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The Reason for the Church with Brad Edwards

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Mar 26, 2025

Guest

Brad Edwards

In this engaging discussion, Brad Edwards, author of "The Reason for the Church," advocates for a positive vision of the Church amidst widespread criticism. He explores why Christian culture often embraces an 'anti-vision' mindset. Edwards emphasizes the Church's role in healing and community, addressing the need for institutions to combat loneliness and anxiety. He also tackles the deep-seated issues of spiritual abuse, urging a return to authentic relationships and support within the Church as essential for personal and communal growth.

58:35

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INSIGHT

Anti-Institutionalism in Culture

Modern culture emphasizes rejecting institutions to find self-worth.
This anti-institutionalism is deeply ingrained in our narratives, even children's stories.

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ANECDOTE

Pinocchio and Anti-Institutionalism

Pinocchio, a manufactured puppet, seeks authentic self-discovery by rejecting his creator.
Jiminy Cricket, symbolizing conscience/intuition, guides him.

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INSIGHT

Intuition vs. Conscience

Modern interpretations of stories like Pinocchio twist the meaning of conscience.
Intuition now trumps established values, leading to self-focused decision-making.

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Cultural Narratives and Individualism

04:24 • 15min

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The Vital Role of Institutions in Community Building

18:59 • 16min

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Healing Beyond Labels

34:43 • 18min

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The Unique Role of the Church in Spiritual Life

52:40 • 3min

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Embracing Grace and Community in Faith

In *The Pastor*, Eugene Peterson shares his personal journey of becoming a pastor and founding Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Maryland. The book critiques modern church practices and consumerism, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the present moment in relationships between people and God. Peterson's narrative offers a profound reflection on the pastoral vocation, highlighting its local, personal, and prayerful nature.

The Great Sex Rescue

Sheila Rae Gregoire

Losing Our Religion

An Altar Call for Evangelical America

Russell Moore

In 'Losing Our Religion,' Russell Moore reflects on the crises facing American evangelicalism, including the loss of credibility, authority, identity, integrity, and stability. Moore argues that evangelicals should lean into their 'exilic identity' and avoid compromising their beliefs for political influence. He advocates for a return to the gospel over politics, truth over tribalism, and integrity over influence. The book is part memoir, lament, jeremiad, and indictment, offering wisdom and counsel for navigating the current challenges in evangelical Christianity.

Shepherds for Sale

Megan Basham

Invisible Jesus

Tommy Preson Phillips

Scot McKnight

Invisible Jesus explores the reasons behind the deconstruction of faith among Christians. The authors examine various issues within the church, such as toxic leadership, legalistic thinking, and political partisanship, that contribute to this phenomenon. They highlight the experiences of individuals who are questioning their faith while still seeking a genuine connection with Jesus. The book offers biblical reflections and calls for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to faith. Ultimately, it encourages readers to critically examine their own beliefs and practices to ensure they align with the teachings of Jesus.

The Boniface Option

Andrew Isker

The Coddling of the American Mind

Jonathan Haidt

Greg Lukianoff

The book explores how the ideas 'what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker,' 'always trust your feelings,' and 'life is a battle between good people and evil people' have become embedded in American culture. These 'Great Untruths' contradict basic psychological principles and ancient wisdom, leading to a culture of safetyism that interferes with young people’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. The authors investigate various social trends, including fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised play, and the impact of social media, as well as changes on college campuses and the broader context of political polarization in America.

When Narcissism Comes to Church

How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation

Kristin Kobes Du Mez

The book delves into the history of American evangelicalism, focusing on how white evangelicals have promoted a militant, patriarchal form of masculinity that has aligned with figures like John Wayne and, more recently, Donald Trump. Du Mez argues that this form of masculinity has been central to the political and social transformations within white evangelicalism, leading to the strong support for Trump despite his controversial character. The book also critiques the abuse and corruption within evangelical leadership and explores the broader implications for American society and politics.

The Reason for Church

Brad Edwards

Church of Cowards

A Wake-Up Call to Complacent Christians

Matt Walsh

The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. Jesus and John Wayne. Church of Cowards. Losing our Religion. Shepherds for Sale. In the last several years, there has been no shortage of negative commentaries on the Church. Why so much anti-vision? Are any Christians attempting to pave a positive path forward? Today, we’re talking with Brad Edwards, whose forthcoming book, “The Reason for the Church,” provides the positive vision that the Church needs. He and Patrick discuss why Christian culture has been stuck in an anti-vision mindset and why a negative perception around institutions as a whole is partly to blame. Brad details why the Church is so necessary and explains how many Christians have forgotten the Church’s role as a source of healing and community. But what about people who have experienced spiritual abuse at the hands of the Church? We hope this episode offers an honest-yet-hopeful vision for church as a necessary institution. Listen now!

Have you read "Joyful Outsiders" yet? It's available now! Learn more, read a sample chapter, and grab your own copy here: https://joyfuloutsiders.com/

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