Faith Improvised

Showing Up Sep 17, 2024

In this episode, Steve and I talk about enjoying some good beers sent from a listener, and about the importance of showing up.

Autocracy, Inc. Aug 20, 2024

In this episode, Steve and I talk about Anne Applebaum's new book, Autocracy, Inc.

Salman Rushdie's Memoir Aug 13, 2024

In this episode, Steve and I talk about a bunch of things, but especially Salman Rushdie's memoir entitle Knife: Meditations after an Attempted Murder.

Buffoonery & Autocracy Aug 06, 2024

In this episode, Steve and I discuss the March 29, 2024 episode of the Ezra Klein Show, on which Ezra interviewed political journalist John Ganz. Ganz's new book, When the Clock Broke, is a survey of political and cultural developments in the 1990s that gave rise to the sorts of resentments and grievances at work in the upcoming election.

Reason, Passion, Ignorance, and Expertise in Politics Feb 27, 2024

Steve and I talk about passion and reason in the populace, and the place of expertise in politics.

What We've Learned About Teaching Feb 20, 2024

Steve and I talk about a bunch of stuff, but especially about what we've learned about teaching.

You Are Not Your Job, Pt. 2 Feb 13, 2024

In this episode, Steve and I continue our conversation about who we are and what we do, along with a bunch of other stuff.

You Are Not Your Job Feb 06, 2024

In this episode, Steve and I talk about our identities in relation to our jobs and careers.

Chosen Family Jan 23, 2024

In this episode, Steve and I talk about a bunch of stuff, but especially about the notion of chosen family.

Adventures in Public Education Jan 16, 2024

In this episode, I give some updates about the last month or so, and Steve and I talk about the football playoffs and about our experiences in public education.

Tim Gets Some Perspective Dec 12, 2023

In this episode, Steve and I talk about a bunch of different topics, but especially some recent lessons in perspective.

Gaining Perspective on Our Suffering Nov 28, 2023

In this episode, Steve and I talk about how holding onto a right perspective helps us deal with our suffering.

Doing What You Love & Maintaining Perspective Nov 21, 2023

In this episode, we ended up talking quite a bit about Johnny Marr's autobiography, Set the Boy Free, and the sort of person Marr embodies. He stayed focused on what he loved--playing guitar--and remained committed to those around him, which kept him from losing his perspective on life.

I also mentioned a few books: Underland, by Robert Macfarlane; Empire of Pain, by Patrick Radden Keefe; Devil House, by John Darnielle; and, of course, Johnny Marr, Set the Boy Free.

Long Walks & Laughter Nov 14, 2023

In this episode, Steve and I talk about some of the healing dynamics associated with our practice of taking long walks and the healing power of laughter.

The Challenges of Our Intellectual Journeys Nov 07, 2023

In this episode, Steve and I reflect on our personal transformations over the last 25 years, and the emotional, relational, and intellectual dynamics involved in those.

The Place of Pain and Suffering in the Pursuit of Happiness and Wholeness Oct 31, 2023

In this episode, Steve and I talk about how painful situations can be catalysts for growth, and under what conditions that can happen.

The Quest for Certainty in an Uncertain World Oct 24, 2023

In this episode, Steve and I talk about certainty and uncertainty, reflecting on Mark C. Taylor's comment, in his book, After God, that "Certainty is the symptom of death; uncertainty, the pulse of life."

Tragic Violence in the Middle East & The Importance of Memory Oct 17, 2023

In our conversation, Steve and I mention a few books: Mark Tessler, A History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; Elias Chacour, Blood Brothers: The Dramatic Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel; Sandy Tolan, The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East; Ari Shavit, My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel; Anne Applebaum, Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism. I also mentioned the documentary film, "With God on Our Side."

The Origins and Expressions of Individualism in American Protestantism Oct 10, 2023

Steve and I talk about why and how American Protestantism--especially white evangelicalism--is so individualistic. We mentioned a few books: Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations; Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America; Ijeoma Oluo, Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America.

Conspiracies, Intellectual Humility, and Arrogance Oct 03, 2023

In this episode, Steve and I talk about some articles we've read recently on conspiracy theories, and relate those to intellectual humility and arrogance. We also mention the following books and articles: "Google Isn't Grad School," by Arthur Brooks, from The Atlantic, July 2023; "What Conspiracy Theorists Don't Believe," by Tim Harford, from The Atlantic, July 2023; The Death of Expertise, by Tom Nichols; Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman; The Origins of Creativity, by Edward O. Wilson.

True Grit: Navigating a Cold, Indifferent Universe Sep 26, 2023

In this episode, Steve and I discuss the novel and the film adaptations of "True Grit"--their similarities and differences, and how the Coen version fits their vision of life in a cold, indifferent universe. We mention this article about the film by Stanley Fish, and the book by Adam Nayman, The Coen Brothers: This Book Really Ties the Films Together.

Pursuing Happiness, Wholeness, and Healing, Pt. 2 Sep 19, 2023

In this episode, Steve and I continue talking about happiness, with some references to the Book of Job and A Serious Man.

Pursuing Happiness, Wholeness, and Healing: Introducing Season 5 Sep 12, 2023

In this episode, I begin a series of conversations with my best friend, Steve Watkins, about pursuing happiness, wholeness, and healing. We mentioned a few books in this episode: Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (Harper, 2015), and Pema Chödrön, Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion (Shambhala, 2018). We also mentioned the beautiful TED Talk by Anne Lamott, called "12 Truths I Learned from Life and Writing."

Evangelism Is Not the Task of the Church Aug 29, 2023

In this episode I talk about how I came to the view that evangelism is not the task of the church.

Concluding Season 4 Aug 22, 2023

In this episode, I talk about my big move and new location in Louisville, and answer a few listener emails.

Reading New Testament Letters, Pt. 3 Aug 01, 2023

In this episode I finish talking about interpreting New Testament letters as occasional literature.

Reading New Testament Letters, Pt. 2 Jul 25, 2023

In this episode, I recommend my friend Max Botner's book, Beyond the Greek New Testament: Advanced Readings for Students of Biblical Studies (Baker Academic), and I talk about New Testament letters as occasional literature.

Reading New Testament Letters, Pt. 1 Jul 18, 2023

In this episode, I recommend Louis Menand's new book, The Free World: Art and Thought in the Cold War (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021), and I begin talking about reading and interpreting New Testament letters.

Reading Biblical Narratives, Pt. 3 Jul 11, 2023

In this episode, I catch up with the 17 listeners on what I've been up to the last few months, I recommend Beth Moore's new memoir, called All My Knotted Up Life (Tyndale Momentum), and I finish talking about some features of biblical narratives.

Reading Biblical Narratives, Pt. 2 May 16, 2023

In this episode, I recommend a brilliant new book by Daniel G. Hummel, The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle over the End Times Shaped a Nation (Eerdmans, 2023), and I talk a bit more about reading biblical narratives.

Reading Biblical Narratives Apr 25, 2023

In this episode, I catch all 17 listeners up on what I’ve been doing the last month or so, and I talk a little about reading biblical narratives.

The Bible Is a Library, Pt. 2 Mar 21, 2023

In this episode, I recommend Nijay Gupta's new book, Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church (IVP Academic, 2023), and I talk a bit more about why it’s so important to understand the different kinds of literature in the Bible.

The Bible Is a Library Mar 14, 2023

In this episode, I recommend Myth America: Historians Take on the Biggest Legends and Lies About Our Past, edited by Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer (Basic Books, 2023), and I talk about how important it is to reckon with the various kinds of literature found in the Bible.

The Questions the Bible Asks of Us Feb 21, 2023

In this episode, I recommend Gabor Maté's brilliant new book on trauma and healing, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture Avery, 2022), and I address some of the questions raised by the series on the big story of the Bible.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 15 Feb 14, 2023

In this episode, I talk about the current moment of the biblical story in a sub-series on engaging with Scripture that went on a whole lot longer than I thought it would.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 14 Feb 07, 2023

In this episode, I talk about the early church and how that fits into the biblical story.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 13 Jan 31, 2023

In this episode, I talk about Jesus and how he fits into the biblical story.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 12 Jan 24, 2023

In this episode, I try to provide some backdrop to the historical dynamics that shaped the culture to which Jesus arrived.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 11 Jan 17, 2023

In this episode, I finish talking about God’s call of Israel and what that means for God’s aim to reclaim the world for his glory.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 10 Jan 10, 2023

I recommend Bono’s new memoir called Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story (Knopf, 2022), and I talk about God’s call of Israel and what that means for God’s aim to reclaim the world for his glory.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 9 Nov 29, 2022

In this episode, I talk about God’s call of Israel and what that means for God’s aim to reclaim the world for his glory.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 8 Nov 15, 2022

I begin talking about God's plan to reclaim what was lost when humans failed in their commission to manage creation's flourishing.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 7 Nov 08, 2022

I recommend the book by Justin E. H. Smith, The Internet is Not What You Think It Is: A History, A Philosophy, A Warning (Princeton University Press, 2022), and I talk a bit more about the big story of the Bible. I also mention the soon-to-be-released book by Isaac B. Sharp, The Other Evangelicals: A Story of Liberal, Black, Progressirve, Feminist, and Gay Christians--and the Movement that Pushed Them Out (Eerdmans: 2023).

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 6 Nov 01, 2022

I relay some of the excellent meals I've enjoyed recently, and I continue talking about the big story of the Bible and how humans made a mess of things in Genesis 3.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 5 Oct 25, 2022

I recommend Jenny Odell's wonderful book, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy (Melville House, 2020), and I draw out some implications about humanity from Genesis 1-2.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 4 Oct 18, 2022

In this episode, I recommend Mel Brooks's wonderful memoir, All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business (Ballantine Books, 2021), and I talk about the opening chapter of the biblical story (Genesis 1-2).

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 3 Oct 04, 2022

In this episode, I continue talking about the opening chapter of the Bible’s big story.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 2 Sep 27, 2022

I recommend Merve Emre's book, The Personality Brokers: The Strange History of Myers-Briggs and the Birth of Personality Testing (Anchor Books, 2019), and I talk a bit more about the narrative dynamics going on in Genesis 1-2.

The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 1 Sep 20, 2022

I respond to some questions I've received, I recommend Katelyn Beaty's new book, Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits are Hurting the Church (Brazos Press, 2022), and I begin talking about the big story of the Bible.

Putting the Testaments Together Aug 16, 2022

In this episode, I recommend a wonderful work of fiction, called Dear Committee Members: A Novel (Doubleday, 2015), and I talk about two approaches to Scripture: Lectio Divina and the Law/Gospel contrast.

Thinking with Scripture Jul 26, 2022

In this episode, I recommend Hillary McBride's wonderful new book, The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Connection through Embodied Living (Brazos Press, 2021), and I talk about critical thinking when it comes to engaging with Christian Scripture.

Introducing Season 4 Jul 19, 2022

After a longer layoff than I had anticipated, I begin this fourth season by talking about what I've been up to over the last 3 1/2 months, note some of the books I've been reading, and give an overview of what I intend to explore in the upcoming season.

Wrapping Up Romans Mar 29, 2022

In this episode, I wrap up season 3 and the exploration of Paul's Letter to the Romans.

The Closing of Paul's Letter to the Romans Mar 22, 2022

A brief update on two books I'm reading--The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity, by David Graeber and David Wengrow, and The Church Cracked Open: Disruption, Decline, and New Hope for Beloved Community, by Stephanie Spellers. I also talk about the closing section of Paul's letter to the Roman Christians.

The Rhetorical Climax of Romans Mar 15, 2022

In this episode, I recommend J. Richard Middleton's wonderful and compelling new book, Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, The Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God (Baker Academic, 2021), and I talk about Romans 14:1-15:13, which is the climax of Paul's argument in the letter. Middleton's book is available with free shipping from Baker Book House (https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/260831). Support independent bookstores!

Submission to Worldly Powers in Romans 13 Feb 22, 2022

In this episode, I recommend Daniel Silliman's wonderful new book, Reading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a Faith (Eerdmans), and I talk about Paul's exhortations in Romans 13. I also mention Stephen Colbert's thoughts about the relationship of his Christian faith to his comedy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUaWDqDOWPk), and the brilliant fake conspiracy theory 'Birds Aren't Real' (https://birdsarentreal.com/).

Being God's New Creation Community (Romans 12) Feb 15, 2022

I share a few reflections about exploring how to be Christian, I recommend the PBS documentary on Billy Graham, and I talk about Paul's exhortations to the Roman Christians in Romans 12. You can find the documentary here: https://www.pbs.org/video/billy-graham-tp3vqn/.

How to Be Christian and Stay Christian (Even When LGBTQ+ People Exist) Feb 08, 2022

In this episode, I share a few more reflections about conspiracy theories, I recommend Kiese Laymon's book, Heavy: An American Memoir (Scribner), and I talk about what it means to be Christian and how to remain Christian when relating to people who identify as LGBTQ+ inside and outside the church.

God's Commitment to Save Israel (Romans 11) Feb 01, 2022

In this episode I recommend Randall Balmer's new book, Bad Faith: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right (Eerdmans), and I talk about the conclusion to Paul's argument regarding Israel in Romans 11.

How the Church Harms LGBTQ Christians Jan 25, 2022

In this shorter-than-normal episode, I share a few reflections and recommend Bridget Eileen Rivera’s book, Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ Christians Experience Harm in the Church (Brazos Press).

Israel and the Gentiles in Rome Jan 18, 2022

I share some updates on what I've been doing over the break, I recommend Gregory Alan Thornbury's really interesting book, Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?: Larry Norman and the Perils of Christian Rock (Convergent), and I talk about Paul’s argument regarding Israel in Romans 10.

I also mentioned this article: "'An American Tradition': Lessons from a year covering conspiracy theories," Jose A. Del Real, The Washington Post, Dec. 29, 2021.

Election and God's Prerogative in Romans 9 Dec 14, 2021

I recommend J. Russell Hawkins's excellent new book, The Bible Told Them So: How Southern Evangelicals Fought to Preserve White Supremacy, and I talk about Paul's argument in Romans 9.

The Climax of Paul's Argument in Romans 8 Dec 07, 2021

I offer some reflections on random topics, but especially about the notion of 'kayfabe' as a way of understanding behaviors in the world. I refer to Gregory Thornbury's article "On Metaphor and Kayfabe," which can be found here (https://daviddark.substack.com/p/on-metaphor-and-kayfabe). And I talk about the conclusion to Paul's second major movement in Romans 8.

Questions about Romans and Mark Nov 30, 2021

In this episode I offer some thoughts on whether Romans 7 can help Christians who struggle with addictions, and consider Jesus' abrasive and insulting statement to the Syrian-Phoenician woman in Mark 7.

The Mosaic Law and the Cosmic Power of Sin (Romans 7) Nov 16, 2021

I recommend Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry's insightful book, Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States, and I talk about Paul's argument in Romans 7.

The Cosmic Scope of Paul's Exhortations in Romans 6 Nov 10, 2021

I recommend Danté Stewart's brilliant memoir, Shoutin' in the Fire: An American Epistle, and I talk about the communal and cosmic shape of Paul's exhortations in Romans 6.

The Roman Conflict in Cosmic Perspective Nov 02, 2021

In this episode, I give an update of what I've been up to on my little hiatus, I list a few books I'm currently enjoying, and I begin talking about the second major movement of Paul's argument, which starts in Romans 5:12-21.

A Brief Hiatus Sep 21, 2021

I'm taking a little break from the podcast and plan to be back at it soon!

The Roman Christians' Transformed Identity Sep 14, 2021

I recommend Tim Otto's beautiful and hope-filled book, Oriented to Faith: Transforming the Conflict Over Gay Relationships, and I talk about the final passage in the first major movement of Paul’s argument in Romans (Rom 5:1-11).

Paul Sends Abraham to Rome Sep 07, 2021

I recommend Rebekah Eklund's wonderful new book, The Beatitudes Throughout The Ages, and I talk about how Paul argues for the unity of the Roman Christians by citing Abraham in Romans 4.

Paul Unites the Romans in Justification Aug 31, 2021

I recommend The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race (Yale University Press), one of the most brilliant and breathtaking books I've ever read, and I talk about Paul's argument in Romans 3:21-31.

Paul Unites the Romans in Cosmic Enslavement Aug 24, 2021

I recommend Spencer Ackerman's new book, Reign of Terror: How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump, and I talk about the conclusion to Paul's opening argument in Romans 3:1-20.

Paul Confronts the Judging Group in Rome (Romans 2) Aug 17, 2021

I recommend Michael Gormans excellent book Reading Revelation Responsibly: Uncivil Worship and Witness: Following the Lamb into the New Creation, and I talk about how Paul's argument progresses in Romans 2, in which he confronts the group in the Roman churches that is passing judgment from a sense of moral superiority.

Paul's Rhetorical Trap (Romans 1:18-32) Aug 10, 2021

I recommend an excellent work on the Book of Acts, Kavin Rowe's World Upside Down: Reading Acts in the Graeco-Roman Age (Oxford University Press), and I talk about Paul's opening rhetorical move in Romans 1:18-32.

The Narrative Sub-Structure of Romans Aug 03, 2021

I recommend Beverly Roberts Gaventa's wonderful book, When In Romans: An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel According to Paul (Baker Academic), and I start talking about Paul's opening rhetorical move in Romans 1:18-32.

I also mention the following podcasts and books:

"The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill"

"The Ezra Klein Show"

Stanley Stowers, A Rereading of Romans: Justice, Jews, and Gentiles (Yale University Press).

Sigve K. Tonstad, The Letter to the Romans: Paul Among the Ecologists (Sheffield Phoenix Press).

Paul Greets The Romans Jul 27, 2021

In this episode, I recommend Chuck DeGroat's timely and wonderful book, When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse, and I talk about the introduction of Paul's letter to the Romans.

I also talk a bit about identity politics, responding to Charles Murray's article, “Identity Crisis: How the Politics of Race Will Wreck America,” published this month in The Spectator.

An Overview of Romans Jul 20, 2021

In this episode I recommend David Fromkin's masterful and fascinating work, A Peace To End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East, and I give an overview of how I see the major movements of Paul's argument in his letter to the Roman house churches.

Wandering Through Romans Jul 13, 2021

I recommend Lisa Bowens's compelling new book, African American Readings of Paul: Reception, Resistance, and Transformation (Eerdmans), and I talk about where I intend to go with the podcast in this third season (and beyond), reporting on my research in Paul's letter to the Romans.

The Church Is God's Social Justice Jun 08, 2021

In this episode, I recommend a great new book by Brian Brock called, Disability: Living Into The Diversity Of Christ's Body, and I talk about social justice, the gospel, and how the church does not merely have some kind of relationship to social justice, but rather, according to Paul, the church is God’s social justice.

Death of God, Etc. Jun 01, 2021

I have a discussion with my friend Steve Watkins about a load of stuff, but especially about some of the impulses behind death of God thinkers, which I find really fascinating.

The Grammar of the Gospel May 25, 2021

I recommend an excellent new book, Reparations: A Call for Repentance and Repair, by Duke L. Kwon and Gregory Thompson, and I talk about the grammar of the gospel and compare that to the grammar of evangelicalism.

The Problem of Men in Ministry May 18, 2021

I recommend Ijeoma Oluo’s new book, Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America, and I respond to a question about women in ministry by sort of flipping the script and reflecting on the problem of men in ministry.

I also recommend Nijay Gupta's excellent blog series, "Why I Believe in Women in Ministry," an index to which is found here (https://www.patheos.com/blogs/cruxsola/2019/06/why-i-believe-in-women-in-ministry-gupta/).

Love the Evangelical, Hate the Evangelicalism May 11, 2021

I recommend a magisterial work by Frances FitzGerald, The Evangelicals: The Struggle to Shape America, and I reflect a bit on some recent articles on the cultural dynamics of evangelicalism.

I refer to these three articles:

Timothy Dalrymple, "The Splintering of the Evangelical Soul: Why We're Coming Apart, and How We Might Come Together Again," Christianity Today, April 16, 2021.

J. Kameron Carter, "Behind Christianity Today’s Editorial is a Deeper Crisis of America’s Religion of Whiteness," Religion News Service, December 24, 2019.

Isaac B. Sharp, "Race, Gender, and the Limits of Evangelical Identity," Berkeley Forum, April 22, 2021.

I also refer to these books:

Pankaj Mishra, Age of Anger: A History of the Present.

George Marsden, Reforming Fundamentalism: Fuller Seminary and the New Evangelicalism.

Christian Smith, The Bible Made Impossible: Why Biblicism Is Not a Truly Evangelical Reading of Scripture.

John A. D'Elia, A Place at the Table: George Eldon Ladd and the Rehabilitation of Evangelical Scholarship in America.

Thinking Again, Again May 04, 2021

I recommend Ta-Nehisi Coates's brilliant book, Between the World and Me, an absolutely powerful memoir that’s a personal letter to his son, and I intended to talk about a few recent articles on the contemporary state of American evangelicalism, but ended up extending some thoughts on the sorts of things I routinely re-think.

What Did Jesus Know & When Did He Know It? Apr 27, 2021

I recommend Jared Yates Sexton's compelling new book, American Rule: How A Nation Conquered the World but Failed Its People, and I talk about reckoning with the narrative shape of the Gospels, how they theologize about Jesus as a character, and how certain theological conceptions can get in the way of our understanding, especially an assumption about God's "omniscience."

I also mention Jeannine Brown's excellent book, The Gospels as Stories: A Narrative Approach to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Joy of Being Wrong Apr 20, 2021

I talk about Adam Grant's new book, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know, and how it sheds light on creative Christian postures of humility and curiosity. I also mention Beth Allison Barr's new release, The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. And I make minor note of Daniel Boorstin's classic work, The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America.

Baseball & Golf, Science & Faith Apr 13, 2021

In this short episode I talk about the Cubs' brutal start to the season, the Masters tournament from last week, and I recommend Edward Larson's brilliant book, Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion.

Reconnecting with a Friend Apr 06, 2021

I reflect a bit about why this is my favorite week of the year, I talk about Molly Worthen’s book, Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism, and I share a personal story about reconnecting with an old friend.

Exvangelicals & Deconstruction Mar 30, 2021

I recommend a powerful new book by Anthea Butler called White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America, and I reflect for a bit about the terms “exvangelical” and “deconstruction.”

I also mention a few other books: Adam Grant, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know; Crystal M. Fleming, How To Be Less Stupid About Race: On Racism, White Supremacy, and the Racial Divide; Ijeoma Oluo, Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America.

The Church as God's Public Justice Mar 23, 2021

I share some random observations from the past week, I recommend Educated: A Memoir, which is a brilliant and quite compelling coming of age narrative, and I talk about Paul’s vision of the church as God’s public justice.

The Conversion of Paul's Ministry Imagination Mar 16, 2021

I share some thoughts from the past week, I recommend Heather McGhee's brilliant new book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, in which she elaborates the zero-sum logic that distorts our racial and political imaginations, and I share some ideas from my book, Power in Weakness: Paul's Transformed Vision for Ministry, especially how Paul experienced a conversion of his ministry imagination.

White Evangelicals & Abortion Politics Mar 09, 2021

In this episode I share some random observations, I recommend Jason Hickel's brilliant book, The Divide: Global Inequality from Conquest to Free Markets, and I talk about the politics of abortion and how this issue has shaped the culture of white evangelicalism in America.

Just Briefly Mar 02, 2021

In this brief episode, I share some thoughts from the past week and I recommend Jason Stanley's fascinating book How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them.

Sovereignty, Suffering, Sports, Etc. Feb 23, 2021

I offer some reflections on music, sports, and the challenge of self-awareness among athletes, I recommend Daniel Radosh's fun and enlightening book, Rapture Ready!: Adventures in the Parallel Universe of Christian Pop Culture, and I respond to some questions about what I've been saying about God's sovereignty and what that looks like in our world.

More on Sovereignty and Suffering Feb 16, 2021

I respond to a bunch of questions I received based on the previous episode, and I recommend Kate Bowler's wonderful memoir, Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved, which is a personal and theological reflection on so many of the poor ways Christians have come to think about God in relation to human suffering.

God's Sovereignty and Human Suffering Feb 09, 2021

I reflect on the character of antagonism and how patterns in evangelical culture make evangelicals susceptible to being drawn easily into antagonistic postures and patterns in the larger culture. I also recommend Manoush Zomorodi's fascinating book, Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self, and I talk about how the Bible depicts God's sovereignty and how that relates to human suffering, among other dynamics in our experience.

Pappy O'Daniel Power Hour Feb 02, 2021

I have a conversation with my friend Steve Watkins about a variety of topics: how our thinking has developed over the years, what to do about misinformation and conspiracy theories, and we drop some Coen references along the way. I also recommend Anne Applebaum's important new book, Twilight of Democracy.

The Importance of Listening to *Others* Jan 26, 2021

I offer some ruminations from the past week, I talk about Bruce Longenecker's wonderful book, The Lost Letters of Pergamum, which is one of the best resources for getting into the world of the New Testament, and I reflect on the strategic importance of listening to those our culture *others*, especially when it comes to realities like cruciformity.

It's a Putsch! Jan 19, 2021

In this first episode of season 2, I answer a question about evangelical engagement with the Bible, I talk about my new book, Power in Weakness, which is about Paul as a pastor, and I reflect a bit on current events, especially the attempted putsch on January 6 and what that portends for America in coming days.

Paul's Apparently "Clear" Teaching About Christian Families Dec 22, 2020

I offer a few observations and reflections from the past week, I recommend Seth Dowland's fascinating book, Family Values and the Rise of the Christian Right, and I talk about the Household Code in Ephesians 5-6 as an instance of how modern Bible readers can misread an apparently clear passage when they don't understand ancient and modern historical contexts.

The (un)Gospel of Mark, Pt. 8 Dec 15, 2020

I reflect a bit on evangelical faulty logic that keeps us from loving our neighbors, I talk about a wonderful resource for understanding Mark in its Jewish context, and I conclude my series on Mark's Gospel.

Race, Patriarchy, the SBC, and Lessons We Don't Learn Dec 08, 2020

I talk about the statement issued by SBC seminary presidents rejecting Critical Race Theory and why that signals a resistance to the difficult but life-giving work of gospel-oriented justice. I also talk about Beth Allison Barr’s upcoming book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood, which is a brilliant analysis of how evangelical patriarchy uses the Bible to endorse gender hierarchies that the gospel deconstructs.

The (un)Gospel of Mark, Pt. 7 Dec 01, 2020

I offer a few reflections and observations from the past week, I recommend Luke Timothy Johnson's new book on Paul's letters and theology, and I talk about the narrative dynamics of what is going on in chapter 14 of Mark's Gospel.

The (un)Gospel of Mark, Pt. 6 Nov 24, 2020

I talk about some events of the recent week, along with offering a few other random thoughts, I recommend Scot McKnight's book, Reading Romans Backwards, and I explore some of what is going on in Mark 13, which has huge implications for being Christian while a pandemic is raging.

The (un)Gospel of Mark, Pt. 5 Nov 17, 2020

I share some thoughts about the bizarre nature of the past week, I commend Esau McCaulley's excellent new book, Reading While Black, and I talk about some of the narrative dynamics of Mark 11-12.

The (un)Gospel of Mark, Pt. 4 Nov 10, 2020

I share some reflections from the past week's events, respond to an interesting question about relating to God, talk a little about Grand Rapids Theological Seminary where I teach, and I draw out some of the narrative dynamics up and running in Mark 8-10.

The (un)Gospel of Mark, Pt. 3 Nov 03, 2020

I reflect a bit on events of the past week, I recommend Jill Lepore's excellent and insightful work, These Truths: A History of the United States, and I talk about the narrative dynamics of Mark 4-8.

The (un)Gospel of Mark, Pt. 2 Oct 27, 2020

I recommend Jeannine Brown's excellent new book on the Gospels and I continue talking about the subversive Gospel of Mark, focusing on how Jesus's parable of the sower and the seed in 4:1-20 sets the table for the rest of the narrative.

The (un)Gospel of Mark, Pt. 1 Oct 20, 2020

I talk about Matthew Avery Sutton's brilliant book, American Apocalypse, which is now the standard work on the history of modern fundamentalism / evangelicalism in America, and I start a series exploring Mark's mystifying and thoroughly unsettling Gospel.

How Christian Identity Works, Pt. 3 Oct 13, 2020

I share some random thoughts and reflections, answer a few emails, talk about Harry Frankfurt's brilliant book, On Bullshit, and wrap up a discussion of how cruciformity determines the identity of Christians.

How Christian Identity Works, Pt. 2 Oct 06, 2020

I share some reflections, including a lament about the Cubs' early departure from the baseball postseason, I talk about Pankaj Mishra's excellent and insightful book, Age of Anger, and I continue describing the way Scripture constructs Christian identity, focusing on cruciformity.

How Christian Identity Works, Pt. 1 Sep 29, 2020

I offer a few random observations, recommend Robert P. Jones's excellent new book, White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity, and begin a series about Christian identity, focusing on cruciformity.

The Powers and Authorities and Christian Discernment of Culture Sep 22, 2020

I share a few random observations, I talk about a lovely book I've read recently, and I elaborate on the larger theological framework that shapes my engagement with cultural criticism and gives some background as to why I think Critical Race Theory is so helpful for Christians.

Critical Race Theory and Evangelical Fear Sep 15, 2020

I respond to an interesting question about my posture toward the church, I talk about probably my all-time favorite book, and I elaborate a bit on Critical Race Theory, why evangelical leaders are sowing fear about it, and why Christians have nothing to fear about this or any other analytical tool for discerning power dynamics of oppression in our culture.

“Make America Great Again” is a Call to Turn Our Backs to the Gospel Sep 08, 2020

I respond to a question about the nature of salvation, I talk about Nijay Gupta's great new book on how Paul uses "faith" language in his letters, and I reflect on how the resonance among white evangelicals with the current president's campaign slogan reveals something fundamentally problematic about the culture of white evangelicalism.

How To Be Humble Sep 01, 2020

I catch up on some discussion and questions about evangelism, talk about Tom Nichols's wonderful book, The Death of Expertise, and I reflect a bit on the character of humility and arrogance.

Alpha Male Myths & Violence in Our World Aug 25, 2020

In this episode, I reflect on the role that "the Great Commission" plays in evangelical culture, I talk about Sarah Posner's brilliant new book, "Unholy: Why White Evangelicals Worship at the Altar of Donald Trump," and I share a conversation with my friend Steve Watkins. He's a former Navy SEAL whose experience and study has changed his thinking about the military and violence. We also talk about Alpha & Beta males and there's a Fargo reference dropped in for good measure.

Is the “Great Commission” Even a Thing!? Aug 18, 2020

A conversation with Kristen Johnson on the surprising history of the phrase that has been so central to evangelical identity, mission, and practice. It's perhaps time to reassess the outsize role Matthew 28:19-20 plays in our thinking, and just as importantly, to actually look at what the passage says!

Jesus and John Wayne, with Kristin Du Mez Aug 11, 2020

This week, I respond to a few questions about individualism, I talk a little about Bruce Longenecker's book, In Stone and Story, and I have a discussion with Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of the new book, Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation.

Christian Nationalism is Idolatry Aug 04, 2020

In this episode I respond to some questions I received, commend the super-fun book Cringeworthy: A Theory of Awkwardness, by Melissa Dahl, and talk about the idolatrous notion that America is a Christian nation.

BLM, the Kingdom of God, and White Evangelicalism's Gospel Problem Jul 28, 2020

In this episode I share a few ideas in response to a question asking what we can do about our individualized gospel, I recommend Lee Camp's sparkling new book, Scandalous Witness: A Little Political Manifesto for Christians, and I elaborate some of the dynamics of the Kingdom of God in Scripture that conservative white evangelicals are missing, captive as that culture is to a shrunken version of the gospel.

Christian Identity & Race Jul 21, 2020

In this episode I respond to some questions I received about evangelism from the first episode, I talk about Kristin Kobes Du Mez's wonderful new book Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation, and I share a conversation I had about race with Max Botner, my New Testament colleague at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. We hit a few things we've learned from the book White Fragility and about some criticisms of it, and we touched on some aspects of Christian identity that drive us to learn about and discuss matters of race.

Here Goes Nothin' Jul 14, 2020

In this first episode, I explain why I’m jumping into podcasting and what I hope to explore. I talk a little about Chanequa Walker-Barnes’s new book, I Bring the Voices of My People, and I explore a bit further how I came to change my thinking about a Christian posture toward others, both at an individual level and cultural one.

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