Things Above Conversation with AJ Swoboda and Nijay Gupta
AJ Swoboda, a theologian and author, and Nijay Gupta, a New Testament scholar, engage in a thought-provoking discussion about their book, 'Slow Theology.' They explore the need for a Sabbath-paced approach to faith, addressing cultural challenges and spiritual deconstruction. Their insights cover building resilience through struggle, the importance of relational knowing over mere information, and the dangers of instant answers in our digital age. Together, they offer transformative practices for those seeking authentic spiritual growth.
51:49
The Need For Sabbath-Paced Theology
- Fast decisions often produce short-sighted, ill-informed theology that fails in crises.
- AJ invites the church to apply a Sabbath-like slow pace to thoughtful theology formation.
Build Faith For The Long Haul
- Prepare your spiritual life for inevitable storms by building long-term habits and supports.
- Treat discipleship like an ultra-marathon requiring rhythm, training, and resilient practices.
Struggle Can Build Anti-Fragile Faith
- Resilience means withstanding chaos; anti-fragility means being strengthened by it.
- AJ links discipleship to anti-fragility: struggle trains us to become more loving and capable.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app 1 chevron_right 2 chevron_right 3 chevron_right 4 chevron_right 5 chevron_right 6 chevron_right 7 chevron_right 8 chevron_right 9 chevron_right 10 chevron_right 11 chevron_right 12 chevron_right 13 chevron_right
Intro
00:00 • 3min
Why we wrote Slow Theology
02:43 • 2min
Setting people up for lifelong faith
05:06 • 2min
Anti-fragile and resilient faith
07:25 • 4min
What is theology and who is a theologian?
11:24 • 3min
Relational knowing versus information
14:46 • 4min
Bad images of God and propaganda
18:18 • 3min
Creeds, guardrails, and correct interpretation
20:51 • 3min
Truth versus theology in the heart
23:38 • 5min
Epiphanies need margin; dangers of immediacy
28:29 • 8min
Why God hides and allows struggle
36:53 • 9min
Mystery, revelation, and the demand for trust
45:29 • 5min
Outro
50:30 • 1min
#5650
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
Tell Her Story
Nijay Gupta
#6535
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
After Doubt
AJ Swoboda
#42
• Mentioned in 239 episodes
Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis
In 'Mere Christianity', C.S.
Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology.
The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity.
Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage.
The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style.
#528
• Mentioned in 51 episodes
Anti-Fragile
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
In 'Antifragile', Nassim Nicholas Taleb introduces the concept of antifragility, which goes beyond resilience or robustness.
Antifragile systems thrive on volatility, randomness, and stressors, using them as sources of growth and improvement.
Taleb contrasts antifragility with fragility, which is harmed by disorder, and robustness, which resists change.
The book applies this concept to various domains, including economics, medicine, and personal development.
Taleb argues that embracing uncertainty and allowing for controlled exposure to stressors can lead to greater adaptability and long-term success.
'Antifragile' offers a new perspective on risk management and decision-making in an unpredictable world.
#12
• Mentioned in 395 episodes
The Anxious Generation
Jonathan Haidt
In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s.
He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development.
Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility.
The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.
#22735
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Subversive Sabbath
The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World
A.J. Swoboda
In 'Subversive Sabbath', A.J.
Swoboda offers a compelling case for embracing Sabbath as a spiritual discipline and form of social justice.
By combining storytelling, pastoral sensitivity, and academic research, Swoboda presents Sabbath-keeping as a path to fuller and more joyful lives, highlighting its role in healing and restoring creation.
The book challenges readers to adopt a countercultural approach to rest and community engagement.
#4452
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Strange Religion
Nijay Gupta
#29066
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Slow Church
John Pattison
C. Christopher Smith
Slow Church advocates for a more intentional and less hurried approach to Christian community and mission.
It emphasizes the importance of deep relationships, local engagement, and a slower pace of life, encouraging believers to be rooted in their communities and to live out their faith in a more sustainable and meaningful way.
The book challenges the fast-paced, consumerist culture of modern Christianity, proposing a return to simpler, more authentic forms of worship and service.
It offers practical strategies for building stronger local churches and fostering deeper connections within communities.
Slow Church is a call to a more intentional and sustainable way of being church in the world.
#373
• Mentioned in 67 episodes
Conspiracy
Ryan Holiday
In 'Conspiracy', Ryan Holiday chronicles the intricate and ambitious plot by Peter Thiel to take down Gawker Media.
The book is based on interviews with key players and delves into the strategic and philosophical underpinnings of Thiel's actions.
It examines the intersection of power, privacy, and free speech in the digital age, highlighting the ruthless and brilliant tactics employed by Thiel.
The narrative transcends a simple tale of a billionaire vs.
a media empire, offering insights into the broader implications for culture and society.
#26986
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Kingdom Coming
Michelle Goldberg
In 'Kingdom Coming', Michelle Goldberg explores the growing influence of Christian nationalism in American politics, highlighting its impact on democracy and the values of the Enlightenment.
The book delves into the parallel right-wing evangelical culture supported by Republican political patronage, illustrating how this movement seeks to transform the secular Republic into a Christian nation.
#2925
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Slow Theology
A.J. Swoboda
#1470
• Mentioned in 25 episodes
God Is Not Great
Christopher Hitchens
#602
• Mentioned in 47 episodes
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
John Mark Comer
In 'The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry', John Mark Comer argues that hurry and busyness are significant enemies of spiritual life.
The book offers a roadmap for staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive by adopting a slower, simpler way of life.
Comer draws from his personal experiences and spiritual disciplines to provide practical advice on how to slow down and cultivate a deeper intimacy with God. He emphasizes the importance of practices such as prayer, fasting, and sabbath rest to overcome the challenges of modern life and find true fulfillment.
#47770
Creation of the Fall
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
#66066
Unhurried Life
Kris Kile
#45042
Embracing the love of God
James Bryan Smith
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with AJ Swoboda and Nijay Gupta about their book, “Slow Theology.”
In our fast-paced world of outrageous headlines and knee-jerk reactions, we struggle to hear God’s voice amid the noise. Despite constant connectivity, our lives lack true spiritual connection and depth.
A. J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta offer a practical theology guide for building resilient faith through Christian discipleship. Addressing spiritual deconstruction and doubt with honesty, they show how to fortify your faith against cultural challenges through eight transformative spiritual practices, including
● taking your time in prayer and Bible study,
● building patience for your spiritual journey and faith formation,
● slowing down your thinking and decision-making process,
● finding peace with unanswered questions rather than demanding easy solutions, and
● facing spiritual difficulties head-on instead of avoiding them.
This Christian living book helps weary believers reconnect with God and neighbor through intentional spiritual growth. With a foreword by Glenn Packiam, it’s perfect for devotional reading, small group study, or anyone seeking authentic faith formation.
Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here!
Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University!
Related Episodes:
1. Love Has You
2. Deny
3. Conversation with Aundi Kolber
4. Integrate Like Jesus
5. Your Project
The post Conversation with AJ Swoboda and Nijay Gupta appeared first on Apprentice Institute.