#11 - The Boys Interview Blake from the Rethinking Christianity Podcast!
Feb 15, 2022
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Blake, host of the Rethinking Christianity podcast, shares his thoughts on Christian Deconstruction, the politics of the evangelical church in America, the challenges of interpreting the Bible, abuse within the church, and the impact of scripture. They also discuss mega-churches, Christian dating, spiritual practices, and their goals for the podcast.
Understanding and empathizing with personal struggles and experiences is essential in deconstruction.
Mega churches should prioritize deeper discipleship and genuine community over entertainment and attracting crowds.
Hypocrisy within the church can lead to skepticism and disillusionment, rebuilding trust requires taking responsibility for mistakes.
Creating intentional smaller communities within mega churches fosters deeper relationships and spiritual growth.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Deconstruction and Finding Clarity
Deconstruction is multifaceted, with individuals questioning their beliefs for various reasons. While some may be deconstructing from bad theology, it's important to empathize and understand the personal experiences and struggles people have had with the church. The church's role in historical injustices and hypocrisy should be acknowledged, but it's also essential to recognize the positive impact churches can have, such as providing resources and community. Finding a balance and approaching discussions with empathy can help guide individuals towards a deeper understanding of their faith.
The Influence and Challenges of Mega Churches
Mega churches hold significant power and resources, which can be beneficial in creating positive change. However, there is a need to address certain challenges within mega churches. Some churches might focus too much on entertainment or creating a country club-like atmosphere that lacks depth. The financial aspects and the influence they wield can sometimes dilute the true teachings of Jesus. Encouraging genuine community, focusing on deeper discipleship, and finding ways to serve others rather than solely attracting crowds can help combat these challenges.
The Impact of Hypocrisy and Selective Outrage
Hypocrisy within the church can contribute to the struggle many people face with accepting or continuing to follow Jesus. Selective outrage and inconsistency in judgment can discredit the teachings of the church. The perception that the church is more concerned with political alliances or protecting its own reputation rather than addressing abuse or injustice can lead to skepticism and disillusionment. Taking responsibility for mistakes, addressing hypocrisy, and truly demonstrating the love, forgiveness, and justice that Jesus preached are crucial steps in rebuilding trust.
Fostering Authenticity and Depth in Church Communities
Creating authentic and supportive church communities requires intentional effort. Mega churches, in particular, can create opportunities for smaller, more intimate groups to form within the larger congregation. These smaller groups can provide a space for deeper relationships, accountability, and discipleship. Mega churches should prioritize the cultivation of these smaller communities where individuals can engage with others, wrestle with their doubts and questions, and pursue a closer relationship with Jesus. The focus should be on creating environments where people can grow spiritually and experience a genuine expression of the body of Christ.
Reclaiming Church Models and Community
The podcast episode discusses the need to reclaim church models and create genuine community. It recognizes the issues with the current mega-church model and highlights the importance of smaller, authentic communities where people can know and support each other. The episode emphasizes the value of asking honest questions and being open to doubt and skepticism in a safe and non-judgmental space. It promotes the idea of spiritual formation and intentional practices such as prayer, reflection, and scripture reading. The podcast also explores the significance of multi-generational and diverse communities, acknowledging the wisdom and perspectives that older individuals can offer.
The Challenges of Worship Music and Modern Christian Culture
Another key focus of the podcast episode is the examination of worship music and modern Christian culture. The hosts express their struggles with certain aspects of worship music and the commercialization of the industry. They discuss the potential loss of authenticity and purity as worship music becomes a production with an emphasis on creating anthems and big performances. The episode raises questions about the balance between emotion and genuine worship, as well as the connection between personal experiences and spirituality. It also touches on the potential impact of worship music on the consumeristic tendencies within American culture.
Navigating Christian Dating and Relationships
The podcast episode briefly touches on the topic of Christian dating and relationships. The hosts share their personal experiences and perspectives on the challenges and expectations within Christian dating culture. They express their belief that Christian dating is often treated as a measure of success in the faith and emphasize the importance of community and honest conversations in navigating relationships. The episode acknowledges the complexity of the topic and the need to balance biblical principles with individual experiences and personal growth. It also recommends resources such as books on dating and intimacy to aid individuals in their journey.
Blake has been running a really successful podcast called "Rethinking Christianity" where he has interviewed famous theologians like Ed Litton and Pete Enns. We wanted to ask him his thoughts on Christian Deconstruction, the politics of the evangelical church in America, and much more. This is a good one so check it out!
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