Lake Ridge Faith & Culture: Recent Episodes
Lake Ridge Faith & Culture
In this episode, the guys discuss the harrowing events surrounding the murder of Christian commentator and political organizer, Charlie Kirk.
How should Christians react to the life and death of Charlie Kirk? What range of reactions have we seen from Christians and what does this tell us about our cultural moment? What does this latest violence demand from us as Christian witnesses moving forward? How do we foster the needed clarity, conviction, and courage of the hour?
Welcome to the conversation.
In this episode, the guys discuss the recent mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School that recently shocked the nation with a transgender shooter murdering two innocent Christian children and injuring 21 other people.
What's behind the chaos violence of our times? What does this kind of violence say about our culture and the kind of people our culture builds? Why do ideologies that fight against reality (transgenderism, nihilism, atheism) lead to violence? How is the Christian worldview, founded on the Gospel, the only antidote to our culture of despair and death? Join us for this heavy but important conversation.
In this episode, the guys discuss which fruit of the Spirit is least likely to be cultivated by western American Christians and why. They investigate the kinds of virtues our culture wars against and how Christians have neglected some of these same spiritual markers.
What work of the Holy Spirit are we most likely to resist in our culture? How have we twisted some of these fruit of the spirit into vices? What would it take to reclaim these Holy Spirit evidences in our lives? Welcome to the conversation!
What is a Christian/biblical viewpoint on immigration? What does loving our neighbors mean in this arena? Is it more Christian to let everyone across the border who desires to enter our country? Is immigration a natural human right and is immigration by any means necessary a matter of justice? What responsibilities does God's word give to governments, churches, citizens, and even immigrants themselves when we talk about immigration, especially when they arrive by illegal means? Tough questions all around!
Welcome to the conversation!
When faith (Pope Leo) and culture (Mission Impossible 8) are both turning their attention to A.I., then it's time for the Faith and Culture Podcast to do the same!
How has A.I. developed over this last year? What are the emerging threats and opportunities? What does this technological revolution mean for our view of human beings, human dignity, productive work, and social connections? Welcome to the conversation!
We are surrounded by art, everything from movies, to music, to books, to the fine arts like painting and sculpture. Many attempts at "Christian art" have left something to be desired, either in their quality or in their convictions.
What makes art good or bad? What makes art truly Christian? What can the tradition of Christian art teach us about being human and living as a Christian? How can we save ourselves from current modern art that's an immoral, meaningless mess, and save Christian art from just piggybacking on the latest cheesy trend? Where can we find good art again?
Welcome to the conversation!
There's lots of name calling among Christians, calling each other "liberal" or "conservative" which might be translated "sell out" and "backward" respectively. But what do we mean when we use these terms? What does it mean to be "progressive" and what is their understanding of moral "progress"? What makes a Christian "conservative" and what beliefs lie behind that label? Is either option more consistent with a Christian worldview? What should we as Christians be building toward in the future? Welcome to the conversation!
In this episode, the guys explore the landscape of Christian fellowship and cooperation in a post-Christian age. What binds all Christians together and how do we know whose "on our team"? What Christian fundamentals bind all believers together, even with our differences? Where might our old denominational differences be less important than our current worldview divides? How might even conservative catholics and protestants share more common ground than progressives from their same tradition? How can Christians cooperate strategically across denominational lines in a culture hostile to every form of Christianity? Welcome to the conversation.
In this episode, the guys discuss what Christians should consider when they go to the store. Should Christians be worried about the moral or social stances of their grocery store or favorite shoe brand? Is there money the same thing as supporting that company's views? When should Christians boycott a company for their views, or support them for their convictions? What do our dollars mean, and what can we do about the staggering amount of economic choices we face every day? Welcome to the conversation.
In this final episode in our series on a theology of work, the guys discuss the Christian work ethic. They explore topics of virtuous labor, the quality of effort, the moral aspect of the way we approach our jobs, diligence vs. sloth, integrity vs. dishonesty, , pursuing excellence vs. accepting mediocrity, shrewdness vs. naivete.
How do we navigate a world of fallen workers? How should we labor at whatever it is we do? Why should Christians work differently from everyone else? How can we press on when our good work goes unnoticed? Welcome to the conversation!
In this continuation of our series in a theology of work, the guys look at the kinds of work people do and the situations that determine our work. We explore how male and female and even the Industrial Revolution impact what kind of jobs we occupy today.
We discuss how to pick a career, what factors should help Christians decide between job opportunities, and how faith can help direct us toward work that blesses the world. Welcome to the conversation!
The guys continue their series exploring a Christian theology of work. They discuss how the purpose of work has been frustrated by the fall and the human sin that has followed ever since. They look at how the 21st century has gotten both work and workers wrong and what might be a way forward in a world where work is cursed and corrupted.
How does our modern approach to work harm both our humanity and our Christian convictions? How are people twisting up the roles of work and leisure in their lives? What hope is there for true Christian faithfulness? Welcome to the conversation!
The guys begin a new series exploring a Christian theology of work. They discuss what the creation account of Genesis 1-3 tells us about human purpose as it relates to work and how the New Testament picks up these themes to provide a vision for the role of work in the life of the believer.
What is the purpose of our work? Is work part of the curse and something to be avoided or carried as a burden? What role does our work play in the plan of God for the world? What is work supposed to do to us? Welcome to the conversation!
The guys discuss why many Christians don’t share their faith with others. They will look at the cultural trends that are making evangelism today difficult and some of the enduring difficulties that Christians today have in sharing the Gospel.
Why is so much of our evangelism “gimmicky”? What strategies could make our evangelism more effective in today’s culture? What are some simple ways to get started if we’re worried about messing up? Welcome to the conversation!
This week the guys bring the discussion about how to improve the church home to Lake Ridge. Each of the guys brings one idea to improve the faith and practice of our church today. Then all the others discuss what that particular “home improvement” might “cost”.
This episode gets very practical and unpacks the hopes and concerns the guys have for Lake Ridge. They believe that this church home is worth the work and they want to get their hands dirty asking, “How can we keep doing better?” Welcome to the conversation!
This discussion focuses on the religious levels of authority we give to the importance of health and safety in our culture. From billionaires trying to live forever to lawnmower parents leveling any obstacles their kids might face to COVID guidelines that shut down churches in the name of health, our culture worships health and safety.
How do we as Christians prioritize our lives when real risks exist? What does Jesus promise in our salvation and how does our view of eternity sharpe the way we navigate the risks posed to our bodies? Welcome to the conversation!
The guys gather to debate a hot button issue in this edition of "Pick A Side" focused on cultural Christianity. The proposition on the table is, "The death of cultural Christianity would be a net positive for everyone."
Everyone picks a side and then defends their position. It forces us to ask tough questions: What impact has Christianity had on our culture? What does it mean to be a "cultural Christian" and what are the downsides? What might a culture without Christianity truly look like? How can we foster real belief and obedience amidst the cultural noise?Pick a Side and join the conversation!
In this episode, the guys each bring a "hot take" to share with the group and then spend time trying to convince the rest of the team to agree with them. At the end of the episode, the guys reveal who was the most convincing.
This conversation provides a wide range of perspectives and questions about the growing presence of artificial intelligence in daily life. Are we training our our tools to become our robot overlords in the not too distant future? Are we becoming less human as we outsource our work and relationships to machines? Or is all this A.I. hysteria a bit overblown?
Get ready for some hot takes and some deep thinking. Welcome to the conversation.
In this episode, the guys debate whether Evangelicalism will be gone in 100 years or not. The discussion forces the guys to take sides and advance their perspectives based on their own observations and trends in the evangelical church in America.
Time to Pick a Side! This conversation calls up many questions: What makes someone an "evangelical"? What do they believe? How has the movement changed over time? Are evangelical churches more numerous or more healthy today? What might be the way forward for Evangelicals to survive and thrive in the future? Welcome to the conversation.
In Reel Talk, we take movies that matter and discuss what makes them true, good, and beautiful, or false! We uncover the way the stories on the silver screen shape us and how we can think more deeply about the movies we watch.
In this episode, we tackle the Christmas classic from 1947, The Bishop's Wife. This story follows an ambitious bishop and his disenchanted wife who have grown distant from each other and require the help of an unconventional angelic visit to rediscover what's important. What does this movie show us about reviving belief in cynical people? How does this story remind us of what is most important? Where do even well meaning people go wrong in the pursuit of a meaningful life? Watch the movie with your family and then join the conversation!
The modern world gives us a set of assumptions about reality: matter is all there is, nothing has meaning, the spiritual is an illusion. But every year at Christmas, people rebel against this stuffy worldview with Santa Claus, carol singing, and a feeling that miracles can still happen.
What if Christianity offers a better vision of reality that makes sense of this hunger for an enchanted world? How are we seeing people already give up on the modern view of a "dead material universe"? How can Christians cast a vision for a "re-spiritualized" view of the world? Welcome to the conversation!
In this holiday episode, we look back to the past to see some of the historical roots of the Thanksgiving holiday. We look at the early life of the Plymouth pilgrims as well as the more general practice of Thanksgiving holidays that has permeated American life.
What can we learn about gratitude, courage, faithfulness, and endurance from these pioneer saints of the past? What lessons can we draw from the harsh world they encountered and overcame? What world were they fleeing and seeking for their children? How can we embrace a more meaningful Thanksgiving today in light of the past? Welcome to the conversation.
As Christians recover from election season, and a no-doubt contentious election day, we look at the landscape for Christians moving forward. What kind of world might Christians wake up to post-election? How have the rules of engagement changed as we seek to reach and change the culture for Christ? What new obstacles and opportunities are presented to Christians based on the administrations that take office? What Christian faithfulness is timeless and timely regardless of who is in office? Welcome to the conversation.
In this Book Nook mini series, we dive into the great fantasy series by J.R.R. Tolkien. We are tackling it book by book so each episode will cover half a paperback volume. Journey with us through one of the greatest works of Christian imagination in a century that is all the more relevant today.
Today, we reach the end of all things in the final installment of our Lord of the Rings series! We follow Frodo and Sam as they take their burden to the bitter end. What does this story tell us about the fate of evil, and how evil is ultimately destroyed? What roles can simple people play in pushing back the darkness? What costs come from facing down evil? When the evil follows us home, as it does the hobbits, how can we take back our own homes based on the lessons we have learned on this adventure? Join the journey with us!
In this Book Nook mini series, we dive into the great fantasy series by J.R.R. Tolkien. We are tackling it book by book so each episode will cover half a paperback volume. Journey with us through one of the greatest works of Christian imagination in a century that is all the more relevant today.
Part five covers the first half of The Return of the King. We return to our heroes defending the world of men from the invading forces of darkness. We get to see the contrast between those who fight in hope and those who give in to despair. We contrast Faramir's courage with his father Denethor's hopelessness. We get to watch Theoden's final stand and even see how two hobbits can take up important roles in the battle of the age. What can we learn about hope and courage from the acts of these characters? What does real hope look like when things get darkest?
Join the journey with us!
This is a conversation about the men we want but can't seem to find. Courageous, competent, and filled with conviction. Is God's man an outlaw in a world that objects to him, an endangered species in a world that can't seem to produce him, or is he merely waiting to be called up to engage a world that desperately needs him? Welcome to "The Wanted Man".
This episode will tackle the roles that men in particular need to play in society. What happens when men take their God-given design and roles seriously? How should Christian men think about violence and their role as protectors in society? How would Christian manhood change about business and leadership? What manly virtues should Christians champion in society? What steps can Christian men start to take toward making an impact in the world around them? Welcome to the conversation.
In this Book Nook mini series we dive into the great fantasy series by J.R.R. Tolkien. We are tackling it book by book so each episode will cover half a paperback volume. Journey with us through one of the greatest works of Christian imagination in a century that is all the more relevant today.
Part Three covers the second half of The Two Towers. We rejoin Frodo and Sam as they join forces with their slinking pursuer Gollum. Tolkien draws some revealing parallels in this section. What do we learn about true service from the contrast between Sam and Gollum? What can we discover about true leadership from the contrast between Boromir and Faramir? What role can true Christian friendship play in overcoming evil? Join the journey with us!
This is a conversation about the men we want but can't seem to find. Courageous, competent, and filled with conviction. Is God's man an outlaw in a world that objects to him, an endangered species in a world that can't seem to produce him, or is he merely waiting to be called up to engage a world that desperately needs him? Welcome to "The Wanted Man".
This episode will tackle the problem of masculinity in the church. The stats tell us that women are much more likely to be active in church in the west than men. Why are men avoiding church? Do men the problem, or does the church share some of the blame? How might our current way of doing church make it more difficult and less likely for men to worship, connect, belong, and contribute? What can churches do to course correct? Welcome to the conversation.
In this Book Nook mini series we dive into the great fantasy series by J.R.R. Tolkien. We are tackling it book by book so each episode will cover half a paperback volume. Journey with us through one of the greatest works of Christian imagination in a century that is all the more relevant today.
Part Three covers the first half of The Two Towers. We follow Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli as they pursue their hobbit friends captured by the orcs of Isengard. We meet the Riders of Rohan and their aging King Theoden as well as their treacherous enemy, the Wizard Sauruman. How can we make right choices when all seems stacked against us and nothing is certain? What shows wisdom to be a deception? What does it look like to push back despair in favor of hope? Join the journey with us!
This is a conversation about the men we want but can't seem to find. Courageous, competent, and filled with conviction. Is God's man an outlaw in a world that objects to him, an endangered species in a world that can't seem to produce him, or is he merely waiting to be called up to engage a world that desperately needs him? Welcome to "The Wanted Man".
This episode will tackle the problem of masculine leadership in the home. What role did God give to the husband and father within a biblically ordered household? What goals should men have for their families? What unique gifts and functions does a dad have in the home, especially with his children? Why did God make the man the "head" and what does it matter today? Welcome to the conversation.
In this Book Nook mini series we dive into the great fantasy series by J.R.R. Tolkien. We are tackling it book by book so each episode will cover half a paperback volume. Journey with us through one of the greatest works of Christian imagination in a century that is all the more relevant today.
Part Two covers the second half of The Fellowship of the Ring, from Rivendell to the Breaking of the Fellowship. We follow our heroes through the darkness of the Mines of Moria, the mystical sanctuary of Lothlorien, and the race down the river from the pursuit of the enemy. What does the Ring teach us about temptation? How does evil use deception to achieve its ends? Does victory lie in using the Ring and taking power into our own hands? Join the journey with us!
This is a conversation about the men we want but can't seem to find. Courageous, competent, and filled with conviction. Is God's man an outlaw in a world that objects to him, an endangered species in a world that can't seem to produce him, or is he merely waiting to be called up to engage a world that desperately needs him? Welcome to "The Wanted Man".This episode will tackle the masculine crisis which is twofold. Where have all the men gone? Why are all the men not acting like men? More than stereotype, this episode seeks to ask what are men for and what lies in our culture and history have turned men into something less. What is a real man? What is true biblical masculinity? Join us for the conversation.
In this Book Nook mini series we dive into the great fantasy series by J.R.R. Tolkien. We are tackling it book by book so each episode will cover half a paperback volume. Journey with us through one of the greatest works of Christian imagination in a century that is all the more relevant today.Book One covers Hobbiton to Rivendell and the guys focus on the themes of Simplicity, Home, Temptation, and Hospitality. What does Tolkien teach us with the hobbits? What does the Ring teach us about evil? Join us for the conversation.
"Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..." Thy Kingdom Come? What does that mean? What exactly are we praying for? And what exactly are we supposed to do about God's Kingdom on earth... here... now? How should I, as a Christian, relate to the culture around me? Retreat? Attack? Convert? Create? Avoid? Control? Redeem it? Condemn it? Welcome to "Kingdom Come".In the final episode of this series, the guys discuss the possible options for influencing the culture as Christians. Secularism claims that faith should be kept out of the public square, while sacralism fuses church authority into civil authority. Pietism tells Christians to keep their faith private, but is there a way to remain influential without becoming tyrants ourselves? Is Christian Nationalism a viable approach to renewing our culture? What are the challenges to restoring a Christian conscience to society? Where would we start? Welcome to the conversation!
We discuss the academy award winning film A Man for All Seasons (1966) which depicts the heroic stand of Sir Thomas More against all the powers of England as King Henry VIII bends the church and state to his will. The silence and defiance of Sir Thomas paint a compelling picture of Christian conviction in a hostile culture. How can Christians be shrewd in their dealings with cultural traps? What is the role of law in defending conscience? How can Christians prepare to stand up for the truth? Watch this stirring film as a family and then join us for Reel Talk!
"Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..." Thy Kingdom Come? What does that mean? What exactly are we praying for? And what exactly are we supposed to do about God's Kingdom on earth... here... now? How should I, as a Christian, relate to the culture around me? Retreat? Attack? Convert? Create? Avoid? Control? Redeem it? Condemn it? Welcome to "Kingdom Come".
In the fourth episode of this series, the guys work to discover all the options on the other end of the spectrum in Christian responses to culture that can fall under the heading of being "of" culture. Each of these approaches will swirl around a basic understanding of Christianity being postively "for" or even rising "from" the culture around it. How does the image of God in all people influence culture? How are Christians combining the truth of Christianity with the trends of culture? How can Christians make a difference without becoming the same? Dive into these tricky issues with us. Welcome to the conversation!
We dive back into the pages of a book that matters in April, so this month pick up a copy of The White Horse King: The Life of Alfred the Great by Benjamin Merkle. This exciting historical book reads like an adventure novel and breathes life into medieval England in the midst of the viking invasions. We follow the young prince Alfred as he becomes king and confronts the great pagan pillaging hordes ravaging his homeland. This book presents poignant lessons on Christian leadership, resistance, and character. What does Christian leadership look like in a crisis? How did our Christian ancestors deal with a world of godless violence while maintaining Christian convictions? Read along with us and then join us for The Book Nook!
"Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..." Thy Kingdom Come? What does that mean? What exactly are we praying for? And what exactly are we supposed to do about God's Kingdom on earth... here... now? How should I, as a Christian, relate to the culture around me? Retreat? Attack? Convert? Create? Avoid? Control? Redeem it? Condemn it? Welcome to "Kingdom Come".
In the third episode of this series, the guys work to discover all the options on one end of the spectrum in Christian responses to culture that can fall under the heading of being "against" culture. Each of these approaches will swirl around a basic understanding of Christianity being in conflict with a sinful culture. How should Christians deal with sin in a culture? What kind of cultures need to be opposed by Christians? How can Christianity make its objections most heard? How can Christianity have an influence without being compromised? Dive into these tricky issues with us. Welcome to the conversation!
Every other month, when we are not in our Book Nook series, we watch (and encourage our listeners to watch) a film that captures an important conversation in our culture. We also hope to model how to get more out of your movies and see more clearly the messages Hollywood is sending us all the time!
We return to our Reel Talk series with Chariots of Fire (1981), a sports film about two british runners whose beliefs and ambitions collide at the 1924 Olympic games. Harold Abrahams is a ladder climbing Jewish runner with something to prove. Eric Liddell is a christian runner drawing attention to the mission of God. The story of these two runners asks deep questions about the importance of faith in every endeavor and what it might take to catch the attention of a culture and change it for good. How does our faith make a difference in our ambitions, dreams, and achievements? What does the culture need to see from Christians when our convictions are challenged? Give it a watch and then join us for Reel Talk!
"Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..." Thy Kingdom Come? What does that mean? What exactly are we praying for? And what exactly are we supposed to do about God's Kingdom on earth... here... now? How should I, as a Christian, relate to the culture around me? Retreat? Attack? Convert? Create? Avoid? Control? Redeem it? Condemn it? Welcome to "Kingdom Come".
In the second episode of this series, the guys try to get a grip on what we mean by culture. What are all the areas of our lives and society that should be impacted by the Gospel and can be considered part of "culture"? How has the influence of sin and lies already corrupted many of these areas of our lives? How has Christianity influenced these parts of the human experience in the past and has the retreat of Christian influence in society been a blessing or a curse? Welcome to the conversation!
Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxes
We return to our Book Nook series every other month this year to talk about books that matter. These are books that are important for Christians today to read to understand how to better understand and address our cultural conversations with Christian truth.
In this episode we discuss the inspiring and convicting story of William Wilberforce and the major part he played in the outlawing of the slave trade in England. How did Wilberforce face down such a gigantic cultural institution like slavery with powerful interests arrayed against him? What were the beliefs and virtues that drove a man like Wilberforce to make this impact on history? What can we learn from Wilberforce to topple the systems of evil we encounter in our own societies today? Welcome to the book nook!
"Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..."
Thy Kingdom Come? What does that mean? What exactly are we praying for? And what exactly are we supposed to do about God's Kingdom on earth... here... now? How should I, as a Christian, relate to the culture around me? Retreat? Attack? Convert? Create? Avoid? Control? Redeem it? Condemn it? Welcome to "Kingdom Come".
In the first episode of this new series, the guys try to identify why it is so difficult to know how to apply Christian principles to the culture. They discuss the relevant events of today that demand a Christian response and ask hard questions about how Christians should view their place in the cultural conversation. Welcome to the conversation!
In our Reel Talk series, we will be watching (and encouraging our listening audience to watch) a film that we think captures an important conversation in our culture.
In this week's "Reel Talk" episode, the Faith & Culture guys attempt the impossible: a meaningful discussion about Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" in under 12 hours! At some point, we will probably devote an entire podcast series to this Tolkien masterpiece, but in this single episode we begin to scratch the surface of the major themes, and whythis workk is still so timely and relevant today.
We all live in a world shaped by stories. These stories try to win us over to believe their view of the world. But not all stories are created equal. Some stories point beyond the subjective to the permanent things, such as truth, beauty, goodness, justice, and virtue.
Join us as we explore Christmas as practicing the moral imagination. Christmas is more than just another holiday on our calendar. It occupies an entirely unique framework of stories, practices and values from the rest of our culture's year. In Christmas we find a chance to lean into pageantry and in this way we participate in stories that shape the way we think and feel about the world. How does this practice of "make believe" at Christmas relate to the Incarnation, God becoming flesh? How can Christians make the stories we tell and the practices we repeat shape us into better Christians? How can we use mystery to form our hearts to love God more? Could Santa Claus be a way to build better belief? Join us for the conversation!
Each month we will be watching (and encouraging our listening audience to watch) a film that we think captures an important conversation in our culture. In this series, we explore one small corner of the world of cinema and ask, “why are some movies good and other movies… false?” We also hope to model how to get more out of your movies and see more clearly the messages Hollywood is sending us all the time! All of our films are selected to be totally family friendly!
We continue our Reel Talk series looking at the box office bust turned holiday classic, It's A Wonderful Life (1947). When the life of George Bailey falls apart, he wishes that he had never been born, which prompts a rescue mission from heaven where an angel comes to show him just how different the world would be without him. Much more than a sappy holiday flick, this deep character study asks powerful questions about the meaning of life and the impact a person can have on others? What happens when we can't follow our dreams? How do we measure the impact of our lives? What makes a man truly great or rich or loved? Watch it as a family and then join the adventure next month in Reel Talk!
We all live in a world shaped by stories. These stories try to win us over to believe their view of the world. But not all stories are created equal. Some stories point beyond the subjective to the permanent things, such as truth, beauty, goodness, justice, and virtue.
Join us as we explore the importance of the family in forming the moral imagination. How do the stories that a family tells shape the worldview of its members? Where do the stories of a family come from? What are the impacts of outsourcing our storytelling to companies and influencers? How can we live in Deuteronomy 6 homes? Welcome to the conversation!
Reel Talk - Each month we will be watching (and encouraging our listening audience to watch) a film that we think captures an important conversation in our culture. In this series, we explore one small corner of the world of cinema and ask, “why are some movies good and other movies… false?” We also hope to model how to get more out of your movies and see more clearly the messages Hollywood is sending us all the time! All of our films are selected to be totally family friendly!
We continue our Reel Talk series looking at the animated Disney classic Pinocchio (1940). When a kind woodcarver wishes for his puppet to become a real boy, a good fairy grants his wish. But now the wooden living puppet must learn the secret to becoming a real boy with the help of his appointed conscience Jiminy Cricket. The pair must face the challenges of growing up and the temptations of a world seeking to corrupt little boys. How do you live a life that is "real"? What are the dangers for children growing up? What does it look like for a boy to be brave, truthful, and unselfish? What does this children's story teach us about growing up and being good today? Watch it as a family and then join the adventure next month in Reel Talk!
We all live in a world shaped by stories. These stories try to win us over to believe their view of the world. But not all stories are created equal. Some stories point beyond the subjective to the permanent things, such as truth, beauty, goodness, justice, and virtue. Join us as we explore the importance of the villains in our stories.
How do villains shape our moral imagination? What's up with all these ghosts, dragons, and witches in children's tales? Wouldn't it be better to get rid of the evil characters and focus on being good instead? What happens to a culture that has erased all of its villains or turned the villains into heroes instead? Welcome to the conversation!
Each month we will be watching (and encouraging our listening audience to watch) a film that we think captures an important conversation in our culture. In this series, we explore one small corner of the world of cinema and ask, “why are some movies good and other movies… false?” We also hope to model how to get more out of your movies and see more clearly the messages Hollywood is sending us all the time! All of our films are selected to be totally family friendly!
We continue our Reel Talk series looking at the western The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). This John Ford western starring James Stewart and John Wayne takes us back to the frontier of the American west where the law was in short supply and civilization struggled to establish itself among the greedy and the violent. A young lawyer works to make a life for himself in a small frontier town, but stumbles into a feud with the local bandit Liberty Valance. His friend, a gunslinging cowboy, and the rest of the town can't keep him safe. Will he betray his principles of law and order to fight back with the gun? This story asks deep questions about what brings civilization forward and how it deals with evil. Watch it as a family and then join the adventure next month in Reel Talk!
We all live in a world shaped by stories. These stories try to win us over to believe their view of the world. But not all stories are created equal. Some stories point beyond the subjective to the permanent things, such as truth, beauty, goodness, justice, and virtue. Join us as we explore the contexts and institutions that create false narratives in our culture. Where are all these bad stories coming from? Who is to blame for our moral madness? How can we create spaces and groups where better stories can be told, received, and lived out? Welcome to the conversation!
Each month we will be watching (and encouraging our listening audience to watch) a film that we think captures an important conversation in our culture. In this series, we explore one small corner of the world of cinema and ask, “why are some movies good and other movies… false?” We also hope to model how to get more out of your movies and see more clearly the messages Hollywood is sending us all the time! All of our films are selected to be totally family friendly!
We continue our series by looking at the classic Disney animated fairy tale epic Sleeping Beauty (1959). This beautifully animated story retells an old fairy tale and leans into deep storytelling forms: a princess in danger, a kingdom in peril, a heroic prince coming to the rescue, an evil witch bringing death, good fairies offering hope. Why do we tell these kinds of fairy stories to our kids and why are they still powerful for adults to watch? Is this story still true? Is it the leftovers of a bygone era or is it drawing from a deeper, timeless story? Watch it as a family and then join the adventure next month in Reel Talk!
We all live in a world shaped by stories. But these stories are constantly trying to win over our minds and hearts to see the world according to the view of reality presented in their characters, plot, and perspective. But not all stories are created equal. Some stories point beyond the subjective to the permanent things, such as truth, beauty, goodness, justice, and virtue. Join us as we explore the moral imagination and the way that stories shape us. Welcome to the conversation!
You can LISTEN to these and other great episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or in your browser. You can also find a link to our podcast on our WEBSITE on the Faith & Culture Page.
Our Faith & Culture Ministry is a way for our church to equip our members with thoughtful conversations on controversial topics in the culture in a way that brings clarity and Christian conviction. You can join the conversation by emailing us at faithandculture@lakeridge.org. We would love to hear your questions, comments, and reactions to help us meet the specific needs of our people.
In August, we are taking a break from the Book Nook to embark on a journey through movies for the rest of 2023 we call Reel Talk! Each month we will be watching (and encouraging our listening audience to watch) a film that we think captures an important conversation in our culture. We go to the movies for the thrills, the laughs, the drama, the romance. We go for these things but what if we walk away with something else… a worldview, and sometimes — a lie. In this series, we explore one small corner of the world of cinema and ask, “why are some movies good and other movies… false?” These films will challenge us to think deeply about the needs and desires of our society and what kind of heroic action it will take to turn things around. We also hope to model how to get more out of your movies and see more clearly the messages Hollywood is sending us all the time! All of our films are selected to be totally family friendly!We begin our series by looking at the classic wartime film Casablanca (1942) starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. This black and white drama follows Rick, a self-centered nightclub owner, who holds the key to escaping the Nazis for a French resistance leader. However, his past complicates things when an old flame returns and Rick must choose between a noble cause and the desires of his heart. Watch it as a family and then join the adventure next month in Reel Talk!
This month we finish the Thrive series discussing our core cultural belief in "the pursuit of happiness" enshrined in our Declaration of Independence. What did our ancestors mean by "happiness," and would "human flourishing" be closer to the point there? What can churches do to foster the pursuit of human flourishing? What might need to change in our own households as we pursue human flourishing? What would it look like to live into God's good design and plan for humanity? Join us for the conversation.
This month on The Book Nook, we discuss a short but powerful rebuke of the way we have allowed technology to distort our life experiences. This book, which can easily be found on amazon, claims to address "how digital technology affects our children and disconnects us from reality and from each other". With plenty of scientific data and no shortage of insights, this brief 100 page book forces us to ask serious questions about what parts of our lives really matter. Has our use of tech gotten out of hand? Are we allowing our kids to bear the greatest consequences? What exactly does technology do to make our lives better? This conversation will help model an approach to assessing the value of technology and how to put it in its proper place in our lives. Find out as we journey through books that matter in The Book Nook!
This month in the Thrive series, we tackle those areas of our culture that fight against human flourishing. How have we allowed our institutions: our governments, our schools, and even our churches to become engines of upheaval? What needs to change in order for the biblical vision of human life to take hold? Join us for the conversation.
This month on The Book Nook, we discuss a classic of American literature, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Imagine if in the future, books were banned and anyone caught with one would have their house burned down...by firefighters! This haunting vision of the future pictures a world where not only are we numbed by screens and empty of ideas, but we have forgotten the hunger for truth and freedom. Is this the future we deserve? Is there a way to escape? If there is, what will it cost us to remake our crumbling society? Find out as we journey through books that matter in The Book Nook!
Due to the mature nature of this topic, parental discretion is advised.
Where have we gone wrong in our thinking about sex today? Does freedom mean that we can treat sex like a game and people as means to an end? If Christians are right, and Humans are spiritual beings, how does that shape our view of sex and its spiritual consequences? How should Christians treat sex and how does it lead toward human flourishing instead of human misery? Join us for the conversation.
This month on The Book Nook, we discuss a short, easy to read, and powerful book called "The Household and the War for the Cosmos" by C.R. Wiley. This book is all about "Recovering a Christian Vision for the Family". It takes a look at how our society's views on marriage, family, and piety have changed over time. He dissects what happens to a culture that has lost a taste for virtue, specifically a love for piety and duty. Wiley then explores how we can reclaim a uniquely Christian perspective on what it means to be a family and the impact that can have on the whole world. How can we make our families a force for good and a light for Christ? Find out as we journey through books that matter in The Book Nook!
Thrive: In Search of Human Flourishing
What does it take for humans to thrive and what would it look like in practice? The guys discuss, What is human flourishing? How could we know if we're thriving or not? Is that a purely individual question or is there an objective definition of human flourishing? What does God really want for us and how can we find it? Join us for the conversation.
This month on The Book Nook, we discuss discuss a gem of science fiction, "That Hideous Strength" by C.S. Lewis. That's right, the author of Narnia fame also wrote a trilogy of novels about a professor who has adventures in space! This book has all the excitement and insight you expect from the maker of Aslan and Screwtape! This book tackles questions of human purpose and reveals the toxic beliefs about humanity that are fueling the circles of power today. It challenges us to see our everyday choices as part of a greater spiritual struggle for our planet. What mayhem can humanity cook up for itself? Find out as we journey through books that matter in The Book Nook!
Man vs. Machine is a three part series on the effects of our interactions with technology. Are we managing our relationship with our machines, or have the machines become our masters?
In the third and final episode, May I Be Excused, we report on our own digital media fasts. Each member made a different attempt to shrink the role of screens and the internet in their lives, and it brought up some valuable lessons for us personally about what really matters and what freedom from digital addiction can look like. We hope sharing our own experiences can inform others on how we can push back against the rise of the machines. Join us for the conversation.
This month on The Book Nook, we discuss the social effects of the internet on our behavior, and how our movement from a text culture to a digital culture has physically changed the structure and functions of our brains! When we change the technology that shapes how we see the world, it turns out to reshape us in the process. What if the things we watch and the way we use our time are actually reshaping our brains so that we think about everything differently? If the internet can rewire our brains, can we take back our minds, or have we lost our marbles forever? Find out as we journey through books that matter in The Book Nook!
Man vs. Machine is a three part series on the effects of our interactions with technology. Are we managing our relationship with our machines, or have the machines become our masters? In this second episode, Modern Monsters, we discuss the technologies that scare us! What do we do as Christians in a world of A.I., deep fakes, nuclear power, social media brainwashing tools, and other potentially problematic powers? Are all new and terrifying technologies inevitable? If it is, how can Christians walk wisely in the aftermath of opening pandora's box? Join us for the conversation.
The Book Nook: Frankenstein
This month on The Book Nook, we discuss a classic of the monster and science fiction genres, "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley. Forget everything you think you know! This monster is not a bumbling green oaf, but a terrifying creature of strength, speed, and intelligence. This is a tragic tale of ambition gone wrong and progress leading to death and destruction. This classic work asks deep questions about the nature of scientific progress, the sinful nature of humanity, and the danger of letting our inventions run amok! Who is the real monster? What happens when the technology humanity creates gets out of hand?! Find out as we journey through books that matter in The Book Nook!
Man vs. Machine is a three part series on the effects of our interactions with technology. Are we managing our relationship with our machines, or have the machines become our masters? In this first episode, we discuss the difference between TV Trays and Dining Tables. Our tech tends to drive us toward comfort and convenience rather than meaning, quality, and purpose. How can we as Christians evaluate the technologies that clamor for our attention and our wallets? What does our tech teach us about the value of our attention, time, and effort? How has this cult of comfort invaded our churches, perhaps using online worship as an opportunity to make church about "me" rather than the Messiah? Join us for the conversation.
The Book Nook series is dedicated to discussing books that matter. We think Christians have some reading to do if they want to stay informed and effective. The books we talk about, both fact and fiction, are important for helping us all think better and inspire our imaginations.
In this month's episode we discuss a scarily accurate piece of cultural analysis called "Amusing Ourselves To Death" by Neil Postman. This short and accessible discussion of how television has changed the way we think was written in 1985, but it feels like it was ripped right out of today's headlines! Follow along as Postman tracks how each change in technology has reshaped our cultural conversations, and how modern media has turned information into entertainment. Is the way we get our news killing us? How has the church become a place for entertainers instead of truth tellers? How can Christians cut through the static and find out what really matters in an age of trivial news? Join us for the conversation.
"'Tis the Season: The Empty Stocking"
This episode of our holiday series focuses on the difficulties of celebrating Christmas in the midst of grief. For many people, the joy of the sights and smells of Christmas are mingled with sorrow over lost people and relationships. For many people, the empty chair at the Christmas table makes Christmas cheer taste sour. Does Christmas require us to fake a smile? How can we find deeper joy than the flimsy facade of a Hallmark Christmas? What does Christmas have to say to our grief? Can we keep Christmas and find joy while still mourning what we have lost? Join us for the emotional episode of 'Tis the Season.
The Book Nook: A Christmas Carol
The Book Nook series is dedicated to discussing books that matter. We think Christians have some reading to do if they want to stay informed and effective. The books we talk about, both fact and fiction, are important for helping us all think better and inspire our imaginations.
In this month's episode we discuss the classic Christmas ghost story by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Everyone knows the greedy, grumpy Scrooge, but have they really caught all the wonderful lessons of this 150 year old treasure? Why did Dickens need Scrooge to encounter ghosts for Christmas? Why did the ghosts come from the past, present, and future? What does this book teach us about the true meaning of Christmas? How can we keep Christmas well? Is this really a Christian story at all? We tackle these tough questions and celebrate this literary gift that keeps on giving.
The Holidays are here! Each comes laden with meaning and memories. How might we as Christians celebrate them well? This episode of our holiday series focuses on the contrast between Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Is there perhaps a common thread of consumption baked into both holidays? How does our culture view and teach gratitude? What are the ways that we can cultivate real appreciation for the gifts of God and how can we avoid the pitfalls of a consumer culture obsessed with the next big thing? Join us for the conversation!
In this month's episode we discuss the controversial bestseller by Rod Dreher, The Benedict Option. Dreher claims that the way forward might be the way back, and that the current church can learn from the lessons of medieval monks about how to build culture, thrive in community, and provide a counter-cultural witness to the power of the gospel. Does the church today need a refresh on how to build true fellowship and engage a hostile culture? Can the next key to community and missions be found in the monastery? How can Christians create homes and churches that develop a distinctly Christian culture? How are we passing the faith on to the next generation? When the church integrates with the world does it shine a light or just become like everyone else? Let this bold book make you uncomfortable and face hard ideas! Join us as we investigate The Benedict Option!
The Book Nook series is dedicated to discussing books that matter. We think Christians have some reading to do if they want to stay informed and effective. The books we talk about, both fact and fiction, are important for helping us all think better and inspire our imaginations.
The Holidays are here! Each comes laden with meaning and memories. How might we as Christians celebrate them well? This first episode of our holiday series focuses on Halloween and our culture's growing obsession with gore, violence, and evil. Is Halloween even about kids, costumes, and candy anymore? Why does our supposedly secular culture love scary stories about demons and ghosts? Why do we dress up as villains now instead of heroes? How can Christians participate in halloween without embracing the darkness? Join us for the conversation!
The Book Nook is a new series dedicated to discussing books that matter. We think Christians have some reading to do if they want to stay informed and effective. The books we talk about, both fact and fiction, are important for helping us all think better and inspire our imaginations.
This first episode is about one of the most famous and enduring ghost stories in American literature, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820). This short story by Washington Irving richly demonstrates the power and importance of ghost stories and why even Christians should read books about things that go bump in the night! Why does the horseman have to be "headless"? Is Ichabod Crane the hero or the villain? What good can Christians get from ghost stories? Join us for a spooky journey to the past!
God Rules 10: Keep Off Their Greener Grass...
In this conclusion to our God Rules Series, we discuss the tenth commandment to not covet what belongs to your neighbor. We about what lies at the root of coveting and whether it is more than just wanting what others have. How has our culture embraced envy as a virtue rather than a vice? How are we cultivating a culture of toxic comparison and jealousy? What is the antidote for envy? Ultimately, is there a single key to following all of God’s Rules? Welcome to the Conversation.
"God Rule 9: Tell the Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth”
In this episode, we discuss the ninth commandment to not bear false witness. We discuss how this command is something more than simply, "don't lie". What role does truth telling play in loving our neighbor? What is at stake when we lie? Are there extreme cases where a Christian can lie for the right reasons? What is the value of sticking to the truth when it comes at great cost? Welcome to the Conversation!
"God Rule 8: Beware the Five Finger Discount”
In this episode, we discuss the eighth commandment to not steal. We discuss how our culture has challenged the notion of ownership and many are calling for the dissolving of private property altogether. How should Christians view wealth and calls to redistribute it? Is there a biblical argument for ownership and what responsibilities does the Bible give the rich and the poor? When do we know that we have made an idol of our possessions? Welcome to the conversation!
In this episode, we discuss the seventh commandment to not commit adultery. We discuss how our culture has completely redefined identity around sexuality and turned marriage into an enemy of happiness. Where can Christians push back against the idolization of desire? How can we elevate the goodness of marriage in a culture that hates self-denial and worships self-expression? How can we communicate the value of marriage to our children and those still looking for love in all the wrong places? Welcome to the conversation!
In this episode, we discuss the sixth commandment: to not murder. We discuss the foundation of human dignity in Christian thought. Where is our current culture devaluing human life? How can we demonstrate a truly pro-life attitude toward others, particularly those who our world dismisses? Welcome to the Conversation.
God Rules #5: Honor Your Father and Your Mother.... When God commands children to honor their fathers and mothers, He attaches a promise to that command. The one who keeps it will live long in the land that God is giving them. Why would honoring your parents lead to a long life? Does this commandment come with an expiration date? Do we currently live within a culture that honors its elders or idolizes its youth, and what might be the consequences of the latter? Welcome to the conversation.
Continuing our God Rules series: Commandment Four - Remember the Sabbath Day and to keep it Holy. This week we discuss the command to honor the Sabbath. Does Jesus still want Christians to keep a day of rest? Should Christians work on Sundays? What’s so important about resting from work to focus on worship? Welcome to the Conversation!
Welcome back to our new series called "God Rules" - discussing the 10 Commandments. In this episode, we discuss commandment number three: Do not take the Lord's name in vain. But does that really mean? Is it just an expression, or is God's name to be feared and respected?Welcome to the conversation.
Welcome back to our new series called "God Rules" - discussing the 10 Commandments. In this episode, we discuss commandment number two: Make no graven Images and bow down to them. What does it mean to "make graven images?" And how do we bow down to and worship idols today? Welcome to the conversation.
Join us as we begin a new series called "God Rules" - discussing the 10 Commandments. In this episode, we lay the groundwork for why the Ten Commandments are still important for believers today. Then we dive into the first commandment that forbids worshipping any other god. Most of us don't have shrines in our homes, so how are we still worshipping idols today and what are the consequences? And how do we put God back on the throne of our hearts?
The guys discuss the first principle of Creation. What is man's relationship in responsibility to the earth today? Should we save THIS house, or build THAT habitat? Should we hug the trees or chop them all down? Welcome to the conversation.
Today, we discuss the reality of evil in the world - Where does it come from? How do we account for the evil we see around us? How should we engage with it as Christians, and What's with evil spirits anyway?? Welcome to the conversation...
You can connect with us by email at faithandculture@lakeridge.org
The world is captivated by the war between Russia and Ukraine, so Christians are asking hard questions about how we should respond. How might Christians fight in a war, in a way that honors God? How should Governments consider their responsibilities in times of conflict? Lives are on the line and the world needs Christians to know how to respond when bullets start flying.
Welcome to another Faith and Culture Conversation.
What is the relationship between Faith and Science? What can science tell us, and what can it not tell us? Can we as Christians live rightly in the world if we "just follow the science?"
In this episode, we tackle the modern phenomenon of Scientism.
Why is finding a spouse so hard?! In the dizzying chaos of modern singleness, dating, and marriage, what is God calling you to pursue? How can we set up young Christians for success in their pursuit of a lifelong mate?
Why does the family matter to Jesus and how is the enemy trying to tear it apart? Join us today for a christian discussion of the family, which be believe is a foundational part of God's plan for humanity. What is God's design and purpose for the family? And how does culture view roles and relationships in the home? And what benefits can culture and the church gain by christian families devoted to His purpose? We discuss all of this and more today.
This week the guys welcome special guest Josiah Presley, pro-life speaker and abortion survivor. Join in as they discuss what the gospel has to say about being pro-life.
Stories shape what we love and what we believe. Christians wince at that Jolly Old Elf, but is Saint Nick a friend or foe of true faith? Listen as the guys discuss the power and the importance of story telling.
Social Media! What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, but lose his soul, his mind, and his family? Social media promises connection, but comes with devastating fine print. The guys discuss a Christian perspective on social media, and the distinct challenges Christians (and parents) face navigating the social network of today.
Christians want to work, they are called to work, but who will keep hiring them? The guys discuss a Christian perspective on work, and the distinct challenges Christians face as laborers in the secular marketplace today.
Our culture is having an identity crisis. Everything from gender and marriage to happiness and purpose are up for grabs. The guys discuss the culture confusion surrounding identity with the Christian worldview established in the created order found in Genesis. Who has the authority to define us and what kind of people should we consider ourselves to be?
Does faith require that we turn off our brains? How does a Christian understanding of the world help us reach the truth? Join this Faith & Culture Conversation discussing the importance of thinking well about complex moral issues for the sake of Christ. Van, Ben, Keith, and Kyle delve into the importance of thinking better for the Christian in today's culture.