The Narthex

In this episode of The Narthex, join us as we delve into a profound discussion with Dan Shaw on the intricate differences between New Age practices and Christianity, focusing on the gospel message and the doctrine of justification. With the rise of various influences on social media, we aim to clear up some common confusions and explore how ancient heresies like Pelagianism continue to manifest in...

Have you ever said “Jesus, take the wheel” only to find out He doesn’t just take the wheel but He takes you on a total off-road adventure, one you never had in mind, totals you down to the dust so He can make you new? In this episode we are discussing the complexities of Christianity, exploring why some believers find themselves trapped in legalism while others embrace the liberating message of th...

In this captivating episode, we begin discussing the profound teachings of C.S. Lewis and his beloved Narnia Chronicles, exploring how Lewis masterfully weaves Christian themes into his storytelling. The discussion highlights the symbolic representation of Aslan as Jesus, emphasizing the spiritual journey from fantasy to reality, as readers learn to know and love Christ through the allegorical tal...

What would Jesus say if He were physically present at an AA meeting? How would he respond to alcoholism and/or drug addiction? Today, we are discussing a question that was submitted by one of our listeners. Darin shares her own experience being a member of Celebrate Recovery, a Christian twelve-step program designed to facilitate recovery from various troubling behavior patterns. Many people strug...

Welcome to The Narthex! A podcast for those who may be in the “lobby” of faith. Today we are discussing the canon of discernment. Today, and in the earliest age of the Christian churches, heresy or counterfeit teaching has infiltrated the church. Many people misinterpret scripture or believe to hear a voice from God speaking to them so they say “God told me…….”. Martin Luther said “whatever is att...

Welcome to The Narthex Podcast with Dan Shaw. Today’s episode features special guest, Dr. H. Wayne House. Join us for this insightful episode that discusses rational faith as well as The Deserted Island segment to find out what 5 books of the Bible Dr. House would choose to have with him on a deserted island! Dr. H. Wayne House is Distinguished Professor of Theology, Law, and Culture at Faith Inte...

Welcome to another episode of the Narthex! Today, we are discussing the journey of developing a relationship with the Lord, exploring whether spiritual disciplines like daily devotion and prayer can be considered 'works'. We reflect on historical perspectives, particularly Martin Luther’s struggles, and how these practices can sometimes lead to self-salvation rather than true spiritual growth. Our...

Welcome to The Narthex! Join us as we explore the theological stance of Lutheranism on these practices, and discuss the scriptural basis for believing in demonic presence and deliverance. We touch upon the cultural fascination with demonic movies and the misconceptions they perpetuate. Through the wisdom of C.S. Lewis and Martin Luther, we examine the balance Christians must strike in acknowledgin...

Welcome to another episode of the Narthex, a podcast designed for those on the cusp of faith, grappling with doubts, uncertainties, or trying to establish a relationship with Christ. In this episode, we discuss the struggles that come with resisting temptation and how our self-salvation operating system often fails us in daily life. We explore the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, emph...

On this special episode of The Narthex, Dan discusses a personal journey to faith with Ben Hannula. Dan was one of Ben’s high school football coaches before Ben graduated Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma, Washington in 2004 and went onto playing college football under Jim Harbaugh at the University of San Diego. Ben shares his experience of NFL training camps & how athletic achievement can challenge you...

1 Peter 3:15 says to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have with gentleness & respect. What would you say if someone asks you why you believe in God? Is it just because of a feeling? Are you prepared to give the proven facts about the death & resurrection of Jesus Christ to be a witness to someone that needs more solid evidence to bel...

Welcome to The Narthex Podcast with Dan Shaw! Today Dan & his wife, Kim, discuss the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. A woman not shaken by circumstance, who cries when burdens are heavy but stands strong in faith. Hannah was deeply loved by her husband but was unable to bear children. She had been provoked for many years by her husband’s other wife who had many children but was not loved by Elkanah t...

The Narthex Podcast is for people who are on the cusp of faith. We discuss topics that address the struggles and doubts of many Christians. Maybe you are at the end of yourself and are tired from living life on your own strength & nothing seems to be going right but don’t know if putting your trust in Jesus Christ is really for you. On this episode, we discuss how Christians who have experienced t...

Welcome to another episode of the Narthex! Today, we delve into a thought-provoking question submitted by our listeners: Are the Ten Commandments the law? Join us as we explore Martin Luther's theological perspective on the law and the gospel, and how they function within the framework of salvation. We discuss the seeming contradiction between the law's demands and the gospel's message of grace, a...

Join Dan & Pastor David Norland, a former pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran from 1999-2006, as he discusses his top five picks from the Bible if stranded on a deserted island. In this episode of "The Narthex," Pastor Norland shares the essential books he would choose and the reasons behind his selections. From the practical wisdom of Ephesians to the immediacy of Mark's Gospel, Pastor Norland explores t...

In this episode of The Narthex, we dive deep into the complexities of the Fruit of the Spirit and the concept of self-salvation. Our discussion builds upon the recent sermon on the Fruit of the Spirit, exploring how spiritual growth is often disrupted by our inherent tendency towards self-salvation. We examine theological insights from figures like C.S. Lewis and Martin Luther, discussing the dual...

We are continuing another fun episode of The Deserted Island, this time with Darin and Samantha Hanson. We are both children’s ministry leaders at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, attend the same University and are both moms! What better way to get some rest than to be stranded on a deserted island. We are discussing the 5 books of the Bible we would choose to have and why. We also venture off and talk a...

Continuing into our conversation from last week on conversion stories, this week we are talking about what we all tend to think is a dramatic and instant conversion of the Apostle Paul but through Scripture, we see that there was quite a process involved. Sometimes the pain of our experiences going our own way and kicking back at the Good Shepherd causes us a lot of anger but when His love breaks...

Do you know your personal story of conversion? On this episode we discuss how to get through to someone who is delusional and the sin of self-deceit. King David, the an unlikely choice for a king, was a man after God’s own heart who committed some pretty serious offenses which ultimately resulted in his repentance and turning towards God. God is mighty to save!

If you were on a deserted island and you could only have 5 of the 66 books of the Bible, which ones would you choose? The Revd Dr Daniel Shaw & the Revd Dr Michael Adams of Faith International University chat about which ones they would choose and why. Fun conversation!!

With current news surrounding the assassination attempt of President Trump, we are covering how Christians can navigate their faith, with Jesus as center focus and ultimate authority and avoid political polarization by not giving their heart away to anything or anyone but Jesus. But how do we find the sweet spot between our faith and avoid joining in on political polarization?

What’s the difference between a career and a calling? When we are justified by faith by Christ, He cleans up our past for the hope of a future to serve His Kingdom. Dan shares the events leading up to becoming Chaplain after graduating Luther Seminary in 2002. Sometimes we look around and ask ourselves “how did I even get here?” We look back and realize it was God’s course correction the entire ti...

A conversation of disordered love that leads to knowing what true love is, being saved by God’s amazing and unbounded grace.

With reports of pastoral moral failure circulating in the media, we are discussing the qualifications of a pastor & when things go wrong.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the often misunderstood concept of judgment within modern and historical contexts. We explore how judgment is perceived negatively in today's culture, particularly when it pertains to personal lifestyles and identities, and contrast it with historical perspectives where judgment was seen as a hopeful assurance of justice. Through an in-depth discussi...