Theology for the Rest of Us

Latest Episodes:

188: If Someone Commits Suicide, Will They Go to Hell? Nov 15, 2016

Show notes

Suicide is a sensitive and sobering topic. Many people know someone who has committed suicide. Many Christians have asked, if someone commits suicide, will they go directly to hell? Or is there a chance they are in heaven?

In this episode, Kenny points out that there are two different manners to answer this question, depending on the motivation of the person answering the question. Kenny tries to answer both motivations in the most sensitive and most Christ-honoring way possible.

Related Episodes

43: Is Judas in Heaven or Hell?

71: Is Mental Illness Caused by Demons?

187: Are Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses Cults? Nov 14, 2016

Show notes

Two of the most well-known non-orthodox faiths in American today are the Mormons and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Most evangelical Christians would label these faiths as “cults” and would deny their orthodoxy. Is this a fair assessment?

In this episode, Kenny explains the definition of a cult and why he treats these two faith groups differently than other cult-like groups.

186: Can Psychics Talk to Angels? Nov 11, 2016

Show notes

Many people are fascinated with the concept of talking to angels or corresponding with other spiritual beings beyond our dimension. This is nothing new. And many of the celebrity psychics in our world take advantage of this fact. Some of these supposed psychics even claim to be able to correspond with angels. Is this true? Can certain psychics or spiritual mediums talk to angels? If not, who are they corresponding with?

In this episode, Kenny answers this question by giving us a clear understanding of the Biblical purpose for angels.

185: Is it Sinful for Christians to Listen to Secular Music? Nov 10, 2016

Show notes

Quite frequently, younger Christians ask whether or not it is wrong or sinful to listen to secular music. In this episode, Kenny makes it clear that no, it is not necessarily sinful, but that music can influence us in a grand fashion and therefore we ought to be cautious with our music selection.

Kenny highlights the power and impact music has on our lives, minds, emotions and souls. With that in mind, we ought to be strategic in utilizing music to cultivate our intimacy with Christ.

184: Are Christians Obligated to Vote? Nov 06, 2016

Show notes

There are many people who believe, and publicly assert, that Christians are “obligated” to vote in order to influence the direction of our government.

In this episode, Kenny makes clear his profound appreciation for his right to vote as an American, but highlights the logical flaw in claiming that any person is ever obligated to vote.

183: Were There Any Writings From God that Are Not in the Bible? Nov 04, 2016

Show notes

Some people have asked, “Are there any books, letters, or writings that were inspired by God that about to be in the Bible but, for some reason or another, was left out of the Bible by the early Christians?

In this episode, Kenny gives an answer that will be somewhat surprising to some listeners, pointing out that there is some evidence that at least one divinely inspired letter written by the Apostle Paul wasn’t included in the New Testament.

182: How Do We Know that Our Gospel Message is Right and Complete? Nov 04, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, Kenny addresses a point brought to him by a regular listener about the completion of the New Testament, the authenticity of the Biblical narratives, and the completeness (or wholeness) of the essence of the Gospel message, as well as the related theological elements and doctrinal components.

Basically, how do we know that the message of the Gospel that we preach today is actually indeed the whole Gospel message that Jesus preached? How do we know that the early church didn’t leave anything out (whether intentionally or maliciously)?

Recommended Resources

The Historical Jesus (by Gary R. Habermas)

The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus (by Gary R. Habermas & Michael Licona)

Christian Origins and the Question of God (4-Book Series) (by NT Wright)

181: Should Doctrine Impact How You Choose A Church? Oct 26, 2016

Show notes

Many people have faced the choice: Which church should my family and I attend? When we are faced with this question, there are many elements that impact and influence our decision.

In this episode, Kenny explains how doctrine should be one of those elements that greatly impact our decision as to which church we choose to attend and worship at, however more importantly, Kenny asserts and explains how the faithful preaching of the Word of God ought to be the highest priority when selecting a church.

180: Is It Wrong to Want to be God’s Favorite? Oct 24, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, Kenny answers the question: Is it wrong to want to be God’s favorite person?

Kenny answers this question by examining the words of Jesus in Mark 10 when James and John asked Jesus to allow them to sit next to Him at God’s table in heaven.

179: Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Oct 22, 2016

Show notes

Halloween has been a popular, and overly commercialized, pseudo-holiday in the United States for more than a century. But many Christians have protested the tradition, claiming the pseudo-demonic nature of Halloween, as well as its pagan roots, makes it something Christians ought to abstain from participating in. Is abstinence the best approach? Should Christians participate in any Halloween festivities or not?

In this episode, Kenny answers this question directly by pointing out that there are many different viable approaches to cultural traditions such as Halloween. Kenny also makes clear that his own approach is to use these sorts of events and traditions as an opportunity to prayerfully and intentionally penetrate the culture with Gospel-centered and redemptive purposes.

Open the Door to Halloween (article by Jonathan Parnell)

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