The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast

Phil Vischer, Part 2: Fighting To Save Evangelicalism From Fundamentalism

Aug 30, 2023

Phil Vischer, Christian media pioneer, joins the podcast to discuss the definition of evangelicalism. They explore controversies surrounding the term, analyze the complexities of political power, and emphasize the value of epistemic humility and creating safe spaces for pastors to navigate difficult questions.

30:24

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Episode guests

Phil Vischer

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Phil Vischer highlights the importance of epistemic humility and the need for a centrist evangelicalism that upholds essential beliefs while embracing biblical teaching on gender, social concern, and caring for the marginalized.

The contested nature of evangelical identity is discussed, with concerns about Southern fundamentalism shaping the global perception of evangelicalism. Historical and cultural factors, such as the Civil War and Jim Crow era, are explored, highlighting the impact of the Southern Church on evangelicalism worldwide.

Deep dives

The Importance of Epistemic Humility and Centrist Evangelicalism

In this episode, the hosts engage in a conversation with Phil Vischer, the co-creator of Veggie Tales, discussing his identification as an evangelical. Phil highlights the importance of epistemic humility, acknowledging that he does not have all the answers and that his understanding of the Bible is not definitive. He expresses his interest in a centrist evangelicalism that upholds the essential beliefs of the faith, embraces biblical teaching on gender and sexuality, and demonstrates a commitment to social concern and caring for the marginalized. Phil emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue and a willingness to study nuanced issues without always needing a definitive stance.

Introduction

2min

The Characteristics and Controversies of Evangelicalism

14min

Exploring the Complexity of Political Power and Controversial Issues

1min

Epistemic Humility and the Importance of Different Interpretations

10min

Creating Safe Spaces for Pastors and Church Leaders to Navigate Difficult Questions

5min

Get notes on this podcast here:

https://churchleaders.com/podcast/457756-phil-vischer-part-2-save-evangelicalism-fundamentalism.html

Phil Vischer joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast,” where he shares his perspective on who is currently defining what it means to be an "evangelical" and what he believes the term should represent.

Phil also joined us last week and told us about his experience in Christian media, offering thoughts on how pastors can advise the creatives in their churches. Check out our conversation with him here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/457268-phil-vischer-part-1-pastors-creatives-churches.html

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Mentioned in the Show

Holy Post "Me, Myself, and Bob: A True Story About Dreams, God, and Talking Vegetables" by Phil Vischer What's in the Bible?

Check out Phil's website Follow Phil on Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube

The Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed Bebbington's quadrilateral Billy Graham Bob Jones Sr. and Bob Jones Jr. Carl F. H. Henry David French Enneagram Harold John Ockenga Jerry Falwell Sr. "John Piper Suggests Allowing Women To Lead in Parachurch Organizations Is ‘Naïve,’ ‘Culturally Compromised’" by Dale Chamberlain on ChurchLeaders John Stott "Rick Warren Shares With Russell Moore the Scriptures That Convinced Him Women Pastors Are Biblical" by Jesse T. Jackson VeggieTales