Micky Jones, a theologian passionate about spirituality and faith engagement, dives into the intriguing realm of post-cynical Christianity inspired by Jim Wallis. The discussion navigates the tensions between skepticism and hope, urging for a faith that responds creatively to social challenges. They also explore the complexity of biblical interpretation and the interconnectedness of the Trinity. With a touch of humor, Micky highlights the significance of inclusive faith expressions, advocating for a robust, hopeful community in a time of cynicism.
The podcast emphasizes the distinction between healthy skepticism and debilitating cynicism in post-cynical Christianity, promoting engagement with faith positively.
A discussion on defining theological terms like 'anointing' and 'perichoresis' highlights the importance of relational understanding within Christian practices.
Deep dives
High Gravity and Community Connections
The podcast discusses the excitement surrounding the upcoming Wild Goose Festival, highlighting various events and community gatherings. An artist named Trey will perform and share his experiences transitioning from mainstream Christian music to a more theologically engaged artistry. This reflects a broader theme within the theology nerd community about exploring authenticity in faith expressions. The hosts encourage listeners to connect with these events as opportunities for deeper engagement within their spiritual journeys.
Post-Cynical Christianity
A critical concept explored in the conversation is post-cynical Christianity, which differentiates between healthy skepticism and debilitating cynicism. Healthy skepticism allows individuals to question and engage with faith, while cynicism can lead to a pessimistic view of both faith and community. The hosts discuss how this cynicism often stems from past disappointments within church environments, suggesting that a healthy response is to embrace skepticism while remaining open to positive possibilities. This nuanced understanding encourages reflection on how individuals can meaningfully engage with their faith amidst societal challenges.
Defining Key Theological Terms
The podcast features a segment where theological terms are defined, starting with 'anointing,' which traditionally signifies God's intervention through symbols like oil. This leads to a deeper understanding of empowerment within the ministry context, especially related to the Holy Spirit's role. Another term, 'paracresis,' describes the dynamic interplay among the Trinity, illustrating how God is inherently relational and communal. This discussion emphasizes the importance of context and historical understanding in grasping theological concepts.
The Role of Language in Faith
The conversation delves into how speaking in tongues has evolved within Christian practices, initially serving a missional purpose of cross-cultural communication. However, it has shifted towards an individualistic expression that sometimes neglects the community's inclusive mission. The hosts express concerns that such practices can create boundaries within congregations rather than facilitating genuine connection. This reflects a broader commentary on how faith practices should focus on fostering community rather than division.
This edition of the Theology Nerd Throwdown is a smorgasbord of subjects - a cornucopia of concepts - a torrent of topics... you get the idea.
First up is the 30 second definition blind challenge when Bo has to define 3 terms or concepts. This week's words are: anointing, perichoresis and glossolalia.
We take a little break for the High-Gravity broadcast and then pick up with the Bible & Tillich, Hegel, and Process.
Our guest this week was Jonnie Russell who guest blogged last week. He was visiting for the High Gravity conversation.
One production note: Bo forgot to bring the Mp3 call with Micky for Tripp to hear - so he is commenting blindly. THEN something went wonky with the sound and Bo's audio on the call to Micky was muted so all of Micky's comments were edited together to sound like a unified piece.
Blogs that will be tied into this episode will be: