Questioning Christianity Podcast: Recent Episodes
Questioning Christianity Podcast
"Questioning Christianity" is a podcast for Bible Belters with doubts and questions about Pop-Christianity.
Join Dr. Rob Helton and Dan McClellan as we discuss some of the tough questions of faith. Maybe you have questions that your faith community never addressed...well, at least not satisfactorily. Do you feel disenfranchised, jaded, and burned-out by church counterculture, judgement, damnation, legalism, nationalism, tradition, mega-churches and mega-pastor personalities?
Disclaimer: We don't pretend to have the answers. We'll suggest some things to think about, but we recognize room for disagreement. We're not here to convince or convert you. We’re here to doubt and dream along with you.
Thanks, Rob & Dan
- Will Rob get the fishing rod he wants for Christmas? Will Dan get Foo Fighters tickets? Whose expectations will be right and who will be disappointed? John the Baptist and first century Jewish people expected Messiah to bring salvation - the violent overthrow of their enemies. And many were disappointed when Jesus taught them to love their enemies. Which Messiah are you expecting to show up this year? Let's chat about it on the next Questioning Christianity Podcast.
- The QCP is back with a new episode! Rob & Dan chat about the health of the pandemic church in 2021. Is online church a sustainable model for spiritual formation? Are we missing something by not being physically present with other believers? What do you think? Let's talk about it on the next Questioning Christianity Podcast.
- Can we change God's mind through prayer? It's a tough question, and the Bible contains examples that support both a 'yes' and 'no' answer. But what's the point in asking God for things if He never changes His mind? Let's try to talk about it (without delving into a somewhat pointless systematic theological debate) on the next Questioning Christianity Podcast.
- What are the rules for becoming a follower of Jesus? Well, if we were to tell you, then we might be one of those dogs that Paul warns about in Philippians...and not the fluffy "man's best friend" sort of dog. No, first century dogs hunted in packs, scavenged, and preyed on the weak. That's how Paul describes anyone who puts religion as the entryway to Jesus. So watch out for those dogs (and don't be a dog yourself)!
Speaking of rules, we discuss a listener's question about why Jesus thought it was okay to break the law. Join us for episode 50 of Questioning Christianity.
- If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that we can agree on almost nothing. We allow ourselves to be divided because of politics, social justice issues, the national anthem, and whether or not that crazy Tiger King-guy should be in prison. Are we missing something by focusing on these differences? Could it be that humanity has a mystical connection with one another in Christ?
- It's a real bummer of an episode for sure...the topic is death. What happens when we die? Why is death a part of God's plan for humanity? What can we do to bring comfort to people who are grieving? What's the worst thing to say to someone who loses a loved one? Also, Rob builds a birdhouse.
- 2020 is shaping up to be a weird year (to say the least). Anxiety levels are high. Whether it's the pandemic, social injustice, the mask debate, Sahara dust cloud, or murder hornets - things seem to go from bad to worse! But is it possible that things are actually getting better? How can we find peace in the midst of chaos?
- Peter left his home, work, and family to follow Jesus - the messiah that Peter thought would lead a revolution to overthrow the Roman empire. But those dreams died when Jesus was crucified. But after the resurrection, Peter started seeing things differently. He experienced a paradigm shift and was able to see a larger countercultural plan at work.
- According to the Gospel writers, Jesus came back to life and began appearing to his disciples though they didn't always recognize him. Jesus also said and did some weird things...like breathe on them (a big no-no by today's social distancing standards)! What is the significance of Jesus' resurrection to the Christian faith? What was Jesus doing during the time he was dead? And what if you can't make yourself believe such a far-fetched story? Let's chat about it on the Questioning Christianity Podcast.
- We go old school-Sunday School this week as we examine the story of that famous tree climbing wee little man, Zacchaeus. Is there more to this story than just a catchy song? Jesus causes quite a stir by inviting himself to Zacchaeus' place, and in doing so, snubs the religious establishment. Tune in to our latest wee little episode!
- Humanity is facing 2 pandemics - coronavirus and fear. How can we overcome fear? Many times we try to fight fear with faith, but maybe there's a better way. Love is a weapon to drive out fear, so let love win.
- What comes to mind when you think about Heaven? Often Heaven is portrayed as our "forever home" in the clouds - the place our souls escape to once our temporary tour of duty on earth is complete. Humanity's understanding of Heaven has evolved over the centuries. In this episode, we try to look at the development of Heaven as revealed through scripture and Jewish history. Let's see if we can identify misconceptions and half-truths that may have corrupted our modern view. What is Heaven really like?
- What's more Christian than baseball and apple pie? This week we do some self reflection on patriotism, our citizenship in the Kingdom of God, and the ways some American Christians get seduced into nationalism.
- Jonah: "God, why didn't you destroy them? They're murderers and thieves. They're sick animals and they deserve to be put down. Where's your sense of justice?"
Who is outside God's circle of compassion? Who is outside ours? How do we determine if someone is truly unworthy of compassion? We struggle with these questions in our final episode of the Jonah series.
- Jonah finally makes it to Nineveh and delivers a pathetic 8-word sermon. Perhaps more interesting though is the dichotomy of God's sovereign power and humanity's free will on display. God judges a people, causes a storm, sends a fish, and relents His judgement. Jonah runs away, tries to commit suicide, gives a crappy sermon, and a king repents. Let's grapple with the tension between these 2 powerful forces - God's sovereignty and humans' free will - in this episode of the Questioning Christianity Podcast.
- What can you do when you find yourself trapped in darkness and it seems that God and everyone else has abandoned you? One writer refers to this as "the dark night of the soul." Rob shares his personal story of rediscovering spiritual joy even when life feels like you've been swallowed whole by a great fish.
- Jonah’s disobedience personifies the disobedience of a whole nation...maybe both ancient and modern. What happens to human kind when we say “no” to God’s dream for us?
- In his TV show, "River Monsters," angler Jeremy Wade searches the globe for man-eating sea creatures, but never once has Wade come across a fish so large that it can swallow a man whole...and alive! But that's exactly what happens to Old Testament prophet Jonah. Should we write this off as just another big fish tale? Or can we learn something from this really weird book of prophecy? The QCP gang will try to provide an overview of the book in this episode. #QuestioningChristianity
- Religion divides our society and causes conflict. Our doctrinal systems are great at separating the "in" crowd from the "out." But what if God was throwing a dinner party? Who would he invite? How exclusive would the guest list be? The answer might surprise you.
- Is giving money to the institutional church a good investment? How much should I give? Where should that money be spent? Will I really be taken care of if I give more than I can afford? Jesus has some powerful things to say about a widow who feels obligated to give her last two pennies to the upkeep of the temple. We'll discuss it on #QuestioningChristianity.
- M Night Shyamalan's movies are famous for having an unexpected plot twist at the end. Jesus uses the same story telling method in his parables; the audience is expecting one thing and he blindsides them with a twist. In this episode, we look at the familiar parable of "The Good Samaritan," and examine Jesus' big plot twist reveal - who's actually in the ditch?
We also try to answer some questions sent in by the podcast family about predestination and bad Christian music. #QuestioningChristianity
- Things are bad now, but it's gonna get worse. Eventually the world will become so evil that Jesus will return in judgement to end it all. Is this how you were taught to view the world? If so, you better think better! To repent means to change your mind, so change your world view! Paul encourages us to think about that which is beautiful, noble, and pure. Let's correct our stinkin' thinkin' on the next #QuestioningChristianity podcast.
- Jesus ends his sermon about living in the upside down kingdom of God by comparing two home builders. The foolish builder's home is washed away, but the wise builder establishes a foundation that withstands the storms of life. Join us as we conclude the "Red Letters" series on Questioning Christianity.
- "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,'' will enter the kingdom of heaven." Jesus warns of wolves in sheep's clothing. Who are these false prophets? Are we at risk of being false disciples? #QuestioningChristianity
- Have you ever thought, “I want to believe, but I just can’t?” Jesus says that few people will find his “narrow way.” Does that mean that most of us are on the broad way to destruction? Let’s think about doubt, belief, trust, and gates on the next QCP.
- Was Jesus a capitalist or a socialist? In the Sermon on the Mount, he invites his followers to join a new society - the Kingdom of Heaven. Let's discuss Jesus' economic plan for how this society is supposed to work; a financial system based on asking, seeking, and knocking. #QuestioningChristianity
- Uh oh. We missed a big question in last week's episode! Jesus says, "all these things will be added to you." Is that a prosperity promise? Then he goes on to talk about judging others. Is this a good episode? Well, you be the judge. #QuestioningChristianity
- Two guys who worry about money host a podcast about not worrying about money. Let's see what the red letters have to say about it. #QuestioningChristianity
- Rob trains for a marathon, and Dan learns the hard way that his Hemi needs gas. We also talk about the Red Letters some more - from Matthew 6 - where Jesus describes the spiritual disciplines of giving to the needy, prayer and fasting.
This mini-episode is actually a segment from show #24 "Gospel" which was cut out because of time. Rob describes why the early church suffered persecution on account of the Gospel. It wasn't because they were teaching about a way to get into Heaven; it was because they were preaching Jesus is Lord. The Emperor didn't appreciate that. What are the ramifications of misaligned allegiance today?
- Many Christians believe that the Gospel refers to the minimal entrance requirements for Heaven. This so called “Good News” has been reduced to a ticket for a space ride off of Planet Earth when our bodies die. But what if it’s more than that? What if it’s about how heaven is coming to earth? What was the first century church’s understanding of Gospel? Are there better ways for us to think about it in the 21st century? Let’s talk about it - #QuestioningChristianity.
- The red letters turn scarlet this week - sex, adultery, lust, and divorce. Do these ancient Jewish “sex laws” apply to our modern culture? Or is this just another example of fundamentalist legalism? Here’s a hint: we don’t really know, but we hope you’ll join us in wrestling with the red letters on the latest Questioning Christianity podcast.
- You’re right - legalistic Christians are the worst! But Jesus isn't concerned about rules; he's in the life transformation business. People who take his words seriously discover shalom...peace, healing, and wholeness. One of those shalom-instilling teachings of Jesus is “love your enemies.” It's harder than it sounds (and it sounds really hard!). Join us at the table on #QuestioningChristianity.
- Jesus wanted his followers to become fully developed human beings. In this episode we discuss why he was so intense about this process and the spiritual practices Christians have used though the ages to make room for spiritual formation.
- Jesus makes a disclaimer: "I haven't come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them." The Law was supposed to protect justice, ensure mercy, and show the world God's character, but it deteriorated into a broken, abusive religious system that devoured widows' houses. Jesus makes the law complete on the latest #QuestioningChristianity.
- Parents have dreams for their children. According to ancient Judaism, God has a dream for his children and the world he created. The dream is for the world to live in shalom and for human beings to flourish. So what do the metaphors of “salt” and “light” from Jesus’ teachings have to do with God’s dream? Listen to this episode to find out.
- The beatitudes are not instructions. They are cheers for the underdogs, healing for the wounded, blessings for those who feel cursed. Dan and Rob discuss it in the latest Questioning Christianity Podcast.
- Does the Bible offer any insight into the issue of gun control? Well, not exactly, but Jesus did have some things to say about weapons and violence. Join us for a special edition of Questioning Christianity.
- Check out the first in a series of episodes inspired book "Red Letter Revolution: What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said? by Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo. We'll look at the conversation Jesus had with Nicodemus. What does it mean to be born again? Plus, Dan and Rob provide 2 wrong Super Bowl predictions, just in time for the Monday after the Super Bowl.
- Dan is snowed in and finds himself asking another existential question, "Why am I here?" Rob sounds like Barry White and tells an incredibly embarrassing story from high school involving gym shorts. Join us for the latest #QuestioningChristianity podcast.
- Atheism says you’re complex biology. Religion says you’re just a sinner. But what does God say? Join the conversation as we discuss the existential question - "Who am I?" - on this week's Questioning Christianity podcast.
- Rob and Dan follow up on questions you submitted about last week's Advent episode: • Why did the Gospel writers include Jesus's birth and not his childhood? • What about the virgin birth? • Do you believe in the second coming of Jesus? • If Mary was revolutionary, why didn't Jesus lead a revolution?
- The guys take a slightly different approach to Advent by filtering it through Mary's song,"The Magnificat." Mary is ready for revolution! Can we tap into her fervor this holiday season? Join us this week on "Questioning Christianity."
- This week we chat with author and activist Shane Claiborne about having a "Kingdom view" of politics, the death penalty, abortion, immigration, and homelessness. Shane shares why he follows Jesus including the lessons he learned while working alongside Mother Teresa.
- Like yeast in dough, the kingdom of God is growing from small beginnings. A kingdom worldview forces us to change the way we treat others - including through social media. Rob shares a personal challenge to "assume the best" in others he disagrees with as a way to tone down the negativity and start a productive, respectful conversation.
- "Stranger Things" isn't the only world with an Upside Down alternative reality. God's kingdom in the here and now operates counterintuitively to the world's governments.
- From the cross Jesus says, "It is finished." Is this an admission from another failed messiah? Or has Jesus done the unexpected by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat?
- What happened at the cross? This week we examine substitution atonement. Rob sticks to the show's format, but Dan starts beef with The Liturgists, John Hagee, and "Left Behind."
- Why is the crucifixion of one Jewish rabbi so significant? Rob and Dan discuss 3 possible explanations in a new series of shows about the cross. This week's focus is on "moral influence doctrine." Tune in to find out more.
- Do we worship a bipolar God? Is he a God of love or a God of wrath (or both)? A listener emails to ask, "Does God like me?" Join Rob and Dan as we explore these questions in this week's podcast.
- From the crusades to modern-day terrorism, is religion doing more harm than good? What about Christianity? Is it a movement of peace or one that instigates conflict with non-believers? We chat about it on this week's Questioning Christianity podcast.
- Do all of the major world religions ultimately lead to God? Jesus said, "I am the way." What does he mean by that? Let's talk about it on this week's Questioning Christianity podcast.
- How can a good God allow human suffering? What's He waiting on? Rob and Dan take on this question this week on "Questioning Christianity" podcast.
- Each week, Rob and Dan take on a tough question of faith, and this week it's all about Hell. Is it a literal place? Could a loving God really send people there? Thanks for checking out the very first episode of "Questioning Christianity."