The Wednesday Conversation

Episode 491: Let’s Talk Genesis 1

Genesis is an intriguing book, and a complicated one. It forms the prelude to the entire biblical narrative. In this episode, Aaron Mattox joins us to discuss some of the particulars of Genesis 1, and how we can grow as good and faithful Bible readers.

Episode 490: Bob Wrote a Book

It's book release week! Bob's latest book Gospel Training for Deacons hit the shelves on August 27. We thought it would be a good time to discuss the book and respond to a listener's question about how Bob approaches the writing process and what he emphasizes as he writes.

Episode 489: The Difference Between Sin & Immaturity

How should we understand the difference between sin and immaturity? To put it simply: one is moral/ethical and the other is not. In this episode, we parse out how to identify spiritual, emotional, or relational immaturity. We also explore how the gospel helps us grow out of immaturity into deeper wisdom.

Episode 488: Cathedrals

Cathedrals have long captured the imagination of human beings. But why? What is it about these sacred spaces that evokes a sense of wonder and beauty? On his recent vacation, Chris visited several cathedrals in Spain; upon his return, we discuss the importance of developing a Christian aesthetic and how it can lead us to a deeper worship of God.

Episode 487: TWC Commentary | The Shift in Pro-Life Politics

Christians are a pro-life people. In the past, the pro-life strategy was fairly straightforward: help pregnant moms and work toward the repeal of Roe v. Wade. But the Dobbs Decision in 2022 brought about a shift in legislative strategy and tactics. In this episode, Bob uses Rusty Reno's categories of principle and prudence to discuss political platforms, state-level ballot initiatives, and how Christians can work together with grace and charity.Article: https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2024/07/the-republican-party-sidelines-the-pro-life-cause

Episode 486: From the Archives | Typology in the Bible

The whole Old Testament points beyond itself for fulfillment and anticipates the coming of Jesus Christ. In this episode from 2017, we discuss how understanding typology can enrich our reading of the Bible and sharpen our theological clarity.

Episode 485: TWC Commentary | The New Populism Is Here to Stay

It’s an election year, friends! And newsworthy events in American politics are taking place almost every day. Recently, Donald Trump decided to make JD Vance his running mate. That choice marks a new moment in American politics: it signifies that populism is here to stay. In this episode, Bob unpacks some insights from political scientist Damon Linker about how this new populism differs from traditional conservatism, what it means for the Republican and Democratic parties, and how Christians should think about their political identity.Article: https://damonlinker.substack.com/p/the-convert

Episode 484: The Sins That We Don’t See

What does gospel renewal look like as Christians mature in their walk with the Lord? Drawing from the work of Tim Keller and John Newton, we look at how even our strengths and virtues have a "shadow side" that leads to selfishness and sin. We talk about how we can humbly acknowledge these “small faults" and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit more fully in our lives.Article: https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/wisdom-of-john-newton/

Episode 483: Does Christian Love Require Open Borders?

In an article for First Things, Brad Littlejohn uses traditional Christian moral theology to tackle the issues of immigration and national borders. In this episode, we summarize Littlejohn’s arguments, how the analogy of a house and home helps create distinctions, and how governments and Christians are called to act with wise judgment and prudence within our finitude and limitations.Article: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2024/06/theology-of-immigration

Episode 482: TWC Commentary | When You Shouldn’t Trust “The Science”

Wiley and Sons, the largest publisher of scientific journals in the world, announced that they had found over 8,000 junk papers—papers written by artificial intelligence but attached to the name of a researcher—and were pausing publications of several scientific journals. Bob takes some time to unpack the implications of this and what happens when we make “The Science” the ultimate authority.