Theology in the Raw

Dr. Carmen Joy Imes, an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University's Talbot School, discusses why the church remains vital today. She shares her journey from diverse church experiences to a calling in missions, highlighting spiritual challenges faced in the Philippines. Carmen emphasizes the irreplaceable role of local pastors and community in faith formation, contrasting chapel services with active church involvement. She also explores themes from her trilogy, emphasizing the communal nature of salvation and the importance of serving beyond consumerism.

Dr. Mark Yarhouse, a psychology professor at Wheaton College and director of the Sexual and Gender Identity Institute, dives deep into emerging sexual identities. He discusses how youth create new identity labels and the importance of responding with curiosity in ministry. Mark introduces concepts like the looping effect in identity formation and explores variations within asexuality. He examines the rise in adolescent females exploring gender identities and discusses the challenges of labeling, detransitioning, and the need for better long-term data. An enlightening conversation!

Dr. Bryan Litfin, a Bible & Theology professor at Liberty University and church history scholar, dives deep into the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed. He discusses the significance of Trinitarian debates and how Constantine aimed to unify the empire through Christian consensus. The podcast covers the Arian controversy, the political influences at the council, and why the term 'homoousios' was crucial. Litfin also emphasizes the relevance of creeds today and the need for rigorous catechesis in churches, encouraging a return to ancient practices.

Dr. Dan Allender, a leading expert on trauma and recovery, shares insights from over 30 years of helping sexual abuse survivors. He discusses the critical importance of naming abuse for healing and defines sexual abuse broadly, emphasizing the complexities involved. Dan highlights the emotional responses of anger and grief as valid and necessary in the recovery process. He also addresses the church's responsibility to create safe environments and hold abusers accountable, offering practical steps for prevention and healing.

Daniel Yang, Senior Director of Global Mission for World Relief and a seasoned church planter, dives into the complex dynamics of immigration from a Christian perspective. He discusses how U.S. policies, including NAFTA, influence migration patterns and shares personal insights on the impact of ICE raids in Chicago. Yang emphasizes the church's biblical obligation to support displaced individuals and highlights practical steps for congregations, like providing ESL classes. He also addresses fears around national security and the importance of a global Christian identity.

Dr. Joel Willitts, a Professor at North Park University, shares his powerful story of surviving childhood sexual abuse. He discusses the lack of adequate care for survivors in churches and the complexities of grooming and consent. Joel emphasizes the importance of individualized healing over programmatic approaches, critiquing traditional accountability methods. He seeks to empower male survivors through his memoir, offering hope and emphasizing God's goodness even in darkness. This candid conversation sheds light on the profound journey of healing and understanding.

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.