The Wednesday Conversation

Episode 551: Family Planning (Part 1)

How should Christians approach contraception and family planning?Unless a Christian couple has taken the time to investigate contraceptive and family planning options, it can be hard to know what exists, what is safe, and what is ethical. In part one of this two-part episode, we address a listener's question about how to honor God in our approach to family planning. We discuss the predominant cultural narratives about contraception, how a Christian view is different, and why the fertility awareness method offers a unique wisdom in this area.Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: Listener Justin Has a Question(3:16) The Cultural Starting Point for Contraception(9:03) Strengths & Weaknesses of Protestant Thought(13:33) Reflecting on Our Assumptions about Birth Control(21:44) Jenn Newman Joins Us to Talk About Fertility Awareness

Episode 550: The Casino Economy

How can we resist the gamification of our economy — and help others do the same?The advent of digital technology has incentivized ease and encouraged isolation. Young people, especially young men, have become socially risk-averse — spending more time alone and cultivating negative habits on their devices. In this episode, we engage a Derek Thompson Substack article that explores the connection between online betting and social isolation. We discuss the fight for young men's souls, the need for embodied discipleship, and how the church can be a counter-cultural champion of relationships and community.Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: Keep it Up, Young Christian Men(3:07) We’ve Forgotten How to Feel Lonely(7:05) The Loss of the Pro-Social Script(16:19) Why Embodied Discipleship Matters(21:13) Disempowering the Digitization of Our Lives(27:33) Concluding Reflections

Episode 549: Christian Maturity Is a Journey, Not a Destination

How can we submit to and enjoy the slow process of sanctification?It’s not uncommon for Christians to feel discouraged by their progress (or lack thereof) in sanctification. But what if our vision of maturity focused less on the destination and more on slow growth over time? In this episode, we use the Sermon on the Mount to consider Christian discipleship and maturity. We discuss Jesus's image of discipleship as a path or road, how to handle discouragement along the way, and the joy of not taking ourselves too seriously.Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: Follow-Up on AR-15's(5:49) Reframing Sanctification as a Journey(15:25) The Journey is Slow(20:57) We Will Reach the Destination(27:33) How to Enjoy the Process

Episode 548: TWC Commentary | AI-First or People-First?

How can we advocate for a people-first economy?Artificial intelligence is disrupting our vocational and social worlds — and as it starts to dominate industries, more people are trying to discern its proper limits and boundaries. Intuitively, we are hesitant about the increasing growth of AI. But why? Is it because we sense that people should do our work? In this episode, Bob weaves together two articles to discuss the contrast between building an AI-first culture and a people-first culture. Along the way, we consider the importance of a Christian anthropology, the growing questions about AI's economic impact, and how Christians can be champions of others in their lives and workspaces.Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: What Do We Do about AI?(5:39) We’re Heading Toward an AI-First World(11:04) Choose the Person over the Non-Person(15:46) A Principle for Engaging AI(21:57) The ROI on AI(27:49) A People-First ApproachArticles & Resources:https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-financial-page/the-ai-profits-drought-and-the-lessons-of-historyhttps://mereorthodoxy.com/wendell-berrys-unanswered-question

Episode 547: TWC Commentary | Roman Catholics & Marian Devotion

The Vatican clarified its stance on the virgin Mary—where do Protestants agree & disagree?Last week, the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith released a document clarifying Roman Catholic teaching about Mary the mother of Jesus. Mariology has been a point of contention in Protestant/Catholic relations, but the Mater Populi Fidelis document reveals some promising reforms. It also fails to go far enough. In this episode, Bob commends three specific areas of reform, points out three areas of ongoing disagreement, and encourages Protestant/Catholic debate and conversation.Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: The Release of Mater Populi Fidelis(4:34) Three Encouraging Reforms to Marian Devotion(13:04) Where We Think the Vatican Still Missed(24:23) What Protestants Can GleanArticles & Resources:https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/11/04/251104a.html

Episode 546: Common Sense Gun Regulation?

Why are so many Christians unwilling to bend on the issue of guns?In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder and other recent instances of gun violence, the debate over gun regulation is raging once again. The right to bear arms is constitutionally protected and deeply ingrained in American culture — but does that mean all guns should be permitted? In this episode, we respond to a listener question about where Christians should stand on gun control. We discuss biblical wisdom and gun regulation, the interplay of the gun debate with societal virtue, and why “rights” don’t always align with human flourishing.Chapters:(0:00) Listener Sophia Has a Question(3:20) Teeing Up the Gun Control Debate(7:40) Why Christians Should Support Reasonable Gun Regulations(12:17) The Case Against Assault Weapons(16:10) Why We Are Still Pro-Gun(20:00) Guns and VirtueResources:Gun Control and the Right to Bear Arms — Good Faith Debates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOMePdBBLnI

Episode 545: From the Archives | Worshiping in the Tradition

How should the Reformation shape how we worship today?It’s always good to know and understand our heritage when it comes to worship. Why do we structure our worship gatherings the way we do? Why do we sing together as a congregation? Should we take communion every week? In this episode from 2020, we talk about the book ‘Reformation Worship’ and look at what principles and ideas we can take from the Reformation and put into practice in modern day worship.

Episode 544: Survival in an Age of Extinction?

Technology is threatening our humanity — how do we push back? The digital revolution is forcing the human race toward a civilizational bottleneck, Ross Douthat contends in a recent New York Times article. What survives depends on our deliberate choices. Unless we "fight for a future where human things and human beings survive and flourish," much of what we love will be lost. In this episode, we discuss Douthat's insights about how the virtual replaces the real, why we put up with this digital substitution, and how AI accelerates the process. We close by considering how Christians can help preserve the practices and pursuits that make us truly human.Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: Bob's Recent Cycling Accident(4:47) The Digital Age as a Civilizational Bottleneck(16:38) How The Virtual Replaces the Real(21:30) Intentional & Purposeful Stewardship(31:37) Preserving the Really Human Things

Episode 543: An Interview with Trevin Wax (Part 2)

Bob interviews Trevin Wax about his new book, The Gospel Way Catechism.Trevin Wax is Vice President of Resources and Marketing at the North American Mission Board and a well-known author, speaker, and cultural commentator. He also serves (along with Bob) as a fellow at The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. In this episode, Bob and Trevin talk apologetics. They discuss Trevin’s newest project "The Gospel Way Catechism" and its unique approach to counter-formation. They also explain the role of cultural apologetics in explaining and defending the Christian faith.Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: What is Counter-Catechesis?(7:26) How to Decide What to Put In a Catechism(14:56) Who Should Be Using Catechisms?(21:40) Trevin’s Contribution to “The Gospel After Christendom”(25:00) Explaining Cultural Apologetics(30:45) Lesslie Newbigin's Missiology

Episode 542: An Interview with Trevin Wax (Part 1)

Bob interviews Trevin Wax about his life, leadership, writing, and formative influences.Trevin Wax is Vice President of Resources and Marketing at the North American Mission Board and a well-known author, speaker, and cultural commentator. He also serves (along with Bob) as a fellow at The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. During Trevin's recent visit to Nebraska for a TGC pastor's quarterly, we invited him to join the podcast to discuss his life and work. In this episode, we hear about Trevin’s upbringing, his writing, his experiences in ministry, and his vision for the next few decades.Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: Kelsey’s Cookies (Again)(1:28) Trevin’s Family and Church Background(10:18) Developing the Discipline of Writing(21:46) Experiences with and Work with the Keller Center(37:59) What’s Next?