Theology in the Raw

Dr. Thomas Tweed, a renowned historian and professor at Notre Dame, explores America's intricate religious landscape. He discusses the ancient religious practices uncovered through archaeology, revealing complex belief systems of indigenous cultures. Tweed addresses the biases of written history against the objective insights of artifacts. The conversation also touches on the cultural clashes during colonization and the importance of acknowledging historical injustices for reconciliation. Finally, he reflects on the ideals of independence alongside the critical examination of American history.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of women's roles in church leadership. Explore parallels between egalitarian arguments and LGBTQ issues, challenging traditional views. Discover insights on biblical interpretations, highlighting the significance of historical context. Delve into the nuanced tension surrounding scripture that addresses women's teaching roles, all while questioning cultural distinctions in biblical mandates. This enlightening dialogue encourages reform and a deeper understanding of faith in a modern context.

Dr. Sandy Richter, the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College, offers an engaging dive into women’s roles in ministry. She navigates her personal journey through gender roles and the competitive PhD landscape at Harvard. Challenging traditional views, Sandy advocates for a scripture-centric approach to women in biblical leadership, showcasing key figures like Priscilla. The conversation also explores early Christian teachings and the cultural context of women's authority, shedding light on how these dynamics impact today's discussions on ministry.

Lila Rose, an influential anti-abortion activist and founder of Live Action, shares her personal journey towards becoming a pro-life advocate, sparked by a transformative childhood experience. She articulates a compelling moral argument against abortion, delving into the complexities of consciousness, personhood, and the ethical implications of aborting unborn children diagnosed with disabilities. Lila also tackles the intersection of systemic racism and abortion, urging empathy in dialogues about this contentious issue while challenging the pro-life movement to support families post-birth.

Dive into the fascinating debate on whether spiritual gifts are still relevant today, as perspectives shift from cessationism to continuationism. Explore the intriguing rise of Catholicism and Pentecostalism in modern conversions. Discover thoughts on Open Theism and how Western Christians can engage with Eastern traditions like the miracle of holy fire. Plus, tackle questions about marriage, biblical interpretations of Genesis, and the unique challenges fathers face raising daughters.

Joey Dodson, the Dr. Craig L. Blomberg Endowed Chair of New Testament at Denver Seminary, dives deep into Paul's Letter to the Romans. He discusses four scholarly lenses used to interpret this complex text, including the significance of justification and faith. The conversation also touches on the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the new covenant, emphasizing how Paul's message promotes church inclusivity. Additionally, they explore the radical implications of Paul's writings on justice within the context of Roman society.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Christopher West, President of the Theology of the Body Institute and renowned teacher, explores the divine intent behind sexuality and procreation. He emphasizes the theological significance of the male and female identities as reflections of God's image. West critiques the modern views on gender and marriage, advocating for a return to biblical truths. He also addresses the impact of the sexual revolution on women's dignity and argues for a respectful, natural approach to fertility that honors God's design.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Todd Bolen, a Biblical Studies professor and founder of BiblePlaces.com, shares his journey into biblical archaeology. He discusses the significance of archaeological evidence in interpreting biblical texts, focusing on discoveries that affirm figures like King David. The complexities of the destruction of Jericho are explored along with insights from archaeological digs, including findings in Ai. Todd also shares memorable experiences from his travels in Iran, enhancing our understanding of connections between archaeology and biblical narratives.

In this discussion, Jonathan Griffiths, pastor of Metropolitan Bible Church and head of the media ministry Encounter the Truth, dives into the importance of in-person church attendance. He explores how community fosters spiritual growth and navigates the shifts in church participation since COVID-19. Griffiths contrasts megachurches and smaller congregations, addressing their unique strengths and weaknesses. He also touches on the political landscape's impact on church life in Canada and advocates for recognizing community service beyond traditional church roles.

Dr. Kelly Kapic, a professor at Covenant College and author of 'You're Only Human', dives into the importance of embracing human limitations. He discusses how societal pressures drive addiction to distractions and the need for balance between productivity and rest. Kapic emphasizes meaningful relationships over busyness and critiques simplistic views of suffering, advocating for a nuanced understanding of identity. He also explores the intersections of diet, exercise, and spirituality, revealing how these aspects enhance overall well-being and faith.