New Persuasive Words

In this our 250th episode, we are joined by our friend Matt Milliner. We discuss a host of issues and ideas and do a lot of laughing along the way. Special Guest: Matt Milliner.

In this episode we talk about grace. Specifically, we talk about the term common grace, and how to us grace always seems particular and special.

In this episode we talk about the things that keep us up at night, and the things that don't.

In this episode we consider two different ancient approaches to the meaning of redemption and the role of Jesus in it, and how it shapes our understanding of Christmas.

In this episode we talk about the blessing of Advent and Christmas traditions and the benefits of living in a culture even superficially shaped by the Christian story.

In this episode we interact with a recent piece that appeared on the Gospel Coalition website. The author claims that there is slippery slope (or natural progression?) from progressive evangelical Christianity to atheism. We're less than convinced. You can find the piece, written by Alisa Childers, here: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-beliefs-progressive-christians-atheists-share/ .

In this episode we talk about how to deal with contentious hot button issues at the holiday dinner table.

In this episode we talk about what happens in the wake of horrific things when we lose the capacity to call them evil in a meaningful way. We referenced two books on the episode: People of the Lie and Evil in Modern Thought . You can find the links below: https://www.amazon.com/People-Lie-Hope-Healing-Human/dp/0684848597 https://www.amazon.com/Evil-Modern-Thought-Alternative-Philosophy/dp/06911685...

This past week we saw 16 people killed in hate crimes in 2 states, one of which was the biggest killing of Jews in American history. We also saw a crazed man send bombs to some of the Democratic party's leadership and key supporters. We try to think about where we go next.

In this episode we talk about a new study of the American electorate, inspired by a recent op-ed in the NY Times by David Brooks. New research shows that the political tribalism that characterizes American political culture is actually fueled by the elites on the right and the left. You can find the David Brooks piece here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/15/opinion/politics-race-white-tribalism.h...

In this episode we reflect on America's deep political divisions and tribalism in light of the theology of the cross.

In this episode, recorded as the Senate was voting to confirm Brett Kavanaugh, we discuss the events that led up to his confirmation and what they might mean for the future of American politics and culture. We reference two articles during our discussion. They can be found below. https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/10/02/brett-kavanaugh-lying-politics-220812 http://mbird.com/2018/10/hidin...

In this episode, inspired by an essay that appeared in the Expository Times, we talk about the relationship between Christianity and philosophy. Specifically we consider what Christ crucified, "the foolishness of God," has to do with the philosophical enterprise. You can find the essay we discuss here: This is the Von Balthasar quote referenced: Neither religious philosophy nor existence can provi...

In this episode we talk about life's most universal experience: death.

In this episode we discuss the results of a recent study that show that there is an increasing number of secular and irreligious people forming Trump's GOP base. These less religious Republicans tend to share more of Trump's views that their religious counterparts. What does this mean for the future of the Republican party and the conservative movement? We found out about the study in a recent New...

In this episode, drawing inspiration from a book by Stephen Westerholm, we discuss the Old and New Perspective on Paul and whether Paul's "problem" was a Gentile issue or a problem facing the entire human race. Westerholm's book is entitled Justification Reconsidered: Rethinking A Pauline Theme. You can find a conversation with Westerholm about the book here.

In this episode, inspired by a piece in Commentary Magazine about the current crisis in the Catholic Church and the controversy surrounding President Trump's recent dinner with prominent evangelical leaders, we talk about how the media covers and sometimes misunderstands the church and church controversies.

In this episode, inspired by a discussion on the Commentary Magazine podcast , we discuss the rising popularity of socialism in America today.

In this episode we talk about Roman roads, the importance of infrastructure and the nature of preservation and innovation in traditions. You can find the story about the study of Roman roads and current economic activity here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5673247/Roman-roads-contributing-spread-prosperity-scientists-claim.html .

William F. Buckley once said: "I’m as patriotic as anyone from sea to shining sea, but there’s not a molecule of nationalism in me.” Inspired by this quote, we consider whether one can be an American patriot and a nationalist at the same time.

In this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, we discuss the relationship of nature and grace.

We welcomed friend of the show Geoff Holsclaw into the bunker for the first time. We went into this episode without a topic. It was a show about nothing that became something. This goes down as one of our favorite Bullgeschicte episodes. Can't wait to have Geoff back.

Inspired by a recent piece in the New York Times, we discuss new research that shows how political affiliations and commitments are shaping religious one, not the other way around. You can find the New York Times piece, written by Michele Margolis, here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/11/opinion/religion-republican-democrat.html .

In this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, we offer a postscript to our previous episode on Calvin and predestination. We grapple with questions about providence, predestination and evil.

In this episode, continuing a series on law, grace, the Christian life and the nature of the human condition, we talk about Calvin and predestination.