Christendom and the World

In this week's episode of Christendom in the World , Rev. Dr. Edward Naumann joins us to discuss his work with the South Asia Lutheran Mission —a grassroots effort to equip pastors and congregations with faithful, doctrinally sound resources across Nepal, India, and beyond. Dr. Naumann shares how the mission prioritizes open-access publishing, local printing, and long-term relationships built on t...

They're back. The Schlie twins return for Round 2 —diving even deeper into the clichés shaping modern ministry. In this week's episode of Christendom and the World , they unpack the risks of relying on familiar preaching formulas, like "Law then Gospel," and explore how good theology can lose its weight when it becomes routine. From performative pulpits to the fear of failure in ministry, this con...

In this episode of Christendom and the World , we're joined by twin brothers and pastors Joseph and Jesse Schlie for a thoughtful conversation on the rise of Christian clichés and what they reveal about the modern church. Together, they reflect on the pastoral call to speak clearly, confront sin, and preach Christ with conviction. From shallow phrases to deep theology, the Schlie pastors urge both...

In this week's episode of Christendom and the World , we explore how character development in storytelling helps us better understand God's own character. The conversation moves beyond simply knowing God's attributes to the importance of personal relationship and revelation through Scripture. We also reflect on the mystery of God's nature, how His attributes are revealed through creation, and why...

In the second half of this conversation, Pastor Andrew Preus continues his interview with Grace Otten as she reflects on her adult life, her work with Lutheran News , and the shifting landscape of the church in the 1960s and beyond. Grace shares candid memories of the responsibilities she carried, the relationships that shaped her journey, and the convictions that sustained her through seasons of...

In this week's episode of Christendom and the World , we sit down with Grace Otten to hear the first part of her story — a candid look at her early years growing up Lutheran. From her childhood experiences with faith and family to the subtle shaping forces of church life, Grace shares how her understanding of spiritual authority began to take root. She also reflects on how she met her husband, and...

In this week's episode of Christendom and the World , Pastor Andrew Preus takes a hard look at the state of leadership in today's church. As cultural narratives continue to reshape how people view authority, masculinity, and order, many Christians are left wondering: who is truly leading the flock? Pastor Preus unpacks the influence of the Red Pill movement, the feminization of church culture, and...

In this episode of Christendom and the Word , Pastor James Preus joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on Christian political engagement. We explore how a biblical understanding of natural law, civil duty, and conscience informs everything from our view of rights to our role in society. Is libertarianism compatible with a Christian worldview? What does Romans 13 really mean for believers today?...

This episode of  Christendom and the World Pastor Andrew Preus talks with Rev. Dr. Daniel N. Harmelink, tracing his vocational journey from parish ministry in California to his current work at the Concordia Historical Institute in St. Louis. Pastor Harmelink reflects on the significance of preserving the history of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, particularly through times of crisis and change...

This week on Christendom and the World , Pastor Andrew Preus responds to the video "Catholic vs Protestant: Is Faith Greater Than Love?" by The Logos Project, which critiques our original episode on "Faith, Hope, and Love." Pastor Preus delves deeper into the theological virtues, emphasizing love as the greatest virtue flowing from true faith. He contrasts Lutheran and Roman Catholic views on just...

In this episode of Christendom and the World , Reverend Walter Otten shares the rich history of the Otten family, their immigration to America, and their deep-rooted commitment to Lutheran orthodoxy. He discusses the theological influences that shaped his upbringing, his education in Bronxville, and the friendships that formed during his youth. The conversation also delves into the challenges face...

In this episode of Christendom and the World , Pastor Andrew Preus and Pastor Jim Wilshusen tackle recent debates over Christian nationalism in Lutheran circles. They discuss the growing conversation around Christendom, the role of the church in public life, and how Lutherans understand the relationship between church and state. From theological reflections to real-world implications, they explore...

In this episode of  Christendom and with World, Brandt Klawitter shares his journey from the United States to Norway, where he now serves as a chaplain and educator. He discusses the spiritual landscape of Norway, the challenges of building a faith community, and the importance of understanding worship practices. The conversation delves into theological insights from Genesis, the tension between p...

In this episode of Christendom and the World , Pastor Andrew Preus sits down with his father, Pastor Rolf Preus, for a candid and personal conversation about their journey through Lutheranism, focusing on their transition from the Missouri Synod to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS). Together, they explore the theological debates surrounding church authority, the doctrine of the ministry, and th...

In this episode of Christendom and the World , Pastor Andrew Preus sits down with his father, Pastor Rolf Preus, for a deep and personal conversation exploring the Seminex controversy, the theological legacy of the Preus family, and the broader historical struggles within the Missouri Synod. Together, they examine the historical and theological context surrounding the Seminex controversy, discussi...

In this episode of Christendom and the World, Pastor Andrew Preus explores the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, emphasizing their interconnection and distinct roles in the Christian faith. He discusses how these virtues relate to God's promises, the importance of understanding their objects, and the distinction between preservation and perseverance in faith. The conversation cul...

In this episode of Christendom and the World , Pastor Andrew Preus sits down with Pastor James Wilshusen for a wide-ranging conversation that explores themes such as the significance of baptism, the current state of the Lutheran Church, trends in church attendance, and how family dynamics impact religious practices. They also discuss belief in God amidst cultural shifts, the breakdown of communica...

In this episode of Christendom and the World, Pastor Andrew Preus explores the relationship between faith and the world through the lens of Larry Sanger's journey back to Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of questions in faith, the philosophical influences that can lead to skepticism, and the role of Scripture in understanding God. The conversation highlights how curiosity and inquiry are...

In this episode of Christendom and the World, Pastor Andrew Preus delves into the concepts of equity and justice, exploring their biblical foundations and implications for Christians. He contrasts progressive equity with formal equity, emphasizing the importance of natural law and civil law. The discussion highlights the necessity of written laws and the role of equity in applying these laws justl...

In this episode, Pastor Andrew Preus discusses the theological views of Pete Hegseth, particularly focusing on Christian Zionism and its implications for Israel and the church. He critiques the idea that Israel is solely a physical entity chosen by God, emphasizing the importance of faith over works. The conversation also delves into the concept of Christian nationalism, exploring the balance betw...

In this podcast episode, Pastor Andrew Preus explores the concepts of Christendom and the world, discussing the dual nature of the church as both invisible and visible. He emphasizes the importance of faith in understanding the church and its teachings, while also addressing the challenges posed by the world, including the need for Christians to navigate their faith amidst societal pressures. The...