Family Discussion: Recent Episodes
familydiscussion
Conversations about contentious topics that encourage people to disagree well. Co-hosted by Marcos Ortega and Lisa Spencer.
Lisa and Marcos discuss the controversies surrounding the Martin Luther King Day, share ways to celebrate that honor the Rev. Dr., and remember his legacy together.
It's a new year which means many Christians are making a new commitment to read through the Bible in a year! Is this the best way to go about your regular time in Scripture? Lisa and Marcos discuss the pros and cons of Bible reading plans, why regular Bible reading is so important, and how to keep your heart right as you pursue your Bible reading goals for 2023.
Christmas lands on a Sunday this year and Christians are battling over what to do. But the debate about Christmas Day worship has revealed some deeper ecclesiological questions. What is the purpose of the church? Can you really overemphasize evangelism? What if folks are cancelling the wrong service? Lisa and Marcos ask the questions behind the questions in our last episode of 2022.
This December, Tabletalk magazine devoted their entire issue to eschatology. Lisa and Marcos reflect on their upbringing in dispensationalism, discuss the importance of correct definitions, and consider how dispensational theology has impacted American Evangelicalism.
Resources to learn more:
ARTICLE FROM LISA SPENCER
Kingdom Come - Sam Storms
Far as the Curse is Found - Michael D Williams
The Returning King (ebook) - Verne Poythress
Family Discussion is back for our Fifth Season! Marcos and Lisa begin by sharing what's different this season, share the fun things they've been doing over the last few months, and then turn their attention to a topic of the day: Christian Nationalism.
The Summer is here which means it's time for the Family Discussion Season Finale! Lisa and Marcos begin their pivot to Season Five by discussing how Christians can faithfully demonstrate the truth and love of the Gospel during Pride Month.
Lisa and Marcos reflect on a violent few weeks. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussion of the SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force Report.
It's the dreaded gender role conversation! Lisa and Marcos talk about this controversial subject without the angst. Has God created men and women with specific roles in mind? Our hosts work to disagree well and highlight the necessity of brothers and sisters working together in the body of Christ.
After a thoughtful conversation about men last week, Lisa and Marcos turn the spotlight on women. To help with this topic they are joined by Rachel Green Miller, one half of the "Theology Gals" podcast and author of the book "Beyond Authority and Submission: Women and Men in Marriage, Church, and Society".
This week, Lisa and Marcos are joined by John Pennylegion (Penny), the Pastor of Christ the King Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Roanoke, VA...otherwise known as Lisa's pastor! Penny shares his thoughts on the current conversations about manhood and womanhood as well as some specific challenges facing men in our current context. This is a discussion you don't want to miss!
As Lisa and Marcos continue discussing the impact sin has had on humanity, they turn toward the topic of human sexuality. The hosts begin by sharing why this is a difficult topic to broach well, the confusion surrounding human sexuality, and the sins that need to be addressed. This is the first of many tough conversations about God's design for sexuality and how sin has impacted it.
In this short episode, Lisa and Marcos discuss the recent events in Ukraine, and close with prayers for the embattled country.
Followers of Jesus have long been working for the promotion and preservation of life. Lisa and Marcos discuss why the doctrine of the image of God is so important as Christians do pro-life work and how the Westminster Larger Catechism helps Christians discuss the topic of abortion with clarity and compassion.
From high profile leaders to Christians in the pews, many are experiencing a phenomenon called "deconstruction". In this special episode, Lisa and Marcos start with their own stories as they work to define deconstruction, consider if that's the best term for what people are going through, and detail the dangers of apostasy.
Where did racism and ethnic strife come from? Is racism unique to the United States? Lisa and Marcos discuss how a robust understanding of the human sin makes sense of ethnic hatred and ask questions about how to move forward in a fallen world.
After weeks spent in Genesis 1-2, Marcos and Lisa discuss the ramifications of sin entering the world in Genesis 3. What happened when humanity fell in the garden, and what are some important implications for the church today?
Special guests Daniel Wells and Jason Little, Teaching Elders in the Presbyterian Church in America, join Lisa and Marcos to comment on the continuing debates around sexuality and gender in their denomination.
After a break for Advent, Lisa and Marcos continue discussing what it means to be human with a look at God's good design for sexuality and gender.
Climate change and environmental policies have been all over the headlines lately. Marcos and Lisa discuss how the Christian's charge to care for creation might lead us to think about these important conversations, and the tools the Church has to steward creation well.
The Covenant of Works is an important concept in Reformed Theology. How does this doctrine help us think through the work of Jesus and the calling of the church? Lisa and Marcos dive back into Genesis Two, continuing their discussion of anthropology and justice.
It's election season again and the Virginia election has our hosts talking! Marcos and Lisa are here with a special episode talking about what went down last week! Are black conservatives somehow betraying the black cause? What role did CRT have in the election and how much of a concern should it be? Listen in to some spirited but loving disagreement brought to the surface by current events.
Lisa and Marcos discuss the Creation Mandate, the role of culture building, and why this is an important discussion for churches and Christians.
In this week's episode, Lisa and Marcos talk about what it means to be made in the image of God. What are different components of the image of God? How does this impact various relationships in our lives? Why is image such an important doctrine?
Lisa and Marcos begin talking about the oft-neglected topic of Anthropology. The conversation begins with a look at human beings being specially created by God and what that means for us today.
Family Discussion is back! Before Marcos and Lisa dive back into discussions of ethnicity, justice, and systematic theology, they take a moment to reflect on a popular podcast and the important questions it raises for public Christianity. Get introspective with our hosts and share your thoughts in the comments!
Family Discussion is back for a super-sized bonus episode! Lisa and Marcos interview a long-time PCA member and Ruling Elder about the challenges facing people of color in Reformed denominations, and why many have decided to stay rather than leave. This episode adds an important perspective to ongoing race and justice conversations in Reformed and evangelical circles.
After a break for Holy Week, Family Discussion is back for their Season 3 Finale! Lisa and Marcos reflect on the year that's passed before considering the impact our cultural blinders have on the right reading of Scripture. We hope you've enjoyed this season, and we'll be back again very soon!
In this week's episode, Lisa and Marcos discuss why knowing the contexts of the writers of Scripture can help us interpret rightly. Why do these original contexts matter? What can happen when we ignore the context? How does application change when context is considered?
Lisa and Marcos continue discussing special revelation by asking, "What is the Story of the Bible"? How we read the main story of the Bible can impact how we apply that story to our current context. Listen in to this clarifying discussion.
Lisa and Marcos continue their journey through systematic theology and justice by taking a look at the Bible. Does Special Revelation extend beyond the Bible? What does understanding the Bible as Special Revelation mean for us as we wrestle through the issues of today?
Lisa and Marcos use the current CRT controversies as a test case for this question: How do we understand the limits of general revelation when studied apart from Scripture? Are there limits to this knowledge? How do we make sure we stay on track, particularly when controversy erupts in a "common grace field" like sociology?
This week, Lisa and Marcos continue their journey through systematic categories and take a look at the doctrine of revelation. How does the Self-Revelation of God help us think through social justice issues today?
Lisa and Marcos take a break from their discussions of social justice to address the horrific reports of abuse perpetrated by Ravi Zacharias and the dysfunction at Hillsong Church. Does American Evangelicalism have a future? Pull up a chair for this important Family Discussion.
Whenever Christians talk about Justice, they need to ask about the Justice of God. What does it mean that God is "Just"? What kinds of justice are in the Bible and how can Christians apply them today? Lisa and Marcos continue their systematic look at contentious issues.
Marcos and Lisa continue their discussions of ethnicity and social justice from the lens of systematic theology. How does the doctrine of God as Creator help us understand these current issues?
Marcos and Lisa begin their work of applying Systematic Theology to questions of race, ethnicity, and justice. What does the Doctrine of God, particularly the Doctrine of the Trinity, have to say to these important issues? Dive into these deep waters for a filling conversation!
Season Three is back! And we're taking a bit of a turn for this second part of the season. Now that we've discussed some of the definitions of race and justice, how might Christians use the categories of systematic theology to move the conversation forward? What is systematic theology anyway? Dive in with Lisa and Marcos for this week's Family Discussion.
What is a digital hireling and why are they damaging for local churches? In today's episode, Lisa and Marcos discuss the distractions and challenges digital hirelings pose, provide tips on how to navigate the many voices clamoring for your attention, and encourage folks into deeper relationships with their local churches. We hope you enjoy this final episode of 2020!
Does the Church have a place in the ongoing quest for culture change? Can the Church go too far (or not far enough) in seeking that change? Should we engage policy or only people? Lisa and Marcos tackle this controversial but important topic.
Many seem to be confused about the end goal of justice conversations in the church. What are we trying to accomplish? How will we know when we've met our goal? Lisa and Marcos share their hope for these conversations and orient the topics of race and justice toward the primary purposes of the Church.
Whenever people have conversations about race and racism, definitions are vital. Lisa and Marcos offer their definitions, discuss why the definitions are important for constructive and edifying conversations, even when Christians disagree about these important issues.
Wherever injustice is found, Christians are called to respond with the justice and love of God. Many leaders argued that the first step toward action is lament. What is lament? Is it helpful? How can lament actually perpetuate the problem? Marcos and Lisa explore this biblical construct in today's context.
What a week! The votes are counted and the decision has been made. But how are our hosts reacting? Today, Lisa and Marcos discuss the 2020 election, their concerns, their hopes, and what they desire for the church. This is not an episode you want to miss!
Any times issues of race or justice are brought up, love is quickly thrown out the window. Lisa and Marcos discuss how love motivates us to have difficult conversations and helps us have those conversations in Christ-honoring ways.
Marcos and Lisa are back! And they're going there: it's time to talk about race, ethnicity, and social justice. Season Three is going to be a wild ride! Subscribe, rate, and review as you come on in to this Season's Family Discussion!
In our Season Two Finale, Marcos and Lisa discuss what lessons the church can take from COVID-19 into a post coronavirus world. What innovations should continue on? What perspectives about church have been challenged for the good? What do they hope gets left behind? This is a challenging but important way to finish Season Two. Until next time!
Lisa and Marcos decide to take a break from discussing the pandemic and turn to one of their favorite pastimes: Watching the West Wing. Your hosts share their favorite moments and characters, explore the politics of the show, and discuss the way creator Aaron Sorkin handles religion. It's a fun break that we all need. Enjoy!
In today's episode, Lisa and Marcos discuss the tendency to find scapegoats as elected officials weigh the serious challenges of opening the economy against the importance of preserving life. A helpful conversation where there is disagreement, yet still love.
It's a special day at the Family Discussion Podcast! Lisa and Marcos welcome guest Dr. Anthony Bradley to discuss the global impact of COVID-19, covering questions about economics, holistic wellness, and global mission work. This is a fascinating conversation that you don't want to miss!
A few weeks ago, Dr. Anthony Fauci remarked that COVID-19 was shining a spotlight on societal problems that already existed before the pandemic. Lisa and Marcos reflect on what they've seen "spotlighted", both negative and positive.
In today's episode, Lisa and Marcos share how they're doing as the world struggles through the COVID-19 pandemic. Lisa explains how being kept from church leads to a sense of loss, while Marcos discusses the challenges of pastoring a flock while not being able to be with them. Settle in for this honest yet encouraging conversation!
The Coronavirus has upended all of our lives and plans, even the plans for Season Two! In this episode, Lisa and Marcos discuss the importance of retaining our humanity in the face of racism, hoarding, and a lack of community. Listen in as your hosts wrestle with this new reality!
As coronavirus continues its global assault, Lisa and Marcos discuss the importance of protecting vulnerable populations. How do we care for the elderly without ignoring important economic questions? How might the government best address this pandemic in a way that protects life? Lisa and Marcos discuss these difficult questions and more on this important episode.
In this episode, Marcos and Lisa discuss how their biblical and political convictions help them think through matters pertaining to life, particularly the hot-button issue of abortion. This one is sure to get folks talking!
Lisa and Marcos discuss the latest about the coronavirus. Why has response to the virus broken along partisan lines? How can churches respond well to this disruption and how should Christians love their neighbors well over the next few weeks?
What do we mean when we say "religious liberty"? Is this liberty for all religions? Is the conviction a cover for Christian exaltation? How does the First Amendment play into this conversation? Why do many Christians hold religious liberty as one of their most cherished American rights? Lisa and Marcos dive into this discussion in order to better understand different perspectives on this important political issue.
This week, Lisa and Marcos continue laying out biblical foundations for politics. Marcos shares the biblical grid he uses as he approaches various political topics. What is the overarching ethic that might lead a Christian in a more progressive direction? What about some of the specific issues? And why would a Christian ever be a registered Democrat?
This week, Lisa Spencer shares the biblical convictions that form her political positions. Why is religious liberty so important? What about issues of life? What is the conservative approach to caring for vulnerable populations? Lisa addresses this question and more.
Season Two Premiere! To kick off the new season, Lisa and Marcos introduce the theme of the upcoming episodes: politics! How do Christians talk about these difficult issues, especially when they disagree? Are there ground rules? Is there a particular way to vote? Does Christian political discourse look different than the political discourse of the world? Lisa and Marcos discuss these questions and more in the first episode of this season of Family Discussion!
In the Season One Finale, Lisa and Marcos welcome Karen Ellis to the show to discuss the importance of the global church and what we can learn from brothers and sisters around the world. Also, listen for an exciting announcement about happenings at Reformed Theological Seminary!
In this episode, Marcos and Lisa discuss the primacy of the local church when discussing contentious issues in the Christian world.
Rachel Green Miller, author of "Beyond Authority and Submission: Woman and Men in Marriage, Church, and Society" and co-host of the "Theology Gals" podcast, joins Marcos and Lisa to discuss the challenges women face when they engage in theological discussion and biblical scholarship.
Lisa and Marcos reflect on last week's discussion about the Spirituality of the Church. When is it appropriate to invoke the doctrine? How is abuse of the doctrine avoided?
Sean Michael Lucas is the first ever guest on Family Discussion! Listen in as Sean educates Marcos and Lisa on the doctrine called the Spirituality of the Church, explains ways it has been abused in the past, and looks toward a more consistent application of the doctrine.
What is the protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura? How does it differ from Solo Scriptura? And how does this distinction help us to speak about contentious issues from the right perspective? Listen as Lisa and Marcos dive in.
In this episode, Lisa and Marcos talk about common grace and how different approaches to the doctrine could lead to different perspectives on social issues.
Lisa and Marcos discuss versions of the "Gospel" that veer outside Christian orthodoxy. From well-known false gospels to more subtle constructs, false gospels be subtly working their way into the church?
A Current Events Episode: What does the response to Kanye West have in common with the shakeup at Relevant? Lisa and Marcos Discuss. Note: This episode was recorded before Relevant's CEO took a sabbatical in response to the controversy.
Is the Gospel narrow? Is it broad? Are the two options mutually exclusive? Marcos and Lisa find that though they disagree on the parameters of the Gospel, there is much they actually agree on.
Why are Christians struggling to disagree well? What are some of the reasons that keep Christians from finding common ground? Lisa and Marcos explore.
The first official episode! Why does Family Discussion exist? What are we trying to accomplish? What are the rules of engagement?