Commons Church Podcast Faith, Confusion, and Creativity - Jeremy Duncan
Jan 12, 2026
What if faith is more about curiosity than correctness? Explore how Paul engaged with diverse beliefs at Mars Hill, offering common ground instead of debate. Discover the nuance of reading scripture creatively and the value of intent over precision in spiritual journeys. Jeremy shares personal anecdotes to highlight mutual respect among different convictions. This discussion encourages a more generous, relational view of spirituality, where humility and curiosity lead us to deeper connections with God and one another.
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Power As Grasping God's Love
- Paul's prayer for power focuses on grasping the vastness of Christ's love rather than political or economic power.
- Prioritizing the power to know God's love reshapes how Christians engage the world and wield influence.
Locker-Room Awkwardness As A Parable
- Jeremy compares being a pastor to awkward locker-room introductions where he dreads the "what do you do?" question.
- He uses this to empathize with Paul's uneasy position debating unfamiliar philosophers in Athens.
Mars Hill As Public Intellectual Court
- Mars Hill (Areopagus) functioned as a public debate forum where Athens' intelligentsia gathered to test ideas.
- The philosophers' invitation to Paul was a high-stakes public challenge, not a casual conversation.