The Whole Church Podcast

"Your Matter Matters" is an innovative podcast series developed in collaboration with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Anazao Podcast Network, spearheaded by Pastors Will Rose and Thomas Johnston. This series aspires to facilitate meaningful conversations about the intersection of faith and science, providing an educational platform for small groups and churches to engage...

In our concluding episode of the Whole Church Science Fair series, we reflect upon the profound insights garnered from our extensive discussions over the past several weeks. The salient point of our discourse centers on the harmonious coexistence of faith and science, a relationship that transcends mere compatibility and delves into the intricacies of understanding our world through both lenses. W...

In this penultimate installment of our Whole Church Science Fair series, we engage in a profound dialogue with Dr. Jamie Probin, a distinguished professor at Charleston Southern University, whose academic pursuits encompass applied mathematics and theoretical physics, with a particular focus on cosmology. Central to our discourse is the Big Bang theory, which Dr. Probin articulates not as an adver...

Neural Relational Integration emerges as a pivotal theme in our discourse, underscoring how an enriched understanding of our gut and heart brains can significantly enhance communication within faith communities. In this continuation of the Whole Church Science Fair miniseries, we engage with Dr. Shaleen Kendrick, whose expertise in neuroscience and psychology offers profound insights into the inte...

Rachel Jordan joins us for a compelling exploration of the intricate relationship between faith and science, as articulated in her book "If the Ocean Has a Soul: A Marine Biologist's Pursuit of Truth through Deep Waters of Faith and Science." This episode of "The Whole Church Science Fair" delves into the profound interconnectedness of creation, emphasizing that humans are not merely observers but...

The salient point of this podcast episode is the exploration of the microbiome and its implications for our understanding of faith, as discussed by Dr. John Pohl. In this enlightening conversation, I, Joshua Noel, engage with Dr. Pohl to uncover how the intricate world of bacteria within us can reflect and enrich our spiritual lives. We delve into the interconnectedness of all life forms, drawing...

The episode delves into the often-contentious relationship between conservative Christianity, particularly as represented by the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), and the scientific community. Through the insights of Dr. Benjamin Phillips and Dr. David Perry, we explore how individuals can perceive God through the lens of scientific inquiry, specifically in fields such as chemistry and ecology. T...

The discourse presented in this inaugural episode of "The Whole Church Science Fair" elucidates the prevalent notion that science and faith are often perceived as antithetical. Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell delve into the historical context of this dichotomy, particularly highlighting the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925, which serves as a pivotal moment in the intersection of education, religion, and s...

This podcast segment features an enlightening discussion with Dr. Ernest C. Lucas, wherein he elucidates his unique perspective on the intricate relationship between faith and science. At the core of our conversation lies the assertion that a Christian worldview is foundational to the practice of modern science, as it fosters an understanding of the world as an ordered and stable entity. Dr. Lucas...

The discourse presented in this episode centers on the intricate relationship between faith and the utilization of language, specifically focusing on the concepts of cursing, cussing, and the telling of risqué jokes. The panel, comprising Joshua, TJ, and their esteemed guests, including Josh Patterson, Ryan Does, and Pastor Will Rose, delve into how one's faith influences their linguistic choices...

The discourse presented in this episode centers on the intricate relationship between faith and the utilization of language, specifically focusing on the concepts of cursing, cussing, and the telling of risqué jokes. The panel, comprising Joshua, TJ, and their esteemed guests, including Josh Patterson, Ryan Does, and Pastor Will Rose, delve into how one's faith influences their linguistic choices...

The primary focus of this episode is an in-depth exploration of the books of Daniel and Proverbs, as elucidated by the esteemed Biblical Scholar, Dr. Ernest C. Lucas. Through a rigorous discussion, we delve into Dr. Lucas's scholarly interpretations of these biblical texts, examining their implications for contemporary Christian practice and understanding. The conversation emphasizes the significa...

The conversation presented herein probes the profound thematic elements embedded within the song "Long Dark Night" by Judah & the Lion, a piece that resonates deeply with the essence of Dr. Peter Beck's forthcoming literary work, "The Dark Night of the Soul." Dr. Beck elucidates the intricate connection between the song and the existential struggles it encapsulates, particularly emphasizing th...

Joshua Noel engages in a profound dialogue with Dr. Peter Beck regarding his recently published work, "The Dark Night of the Soul". Central to their discourse is the pressing issue of mental health, focusing on topics such as PTSD and the tragic prevalence of suicide among veterans and clergy. Dr. Beck candidly shares his personal experiences with these challenges, revealing how they have shaped h...

Brian Recker joins us to discuss his forthcoming book, "Hellbent," which critically examines the doctrine of Hell and its ramifications on Christian spirituality. At the forefront of our conversation is the assertion that the traditional understanding of Hell as eternal punishment has proven to be detrimental, fostering fear and alienation rather than love and reconciliation. Through thoughtful di...

The salient point of our discourse centers around the necessity of genuine physical presence within the context of communal worship and the sacraments, as elucidated in First Corinthians 11. I assert that the disunity and discord present in the early church, as highlighted by St. Paul, serves as a cautionary tale for contemporary congregations. Our conversation traverses the implications of remote...

The initial 100 days of Pope Leo XIV's papacy have ushered in a notable atmosphere of cautious optimism within the Catholic Church, particularly regarding the implications for Church unity and women's ministries. In this discourse, I engage with Russ Petrus and Olivia Haste, both esteemed members of Catholic Women Preach and Future Church, to scrutinize the reception of Pope Leo XIV and the potent...

This podcast episode delves into the intricate interplay between Asian American perspectives and biblical interpretation, prominently featuring Dr. Janette Ok's insights from her contributions to "The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary." The discussion centers on how diverse ethnic backgrounds can enrich our understanding of Scripture, particularly in the context of First Peter...

The current episode of The Whole Church Podcast delves into the pressing concern articulated by Dr. Peter Beck regarding the challenges faced by pastors today, particularly in light of the significant influence of news media on congregants compared to their limited engagement within church settings. Our host, Joshua Noel, alongside esteemed guests Nathan Gilmour, Joe Dea, and Matthew Thrift, explo...

The focal point of this bonus episode lies in a profound dialogue between Joshua Noel and Grace Ji-Sun Kim, centering on her recently published work, "Earthbound: God at the Intersection of Climate and Justice." In this enlightening discourse, Kim articulates the critical relationship between ecological concerns and the imperative for social justice, emphasizing the urgency with which we must enga...

The discussion presented in this episode revolves around the authorship and purpose of the book "Bible 101," co-authored by Dr. Peter Link and Dr. Edward Gravely. They articulate the necessity of this work in addressing the prevalent issue of biblical illiteracy within contemporary Christian communities. The authors aim to provide a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the Scriptures, facilita...

In this enlightening episode, we engage in a profound dialogue with Jon Machnee, an Anglican researcher and data analyst, who elucidates the intricate relationship between individuals on the autism spectrum and their experiences within the Church. Our discussion is anchored on the critical need for greater understanding and inclusion of autistic individuals within Christian communities. Machnee sh...

This critical examination of the vitriol expressed in response to Josh Patterson's post in the "Christian Podcasters" Facebook group serves as a pivotal discourse on the necessity of fostering dialogue among Christians regarding contentious topics, particularly those surrounding LGBTQ+ interpretations of scripture. The episode delves into the incendiary comments made against Patterson's podcast ep...

The dialogue presented in this episode highlights the insidious nature of redemptive and unity language as mechanisms that have historically served to silence women's voices within the Church. In our conversation with esteemed historian Dr. Beth Allison Barr, we delve into the implications of such language, particularly within the context of complementarianism, which posits that women and men have...

This special episode of The Whole Church Podcast, in collaboration with Systematic Geekology, delves into the intricate parallels between science fiction, horror narratives, and biblical apocalyptic literature. At the forefront of our discussion is the salient point that both genres, while seemingly disparate, engage with themes of eschatology and the human condition, provoking thoughtful discours...