Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times

Nijay and AJ kick off a new series called SLOW CREED, looking at how to build a healthy relationship with Jesus based on the ancient Christian creeds that invited conviction, consensus, and community. In this first episode they ask, Why does it matter that "I believe..." Support the show

AJ and Nijay continue to process "slow theology" by considering how rejection helps us learn and grow.  Support the show

Inspired by Katelyn Beaty's new book, Celebrities for Jesus, AJ and Nijay reflect on whether or not to have Christian heroes, and if you have them, how to choose them wisely and carefully.  Support the show

Friends, AJ and Nijay have an exciting update. We are transitioning the podcast into a new era with a new title: Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times. The podcast will still talk about the messy of real life, but we will broaden topics to cover how to build a healthy faith in community. Same hosts, same content with more, and we have a new planning schedule that will mean more consistent...

Nijay and AJ discuss how deconstruction can sometimes happen with a person in isolation and it is easy for their faith to disintegrate. Deconstruction can sometimes be healthy and lead to a stronger faith in the end, but often this requires a community journeying with that person and supporting them.  Support the show

Nijay and AJ have an "unscripted" and unplanned conversation. They ask each other: What are you wrestling with in your faith right now?  What tough issues keep you up at night? They get into lots of real life issues like raising kids, facing your own past, faith's "growing pains"—and aliens and Bigfoot are mentioned along the way.  Support the show

In Faith & Doubt is a podcast that "normalizes" a messy faith and the ups and downs of the Christian life, which includes times of deconstruction. AJ and Nijay talk about how deconstruction can be very good and healthy (like shedding bad theology). In this episode, they dialogue about the boundaries of healthy deconstruction, and where it might go too far into damaging our relationsh...

As we enter a season where it is safer to go back to church together in person, some committed Christians are hesitant to re-engage with a local church.  Nijay and AJ acknowledge the challenges and talk about the importance of taking slow steps forward in faith.  Support the show

This is not a full episode, but just a short discussion of Nijay's and AJ's favorite religion, Bible, and culture podcasts. If you are looking for some new suggestions for podcasts, this might give you some fresh ideas. Support the show

Some say "deconstruction" is just a fad, people are hopping on the bandwagon to seem trendy, smart, and anti-establishment. AJ and Nijay talk about the pros and cons to these criticisms against the faith deconstruction movement. There is always the temptation to do what is getting attention, but that doesn't mean people aren't going through real trauma, heartache, hurt by the c...

The Bible is the most bought and owned book—that is rarely read. In this episode, AJ and Nijay explore how Scripture relates to knowing God and thriving in faith.  The Bible is not meant to be used as a political weapon, or a book of facts to memorize. It is "meditative" literature, living communication that has the power to open up living communion with God.   Support the show

AJ and Nijay have frank conversation about walking with friends who are going through doubt, deconstruction, and even de-conversion. What do you do? How do you cope? Is there a time and place to pushback? What if the friendship falls apart? What does it really mean to be a "good friend" to friends moving away from their Christian  faith when you are not in the same place?  Support the sh...

AJ and Nijay are back! In this episode they discuss "theological envy"—the inclination to find attractive aspects of other Christian traditions, which can lead to bitterness or spite towards one's own theological heritage. Learning from other traditions is a good and beautiful thing, but is there a place for "theological contentment" in a healthy and messy life of faith? ...

In the last episode of Season 4, Nijay and AJ talk about habits and practices that keep their faith steady, even and especially in periods of doubt and apathy. (Find out what why AJ "hums" to strengthen his faith!) Support the show

How do you process difficult texts of the Bible? Texts that seem immoral or even antithetical to the fundamentals of Christian faith? AJ and Nijay reflect on "hermeneutics" (how we approach the Bible), using Philemon as a case study. Support the show

A.J. Swoboda wrote a book called AFTER DOUBT, which came out in early 2021. It has received hundreds of favorable reviews from readers, and it has generated rich conversations about faith, doubt, deconstruction, and walking with Jesus in the mess of real life. In this ep, Nijay and AJ chat about the kinds of questions that have emerged over 2021 as he has interacted with readers and other scholars...

Christian faith is an intellectual faith, but is it also emotional? Nijay and AJ talk about the importance of bringing not only our minds into our relationship with God, but also our emotional self.  Support the show

Often people's disappointment with the Bible and Christianity comes through hearing a weak and insubstantial message of "salvation." AJ and Nijay talk about a more holistic salvation, without ignoring the importance of forgiveness and personal reconciliation with God. This may be a helpful way for those who struggle with doubt to "see" God's presence and goodness in a...

AJ and Nijay are back with a fourth series on "The Gospel for Doubters." They try to get back to the heart of the good news of Jesus Christ. Even with all the messiness that comes with this package of "Christianity," is there a Jesus there at the center that is still worth it in the end? Support the show

AJ and Nijay have a candid conversation about a moment in each of their lives when they have changed their minds on a theological issue. They want to normalize openness to learning, and humility in dialogue.  Support the show

In this "podcast short," AJ and Nijay put each other in the hot seat with a spontaneous and unplanned question and raw answers.  Support the show

What affect does our "instant" world have on our theology and our relationship with God? AJ and Nijay process the dangers of knee-jerk theological engagement on social media and the urge to resolve theological tensions in our lives in general. Does the Bible encourage slow formation? Why? How? To what end?  Support the show

One of the reasons that believers experience doubt relates to science and what seems like contractions between science and the Bible. AJ and Nijay share about their love for science and the Bible both.  Support the show

AJ and Nijay are not afraid to dialogue about sobering topics. In this episode, they talk about the biblical teaching on divine judgment and hell. Is the God who punishes worth believing in and worshipping?  Support the show

AJ Swoboda and Nijay Gupta talk about how churches managed the pandemic ("Online Church") and how the COVID-19 era has forced pastors to think afresh about what "Church" really means. Many people stopped going to church and may never go back. Others might be craving a physical community. As AJ says in this ep., "You gotta be able to smell each other!" Support the show