Faith Improvised

I recommend Spencer Ackerman's new book, Reign of Terror: How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump, and I talk about the conclusion to Paul's opening argument in Romans 3:1-20.

I recommend Michael Gormans excellent book Reading Revelation Responsibly: Uncivil Worship and Witness: Following the Lamb into the New Creation, and I talk about how Paul's argument progresses in Romans 2, in which he confronts the group in the Roman churches that is passing judgment from a sense of moral superiority.

I recommend an excellent work on the Book of Acts, Kavin Rowe's World Upside Down: Reading Acts in the Graeco-Roman Age (Oxford University Press), and I talk about Paul's opening rhetorical move in Romans 1:18-32.

I recommend Beverly Roberts Gaventa's wonderful book, When In Romans: An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel According to Paul (Baker Academic), and I start talking about Paul's opening rhetorical move in Romans 1:18-32. I also mention the following podcasts and books: "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" "The Ezra Klein Show" Stanley Stowers, A Rereading of Romans: Justice, Jews, and Gentiles (Yale University Press). Sigve K. Tonstad, The Letter to the Romans: Paul Among the Ecologists (Sheffield Phoenix Press).

In this episode, I recommend Chuck DeGroat's timely and wonderful book, When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse, and I talk about the introduction of Paul's letter to the Romans. I also talk a bit about identity politics, responding to Charles Murray's article, “Identity Crisis: How the Politics of Race Will Wreck America,” published this month in The Spectator.

In this episode I recommend David Fromkin's masterful and fascinating work, A Peace To End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East, and I give an overview of how I see the major movements of Paul's argument in his letter to the Roman house churches.

Explore the complexities of American identity through history and personal reflection, especially relating to the 4th of July. Discover emotional ties between music, scripture, and life events while navigating a stunning road trip from Grand Rapids to Seattle. Delve into the significance of self-identifying as 'beloved' and the intersection of African American interpretations of Pauline texts. Unpack the role of Paul's teachings in black theology and their contributions to social justice while embarking on a rich five-year journey through Romans.

In this episode, I recommend a great new book by Brian Brock called, Disability: Living Into The Diversity Of Christ's Body, and I talk about social justice, the gospel, and how the church does not merely have some kind of relationship to social justice, but rather, according to Paul, the church is God’s social justice.

I have a discussion with my friend Steve Watkins about a load of stuff, but especially about some of the impulses behind death of God thinkers, which I find really fascinating.

Reflecting on the joy of being a Chicago Cubs fan, the discussion dives into the intersection of sports and capitalism, revealing how professional athletics shape personal identities. A compelling exploration of racial justice highlights the collaborative efforts of pastors across backgrounds, urging the need for reparations. The conversation also critiques the grammar of evangelical culture, stressing the need for a deeper understanding of the gospel compared to contemporary church practices, advocating for inclusivity and authentic expressions of faith.