DRIVING THEOLOGY: Recent Episodes

Michael Dean McLain

This podcast is recorded in my car as I drive to work. I do it this way so that I can work through ideas organically without the luxury of a Bible or any other books to fall back on. This way I know how I sound when I talk on these subjects and I can listen back to what I said and see the path and progression of my own theology and understanding of Jesus. I do not edit so as to keep discussions as raw and real as possible, although I do pause from time to time, like when I recently spilled my coffee or when I get a call.

410: I Thought There'd Be More by Michael Dean McLain

Despite my theologicsl beliefs, I can still be moved to tears occasionally

Death sucks. I didn't start out to make this a eulogy about my Father-in-law. But it went there anyway. I apologize for this being late. I forgot my computer yesterday. I would love some feedback (pun intended) on the new mic set up. Like? No? No change?

Trying out a new mic setup (It fails miserably, btw!). The voice comes through better, but there is a vibration happening. Will need to take care of that! I'll work on it! Please bear with me.

Got my car back from the mechanic and I'm stoked. Too care of some of the rattles, which is better for you guys, I hope. But, after I catch you guys up a bit, I talk a little about the proactive nature of following Jesus.

Today's offering stems from an epiphany I had about the temporal nature of Hell and the eternal nature of Heaven, and how both are first experienced in this life.

In this podcast, I explore the nature of worship, which segues into a talk on knowing and following God's will.

, and how I approach them.

MAGA wants you to believe that empathy can somehow be weaponized, can be evil, can be manipulated. What they don't tell you, is that empathy is a weapon against all that is anti-Christ, anti-love. Yes, it is a weapon. But not against goodness, but against evil (Isaiah 5:20).This episode is a bit short because of a technical difficulty.

There is something about the modern church experience that just falls short. I try to get into something here that might contribute to that. Practice.

Adult male friends can be hard to find, and even more difficult to maintain. I have been blessed with some good friends and mentors over the years. This is a little about them.

suppoeters will take and still support him. He's proven that for some die heaerd MAGA, there is no limit. Their faith in him is absolute.

What did Jesus think he was up to? Who was he and what was he trying to accomplish?

In this episode, I discuss a new book on Catholic Tradition as well as wrap up a book by NT Wright.

It takes me a little to get going here, but I do get to a point. I promise!

War in Iran, people dead, innocent victims, outrage abounds...What is going on?! A tale as old as time. Where is the justice? Mercy? Who will stop the cycle?

Bad things happen when we cherry pick verses to make our point, especially words of Paul, and don't give the entire text the attention it deserves.

Will we ever know the full truth of who Epstein was and what he did? IDK. But I do believe in the promises of our Father!

Is this rare from-home episode, I try to describe my paradigm for understanding Jesus, who he is and what he is doing in the world. Also, I posit the question: Is Jesus your Master or your Mascot?

In this episode, I am a bit distracted here and there as I am anticipating getting a call any minute announcing the birth of my first grandbaby. It didn't happen during the drive, but came about 20 minutes later. Mom and baby are great. But, inspired by my daughter and granddaughter, I explore the idea of life, and specifically, life in Jesus. Life is truly beautiful.

ICE has been cracking down, literally, on protestors in Minnesota and elsewhere, overstepping their boundaries and generally wrecking havoc wherever they go. This is to be expectied. Governments over the years have used force to intimidate critics. What is unexpected is that Christians are supporting their ungodly actions. Dead and broken bodies as well as broken families and spirits is the result.

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Is a sense, walking through this life as a believer in Jesus is like a blessed man walking through a dessrt. We encounter many in need of what we have, and we can be an Oasis in the desert to all that we meet.

The last offering of advent and probably for the year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all!

Though I mistakenly refer to this week's theme as HOPE once or twice, I am talking agout Joy, specifically, the joy that comes from the knowledge that Jesus is making all wrongs right.

entails?

It is that time again. Hope is our topic today for the first week in Advent.

On waking this morning I was greeted by two epiphanies related to Abraham. How random is that?!

There are many people, even Christians, who haven't give theology the time of day. Or so they think. In this episode, I discuss how everyone has a theology, and why theology matters.

It takes me a while to get there, but, as if often the case, I end up at Love. Specifically how we love God.

Do you get the blues from time to time? I didn't for most of my life, but, these days, yes. Sometimes I have a lot on my mind, burdens that I carry, people and futures that I worry about. I'm sure you do too!

380: The WORD of YAHWEH by Michael Dean McLain

A less focused episode, for sure, but I think I get to a worth while point...eventually.

In this episode, I explore a phrase that has been on my mind during my morning prayer time lately while praying for all the hurting people in the world.

The name by which you call a person reveals the relationship with that person, at least from your perspective. What do you call God? Does it matter? Well, yes and no.

377: Shakes, Quakes, And Squeaky Brakes! by Michael Dean McLain

This week, I cover a few topics; handling times of dispair, and what it means when Jesus says we must become like children to enter the Kingdom.

Building on the theological concept of "Divine Withdrawal", something many people are unfamiliar with, I delve into the Divine Council, a mysterious event mentioned several times in scripture.

In this episode there are two parts; my recent prayers that God would withdraw his protection from the oppressors of the world, and the Sun as an effective and detailed metaphor for the Christ.

In this episode, I explore what I've been learning from the book, Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, by Tyler Staton, and through a month of daily, disciplined praying.

Diving into another book, this time on prayer. And it has inspired me to pray more intentionally, which is no small feat!*Correction- Kyrie Eleison is a song written by Richard Page for the 80s band, Mr. Mister.

My wrapping up of Reversed Thunder by Eugene Peterson, a book I've been reading recently to help my understanding of this cryptic book increase. And it has! I still have a way to go, though.

In possibly my last offering before September, I try to wrap up m 7 week reading of Reversed Thunder by Eugene Peterson. That being said, I may try and do a proper overview episode from my home in August.

The place that judgement has in the grand scheme of things has often alluded me, and, frnankly, I have steered away from it like the plague. But in this chapter of Reversed Thunder, Peterson gives me a fresh perspective.

In this episode, I talk about the 9th chapter of Reversed Thunder by Eugene Peterson, The Last Word On Politics.

I have a love/hate relationship with prayer. On the one hand, I find it hard to do consistently. On the other, I question its effectiveness. In this episode, I explore prayer in light of Eugene Peterson's book, Reversed Thunder, and have changed my opinions on prayer somewhat.

In this third episode about "Reversed Thunder", Eugene Peterson's work on Revelation, we meet the four famous horses: War, Famine, Pestilence, and the White Horse of Christ, Fathful, True and Righteous. These horses are not equal, nor are they on the same side. Three are evil, one is good. I'll leave it to you to figure out which is which.

I begin by doing a poor job reporting what I've read this week of Reversed Thunder by Eugene Peterson and then move on to some christological thoughts on the Love of Jesus which leads to transformation and salvation.

Here, I give my report after having finished Dostoevsky's Notes From Underground and also report on the first fifth of Peterson's Reversed Thunder, a work on Revelation.

I do NOT have a comprehensive understanding of John's Revelation. Perhaps it's time to change that. The title of this episode is my hope for the future.

Starting with the fiasco knows as the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial, I explore food and the experience of community building that it has, as modeled by Jesus and the Lord's supper.

"Even a broken clock is right twice a day". Ever heard that? Ever doubt yourself? Do you ever wonder when things go right that it just might be blind luck and not because you did anything right? Me, too.

Reflecting on the recent wedding of my daughter, in this episode I share my opinions on why I believe the institution of marriage is worth-while, especially in such a highly mobile world.

In this episode, I have a bit of an epiphany. I made a connection that I had not previously made. Not sure if it will hold up to scrutiny, but I'll put it out there none the less.

Pope Francis has passed. As far as I'm concerned, he was a man who desired to be like Jesus and did a pretty good job, considering all the trappings of his office. He will be sorely missed by millions and is not easily replaced.

Going off of a FB meme, I explore atonement theology once again, going deeper and farther than ever before.

By request (thanks, Stephen), I introduce the fine peopole we have been gathering with and mentoring to. I try to hide specific names to protect privacy, tho I hope I don't reveal too much.

After a brief review of The Chosen Season 4 episodes 1-3, I give a quick overview of Mark chapters 1-4, bringing up something that disappoints me about the parables of Jesus.

Current actions by POTUS have me and others wondering is out way of government is going through a transformation. What has Christians behind this President and what does that mean?

March 11 this year came and went, like it has the past 14 years, with many memories of that fateful day 14 years ago when Japan was hit with a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami as well as thousands of aftershocks. The day many lives were changed forever.

There are sayings of Jesus that are mysterious, and this is one of them.

What do YOU think happened on the cross? What atonement theory do you ascribe to? Did you know that many over millennia have thought differently than we do today?

I had a breakthrough thought today: America First policy is narcissism on a national scale...JD Vance needs to clean up his theology. He couldn't be more wrong about Christian love.

I watched the Super Bowl this year and was underwhelmed by the halftime show, not to mention the actual game. I have been challenged since to give Kendrick Lamar another try, to try harder and look deeper into what he was saying. I have flip flopped on my take.

John 1 says of the LOGOS, it was in the beginnings, all was created by him, and that the LOGOS was God.Hebrews 1 says that God spoke to our ancestors at various times and ways, but today, speakes to us thorugh His son, the exact representation of God.How then, do we think we can shrink this LOGOS into a mere collection of writings?!

After a bit of catching up, I delve into Mark 1: The beginning of Jesus's ministry. Spirits abound in this chapter of all kinds, Holy Spirit, evil spirits, angels, Satan, etc. What's it all about?

Like it or not, DT is president once again. Biden is not. Neither is Harris. Lightening has struck for a second time.What is going on?Well, once you take Christ out of Christianity, anything is possible.

In this episode, I talk about a new project I am undertaking, and it involves reaching for and impossible, at least up to now, goal.This is what we humans do. Or so it seems. We spend much time reaching out for the unknown, the never done.Also, I give a pre-introduction to a book by Gegory Boyd, which I have not completed yet, and I try to anticipate where it might be going. The Book is titled, "Inspired Imperfection".

The fourth week of Advent, and this year I have chosen Peace, which I hope you have! Merry Christmas!

I don't usually choose to represent "faith" as one of the advent themes, but I will this year. Hope you get something out of it. Merry Christmas!

Week 2 of Advent, Joy. Joy springs from fulfilled hope, and when that hope is well placed, the hope is all the greater! Merry Christmas, and happy Advent!

Advent has begun. Merry Christmas! I HOPE it is all you need it to be!*There is a funny mistake here when I'm talking about the three "omni" words. If you find it, let me know!

Gaslighting is a word that is becoming more and more prevalent in our everyday parlance. But do we really know what it means? Do I? I'm not sure, but here is my stab at it.

Here I explore Thanksgiving and the problem it has become to some people given the true history of Europeans in America and their treatment and impact on the indigenous population.

Do you ever feel like you know what to do, but are powerless to do it? Me, too. Me, too. Story of my life, and the story of the history of the world.Generally, we know what's right. It's a simple thing, usually. But, there are times when we don't, for many reasons. As for the church, even though we know we shouldn't, we seem powerless to resist the seductions of empire, be it Rome, England, or the US. They invite us to join them. They promise to push there agenda in exchange for their vote and loyalty. And the church seems always to acquiesce. Why is that? Why are we not satisfied with Jesus as Lord, why do we clamour for a king!

In this episode, I get a bit confused with my Bible, mistaking the Sermon On The Mount verse, Matthew 6:19-21, for the conversation with the Rich Young Ruler(Luke 18)... Oh well. They both mention "Treasures in Heaven", so I'll call it a win.

Halloween has always been one of my favorite days of the year. For as long as I can remember, I have always looked forward to that night. Something about the dark and mysterious always excited me. It still does in many ways.But, is it healthy? Is it right, good, even? Maybe.

When someone you respect does or says something that seems out of character for them, how do you react? Do you lose respect for them or give them the benefit of the doubt?

If you could find something that if widely accepted and adapted would make the world a better place, would you keep it to yourself?Not me.But seriously, though this may not save the world, it would make it more livable and more peaceful.That's not bad, right?

This post might come across as ani-semitic, but I sure hope it doesn't. I am not a Christian Zionist, in other words, I have my doubts that the fate of the world depends largely on what takes place in Palestine and the Israeli State.Not that those events don't effect the rest of the world. I just don't think they are cosmically relevant. I think that the way we treat our neighbors is of much greater import. And I want to be found to be always have stood with the downtrodden, the poor, the outcast, the sick, the imprisoned, immigrant. I believe this is what Jesus taught us. This is seeking first His kingdom.

This episode begins with way more than you need to know about my current diet and exercise regimen, and ends with a follow up to last weeks podcast. Enjoy!

Here, I muddle my way to, I think, a good place in this episode. Here, I rehash some old ideas while perhapas approaching them in a new way.

In this episode, I go back to when it all started (in some ways...) and the guy who challenged me to enter into the inner life-Stephen Farmer.

There is now a cult of America nationalists in the US, and Trump is their chosen one. No, this is not true of all DJT followers, but it is true for many. But is the adoration of the Evangelical church doing Trump any good, or is it playing right in to his narcissism?

First, sorry for the quality of the audio. I had some mishaps and had to boost the volume and do some cutting using editing software. AND I'm not great yet at recording in my new car which has a lot of bass. I'll work on it. Thanks for your patience.In this episode, I tackle the topic of Christian Nationalism, especially the current US version.

There is one thing that can drag me into politics. Just one thing.

Violence. We worship it in the US. We glorify war. We idolize our troops. We believe at the core of our beings that violence is a legitimate way to solve our and the world's problems. And Trump nearly died from an assassin's bullet-because we have failed to live out Christs example of violence absorption.

For a while now, authority has been under unprecedented attack; churches are losing members at an alarming rate, children do not respect their elders, police and other officials are under attack. What's going on here? Is there a common thread connecting these and other events together. I'm not sure. But I do have one idea...

Well, here comes another election, and here comes the US voters, ready to once again prove that they have no idea what makes a good leader and have absolutely zero ability to encourage those with the skills to lead a country effectively to pursue political office.Ugh.

Does your Bible illuminate Christ, or does Christ illuminate your Bible? This distinction is actually pretty huge. I explore this and more in this episode.

A bit of a history of my relationship with the sport of basketball and the Boston Celtics, as well as the current NBA Season and the Celtic's recent crowning as NBA champions for 2004.The Celtics had one of their best seasons and post seasons to date. And yet, sports media outside of Boston refused to believe in the Celtic's record, numbers, and as they continued to rack up win after win, and even as they won 80% of their games, and made it to the Finals, still, most of the media picked the Dallas Mavericks to win. even though the numbers indicated otherwise...

Historically, the greater a leaders authority, the harder their fall from grace. Pastors lately are falling like flies. But, are we partly to blame for their demise? Is there something that we do which causes their great falls?

What you think of hell just might be the biggest thing wrong with Christianity in the world. If it is inaccurate, it is a big loss for the world. If it's right, then God is not as good as we thought.

Is sports, especially competitive sports, compatible with the Christian life, with following Jesus? My thoughts are yes and no. It depends. Yes, sports is a subject mentioned in the Bible, but what does that really mean? So is genocide, slavery, adultery, etc.

This is a bit of a review of a book by Jonathan Haidt, "The Anxious Generation". Though this is a new topic for me, I feel this is too important and needs to be out there, regardless of my lack of a grasp on the topic. We are raising anxious kids, and we need to figure out why kids today are more anxious than ever, and how to help them.

In this episode, I explore my relationship with "church", the journey I have been on since birth, and how I have come to know Christ (such as it is). I also explore my relationship with American Christianity, which has been quite a rocky road.

Mixing in a few book reviews by Nehisi Coates and Brian Zahnd , I explore the Cross of Christ, it's symbology and meaning, especially what it has come to mean to me.

Sometimes, you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes, life loses its meaning. Sometimes, all hope is lost. But then, the dawn comes, the flower blooms, and beauty reveals itself.If you are in a dark place, the only hope I can give you is that I have been there too. It does end. In this life or the next.

Jesus is the final revelation of God, the ultimate expression of the Father, the perfect image of the invisible God. And to know him is to find rest. If you haven't found rest, perhaps you haven't found him. Not all of him. Not the truest version of him. And don't we all want that, to know who God is and to rest in him?

This is one of the most rambling journeys I've ever taken. Not sure why. Maybe the weather? Too little sleep? Too much sleep? Don't know, but I really went off on a tangent in this one. More than usual. But, I think I actually brought it together at the end. You be the judge.

What is the history of christian participation in politics? What has been the outcome of the current involvement with christians in politics? Are politics and christianity compatible? Why or why not?

We are all unique(If we are all unique, are we unique at all?!). Each of us has a set of personality traits that make us who who we are. They are also signposts of where we have been and what we have experienced. How does this translate spiritually?

Every generation is burdened with the mistakes of the past. The young people of Japan are no exception. They will be tasked with solving a unique set of problems, through no fauly of their own. The young people of every country are in a similar situation. Such is the way of the world.

There has been much talk about what exactly the Kingdom is, how to bring it about, who is in and who is out. When it will come, or when it did come. Here I delve into the nature of the kingdom, what I think it is and what I think it isn't.

Don Quijote (Quixote) is a literary figure that continues to peak our imagination, even four centuries after the book was written. What is it about him that we continue to read and contemplate his exploits and character? What is so appealing about the single-minded hero?Who can we compare him to? Read on, give a listen and find out!

All kinds of Christmas themes come up on SS this time of year, and once in a while, a new one arises. I discuss three themes garnered from Facebook friends this year, in honor of the season. Merry Christmas!

I Corinthians 13, Fruit of the Spirit, and the life of the loving Christ are more than enough to teach us what it's all about: Love.

For thousands of years, heroes of the church, AKA saints, have been venerated for their faith, suffering, and miracles. Many traditions ignore these saints, arguing that all believers are technically saints.Most agree to disagree. But, I little deeper of a dig, reveals some surprising similarities. Do you venerate saints or worship celebrities? Chance are that you do one of the other.

Just how much should one worry about the future? At what point, if any, is it wrong to NOT worry about the future and how you will live when you are old? Just how much does Jesus want us to live in the now? I don't know... seriously.

Thanksgiving has always been my second favorite holiday, second only to Christmas. But a not so deep look into its history, reveals that Thanksgiving, and the supposed events it celebrates, can be viewed from a much darken perspective. But, being Thankful can't be wrong, can it? No. No it can't. Being willfully blind can.

Some would have you believe that those of us who have doubts about the faith we've inherited are being disobedient and rebelling against God. But for many of us, it is the way by which we catch a better glimpse of Jesus and through him, God. We are rebelling against religion, yes. But not against God. We have come to believe that religion has been rebelling against Jesus and his hopes and dreams for his "church".

This is an episode that started from a thought I had: You are a masterpiece of your own making! Here, I explore the idea that and individual is largely in charge and responsible for the kind of person that individual is. Though there are outside influences, as adults, we have the ability to react and filter these influences and have an amazing amount of control over how much they affect who we are.

I talk about a recent chaotic day I've had, and go into a quote I found on facebook this morning that I thought was really good and worth sharing. Enjoy!

Sometimes, words just don't come easily. Unfortunately, this is one of those episodes. I think I get to a decent place, but it wasn't easy.

Here we are...again...still. Does anything ever change? This conflict is two thousand years old, nearly. And yet, there are Christians who believe that THIS conflict is the one that will bring Jesus back to earth. Really? We'll see. We'll see.

I meander my way to a stream of consciousness exploration of the phenomenon of tribalism: seeing those close to you or affiliated with you in any way through rose-colored glasses.

In this episode, I give a bit of a review of The Chosen, the TV series about Jesus, and also on what I think is an often overlooked attribute of Jesus while on earth: sight.

This is a short follow-up to the "Hitting The Wall" episode about life and the obstacles we often face to progress and improvement.

Let's face it: memes are here to stay. And they are not all bad. They can be quite good! But there is a certain kind of meme which quotes others out of context in order to push an agenda. They have become the cyber equivalent of the cut-down, the one liner, the zinger. As such, they are more mean than meme.

For whatever reason, if you have ever pursued any skill or ability, chances are you have experienced "hitting a wall" in your progress. It can be frustrating and some never seem to get through it, fail to experience a "breakthrough" moment so often associated with the overcoming of such obstacles.

How do you approach these walls, these hindrances to progress? What are they really, and are they even "bad"?

This subject is such a real part of what it means to be human, that I think I'll follow it up with a part 2. Maybe even today. IDK.

My take on 2 Timothy chapter 3 and how it might be misinterpreted to be prophetic when it might just be Paul's opinions on contemporary society, in his own day. But today, people use this passage as a critique on current events and societal trends which to them are antithetical to christianity as they see it. You be the judge.

When you combine John 17 and 1 John 4, you come up with something like this: To know God is to have eternal life. God is love. To love is to know God. Therefore, if you love, you know God and have eternal life!

It's time for me to lose weight-AGAIN! Yes, I rebonded from my last diet several years ago, and then some. In this episode, I compare the unhealthy relationship we can have with food to the unhealthy relationship we can have with religion.

Where on earth did you get your ideas of Heaven? In this episode, I explore some of the standard notions of heaven, and the conclusions I've come to down through the years.

July 4th was really a big deal for me growing up. One of my most favorite days of the year for sure. I loved blowing things up! Why is that? Why do boys love loud bangs and explosions so much? And how is the US's fascination with all-things explosive (guns, artillery, bombs, fireworks...)reflected in this all-American holiday?

A follow up episode to last week's podcast on marriage. Here, I delve into some ramblings on marriage, sex, intimacy, children and family.

Despite the The Princess Bride reference, marriage is a worthwhile endeavor for so many reasons, the foremost of which is that it reflects the image of God back into the world. Because, you see, the promise to stand beside someone, no matter what, is who God promises us!

Disney's live-action version of The Little Mermaid has sparked controversy. I comment of the controversy as well as the general story as I remember it. And at the end, I hope you will say about this podcast, "Isn't it neat..."

A not-at-all-extensive reveal of my own path to a kind of atheism, a refusal to believe in the God that was presented to me over 40 years of being a "Christian". And boy, did I ever believe in him! I was a true believer, a sinner in the hands of an angry God, All in, so to speak. And then the scales fell from my eyes, and I was presented with a beautiful image, a truly divine portrayal of God: Jesus. And Jesus challenges all notions of God. And the Bible. Jesus challenges us in every sphere imaginable.

I, like many of you, avoid Bible passages that make me uncomfortable, which challenge my beliefs of who God is or what the Bible says. Here, I will make an attempt of reconciling the last parable of Matthew 24, a parable that challenges, for some, the non-violent image of jesus.

*By the way, what I say here about the people weeping and gnashing their teeth is most likely wrong. After looking again at the passage, I now see that those people were called hypocrites. The bad slave was to be put with the hypocrites, who were weeping and gnashing their teeth, people who say one thing and do another, like this slave.

"Every time I draw a line to exclude someone, Jesus crosses the line and waits for me there...", or something like this, is a meme I recently saw, after I had recorded this podcast. It would have fit perfectly here.

Why do we separate ourselves from spending time with certain people? What role does the church have in influencing such decision? Who's in and who's out?

If you challenge the status quo, you will find yourself alone. Alone at least until others are encouraged to come forward as well and voice their dissent, perhaps by your willingness to speak up. The ability to see that things could be different, better, can be a gift and a curse. I explore some ideas here, brainstorm style, of advice I would give to someone who feels alone in their context.

Faith deconstruction has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. And, at times, one of the worst. Still, dark though the road sometimes be, on I trudge. If you are starting to ask questions, if you think that the life with Christ is supposed to be so much more than it has turned for you, this podcast may be for you.

We have all had bad experiences as children. Those incidents have, to some extent, influenced who we are today, at least in terms of our personality, our habits, our phobias, etc. At a human level, we are what we have experienced. We have become who we are due in part to our environment and the nature of our nurturing, or lack thereof. But what of our identity in Christ? How does Christ see us? How does how he sees us influence our self-identity?

Matthew chapter 24 is a controversial passage in a controversial book. How it has been understood over the years has affected the church and the world. This is my take, my attempt to debunk some of the myths about this chapter and how it has been understood over the years.

In this episode, I meander my way to, I think, a pretty good place, namely, the attractiveness of the package, influences, to some extent, how it is received. The Evangelical package that the gospel is placed in, has completely compromised the message of the Gospel of Jesus, in my opinion.

Yes, another institutional church critique podcast. And as long as people are oppressed by it, I will continue to podcast about it. Religion tends to take what we need every minute of every day, and package it for once a week consumption. Christ, and the many metaphors used for him and his way of life, show that he was meant to be the foundation of our everyday lives, not saved for weekend rituals. Religion might lead you to that conclusion, as it did me, but it is not the destination.Also, for the sneeze, the nose blowing, and the sniffling, I apologize. Allergy season here in Japan...

Asbury, Kentucky, has experience a phenomenon few get to witness: a bona fide revival. What is a revival, exactly, and what, if anything, will come of this one?

Do you remember your dreams, the big things you wanted to do, the heights you wanted to achieve, when you were a child? Actually, I don't. I'm not sure about everyone else, but I have a hard time remembering any big dreams before I was a high schooler. Not sure why...But, when we encounter the big dreams that kids have, how should we, as adults, respond? Should we temper or encourage the big dreams of children?

Comparing choral singing and solo singing to institutional church and "organic" church may not see intuitive, but I think i make it work here. Check it out! For singers and those wanting to follow The Way.

For whatever reason, at some point, you will probably come to the realization that one aspect of your life, if not the whole thing, is no longer enough, no longer living up to the promise it once professed. It might be your job, your church, your marriage, but most likely, something in your life will lose the shine it once had. What do we do then?

What do the Globalization movement and The Kingdom of Heaven have in common? More than you might think, in my opinion. Have a listen!

Today, the church is so busy defining itself as victims, as marginalised, that we forget Jesus came and served those in the margins, those pushed aside by big government, religion, and business. Those are who he came for. But by his calling, we stepped into the light and left the margins. We found family and identity in Jesus. He saved us from the margins. Saved us so that we could save others. NOT so that we could claim to be victims in need of being saved, denying the fact that we became big religion.Today, the true church is still in the margins, pulling those in need into the light, giving them identity and family. Giving them salvation. Big Church just became big religion, a marginalizing beast like its counterparts in government and business.

The first podcast of the new year for me, here I discuss traditional roles of women in the church and how my faith tradition, Church of Christ, has traditionally denied leadership roles for women. Why does this persist?

What does it mean, "Peace on earth"? In what way has peace come to earth? What is peace? How might it affect our lives if we let it?

A message for the third week of advent, or at least my advent, "joy". please en-JOY!

A loosely based podcast on the second week of Advent: Faith.How does the birth of Jesus, the salvation of Israel and the world, hope and faith intersect? I'm not sure. But I do explore it a bit here!

Note: "The Anticipated Christ: A Journey Through Advent And Christmas" by Brian Zahnd is the book which I couldn't remember. Also, I refer to Jeremiah as the builder of the wall of Jerusalem. I should have said Nehemiah...In this advent message, I speak a little about salvation and what salvation might look like on the ground, realistically. I would love to know your thoughts...

Prompted by an episode of Grey's Anatomy, I revisit the problem of suffering and try and bring some perspective to this very real and very mysterious subject.

In this episode, I explore the proposed idea to call missionaries something else, as the term/title missionary has become a mixed bag which brings up all kinds of images and emotions for different people, based on their experiences and their country's experiences with missionaries in the past.Will a name change change anything? Is it necessary?

After 262 plus podcasts, I, again, feel the need to explain why I do what I do, the way I do, Driving Theology. There are some new insights here, I think, that I haven't discovered before.

How much of what ails the church today can be traced to a lack of humility in leaders? How do we know we know what we think we know?

I recently became aware that I may have finally shed my christian programming. Good or bad? Not sure. But it's happening. At least on some level. My journey to shed the bad while focusing on the good has been a nearly 20 year journey and has led me down some interesting roads, mainly to organic church (whatever that means) and more freedom.

What does Jesus have to do with Jazz? More than you might think. In this episode I wax philosophic on jazz and the way that dissonant chords are resolved so beautifully in Jazz, and works beautifully as a metaphor for the resolution of the chaos which we face so often in life. That's Life!

I begin by talking a little bit about Jazz, and then get into the main topic of today: as teachers, parents, and clergy, do we know the difference between manipulation and inspiration? What are the differences? Is it possible that we have been manipulating, all the while thinking we have been inspiring?

I have another life as a solo singer, Opera and classical, among other styles. In this podcast, I explore what it means to be an artist and yet not giving in to self-centeredness and selfishness. It's not easy, of course. Being a soloist necessarily involves having the focus on you. So, how can we be like Jesus, who, though he often had the focus on him, remained humble and self-less?

Is your church a benign cult or a malignant cult? Neither? Both? Most churches develop cult-like tendencies if they are not there outright from the get-go. Here I brainstorm some ideas of what benign cult-like tendencies might look like and my experiences with them.

(Apologies for the background noise. It cuts out after a few minutes.)

Fear is a part of life and it can be healthy in certain circumstances. But using fear as an educational tool has its drawbacks. Many drawbacks. And as a method of conversion is downright off the mark.

A sad week in Japan, former prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, has been assassinated. In this episode, I delve back into the ways of violent conflict resolution, a bankrupt system which has run its course. We are all lucky to have survived it at all.

People have fallen in love with the Bible while missing Jesus. Possible? Yes. Even probably. This one thing explains so many of the ever increasing holes found in Evangelicalism today.

The church today, as a whole, is caught up in the ambitions of empire and all that it promises. Meanwhile, all those in need and brushed aside or trampled on. When is the church going to embrace it's Jesus-given mandate to take his GOOD NEWS to all the world? To love our enemies? To turn the other cheek?

A reiteration of a podcast I did two weeks ago, after going on a two-day trekking excursion with my friends, Pat and Cam. One thing that came to me during this podcast was that one definition of mankind, especially when compared to other living creatures, is "overcomer". That is what we do. We overcome obstacles, together and individually. We make up for our weaknesses through innovation and invention. We overcome.

The media, on both sides, will tell you that you have to do one or the other. One side claims that evil is at fault. The other that easy access to guns is the issue. Truth is, it's both. We can work on one without neglecting the other. The children's blood is crying out to us from the ground: DO SOMETHING! Let's not let them die in vain. Let's work on the problem from every angle.

In today's world, leadership tends to hover and protect, instead of help and prepare, whether it's parents or pastors or presidents. One thing you can be sure of, disaster will strike; physically, mentally, socially, or spiritually. We will be hit with something which will cause us to question everything we thought we knew and believed. How can we prepare for that day of doom?

Again. Another shooting. Seems to be a weekly thing now. America is violent. That's just what we do. We shoot.

There has to be a better way.

Update: As of today, 19 kids and two adults-21 now, have died. WHAT IS GOING ON!

A sequel to last week's podcast on the Beatitudes of Matthew 5.

Matthew chapters 5-7 contain some of the most loved and most controversial teachings of Jesus, beginning with the so called "Beatitudes". This 8 (or 9)sentences are among the most quoted and also most misunderstood sayings of jesus. When is the last time you took the time to contemplate their meanings, or, God forbid, apply them to your life?

This is my attempt (3rd attempt, actually, to make sense of them) to begin to bring some kind of a center to my life, confused and thrown into chaos by Covid 19. I hope that you will be blessed by them as I have been.

So, did God make us to sin? I know it is a stange, and some might say, offensive notion, but how do you reconcile the fact that God knew we would sin, and made us anyway? What are the implications?

Covid 19 has ushered many dark times, both for individuals and organizations. Churches are not immune, and actually have been quite hard. But, the dawn follows the night and these dark times will one day be a thing of the past. What does Jesus' resurrection teach us about overcoming darkness?

How are you processing all the information you take in on a daily basis? How do you know what to believe? This is a brainstorming session about trying to navigate through all the noise on the way to finding the truth.

In this episode, I meander my way to a possible truth: A broken understanding of hell can lead to a shying away from an encounter with God. To few of us have mystical experiences. Why is that?

Do you recognize when rhetoric is being used? Do you recognize it in the Bible? Recently in Facebook Jail because my sarcastic rhetoric was taken literally, I talk about that experience and about learning to see rhetoric when it is being used, in the Bible and elsewhere.

Abortion is a failure, but not perhaps of who you think. The Kingdom of God was meant to prevent such failure, to use it for good, even. Christians need to begin taking responsibility for our failures and do better. We need to embody grace. We need to do a better job of educating and nurturing.

This is a difficult topic, perhaps too difficult for me to handle. Let me know what you think.

Russia, one week ago, invaded Ukraine. It seems like, just when we think things are getting better, someone in the world decides to make war on their neighbor. Haven't we evolved past that point yet as a species? Are we still blind to the damage we do to ourselves when we try and solve our problems with our neighbors by violence? How can we stop this cycle?

Why do churches chase numbers? What are the consequences in trusting the world's definition of success? Is the church today enslaved by money and the pursuit of money?

What has happened to Christendom? What is the era we find ourselves in today? What is the consequence of the church playing the world's game of numbers, power, and fame? I believe we have a date with the Refiner's Fire, and it won't be pretty. In fact, it has already begun.

Our theology of Heaven needs tweaking from time to time. Mine, at one time, was in need of a total overhaul. This is a story of two Heavens. Or, more precisely, the Kingdom of Heaven and an "afterlife" version of Heaven.

Prompted by a recent FB messenger discussion about "Postcards From Babylon" and the issues it brings up about the American church and it's identity crisis as disciples of Jesus, or citizens of Uncle Sam. Or some ungodly mashup of the two.

After bumbling around for a few minutes, I finally get to the topic that I wanted to talk about: The WORD of God. What does that mean to you? It used to mean "the Bible" to me. That's what I was taught. But I have come to a completely different conclusion. Give a listen, if you dare!

Jesus says to Mary Magdalene in the garden after he has been resurrected, "Don't cling to me, Mary, for I have not yet ascended." What did he mean by that?! Shouldn't we cling to Jesus? Maybe not, it appears...

Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy are the themes of Advent (sometimes). Here, I explore the idea that Joy is our response to the hope, peace, and love which we receive from God.

Merry Christmas!

Just what mysteries does the incarnation contain? Exploring Love in this third week advent episode. Merry Christmas!

A stream of consciousness on the subject of peace, and especially peace-making, being the second theme of Advent. I have an epiphany in the course of this recording. Enjoy!

Looking back, can you see a progression in the things or people you have put your hope in, your faith in?

Should you place your hope in Jesus? Is there one greater than Jesus? Maybe. Just maybe.

So many people right now are critical of CRT without really knowing what it is. What is Critical Race Theory? This is my understanding. Open to correction.

What are the critics critical of? The theory itself or the application thereof?

When we hear, "God is love", what does that mean to us? How well do we understand God? Love? Anything?

First 18 minutes is basically catching you up with me. FF if you would like to get into the meat of the LOGOS discussion.

There is much Calvinism that has made it into modern Evangelicalism and Christianity as a whole, my tradition (past) included. In this podcast, I go into more death on the ideas of Calvinism, what I agree with, but mostly what I don't

After finishing the entire Cultish podcast episode on the Churches of Christ... This is my reactions and thoughts. Trigger alert: I'm not a fan of John Calvin!

If you are going to criticise the theology of a group, you had better be sure that you are standing on decen theological ground. In this episode, I rebut the criticisms of Cultish podcast, who criticise the theology of Churches of Christ, the tradition I grew up with. But, not, perhaps, in the way you might expect.

What lessons can we learn from John Denver and other famous idols?

A second try at capturing this podcast (micro SD fail...) about how different people take different approaches to prepare for life's calamities. But there are a few things that we can all do.

Not the first time I've explored the concept of Justice. Justice is a constant theme in the Bible and understanding it from God's perspective is an important step in understanding better the character of God.

(This podcast was posted last night, but after listening to it, I discovered that two devices, independent of each other, failed nearly simultaneously. So, I had to go back and pull audio off of a facebook live video. Sorry for the inconvenience.)

Not the first time I've explored the concept of Justice. Justice is a constant theme in the Bible and understanding it from God's perspective is an important step in understanding better the character of God.

Is it possible that what you take from reading a passage in the Bible reveals more about you than what the Bible is actually trying to say?

BOOKS BY PETE ENNS: https://www.google.com/search?q=books+by+Peter+Enns&oq=books+by+Peter+Enns&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30.5610j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Podcast by Pete Enns: Pete Ruins Isaiah https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/the-bible-for-normal-people/id1215420422?i=1000535122486

Above, I have linked Books by Peter Enns, and also a link to the specific Podcast which I reference.

Peter Enns has recently made my list of important living theological authors (The others being NT Wright, Greg Boyd, Brad Jersak, Brian Zahnd, Richard Rohr, with honorable mentions going to Wayne Jacobsen, and Frank Viola). However, I'm not sure I agree with him here. If you have time, listen to the podcast linked above before listening to my rebuttal.

The meanings of words can change over time. Many do. Still, we can't read words in the bible and interpret them with their modern meanings. If we don't understand their intended meanings, how can we hope to understand the message the Bible writers intended to pass down to us?

Here, I explore the meaning on one particular word that I believe has become counter-productive in today's churches.

Shaking things up a bit, I start by reading from Ephesians and then talking about this specific passage.

*still working on the audio... sorry for the rain!

We have not understood the parable of the "prodigal son", as witnessed to by the title we've given it. It's all about the Father and his love.

Circumstances in my family with my brother's recent homecoming has brought this beautiful story to mind once again.

*Sorry for the poor audio. I'll work on getting it better.

Why do all institutions seem to eventually succumb to corruption? How can we assure that the damage is minimal when they do?

It's a hard pill to swallow, admitting that the good ole USA is batting for the world and not for the Kingdom of God. Hard. Pill.

Thoughts?

With the Sentence being handed down for the murderer of George Floyd, I reflect on the US prison system, and the direction it should go compared to the direction its been heading.

What is the Jesus way to conflict resolution? Self-help literature is full of conflict resolution techniques, and relation fixes of all kinds. Many of them good. But how did (does?) Jesus go about it?

Have you ever been faced with an impossible choice? If you haven't, you will, chances are. How are we to find our way through these dangerous waters? I don't know. I do explore it here, nonetheless!

Is this podcast, I first talk about star scape capturing, and then recap conversations I have had recently with atheists and Jesus-believers on various topics. The main topic is reconciling the OT God with the NT Jesus.

People have left cities, countries, and the comforts of home in order to pursue God in a less distracting environs. Listening to an Audible book, "The Wisdom Of The Desert" by Thomas Merton, prompted me to explore this theme in scripture.

Have you, like me, experienced dark nights, extended periods of time where you feel disconnected from Jesus? Well, we are not alone. Here's my take on these very disturbing, yet spiritually formative, dark experiences.

Poor decisions by our forebears are what is causing the current crisis in Evangelicalism, decisions to be unevenly yoked to empires, decisions to judge the church by the standards of the world, to do what is easy instead of what is right, decisions to conform and not be transformed.

Did God really regret making Man? Does he still regret it? When is it appropriate to call a controversial passage a literary device? Are there literary devices used in the Bible or is everything to be taken at face value? And what about genres?

Recorded the day after the guilty verdict was handed down for Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd in 2020. What will success, or victory, look like in this case? Is this guilty verdict a win? And what can we do now to assure that all Americans in the future receive justice, opportunity, and freedoms equally?

When the Gutenberg Revolution met Calvin's revolutionary theory of substitutionary atonement, let's just say that the results were revolutionary: and not in a good way! We're still suffering from it today.

On this St. Patrick's Day, I talk about the idea that the light we are given was made to light up the darkness. Enjoy!

On March 11, 2011, my friend Pat and I were mountain biking here in Japan. We had just reached our goal, a little hill next to a golf course, about one hour away from our car and civilization, including our families, when all hell broke loose and our lives changed in a moment.

These are my memories and reflections on that day and the days after.

200! Kind of unbelievable that this is my 200th solo podcast recorded. Thank you all for listening!

This, which has been par for the course, is a meandering speech which took a little while to get going. Despite that, I feel like I ended on a solid note. Contained are truths about the state of the church told me by a former friend/room mate who is done with the church. Just because he is done, doesn't mean he's wrong!

Universal salvation and Kingdom theology: What more could you want? Sorry for the mic drop moment at 24:31. No really, I knocked the mic off the stand...

A stream of consciousness roughly aimed at why I like to ride mountain bikes... and how it can be a good metaphor for life.

Also, what is the difference between final salvation after death, and being saved now?

How old is too old to achieve greatness? Some people, Tom Brady, for instance, seem to be ever surrounded by success. Others, not so much. Some live near lifetimes before achieving success. Take Moses, for example...

Half of this podcast is dedicated to the new political situation in the US with the presidential changing of the guard. The other half is about the word "Knowledge", in relation to having knowledge of God.

What is the significance of naming? What part does bringing order to chaos bring play in the human experience?

Are you a follower of Jesus, or are you a follower of Christians? Is there a difference? In my opinion, many of the troubles in the history of the Christian church can be traced to this difference.

After an especially hard week, this is my first recording of the New Year. My challenges this week, led me to explore the idea of depression in men. Sometimes, things happen in threes, in this case more like sixes, and bring you to a low dark place. This is my experience.

In this episode, I start with Joy, which is a prevalent theme in the first two chapters of Luke, experienced by Mary, Elizabeth, and the shepherds, and ponder how JOY leads us to a place of PEACE.

In this episode, I meander around for 14 and a half minutes, talking about some stuff that is going on with me. So begin at 14:30 if you want to start right at the main course.

The second week of Advent celebrates the role of LOVE in Christmas. When you take into consideration that the birth of Jesus culminated in his death on the cross, what conclusion can we come to other than, "Jesus loves the world"?

And how does LOVE operate in the world

As we enter the season of Advent (The Coming), we contemplate HOPE, the traditional first theme of the season.

What does HOPE mean to you? Have you considered what life would be without hope? What or who have you put your hope in? What is the consequence of those choices?

This one took a while to get out. Even tried to re-record it, but had the recording level on 0. So, this is the original with a slight bit of editing where I zoned out for about 1 minute.

In this episode, I explore some of the myths around Thanksgiving, trying to better understand why some native Americans may not feel the same way about the holiday as I do.

One man's chaos is another man's order. Right? The election 2020 as seen through the eyes of open theology, Jordan Peterson, mixed in with some of my own thoughts about current events.

Are you confusing this year's election with being one of the elect?

Also, containing an exploration of open theology, using The Lord Of The Rings as an illustration.

In this episode, I struggle to make sense of some of the issues of current US politics in light of the Gospel of Jesus.

The first sixteen minutes I talk a bit about coffee roasting, then transition into a talk about Colossians 1, one of the densest chapters in the New Testament.

We climbed a mountain in order to help my friend, Pat, prepare for a vision quest. The mountain was rough and treacherous, and beautiful at the same time, perhaps what you are looking for in a good vision quest.

Our culture seems to have given up on rites of passage as gateways into greater maturity and intentionality, and replaced it with education and certificates. Once upon a time, it was not so.

Unless I had moved away from America, I don't think that I would have noticed how idolatrous America has become. Today, the most prevalent religion in America is Americanism, a bastardization of Christian beliefs and American nationalism. Pride is one thing, I believe, that negates the possibility that Americanism is of God. All of the good we might do is Christ in us. And what does that mean? And just who is Christ in?

What has been the lasting effect on America from slavery, racism, and the civil war? Could it be that we have not, as a nation, dealt with it? Are we still suffering from it?

What does it mean to be human? How can pain become a tool to help us uncover our true, best selves?

This is a very informal conversation with my friend and frequent partner, Pat, and Cam, a Driving Theology first timer, on our way to the river for some raft guide training.

This recording runs from the last podcast on pain. I started recording mid drive because the conversation was going deep.

Unlike my usual style, this begins with the meat and then after around 10 minutes just gets into some general conversation about reataurants, etc. Unfortunately, It gets ver "male" toward the end, prompting me to end recording. I left if because I'm too lazy to edit, and it's kind of funny!

I had some really bad tooth pain (still do somewhat) for a few days. Through this experience, I learned a lesson of what can be a cause for self-centeredness in myself and perhaps others: Pain.

How can we use pain to understand others?

How to describe the phenomenon that is the American church? Not sure. But here is my attempt!

A little NBA talk to start this podcast. If you didn't know, I am a near lifelong fan of basketball and the Boston Celtics. FF to around 8min. to skip this part.

Other than that, I cover what is going no in our gathering in our home, changed we've made since COVID, etc.

Reading a new book, "Atomic Habits", a self-help book. I haven't read any of the self-help literature in a long time, and in fact, am highly skeptical of nearly all of it. All of it except this book, in fact. This one hit me close to home and just rings true to me. Timing? maybe. Listen and see how I try and connect the concepts in this book to Jesus.

Yes! The title is for shock value! Jesus lived long before Marx, therefore Marx would have to be a Christians! But seriously, what are some of the similarities between Jesus' views on family and Marx's?

BLM is accused of being a Marxist group. Most people don't really know what that means, because they have not read Marx (including me).

My attempt to man-splain Marxism, in order for me to understand it better.

As usual, small talk starts this monologue on COVID-19, BLM, racism, politics, etc.

How do we know what to trust? Can we trust history as it is presented to us? Is it even possible to know history?

Just maybe. The following are my ideas, off the top of my head, as to what might help us to know more accurately what is historical, and what is fake history.

The beginning of this episode are a rehashing of why I do this podcast the way that I do. That is the starting point. Where it goes from there, you'll have to listen to find out!

A redo podcast, done after throwing out a recording the same morning which I deemed to be sub-par (Which for me is pretty low!).

I begin this recording rehashing why I chose the format of this podcast. I then progress into my theological progression, my journey away from organized religion.

Ephesians talks about the "mystery of Christ" which Paul was charged with revealing to us...

This revelation is of the utmost importance and speaks directly to the heart of God.

Racism in America, "The New Jim Crow", crimes again native Americans, and what we can do about it.

We need to make amends, not just change laws. We tried that. Didn't work.

Exploring the origins of racism in America and where it can be found now. My source has been mostly Michelle Alexander, author of "The New Jim Crow".

The question is not "does systemic racism exist?", for me, but what can I do about it now that I believe it exists.

God is at heart an architect as well as a gardner. As gardner, his heart is in the preservation and support of life, the tending and nurturing required for prolonged abundant life.

Beginning with probably more information than you need on coffee, I then segue into racism, and how intentionally being gracious with people who are different than us.

The race problem in America is so huge and old that I don't pretend to have any answers to the systemic problem. I do, however, as all of you, have experience in my own context and have a great ability to influence those around me. I can tend my own garden, in other words.

Grace and Peace.

Mr. Floyd, by many accounts, was exactly the opposite kind of man which the police claim he was. His death was another case of dying from being black. The fear between races is real, even though the reasons for the fear are not. How can we improve the relationships between different races in the US, and what does George Floyd's death teach us about the current racial climate?

What exactly was Paul and the writer of Hebrews getting at when they referred to Christ with terms such as "all in all", "preeminent", "supreme", "radiance of God's glory","the great high priest". Does this have anything to say at all about the way we could be reading the Bible?

A rare continuation, recorded only 2 hours after the last "Paranoid or Prophetic" podcast posted a few days ago.

In this episode, I ramble, as usual, exploring the recent route of Evagelicals through conspiracy theories, to the point where they seem to prefer those in need being kept in need all to make a political point.

Why are Evangelicals so hell-bent against universal healthcare? What are they afaid of?

Just something I threw together today! Enjoy!

For the first time, recording from home, "driving" from my desk during this covid-19 era, I talk a bit about a Thomas Merton book I am starting, as well as life in covid-19 Earth, ending with Exodus Cry, an organization dedicated to ending human trafficking.

How has your life changed in this Covid-19 era? What kinds of adjustments have you made as far at the gathering of the Body of Christ? What, if anything, have you changed about what you believe about the nature of the meeting of the church?

Also, what does it mean to "make God in your image", a popular accusation made about people who challenge the status quo theologically?

A couple of months into the COVID-19 pandemic, recorded some ten days ago, my update on the spread of the disease is very out of date, as the US has taken the top spot in numbers of active cases.

Church goers everywhere aren't able to go to church in this COVID-19 pandemic. What are they discovering about church from their homes? How are paradigms being challenged?

"In this world you will have trouble", Jesus says in John 16:33, "But take heart. I have overcome the world." In this time of trouble, What is Jesus telling us here?

If Jesus came to save the world, and yet very few are destined for salvation, how good is Jesus at the job of salvation? On the other hand, if he is good at saving people, then shouldn't there be a greater number of people saved than not?

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart: I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

What does it mean if Jesus has overcome the world, and yet there is still suffering?

How are you getting along in this new reality?

As of the beginning of March, schools are all closed in Japan, other than kindergartens due to the coronavirus. Lucky me, I work in Kindergartens!

People are going crazy, paranoid, and have began hoarding. This always happens here in Japan.

What do we have to fear? Can we get to a place of peace even in the face of a possible pandemic?

A recent trip to the clinic for an MRI on my shoulder helped me realize that receiving a correct diagnosis alleviates a lot of the stress and suffering that comes with injury or sickness.

Jesus came to give us a correct diagnosis, to pinpoint the cause of human suffering, sin and death. What he found might surprise you!

Why is it so self evident that willing participants learn better than captive participants? Some on this, as well as a continuance on the subject of the history of the western hemisphere, and how the pursuit of money influenced many "good" people to make some horrible decisions, decisions which negatively affected millions of people over hundreds of years, namely chattel slavery.

A poor attempt to celebrate Black History Month. I am grossly under qualified to give a podcast on African-American History, but still felt the need to contribute what I could. Is racism dead? Will it ever die?

Racism is alive and thriving in today's world. How can a willingness to engage with a person's history, contribute the the alleviation of racism?

What are some of the influences that have made you who you are, have programmed you to think the way that you think? Is it even possible to have a truly open mind?

A bit of a scatter-brained episode, but perhaps there is something here for everyone!

The differences between people, cultures and religions are legion. But aren't there many things that everyone, everywhere agree on? How can a focus on our commonly held beliefs and truths better facilitate intercultural dialogue?

Apologies for the rain noise. God caught in a downpour.

Did you know that every individual person has a unique way of comprehending the world? That everyone wears a different lens, and even when we observe the same event, we will perceive in differently, that our unique lens dictates what we see?

We may know this, but we usually act as if we don't.

This podcast is in preparation for an omnibus lecture series that I gave in January at Ibaraki University. It is mostly a brainstorming session, and there may not be much spiritual here, but it is applicable to everything, I think.

Here we go again. The US is in another conflict with another country. How the US mistakenly is perceived as a chosen people when actually, we are just the newest Babylon. How knowing the truth about this will go a long way in bringing you closer to the heart of Jesus.

Greta Thunberg is shaking things up in the world. What is she after?What does Peace mean? Shalom? How does that relate to reconciliation? How does that relate to the environment?

SO SORRY for having the sniffles during this podcast (and others). But, being true to my original format, I don't edit (except for whole podcasts deemed worthless).

In this episode, I talk about the Bethlehem Candle, the second candle of Advent, and why it is sometimes referred to as the Bethlehem Candle. Bethlem is associated with faith in that the people were patiently waiting for the coming Messiah, prophesied to be born in the City of David.

Archeology is giving us a very different picture of the environment where Jesus was born. More myth busting of Christmas traditions-in a good way!

Vamping on trees, and how the Christmas tree can be a great and meaningful metaphor. Also, so myth-busting on Christmas trees.

A make-up podcast after losing a recording to weak batteries...

This is a reflection on a church planting conference which I attended here in Japan with my friend Cam.

Sorry for the delay! Changing formats recently has added a few steps in the process and revealed my laziness. AND it's just been a very busy winter. But, in the spirit of staying true to my promise, I have been recording podcasts, just not getting them released. I will try and release a few or more a week in order to catch up.

Thanks for your patience and for continuing listening.

We are told to pray. Many times by many disciples and Jesus. We are told that even when we don't pray, the Holy Spirit prays for us. So why pray at all? What is the benefit of prayer? How does it work?

I don't have answers, but I do explore two ideas here that might start the conversation.

If at all, in what circumstances does God allow us to employ violence to solve problems? Are there any circumstances where Jesus employed violence (toward the living or dead)? Did he hurt anyone? If not, what do you use to justify your own violent proclivities?

What or who is the Word of God? Is it the Bible? Is it Jesus? Can it be both? If we revere the Bible as infallible and inerrant, are we putting it in a place of worship? Are we adding a fourth member to the trinity?

Could the metaphors of Hell throughout the Bible be describing the process of coming to the end of one's self, the process of realizing that all you have been longing for and searching for in yourself and the world and its systems either are unattainable, or worse, once attained did not satisfy?

Is the process that brings you to the loving arms of Jesus Hell?

Why are we are told to love ourselves first by Jesus, being that so many Christians believe that you can't love others until you learn to love yourself. This just seems wrong to me. Track with me for a few minutes (or 40) and be sure and leave some feedback on facebook or under comments. Thanks!

A continuation, somewhat, of the previous review of Brian Zahnd's book, this episode explores this theory in light of the 18th anniversary of the Twin Tower Bombing of September 11, 2001. Who's really to blame?

First 10 minutes are a recap of my summer activities, so if you want, skip ahead!

After that, I give a bit of a review of Brian Zahnds book, Postcards From Babylon. Enjoy!

Is simply what we call the process of the creation trying to understand the creator? Maybe not, but follow me here anyway, and we'll see where we end up!

Don't mind the poor quality audio. It's just an experiment that will be fixed next episode.

Rehashing the same subjects from last week, a final review of "Christ The Eternal Tao", and a report on my chapel talk at the university.

Various musings on a chapel talk I did the day after recording this, and on the book, "Christ The Eternal Tao".

If you have spent much time learning a skill, whether it be a musical instrument, a second language, a sport skill, or whatever, you will recognize this truth: progress often comes by way of breakthroughs. We often imagine that we will progress in an even crescendo, but in reality, we get to a point where we feel like we have plateaued and are not progressing, only to experience a sudden breakthrough which takes us further and faster than we thought possible, maybe just before we were ready to throw in the towel. Can this also be true spiritually?

When it comes to addiction, which methods help recovery, and which make matters worse? Are we really seeking a solution or are we happy to continue our current methods, which are largely ineffective?

Tragedy strikes my family yet again, spurring me to contemplate death, punishment and reward yet again.

How does salvation really "work"? What is our part in it? Grace? Freedom? Unconditional Love? How do they play into it? So often, they are "tailored" ideas that somehow are diminished from their absolute definitions and become "christian" versions of these ideas. But, what if they actually mean just what they say?

Do you ever wish that you knew then what you know now? That the younger you somehow knew instinctively what it has taken you a lifetime to figure out? You're not the only one!

Many believers opt out of celebrating different holidays when they conflict with religious holidays, or when they are perceived as pagan, or at least as not Christian. Many still ignore these conflicts. Who's right? Who's wrong?

The Jesus Prayer has been uttered for hundreds of years by many contemplatives, mystics and faithfuls. Here I talk about my still very early experience with this prayer and thoughts about it.

While reading a book by a friend, I received confirmation about something which I have suspected to be true for some time: Love transforms. I've spoken of it before in this podcast, but it is the kind of truth which needs to be approached time and again, as it is of the utmost importance if we are to progress as a people made in the image of Christ. Change is something which everyone wants, in some way or another, but so few seem to achieve. (Note: I misquote the book and use the word "transform" instead of "change".

As you learn to hold your beliefs and values more lightly, you realize that you change, or at least adjust, your beliefs more readily and more often, allowing for more rapid spiritual growth and maturity. Or at least that's what I think!

A rather allergic episode (sorry for the sniffles)exploring our proclivity for commemorating negative events that happened to large swaths of the world, but how we have very few positive events which we remember that have affected the entire world. Why is this?

Where can you look and NOT find Christ? Just how much of himself has he built into creation?

Why do you believe what you believe? Continuing the discussion on deconstruction, I take a bit of a different approach referring to a recent project I've been doing around the house.

What did you used to believe that you no longer believe? What is the value in reevaluating your beliefs? Can you say you are maturing as a christian if our theology is not progressing?

All is well. Do you believe this? No? That's no surprise because on some level or another, all is definitely NOT well! So on what level is "all" well?

The first several minutes are just me catching up and possibly giving you TMI. If that is the case, skip about the first 10 minutes. I won't know and won't mind! Then more thoughts on the Cosmic Christ and The Eternal Tao.

Socrates said famously, "know yourself". How well do you know yourself? Do you ever say, as I do, "Who am I?" How can we know more about ourselves, personally, but also as the human race? Who are we? Where can we go for answers?

How do you go about navigating this space between the two dimensions in which we live, the physical and the spiritual?

2018 wrapped up super crazy for me! Hardly had time to catch my breath! But now that 2019 is here, what resolutions or goals have you made? What is your track record in the past with New Year's resolutions? If you're like me, not so great! Maybe we are chasing the wrong goals?

Understanding the Love of Jesus, leads to Joy, The fourth candle of (our) advent.

The third week of Advent, at least in my house, we talk about Love; Hope, Peace, then, Love. Next week will be Joy. Understanding the Cross of Christ, goes a long way towards comprehending Christmas.

Happy Advent! This is the season where believers everywhere begin to prepare their minds and hearts for Christmas, spiritually speaking. I did not grow up observing Advent, but have found it a great way to insert Christ into what has become a very materialistic season! This week covers the first two weeks of advent, Hope and Peace. Enjoy!

How much do you really know about other religions? In this episode*, Pat joins me as we spend some time with our new friend, Taher, a young man from the UK who practices the Islamic faith. Some of what he has to say about his beliefs may surprise you!

*This episode is a bit longer than usual, as there are three of us talking.

Do you put on a happy face for the holidays? Are we serving anyone by asking them to put their true feelings on hold so that we can spend a happy Thanksgiving or Christmas? After all, what are we thankful for?

How much does it help in understanding a book to know something about the author? Does knowing Jesus help to understand his creation? The Bible?

A Halloween addition here, exploring how people who suddenly become less useful to those in power, suddenly are labeled outlaws.

A bit of a nature vs nurture argument about the nature of what Jesus expects of us and of himself.

If Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished.", What did he mean by that? So many things seem so NOT finished. So, what did he mean and in what sense has he completed his mission?

Thoughts on the Universal Christ, Richard Rohr, mysticism, and the ageing process. A bit random, but here it is!

Another surprise podcast attack on Pat! Pat joins me in a conversation about the universal nature of Christ, on our way to the river to guide a raft tour.

CS Lewis believed that Jesus was not only the fulfillment of Judaism, but also the fulfillment of pagan religions as well. Could he be on to something?

If you believe that the world was made through Jesus, where in the world can you find him?

I always missed the deeper meaning on this one. How about you? A short talk on one of Jesus' parables.

Some thoughts on this new phase of life we are entering into, as our youngest is off to high school (boarding school), and her sister is off, too. Why do we hold on so tightly? What are we afraid of losing? How can we learn to let go better?

When is the last time you considered the life of Nicodemus? Really? Well that's too long!

The doctrine of Hell, especially ECT, or eternal conscious torment, has been taking a hit lately, especially on social media. Is it warranted? Do we have good reasons to doubt what we've been taught? What do you think happens to the wicked when they die? Tortured forever? Annihilated? Rehabilitated? Reconciled?

What you believe affects the way you live your life and how you treat people. It is important!

A meandering stream-of-consciousness monologues on various topics, not my best work, but here it is, none the less.

This one will stretch you. It has stretched me! How ready are you to open your mind to extra Biblical writings, extra Christian writings, in order to see evidence that God might have been involving himself in places you never dreamed of? Hold on to your seats!

How willing are you to consider the ideas and opinions of others, especially when they are contrary to your beliefs? Are you willing to hold your own conclusions more lightly in order to understand someone else's point of view?

When you feel more disconnected than usual, when Jesus seems distant, when you are in a spiritual funk, what remedy does John prescribe for us?

*I actually say that this scripture here is not from John, but it is. 1 John2:15-17.

What do you do when someone you've vilified does something good? Is Trump capable of doing something good? And how perceptive are you? Are you a good judge of character? How would you know?

Applying a little symmetrical logic to a theological concept, good friend of mine, David Mills, asks me if I might brainstorm this idea. Well, the ball's in your court, David! How about a follow up response or at least some comments?

What drives many churches? Common theology? Common mission? A superstar pastor/preacher? Would you be surprised to find that the same thing that drives professional sports drives most churches? Should we be happy about that?

What are the marks of Jesus on your life or in the church? Of the many possibilities, have you noticed that you or the Jesus followers you surround yourself with have the uncanny ability to be reconciled back to each other after disagreements arise? If not, what does that mean?

What does Paul refer to when he refers to "...sin living in you", when he talks about us doing things that we don't want to do, things that we know we shouldn't do? Here is my take on it.

What happens when your message doesn't match your life? Is it even worth saying anything if you can't live it? I discuss this and more in this episode.

What comes to mind when you hear the word "worship"? Can you define it?

I consider this podcast to be one of my best, most to-the-point, recordings in a while. While I am still exploring the meanings of this complex word, I, nevertheless, have a distinct suspicion that most of us are not grasping the depth and beauty of this very important word and concept.

If theology of hell interests you, you'll get some of that here. If Kingdom theology interests you, we got that, too. Here, I vamp on these subjects and more, winding my way through hell, salvation, and the Kingdom, all sparked by conversations that I had last week.

What comes out of you when you think you have nothing to say? In this recording, I struggle to find something of meaning to offer, but I just keep talking. It might be painful to listen to, but are there any hidden treasures here? Not sure?! Fair warning!

How much of an effort do you make to "walk a mile" in someone's shoes, to get to know their background and environment, before judging the way their behavior affects you? Using coffee as a metaphor, I explore this process, or at least, one possible process to understanding people better.

So, starting from where I am in a new business venture, I make a connection from principles of good business with spiritual parallels. And maybe not so well. Who know?

In this day and age, the word worship has come to mean many things to many people. But what is the heart of worship? What did in mean to the people of the OT? Explore this with me here!

Have you ever noticed how hard you can be on other people while you nearly always have a good excuse for why you behave the way you do? How can we judge people's motives accurately when we haven't the slightest clue where they are coming from or what their primary motives are? And, if this is the case, what is to be done?

Does the Bible really say to "fear not" 365 times, once for every day of the year? I don't know. Haven't checked. But that is what I've heard! And I know it does say it a lot! So, it must be important!

A rare musical podcast with songs by Daisuke Yokoyama, music missionary, and his wife, Kazuko. Enjoy!

What do you think God is like? How does your opinions of God reflect the way you live? How important is it to have an accurate depiction of who God is? I might be able to help with that!

Influences in my life, and how certain people at just the right time, spoke life into me, and how we can speak life into the lives of others.

What is going on in the unseen realm? Does the book of Job offer any insight?

In this episode, I explore ways to come closer to Jesus and his heart as you and your family prepare to celebrate Christmas. I pray that I am able to follow what I say here as well, so there is no judgement, just thoughts and ideas. I pray that you experience a Christmas well spent this year!

A third installation of the Xross Active series exploring what it could look like to be a church on mission. Also, are new Christians targeted by evil spiritual forces for temptation or punishment for changing sides?

Part 2 of an exploration on how Christians interact(or don't) with their communities on Sunday's, and how loosening certain traditions may help them impact their communities for Christ better.

A different type of podcast that explores how christians in Japan spend their Sundays, and how so much more could be achieved by the loosening of certain traditions.

What possible connections can there be to these three? Well, throw John Steinbeck into the mix and you'll surely have your curiosity piequed!

Everyone knows more about something than someone. But the way we express what we know can go a long way in deciding whether one accepts what we know or not. In this episode, I explore coffee snobbery, among other types of snobbery, and how that might apply to what we know about Jesus and how we express that knowledge. How about you? Do you ever feel like you have something important to share with the world, only to experience time and time again, that information(or talent)thrown back in your face? Read on, then!

In this episode, I tackle some heavy theology as well as commenting on the horrific Las Vegas Massacre which took place on October 1, 2017.

Perhaps a bit more political than usual, I explore the current bout between the NFL and those who are kneeling for racial equality, and their critics, especially Donald Trump.

In this episode, I share an odd dream involving getting shot in the chest, and also about guiding new christians in their first steps as disciples of Jesus.

My good friend, Pat, shares his journey in life especially as it pertains to his marriage, and how Jesus has been working on him through it all.

Do you always know how you feel? If you are like me, you sometimes find yourself reacting before you have really explored how you feel. But exploring and discovering exactly how you feel may lead to better or more appropriate reactions. From there, we move to what you believe theologically and how that is reflected into the rest of your spiritual life.

Warning: This starts out a bit slow, but if you hold on to the end, I think you might find something of value!

Yeah, I know. Weird title. But, if you've ever wondered what these two things have in common, you won't find out here. Or maybe you will! (If you do, at least give me a hint, please.)

Talking about the way we classify churchy people and how church today adapted Jewish sabbath practices into the way that we "do" church, and in so doing, have enslaved ourselves to another system of laws.

A bit of a rant on the current political-religious nationalism, where it comes from, and where it might be headed.

What would it do for you to truly and fully know who God is? Would it be life-changing? Could our transformation into the likeness of Jesus go hand in hand with our growing knowledge of Him?

More thoughts on Jesus as the culmination of the Sabbath command to rest and how rest from works is true Sabbath.

Questions on evangelism pertaining to seekers attempting to bargain with their salvation. Just how much must we give up to be accepted by Jesus? My answer might not be what you think.

(APOLOGIES for the poor sound quality, I mean more than usual. Had an air conditioner vent blowing into the mic. Will try to do better in the future!)

I do not suffer from depression, nor am I an expert in dealing with those with depression. I do, however, have many friends and family members who live with some form of depression in my life now, and one in particular, who is no longer with us. These are just some thoughts on the subject that came to me after a fun trip to a forest adventure high ropes course.

Discovering the true nature of God is the highest calling we have and a real game-changer. Who is your Abba?

A bit of a meandering discourse on religions, and their part in repairing our relationship with God.

Exploring ways to better react to your own failings, missteps, and misbehaviors. Digging your way out of a shame-based religious culture and embracing the grace of Jesus, even when you sin.

Did Jesus break the Law of Moses? Did he really violate the Sabbath? What was God's original intent in instituting the Sabbath day? What should Sabbath mean to us today?

Note: I say that Sabbath is "sabaoth" in Hebrew, but actually, it is "shabbat"(Sabaoth means "armies". Nothing to do with rest!)

Why does everything seem to be so time sensitive? And how does religion add to that pressure? This episode takes a little while to develop, but listen to the end. It just might go somewhere. Sorry for all the shaking in the recording. I need to get a new iPhone holder that doesn't shake/vibrate so much...

Another rambling stream of consciousness session on freedom and just what it might mean to be free in Christ.

A glimpse into what life unattached from organized, institutionalized religion might looks like, where you are always "in church".

How prayer, faith ,and divine intervention intersect in our suffering and how God makes something beautiful, for our benefit, from our pain.

Justice? Holiness? Could those words mean something different to us then they do to Jesus?

Reflections on the United Airlines fiasco, airlines in general, and similarities of that situation with other institutions.

A brief jaunt into short-term missions and its effectiveness in Japan and how it might be more effective in the future.

How do you reconcile the God of the Old Testament with the Jesus of the New Testament? Can God be wrath and love at the same time? How far will He go to save us?

A meandering, rightfully so, stream of consciousness on the religous practice of pilgrimage.

There are too many people out to discredit "The Shack", So I thought I would defend what I believe to be one of the most important books/movies of our time.

On an experience posting quotes from McLaren and colorful discussions online about the possibility of disciples of Jesus being know not by their beliefs, which serve to divide is, but by our love of each other and our neighbors.

A rather random edition that starts with assassins and end with atonement. Intrigued?

An exploration of the nature of metaphors in scripture, especially as relating to church. Also, comments on Facebook comments and a bit about This week in Trumpology.

Why does it seem that out of all the creatures on life, man is uniquely out of touch with his environment, and is indeed, constantly at war with it? Why doesn't everyone (and everything) just get along? And how does that fit in with the Gospel of the Kingdom?

Thoughts on the new movie Silence and the subject of God's silence, perceived and otherwise. Why does it seem that God is most silent during our greatest times of suffering?

Unpacking God and learning who He is, is not as easy as you might think. In many ways, the God of the Bible seems at best to be confused, at worst to have a multiple-personality disorder. How do you reconcile the God of the OT with the God of the NT?

Do you need to be blessed? Or has Jesus already blessed you with all you need for life and Godliness?

Another episode with my good friend Pat, driving somewhere (Forget where)and talking about Wayne Jacobsen's books, He Loves me and Finding Church, and about the Shack. We also, in the beginning, explore the difference between guilt and conviction.

Advent and the nature of traditions, where they are good and where they go wrong!

A rambling monologue on Trump and the recent election, the nature of both God an patriotism.

What rights does Jesus give you as a believer and follower of him? Maybe not as many as you might think. And I do eat some crow here in regards to President-elect Trump.

Reasons why, as a believer, it is perfectly fine for you not to participate in choosing the next POTUS.

A rebuttal of sorts from a discussion on abortion which led to a discussion on whether or not the four Gospel writers recorded accurately the event and words of Jesus. Here, I discuss the charge of plagiarism, as well as inconsistencies in the Gospel accounts.

In this episode, I explore a paradigm that might help us to integrate our lives into one whole under the headship of Jesus. Maybe. Just maybe.

Perhaps the most disjunct and fragmented podcast yet! Interested? Giver her a listen!

A monologue on trying to invite Jesus to guide every aspect of my life, allowing his will to be sovereign and resisting the temptation to keep any part of my life to myself. What steps would you take to accomplish this?

Return drive from a three-day solo camping and kayaking trip in Fukushima at Lake Inawashiro. I talk about the trip and the experience of solitude on a fairly social dude.

Are you more comfortable with a God who is near or one who is far? How do you know? Find out here!

Recorded on a morning drive with my great friend, Pat, after searching and finding his lost dog and on the way to do some rafting.

A review on "The God Journey" podcast and thoughts on our need to be the best, the fastest, the smartest, etc. and where that leads.

A bit of a review on my friend Scott Langdon's new book, and other random ramblings on this life with Jesus.

A monologue following up a trip to Thailand, and exploring "churchy" terms such as ministry, worship, praise, etc.

Know a congregation or denomination that is particularly legalistic? A closer look may find a theology based on Pauline scholarship and lacking in Jesus theology.

A body of believers is a lot like a puzzle: You don't know what you have until you are all assembled. Too often, one or two personalities speak to and speak for the entire group, while the rest are left to listen, warm the pews and pay their tithe. But what would it look like if a church made it a point to communicate with everyone in the church, from the "least" to the greatest", where all believers voices were considered worthy of being heard? I would love to find out!

What separates the believers and the "non-believers? Has God planted his image in all mankind or only those who believe in Jesus? All this and more!

When you fail to have a real relationship with Jesus, what do you do instead? Don't know? Listen and find out.

What would it be like to belong to a church without walls, to live a live as church so integrated that it is invisible? How far are you willing to go to detox from religion?

The Road Less Traveled asThe Narrow Gate the Path to a closer and closer walk with Jesus.

Reminiscing no Prince and MJ, the two biggest stars of the 80, their rivalry, and the phenomenon of hero/idol worship.

Part 2 of Podcast Nineteen

Describes the sending out of a team from among those who gather with us to pioneer a new gathering, pros, cons, etc. This part !

A dialogue on the believer and politics, taking sides, helping the poor, church vs state, etc, and what all this looks like in the 2016 presidential race.

Here, I explore where God is when bad things happen to good people. The problem of suffering is always a challenging hurdle to navigate for the believer and unbeliever alike.

Adam and Eve and how they lost their and our innocence and how we can receive that innocence again.

The philosophy of karma as opposed to the theology of grace and how that ties into how we view God as being in control or in charge.

A monologue on anger, whether or not we serve an angry God, and whether or not we can ever justify being angry.

How reliable is your favorite translation of the Bible? Are you sure?

How would Jesus respond to terrorism? How should we?

A little dialogue on how this believer celebrates Christmas, right or wrong, and how I view Santa Claus and other particulars of the season.

A short podcast of me giving thanks and talking about thankfulness.

Some rambling thoughts on the gathering of disciples, what it looks like, what it should look like, and what it can look like.

Three married men and one single man discuss Marriage on the way to a wedding.

This is the first(of many, I hope) Teamcast, which is where I switch from monologue to conversations with guests, friends and family. Today, Johnnie Bailey, missionary and all around good green guy (AKA Green Monster)joins me for a discussion on a rather incendiary current topic of discussion...

A brainstorming session(of one) on how to start making disciples in different contexts and models.

This is a short report on a mission conference where the main speaker (Or at least the main speaker for me) was Ben Wong, Cell church and Discipleship guy from Hong Kong.

This will be the first Podcast with a theme song!

Today, a little lighter fare: My Spiritual Influences; parents, teachers, mentors, authors, etc., who have made and impact on me at one time in my life or another. This is not a complete list, obviously. That would take another several hours. I have been truly blessed with faithful brothers and sisters willing to take the time to speak the truth of Jesus into my life. I am grateful for you all!

Podcast FOUR: Eternal Purposes (Part 3) by Michael Dean McLain

Podcast THREE: Eternal Purposes (Part 2) by Michael Dean McLain

The first of a weekly podcast recorded in my car as I commute home on Jesus, church and all things spiritual. This pc is on the importance of hearing the voice of Jesus and sources of His voice.

Number 2 of a weekly podcast recorded in my car as I commute home on the subject of Jesus, church, and all things spiritual.