Culture Matters

This Summer we are re-visiting a few of our favorite previous episodes. Some from recent seasons, some from not-so-recent. We've had some really amazing and helpful guests on over the years, so while we are busy recording new episodes, we wanted to share these with you! We hope you enjoy them! -- While marriage can be easy for some, the reality of two sinners entering into union with each othe...

In this final episode of the season, Tymarcus sits down with Joey Honesko to talk about how poetry can help us better understand the beauty and complexity of the scriptures. And how poetry in particular can help us resonate with the practice of remembrance when we look back at the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ during the season of Lent and and Easter. Guest Resources Joey's Website --...

What does it mean to be citizens of heaven? And how does that affect our earthly citizenship? In this episode we look at the relational language the bible uses frequently — brothers and sisters, citizens of heaven, royal priesthood, and others.   -- One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving us a rating and review on Apple or Spotify. Your support helps us continue producing this show....

Liz is back and the studio has never felt more alive! She joins us to pick apart this year's Oscars. This episode isn't just about the glitz of the gala; it's our reflections on the highlights, the lowlights, the war and peace narratives threading through recent cinema, the cultural disconnect that often plagues the Oscars and why we (mostly Adam) think film is still so important for a...

This week Tymarcus talks to Pastor Charles Wilson from The Hill Church in Roanoke, VA about how Christians can think about effecting change in their communities through their churches. Pastor Charles helps us think about how as Christians we should move towards the problems and be a part of helping our neighborhoods flourish.   Guest Resources https://www.thehillchurch.com/ -- One of the best ways...

On this episode we talk about the good, the bad and the ugly...of institutions. Are there any redeeming qualities to institutions anymore? We start with a working definition of institutions and then dive into some of the most problematic elements of today's institutions. We specifically explore the value of religious institutions and where we have hope for them.   Guest Resources Follow Kyle W...

Continuing the conversation from last week, Dr. Paul Miller helps us look at the difference between Nationalism and Patriotism, as well as how to be a good Christian citizen and participate in politics. Guest Resources Follow Dr. Miller on X (Twitter) Dr. Miller's Book: The Religion of American Greatness -- One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving us a rating and review on Apple...

This week we talk to writer and professor Dr. Paul Miller, in the first of a two-part conversation on Christian Nationalism. In this first part, we define the term and help clarify some confusion around the topic. Guest Resources Follow Dr. Miller on X (Twitter) Dr. Miller's Book: The Religion of American Greatness -- One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving us a rating and revie...

This week we are joined by Matthew Martens, a defense lawyer and author of "Reforming Criminal Justice." We discuss the role of the justice system in society, how we ended up with the system we have in the US now, and what is wrong with it. Matthew explains his passion for accurate representation, the importance of jury duty, and how Christians should approach the justice system. We wrap u...

Have you ever found yourself questioning your beliefs? You're not alone. Pastor Jamin Roller joins us in a candid conversation about the complexities of doubt within the Christian faith. We explore the walk between conviction and the natural human tendency to question and how scripture itself presents a rich tapestry of responses to doubt — from the Psalms' raw introspection to the Gospels...

How should Christians think about global conflict? Does being a "peacemaker" mean we don't engage with or create conflict? How do we even start to make peace in such a polarized culture? In this episode, we have a conversation with author and theologian Jonathan Dodson about how to navigate our divided culture.   Resources Mentioned: The Unwavering Pastor Our Good Crisis The 6 Megatren...

This week we tackle a topic that can really affect a lot of us. In a culture that celebrates speed and efficiency, and platforms people who “hustle,” the reality is that constant hustling leads to burnout. God speaks to us through His word and through the example of Christ to show us there is a better way. Resources Mentioned Sabbath Resistence The Common Rule Habits of the Household The Ruthless...

As we enter into a new year and all that can weigh on that season—the hustle culture, demands from family and friends, an election year. There are plenty of things to be anxious about, so in this episode, we have a conversation about anxiety. -- One of the best ways to support the show is by becoming a Patron . Your support helps us continue producing this show. Follow us on social: Instagram

In this special Christmas crossover episode, we are joined by Drew Fitzgerald, host of the podcast Christianese. We compete in a little Christmas Trivia, share some nostalgia and close with a special segment by Drew. Merry Christmas from all of us at Culture Matters!   Subscribe and Listen to Christianese: On Apple On Spotify -- One of the best ways to support the show is by becoming a Patron . Yo...

We wrap up 2023 with a look back at some news from the year and talk about some of our favorite episodes, as well as some books and songs that we enjoyed.   Resources Mentioned The best of 2023 (songs) The best of 2023 (books) Thanks to Our Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Called. Called is a professional network specifically designed for people in ministry! For anyone from youth interns to e...

In this week's episode, we sit down with a good friend, Aina Carruth, to talk about the hard seasons of friendship, how to make healthy boundaries, and appreciate the beauty of good friendships. Friendships are worth the work and there's so much to learn and glean from persevering in friendship.   Thanks to Our Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Called. Called is a professional network...

We invited our friends Braedon and Jenna back on the show to talk more about navigating singlness. In this episode we talked about how to handle friendships between singles and marrieds, steward attraction, and advice for navigating the holidays when you're single. Resources Mentioned Link to previous episode on Singleness Link to episode with Curt Thompson Thanks to Our Sponsors This episode...

We chat with author Zachary Wagner about his book Non-Toxic Masculinity. Zachary offers a fresh approach to thinking about masculine sexuality from a nuanced Christian perspective. He paints a beautiful picture of healthy masculinity in light of the redemptive story that God has for all of humankind.   Guest Resources Zachary's Website: zacharycwagner.com Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Heal...

Author and Psychiatrist Curt Thompson joins us on the podcast to talk about his book The Soul of Desire. We explore the topics of beauty, vulnerability, longing, community, and the nature of desire.   Guest Resources Connect with Dr. Thompson and his work Being Known Podcast Neuro Faith Podcast Philosopher Roger Scrutun's Beauty   Thanks to Our Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Called. Cal...

We got to sit down with Kim Jones, Director of Engagement for My Refuge House, a non-profit that provides long-term aftercare to survivors of commercial and online sexual exploitation of children and abuse in the Philippines. We talked about the work that MRH is doing to restore one life at a time, as well as discuss some of the nuances of the culture of trafficking and sexual exploitation.   Reso...

Our guest this week is Dr. Abigail Favale, writer and professor in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. Her book—Genesis of Gender—is an important resource for understanding the gender paradigm, and applying a Christian approach to the cultural narratives.   Resources Mentioned The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory Abigail's Website -- One of the best ways...

Our hosts sit down and talk through some of the things we're been reading and enjoying this season. Some of the topics we talk about: The concept of "Slow Journalism" The downfall of relentlessly pursuing optimization through technology How we walk through grief and do suffering well. Resources Mentioned Delayed Gratification: Slow Journalism Magazine The Convivial Society Technology N...

In this week's episode, we have a conversation with Professor Sandra Glahn on the topics of infertility and how women have served in historical Christianity. We look at her latest book— Nobody’s Mother— a re-examining of Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:15 with new social and historical context that helps us better understand God’s view of women.   Resources Mentioned Nobody's Mother by Sandra...

While marriage can be easy for some, the reality of two sinners entering into union with each other is often fraught with hardship. This week we chat with Laurie and Matt Krieg on their own personal journey through marital strife and what it has taught them about love and the gospel.   Guest Resources An Impossible Marriage: What Our Mixed-Orientation Marriage Has Taught Us About Love and the Gosp...

How has a post-covid culture changed the landscape of young adulthood? Tymarcus and Liz are joined by a few special guests, Jenna Hernandez and Chelsea Conway, to talk about all things young adulthood – life in transition, dating apps, family and more.    Thanks To Our Sponsors We love the Pour Over and we think you will too! The Pour Over provides concise, politically neutral, and entertaining su...