In this inbetween series, we want to ask some hard hitting questions about Christian identity. What is a person's identity? Why are identities so contested? Why is it that my own identity so often seems so hard to find?

In this second episode, we turn to an often proposed solution: maybe if we just get the right Christian practices: the habits, disciplines, and rituals of a good Christian life in place, maybe then we’ll finally get all those good Christian results in solidifying our identity. But is that how Christian practice actually works? John offers a deep dive into recent studies in Practical Theology to set the record straight: liturgy and practices don’t always form the desires they intend and as a result, this can become quite a problem. Many communities, from Catholic to Protestant to Orthodox to Evangelical all find themselves assuring their communities that simply picking up the practices of being a Christian will shape who they are, when in reality we are just as easily compromised by the cultural ebbs and flows as anyone else.

So how do we practice rightly? How do we pick up Christian practices that actually last, that truly and deeply form not just our external behaviors but the deeper rhythms of our hearts? Much as episode 01, this question will lead us back to St. Augustine and offer the final preparation before we begin a study of Christian Identity in the Confessions.

Check out our other studies and resources available at www.burningwordpodcast.com

as well as all our print study guides and journals over at https://www.blurb.com/user/jhperrine