AJ, author of 'The Gift of Thorns,' shares a raw and vulnerable conversation with Nijay. They discuss unfulfilled wants leading to deeper spiritual life, exploring desires in the New Testament, embracing honesty about challenging topics like desire and sex within the church, and the importance of delayed gratification in a society focused on instant satisfaction.
Unfulfilled wants can lead us into deeper spiritual life with Christ.
Ordering desires and journey towards understanding and redeeming deepest longings are crucial.
Deep dives
Exploring the Authors' Recent Research and Publications
A discussion ensues about the hosts' recent research and published works, focusing initially on A.J. Swaboda's book, 'The Gift of Thorns, Jesus, the Flesh, and the War for Our Wants.' The hosts express gratitude for their dedicated listeners and emphasize the importance of providing resources and encouragement to those facing challenges in faith and life.
A.J. Swaboda's Unique Career Journey and Writing Style
The conversation delves into A.J. Swaboda's unconventional career path from boots-on-the-ground ministry to academia. Despite initial struggles with the non-traditional academic route, Swaboda highlights how pastoral work has deeply shaped his identity as a writer and public theologian, aiming to connect the intellectual with the emotional to reach the human heart.
The Essence of 'The Gift of Thorns' and the Redemption of Desire
The podcast explores the core themes of A.J. Swaboda's book 'The Gift of Thorns,' delving into the concept of desire and the impact of unfulfilled and distorted desires. Swaboda candidly shares personal experiences that underpin the book's exploration of desire, emphasizing the importance of ordering desires and the journey towards understanding and redeeming one's deepest longings.
AJ has written an important new book called THE GIFT OF THORNS. Nijay and AJ discuss why AJ wrote this, a bit of his own story, and how unfulfilled wants can lead us into deeper spiritual life with Christ. This is a raw and vulnerable conversation. (WARNING: adult content is briefly discussed)