Christian Curious: Recent Episodes
Halee Gray Scott
In 1960, C. S. Lewis published The Four Loves which chronicles the four Greek definitions of love. Today, we will explore Eros love, the romantic/sexual type of love with Reverend Andrew Lazo, C. S. Lewis scholar and co-host of Pints with Jack.
We know sex sells in all areas of our culture and economy and has been for centuries. But why are we suspectable to this tricky trap? Why does sex sell and how can we break from this inflamed cycle of desire and want in a negative way? Using C. S. Lewis as a touchstone, we'll explore this challenging issue from a historical, academic and modern perspective.
C.S. Lewis wrote The Four Loves to present a balanced portrait of the different aspects of love using various Greek words that either appear in the Bible or else embody a biblical facet of love. In this episode, we explore storge love (“store-gae”) whose chief meaning is the deepest affection, like a parent to a child. A lively conversation with a host of Pints With Jack, David Bates helps us unpack this tricky, but fundamental and deeply fulfilling love.
February is the perfect backdrop to explore C. S. Lewis's 1960's book, The Four Loves, in which he unpacks his robust interpretation of four types of loves: philia, storge, eros and agape. Today we will speak with Lewis experts David and Crystal Downing of Wheaton College on the subject of philia - friendship bonds. Lewis described philia as the "least of the natural bonds" but potentially the most powerful because it is freely chosen. He believes friendship is the "crown of life" and in today's modern world, we ignore its positive influence on human happiness at our peril.
When you think of asking someone to be your mentor, do you break out in a sweat like you're asking someone on a first date? Do you think you have to find the 'perfect person' who will answer all of your myriad needs?
Laura Flanders, a seasoned leader and educator in the training and mentoring field helps us dispels the myths, and our anxiety, by unpacking the definition of mentorship in a compelling and encouraging way. She will help you look at this new year with intentionality and set you up for expanded growth and deeper formation - personally and professionally.
We are at the end of January - how are you doing on your New Year's resolutions?
Did you make any?
Why do some resolutions seem to come easily while others are harder patterns to break - or start? Dr. Betsy Wagner unpacks how and why change is so hard, and how some resolutions and behaviors are easier to achieve than others. Based on her research and knowledge of brain science, psychology, spirituality, and modern-day culture, Dr. Wagner gets to the core of "why" you may want to change or start a new behavior - and how you can make it stick.
We all want to escape sometimes- work, responsibilities, and sometimes even our own bodies. Today's virtual reality offers an alternative world view where one can try on new personas and explore new worlds. Should Christians be building avatars and churches to minister in the metaverse? We visit with prolific author and professor, Dr. Doug Groothuis to explore this scintillating and controversial new way of looking at the Christianity in today's virtual worlds.
Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/
Music has been an important component in the lives of young adults -- of every generation. Sometimes cleverly worded lyrics and a deep rhythm can touch a soul like nothing else on earth. Today we hear from George Floyd of Be U Ministry as he talks about his journey of love, life and music and reaching the souls of this generation.
Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/
Our bodies matter to God. And yet, almost all of us, at one time or another, fight the battle of the bulge. As we age, our metabolism slows down and for many, we can give up, thinking our weight is out of our hands--the downside of getting older. But this is not true and there is a way we can gain victory over the scale and achieve physical fitness.
In the midst of the pandemic, Jody Jolly looked in the mirror and did not like what she saw, so she decided to do something about it and learned a great deal about herself in the process. You won't want to miss her story.
You can connect with Jody here: https://www.facebook.com/jody.jolly.
What is a good life? How do we know when we are living one? If we find that we are not, when we're feeling burned out, dissatisfied, lonely, or addicted, how do we get on the right track?
Listen in to today's episode with Dr. Bethan Willis, Associate Chaplain with the Oxford Pastorate.
American writer Frederick Buechner wrote, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” They are lovely words that express a lovely sentiment, but there is a theological problem with it: it’s all about me. And more: what if we never find that exact nexus where passion and need meet?
Listen in to hear Dan Steiner com back to the show to talk more about calling, specifically why calling is more about "we" than "me".
Resources discussed in this episode include What is My Calling? by Dan Steiner and can be found anywhere books are sold.
Secular and spiritual communities alike are fascinated with the concept of calling--the idea of pursuing your life's purpose. But what is the shadow side to pursuing your calling? What do you do when what you thought was your calling doesn't work out? When the bottom falls out of your your dreams or your life? Were you wrong about your calling?
Listen in to mentorship leader and coach Dan Steiner discuss the shadow side of calling and how we ought to think about our work and life's purpose.
Resources mentioned in this episode include What Is My Calling? by Dan Steiner and can be found wherever books are sold.
In 2012, the Pew Forum on Religious and Public Life released a report detailing the rise of the 'Nones.' The Nones are a growing number of Americans who identify with no particular religion. The data says that as America grows younger, America grows less religious. Yet in 2015, Brianne Shaw and her husband, Josh, were undaunted by those statistics. She launched Lighthouse Church in one of the most secular cities in the country: Denver.
Since that time, Lighthouse Church outgrew a home, a warehouse, and a high school. Now they are a fast growing church in south Denver, a place where church attendance has declined or stagnated in recent years. Brianne studied Christian Ministry and Psychology at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, which catapulted her into a journey of nearly 10 years serving in various ministry settings. In addition to co-planting Lighthouse Church, she currently serves as the pastor of assimilation for young adults and serves on the church's board of elders. She has a passion to see young adults fall in love with Jesus and is dedicated to empowering them and the local church to engage with one another in a way that can transform the world.
Women are God's invisible army. Every day, every moment, countless women are making a difference by leading ministries. It's far past time for a new conversation about Christian women leaders. The question is not whether women should lead. The question is how women are leading today amidst the unique challenges they face because of their gender.
On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Taylor Miskel about what it's like to be a female Christian leader. Taylor is currently serving as the interim youth minister at a cooperative Baptist Church in North Carolina. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Denver Seminary, and she most recently completed a residency at UNC hospitals and Chapel Hill for a total of five units in Clinical Pastoral Education. Taylor has served as a leader and minister in care and connections, worship, youth, and hospital chaplaincy in the states of Colorado, Texas, and North Carolina.
For all the autonomy and civil liberties allowed us in the West, few places seem as powerless and irrelevant as a suburban home during times of global civil unrest. At least that's what it often feels like as a stay-at-home mom or work-at-home mom.
As a young mother, I was often frustrated by what I saw to be my own inability to enact meaningful change while taking care of my two daughters. Yet I know as a researcher and a writer that this sense of purposelessness is not limited to mothers, but can follow women-- especially Christian women--throughout various seasons of their lives.
In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with The Denver Institute's for Faith and Work's Joanna Meyer about how Christian women can find meaning and purpose through their life's calling. Joanna serves as Denver Institute's Director of Public Engagement, hosts the Faith and Work Podcast, and oversees the Women & Vocation initiative.
To learn more about Joanna's work with the Women & Vocation Initiative, head over to www.womenworkandcalling.com
To learn more about Christian Curious, check out our website: www.christiancurious.com
Work is not primarily a thing one does to live but the thing one lives to do," wrote Dorothy Sayers. "It is, or it should be, the full expression of the worker's faculties, the thing in which he finds spiritual, mental and bodily satisfaction, and the medium in which he offers himself to God."
Swift on the heels of the pandemic came the Great Resignation. Millions of people around the world voluntarily resigned from their jobs. Economists and sociologists believed that the pandemic gave people the opportunity to reevaluate their work life balance and why they are working.
On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with The Denver Institute for Faith and Work's Director of Public Engagement, Joanna Meyer, about God's calling and why we work. Joanna hosts the Faith & Work Podcast and oversees the Women and Vocation Initiative. Prior to coming to DIFW, Joanna worked with Global Telecom, nonprofit consulting, and campus ministry with Cru. She has an MA in Social Entrepreneurship and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado Boulder. She also completed her a certification of Women and Leadership through Cornell University. She is a contributor to the multi-author book, Women in Work, Bearing God's Image and Joining in His Mission Through Our Work.
Powerlessness.
It's the feeling of hands being tied or getting carried out to sea by a riptide. It buries us under an ocean of anxiety, stress, and depression. It's a feeling that I often hear expressed by young adults who, thanks to technology, are assaulted daily by images of worldwide crises. Against such things, we wonder: what good can I do?
According to Catherine Pearson, constraints can be catalysts for creativity. Catherine is the founder of the Goodmakers Society and holds a degree in business & finance from Sheffield Hallam University. She is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Theology, Imagination, and Culture at Salem College in Salisbury.
Some questions we asked Catherine in this episode:
- Why do you think creativity is so important to envisioning the good that that you can do in the world?
- How does technology hinder our ability to be present to the areas in our neighborhood that could use a helping hand?
- What practical advice would you give to a person who has given up hope about making a change for good?
*To learn more about Catherine Pearson's Work, visit The Goodmakers Society Website: https://www.goodmakerssociety.org/about
Stay curious--visit our website at www.christiancurious.com*
Every year, more churches are closing their doors than opening them. A 2021 study conducted by LifeWay Research revealed that 4,500 churches closed in America, and only 3,000 opened.
A few questions I often present to pastors are "If your church were to close, would your neighborhood notice? What good is your church doing in the community?"
In this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Catherine Pearson, the founder of the Goodmakers Society. We chat about how individuals and organizations can seek societal good. Catherine holds a degree in business and finance from Sheffield Hallam University and is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Theology, Imagination, and Culture at Salem College in Salisbury. At the center of her work, Catherine is asking, *"How could the world be better and what part can we play to make it so?”
-------------------------*To learn more about Catherine Pearson's Work, visit The Goodmakers Society Website: https://www.goodmakerssociety.org/about
Stay curious--visit our website at www.christiancurious.com
Teaching between generations is often one-way. In the home, parents teach their kids. In school, teachers teach the children. But what if we changed direction to see what we can learn from children?
The Scriptures place a high value on children. When the disciples asked who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus answered, “‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”
On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee asks her daughters, Ellie (13) and Vivi (11), "What do kids and teens thinks adults should know about their generation? "
Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/
Millennials are perhaps the most studied generation in history. For years, new studies
on Millennials seemed to be published every day. But there is a new generation on
the rise; a generation markedly different from preceding generations: Generation Z.
Born anywhere from 1996 to 2012, we still have much to learn about this generation.
In this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee chats with two members of Gen Z to learn more--her daughters, Eliana and Vivienne Scott.
Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/
There is power in the written word. Words can cut like swords, heal like salve, and preserve like stone. We don't question the power of writing... but we do wonder if there's a secret to the writing process. After all, most writers know that as satisfying as finishing a piece of writing can be, the process is often fraught with frustration.
In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Dr. Doug Groothuis. He's written 15 books and published in several papers. So, we thought he'd know a few things about writing (such as how to stay in your chair to write when the mountains are calling your name.)
Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/
At the time of this podcast recording, it is August 2022. Summer is drawing to a close, and in just a few weeks students will return to public schools in droves. Several of them will be taught Critical Race Theory as a part of their curriculum and, according to apologist and philosopher Dr. Doug Groothuis, this should raise concern for Christians.
What is Critical Race Theory (CRT), and how does it conflate with Christian and American ideals? Is there an alternative that could honestly depict America's flaws while championing a hopeful future?
In this episode of Christian Curious, we unpack CRT with Dr. Groothuis. He recently authored a book, Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics, in response to the 2020 riots and emergence of CRT.
You can purchase Fire in the Streets here: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Streets-Confidently-Incendiary-Cultural/dp/1684513081/ref=asc_df_1684513081/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564725474608&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4136487045843611965&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028715&hvtargid=pla-1645952115076&psc=1
Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/
Have you ever been 'evangelized' to?
What did it feel like? What emotions did it evoke?
Here's the truth: evangelism can be unsettling. Why is that, and is there a better way to reach non-believers with the good news of the gospel?
The answer to that question starts with evaluating WHY non-believers are turned off to Christianity in the first place. So, in this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Asia Nicholson, the young adult leader at The Bridge Ministry at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, to do just that.
These are some of the questions we explore:
- What is a sustainable young adult ministry, and what are some steps to create one?
- What questions are young adults who are not Christians asking? What are they processing?
- Why are Christians so uncomfortable with evangelizing to non-believers?
- How can you engage nonbelievers?
Learn more at christiancurious.com
Instagram: @christiancurious
Twitter: @XnCurious
Facebook: @ChristianCuriousOnAir
What does it mean to be a Christian? Unfortunately, Christian culture can put stipulations and standards on the title that aren't exactly biblical. In some circles, there are standards to pass: do you go to church every Sunday? Are your parents divorced or married? Do you struggle with addiction?
In this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Asia Nicholson to explore what it really means to be a Christian in the 21st century. Asia is a woman of many talents, giftedness, and an incredible life story. She is the leader of “The Bridge” ministry of First Baptist Church of Glenarden.
Learn more at christiancurious.com
Instagram: @christiancurious
Facebook: @ChristianCuriousOnAir
UFOs. The Expansion of the Universe. The Multiverse. We have a tendency to fear what we don't understand. Is there a place for faith in the realm of astrophysics? Our guest on this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Jeff Zwerinck, is convinced that the answer is yes. He helps us explore the following question: What Does the Universe Tell Us About God?
Learn more at christiancurious.com
Instagram: @christiancurious
Facebook: @ChristianCuriousOnAir
Dr. Zwerinck is a research scholar at Reasons to Believe. He earned a PhD in astrophysics from Iowa State University. His writing and speaking encourage people to consider the connection between Scripture’s truth and scientific evidence. He is the author of Escaping the Beginning?, Is There Life Out There?, and Who’s Afraid of the Multiverse?, and coauthor of the Impact Events Student Devotional Series. Jeff is also a project scientist at UCLA.
It's a question we've been debating for decades: is there political imbalance in higher education? If there is, how does that impact our educational experience? A recent study compiled by professors from differing political perspectives unequivocally concluded that liberal professors are overrepresented on college campuses and universities.
Thomas Jefferson once wrote that "A well informed citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people." However, in recent years there has been a spike in grade inflation and a reduction in attention span.
In this episode of The Christian Curious Podcast, we explore how these trends are affecting democracy. We interview Dr. Lucas J. Mather, 'The Republican Professor,' who has been a professor of Philosophy, Humanities, and Politics for nearly two decades in California.
To learn more about Dr. Mather and his work, visit his website at https://www.therepublicanprofessor.com/
Christianity is the most practiced religion in the world, but what makes it different from the rest? What aspects compel people to believe the claims of Jesus over alternate world views? In this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee Gray Scott speaks with apologist and author, Dr. Doug Groothius, who recently published a new edition of his classic work Christian Apologetics. Listeners will learn how to think deeply about and defend their faith.
Shownotes: https://www.christiancurious.com/blog/what-makes-christianity-unique-among-other-religions
(Part 2) In the last century or so, there has been a growing chasm between science and religion. However, our hunch is that they're more related than they might seem. So, in this episode of Christian Curious, we will explore the age-old question: are science and faith really enemies? We spoke with Dr. Sy Garte who has a Ph.D in biochemistry and is the author of “The Work of His Hands: A Scientist’s Journey from Atheism to Faith” to learn more.
In the last century or so, there has been a growing chasm between science and religion. However, our hunch is that they're more related than they might seem. So, in this episode of Christian Curious, we will explore the age-old question: are science and faith really enemies? We spoke with Dr. Sy Garte who has a Ph.D in biochemistry and is the author of “The Work of His Hands: A Scientist’s Journey from Atheism to Faith” to learn more.
Many women struggle to maintain their interests, hobbies, friendships, and even their identities once they become a mother. Many feel guilty for taking time for self-care. But as we all know, we have to take care of ourselves first before we care care for others.
So how can we be a great mom and still maintain our own identity? Today, Halee and Caryn Rivadeneira address that question.
Caryn is an award-winning author of more than twenty books for both children and adults. Her work has appeared in Sojourners, Christianity Today, Relevant, ThinkChristian, and Engineering and Mining Journal. Her most recent book, Saints of Feather and Fang, explores how the animals we love and fear connect us to God. To find our more about Caryn, visit her website.
You can find Caryn's book, Mama's Got a Fake I.D. on Amazon here.
Her new book, Saints of Feather and Fang can be found here:
On this weeks episode, Halee is joined by Caryn Rivadeneira, author of many award-winning Children's Books including "Mamas Got a Fake I.D." and "Saints of Father and Fang"
Halee and Caryn explore the question, "What makes a good mom?" They break this loaded question down with the topics of expectations set by society and self, forgiveness, and balancing everyday life as a mom.
You can Find Caryn's website and books in the links below!
Personal Cite: https://carynrivadeneira.com
Mama’s Got a Fake I.D.: https://www.amazon.com/Mamas-Got-Fake-I-D-Reveal-ebook/dp/B001VT3L50
Saints of Feather and Fang: https://www.amazon.com/Saints-Feather-Fang-Animals-Connect-ebook/dp/B0992X66FG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BSBX1WNAC43H&keywords=saints+of+feather+and+fang&qid=1652123526&s=digital-text&sprefix=saints+of+feather+and+fang%2Cdigital-text%2C92&sr=1-1
Dr. Halee Gray Scott is joined by Laura McKnight Barringer, a curriculum creator that has authored many pieces of work including "A Church Called Tov"
Today Dr. Halee will be discussing the factors that can help you identify if you are in a toxic church. Join Dr. Halee as she dissect the identifiers to help you navigate this topic; factors including narcissistic culture, institution creed, fear, and false narrative in pursuit to protect the church's reputation.
You can get Laura's book or get in touch with her in the links below!
A Church Called Tov: https://www.amazon.com/Church-Called-Tov-Goodness-Promotes-ebook/dp/B085FZMTT6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1V8538OAUHI3E&keywords=a+church+called+tov&qid=1652124100&s=digital-text&sprefix=a+church+called+tov%2Cdigital-text%2C103&sr=1-1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraebarringer/?hl=en
What is happening in Ukraine and why does it matter?
My guest, Dr. Mark R. Elliot is an expert on Russia and the editor of the East West Church Ministry Report. You can find out more about his ministry here: https://www.eastwestreport.org/about/editor
"The opposite of faith is not doubt, it's certainty."
As soon as you're certain about something, you stop learning, growing, and looking for what's true. In this episode of Christian Curious, we're back with Eugene Kim to discuss his nonprofit, The New Wine Collective. NWC exists to reimagine Church from the ground up--to foster a multidiscipline conversation about the next iteration of Christianity.
We discuss alternative approaches to power and authority in the church, as well as how to embrace curiosity in a faith tradition that prizes certainty. We hope that you'll join the conversation!
What kind of results is the modern Church producing? Are people being discipled to be more like Christ? Jesus taught that we can judge a tree by its fruit. If the fruit isn't there, it could be time to uproot a few things.
On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Eugene Kim, a former pastor and founder of the New Wine Collective, a movement empowering people to co-create their own spiritual community wherever they are. We discuss foundational issues with Church structure and leadership, as well as potential solutions for how to move forward in a constructive manner.
Over the last few weeks (recorded August 2021), Americans and people around the world have watched the stunning developments in Afghanistan as American troops have been pulled from the country.
In this episode of Christian Curious, we share information straight from the source on what Christians are currently experiencing in Afghanistan from Dr. Rex M. Rogers. Dr. Rogers is the President of SAT-7 North America, a satellite television ministry broadcasting Christian Programing across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as 50 countries in Europe.
sat7usa.org
(Part 2) Full-time enrollment in seminary has a downward trajectory, and the scope of theological education is changing. But where exactly is the future of seminary headed?
On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Evan Morgan. He's the founder and president of Our Daily Bread University, an online learning platform that makes theological education accessible by providing free seminary classes.
Full-time enrollment in seminary has a downward trajectory, and the scope of theological education is changing. But where exactly is the future of seminary headed?
On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Evan Morgan. He's the founder and president of Our Daily Bread University, an online learning platform that makes theological education accessible by providing free seminary classes.
(Part 2)
Ryan Berg's life changed when he saw a news headline about twelve children being rescued from a brothel. Shocked and disturbed, he did some more research and traveled to the country where that occurred.
He and his wife have since dedicated their time to the fight against sex trafficking. They run the Aruna Project, an athleisure brand that rescues and employs victims. In this episode of Christian Curious, we learn more about sex trafficking and the work the Aruna Project does to combat it.
Ryan Berg's life changed when he saw a news headline about twelve children being rescued from a brothel. Shocked and disturbed, he did some more research and traveled to the country where that occurred.
He and his wife have since dedicated their time to the fight against sex trafficking. They run the Aruna Project, an athleisure brand that rescues and employs victims. In this episode of Christian Curious, we learn more about sex trafficking and the work the Aruna Project does to combat it.
https://arunaproject.com/
Our lives are full of gaps. Even when we're in the middle of something big, we're waiting for something else to occur. Where is God in the gaps of our life? Where is he in the waiting? On this episode of Christian Curious, we discuss those questions and more with Christie Love, author of 'God of the Gaps: Finding Faith in the in-between spaces of our journey".
In this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Reid Bervik, a young adult and mental health counselor who has spent a lot of time considering his beliefs in the context of today's culture. If you're like us, this conversation will inspire you to think more deeply about your faith!
Danielle Reeves is one of the founders of Resilience Church in Lakewood, Colorado, and they do things a little bit differently. On this episode of Christian Curious, she chats with us about how churches can practically adjust to meet the needs of culture.
A major criticism that people have of Christians is that they're hypocrites. And who can blame them? When church scandals are a dime a dozen and services stay at the surface level, it's time that the Church learns how to be authentic and vulnerable.
To discuss this issue in this episode is Julie Burns. She is a speaker, wife, mother of four daughters, and doula. Julie believes that leaders should be the first ones to exhibit vulnerability.
Is there a best way to structure Church? In Part 2 of the Future of the Church, we're back with organizational consultant Susan Yim to unpack how Church is changing on a structural level.
What do you think the Church will look like for the next generation? The data doesn't lie--Church is changing rapidly, and we're curious about how God might be leading the transformation.
On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with a passionate organizational consultant and former minister Susan Yim to help us deconstruct & reconstruct our ideas about the faith tradition we hold so dearly.
The nexus of suffering and belief is one of the biggest conundrums people struggle with on their faith journey. How do reconcile our idea of a good God when so much bad happens in the world? On this episode of Christian Curious, we continue our series on The Body with Kari Morris-Guzman. Kari is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and a Methodist pastor with more than two decades of ministry experience. She tells the story of the accident that rendered her a quadriplegic and how God has been walking with her throughout that journey.
Cancel Culture: the popular practice of withdrawing support for public figures and companies after they have done something considered objectionable or offensive.
People and organizations are getting # canceled left and right-- think the city of Atlanta, Dr. Suess, Ellen DeGeneres, JK Rowling-- the list continues. We're not affirming the actions of these entities, but we are curious about the cultural wave of condemnation that seems to be sweeping across social media.
What's the balance between offering forgiveness and holding people accountable? Where are the philosophical and historical roots of cancel culture? Find out on this episode of Christian Curious with Dr. Doug Groothuis.
Doug Barnes finishes our series on sexual addiction by discussing practical ways to recover.
In this episode of Christian Curious, we're back with therapist Doug Barnes to dive deeper into the weeds of sexual addiction. He discusses the components of a healthy sexuality, pornography, and intimacy, to name a few.
Our culture at large glorifies sex. They can't stop talking about it.
The church at large, however, has presented a completely different narrative for centuries--"don't have sex, and then we don't have to talk about it at all." Another name for this is purity culture, and it's just one of the seeds spurring the rampant sexual addiction in our world.
In this episode of Christian Curious, we unpack sexual addiction with therapist Doug Barnes. Doug has more than 20 years’ experience with sexual addiction, marriage counseling, EMDR, PTSD, betrayal trauma recovery as well as depression, anxiety, and anger.
What relationship do our physical bodies have with our authentic selves? On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Professor Nancy Pearcey about how we can recover the love of the body. She unpacks topics like transgenderism and abortion from a biblical context.
Buy Nancy Pearcey's book, Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions About Life and. Sexuality, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0741FFW4R/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Everybody dies, yet we don't think about it a whole lot. In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with a guest who has been forced to look death in the face ever since being diagnosed with incurable cancer.
J. Todd Billings is Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. One of his many books is 'The End of the Christian Life' where he writes, "I felt a sense of urgency throughout the process of writing this book. More than once I've prayed I would live long enough to complete it."
Buy 'The End of the Christian Life' Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087RSX6Z2/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
What does it mean to age well in a culture that idolizes youth? In this episode of Christian Curious, we have Michelle Van Loon (61) on the show with Dr. Halee (43) and Hannah (23) to discuss the aging process.
Topics include:
- Ministering to the older population
- Spiritual growth as we age
- Timeless beauty
- Multi-generational relationships
- Botox, dying hair, makeup, and other beauty enhancements as we age
- Respecting the age you're in
Buy Michelle's book "Becoming Sage: Cultivating Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in MidLife here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YTQMKGF/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
For many families, the female body is the center of the home for a number of years. It conceives the children, bears the children, nourishes the children, and, in the process, changes A LOT. How can women come to terms with the changes that occur in their bodies during birth and pregnancy? And, how can we begin to think theologically about the vocation of motherhood? In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat about the joys and fears that come with being a momma with Courtney Reissig who is a wife, author, and mother of 4 sons.
Addiction is a difficult thing to grapple with, both for the person struggling and those close to them. Oftentimes, addiction is coupled with shame in the church, making it even harder for healing to occur. So, what are the spiritual and scientific stories of how addiction affects the body?
On this episode of Christian Curious, Kent Dunnington, associate professor of philosophy at Biola University and author of Addiction and Virtue, helps us unpack this tangled topic.
What does a healthy body have to do with a healthy spiritual life? Amber Jaworsky, the owner of Soul Fitness in Colorado, believes that a fitness studio can act like the church. On this episode of Christian Curious, Amber discusses how to reclaim exercise as an act of worship.
https://soulfitnesscolorado.com
Body Image.
Eating Disorders.
Pregnancy.
Death.
Sex.
Motherhood.
Exercise.
Addiction.
How can we think about our faith in conjunction with our bodies? Can the redemptive power of the gospel overcome the negative physical cycles we get into? Is there a deep truth to be found in the way our bodies look and operate? This episode is the first of a multi-part series on the body. Listen as Hannah and Dr. Halee discuss what the modern culture is communicating about the body.
In this episode, Fuller Youth Institute's Caleb Roose is on the show to talk about how the church can use INNOVATION to foster lasting faith.
He co-wrote the book Sticky Faith Innovation: How your compassion, creativity, and courage can support teenagers lasting faith with Steven Argue.
Check it out here-- https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/innovation
What were the lives like of women in early Christian history, and what can they tell us about our lives today? Dr. Lynn Cohick, the provost and dean of academic affairs of Northern Seminary, sheds some light on this heavily shadowed subject.
Resources:
Christian Women in the Patristic World: Their Influence, Authority, and Legacy in the Second through Fifth Centuries by Dr. Lynn Cohick and Amy Brown Hughes / https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT90WO0/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Women in the World of the Earliest Christians: Illuminating Ancient Ways of Life by Dr. Lynn Cohick / https://www.amazon.com/Women-World-Earliest-Christians-Illuminating-ebook/dp/B00B85ALZK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3Q4LAGIGXAA3B&dchild=1&keywords=women+in+the+world+of+the+earliest+christians+by+lynn+h.+cohick&qid=1615239181&sprefix=women+in+the+world+of+%2Cdigital-text%2C216&sr=8-1
Social media can be a source of connection, information, and influence, but it can have a dark side as well. Cyberbullying, fake news, online witch hunts, and the increased polarization among users are some of the detriments. How can Christians learn to leverage the power of social media to demonstrate and share the gospel?
On this episode, we talked to acclaimed author and professor Karen Swallow Prior. She uses social media as an extension of her classroom-- a way to have deeper conversations about faith, literature, and world events.
Listen to learn more about how to cultivate a mindfulness and freedom surrounding social media.
What are the philosophical undercurrents driving the political discord we see today? There has to be a story behind this deep-seated division, so on this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Dr. Doug Groothuis to learn more about the fight between red & blue.
Books Mentioned:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBV7WHL/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D1UOH4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Can different generations be considered as contrasting cultures? What demographic demonstrates the most resilience? What is trauma? On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Dr. Betsy Nesbit Wagner about the impact of current events on different generations. Will the kids be alright?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012H103PG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
https://www.amazon.com/Skills-Effective-Counseling-Faith-Based-Psychological-ebook/dp/B01M0M3K0D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36S8GXW4P1VIY&dchild=1&keywords=skills+for+effective+counseling+a+faith-based+integration&qid=1613427975&s=digital-text&sprefix=skills+for+ef%2Cdigital-text%2C185&sr=1-1
Sometimes it's hard to relate to the Bible. Even with thousands of translations, it can be challenging to experience the Bible as the interactive story that it is. On this episode of Christian Curious, we discuss a book that aims to meet that challenge-- 'Eyewitness: The Visual Bible Experience'. This illustrated storybook has no shortage of depth and truly captivates the mind and emotions! Step into the creative process of Joani and Thom Schultz of Group Publishing, as well as dozens of artists from all over the world.
Purchase the book here:
https://www.group.com/product/9781470759575-eyewitness-visual-bible-experience.do
https://www.amazon.com/Eyewitness-Visual-Experience-Jeff-White/dp/1470759578
Does God care about what we wear? Why do theological discussions around fashion and clothing seem to always center around the modesty issue? Is there more to the conversation than that? On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee Gray Scott and Hannah Grieser talk with Dr. Robert Covolo, author of ‘Fashion Theology.’
Robert Covolo is the Director of the Pastoral Residency Center, Christ Church Sierra Madre. He has a doctorate in theology and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and Dogmatics and Ecumenics from a university in Amsterdam. He discusses the history of the global fashion movement, the ethics of dress, fashion as an act of hospitality and cultural engagement, and more.
Questions:
- “Fashion Theology” seems to be a new and niche area. What inspired you to address the theology of fashion?
- What is fashion? How does fashion shape the world?
- The African theologian Augustine wrote that we belong to a heavenly city and also an earthly city. As we are members of the earthly city, within a unique culture, does God care about clothes? Why or why not?
- In your book, you mention several male Christian thinkers who, throughout history, have tried to decide what was and wasn’t acceptable for Christian women to wear. One of Augustine’s central questions about fashion theology was “whether women sin mortally in excessive adornment.”
a. Why do you think people have felt (and still feel) the need to make these judgment calls?
b. How can a sound fashion theology help navigate possible sexism when in regards to deciphering how ’good’ Christians should dress?
- Fashion costs money. Typically, the more trendy fashion is the more expensive it is. Some Christians might argue that we need to spend our money on other things. What would you say to people who are hesitant to spend money on clothes due to a conflict of spending money on other people or generosity?
- You worked as an associate young adult pastor for 12 years. What implications would you say that fashion theology has for young adults?
Quotes:
“As a theologian, I believe Jesus is Lord of everything. That means Jesus has something to do with everything. I wanted to understand what Jesus had to do with fashion.”
“We are living in a fashion system. We are all living with this rapid interplay of dress. We look at our clothing as a palette in which we can express ourselves.”
“Art is integrated into your life through fashion”
“Culture is really what we make of creation.”
“When I read scripture, culture isn’t really something that comes from the fall— it comes from God.”
“The thing that really struck me as I did this research and traced all these different Christian thinkers is how much they had to say about fashion. It was quite shocking that they took dress so incredibly seriously.”
“Until you look for it, you don’t see it.”
“Celebrate life— embrace every day as a gift from God! Part of that is dressing well.”
Scripture to Press into:
- Proverbs 31, Genesis 1:26-27, Ecclesiastes 9:7-10
Extra Resources:
- Culture Making by Andy Crouch: https://www.ivpress.com/culture-making
- Fashion Theology by Dr. Robert Covolo: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KGWG36P/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
- Rainbows for the Fallen World: Aesthetic Life and Artistic Task by Calvin Seerveld https://www.amazon.com/Rainbows-Fallen-World-Aesthetic-Artistic/dp/0919071007
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, yet the world we live in is often anything but peaceful. In this episode of Christian Curious, we explore how we can be practical people of peace by remembering the arrival of Christ in the second week of Advent with Tracey Bianchi.
At what point do ideas and dreams become tangible goals? What is the balance between stewarding personal ambitions and "letting go and letting God?"
On this episode of Christian Curious, Hannah interviews Dr. Halee about how we can set long-term goals that align with our calling in life.
Confucius once said, "When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps." Young adults have big dreams and big goals. However, it can be really hard to know how to achieve them. On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee and Hannah discuss practical, daily action steps and rhythms to achieve the plans God has put into your heart.
Whether or not you know what one is or intentionally create one, every single person has something called a Rule of Life. Schedules and sets of principles that guide a person throughout their day-to-day endeavors. For Christians, the question is IF that rule of life is causing you to grow in the direction of becoming more like Jesus.
On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Howard Baker is back to discuss spiritual formation and how exactly to create a positive Rule of Life for oneself.
“The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.” – Barbara Kingsolver
Where would we be without the hope of Christ? On this episode of Christian Curious, we commemorate the first Sunday of Advent with Tracey Bianchi. She teaches us how to partake in the ancient practice of Advent in an effort to keep the season sacred.
Tools are typically passive, but the advent of smartphones presented us with something different. They're active-- calling out, beckoning us with pings and notifications.
How does technology impact our spiritual formation? What does it mean to have a holistic- body, mind, spirit, and soul- faith in the digital age? On this episode of Christian Curious, we meet with the Director of Christian Formation at Denver Seminary, Dr. Howard Baker, to discuss these questions and more.
"I think we undervalue what inspires us and moves us to act. But once someone is inspired, it can really set a whole host of things in motion."
That quote is by Shannon Hopkins, our guest on this episode of Christian Curious. Shannon is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur who is the co-founder & the lead cultivator of RootedGood, a nonprofit that empowers institutions, social enterprises, and entrepreneurs to create systemic change. We discuss the implications that Christians' loss of influence has on culture, as well as practical ways to stay encouraged and continue moving forward.
2020 has been a crazy year for politics in America. With a pandemic, economic downturn, and extreme partisan divide, it can be hard to feel any sort of unity. How do Christians balance their faith with their politics? Does Jesus swing to the right or the left, or does He affiliate with the American political system at all? Is America, or has America ever been a Christian nation?
We interviewed Dr. Lee Camp, author of 'Scandalous Witness: A Little Political Manifesto for Christians', to take a deep dive into these contentious topics.
Spiritual leaders in our lives can have a lot of power over what we think and believe about God, ourselves, and others. When not checked, this power can be manipulated.
On this episode of Christian Curious, we talk with Cara Dillon Runyan, a Denver Seminary graduate in biblical studies who focused her master's thesis on the topic of spiritual abuse.
She is passionate about teaching other people how to recognize the warning signs of spiritual abuse and believes that more needs to be done in the way of prevention.
Over the past couple of years, we have seen confidence in leadership erode due to multiple kinds of scandals. How does this affect how young adults view and respond to church leadership? How can church leaders pursue difficult conversations with young adults, and how can young adults pursue difficult conversations with their leadership?
On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee Scott and Karla Valencia, a Denver Seminary student pursuing a MA in leadership, dive into these questions with Tim Koller, the Associate Dean of Program Innovation and Extension Education, as well as the director of the leadership program.
In the past, the word evangelical adhered exclusively to people with a certain set of beliefs. However, in recent years, it has increasingly become associated with a conservative voting block. How has the meaning of the word transformed over time? What are the dangers, and what is the truth? Dr. Halee Scott interviews Sarah Sumner, Ph.D., MBA, the first woman theologian in U.S. history to become dean of a conservative evangelical seminary and president of Right on Mission about how we can redeem the word evangelical in a way that aligns with truth.
America is becoming increasingly diverse. The church needs to become equipped to embrace these demographic changes and learn how to love people from all parts of the world intentionally.
The question is, how?
On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Mambo De Leon, a former missionary in Mexico, current pastor at Westside Internacional Church, and chaplain for the Denver Police Department, as well as Karla Valencia, a native of Honduras and Denver Seminary student. They have some great ideas and practical applications that will certainly get your curiosity burning.
Big change starts small. It is from the most intimate of conversations that mentalities are shifted and perspectives are broadened. But how do we discuss sensitive topics with the people closest to us, especially when those topics could be divisive?
In a time of intense racial tension and disunity, seeking truth in love together is of the upmost importance. On this episode of Christian Curious we talk with Yasmine Arrington, the founder and Executive Director of ScholarCHIPS, a nonprofit that provides college scholarships, mentoring, and a peer support network to children of incarcerated parents. Everyone who knows a person has a platform. Yasmine speaks on how to engage with that influence.
What comes to mind when you think of the Bible Belt? Is it a region? A way of life? Is there something significantly different about the churches in the south v.s. other areas of the United States?
On this episode of Christian Curious, we talk with Lauren Warden and Hannah Grieser, both southern natives who grew up in the church. We discuss the positives and the drawbacks of their personal experiences in the Bible Belt and hypothesize about the lessons that churches in different regions might be able to learn from one another.
Parachurch organizations are Christian faith-based organizations which carry out their mission usually independent of church oversight. Our guest on this episode of Christian Curious has a unique vantage point from which to understand what is happening in the evangelical, non-profit world during the pandemic.
Tami Heim has been the president and CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance, the premier resource for professional nonprofit leadership development, since January 2012. She discusses her birds-eye view of what she sees going on in ministries in the era of the Coronavirus.
“In the world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33On this episode of Christian Curious, we continue our exploration of how members from different generations are faring during the Coronavirus pandemic.
What should the Church be doing during this time to assist people? What is the vision we have for ourselves? How do we establish stabilizing truths in our lives?
Dr. Sarah Sumner, a younger member of the Baby Boomer generation and the first female theologian in U.S. History to become the Dean of an evangelical theological seminary, shares wisdom on all of these questions and more.
“It is one of the tragedies of our nation, one of the shameful tragedies, that 11:00 on a Sunday morning is one of the most segregated hours, if not the most segregated hour, in Christian America.” — Dr. Martin Luther King
How does the church embrace and celebrate various cultures? What does multiethnic mean? Is the unity of nations described in the scriptures possible in today's day and age? Josue "Mambo" De Leon, a founding pastor at Westside Church Internacional in Denver, sheds some light on how their ministry aims to bridge gaps and welcome all cultures-- and how we can, too.
Generation X, which consists of people who are currently between 40 and 55 years of age, is jokingly referred to as the forgotten middle child. Sandwiched in between the Baby Boomer generation of their parents and the Millennial generation of their children, they often find themselves carrying the burdens of loved ones that are both older and younger than them.
This position is especially interesting in terms of a global pandemic. On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Caryn Rivadeneira and Jennifer Grant to discuss how their generation has been processing, coping, and growing throughout 2020.
Collective trauma. How does it effect us as a whole? From world wars to terrorist attacks, definitive events throughout history have significantly sculpted characteristics in every generation.
On this episode of Christian Curious, we talk to Ellie and Vivi Scott, two members of Generation Z. The girls, 11 and 9, open up about how the Coronavirus and the Black Lives Matter movement have effected their perception on the world. They discuss how the past 6 months has taught them the importance of physical presence, speaking their mind, and sticking to a list at the grocery store.
High school graduation. Prom. The first day of college. These are all celebratory milestones that have been stolen and numbed from teenagers at the hands of the Coronavirus. How do we help ourselves or the teenagers in our lives grapple with the loss they've experienced? What is the silver lining amidst the pain of 2020?
Jordan Miller, a 2020 high school graduate, openly discusses her personal hardships and some of the tactics that have helped her cope and grow.
What makes civilization civilized? On this episode of Christian Curious, we discuss Christian ethics in the midst of the Coronavirus with Dr. Doug Groothuis of Denver Seminary.
Why would anyone want to read the Bible?
What have people seen in the church that would make them think the Bible is a source of wonder and power?
One of our biggest evangelical tools is our own lives. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean of The Zoe Project at Princeton Theological Seminary discusses how churches can build bridges to the next generation, starting with emulating a life of fullness with Jesus.
The purpose of discipleship and a life with Jesus is reaching the heart. In the Bible, the way people made the choice to dedicate their lives to Him was simply through spending time with Him. He was an experiential teacher.
In every avenue of life, young adults are invited to be participants. However, in the church, they are often just asked to consume information. Rick Lawrence, an award winning author, journalist, cultural researcher, editor, and national speaker, joins the show to share the ways he’s been successful in engaging young adults in an experiential way.
As Rick puts it, the way to change ministry isn’t through programs and knowledge— it’s through ruining people for the heart of Jesus.
PART 1
The purpose of discipleship and a life with Jesus is reaching the heart. In the Bible, the way people made the choice to dedicate their lives to Him was simply through spending time with Him. He was an experiential teacher.
In every avenue of life, young adults are invited to be participants. However, in the church, they are often just asked to consume information. Rick Lawrence, an award winning author, journalist, cultural researcher, editor, and national speaker, joins the show to share the ways he’s been successful in engaging young adults in an experiential way.
As Rick puts it, the way to change ministry isn’t through programs and knowledge— it’s through ruining people for the heart of Jesus.
One of the deepest human needs is to be known. Not surprisingly, the way to fill that need is by listening. Dr. Jennifer Moe, Assistant Director of the Young Adult Initiative at Garret Theological Seminary, has seen how the practice of what she calls “holy listening” unlocks valuable information. Her target area of understanding? Young adults. In fact, they have targeted 7 specific yearnings of people in their 20s and 30s.
Through a practice called empathy mapping, Dr. Moe and her team have explored several causes and effects of the marginalization of young adults in the larger church culture. She teaches us how to minister with young adults rather than to young adults.
Serving young adults starts with seeking to understand. Steve Argue, an applied research strategist for the Fuller Youth Institute, works and lives by this philosophy. All people want to be known on a deeper level than a label. On this episode of Christian Curious, Steve sheds light on the art of listening and how to prioritize people before programs.
Churches around the United States are asking the same question: How do we minister to and retain young adults? We speak with the leaders of Mosaic, a young adults group on the Northside of Chicago, to discuss how they’ve built a thriving ministry through key tenants like relationship building and prayer.
PART TWO
We live in a society that praises achievement. But what if the best thing we can do for true success is embrace our limitations? Marlena Graves, a spiritual formation expert who is published in a variety of venues, is the author of the book “The Way Up is Down: Becoming Yourself by Forgetting Yourself.” She believes that the way to a whole life is through the process of emptying oneself in order to move upward toward God.
Busyness often distracts us from the thoughts and emotions that have welled up in us. In a time where the world is definitively more still, Marlena believes the Coronavirus quarantine is an opportunity to slow down and pay attention. She challenges and instructs listeners on how to cultivate spaces to hear the still small voice of God. In a counter-cultural way, the way to be more is to be less.
We live in a society that praises achievement. But what if the best thing we can do for true success is embrace our limitations? Marlena Graves, a spiritual formation expert who is published in a variety of venues, is the author of the book “The Way Up is Down: Becoming Yourself by Forgetting Yourself.” She believes that the way to a whole life is through the process of emptying oneself in order to move upward toward God.
Busyness often distracts us from the thoughts and emotions that have welled up in us. In a time where the world is definitively more still, Marlena believes the Coronavirus quarantine is an opportunity to slow down and pay attention. She challenges and instructs listeners on how to cultivate spaces to hear the still small voice of God. In a counter-cultural way, the way to be more is to be less.
“If we are going to realize Jesus’ purpose for us on earth, we have to be willing to go to the less fortunate. We must develop the courage (like Jesus) to go to the places where the hurting are.”
These are the words of Dr. Felix Gilbert, the Director of the Urban Initiative at Denver Seminary and pastor of Restoration Christian Fellowship Church in Aurora, Colorado. Reaching the marginalized was integral to Jesus’ mission, yet there is often a lapse within believers and churches in knowledge (or desire) about how to go forth in doing so. On this episode of Christian Curious, we talk with Dr. Gilbert and Minister Nichelle West about how to reinvigorate the church with Jesus’ heart for the oppressed, as well as practical action steps.
What do you do when you love someone who doesn’t show love back? Engaging with this question is difficult, but it brings us close to God’s heart for His people. Judy Douglass, an accomplished speaker, author, and missionary with Cru, experienced this journey with her son. She gets vulnerable about the hardships and the victories that “loving a prodigal” has brought her way.
Inspired by her family’s personal journey, Judy started Prayer for Prodigals, an online community for those who love someone who is making destructive choices. On this episode, she offers guidance in the way of unconditional love and how to administer counter-cultural grace that is empowering rather than enabling.
“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but it does empty today of its strength.”
The relationship between anxiety and hope is a tricky one. As a woman who has experienced a long battle with anxiety, Laura Ortberg Turner has written prolifically on the topics of mental health and hope. On this episode, we discuss the physicality of mental illness, the nuances of anxiety, and what to do when the word hope feels more like a burden than a blessing.
Evangelical. It used to be understood as a term that referred to people with a commitment to the gospel. Today, it has transformed into a trigger word for those outside of the Christian faith. Evangelical has become a conservative, political position, steeping Christianity deep into an identity crisis. Simply put, the world doesn’t know evangelical Christians for the gospel.
Dr. Mark Young, President of Denver Seminary, launched The Gospel Initiative to help the church engage with difficult questions in ways that commend the gospel with compassion and credibility. How do Christians engage with unbelievers from a place of understanding? How do evangelicals reclaim their identity in a way that truly showcases Christ’s character? All of these questions and more unpacked on this episode of Christian Curious.
Technology connects. Technology divides. How do we think rightly about technology and its personal affect on us? Dr. Doug Groothuis, Professor of Philosophy at Denver Seminary, has been considering this question since the advent of the internet. He is the author of 12 books, including “The Soul in Cyberspace.” In a society overloaded with content, he discusses the importance of pausing, learning, and reflecting.
Nationwide, the numbers show that homelessness is at a low. However, in urban areas like Denver, that simply isn’t the case. With rising housing costs, the standard of living has grown to an unattainable measure for many individuals and families. How can the body of Christ step in to help?
David Warren, the Executive Director of Open Door Ministries, has experienced the difference between short-term, relief work and sustainable, developmental work when it comes to combatting homelessness and poverty. On this episode of Christian Curious, we discuss how to enhance community engagement and learn the joy of serving.
What are the problems for minorities in the church? What are their specific needs? What resources are marginalized millennials aching for? The lists are extensive and personal to each individual, but they are questions we must ask.
Topazz McBride, the Pastor of Retention and Interim Young Adult Pastor at Restoration Christian Fellowship, is a victim advocate with a long-standing commitment to social justice. In her work, she has learned that listening is an irreplaceable practice on the pathway to empathy and acceptance. She discusses how to get out of a mental framework of separation and into one of unity as a means of displaying Christ’s love to all peoples.
There is a difference between believing in God and believing that God is who he says he is. And who we believe God to be comes to light during temptations and trials. On this episode of Christian Curious, we dive deep into the topic of faith. Dr. Scott Wenig, professor of applied theology at Denver Seminary, explores the various dimensions of faith and how we can both believe and trust in his nature.
Hustle and bustle, gifts galore, Hallmark films, and jingle bells. How much of our current consumer culture is in line with the historical roots of the Christmas season? On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Kyle Stanton, the Curate at Trinity Anglican Church about Advent. How can this liturgical practice and season of reverence from 480 AD prepare and enrich us for the present day?
What does it mean to follow the prince of peace in a world that seems to turn faster and faster? There’s inner peace, world peace, peace of mind, and many other avenues that we crave stillness in the midst of chaos. Laura Flanders, M.A., the associate lecturer and chair of the training and mentoring curriculum at Denver Seminary, discusses practical ways to practice peace and utilize our energy wisely.
What is joy? When you look it up in the dictionary, joy can be found as “pleasure derived from success,” or “a great feeling of pleasure and happiness.” The Bible posits that true joy is a much deeper, much more intrinsic attribute. We speak with Dr. Don Payne, the Associate Professor of Theology and Christian Formation at Denver Seminary, about what joy is and how to exist with it.
Cultivating Safe Places to Discuss Mental Health PART 2
There is a pervasive sense of global anxiety. A quarter of millennials don’t have a single friend. There is very real pain and very real challenges. Questions arise… “Is God good? Does He still love me?”
How can faith communities make a difference?
We’re continuing the conversation on mental health with Brandon Appelhans and Kimberly Britt Peterson from My Quiet Cave, an organization that supports mental health through connection and resources from a Christ-centered perspective. They discuss medication, counseling, healing, and the link between mental health issues and faith issues.
There is a pervasive sense of global anxiety. A quarter of millennials don’t have a single friend. There is very real pain and very real challenges. Questions arise… “Is God good? Does He still love me?”
How can faith communities make a difference?
We’re continuing the conversation on mental health with Brandon Appelhans and Kimberly Britt Peterson from My Quiet Cave, an organization that supports mental health through connection and resources from a Christ-centered perspective. They discuss medication, counseling, healing, and the link between mental health issues and faith issues.
Just because someone has Jesus doesn’t mean that they don’t struggle with mental health challenges. 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences mental illness in a given year. Yet, there is still a stigma in churches against struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disease, or any other mental health issue. We’re getting curious about how to design a more developed approach to helping people experiencing mental health challenges.
On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Tim Ringquist, Executive Pastor at Deer Creek Church in Littleton, about how to put aside the mask and clearly communicate about difficult matters in the church. Tim believes that just because a need isn’t visible, doesn’t mean it’s not there. He aims to look beyond the neat visage of the suburbs and create space to discuss issues that everyone inevitably faces.
The “Nones”. The Unchurched. The Atheist and the Agnostic. Men and women who have left the Christian faith. Why don't people believe, or why do they stop? All of the above have sparked Brianne Shaw’s mission to let the people know that Jesus is more than the church of their childhood.
Authenticity is the currency of our culture. The standard of perfection cast upon and cultivated by churches has harmed people’s perception of and connection to the church. Brianne Shaw and her husband, Josh, helped plant Lighthouse Church in south Denver in 2019 with a goal of derailing the perfection narrative.
They are committed to showing both vulnerability and weakness from the stage while simultaneously operating in excellence. On this podcast, Shaw discusses how to be real and connect as a means of genuinely doing ministry in the way of Jesus.
There is power in a personal ask. It’s no secret that people want to be known. And loneliness is at an all time high, especially among young adults. The gap between graduation and marriage has widened over the past few decades, leaving a larger range of single young adults who are searching for friendships and a sense of community.
Anne Caughlin, nicknamed the “Spread Love Pastor” at Platt Park Church in Denver, is devoted to cultivating spaces that are full of the love of Jesus. She has found that millennials don’t want extravagant events or trendy meeting spaces as much as they want authentic, real-life community. On this episode of Christian Curious, she shares her experience and wisdom in the realm of reaching young adults.
Interview with world renown philosopher Dr. Douglas Groothuis to discuss whether technology is good, bad, or neutral to our spiritual wellbeing.
Young adults ages 23 to 29 are the most unchurched generation in all of recorded American history. Across the board, researchers have tracked a rapid increase in Americans who claim no religious affiliation. Dr. Halee Scott, Director of the Kaleo Project at Denver Seminary (an arm of the Lilly Endowment’s Young Adult Initiative), dives deep into what it means to do ministry in a post-modern, post-christian culture.
Churches are in the midst of a shift from a ministry to a missional mindset. How can the church be present in the age of social justice, mental health, and technology, all while discipling the next generation? This is the first episode of a podcast that aims to explore those questions and keep you curious.