Everyday Theology

It is easy to assume that Conservative Christians have held the majority influence on American politics. Journalist and scholar of religion, Jack Jenkins, suggests the opposite: that the Religious Left, instead, has fundamentally shaped the progressive values at the heart of American democracy — like abolition, labor reform, civil rights, and environmental preservation. Listen today as Aaron and J...

It hardly matters what Scripture means to us. It matters deeply what it meant to those for whom it was written. Every line of Scripture has context — a reason, a time frame, and a purpose.  We often use the Bible as a means of advocating for our own nation and political agenda. We should keep in mind, instead, that earthly kingdoms won't last forever; the Kingdom of God will. To hear more fro...

What is Biblical justice, and is it the same as social justice? Why do Christians often inherently avoid both? In this episode, Aaron sits down with Dan Morrison to discuss holistic Biblical justice. Together they propose that the American Christian perspective is not the whole truth — and take a deeper look at why living Biblically is so difficult, for reasons we don't expect.

Christianity is, and always has been, a counter-cultural movement. Why does the Christian church often resist confronting its very own culture of patriarchy? When we read Scripture through a lens of female empowerment, we see women impacting every aspect of the spread and development of the church. The problem: we aren't trained to do so. In this episode, Aaron and Kim Alexander, Associate Profess...

What is Black Theology? How is it different from the systematic theology our churches often follow? Many people assume that there is a "right" way to study theology; that it is only a spiritual effort, rather than something that demands personal and institutional change. Black Theology instead teaches us that God is in the business of setting the oppressed free, in every sense of the word.  J...

Last week, we fostered a healthy debate between Dr. Chris Green and Dr. Thomas Oord about whether or not God knows the future. Welcome to Part 2, where we continue that discussion and dive into a few more topics: Does God need us? Can he prevent evil on his own? If he can't, how can we trust his promises? We are often provided a rigid perspective of faith that we must deconstruct and rebuild throu...

*Trigger Warning: discussions of sexual assault.* Does God know the future? If he does, why doesn't he stop bad things from happening? If he doesn't, is he really all-powerful? Everyday Theology explored these questions in Season 1, when we brought Thomas Jay Oord and Chris Green on separate episodes to discuss their opposing views on open theism.  In this episode, launching season two, we're...

How do we advance racial progress when the fabric of American society was built on white supremacy? In today's rebroadcast, Aaron and Ben join Andre Henry — songwriter, speaker, and advocate for social change — to unpack the idea that diversity is not the same as justice. >> Click here for more info about Andre and his advocacy for the world that ought to be. 

The legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. ought to endure and advance our culture today. On this special episode of Everyday Theology, Aaron sits down with Ray Allen, Director of Multicultural Affairs at Southeastern University, to discuss how the church should actively progress MLK's dream as we look toward the future of racial justice.

The recent murder of George Floyd has sparked a global outcry against racism and systemic injustice. White privilege allows people to maintain a comfortable distance from racial issues and hurt Black communities by perpetuating systems of inequality and inequity. In this episode, speaker, pastor and author Ashlee Eiland discusses the importance for all people to walk in solidarity toward a healing...

Is the death penalty an attempt to operate the hand of God? In this episode, Shane Claiborne — renowned author and social activist — walks us through both the Old and New Testament interpretations of cultural violence. Join us as we learn to embody Christian peacemaking in our context today. 

The concept of God's sovereignty has been heavily debated in both classrooms and churches throughout history. We constantly ask: does God's power limit ours?  We have discussed this topic here at Everyday Theology before, on EP:14 with Thomas Jay Oord. In that episode, Oord recommended that we think beyond our traditional "all-controlling" view of God, and consider limitations on God's power.  Tod...

The process of decolonization requires us first to develop respect for the other. If respect is an inherently Christian value, why do our churches so often demand assimilation?  In this episode, author Kaitlin Curtice, citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, discusses the complexities in deconstructing our faith and spiritual community to understand our true personal and cultural identity. 

God's presence is not only recognized through spoken word, but can also be found in mystery, beauty, and art. In part two of this episode, Marc Byrd, one-half of the band Hammock, discusses the beautiful and artistic process of a participatory relationship with God. 

Learning, knowing, and being with God is not always about the words that are said, but can found in mystery, beauty, and art. In part one of a two-part episode, Marc Byrd, one-half of the band Hammock, talks about how music, mystery, pain, and hope create a world for us to engage with God in often surprising and life-changing ways. 

Patriarchy is the backdrop of the Bible; it is not the message. How, then, should we perceive gender roles as they are presented to us? In this episode, Carolyn Custis James teaches us how to look beyond our Western patriarchal lens and understand the true message of the text: one of united purpose and mutual flourishing. 

Spontaneity is not enough; immediacy does not last. Is the modern church aching to return to more traditional forms of worship? In this episode, Aaron and Robby join historian, pastor, and author Ed Gungor to understand practical ways the church may engage past traditions and symbols. 

We don't have all the answers.  While the church is called to instill hope in crises, it is also called to engage with the emotions they cause. In this episode, Aaron and Robby join Brian Zahnd -- pastor, author and Bob Dylan aficionado -- as he teaches us how to develop habits and practices that maintain balance in tumultuous times.

If God is loving and good, why do bad things happen? And why doesn't God stop them? Renowned author and theologian Thom Oord would argue that perhaps believers and unbelievers alike should reconsider the closely-held belief that God is all-powerful. On today's episode, Aaron and Dr. Archer reach out to Thom to understand how God can be loving, active and powerful -- if, at times, not capable.&nbsp...

The pandemic of the coronavirus has caused some pain, suffering, fear, and more. For Christians, such a pandemic can cause a moment of reflection. How should we act, think, and pray in times of suffering and fear? Today, we talk with Kelly Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College and author of Embodied Hope, what a Christian response is to such a time as this.

Caring for others as a means to an end is exploitative. How should the church exercise a moral imagination correctly? In today's episode, Aaron and Robby sit down with Professor of World Mission and Intercultural Studies at Vanguard University, Dr. Doug Petersen, to explore these ethical issues we face.

The Christian church has struggled to interpret the Old Testament for centuries. How should the everyday Christian read this narrative? Today Aaron invites Rev. Rick Wadholm, Jr., Old Testament scholar and all around great guy, to teach us how to bridge the gap between the Old Testament and our context today.

Theology bridges intelligent understanding and abstract thought in our walk with God. In this episode, Aaron and Dr. Robby Waddell sit down with Miroslav Volf, world-renowned author and theologian, to explore the concept of "home" as it relates to the world in which the Holy Spirit dwells.

Both encouragement and critique are vital to the development of the Church. In this episode, Aaron speaks with Jonathan Merritt - acclaimed writer on religion, politics and culture - to discuss the importance of naming reality in the process of spiritual formation.

This week we reach out to Ben Lowe, postgrad student in Environmental Sciences at the University of Florida, to discuss the American perception of climate change and the church's role in creation care. Join us as we explore how common ground may be shared between political, moral and religious fields of study.