Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times

*Explicit Conversation Warning* AJ and Nijay continue their conversation about the Ten Commandments and practicing Slow Theology. They use the language of sex and lust frequently in this episode, so be mindful of who is listening.  Support the show

Nijay and AJ interrupt their Ten Commandments series to offer a one-off discussion of the problem of spiritual pride; Western Christians today need to cultivate a "poverty of spirit," a deep realization and ownership of our personal neediness, incompleteness, and brokenness.  Support the show

AJ and Nijay continue with the sixth commandment, "Do not murder." Now, at first glance that seems like an easy thing, but Scripture and Christian theology have a lot to say, not only about the evil of ending life, but also about the responsibility of protecting and blessing life. Explore this important subject further and listen in. Support the show

AJ and Nijay dive into the commandment to "honor your father and your mother." What does this mean? Not just for children, but for adults as well? In a time where there is generational conflict over politics, this could be a very urgent message for healing divides today.  Support the show

AJ and Nijay continue their Ten Commandments series; this time: Remember the Sabbath. Much of their discussion derives from insights from AJs bestselling book SUBVERSIVE SABBATH. Support the show

We often think that not taking the Lord's name in vain means not blurting out "Jesus Christ!" Or "God d*** it!" It's good to respect God's name, but this commandment is far deeper and more pervasively important than watching your tongue when you stub your toe. Check out AJ and Nijay's discussion about what it means to honor God's name in our words and o...

AJ and Nijay get into the the first set of commandments, which form the fountainhead for the rest: singular allegiance to YHWH and rejection of idols.  The Ten Commandments is much more than a list of don'ts, it is a mini-theology, pointing to a rich life within the healthy boundaries God has established for image-bearing creatures. Support the show

Slow Theology is excited to introduce a new series on the Ten Commandments (10C). Join AJ and Nijay as they process this foundation text in Scripture and how it forms our spirituality, theology, ethics, and life together. In this first episode they introduce the background and context of the 10C, and discuss the prescript statement, "I am YHWH, your God, who brought you out of Egypt" (Ex...

It's all too easy to doomscroll news about "church evil," the harrowing revelations regarding issues of abuse and corruption in Christian communities. In the past, AJ and Nijay have discussed the theological, moral, and philosophical implications of this dark reality coming to light, but in this new episode they discuss the emotional textures of facing this disheartening and horrify...

Do you have people in your life that you can share your darker struggles with, and confess your sins to? AJ and Nijay talk about being very selective and careful about finding your "confessors" and confidants; people that are not only safe, but also wise and care about your faith and relationship with Jesus. Support the show

**Possible Trigger Warning** AJ and Nijay discuss the limitations of "righteous suffering" today. Jesus took abuse and harm upon himself from others for the salvation of the world. Is Jesus a model for abuse victims today? Are there areas of life where WWJD doesn't apply—where we shouldn't or can't imitate Jesus?  Support the show

In Philippians 2:12, Paul writes, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling..." This verse has perplexed many readers, because on the surface it appears that Paul is talking about earning salvation, so what happened to justification by grace?? AJ and Nijay love talking about reading the Bible well in context, check it out. UPDATE: Nijay mentions in this episode a messaging feature...

Jesus is remembered as a great teacher, but he also had many conversations with people he met and he asked a lot of questions (well over 100 questions from the lips of Jesus in the Gospels). What can we learn about Jesus from his questions? What can we learn about the Gospel? What can we learn about our faith? AJ and Nijay reflect on these questions. Support the show

AJ and Nijay talk about a common question they get in the church and classroom: What's the best Bible translation? If you're curious, listen in on their conversation. Support the show

" We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves " (Rom 15:1) Knowledge is good - the more you know the further you'll go (as they say). But it can also lead to pride, arrogance, and judgmentalism. AJ and Nijay chat about the dangers of spiritual pride and how to build up the other and not puff up oneself (1 Cor 8:1). Support the show

What happens when your theological heroes change their mind, let you down, or leave the faith? It can be uncomfortable, sometimes devastating. In keeping with the theme of "slow theology," AJ and Nijay address this struggle and encourage a non-reactive theology. Support the show

In the previous episode, Nijay interviewed AJ about his latest book, The Gift of Thorns (ST44). This time around, AJ and Nijay chat about Nijay's latest, Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling (Brazos Press, 2024). Support the show

AJ has written an important new book called THE GIFT OF THORNS. Nijay and AJ discuss why AJ wrote this, a bit of his own story, and how unfulfilled wants can lead us into deeper spiritual life with Christ. This is a raw and vulnerable conversation. (WARNING: adult content is briefly discussed) Support the show

AJ and Nijay finish out their series on the Lord's Prayer and how to process the prayer Jesus taught us and learn how to pray slowly and authentically before God. Can we (smarty-pants moderns) really believe in evil? Should we fear evil? What does deliverance/rescue look like? Listen in—and please give Slow Theology and rating on your preferred listening app.  Support the show

AJ and Nijay continue their series on prayer. They get into theological questions like "what is temptation?" and "Does God influence temptation, if so why?" But they also talk about how this prayer shapes our Christian lives.  Support the show

AJ and Nijay continue to journey slowly through the Lord's Prayer. They reckon with the challenge of forgiving one another, and how important this is as a spiritual practice and an act of trust in God.  Support the show

AJ and Nijay continue with their Slow Prayer series focusing on the Lord's Prayer. How does it shape our prayer life to pray "Give us this day our daily bread"?  Support the show

AJ and Nijay continue the "Slow Prayer" series, journeying through the Lord's Prayer line by line. In this ep. they discuss the "cry for the kingdom" (as theologian Stanley Grenz puts it).  Support the show

Why does it matter how we address God? Why "Our Father"? What does it mean that He lives "in Heaven?" And what does it mean to "hallow" God's Name? AJ and Nijay discuss the beginning of the prayer Jesus gave us.  (Remember, you don't pray alone, you pray with Jesus) Support the show

Nijay and AJ are kicking off a multi-episode series about prayer, with a focus on the Lord's Prayer. Join them for this introductory episode where they chat about why this short prayer from Jesus has been so important in the history of the Church—and how it can shape our spiritual lives today. Support the show