Freestyle Theology: Recent Episodes
Brad Melle & Chris Gonzalez
The Christian Faith is more mysterious and, quite frankly, weirder than we think. But the way we talk about it is often boring and inaccessible, using tired words and ideas from the 16th century that nobody uses anymore. Freestyle Theology is a space for us to wonder freely out loud, to take our faith seriously in this time and place, and to wander down all sorts of fascinating rabbit holes. Get ready for another out of the box conversation about Christianity with Brad Melle and Chris Gonzales.Freestyle Theology is sponsored by Daily Breadth, the Christian meditation app that works. Learn more at dailybreadth.app or try it for free by downloading it in the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
In this episode of Freestyle Theology, Dr. Bradley Melle and Brielle Goheen dive into the complexities of love and its manifestation within church communities. They explore the idea of love as a multifaceted and often misunderstood concept in religious circles, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, honesty, and dealing with awkward and painful experiences as expressions of love.
Melle and Goheen discuss how love is often conflated with service, yet true love involves deeper elements like knowing one's role in the body of Christ and recognizing the diverse ways love can be enacted. They draw parallels between different parts of the body of Christ and the various functions individuals have in expressing love, from being the hands and feet to the less obvious but equally vital roles.
The conversation also touches on the fruit of the Spirit, particularly how love is the driving force behind joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. They stress the importance of discipline, not just in a Western sense of self-control but as a holistic approach to structuring one's life to facilitate a gentle, loving existence.
A significant part of the discussion revolves around the necessity of creating communities of safety within the church. They argue that historical fear of judgment and rejection has poisoned many church environments, making them unsafe and unwelcoming. By fostering communities where people feel truly loved and accepted, free from fear, shame, and constant adrenaline-driven alertness, churches can become spaces of genuine love and growth.
Melle and Goheen also explore practical ways to cultivate such communities, emphasizing the role of clear communication, conflict resolution, and setting up simple, effective systems. They highlight the importance of transparency and accountability, using the metaphor of a Sunday school room with a glass door to symbolize openness and safety.
The episode delves into historical and theological insights, discussing how early Christian communities thrived on a story of love and acceptance, contrasting this with the often fear-driven narratives of modern Christianity. They explore how the early church's systems of security and reconciliation contributed to their resilience and appeal, suggesting that contemporary churches can learn from these models to build healthier, more loving communities.
Ultimately, Melle and Goheen advocate for a reexamination of how churches operate, encouraging leaders and members alike to prioritize love, discipline, and safety. By doing so, they believe that the church can better reflect the true spirit of Christ and become a beacon of hope and healing in the world.
Tune in to hear this enriching conversation that challenges conventional notions of love and discipline in the church and offers practical insights for cultivating communities that truly embody the fruit of the Spirit.
In this enlightening episode of "Freestyle Theology," Dr. Bradley Melle, a historian of Global Christianity, dives deep into the history of colonialism, Indigenous Christianity, and the impact of residential schools. Joining forces with John Simon and Thomas Duell from the "Church History for Chumps" podcast, Dr. Melle shares his insights from his teaching stint in Arizona, bringing to light the little-known history of American Indian boarding schools amidst Arizona's large Indigenous population.
The discussion unveils the dark legacy of colonialism intertwined with Christianity, exploring the phenomenon of residential schools as a grim episode in church history. Through a compelling narrative, the episode addresses the cultural genocide and the physical and emotional abuse inflicted upon Indigenous children, aiming to erase their identity and assimilate them into a dominant culture.
Dr. Melle, along with his hosts, navigates through the complex relationship between colonial powers, the church, and Indigenous communities, shedding light on the systemic injustices and the struggle for healing and reconciliation. This episode is a critical examination of the past, encouraging a reflective understanding of Christianity's diverse history and its role in shaping societies.
Freestyle Theology is brought to you by Daily Breath, the Christian meditation app that promotes spiritual wellness and growth. Download it for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. For those seeking to explore the multifaceted history of the church and its impact on global cultures, this episode is a must-listen. Follow Dr. Melle on Instagram at @freestyletheology for more insightful content on church history across different eras and cultures.
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Freestyle Theology! I'm Dr. Bradley Melle, a religious historian, and in this episode, I'm joined by Dave Witt, the network developer of True City Hamilton. We dive deep into the multifaceted topic of church unity, exploring its roots, evolution, and implications in today's world.
Dave Witt, with his rich experience in fostering inter-church relationships, shares the story of True City Hamilton – a unique network of 14 churches united for the welfare of their city. This episode unravels the complexities of church unity, examining it not just as a historical concept but as a living, breathing practice in the modern context. We discuss how True City Hamilton navigates denominational differences, works towards common goals, and embodies the essence of unity through various initiatives, including annual conferences, leadership gatherings, and community outreach, particularly addressing homelessness in Hamilton.
Our conversation takes us through the corridors of history, examining the transitions in the concept of unity from the early church in Antioch to the challenges faced by the modern church. We ponder the intriguing question – what does unity really mean? Is it mere agreement on doctrines, or is it a more profound kinship, an extended family of faith transcending theological and cultural boundaries?
This episode is not just an academic discourse but a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be the church in today's polarized world. We reflect on the practical aspects of unity, the challenges of diversity within the church, and the critical role of love and humility in navigating differences.
Join us in this enriching discussion that goes beyond the surface, offering insights into how church unity can be a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collective faith in action. Whether you're a church leader, a member of a faith community, or simply someone interested in the dynamics of religious unity, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be united in faith and purpose.
Discover more about Dave Witt's work and the True City Hamilton network by searching "True City Hamilton" online. Dive into this episode for a journey through the past, present, and future of church unity, and how it shapes our understanding of faith, community, and collective action.
Today, Dr. Bradley Melle and Brielle Goheen discuss the self-help industry, personal development, and the body's systems of survival, all with attention to a practical spirituality. Don't miss it!
We've gotten Mary wrong. Dr. Bradley Melle and Danielle Steenwyk-Rowaan grapple together about Mary, the Magnificat, submission, the toppling of the rich, and the exaltation of the poor.
One of my favourite topics coming at you this week! Let's talk about unity, conformity, and the bold, cross-cultural risks taken in the 1st century at Antioch.
15 years after successfully completing the Camino de Santiago together, Dr. Bradley Melle and Mike Doyle are in the studio this week to discuss pilgrimage. Tune in for some fascinating takes on relics, crusades, folk Catholicism, sacred space, and even the mall.
Follow @freestyletheology on Instagram if you have any thoughts to share!
And for those interested in where the benefits of meditation meet the beauty of Scripture, check out the Daily Breadth app!
Dr. Bradley Melle and Brielle Goheen discuss individuality, myths about individualism, the frustrations of Jesus, and the characteristics of real, complicated, healthy communities.
Follow @freestyletheology on Instagram if you have any thoughts to share!
Brad, John, and Tom are back at it for Part Two of our conversation on Celtic Christianity. Today we dig further down into the Celtic Christ, the challenge of syncretism, the wild wandering of the Celtic monks, the strange wisdom of Simon the Stylite, the Saxon Christ, and the modern fascination with all things Celtic!
Don't forget to follow John and Tom's Church History for Chump's Instagram account @churchhistory4chumps to get all the details about their upcoming launch!
And follow me @freestyletheology on Instagram to click and connect! I'd love to hear any feedback or ideas or comments you have!
This week, join Brad for a special two-part episode on Celtic Christianity! Coming at you this time around from Tucson, Arizona, Dr. Bradley Melle talks with Thomas Duell and John Simon about all things Celtic and Christian.
As a co-release between Freestyle Theology and John & Tom's Church History for Chumps, join us as we delve into Irish spirituality, "Thin Places," and the Celtic-Roman missionary encounter of the 5th century. Don't forget to check out Part Two next week!
The doctors are in, again! Brad and Erin are back at it, this week talking about metaphor, the movement of peoples, images for God, and the rational Christianity of the Enlightenment.
Join Brad and Dr. Erin Goheen Glanville in a wild and winding discussion about words, listening, anger, and the Logos!
Brad talks ancient Roman mystery cults, Gnosticism, and the rivalries of early Christianity (c. 100-300 AD)
Dr. Bradley Melle and Brielle Goheen discuss the fear of the forest, civilization, colonialism, the disorienting comforts of the Big Box Store empire.
Is desire the source of suffering or the mark of a healthy human being? Chris and Brad talk Buddhism, Christianity, happiness, dissatisfaction, and contentment.
Chris and Brad talk doubting God, self-doubt, the beautiful vision, and finding the energy to endure.
Chris and Brad talk Advent, the cycle of birth and death, the return of Christ, and the rebirth of the Universe
This week Brad and Chris talk about Muhammad, the Buddha, and a way Christians can relate to the revered figures from other faiths.
Chris and Brad talk the Tower of Babel, PhDs, cultural diversity, and Indigenous Christianity.
Chris and Brad talk about the weird Christian obsession with guilt and how we use it to control others and attempt to control God.
Brad and Chris talk imagination, theology, and the Image of God
Freestyle Theology is a branch of Daily Breadth: Christian Meditation that Works.
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