrancy, clarity, sufficiency and final authority of God's word.
For a brief background on the "who, what, when, where, why and how" of the Reformation, which includes a high-level introduction of the Five Solas, listen to o...2022-05-0831 minModern CloisterWhat led to the Reformation?We share a brief historical tour of the Protestant Reformation that took place within the church during the 16th century. During our conversation, we walk through the "who, what, when, where, why and how" of the Reformation from a historical perspective, share a high-level introduction of the Five Solas (which were the guiding theological principles of the Reformers), and share our thoughts on why the Five Solas are just as important today as they were centuries ago - and why they need to be recaptured and reclaimed by the modern church around the world.
If you're new...2022-04-2417 minModern CloisterInterview with Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric SchumacherIn this episode, we sit down with Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher, co-authors of the new book Jesus and Gender: Living as Sisters and Brothers in Christ (released April 2022) to discuss their new book and the state of gender discussions in the church.
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About the book
Much teaching on gender relations, roles, and rules binds the conscience beyond what Scripture actually teaches. Gender has become a battleground for power. But God created men and women not to compete for glory but to cooperate for his glory. In Jesus and Gender, Elyse and Eric paint a ne...2022-04-101h 03Modern CloisterReaction Episode: Rise and Fall of Mars HillIn this episode, we share our reactions to the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast, produced by Christianity Today, which walks listeners through the story of Mark Driscoll and Mars Hills Church.
2022-03-201h 06Modern CloisterThe Modern Cloister is ONE!To celebrate the podcast's one-year anniversary, we invite you to join us for a fun, behind-the-scenes discussion about this past year, what we enjoyed, what we learned, and what's ahead in the year to come.
2022-03-0614 minModern CloisterStudying The Bible: CommentariesIn this episode, we discuss Commentaries, including their importance and history, the different types and focuses, and recommendations for what to look for and consider when getting one - especially for those who are new to the world of commentaries. This is the 3rd episode in our series on studying the Bible.
Listen to the 1st here --> Studying The Bible: Translations
Listen to the 2nd here --> Studying The Bible: Study Bibles
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If you're new to the Modern Cloister, check out our other series via the links below and listen to our...2022-01-2332 minModern CloisterStudying The Bible: Study BiblesIn this episode, we discuss Study Bibles, including their importance and history, the different types and focuses, and recommendations for what to look for and consider when getting a new one. This is the 2nd episode in our series on studying the Bible. Listen to the 1st here --> Studying The Bible: Translations.
For expanded notes on this topic, check out Kevin's blog post On Study Bibles.
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If you're new to the Modern Cloister, check out our other series via the links below and listen to our introductory episode (Welcome to the Modern...2022-01-1632 minModern CloisterStudying The Bible: TranslationsIn this episode, we discuss Bible translations, including their importance and history, the differences between formal equivalent and dynamic equivalent translations, and an analysis of major translations in use today. This is the first in our three-part series on studying the Bible. For those interested in learning more and viewing the graphics mentioned in this episode, you can find Kevin's full notes on his On Bible Translations post on MondayMorningTheologian.com.
If you're new to the Modern Cloister, check out our other series via the links below and listen to our introductory episode (Welcome to the Modern C...2022-01-0942 minModern CloisterAn Update From Us + Our Favorite Books of 2021In this episode, we share an update on what's been happening with the Modern Cloister podcast along with our plans for 2022. We also run through our favorite books from 2021 for anyone looking for ideas for Christmas gifts or their own reading lists for 2022.
Books mentioned in the episode:
New Testament In Its World
How Shall We Worship?
Worship Matters
Writing Worship
Reformation Anglican Worship
To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism
The Wisdom Pyramid
How To Read the Psalms
Learning To Love The Psalms
The Five Solas Series: God’s Word Alone
The Five Solas Series: Grace Alon...2021-12-0525 minModern CloisterWisdom and Kingship In The PsalmsIn this episode, we take a closer look at wisdom and kingship psalms and the ways they have been and continue to be used by Christians and the church. This includes reading select psalms in these categories that are meaningful to us. This is the 6th and final episode in our series on the psalms.
In the 1st episode in the series, we provided an overview of the psalms, including their history, organization, difficulties, themes, language style and poetic nature, along with our personal stories in coming to love and appreciate the psalms. In the 2nd episode, w...2021-07-1822 minModern CloisterConfidence and Remembrance In The PsalmsIn this episode, we take a closer look at confidence and remembrance psalms, discussing both genres, their differences and areas of overlap, and ways they have been and continue to be used by Christians and the church. This includes reading select psalms in these categories that are meaningful to us. This is the 5th episode in our series on the psalms.
In the 1st episode in the series, we provided an overview of the psalms, including their history, organization, difficulties, themes, language style and poetic nature, along with our personal stories in coming to love and appreciate t...2021-07-0424 minModern CloisterLament and Confession In The PsalmsIn this episode, we take a closer look at lament and confessions psalms, discussing both genres, their differences and areas of overlap, and ways they have been and continue to be used by Christians and the church. This includes reading select psalms in these categories that are meaningful to us. This is the 4th episode in our series on the psalms.
In the 1st episode in the series, we provided an overview of the psalms, including their history, organization, difficulties, themes, language style and poetic nature, along with our personal stories in coming to love and appreciate th...2021-06-2026 minModern CloisterPraise and Thanksgiving In the PsalmsIn this episode, we take a closer look at praise and thanksgiving psalms, discussing both genres, their differences and areas of overlaps, and was they have been and continue to be used by Christians and the church. This includes reading select verses from a handful of our favorite psalms. This is the 3rd episode in our series on the psalms.
In the 1st episode in the series, we provided an overview of the psalms, including their history, organization, difficulties, themes, language style and poetic nature, along with our personal stories in coming to love and appreciate the p...2021-06-0620 minModern CloisterIn The News: Supreme Court Takes Up Abortion, Russell Moore Leaves SBC, God Bless the USA Bible, and CDC GuidanceIn this episode of In The News, we discuss the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue of abortion by ruling on the Mississippi abortion law in its next session, Russell Moore's departure from the Southern Baptist Convention and what it means, a new Bible that includes items like the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and the CDC's updated guidance for fully vaccinated people and how its impacting the church.
Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
Supreme Court Takes Up Major Abortion Case Next Term
Russell Moore to leave ER...2021-05-3126 minModern CloisterHow To Use The PsalmsIn this episode, we discuss how the psalms were used historically within the church and share practical insights into how to use the psalms today in both corporate and private worship and prayer. This includes several on-air, live examples of praying and singing the psalms.
This is the 2nd episode in our series on the psalms. In the 1st episode, we provided an overview of the psalms, including their history, organization, difficulties, themes, language style and poetic nature, along with our personal stories in coming to love and appreciate the psalms.
You can listen to that episode...2021-05-1637 minModern CloisterA Guide to Understanding the PsalmsIn the first episode in our series on the psalms, we discuss the significant value and purpose of the psalms in both the private worship and prayer lives of Christians and the corporate life of the church. During the conversation, we cover their history, organization, difficulties, language style and poetic nature, themes, and also share our personal stories in coming to love and appreciate the psalms.
Below are our reviews of the books mentioned in the episode:
How To Read The Psalms
Learning To Love The Psalms
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
2021-05-0240 minModern CloisterIn The News: Losing Our Religion, Refugee Cap, Human-Monkey Embryo, Women Songwriters, and Dawkins ExcommunicatedIn this "In The News" episode, we discuss a recent Gallup poll showing church membership dropped below 50% for the first time, Biden's failure to raise the refugee cap, the first monkey-human embryo, women songwriters, and Richard Dawkins losing the "Human of the Year" award.
Resources mentioned during the episode:
Gallup Poll
U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time
Losing Our Religion by Russell Moore
Politics Podcast: Americans Are Losing Their Religion. That’s Changing Politics
Modern Cloister: The Decline of Community
Modern Cloister: The Future of Community
Refugee Ceiling
How Evan...2021-04-2929 minModern CloisterThe Impact of COVID-19 on CommunityIn this episode of the Modern Cloister, we discuss the significant impact of COVID-19 on community over the past year, both inside and outside the church, and share personal stories about our experiences living through the pandemic. This is the 4th and final episode in our series on community. The 1st covered the history of Christian community, the 2nd focused on the decline of community from the 1950s to present day, and the 3rd discussed the future of community within the church.
2021-04-1826 minModern CloisterThe Future of CommunityIn this episode of the Modern Cloister, we discuss trends and projections for where the church is headed, along with our thoughts and commentary on the opportunity we have as Christians to influence the future of both the church and Christian community over the next decade. This is the 3rd episode in our series on community. The 1st covered the history of Christian community and the 2nd focused on the decline of community from the 1950s to present day.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This is the book mentioned at the e...2021-04-0431 minModern CloisterIn The News: Atlanta Spa Shootings, Beth Moore, Audrey Assad, and Evangelicals Least Likely to Care for OthersIn this "In The News" episode of the Modern Cloister, we discuss the Atlanta Spa Shootings, Beth Moore's departure from the Southern Baptist Convention, Audrey Assad leaving the faith, and recent survey results that show evangelicals are the least likely group of society to care for others.
[Please note - we experienced audio quality issues when recording this episode and will ensure those are fixed by next time. Thanks for your understanding.]
Resources mentioned in the episode:
‘A crime against us all’: Atlanta mayor condemns deadly spa shooting spree
Stop Asian Hate: How We Got...2021-03-3133 minModern CloisterThe Decline of CommunityIn this episode of the Modern Cloister, we discuss the decline of community in America from the 1950s through present day from the perspective of both contemporary society and the modern church. This is the 2nd episode in our series on community. The 1st covered the history of Christian community.
2021-03-2134 minModern CloisterA History of Christian CommunityIn this episode of the Modern Cloister, we discuss the history of Christian community, exploring what both the Old and New Testaments show us about community and how the early church existed in community together. This is the 1st episode in our series on community.
2021-03-0726 minModern CloisterWelcome to the Modern CloisterWelcome to the Modern Cloister! In this brief introductory episode, you'll hear about our purpose and vision of cultivating deeper thinkers and worshipers and learn the meaning behind our name and how it's emblematic of the type of community we hope to create through the Modern Cloister podcast.
2021-03-0704 min