The Wednesday Conversation

Episode 471: Where the Trans Conversation is Headed

In a recent article for New York Magazine, Andrea Long Chu asserts the belief that kids should have the freedom to change their bodies and sexual identity at any time for any reason. In this episode, we discuss what that means for the direction of culture and society, and how Christians can courageously and faithfully uphold the traditional sexual ethic.

Episode 470: The Resurrection As History

For much of the 20th century, the resurrection of Jesus was believed by Christians as a matter of faith, but doubted by scholars as a matter of history. NT Wright’s book “The Resurrection of the Son of God” changed all that. In this episode, we survey Wright’s major argument for the historicity of the resurrection, and explore how his work can help us interact with skeptics.

Episode 469: How to Feel

As image-bearers of God, we are made to feel. Yet we can have a limited emotional range or lack the ability to tap into what we’re feeling in a given moment. In this episode, we discuss why emotional awareness is important and how it leads to a deeper, more honest relationship with the Lord and one another.

Episode 468: The Negative World (Again)

Aaron Renn’s new book “Life in the Negative World” uses the experience of The Crossing Church as an example of what happens when a church tries to minister faithfully in a "negative world." Patrick Miller, pastor of The Crossing, wrote an article to tell the fuller story of their church's partnership with a progressive film festival. In this episode, we dissect Miller’s essay and discuss where Renn’s hypothesis is helpful and where it falls short.Article: https://mereorthodoxy.com/the-crossing-negative-world

Episode 467: Reflections on the Evangelical Fracturing

2014 was the year American evangelical Christianity began to fracture. In today’s episode, we reflect on a Jake Meador article that uses the Acts 29 Network as a case study exploring that fracturing. Based on our own experiences during that time, we analyze where Meador's analysis rings true and where it doesn't.Article: https://mereorthodoxy.com/ten-years-evangelical-fracturing

Episode 466: The Stories We Could Tell...

In ministry work, pastors often have rich, joyful, redemptive stories to tell. And there are also some odd stories. The ones that make you ask, “Did that really happen?” From being interrupted while preaching a sermon to being asked to fly across the country to approve of a relationship: in today’s episode, we recount some of the most interesting experiences we've had in pastoral ministry.

Episode 465: Evaluating “Gentle Parenting”

“Gentle parenting” is the latest parenting trend, and parents are increasingly being exposed to it as it gains popularity through social media. In this episode, we discuss what the gentle parenting approach entails, and how Scripture evaluates this method of child-rearing.Article: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/gentle-parenting-biblical/

Episode 464: Should Christians Observe Lent?

Many Christians observe Lent. Others criticize the practice, claiming that Lent is "too Catholic." In this episode, we explore the history of Lent and discuss why it can be a very meaningful season for Christians. We also disagree with one another on some of the particulars of Lenten worship.

Episode 463: Who Is My Neighbor?

How do we apply the Good Samaritan parable in a world where we’re constantly exposed to the needs of others? Do we have the same moral obligation to those across the world as we have to those closest to us? Prompted by a recent inquiry from a listener, we discuss the ever-provocative question: who is my neighbor?

Episode 462: From the Archives | The Gospel and Shame

Almost 10 years ago, we sat down with Dr. Gary Nebeker to talk about shame and its impact on the soul. Because shame can hinder us from experiencing the joy and freedom of the gospel, it's important that we attend to its presence and engage it in light of the gospel.