Thinking Christianly: Recent Episodes
Stan W. Wallace
In this episode, we continue our series by engaging Chapter 2 of Stan’s new book, Have We Lost Our Minds?: Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What are the key passages related to the topic of Biblical anthropology?
- What is the difference between an ontological unity and a functional unity of body and soul?
- What witness does church history give to this topic?
- Where did “neurotheology” go wrong in explaining the nature of the human person?
- What is our soul doing when it is no longer united with the body?
Resources and Citations:
- John W. Cooper, Body, Soul, and Life Everlasting: Biblical Anthropology and the Monism-Dualism Debate
- John Burke, Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God’s Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You
- Find out more about Have We Lost Our Minds?
- Get the introduction to the book for free on the Global Scholars website.
- A printable group discussion guide can be found here.
In this episode, we continue our series by engaging Chapter 1 of Stan’s new book, Have We Lost Our Minds?: Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why is it critical that Christians acknowledge well-done science?
- What are some implications of the assertion that the brain is fundamentally what we are?
- The difference between Dallas Willard’s “VIM” model and Jim Wilder’s version.
- Tips for listeners who want to be more aware of places where they have absorbed Physicalist assumptions.
- What can we know about what we are? Where does that information come from?
Resources and Citations:
- Find out more about Have We Lost Our Minds?
- Get the introduction to the book for free on the Global Scholars website.
- A printable group discussion guide can be found here.
In this episode, we kick off a new series by engaging the introduction of Stan’s new book, Have We Lost Our Minds?: Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why did Stan write this book?
- What is “neurotheology”? Is it helpful for Christians?
- How can we think well about the central question, “What are we?”
- What motivated the departure from traditional Christian beliefs about the soul?
- What experiences and relationships shaped Stan’s perspective on this topic?
- How can listeners get involved in this conversation?
Resources and Citations:
- Find out more about Have We Lost Our Minds?
- Get the introduction to the book for free on the Global Scholars website.
- A printable group discussion guide can be found here.
J.P, Stan, and Jordan discuss how to have better conversations. They discuss how three informal fallacies (the Red Herring Fallacy, the Genetic Fallacy, and the Ad Hominem Fallacy) can shut down healthy dialogue and how to develop habits that help us avoid using them.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What is an informal logical fallacy?
- What does the Red Herring Fallacy sound like in a conversation?
- Practical ways to get a conversation back on track
- What is the Genetic Fallacy? How can we avoid using it?
- How do we evaluate ideas fairly, even if we don’t like the person?
- What is the Ad Hominem Fallacy and how does it sabotage conversations?
- How is the Ad Hominem Fallacy related to the Tu Quoque Fallacy?
- Tips to encourage understanding in conversations and when to disengage
- Making the distinction between “nice” and “kind” in best loving our neighbor
Resources and References:
- Koh Ewe, “The Ultimate Election Year: All the Elections Around the World in 2024,” Time Magazine
- A quick video explaining many informal fallacies
- Stan Wallace, “Three Ways to Shut Down Healthy Conversations”
- Wireless Philosophy, Lessons and quizzes on several informal fallacies via Khan Academy.
- The Winsom Conviction Project Podcase
Stan, JP, and Jordan delved deeper into the concepts of libertarian free will, compatibilism, and determinism, extending their discussion beyond theological topics to many other important issues.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Implications of our understanding of freedom related to law and politics
- The difference between freedom and determinism in the social sciences
- Understanding counseling in light of our free will
- How understanding the nature of free will helps us grow in Christ
- Free will as a reason to believe we have a soul
- The theme of hope and redemption in Scripture, and why this should inform our views on freedom
Resources and References:
- John Seale, The National Endowment for the Humanities
- Mass Shootings: The Role of the Media in Promoting Generalized Imitation
- Peggy Noonan, “We’re More Than Political Animals” – Wall Street Journal
- Thinking Christianly #19: Finding Quiet When Experiencing Anxiety and Depression
- Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines
In a gracious spirit J.P., Stan, and Jordan discuss the points of agreement and disagreement between the Calvinist and Arminian views of salvation (summarized in Calvinist theology by the acronym TULIP). This good-faith conversation will help listeners consider the implications of these beliefs, especially as they relate to our understanding of God’s nature, our nature, and the gospel message.*
In this podcast, we discuss:
- The TULIP acronym: where did it come from and what it does it mean?
- Total Depravity: what is the difference between the extensive and intensive effects of depravity?
- Unconditional Election: what does it mean to say God loves us?
- Limited Atonement: what is the difference between a four or five-point Calvinist? Is the doctrine of Limited Atonement logically consistent with the whole of Calvinism?
- Irresistible Grace: Is there evidence to support this position in Scripture?
- Perseverance of the Saints: What is the difference between this and eternal security?
Resources and references:
- The Canons of Dort
- Roger E. Olson, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities
- Stan Wallace, “Predestination or Free Will?”
- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (1960 ed)
*As always, the views expressed are those of the participants, and not necessarily those of the podcast’s sponsor Global Scholars. However, Global Scholars does encourage the study and discussion of important issues from the vantage points of theology, philosophy, and other related disciplines, as occurs in this podcast.
This is our first episode in a series about Free Will, Compatibilism, and Determinism. Stan, JP, and Jordan start by clearing up some of the major confusions that plague this conversation. They share how to have this discussion with clarity and keep the focus on the claims and avoid confusion. They also spot some ideas about Free Will, Compatibilism, and Determinism “in the wild.”
In this podcast, we discuss:
- What does it mean to be “free”?
- What are the major ideological camps in this conversation?
- Does the Compatibilist view of antinomy solve this logical problem?
- What are the most important distinctions in the Free Will and Determinism conversation?
- Where are the major pitfalls in this discussion? Where should we start the conversation if we want to gain understanding?
- What would evidence for Libertarian Free Will look like?
- A quiz and clues for JP and Stan on how to decipher what ideology an author or other content creator is communicating.
Resources and references:
- William Lane Craig discusses his work on Systematic Philosophical Theology
- P. Moreland, Finding Quiet: My Struggle of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace
- Wilder Graves Penfield – A Brief Biography
- John Steinbeck, East of Eden
J.P., Stan, and Jordan discuss engaging the Christmas story as thinking Christians and ways to live in light of the hope that the Incarnation brings.
In this podcast we discuss:
- How does the humility of God bring wonder and awe to this season?
- What does the quiet nature of Christ’s coming reveal about God’s character?
- In what ways can we attempt to reclaim the season from consumer culture?
- How should Christians handle “Happy Holidays” vs. “Merry Christmas” conversations?
- What is a “redemptive analogy” and how can looking for them help bridge cultural and relational divides?
- What are the practical implications of the Christmas Story?
Resources and References:
- Fun facts about “Hark the Harold Angels Sing”
- Dallas Willard – God Wants to Be Seen
- The Bible Project – Advent Season: What is it, and How is it Celebrated?
- Movie – The Prince of Egypt
- Don Richardson, Peace Child
- Bobby Gross, Living the Christian Year: Time to Inhabit the Story of God
- Stan Wallace, “Christmas – The Day Jesus Moved into the Neighborhood”
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Christmas Bells
In this episode, JP and Stan talk about different views of time and how they integrate with a Christian way of thinking about God and His relationship to time, the relationship of time to salvation, and the overall understanding of time and the nature of reality. They tackle common pitfalls in conversations about time and make distinctions that clear up the broader discussion.
In this podcast, we discuss:
- Does this discussion matter?
- Is tense real or not?
- What is the difference between an A-Theory and a B-Theory understanding of time?
- How do time and space relate to each other in different views of time?
- What kinds of theological issues arise with the different views of time?
- What is divine middle knowledge?
- Will there be time in heaven?
- “Is the world a bucket of sand or a bowl of molasses?”
- Is time the same as its measurement? How can we understand the Theory of Relativity?
- Do we have good reason to trust our experience of time?
Resources and citations:
- William Lane Craig, God, Time, and Eternity
- William Lane Craig, The Kalam Cosmological Argument
- JP Moreland and William Lane Craig, “Philosophy of Time and Space” in Philosophical Foundations(Chapter 20 in the second edition).
In this episode, J.P. and Stan discuss worldview and life-view and why evaluating the contents of these thoughts deserves our attention and reflection. How do we go about that process? They discuss the ways we can notice what we attend to and examine how our attention can shape our worldview. This episode is for anyone who needs resources and strategies to help with developing and sustaining a Christian worldview.
In this podcast, we discuss:
- What is a worldview?
- Why should we give serious thought to the idea of worldview?
- What kind of questions should we ask as we evaluate our worldview?
- What is the “worldview-as-glasses” metaphor and why is it unhelpful?
- How does a constructivist view fail to account for the different ways of knowing?
- What is the value of articulating our worldview?
- How does what we notice shape our worldview?
- What does it look like to train what we attend to and notice on purpose?
- What is the role of suffering in shaping our worldview?
- What are some clues that our worldview has veered into unchristian territory?
- How can we cultivate curiosity around worldview?
Resources and citations:
- James W. Sire, The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog
- J.P. Moreland, Why it is Harmful to Depict a Worldview as Glasses
- Paul C. Vitz, Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism
- Walter Brueggemann, The Prophetic Imagination
- College Faith Podcast – Episode #23 – How to Watch a Movie
- Ronald Nash, Worldviews in Conflict: Choosing Christianity in a World of Ideas
- James W. Sire, Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept
For those of us not currently connected to the academic world, the idea of furthering our education as Christians can be daunting. Where do you start? What should you consider before taking on this experience? Is it worth it even if it doesn’t increase your earning potential? In this episode, JP and Stan share practical advice and wisdom for evaluating the costs and benefits of going beyond learning in an informal setting; specifically as it relates to masters and doctoral degrees in philosophy and ministry.
In this podcast, we discuss:
- How do you know whether or not further formal education is a good fit for you and your season of life?
- What are the differences between Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) and Masters of Arts? On the doctoral level, what is the difference between a Ph.D. and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)?
- What is the discernment process for deciding which program might be the best fit?
- What is the difference between studying under mentors who are masters at their craft and learning on your own?
- How can different types of cohorts shape graduate education?
- How to evaluate a program when considering graduate studies and where to find more information.
- What is the lasting value of furthering education as a Christian?
Resources and citations:
- Agnieszka Tennant, “Masters of Philosophy” in Christianity Today
- Talbot School of Theology at Biola University
- College Faith, 6: How to Choose a College – Dr. David Wunder
- Intervarsity Press, Academic Catalog
- Master of Arts, Philosophy of Religion | Palm Beach Atlantic University
“The certainty problem has crept in and polluted the whole enterprise of knowing.” - J.P. Moreland. In this episode, J.P. and Stan have a practical discussion about how to engage with the cultural obsession with a narrow definition of certainty.
In this podcast, we discuss:
What is skepticism? How did it become a cultural “virtue”? Why doubting everything is more dangerous than you think What are the different forms of skepticism? How should we engage with different kinds of skeptics? How can a broad understanding of the history of ideas benefit us when addressing skepticism? Is there a legitimate place for skepticism? What is the Problem of the Criterion? What is the difference between the methodist approach and the particularist approach to the Problem of the Criterion? Why should we reflect on the way we engage with knowledge claims? The big three categories in philosophical thought: What is real? What can we know? What should we do?
Resources and Citations:
P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview - Chapter 4, The Problem of Skepticism Dallas Willard, Hearing God
Most of us know Dallas Willard as a brilliant and pastoral writer on spiritual formation. In his writing, you can sense a man of great thought, but the depth of his knowledge can be hidden from the reader of his more popular works. In this episode, Stan and J.P. discuss the life, scholarship, and legacy of Dallas Willard. They also share thoughts on spiritual formation gleaned from Dallas.
In this podcast, we discuss:
The work of Dallas Willard in his academic vocation as a philosopher Why metaphysics and epistemology are essential to the messages of Dr. Willard Why Dallas Willard’s study and translation of Edmund Husserl is so important The legacy of Dr. Willard--how J.P. and Stan have been inspired to continue promoting his ideas Willard’s hopes for future scholarship and predictions for challenges ahead Insights from Dallas on spiritual disciplines leading to spiritual formation How to avoid being satisfied with “Church-ianity” Thoughts on being faithful to your calling when tempted to be discouraged
Resources and Citations:
Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart Dallas Willard, Hearing God Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines Dallas Willard, Early Writings in the Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics Claire Oritz Hill, Review of Edmund Husserl: Early Writings in the Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics J.P. Moreland, Dallas Willard | JP Moreland
In this episode we conclude our case study of Edmund Husserl. We discuss other lessons we can learn from his life, and lessons to learn from the faithful men and women who risked everything to save his life’s work. We also discuss the challenging work of preserving ideas that matter in a culture that prefers to forget the past.
In this podcast, we discuss:
Why it is important to do work that doesn’t specifically address the cultural moment How to faithfully push back against false cultural assumptions The story of saving the works of Husserl and other Jewish scholars from Nazi tyranny Why we should honor, preserve, and build on ideas passed down from others The role of the next generation in taking up the mantle of Christian thought The art of seeking long term objectives and why it’s critical that we do
Resources and Citations:
Hebrews 12:1-2 Toon Horsten, The Father and the Philosopher: Saving the Husserl Archives S. Lewis, “On the Reading of Old Books,” in God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics Dermot Moran, Edmund Husserl: Founder of Phenomenology Thomas C. Oden, editor, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture Herbert Spiegelberg, The Phenomenological Movement Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
In this episode we do a case study of someone who wove together a number of the themes we have talked about in earlier episodes, including the importance of a commitment to truth and the life of the mind, being a part of a vibrant faith community, dealing with challenges, and being faithful to God’s call. These lessons from the life of philosopher Edmund Husserl, as well as some of his philosophical insights, provide great encouragement and challenge for Christians today.
In this podcast, we discuss:
- Who Edmund Husserl is and why his work matters to Christians.
- How others helped Husserl, JP, Stan, and Jordan in their journeys.
- How commitment to the truth lead us to be counter-cultural.
- How we can be faithful through lonely and challenging times.
- Unexpected ways God uses the seeds we plant to bring Him glory.
- How Husserl’s philosophical insights help shape our understanding of what is true, good, and beautiful.
Resources and Citations:
- Dermot Moran, Edmund Husserl: Founder of Phenomenology
- Herbert Spiegelberg, The Phenomenological Movement
- Marianne Sawicki, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Edmund Husserl (1859-1938)
- Roman Ingarden and Edmund Husserl, Briefe an Roman Ingarden: Mit Erläuterungen und Erinnerungen an Husserl
- Karl Schuhmann, Husserl-Chronik: Denk- und Lebensweg Edmund Husserls
- Hanne Jacobs, The Husserlian Mind
- Britannica, German philosopher: Edmund Husserl
- Edmund Husserl, Obituary Notice of Adolf Reinach
- Karl Schuhmann, Dariusz Bęben, Husserl i Masaryk
- K. Chesterton, Quote from Orthodoxy
What is real? This has been a defining question in our modern era. How should a thinking Christian answer this question? J.P. and Stan describe the foundational beliefs and distinctions necessary for addressing this central issue in grace and truth.
In this podcast, we discuss:
- What is a property? What are some examples of properties? How is this question related to what truth is, the Incarnation, and so much more?
- Why is it not commonplace to assume properties exist? How underlying assumptions impact beliefs about what is real.
- What is a “universal”? How do we experience universals and why would a person reject them?
- What is the difference between physicalism and naturalism? How are they similar? What would people with these views of reality believe to be real?
- Why do some believers reject universals on theological grounds? Are they right?
- What is nominalism? What are the various types of nominalists?
- Why is it important to work hard at understanding ideas that don’t seem to have immediate practical value?
Resources mentioned during our conversation:
- Stan Wallace, “Three Reasons to Believe in Things You Can’t See”
- J.P. Moreland and Garrett DeWeese, Philosophy Made Slightly Less Difficult: A Beginner’s Guide to Life’s Big Questions, Chapter 2: What is Real? Metaphysics–The Problem of Universals
- J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, Chapter 10: General Ontology: Two Categories–Property and Substance
- Paul Gould, Beyond the Control of God?: Six Views on the Problem of God and Abstract Objects
- Paul Gould’s Website
How do we “find quiet” in a noisy world? Using J.P.’s book Finding Quiet as a launch point J.P., Stan, and Jordan discuss mental health; specifically, anxiety and depression. What options are available to Christians who struggle with these diseases? How can a person seek treatment in a faith-informed way?
The information in this podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat specific diseases. As we will discuss in the podcast, we encourage you to consult with a physician or licensed mental health professional about your specific situation.
In this podcast we discuss:
- J.P.’s journey in dealing with anxiety
- What is creating the conditions that leads to our current epidemic of anxiety
- Some strategies that we can use to alleviate the experience of anxiety
- Simple tools and practical help to facilitate a feeling of peace and calm
- How to find a good Christian counselor or therapist
- Should Christians seek professional help for mental health issues?
- How we can show love and care for those struggling with anxiety or depression
- Encouragement to live with hope instead of despair
Resources mentioned during our conversation:
- J.P. Moreland, Finding Quiet: My Struggle of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace
- John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World
- Christopher Lasch, The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in An Age of Diminishing Expectations
- Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ
- The College Faith Podcast with Dr. Nita Kotiuga, #26: The Role of Spiritual Disciplines and Directors in Spiritual Formation
- Rosemead School of Psychology
- Basic Overview of Therapy Options
- More Complete List of Types of Therapy
- Joel McDermon, What Would Jesus Drink?: A Spirit Filled Study
In this podcast we discuss why the Incarnation is so important, and how the ever-present idea of Gnosticism impacts our view of the incarnation of Christ. We discuss why Christians should reject the view that the material world is evil, and how to embrace the material world in a God-honoring way.
In this podcast we discuss:
- Why does it matter that Jesus came to earth as a human person?
- How can a shift in our understanding about the incarnation help us participate in the miraculous works of Christ in our everyday lives?
- What is Gnosticism and why does our response to gnostic ideas matter?
- How do some private “revelations” from God fit into a gnostic worldview? What are the dangers of private revelations of Scripture?
- In what ways has Gnosticism impacted our Christian subculture?
- Why is it important to make distinctions between the use or abuse of gifts given by God?
- How can Christianity dignify the appreciation and study of and material world?
- What are a few of the many implications for Christians who embrace a view that the material world is bad and should be escaped?
- How can physical space orient a worshiper and point to the connections between the physical and spiritual world?
Resources mentioned during our conversation:
- Judith MacNutt, Angels Are for Real: Inspiring True Stories and Biblical Answers
- N.T. Wright, Suprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Ressurection, and the Mission of the Church
- Andy Crouch, Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling
- Stan Wallace, “Three Implications of Christmas”
In this episode, J.P. and Stan continue discussing a path toward ethical clarity through the complex conversations surrounding death and dying. In this podcast we discuss: Is death a process or an event?What are the major distinctions and implications between the two views of how the body and soul are “connected”?What is the difference between having consciousness because of the soul and being alive because of the soul?How do we evaluate issues in medicine in light of J.P. and Stan’s understanding of the soul-body relationship?Can our identity be sustained until the final resurrection, even after the death of our bodies?What is the “intermediate state” and how do different views of what the soul is explain what happens to the person during that state?When we’re faced with end-of-life decisions for ourselves and others, what kind of questions should we ask?How can we move from “hoping” in a future glory to acknowledging the bodily resurrection as a reality?Why does an accurate understanding of the proper use of the body leads to flourishing? Resources mentioned during our conversation:P. Moreland and Stan Wallace, Aquinas versus Locke and Descartes on the Human Person and End-of-Life EthicsBilly Graham paraphrasing Dwight L. Moody, The Autobiography of Dwight L. MoodyStan Wallace, "Saying ‘Goodbye’ Well"________, “What are We? The Three Answers Underlying Many Spiritual, Moral, and Political Disagreements”Dallas Willard, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with GodConnect with us!
In this episode, J.P. and Stan discuss a path for ethical clarity through the complex conversations surrounding death and dying.
In this podcast we discuss:
The two ways to define a person: functional and ontological What is life? How to gain clarity by asking the most fundamental question How to avoid unhelpful definitions and category fallacies when discussing death and dying The uniquely modern problem of distance from death How J.P.’s experience facing cancer encouraged him to dig deeper into a study of life after death Where we see the suppressed emotions and anxiety over mortality impacting our culture What the important difference is between “active” and “passive” euthanasia Is there such a thing as a life not worthy of being lived? Ways “thinking Christianly” about current events helps reduce the anxiety associated with overwhelming information Our role in nourishing a culture of life
Resources mentioned during our conversation:
21 grams experiment, Wikipedia Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ JP Moreland, A Simple Guide to Experience Miracles: Instruction and Inspiration for Living Supernaturally in Christ John Burke, Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You Jeffrey Long, M.D. with Paul Perry, Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences Mary C. Neal, M.D., To Heaven and Back: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again Dale C. Allison, Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular Age Unbelievable Podcast, "Angels, Visions and Near-death Encounters - Dale C. Allison on Whether Skeptics can take Religious Experiences Seriously" Soren Kierkegaard, The Concept of Anxiety: A Simple Psychologically Oriented Deliberation in View of the Dogmatic Problem of Hereditary Sin Leo Alexander, M.D., "Medical Science Under Dictatorship" Health Canada, “Final Report of the Expert Panel on MAiD and Mental Illness” Associated Press News, "'Disturbing': Experts Troubled by Canada’s Euthanasia Laws" Stan Wallace, "Saying ‘Goodbye’ Well" Connect with us!
In this episode, J.P. and Stan discuss a path for moral clarity through the complex conversations surrounding the abortion conversation. In this podcast we discuss: What does it mean to discuss something in the morally relevant sense?What is "it" at the center of the controversy? How to gain clarity by asking the most fundamental question.How to approach complex issues when values conflict.The two ways to define a person: functional and ontological.How to parse out exceptional cases in order to get at the morality of an issue.What does Augustine and Locke’s view of ‘ownership’ have to say about the abortion conversation?Stan’s story he has lived to tellDo ideas have a gender? Resources mentioned during our conversation: Medical Definition of Abortion - (RxList and Health.Harvard.edu)Andrew Moscrop, "'Miscarriage or abortion?' Understanding the medical language of pregnancy loss in Britain; a historical perspective"Greg Koukl, Stand to Reason Blog: Street Tactics Part 3Kathryn Kost, Isaac Maddow-Zimet, and Ashley C. Little, Pregnancies and Pregnancy Desires at the State Level: Estimates for 2017 and Trends Since 2012Stan Wallace, "Four Steps To Determining the Morality of Abortion"J.P. Moreland, "In the Morally Relevant Sense, It is Not a Woman’s Body"Connect with us!
In this podcast we discuss:
What does it mean that Christianity is “verifiable” and “falsifiable”? Minimal Facts Approach - What are the historical facts that are generally agreed upon by Christians and non-Christians alike? Are the accounts of those who saw the resurrected Jesus likely to be accurate? What are the discontinuities between the gospel accounts and mythological writing? What are continuities and discontinuities with Jesus’s body pre-resurrection and post-resurrection? What should we make of the stories of people rising to life around the time that Jesus died? Is it possible to present evidence that Jesus of Nazareth is Yahweh, the God who created the universe? How do we use historical critical methodologies wisely?
Resources mentioned during our conversation:
Gary R. Habermas, Risen Indeed: A Historical Investigation into the Resurrection of Jesus The Gospel of Peter JP Moreland, Scaling the Secular City: a Defense of Christianity Stan Wallace, “Seven Common Objections to the Real Meaning of Easter” N. Stanton, Jesus of Nazareth in New Testament Preaching The Gospel of Nicodemus or the Acts of Pilate Craig Keener, The Gospel of John: A Commentary Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the God of Israel: God Crucified and Other Studies on the New Testament’s Christology of Divine Identity
In this first podcast of our second year, Jordan takes time to learn more about our sponsor Global Scholars. She gets the backstory of how the mission of this podcast and that of Global Scholars complement one another by interviewing Stan, who serves as President and CEO. Along the way are many great stories of how God is at work today in higher education globally.
In this podcast we discuss:
How professors influence their students to either seek Christ or reject Christ How professors influence culture through what they teach their students The estimated percentage of professors worldwide who are Christians How a Christian professor helped Stan continue in the faith without even know it! Examples of Christian professors integrating biblical truth into their teaching and writing How J.P. has mentored Stan for almost 40 years now, and a similar relationship Jordan has Why listeners may also be interested in Stan’s College Faith Podcast Why Stan has hope for the university and future generations of students Some ways God is using professors in the lives Ukrainian and Russian students Other ways God is using Christian professors to share Christ and disciple students
Resources mentioned during our conversation:
Os Guinness, The Gravedigger Files: Papers on the Subversion of the Modern Church The College Faith Podcast: Conversations at the Intersection of Christian Conviction and Higher Education. Specific podcasts discussed in this episode are:
Ken Elzinga, How Students Succeed at the Intersection of Christian Conviction and Higher Education Christy Craft, Thriving as a Christian at a Secular University Michael Kruger, Surviving Religion 101 Mary Poplin, Is Reality Secular? A Former Secular-Progressive Professor Says “No!”
Michael Kruger, Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College Mary Poplin, Is Reality Secular?: Testing the Assumptions of Four Global Worldviews Global Scholars website
A Personal Message from the President video Why and How We Equip Christian Professors video Lasting Change 2023: Our Current Strategic Plan video
As we watch the invasion of Ukraine in horror, we wonder what could possess Putin to use force so ruthlessly and indiscriminately. At least part of the answer lies in a philosophy of life that runs back through many other despots and finds it roots in the writings on Nietzsche. In this episode, Stan and JP discuss how pervasive the philosophy of Nihilism has come to be in shaping our daily lives, from the individual to the global level. In this podcast we discuss:
What is Nihilism? Nihilism in the trajectory of history How Nihilism follows from the rejection of objective values and meaning How Fredrick Nietzsche and his ideas impact culture What Ecclesiastes says about Nihilism How to spot Nihilism in popular culture The “Ubermensch” according to Nietzsche and in history How the collapse of the grand narrative of Christianity in the West impacts the future How to have a meaningful conversation with someone who accepts Nihilism The importance of committing to understand ideas as ambassadors in our culture
Resources mentioned during our conversation:
The Book of Ecclesiastes (NIV) More information on Hilary Putnum’s life and work Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spake Zarathustra Friedrich Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil JP Moreland, The Recalcitrant Imago Dei: Human Persons and the Failure of Naturalism Romans Chapter 8 (NASB) George Weigel, “Europe’s Two Culture Wars” S. Lewis, Mere Christianity Randy Newman, Questioning Evangelism The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, directed by Peter Jackson (Newline Cinema, 2012)Stan's article on Nihilism
C.S. Lewis defined chronological snobbery as “...the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate of our age and the assumption that whatever has gone out of date is on that count discredited.” In this podcast, Stan and JP talk about this idea as a danger to Christians seeking to become mature in their faith, practical tips to wisely discern the value of old ideas, and how to rethink some of our modern assumptions.In this podcast we discuss: The idea of “chronological snobbery”The necessity of reading beyond our own time and placeHow our cultural chronological snobbery thwarts our search for happiness in the modern eraWhat it means to be a “dinosaur” and why we, like C.S. Lewis, should be one!A word about forgotten, pre-Enlightenment ideasHow to avoid the fallacies of appeal to novelty or traditionThe “clean sea breeze of the centuries,” and the benefit of historical understandingHow reading old books can help us become mature ChristiansResources mentioned during our conversation:More information about Owen Barfield’s life and worksC.S. Lewis, “On the Reading of Old Books,” in God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and EthicsC.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early LifeC.S. Lewis, Introduction to Athanasius' On The IncarnationC.S. Lewis, De Descriptione Temporum (Lewis’s inaugural lecture as Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University)C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of NarniaC.S. Lewis, “Men Without Chests” in The Abolition of ManMichael Ward, After Humanity: A Guide to CS Lewis's The Abolition of ManMichael Behe, Darwin's Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to EvolutionFrancisco Suarez, On Efficient Causality: Metaphysical Disputations More information about Francisco Suárez’s life and worksJ.P. Moreland and Stan Wallace, “Aquinas versus Locke and Descartes on the Human Person and End-of-Life Ethics,” International Philosophical Quarterly, vol. XXXV, no. 3:319-330, 1995Aurelius Augustine, The City of God, Volume I (referenced Book 1, Argument 20)Stan Wallace, “How To Not Be A Chronological Snob”J.P. Moreland, UniversalsJ.P. Moreland and Klaus Issler, The Lost Virtue of Happiness: Discovering The Disciplines of The Good LifeThomas A. Kempis, The Imitation of Christ: A Timeless Classic for Contemporary Readers Teresa of Avila, The Way of PerfectionJohn of the Cross, The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross Os Guinness and Louise Cowan, Invitation to the Classics GK Chesterton, The Ballad of the White Horse
Prayer is an important part of how we engage in relationship with God. It remains, however, a mysterious practice to many Christians. In this episode, Stan and JP discuss key beliefs about the role of prayer in the life of the believer. They investigate the purpose of prayer and why so many Christians feel frustration around the discipline of prayer.In this podcast we discuss: What prayer isThe relationship of prayer to God’s foreknowledgeHow we should understand unanswered prayer and disappointment with GodWhy God doesn’t interfere with our free willPrayer pitfalls: hat untrue ideas we might have about prayerHow prayer helps us co-labor with God toward his purposesWhy we should ask many people to pray for a specific requestThe value of written prayers in our formationThe possible relationship between our personality type and prayer lifeThe role of persistence in our prayer life.Resources mentioned during our conversation:Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God (not mentioned, but also see his Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God)Dallas Willard, A Paraphrase of the Lord’s PrayerJP Moreland, A Simple Guide to Experience Miracles: Instruction and Inspiration for Living Supernaturally in Christ Thomas Aquinas, A Prayer Before StudyJames Sire, Learning to Pray Through the PsalmsJames Sire, Praying the Psalms of JesusChester P. Michael & Marie C. Norrisey, Prayer and Temperament: Different Prayer Forms for Different Personality TypesC. S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm, Chiefly on Prayer
On this episode of the Thinking Christianly podcast, we have the privilege of discussing J.P.’s newly released book, A Simple Guide to Experience Miracles. Jordan, J.P., and Stan share stories from their lives and the lives of others and evaluate whether or not the experience is a miracle or merely a coincidence. You will be encouraged and challenged by this conversation about God’s work in our day-to-day lives!In this podcast we discuss: The five types of miraclesHow to evaluate supernatural experiences with faith and reasonStories of God at workWhy we should talk with others about how God is revealing HimselfWhat it means to be “certain” and how this impacts our faithThe important distinction between “belief” and “knowledge”Resources mentioned during our conversation:JP Moreland, A Simple Guide to Experience Miracles: Instruction and Inspiration for Living Supernaturally in Christ (with free Kindle preview!)JP Moreland, Kingdom Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit's PowerJP Moreland, Love Your God with All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the SoulJP Moreland, Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of ChristianityJP Moreland and Mark Matlock, Smart Faith: Loving Your God with All Your MindJP Moreland and Klaus Issler, The Lost Virtue of Happiness: Discovering The Disciplines of The Good LifeJP Moreland, Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought PeaceJP Moreland and Gary Habermas, Beyond Death: Exploring the Evidence for ImmortalityCraig S. Keener, Miracles Today: The Supernatural Work of God in the Modern WorldLee Strobel, The Case for Heaven: A Journalist Investigates Evidence for Life After DeathJohn Burke, Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You
JP and Stan continue their conversation on the nature of the soul, the many implications of us being a soul, and objections to substance dualism. In this podcast we discuss:
Ethical decision making in light of substance dualism Why the soul is the only grounding for our intrinsic value The centrality of substance dualism to ethical issues at the beginning, during, and end of life Contemporary conversations around the question, “What are we?” Why the soul is needed to make the body valuable What happens when the body and soul are separated at death How horror genres often assume substance dualism Substance dualism and Darwinism Objections to substance dualism
Resources mentioned during our conversation:
JP Moreland and Scott B. Rae, Body & Soul: Human Nature the Crisis in Ethics JP Moreland, The Recalcitrant Imago Dei: Human Persons and the Failure of Naturalism Thomas Nagel, Mind & Cosmos: Why the Materialist Neo-Darwinian Conception of Nature is Almost Certainly False Etienne Gilson, From Aristotle to Darwin and Back Again: A Journey in Final Causality, Species, and Evolution John W. Cooper, Body, Soul, and Life Everlasting: Biblical Anthropology and the Monism-Dualism Debate Stan W. Wallace, “What Are We? The Three Answers Underlying Many Spiritual, Moral, and Political Disagreements”
A famous hymn is titled “It Is Well With My Soul.” What is this mysterious thing we refer to often, but have a hard time defining and an even harder time understanding? How is our soul different from our body and yet interact with our body? And why is it so important to have good answers to these questions? In this episode we tackle these tough issues, and draw out some of the practical implications related to understanding of life, death, the afterlife, and the person of Christ.In this podcast we discuss: What Scripture teaches about the soul (technically, “Substance Dualism”)?Understanding what a “substance” is (hint: you can’t weigh it).The key differences between the two prominent forms of Substance Dualism, and some implications of how both understand the soul-body relationship.The implications of Substance Dualism in biomedical ethics and other related fields.Stan’s personal example of how this all became very practical for him.The relationship between science, theology, and philosophy when thinking about the soul.Considering the objection “How can an immaterial soul interact with our bodies?”--the “mechanistic question” and the “skeptical question.”What does it mean that the body and soul have a “basic” interaction?How an understanding of Aristotle’s Four Causes helps us avoid errors in understanding soul-body interaction.Resources mentioned during our conversation:NT Wright, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and The Mission of the ChurchJonathan J. Loose, Angus J.L. Menuge, J.P. Moreland, eds., The Blackwell Companion to Substance DualismRichard J. Connell, Substance and Modern ScienceStan W. Wallace, “What Are We? The Three Answers Underlying Many Spiritual, Moral, and Political Disagreements”
Understanding what we are answers many other questions, including the nature and means of flourishing as a human being. In this episode, J.P. and Stan describe human flourishing and endeavour to reclaim the idea of flourishing as an aim beyond pleasure or mere happiness.In this podcast we discuss: What it means to be made in the “Image of God”What types of capacities and powers we share, to a limited degree, with GodWhy only the Judeo-Christian worldview sees individuals as intrinsically valuableImplications of our intrinsic value for biomedical ethics and for judging other culture’s valuesWhy being a human being is more than just being a certain type of biological speciesThe essential capacities that make us all humanThe relationship between our essential capacities, maturity, flourishing, spiritual disciplines, excellent living, and becoming more like ChristWhy we will always be growing in the expression of our capacities, even in the afterlifeHow understand our nature helps us understand the true meaning and purpose of lifeOur culture’s wrong definition of flourishing, leading to many of our social ills and addictionsThe role of a faith community in our journey toward full flourishingHow finding ways to express our unique gifts relates to finding true happinessIdentifying people who are ”good at life” and can be examples for us to followThe three people who have most shaped JP and Stan in understanding how to flourishThe redemptive role pain and suffering can play in our flourishingThe important distinction between Christian heroes and Christian “celebrities”JP and Stan’s personal obstacles and joys in being formed into the Image of God.Resources mentioned during our conversation:Example of Western outrage over the Tiananmen Square massacreStan’s article on what it is to be human and therefore to flourishing (and his recent interview on this topic)One of JP’s writings on what it is to be human and therefore to flourish: with Garrett J. DeWeese, Philosophy Made Slightly Less Difficult: A Beginner's Guide to Life’s Big Questions, Chapter Two - “Substances, Essences and Natures”The three people most influential in Stan’s lifeP. Moreland, Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought PeaceStan’s College Faith Podcast interview with Roger Hershey
In this episode we discuss what it means that the Christian Scriptures are “without error.” With appropriate nuance and caveats given, the concept of biblical inerrancy is supported with the use of reason and logical argumentation. JP and Stan also discuss some of the false and/or poorly reasoned arguments made both for and against inerrancy.In this podcast we discuss:What the position on Scripture referred to as “inerrancy” entails.Why the inerrancy of Scripture is essential for human flourishing and the common good.Evaluating the claim, “Christianity is really just about a relationship with God, not these types of issues.”How to engage skeptics in conversation about inerrancy.Bad arguments both for and against inerrancy.Understanding the distinction between reasoned certainty, spiritual certainty, and psychological certainty.The strongest argument in defense of inerrancy.Resources mentioned during our conversation:Dr. J. P. Moreland’s journal article on inerrancyDr. Stan Wallace’s blog series on inerrancyNorman Giesler (editor), Inerrancy21st century updated editionChicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy with ExpositionAdditional resource not mentioned but helpful:Inerrancy and Evangelicals: The Challenge for a New GenerationJ. Merrick & Stephen M. Garrett, eds., Five Views of Biblical InerrancyNorman Geisler, A Review of Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy
As COVID restrictions are being lifted in the U.S., we are once again able to attend church in person. However, after twelve to eighteen months participating in church services online, many believers are wondering if they should return, or just continue attending online services. JP and Stan discuss some of the reasons many are asking this question, which leads them to discuss what the church is and why it exists. Principles are identified and conclusions drawn concerning if and how believers should understand church involvement.More specifically, in this podcast we discuss: Challenges local churches face as COVID restrictions easeWhat is the essence of the church—what is “church” at its core?Differences between the universal Church and its local incarnations (local churches)Implications of the Church being the “Body of Christ”Understanding the true mission of the Church and avoiding false narratives such as "progressive Christianity"Evaluating the claim "The local church…is the hope of the world."New models of local churches gaining momentum in North AmericaMillennials and the allure of "high church"Hope and challenges for the Evangelical church in our post-COVID realityWhether believers should commit to returning to “in-person” churchResources mentioned during our conversation:Gallup Report on Church Membership in the United StatesMillard J. Erickson, Christian Theology. Chapter 49: "The Nature of the Church""Another Gospel? with Alisa Childers," on the April 30, 2021 Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture podcast with Sean McDowell and Scott RaeAlisa Childers, Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive ChristianityKevin Deyoung and Greg Gilbert, What Is the Mission of the Church? Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great CommissionPeter Wehner, "The Scandal Rocking the Evangelical World" in The AtlanticRalph D. Winter, "The Two Structures of God’s Redemptive Mission." Chapter 39 in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader, ed. Ralph D. WinterMicro-church/underground church movementBishop Barron, "Christianity and the Modern World," S4 E15 of the Jordan B Peterson podcast.
In this episode, we’re defining what we mean when we say “thinking Christianly.” We discuss:What does the faculty of “thinking” entail?The difference between the mind and the brain and how they both relate to the soulHow to integrate faith and learningDifferent kinds of knowledge and how to seek wisdom beyond the Christian worldviewMaking right distinctions and how to make sense of false dichotomiesThe state of Christian higher education and a word of hopeResources mentioned during our conversation:Dallas Willard in "The Allure of Gentleness": "...reality can be described as what we humans run into when we are wrong..."You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit by James K.A. SmithA response to Smith’s You Are What You LoveAlvin Plantinga’s critique of methodological naturalismStan's articles on the nature of the soul, mind, brain, and body: What are We? and Succumbing to a Very Unchristian Idea (how Christians commonly reduce the mind to the brain).
In this episode, we’re making a Biblical case for the role of reason in Christianity. We discuss:How Scripture makes a clear case for the role of reason in our spiritual livesThe way evidential reasoning is present in ScriptureHow to avoid confusing total knowledge with genuine knowledgeThe difference between the use and abuse of reasonWhy we can trust that God doesn’t use a different kind of logic than oursOvercoming objections to the reasonable study of scriptureThe harmony in Paul’s writings on reason and argumentationHow we participate in the renewal of our mindResources mentioned during our conversation:Love Your God With All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul by J.P. MorelandDiscussion guide to Love Your God With All Your MindPassages discussed (easily found at BibleGateway.com)Isaiah 55:9Romans 16:27Luke 2:52Isaiah 1:18ProverbsJob I Corinthians 8:1Proverbs 25:21 Peter 3:151 Corinthians 1, 2:4Acts 14, 17, 19, 20Romans 12:2Colossians 2:8II Corinthians 10:5J.P. Moreland’s work can be found at: http://www.jpmoreland.comStan Wallace’s work can be found at: https://www.stanwallace.org
Loving God with our whole person, including our minds, used to be true of most Christians. But this is no longer the case. This stunts our spiritual growth. It also severely limits our ability to influence our culture.How did this shift occur? In this inaugural episode, Stan, J.P., and Jordan discuss some of the factors that led to this shift, the ways we see this manifest in our lives and churches today, and why we should seek once again to integrate faith and reason.In this podcast we discuss: How JP and Stan met and developed a friendshipHow both got interested in the topic of the Christian mindThe importance of Christians asking questions and seeking answersHow pastors can cultivate loving God with our mindsIdeas that have led to our dividing faith from reasonWhy we shouldn’t approach ministry solely on the basis of "what works"Effective ways to engage ideas in our cultureThe challenges we face due to the presuppositions of modern higher educationSome features of a well-formed Christian mindResources mentioned during our conversation:J.P. Moreland’s work can be found at: http://www.jpmoreland.comStan Wallace’s work can be found at: https://www.stanwallace.orgYou Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving the Church...and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman (Reprint)Quote by Jen Wilkin in Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our MindsLove Your God With All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul by J.P. MorelandThe Gravedigger File: Papers on the Subversion of the Modern Church by Os GuinnessHow We Lost the Christian Mind and How to Find it Again by Stan WallaceDr. Jordan Peterson’s work can be found at https://www.jordanbpeterson.comwww.Global-Scholars.org
