New Persuasive Words

On this episode the guys talk atheism, reflecting on Scott’s recent conversation with evangelist turned humanist Bart Campolo. Show Notes: We reference an article Scott wrote: http://www.mbird.com/2016/08/the-justification-of-faith/. You can find the original conversation with Bart Campolo here: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mockingcast/e/46071969?autoplay=true.   The post Not...

In this episode we discuss whether or not the anger in our culture is at a boiling point and what implications that might have for our future as a society. Show notes: Our inspiration for this podcast came from a podcast by Dan Carlin, which you can find here. We reference an article by Andrew... The post The Anger Index appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

We plunge again into some deep questions about where our culture is going and why. Fasten your seatbelts….      

Despite many listener pleas to get back to Bill’s sweetspot, the 5th century, we continue to be mesmerized by current events (current events for Bill are anything after the Reformation). In this episode we talk about where our culture is going, with one eye on November, and another to the near distant future. We’re going... The post Wasteland? appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

In this episode, which is a crossover with the Theology On Mission podcast, we discuss the current debates in the evangelical world over the Trinity and gender roles in church and society, joined by Geoff Holsclaw.

There’s a lot going on in the world right now, from the ridiculous to the sublime. Bill and Scott take a little time to reflect on the week’s events.   The post Another Week In Review appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

Six days into the history of the show on August 12th of last year we wondered if the possibility of a seismic event in the Pacific Northwest was signaling the end of the world as we know it. We’re coming up on the first anniversary of the show.

In this episode we consider the virtues of the Revolutionary War. Would the world be a better place if we didn’t fight it?   The post Was 1776 A Mistake? appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

On this episode Bill and Scott cover what could be the religious news story of the year: Donald Trumps born again evangelical experience.

In this episode Bill and Scott spend some time trying to find words to understand the Orlando mass shooting and what it means for thinking about modern life.

In this episode we consider some events in the news recently and wonder whether there is precedent for them or not. We then ask whether or not there is anything new under the sun.   The post The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same? appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

Why are we so interested in post-apocalyptic fiction and film these days? Is it because we sense something about our world is ending? What is it that’s passing away, and why does it matter? Show Notes: We reference a book in this episode: How to Survive the Apocalypse: Zombies, Cylons, Faith, and Politics at the... The post The Eve Of Destruction? appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

In this episode we consider the funny and frightful world of online dating and what it tells us about modern culture and ourselves. Show Notes: This podcast grew out of a piece Scott wrote for Mockingbird. You can find it here:  http://www.mbird..com/2016/05/faith-the-future-the-frightening-reality-of-online-dating .

In this episode we take some time to talk about Hell. Who believes in it and why and does it still matter? Show Notes: We reference an essay by George Hunsinger which is found in his book Disruptive Grace. We also reference a book by David Powys, ‘Hell’: A Hard Look at a Hard Question: The... The post Hell appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

In this episode we talk about Game of Thrones. Enough said? The post A Church Of Thrones? appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

The answer to the question that serves as the title to this podcast is…Bill Nye, “the science guy”, talking philosophy. He answers a question from a fan on YouTube about whether to study philosophy in college. And what an answer it is! Show Notes: An article that discusses the video and links to it: http://qz.com/627989/why-are-so-many-smart-people-such-idiots-about-philosophy/.   The po...

We begin the official Top Ten list of the greatest songs about Jesus with a discussion of “Jesus”, by The Velvet Underground. The post Solid Gold Jesus: Jesus, By The Velvet Underground appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

In this episode we talk about conflict. It’s inevitable in life. The question isn’t whether or not we’ll find ourselves involved in conflict in public and private life. It’s what we will do in the midst of it. Show Notes: We reference two articles on polemics. The piece by Tim Keller can be found here,... The post Fighting Fair appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

In this podcast, inspired by Dan Carlin, we reflect on the essential commitments and values that we wouldn’t (or at least shouldn’t) compromise. What are they? How are they formed? When is it OK to change them and why? The post Bare Necessities appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

In this episode we discuss an article by Jonathan Merrit that appeared in The Atlantic announcing the death of moral relativism and the rise of the new shame based moralism. Show Notes: You can find Jonathan Merritt’s article here. We discuss another article, “Why Our Children Don’t Think There Are Moral Facts”, by Justin P.... The post The Death Of Moral Relativism? appeared first on New Persuasi...

In this episode of the show we discuss about guilt. We talk about how  it feels and what to do with it when it’s weighing you down. The post Guilt appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths. -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross In this episode we deal with loss. It’s an experience that shapes and affects every human life. How we deal with it is often a... The post Loss appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

We’re going to do a non-scientific profile of different religious communities and personolaties and how they shape the American religious landscape. We’re not sociologists, but that’s never stopped us before. This is the first edition of the series, which we’ll we do whenever the spirit moves us. We’re privileged to kick it of with the... The post This American Religious Life: Greg Strawbridge app...

Pope Francis alluded to the fact that Donald Trump might not be a Christian in a recent press conference on his flight back from Mexico. Is he wrong or right? Is it even his place to make these kind of judgments. We consider all this and more in this episode of New Persuasive Words. The post Trump Vs. Francis appeared first on New Persuasive Words .

This [pop culture]  Jesus may be our champion and friend, but he is no one’s mediator. The news he brings may be pleasant, or it may be harsh, but it is not urgent or particularly new—not for those who are perishing. In sum, there is much to emulate in the Jesus we find in pop... The post The Faces of Jesus appeared first on New Persuasive Words .