Bonus Episode (Philosophy) Postmodernism, Slavoj Zizek (A Biblical Worldview).

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Jun 3, 2025

Dive into the intriguing clash between modernism and postmodernism, exploring how these philosophies shape art and ethics. Discover Slavoj Žižek's critiques and their implications for biblical wisdom amidst moral complexities. The discussion highlights the importance of humility and transformation in faith while critiquing superficiality in contemporary thought. Learn how to navigate the tension between worldly and divine wisdom, and confront systemic issues through a biblical lens, urging for deeper engagement with genuine values and truths.

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INSIGHT

Modernism to Postmodernism Shift

Modernism arose in the early 20th century as a movement emphasizing experimentation and subjective experience across literature, arts, and philosophy.
Postmodernism followed, rejecting stable meaning, objective reality, and grand narratives, emphasizing skepticism and relativism instead.

INSIGHT

Biblical Wisdom Defined

Biblical wisdom is a divine gift characterized by moral purity and spiritual discernment rooted in scripture.
It transcends human understanding, calling for ongoing reliance on God's guidance rather than simple rules.

INSIGHT

Paul on Worldly Versus Divine Wisdom

Apostle Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with divine wisdom, calling human intellect alone foolish for not knowing God.
God's plan is accessed through faith, not mere human reasoning.

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Ulysses

James Joyce

Ulysses is a groundbreaking and complex modernist novel that chronicles the experiences of three Dubliners over a single day. The novel is loosely based on Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey', with Leopold Bloom paralleling Odysseus, Stephen Dedalus paralleling Telemachus, and Molly Bloom paralleling Penelope. It explores themes such as antisemitism, human sexuality, British rule in Ireland, Catholicism, and Irish nationalism. The novel is known for its innovative use of language and narrative techniques, including stream-of-consciousness and multiple literary styles. It captures the essence of early 20th-century Dublin, providing a detailed snapshot of the city's social, political, and cultural landscape[2][3][5].

1 Corinthians 13

William D. Sulzer

1 Corinthians 13 is a chapter in the New Testament that focuses on the importance of charity. It describes the characteristics of charity and its role in spiritual growth. The chapter emphasizes the importance of love in all aspects of life. It encourages readers to strive for a life of selfless service and compassion. 1 Corinthians 13 provides a powerful testimony of the importance of love in the Christian faith. The chapter offers profound insights into the nature of love and its impact on individual lives and society.

Colossians

Ralph P. Martin

The Book of Colossians, attributed to the Apostle Paul, is a letter written to the church in Colossae. It emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, addressing theological issues and practical concerns of the early Christian community. Paul tackles false teachings that threatened the Colossians' faith, highlighting the fullness of Christ and the importance of living a life transformed by the Gospel. The letter offers guidance on various aspects of Christian life, including family relationships, and the importance of unity and love within the church. Colossians is a rich source of theological insights and practical advice for Christians today. It reminds us of the transformative power of faith in Christ and the importance of living a life that reflects His teachings.

2 Corinthians

A Short Exegetical and Pastoral Commentary

Anthony C. Thiselton

In this commentary, Anthony Thiselton offers a clear and practical analysis of 2 Corinthians. The book is characterized by its brevity and focus on both exegetical and pastoral aspects, making it a valuable resource for those studying the letter. Thiselton's expertise in Paul's theology and hermeneutics is evident throughout the commentary, which is designed to be helpful without being overly lengthy.

1 Corinthians 13

William D. Sulzer

1 Timothy

Paul S. Jeon

In this commentary, Paul S. Jeon delves into the first letter to Timothy, emphasizing the restoration of authority and piety within God's family. The book is divided into two main sections: authority in God’s family (chapters 1-3) and piety in God’s family (chapters 4-6). Jeon explores themes such as the discrediting of false teachers, the qualifications of elders and deacons, and the importance of proper conduct and stewardship within the Church. The commentary highlights the image of family as a critical backdrop for Paul's exhortations and encourages believers to lead a peaceful, godly, and dignified life[5].

Galatians

Scot McKnight

This commentary by Scot McKnight explores Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Christian morality. McKnight addresses the historical context of the letter, including the conflict over Torah observance among early Christian communities, and provides contemporary applications of the biblical text. The book is part of the NIV Application Commentary series, which aims to bring ancient messages into today's context for preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible.

Revelation

Jen Wilkin

Isaiah

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Isaiah

The Book of Isaiah is a major prophetic book in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It's attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in Judah during the 8th century BCE. The book contains a collection of oracles, poems, and prophecies addressing various aspects of Judah's history and the future. Key themes include God's judgment on Israel's sins, the promise of a future messiah, and the restoration of God's people. Isaiah's powerful imagery and evocative language have had a profound impact on religious thought and literature for centuries.

1 John

John the Apostle

The Book of 1 John is a pastoral and polemical letter aimed at combating the heresy of Gnosticism, which was emerging in the early Christian church. John writes to reassure believers of their faith in Jesus Christ and to provide clear guidelines on what it means to be a true follower of Christ. The letter emphasizes the importance of fellowship with God and with other believers, the necessity of confessing sins, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus. It also warns against false teachers and antichrists, and it underscores the principles of love, holiness, and security in the Christian life[1][2][3].

Matthew 28

Nimble Muse Journals

1 John

John the Apostle

James

Percival Everett

Percival Everett's "James" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Everett's writing is both sharp and witty, blending humor and pathos to create a compelling narrative. The novel explores themes of race, freedom, and identity in a way that is both timely and timeless. Everett's unique voice and perspective offer a fresh take on a familiar story, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about race and American history. The novel's unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged until the very end, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

Proverbs 2

James Hughes

Proverbs 2 focuses on the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, emphasizing their importance for navigating life's challenges. It highlights the rewards of seeking wisdom, including protection from evil, guidance in making righteous choices, and the joy that comes from knowledge. The chapter contrasts the paths of the wise and the foolish, showing the dangers of following wickedness and the blessings of adhering to God's ways. It encourages readers to diligently seek wisdom and understanding, recognizing their value in all aspects of life. Proverbs 2 is a timeless guide to living a life of purpose and integrity.

Ephesians

Canon Martin Kitchen

This book approaches the Epistle to the Ephesians in a unique manner, deviating from the traditional verse-by-verse analysis. It acknowledges the debt of biblical studies to historical method while offering a fresh and comprehensive examination of the text. The study provides a radical and insightful look at the Epistle, making it a valuable resource for scholars and readers interested in New Testament studies.

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This was originally released as a Patrons Bonus Episode on the 27th May2o24 on Patreon.

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Episode Summary: In this episode, I explore the contentious intersections between modern and postmodern philosophies, considering Slovenian philosopher, Slavoj Žižek’s critiques, along side my interpretation of the biblical concept of wisdom. We look at how these world views interact and challenge one another, particularly in the context of contemporary societal issues.

Key Concepts:

Modernism: A 20th-century movement emphasizing experimentation, abstraction, and subjective experience across various fields including literature, visual arts, music, philosophy, politics, and social issues. It arose from a sense of alienation from traditional morality and social norms.
Postmodernism: An intellectual stance characterized by scepticism towards both religion as well as scientific rationalism and objective reality. It questions all "grand narratives", rejects stable meanings, and emphasizes relativism and pluralism.
Slavoj Žižek: A Slovenian philosopher known for his work on ideology, Marxism, political theory, psychoanalysis, culture, and theology. He is critical of the contemporary appropriation of the term "wisdom.
Biblical Wisdom: Rooted in Scripture, biblical wisdom I content is a divine gift characterized by moral purity and spiritual discernment. It transcends human understanding and emphasizes a deep, ongoing relationship with God.

Main Discussion Points:

Biblical Perspective on Wisdom:
Tension Between Worldly and Divine Wisdom:
Postmodernism vs. Biblical Wisdom:
Modern Social Issues and Biblical Morality:
Critique of Simplified Morality:
Superficial Engagement and True Transformation:
The Role of Ideologies:
Christian Call to Authenticity:

Conclusion:

By engaging with complex philosophical and moral questions through the lens of biblical wisdom, we can seek deeper understanding and live more meaningful lives. This episode encourages listeners to explore these intersections critically and thoughtfully, always seeking to align their understanding with God’s eternal truths.

Scripture References:

James 3:17
1 Corinthians 1:20-22
Proverbs 3:5-6
Colossians 2:3
Isaiah 5:20
Matthew 22:37-39
2 Corinthians 13:5
Proverbs 2:3-5
2 Peter 3:18
Genesis 1:27
Galatians 3:28
1 John 1:8
Revelation 3:15-16
James 2:17
Isaiah 58:6
Ephesians 6:12
John 8:32
Matthew 7:3-5
1 C

Leadership Lessons From The Great Books
Leaders are readers of the Great Books of Western literature.

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