Theology in the Raw

Kaitlyn Schiess, a doctoral student in Christian ethics at Duke Divinity School, explores the concept of exile in political theology. She discusses how exile metaphors shape both comfort and claims of oppression among congregants. Kaitlyn debates the legitimacy of labeling American Christians as persecuted and warns against using exile to justify inaction. She urges Christian engagement in public life, advocating for both scripture-based values and responsible civic duties while navigating the complexities of political identity.

Marissa Franks Burt, a novelist and editor, and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, a musicologist and educator, dive into their book, exploring the misconceptions of evangelical parenting. They discuss how the Christian parenting industry took shape in the 1970s and the troubling simplicity of labeling child behavior as sin. The conversation sheds light on the theological roots of modern parenting advice and critiques the normalization of spanking. This thoughtful dialogue challenges parents to rethink traditional methods and embrace a more nuanced approach.

Dr. Juli Slattery, a clinical psychologist and president of Authentic Intimacy, explores the complexities of sexuality from a Christian perspective. She highlights common issues in marriages, such as mismatched desires and the impact of pornography. Juli dives into the changing landscape of female desire and the effects of cultural demeaning of men. She emphasizes the importance of surrendering identity to Christ for true healing and intimacy. The conversation also touches on the serious implications of emotional abuse and the necessity of community in fostering healthy relationships.

Dr. Julia Sadusky, a licensed clinical psychologist and author, dives into the contentious topic of Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors. She explains the purpose of her amicus brief and why she supports the ban, arguing it protects families and faith communities. Julia discusses the conflation of sexual orientation and gender and emphasizes that therapists can still engage in identity exploration. Highlighting the importance of understanding gender diversity, she encourages Christian therapists to participate actively in these crucial discussions.

Esau McCaulley, a New Testament scholar and author, dives into a range of intriguing topics, from his evolving views on soccer to his experiences working in a family record store. He shares the inspiration behind his impactful books, including 'Reading While Black', which resonates deeply within African American communities. Esau discusses the creation of his children's Bible, 'God's Colorful Kingdom', emphasizing diversity and justice. He also explores the importance of compassion in critiquing political movements and the role of the church in navigating complex social issues.

A.J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta delve into their book 'Slow Theology,' exploring the origins of the concept and its push against the rapid pace of modern faith. They discuss how fast culture undermines theological depth, especially through social media. The duo also examines the importance of embracing doubts and uncertainties in faith, as well as the need for slower ecclesiastical practices that promote deeper connections within church communities. Their insights encourage listeners to value a lifelong journey of theological reflection.

Steve Mwendia is a Kenyan Christian leader who founded Found, a ministry supporting believers navigating same-sex attraction and faith. In candid discussions, he shares his journey reconciling his faith with his attraction, reflecting on societal and church responses in Kenya. Steve reveals how a personal crisis led him to create Found, emphasizing the importance of visibility and community for others facing similar struggles. He also discusses the challenges of a non-affirming theological stance amidst shifting cultural attitudes toward LGBT individuals.

Dr. Nate Collins, a New Testament scholar and president of Revoice, discusses his journey as a gay man within evangelicalism. He explains the mission of Revoice to foster belonging for sexual-minority Christians and the remarkable growth of its conference. The conversation delves into the complexities of language and identity in faith contexts, emphasizing the importance of a theological view centered on beauty. Nate candidly shares challenges in pastoral care, the need for supportive church environments, and the nuances of living a fulfilling life amid doctrinal disagreements.

Dr. Lainey Greer, founder of Your Body Matters and an expert in health and theology, passionately discusses the critical link between body stewardship and Christian faith. She emphasizes honoring the body through nutrition and exercise as a means to glorify God. The conversation tackles obesity trends in religious communities and reexamines dietary beliefs shaped by spirituality. Greer also offers insights into the impact of social media on body image, advocating for a balanced, biblical approach to health and wellness.

David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, shares insightful research about the surprising rise in church attendance among Gen Z and Millennials, debunking the myth of a post-Christian society. He discusses how these young adults are seeking meaning and community post-pandemic and the role of media in their spiritual engagement. Kinnaman also highlights the unique trends in youth participation and the challenges faced by Christian parents in discussing contemporary issues like sexuality with their kids. With a focus on fostering genuine connections, he emphasizes the church's potential for renewal in today's culture.