Dummies With Wisdom

The two of us decided that DWW has run its course and it is now time to move on to other things. For those who have listened over the years, we truly thank you and hope that we have been able to impact you positively in some way. This is the final episode where we reflect on the last 3 1/2 years of Dummies With Wisdom.

So many churches sit empty 5 or 6 days a week. Is this acceptable? Is it not? Is there something in our philosophy of ministry that we should change?

Today the Dummies discuss two issues: First, where do we stand on coffee shops in church lobbies? Second, is it okay for churches to take on debt?

In this episode, the Dummies discuss Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace University. Is his program good or bad? Is it biblical? Should churches promote it?

Today, the Dummies dive into self defense. Is it biblical? What about if you're protecting property? Is there a difference between self defense with a gun or with other weapons?

Today's episode is all about youth. What should youth group look like? Should the youth area be separate from the rest of the church? How should church adults interact with the church youth?

In this episode, the Dummies discuss church leadership. What should the structure generally be? What sort of mindset should the leaders have? What problems have we seen in church leadership structures?

Paul's writings in the New Testament have been the core of the debate about woman pastors. Today, the Dummies discuss theology of women's roles inside and outside the church. Was Paul writing to a specific culture and time, or is this instruction for us today? Where is the line between what we find acceptable and unbiblical? Is the Bible clear at all about this topic?

In the gospels, Jesus makes it clear that he submits himself to the Father. But is there a hierarchy in the Trinity? Where does the Spirit fit in? Do the three persons of the Trinity submit out of choice or is it an existential hierarchy? Is there a hierarchy at all?

From a listener's question, how should Christians respond to a friend who has a pregnancy outside of marriage, especially if there seems to be no remorse?

Content warning: some language is used in discussing this topc. In a recent sermon podcast that both JJ and Ben listened to, the pastor swore a couple times. Was this acceptable? Is it ever acceptable? How does it reflect the heart of the speaker?

In this less-serious episode, the Dummies throw out questions of who was the best or worst biblical character in different categories. Who was the most like Jesus? Who would make the best NFL player? Who would have been the best parents?

Wishing all of our listeners a Merry Christmas and a look at what is coming on Season 4 in January!

The Bible was written both in and to people living in Eastern culture. We live in modern Western culture. Is one better overall than the other? Which parts of each are preferred? Would the Dummies choose to live in Eastern culture if given the chance?

The word "evil" is overused by all sides in our society. When is a person rightly deemed evil? What about situations? The Dummies discuss the theological and the practical around the word "evil."

Responding to a listener's request, the Dummies discuss the Israel and Hamas conflict and the current evangelical reaction. Regardless of personal theology, how should believers view the situation? Be sure to listen to our past podcast on Israel and the End Times here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3IyxqvI8DICcDYsaulUxqq?si=81e2deb060554ea3

From a listener's question: how much should one open their heart up in a dating relationship. The Bible is clear on physical boundaries, but what depth is appropriate for dating?

Everyone has opinions on government overreach, but where should we as Christians draw the line? Did Covid give us a better idea of where we refuse to comply? How should we respectfully decline to obey governmental orders?

Romans 13 tells us to obey the governing authorities. However, this was written to Christians under the Roman Empire. How does this passage apply to modern day America? Does the authority lie in the government or the Constitution upon which it is founded? What about when they are acting in opposite directions?

A listener wants to know about aliens. Is it unbiblical to think they might exist? Would it affect the Christian faith if humans happened to encounter real aliens? Has JJ seen UFOs as a pilot? It's all about aliens on this episode.

When churches do events, such as a youth group Super Bowl party, does there need to be a gospel presentation? Does evangelism have to be the center focus of every event? Is a gospel presentation ever appropriate in these contexts?

There is clearly a problem at our southern border. How should we understand it as Christians? We all have political opinions about it, but when we look at the Bible, does it give us answers?

Was Judas saved? Was he ever saved? Do the gospels say anything to make us believe one way or the other? Were any of the disciples saved prior to the resurrection?

From a listener submitted question, do people who get religiously married have to go through the legal process? What about government benefits that are at stake? What about immigration issues? Do people who get legally married have to go through a religious ceremony? Are the two tied together?

In today's divisive culture, we are often faced with a decision. Do we speak truth bluntly and have no care for the reactions, or do we work to win people over? The answer can be different if we are talking about social issues or church related topics. So where on the spectrum should we generally be?