Theology in the Raw

Katelyn Beaty is a journalist, editor, and author who’s written for the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Washington Post, Religion News Service, Religion & Politics, and The Atlantic. She is cohost of the Saved by the City podcast (Religion News Service), the author of 2 books including her latest: Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church (Brazos Press, 2022), and currently serves as the editorial director of Brazos Press.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who Are The Spirits In Prison Christ Preached To? If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw -- 0:00 Introduction0:18 How do you explain the odd passage in 1 Peter about Christ being put to death and proclaiming to the spirits in prison?5:57 ls the MAGA movement blasphemous and heretical? Can we call a spade a spade?21:07 How do you view celibate partnerships? Are they biblical?29:04 Is reading smut equivalent to viewing porn?30:48 My church holds to a side B view of gender/sexuality, however they believe it's an "agree to disagree issue" with other churches. Thoughts? 33:50 Is the gospel of John trustworthy? I've heard different ideas about its reliability.37:13 Does complementarianism imply that every female pastor has a "more worthy" man somewhere in the congregation? Consdier Debra...39:41 Many Christians argue that much of the Old Testament is 'mytho-history' and that only the spiritual lessons matter. Thoughts?43:30 What are the benefits of a complementarian reading of scripture? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Dan Sered, COO of Jews for Jesus, shares his unique perspective as a Jewish Christian born in Israel. He recounts his journey from a secular upbringing to embracing Christianity, highlighting the emotional toll of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The discussion emphasizes the importance of compassion amid suffering for both communities and reflects on Jesus' cultural impact under occupation. Dan also explores the transformative power of faith, dialogue, and shared cultural experiences in fostering unity amidst ongoing tensions.

Lisa Harper, a world-renowned speaker and writer with over 30 years in ministry, shares her insights on living a Jesus-shaped life. She discusses the importance of genuine connections with God, the epidemic of loneliness among women, and the need for deeper discussions at women’s events. Harper reflects on her journey at Denver Seminary, balancing faith and family, and the evolving role of women in ministry. She also tackles the challenges of misogyny in theology and advocates for compassion and equality in church leadership.

Dr. Kara Powell, Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute and an influential voice in youth discipleship, dives into the challenges facing Generation Z today. She emphasizes the importance of addressing their struggles with identity and anxiety in a tech-savvy world. Powell also discusses engaging young voices in church, the impact of social justice on their beliefs, and the significance of mentorship. With fresh insights and strategies, she highlights how churches can better connect with and inspire the next generation.

Levi Lusko, founder of Fresh Life Church and bestselling author, shares his profound journey through grief after losing his daughter, Lenya. He candidly discusses how personal loss shaped his ministry and community engagement. The conversation flows from navigating public success in ministry to the emotional challenges of balancing family life with a demanding speaking schedule. Levi emphasizes the transformative power of prayer and mentorship while sharing personal anecdotes that highlight resilience and hope in the face of tragedy.

The discussion kicks off with a thought-provoking look at the relationship between human suffering and God's glory. Insights from a recent conference reveal the power of diverse testimonies, including those from the trans community. The significance of practicing communion emerges, advocating for inclusivity for all, including nonbelievers. Questions arise about the assurance of salvation and whether Christians should engage in yoga. The conversation wraps with evaluations of contemporary social issues like DEI and BLM, prompting deeper reflection on faith and activism.

Matthew W. Bates, a New Testament professor and author, dissects the nuanced views of salvation between Catholics and Protestants. He examines the concept of Jesus as the 'rescuing king' and challenges misconceptions, particularly regarding faith and works. Bates emphasizes the need for ecumenical dialogue and clarification on grace, especially in Catholic theology. He also introduces the New Perspective on Paul, providing fresh insights on justification, and encourages a collaborative approach toward understanding salvation across traditions.

Dave DeCamp, the news editor at Antiwar.com, delves into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding Yemen and the Israel-Palestine conflict. He highlights the humanitarian crisis in Yemen intertwined with U.S. interests and the historical roots of anti-American sentiment in the Middle East. The conversation explores the moral implications of U.S. support for Israel amid recent escalations in Gaza, the impact on regional stability, and the evolving views among younger Americans on military interventions. DeCamp advocates for open dialogue on sensitive global issues.

N.T. Wright, a leading biblical scholar and former bishop of Durham, shares his profound insights on resurrection and new creation. He discusses how Platonic thought shaped Western Christianity and advocates for a Biblical worldview that embraces our physical existence. Exploring Paul’s household code, he redefines relationships in the light of Christ's love rather than hierarchy. Wright also critiques traditional views on eschatology, encouraging a deeper understanding of the transformative essence of the gospel through His engaging course, 'Simply Good News.'