Defend and Confirm: Recent Episodes
Russell Berger & Sean DeMars
In this final episode of our series on political theology, we look at how rulers should practically apply what Scripture teaches in our nation today.
In this show Sean and Russell talk about neurodiversity, a concerning concept related to mental health and disability that has been making its way into Christian circles.
We talk with two Alabama State representatives on the issue of IVF and abortion. It gets tense. Sean gets uncomfortable. Follow us on Youtube to watch these shows live!
We continue our critique of Theonomy, and respond to criticism of our previous episode from our theonomist brothers.
Is God's law relevant for civil governments today? Yes, but not in the way that advocates of theonomy think. In this episode we look at what the Bible authorizes civil governments to do (and what he doesn't). If you find this and haven't listened to our first two episodes in this series, you're missing out!
The separation of church and state is a Christian doctrine, yet today, many enemies of Christianity insist this phrase means the separation of religion and politics. In this second episode in our series on political theology, we look at what the bible has to say about these two institutions and their authority.
In this first episode of our series on political theology, we look at the biblical history of covenants and show how bad thinking in this area leads to the two major errors of contemporary evangelical political thought.
It’s important that we clean up our own ranks. Do you oppose critical theory? Good! Do you oppose it in a way that is unbecoming of the Lord’s servant? (2 Timothy 2:24)
In this episode, we interview Brooks Buser of Radius International. We ask Brooks if our critics are right: Have we been too severe in our assessment of multiplying movements? Tune in for another perspective from a trusted voice on missions to the glory of God.
In this episode, we interact with criticisms of Sean's quote in the film, American Gospel, "If a pastor can preach in such a way that a Muslim can sit in that audience and not be offended— then he is not preaching the gospel of Christ and Christ crucified." What do those on social media have to say about the offense of the gospel, and how do these views line up with scripture?
Church Planting Movement and Disciple Making Movement practitioners both aim to see churches planted, but what does that mean? In this episode, we compare the biblical definition of a local church against the definitions used by these paradigms. How do they stand up to the test? See for yourself.
Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global by Andy Johnson https://www.9marks.org/books/missions/
Church Planting Movement practitioners teach a form of inductive bible study that emphasizes obedience to Jesus above all else. This "Obedience-based Discipleship" is said to counter a "knowledge-based discipleship" that plagues the Western church, while producing genuine Christians. But is this claim true? More importantly, is OBD faithful to scripture? Continuing our series on multiplying movements, we offer a critique of this pervasive methodology.
The sexual revolution did not cause the sexual revolution. In this week's episode, Sean and Russell interview Carl Truman and beg him to help us make sense of his book The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.
Church Planting Movement practitioners teach missionaries to look for the "Person of Peace." These individuals, they claim, act as Spirit-prepared gatekeepers to non-Christian communities. But is this concept taught to us in scripture, as they claim? Continuing our series on multiplying movements, we offer a critique of this pervasive methodology.
Have we slandered those who use Church Planting Movement methodologies? In this episode, we discuss the feedback we've gotten on our current series. Why are some of our listeners telling us that our description of multiplying movements is accurate, while others are telling us we've attacked a straw man? Listen to find out.
What do Andy Stanley, Rick Warren, and Church Planting Movements have in common? While the "attractional" model of ministry might seem like the polar opposite of Church Planting Movements, a close look at their history tells a very different story. In this episode, we trace the theological roots of Multiplying Movements through the 20th century.
Where do Church Planting Movements and Disciple Movement paradigms originate? While these terms may be new, many of the ideas behind them aren't. In this episode, we trace the theological roots of Multiplying Movements back to the advocates of revivalism in the 19th century.
Books mentioned: Conversion, by Michael Lawrence: https://www.9marks.org/books/conversion/
Missions, by Andy Johnson: https://9marks.myshopify.com/collections/building-healthy-churches-series/products/missions
The first episode in our series on Multiplying Movements. Commonly known as Church Planting Movements or Disciple Making Movements, these missiological paradigms have become the standard in evangelical missions. But are they wise? In this episode, we define these strategies, and do our best to save our critiques for a future episode.
What is Christian Nationalism? Is it synonymous with Patriotism, or something more nefarious? Let Sean and Russell walk you through this hazy concept and its implications for the church.
In this week's episode, Russell and Sean offer their final critique of Critical Race Theory. What would you like to see them cover next? Leave your comments and suggestions below.
In this episode, we try to get at the heart of Critical Race Theory. Is all racial disparity the result of racial discrimination, or is there a better explanation? Here's the first half of our two hour long episode where we try to answer that question.
In order to rightly understand an idea, one must know the history of its conception and subsequent development. In this week’s episode of Defend and Confirm, Russell takes the reins and walks us through the history of Critical Race Theory. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride!
Unless you live under a rock, you've heard of Critical Race Theory. Yet it can be hard to find clear, thorough explanations of what CRT actually teaches. In this episode, we try to do just that. We cover the basic tenets of CRT and discuss how these tenets fit together.
Why are we talking about Critical Race Theory? We begin this mini-series on CRT by checking our own hearts. No one's heart is completely pure, but we hope that after watching this episode, you can trust our motives, even if you disagree with our conclusions.
What is the role of social justice activism in Contemporary Critical Theory? How does this emphasis on activism connect postmodernism? In this episode, we make these and other very boring questions seem interesting, while delving further into the religious nature of CCT.
How should we think about professing Christians who vote for a Democrat? What political views, if any, are grounds for excommunication? In this episode, we talk about the moral complexity of voting in a representative form of government, and offer advice on how Christians can pursue unity in the midst of political division.
In this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Leeman, editorial director for 9Marks. We pepper him with questions about whether or not Marxists have secretly infiltrated 9Marks, and discuss how Christians who disagree on issues related to Critical Theory can do so in a way that preserves gospel unity in the church.
Why do we sing as Christians? Does God care if we sing? Better yet, does He care how we sing? In this episode, we critique how some evangelical churches approach their music-making ministry, and offer some practical advice for how those Christians can more faithfully serve the Lord with the instrument he has given every one of us.
Our critique of Contemporary Critical Theory continues as we analyze CCT's concept of the social binary. Is society fundamentally a conflict between oppressors and the oppressed? Are all social groups engaged in a hierarchical struggle for power? Spoiler alert: No.
In this episode, we are joined by our good friend Mike McKinley to discuss his book Am I Really A Chrisitan? The bible makes it clear that there is a category of person who believes himself to be a Christian, but will someday hear from Christ "I never knew you." That's a frightening thing to consider. How can we have assurance that we are truly saved? The right answer to this question can help doubting Christians have confidence that they are Christ's, and can stir false professors to recognize their desperate need for conversion. You can find Mike's book here.
Critical theory teaches that the "lived experience" of oppressed people gives them special access to the truth, while oppressors are blinded by the privilege of their social position. Behind this claim is a view called "standpoint theory", an epistemology that is fundamentally incompatible with Christianity.
"All truth is God's truth."
True.
But Critical Theory isn't true. Contemporary Critical Theory is not a tool that Christians should keep in their tool belt. Rather, CCT is a religion that is fundamentally at odds with the gospel of Jesus Christ. There will always be a hegemony, the only question is, "Which hegemony? That which flows out of Christianity...or cultural Marxism?"
In this third episode in our series on Critical Theory we look at the history and development of Contemporary Critical Theory. Specifically, we explore the relationship between CCT, the Frankfurt School, and Marxism. Oh, you don't like history? Good thing we didn't ask for your opinion.
In this second episode in our series on Critical Theory, we take a closer look at the major tenets of Contemporary Critical Theory (CCT). What characteristics tie the various streams of CCT together? Don't we see similar characteristics taught in the Bible? We answer these questions and more with the help of special guest Young Will.
What is Critical Theory? Why would we talk about it? Are we even qualified to talk about it? This is the first episode in our series on Critical Theory, and here we lay some important ground work for future episodes. Is this the most exciting and controversial stuff on the internet dealing with Critical Theory? Definitely not. But is it helpful? We think so.
What does it look like when a pastor builds his own kingdom? In this episode we talk about the dangers of self-branding and self-promotion in ministry.
This episode's "book you should read" is C.J. Mahaney's Humility (https://www.amazon.com/Humility-Greatness-C-J-Mahaney/dp/1590523261/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=cj+mahaney+humility&qid=1594481383&sr=8-2_)
Also, if you haven't seen it, watch the film There Will Be Blood (2007).
We're back! After a year-long hiatus, we came back together to discuss social media. We dig in to cognitive bias, disunity in the church, and other spiritual dangers that Facebook, Twitter, and similar platforms present. We also offer some simple suggestions for Christians struggling in this area.
This episode's "book you should read" is an article by Mark Dever: 12 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Posting Something Online
Does God promise healing for all believers in this life? Katherine and Russell team up for this episode on in our series on the prosperity gospel. They discuss the relationship between prosperity theology and the atonement, identify the various proof texts and arguments used by prosperity teachers to justify their views on the atonement, and present a scriptural alternative.
Pun intended. In this episode, we review our experiences at the "My Body My Choice" rally, talk about the changes that have occurred in the pro-choice rhetoric over the last few years, and outline an apologetic strategy for engaging with the other side.
Where does the prosperity gospel come from? Why should we care? In this series we look at the historical roots of the Word of Faith movement and explain how understanding the history of this American phenomena can help us better understand it today.
In this series, we recommend three "book you should read":
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The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel
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Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel
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No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It's Harmful
Where does the prosperity gospel come from? Why should we care? In this series we look at the historical roots of the Word of Faith movement and explain how understanding the history of this American phenomena can help us better understand it today.
In this series, we recommend three "book you should read":
-
The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel
-
Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel
-
No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It's Harmful
Where does the prosperity gospel come from? Why should we care? In this series we look at the historical roots of the Word of Faith movement and explain how understanding the history of this American phenomena can help us better understand it today.
In this series, we recommend three "book you should read":
-
The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel
-
Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel
-
No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It's Harmful
The prosperity gospel is one of the greatest threats to the true gospel in the world today. In this episode, we describe the underlying heresies associated with the prosperity gospel, also known as the word of faith movement. We unpack some of the dangers of the prosperity movement, spend some time talking about how it can creep into otherwise healthy churches.
This episode's "book you should read": The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel
After a long hiatus, we get back to the topic of social justice. We find that the concepts of charity, clarity, proximity, and speed, give us good biblical categories through which we can discuss issues of justice. Give this one a listen and see if you agree.
This episode's "book you should read": Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion
If you've listened to our episodes on the biblical definition of a "church", you've probably figured out that we don't believe the multisite church model is healthy, or biblical. In this episode, we unpack our concern that multisite churches are particularly at risk for developing a culture of celebrityism. What is celebrityism? How does it negatively impact God's people? Listen and find out. I'm not just going to give it all away in the description.
This episode's "book you should read" is an article: Twenty-Two Problems with Multisite Churches
What is the role of music in a church? Should music leaders and pastors focus primarily on entertainment and musical excellence, or on congregational singing? In this episode, Sean talks with Grant Miller about the way scripture changed his theology of worship, and ultimately the way he leads music on Sunday mornings.
This episode's "book you should read": Sing!: How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church
Following our analysis of the history and evolution of the term "social justice", Sean and Russell ask an important question: How should we use this term? We look at the three major conceptions of the term that are popular today, and make the argument that christians (and especially pastors) should consider avoiding it when possible.
The term “Social Justice” can be found in almost any discussion about society, politics, and religion, and many evangelicals have fully embraced the word. But what is the history of the term, and how might the ideological origins of “social justice” color its meaning? In this episode, we survey the origins of the conception of social justice, and look at the the ways that Catholic, Utilitarian, and Marxist ideologies have harnessed the power of this phrase.
This episode's "book you should" read is an article: Defining Social Justice, by Michael Novak
In this episode, we discuss the way the Bible speaks of “justice.” We look at the two Hebrew words translated as “justice” in our English bibles, and use them to build a framework for understanding the use of the word in modern discussion about “social justice”.
In this episode, we discuss recent tweets from the President of the Southern Baptist Convention, J.D. Greear. We believe these tweets are indicative of serious problems within evangelical culture, namely, a pragmatic view of worship that turns Sunday gatherings in to performances. Because Pastor Greear is both a highly influential leader and a brother in the faith, we felt compelled to address these problems directly.
This episodes "books you should read": Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart, by J.D. Greear
Much of the current buzz about social justice centers on what the church should be doing in the world. But what is the mission of the church? As we discuss in this episode, the mission of the church is far more specific than many evangelicals believe it to be. When we we add to that mission, even with good works, we risk drifting from what God has called the church to do. Even worse, we might eventually lose the gospel itself.
This episode's "books you should read": What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission
Continuing our discussion of social justice, we begin to hammer out some fundamental terms. In this episode, we define the word "church." If you want to think rightly about social justice, you have to understand the mission of the church. If you want to understand the mission of the church, you have to correctly define what and who the church is.
In this episode, we continue to build the foundation for discussing social justice. We talk about the way the English language changes over time, how people intuit the meanings of important terms like “justice", and discuss the importance of looking for the Aristotelian mean during these types of controversies.
This episode's "books you should read": What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission
In this episode, we wade carefully into the waters of "social justice." We begin by outlining some of the difficulties that arise when talking about this issue, including the importance of defining our terms carefully.
This episode's "books you should read": https://www.amazon.com/What-Mission-Church-Justice-Commission/dp/1433526905
In this episode, Sean and Russell discuss protesting outside of abortion clinics. Should christians do it? Are there right and wrong ways to approach this ministry?
This episode's "books you should read" is an article by Sean: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/does-carrying-signs-really-save-babies
Abortion claims the lives of approximately 3000 babies each day. What can we do to fight against this atrocity? Can anti-abortion ministry become unhealthy? Sean and Russell discuss these questions and list some simple ways that any christian can contribute to this battle.
Russell and Sean continue to take apart pro-abortion arguments, one at a time. We demonstrate how each of these arguments is intellectually, morally, and scientifically bankrupt, and give advice to christians on how to interact with pro-abortion rhetoric. If you missed part 1 of this discussion, check out episode 15!
In this episode, we talk about abortion. Abortion is a horrendous evil, and yet the pro-abortion rhetoric is stronger than ever. Sean and Russell work through some of the most common arguments in favor of legal abortion, and show how they are all intellectually, morally, and scientifically bankrupt.
This episode's "books you should read":
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Life-Equipping-Christians-Culture/dp/1433503204
"The bible can't be from God because it condones immorality!"
In part 2 of this series, Russell and Sean show how the presuppositions behind this criticism actually undermine the critic's own argument. In order for the Bible to condone immorality, moral truth has to exist. We all know it does, but an atheistic view of reality can't account for moral truth. We show how the atheist's attempts to reconcile this contradiction lead to hypocrisy and absurdity. Ultimately, the critic complaining about the morality of God's word is borrowing capital from the christian's worldview in order to argue against it. He's also showing that what the Bible says about him is true: He already knows God exists.
This episode's "book you should read" is actually a movie you should watch: https://www.amazon.com/Collision-Christopher-Hitchens-Amazon-com-Exclusive/dp/B002Q8400K?keywords=collision+darren&qid=1540663384&sr=8-1-fkmrnull&ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1
"The bible can't be from God because it condones immorality!"
In this episode, Russell and Sean address this common criticism, and highlight the common errors in reasoning that lead to this conclusion. We cover the topics of slavery in ancient Israel, the "genocide" of Canaanites commanded by God, and the justice of laws regarding rape in the Mosaic covenant.
This episode's "book you should read": https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Doctrine-Holiness-Building-Churches/dp/1433535890/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540320324&sr=8-1&keywords=sound+doctrine+9+marks
In this episode, Russell is joined by 8-year-old guest co-host, Barrett. Russell addresses the problem of evangelical youth "leaving the faith." Is the problem a lack of apologetics training? Or is it a more fundamental problem in the evangelical church? We talk about the need for discipleship and evangelism of children, why you shouldn't assume your little ones are believers until they are old enough to make credible professions of faith, and give tips on how to better prepare your child to defend and confirm the gospel.
This episode's "books you should read":
https://www.amazon.com/Ology-Ancient-Truths-Ever-New/dp/194257228X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539789156&sr=8-1&keywords=the+ology
https://www.amazon.com/Young-Baptists-Catechism-Beginners-Confession/dp/1556352611/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539789171&sr=8-1&keywords=the+young+baptist+catechism
https://www.amazon.com/Fallacy-Detective-Thirty-Eight-Recognize-Reasoning/dp/097453157X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539789190&sr=8-1&keywords=fallacy+detective
Sean and Russell discuss Biblical theology, how it differs from systematic theology, and how having a good biblical theology lends ot the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
This episode's "books you should read":https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Theology-Life-Church-Ministry/dp/1433515083/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539280234&sr=8-1&keywords=Michael+Lawrence+biblical+theology
In this episode, we revisit the question of how christians can know what we claim we know. We discuss the self-authenticating model of scripture, and interact with some of the competing ways christians and non-christians attempt to understand the authority of God's word. We also deal with common criticisms of our view.
This episode’s “books you should read” is actually a series of lectures you should listen to: https://subsplash.com/reformtheosem/s/xjduvb5
In this episode, we tackle an assortment of questions submitted by listeners: Did the Holy Spirit indwell faithful believers in the Old Testament, or is the indwelling Spirit unique to the new covenant? Can God create a stone so heavy he cannot lift it? If he can't, doesn't this mean God isn't really omnipotent? Finally, should elders within a church be willing to step down from their positions for reasons other than moral failure? Or should we thinkg 'once an elder, always an elder?'
This episode's "books you should read": https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Christ-Antinomianism-Assurance_Why-Controversy/dp/1433548003/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537296661&sr=8-1&keywords=the+whole+christ
God's Indwelling Presence, James Hamilton: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Indwelling-Presence-Testaments-Theology-ebook/dp/B00R3U22CE/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537297782&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=jim+hamilton+indwelling
In this episode, we talk about love. Our defense of the gospel should be grounded in a love for the lost, but too often our speech becomes prideful, quarrelsome, and unloving. Sean walks us through scripture on this subject, and we talk about the healthy skepticism we should all have of our own heart and motive.
This episode's "book you should read": https://www.amazon.com/How-Nations-Rage-Rethinking-Politics/dp/1400207649/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536937538&sr=8-1&keywords=how+the+nations+rage
In this three-part series, we answer the question "How can you know Christianity is true?"
In part 3, we ask how Chrisitans can know that the bible is the word of God. Should we use some external, historical criteria as the way we authenticate scriptrue, or should we look to the bible itself?
For more information on the self-authenticating model of scripture, go here: https://www.michaeljkruger.com/what-do-we-mean-when-we-say-the-bible-is-self-authenticating/
This episode's "book you should read": https://www.amazon.com/Evangelicalism-Divided-Record-Crucial-Change/dp/0851517838/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536418157&sr=8-1&keywords=evangelicalism+divided
In this three-part series, we answer the question "How can you know Christianity is true?"
In part 2, we address the claim that building our knowledge on anything other than God and his word leads to absurdity. When the atheist claims to have moral, scientific, or logical knowledge, he is actually betraying his atheism and showing his innate knowledge of God's existence.
This episode's "book you should read":https://www.amazon.com/Pushing-Antithesis-Apologetic-Methodology-Bahnsen/dp/0915815605
In this three-part series, we answer the question "How can you know Christianity is true?"
In part 1, we lay the foundation for this conversation (pun intended) by looking at competing epistemological foundations. We discuss how we as Christians, unlike the world, ground our knowledge in God’s revelation.
This episode's "book you should read": https://www.amazon.com/Why-God-Created-World-Adaptation/dp/1612915868
Does your church practice meaningful church membership and church discipline? It should. In this episode, we explain why.
Also, a glitch with our digital recorder left us with camera-only audio for this episode, so enjoy listening to what sounds like two people talking inside of a tin can.
Building on our discussion of the divinity of Jesus Christ, we turn to what the bible says Christ did on the cross. What is penal substitutionary atonement? The bible teaches that Christ died as a substitute for sinners, and suffered the wrath of God they justly deserved. We point out the biblical foundation for this belief and its importance for understanding the gospel. We also interact with the arguments of Greg Boyd, who criticizes PSA, and deal with a number of misrepresentations of the doctrine.
This episode's "book you should read" isn't a book. But you should read it anyway: https://derekzrishmawy.com/2014/10/23/the-beauty-of-the-cross-19-objections-and-answers-on-penal-substitutionary-atonement-500th-post/
In this episode, we respond to the accusation that christians who call out false teachers by name are being arrogant, judgemental, or unbiblical.
This episode's "book you should read": https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Paul-Call-Spiritual-Reformation/dp/080109710X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1534892968&sr=8-1&keywords=praying%20with%20paul
In this episode, we discuss the divinity of Jesus, and explain how scripture does more than offer us proof-texts for this fundamental truth. We also look at how the earliest heresy in the Chrisitan church serves as evidence that Jesus' first followers viewed him as God.
This episode's "book you should read": https://www.amazon.com/Reason-God-Belief-Age-Skepticism/dp/1594483493/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1534971067&sr=1-1&keywords=the+reason+for+god
In this episode, we talk about the foundation of christian apologetics. Should we defend the gospel with evidential or presuppositional apologetics? Are the two at odds? What's the difference? We dig into each of these questions, and recommend another solid book on church membership.
This episode's "book you should read": https://www.amazon.com/Church-Membership-Represents-Building-Churches/dp/1433532379
In this inaugural episode, we discuss the scriptural definition of the church, how this definition gives shape to the gospel, some of the ways that the local church can undermine the gospel by deviating from this definition.
This episode's "book you should read": https://www.amazon.com/What-Healthy-Church-IX-Marks/dp/1581349378/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1534976811&sr=8-1&keywords=what+is+a+healthy+church
