The New Evangelicals Podcast

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218. Universalism: Ancient Heresy or Biblical Teaching? // Keith Giles Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Tim and Keith discuss the topic of universal reconciliation and respond to the claim that it is not a biblical or Christian perspective. They explore various themes, including the historical context of universalism, the views of early church fathers, and the nature of God. They also address the theological critiques of universalism, such as the connection between conditionalism and universalism. In this conversation, Tim and Keith discuss the concept of universal reconciliation and respond to critiques of the belief. They explore the idea of having the mind of Christ and the importance of humility. They address theological and philosophical critiques of universalism, including the claim that it originated from Gnosticism and Kabbalah. They also discuss the problem of grace and how universalists interpret biblical passages differently. The conversation highlights the different hermeneutic approaches used by universalists and the challenges of interpreting Paul's writings. They conclude by addressing verses that seem to support eternal punishment.

Takeaways

Universalism is not a radical or heretical view, but rather a valid and biblical perspective within the Christian tradition.

The early church fathers, including Origen, held views of universal reconciliation, and the label of heresy was not applied until much later.

The connection between conditionalism and universalism is not a slippery slope, and each view has its own distinct theological arguments.

The theological critiques of universalism can be addressed through a deeper understanding of the nature and character of God. Having the mind of Christ involves humility and the willingness to lower oneself for the sake of others.

The claim that universalism originated from Gnosticism and Kabbalah is unfounded and lacks evidence.

The problem of grace in universalism is a misunderstanding; extending grace to everyone does not diminish its value.

Universalists interpret biblical passages differently, often using apocalyptic hyperbole and spiritual readings.

Paul's writings can be interpreted in different ways, but the concept of universal reconciliation is supported by various passages.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

08:09 Claim 1: Universalism is Radical

15:19 Claim 2: Origen and the Label of Heresy

23:41 Claim 3: Connection between Conditionalism and Universalism

34:49 Theological Critiques of Universalism: The Problem of God

47:12 The Mind of Christ and Humility

48:37 Critiques of Universalism

49:37 Guilt by Association

53:41 The Problem of Grace

57:25 Different Hermeneutic Approaches

01:13:23 Interpreting Paul's Writings

01:18:04 Addressing Verses on Punishment

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217. Myth-Busting Sunday School // Dr. James McGrath Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

Summary

Dr. James McGrath wrote the book, A to Z of the New Testament: Things Experts Know That Everyone Else Should Too, to help lay people with information about the NT from the cultural context. Tim and Dr. McGrath discuss the benefits that help us understand details that put scripture in context.

Takeaway

The Nativity was about a spare room in Middle Eastern hospitality culture not in a barn

The Birth of Jesus isn’t about Jesus having a human mother and divine Father

Salvation is complex

Sexuality within the Bible is difficult to compare to modern views of sexuality

Chapters

Intro 0:00

What is the NT about 2:00

The Nativity Story 8:00

The Birth Discrepancies 13:01

Creed Christianity 28:02

Salvation 33:15

Questions About Sexuality 43:65

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216. Conversations with a Sinfluencer // Deconstruction Girl Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

Summary

This conversation between Tim Whitaker and Deconstruction Girl revolves around the topic of deconstruction within Christianity. They discuss the misunderstandings and misconceptions surrounding deconstruction, the validity of deconstructing one's faith, the issue of gatekeeping and labeling, the straw man argument often used against deconstruction, the concept of atonement and sacrifice, the importance of deconstruction, and the futility of arguing with those who are not open to understanding different perspectives. The conversation explores the process of deconstructing faith and responding to questions about it. It delves into the examination of beliefs and the challenges of holding on to faith. The concept of sin and its loaded meaning is discussed, along with the need to expand its definition. The complexity of defining sin is explored, considering its cultural and historical contexts. The conversation also highlights the importance of exposure and normalization of different perspectives. Finally, the response to criticism and the experience of celebrity status are addressed.

Takeaways

Deconstruction is often misunderstood and misrepresented within Christianity.

Deconstructing one's faith is a valid and personal journey that should be respected.

Gatekeeping and labeling can be harmful and dismissive of individual experiences.

The straw man argument is frequently used to undermine the validity of deconstruction.

The concept of atonement and sacrifice in Christianity can be complex and diverse.

Deconstruction plays an important role in personal growth and understanding one's faith.

Arguing with those who are not open to different perspectives can be futile and unproductive. Deconstruction of faith involves examining beliefs and questioning their validity.

The concept of sin is loaded and its definition can vary depending on cultural and historical contexts.

Expanding the definition of sin allows for a more nuanced understanding of its impact.

Exposure to different perspectives can lead to a reevaluation of beliefs and a more inclusive worldview.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 The Misunderstanding of Deconstruction

08:14 The Validity of Deconstruction

13:22 Gatekeeping and Labeling

17:25 The Straw Man Argument

21:59 The Atonement and Sacrifice

26:23 The Importance of Deconstruction

28:06 The Experience of Salvation

32:20 The Futility of Arguing

34:23 Deconstructing Faith and Responding to Questions

35:22 Examining Beliefs and Holding on to Faith

36:10 The Concept of Sin and its Loaded Meaning

37:41 Expanding the Definition of Sin

38:18 Understanding Sin in a Systemic Context

39:15 The Complexity of Defining Sin

40:19 Sin in Different Cultural and Historical Contexts

41:16 Reevaluating the Concept of Sin

42:13 Exposure and Normalization of Different Perspectives

43:32 Celebrity Status and Response to Criticism

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215. Crisis on the Border, Trump, and the Christian Nationalism Behind It // Andrew Whitehead Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

This is a brand new monthly installment featuring Andrew Whitehead who's a leading sociologist of Christian Nationalism.

On this month's episode Tim and Andrew unpackthe Christian Nationalism that is fueling the panic at the southern border.

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214. Holy Ghosted and Gaslighted by God // Tiffany Yecke Brooks, PhD Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

Tiffany Yecke Brooks, PhD shares her personal journey of growing up in a fundamentalist faith tradition. She discusses the moment she realized something was wrong and how it led her to write a book called Holy Ghosted. She also explains the concept of spiritual anxiety and religious trauma and how churches use them to indoctrinate us.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 Growing Up in a Fundamentalist Faith Tradition

06:00 Questioning Gender Roles and Church Leadership

13:00 Writing a Book Speaking Out

20:00 Understanding Spiritual Anxiety and Religious Trauma

25:00 Setting Boundaries vs. Manipulation and Control

35:00 The Importance of Clarity and Authenticity in Churches

36:13 Exclusion of the Queer Community

37:31 Linguistical Whiplash in Churches

44:30 Building a Healthy Church Community

48:13 The Big Picture and Context

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213. Evangelical Voters Still Want Trump! // Riley Martinez Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Tim Whitaker and political analyst Riley Martinez discuss the New Hampshire primary and its implications for the Republican Party. They explore the voting process in the primaries and the support for both Donald Trump and Nikki Haley. They delve into the significance of the white evangelical vote and the influence of Trumpism within the GOP. The conversation also touches on the war within the party and the election fraud narrative. They highlight immigration as a key issue and discuss Biden's handling of the genocide in Gaza. The conversation concludes with a look at upcoming primaries and Nikki Haley's future in the race.

Takeaways

The New Hampshire primary is the first primary of the election year and is often indicative of who will win the primary elections.
Trump has a strong base of support among white evangelicals, which has remained consistent over the years.
The Republican Party has shifted towards Trumpism, with neoconservative candidates facing challenges.
Immigration is a significant issue for Republicans, even in states far from the southern border.
Foreign policy, particularly the war in the Middle East, may play a larger role in the 2024 election.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:38 The New Hampshire Primary

03:08 Voting in the Primaries

04:34 Support for Trump and Haley

05:46 White Evangelical Vote

06:47 The Republican Party and Trumpism

09:01 The War within the GOP

11:18 The Election Fraud Narrative

13:21 Immigration as a Key Issue

14:20 Biden's Handling of Genocide in Gaza

15:37 Foreign Policy in the Election

15:55 Upcoming Primaries

16:35 Nikki Haley's Future in the Race

17:04 Conclusion

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212. Is Deconstruction Destroying "Historic Christianity"? // Pete Enns Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Tim and Pete Enns respond to a video discussing deconstruction by Alisa Childers, Tim Barnett, and Sean McDowell. They explore the concept of a biblical worldview and its limitations and the definition and significance of deconstruction. They also discuss the role of biblical authority and the challenges of interpreting and applying scripture.

Pete and Tim explore the nuances of doubt and apologetics, the clash between modernism and postmodernism, the complexity of biblical interpretation, and the challenges of biblical inerrancy. They discuss the role of doubt in faith, the limitations of historical claims in the Bible, and the need for a nuanced understanding of biblical authority. The conversation delves into the rhetoric of war and the labeling of deconstruction as the doctrine of demons.

Takeaways

The concept of a biblical worldview can be limiting and oversimplifies the complexity of faith and theology.
Biblical authority is a topic of theological discussion and interpretation, and it is important to recognize the diverse and historical context of the Bible.
The role of personal experience and subjectivity should be acknowledged and respected in discussions of faith and theology. Doubt can play a positive role in the development of faith, and it should be embraced and explored rather than suppressed.
The interpretation of the Bible should consider the historical context and the complexities of biblical texts, rather than relying on a simplistic view of biblical inerrancy.
The church needs to address and confront issues of spiritual abuse and hold leaders accountable for their actions.
Orthopraxy, the practice of faith, is often overlooked in favor of orthodoxy, the right beliefs.
Deconstruction is a personal and often painful process that should be met with empathy and support.
The rhetoric of war and labeling deconstruction as the doctrine of demons can be harmful and divisive.
There is a need for further discussion and exploration of these topics to foster understanding and growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:48 The Concept of a Biblical Worldview

10:57 Defining Deconstruction

14:07 Deconstruction as a Threat to Christianity

22:25 Deconstruction vs. Being Biblical

28:00 The Modernist Mindset and Biblical Authority

36:23 Objective Truth Claims and Biblical Authority

43:41 The Claim of Jesus as the Only Way

48:24 The Role of Experience and Subjectivity

49:15 The Nuance of Doubt and Apologetics

51:49 The Clash Between Modernism and Postmodernism

53:43 Navigating the Historical Context of Christianity

54:38 The Relationship Between Deconstruction and Subjectivity

55:08 The Complexity of Biblical Inerrancy

56:27 The Role of Doubt in Faith

57:23 Interpreting the Bible and Understanding Biblical Authority

58:49 The Limitations of Historical Claims in the Bible

59:42 The Challenge of Biblical Inerrancy

01:01:30 The Development of Theological Thought

01:02:48 Understanding History in the Bible

01:04:10 The Purpose of History in Biblical Texts

01:06:03 The Complexity of Biblical Interpretation

01:08:49 Taking the Bible Seriously

01:14:12 Questioning the Authenticity of Faith

01:18:47 Recognizing Spiritual Abuse

01:20:39 Misunderstanding the Concept of Child Sacrifice

01:32:01 Addressing Abuse within the Church

01:36:06 The Need for Biblical Literacy and Theology

01:37:55 The Importance of Orthopraxy

01:41:39 Empathy and Support for Deconstruction

01:44:10 The Rhetoric of War and "The Doctrine of Demons"

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211. Shameless Oversharing After Purity Culture // Mattie Jo Cowsert Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this podcast, Mattie Jo Cowsert discusses her book God, Sex & Rich People: A Recovering Evangelical Testimony, with Tim. Mattie Jo explains her background in evangelicalism and the influence of purity culture on her beliefs and sexuality. She and Tim explore the need to challenge systemic issues and prioritize social justice over religious dogma.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:16 Questioning Faith and Reclaiming Sexuality

16:04 Deconstructing Christianity and Forming a New Moral Foundation

30:13 Reevaluating Priorities and Challenging Systemic Issues

32:23 The Control and Fear of Purity Culture

36:28 Navigating Sexual Ethics and Boundaries

01:07:23 The Importance of Communication and Planning in a Sexual Relationship

01:14:09 The Role of Communication and Honesty in a Healthy Sexual Relationship

01:16:24 The Fear of Navigating Nuance in the Evangelical Church

01:18:16 Acknowledging the Limitations of the Conversation and Addressing Sexual Abuse

01:19:20 Future Book Plans and Normalizing Conversations about Sex

Read "God, Sex, and Rich People by Mattie Jo Cowsert

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210. Evangelicals VS. Civil Rights: A History // Rev. Dr. Bobby Griffith Jr. Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Summary

This conversation explores the historical context of evangelical opposition to the civil rights movement and draws parallels to contemporary rhetoric. The discussion highlights the similarities between the language used by Charlie Kirk and historical figures who opposed civil rights legislation. It also examines the theological justifications used to discredit the movement and the role of lay preaching in the civil rights movement. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the future of evangelicalism and the ongoing fight for racial justice.

Takeaways

There is a historical pattern of evangelical opposition to civil rights, with similar rhetoric and justifications used throughout history.
The language used by Charlie Kirk echoes the discourse of historical figures who opposed civil rights legislation.
Theological justifications, such as the belief in individual salvation and the idea that revival will solve racial issues, have been used to oppose civil rights.
Lay preaching played a significant role in the civil rights movement, demonstrating the power of spiritual and community-based activism.
The fight for racial justice continues, and it is important to challenge and confront racist rhetoric and ideologies within evangelicalism.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:29 Charlie Kirk's Smear Campaign

03:07 Historical Context: Evangelical Opposition to Civil Rights

08:45 Talking Points to Discredit the Civil Rights Movement

14:01 Charlie Kirk's Tweet about MLK

20:12 The Persistence of Racist Rhetoric

25:00 Theological Justifications for Opposition to Civil Rights

31:14 The Role of Lay Preaching in the Civil Rights Movement

33:19 The Future of Evangelicalism and the Fight for Racial Justice