

Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times
A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta
Dr. A.J. Swoboda and Dr. Nijay Gupta are co-hosts of Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times. We talk Bible, theology, and anything and everything else under the sun that gives our lives meaning.
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 30min
ST79: "The Divine Archaeologist": The Spirit of Both Innovation and Tradition (Holy Spirit Series)
The discussion centers on the exciting tension between innovation and tradition in the work of the Holy Spirit. The hosts delve into how emotional experiences can sometimes overshadow genuine spiritual movements. Personal stories reveal transformative revival moments and the importance of prayer without turning it into a mere utility. They argue that the Spirit often highlights and affirms Scripture and tradition rather than solely bringing new revelations. Emphasizing communal experiences, they explore how fellowship plays a key role in spiritual growth and support.

23 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 31min
ST78: How Concerned Should I Be About Spiritual Warfare? (Holy Spirit Series)
The hosts dive into the intriguing concept of spiritual warfare, exploring its relevance today. They discuss Scripture's take on spiritual powers and the importance of resisting rather than seeking to defeat these forces. Insights from James and 1 John emphasize that the devil's influence is often seductive, not controlling. Practical advice includes using prayer and the metaphorical armor of God as protective tools. The conversation encourages a deeper, reflective engagement with faith amid chaos.

4 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 32min
ST77: Does the Spirit Work through Unbelievers? The Holy Spirit and Common Grace (Holy Spirit Series)
In this enlightening discussion, the hosts explore how the Spirit can convey truth, even outside the covenant community. They delve into the concept of common grace through biblical examples, emphasizing that God's voice transcends cultural boundaries. Di distinguishing between common and special grace, they highlight how divine guidance doesn't equate to conversion. The conversation touches on humility prompted by outsiders' gifts and reflects on the excellence found in nonbelievers, encouraging Christians to recognize and practice mercy in daily life.

11 snips
Jul 19, 2025 • 25min
ST76: Reviving Eutychus: Does the Spirit Work the Same Now as Then? (Holy Spirit Series)
The hosts dive into the story of Eutychus, examining themes of resurrection and the Holy Spirit's role in early worship. They explore the fascinating debate between cessationism and continuationism, questioning whether the Spirit operates the same way today. The importance of discipleship and the prophetic nature of Jesus are highlighted, alongside a discussion of spiritual gifts in the church. A comparison to an electric toothbrush illustrates the necessity of divine support for a vibrant faith. Modern believers are encouraged to embrace the legacy of divine empowerment from biblical times.

55 snips
May 16, 2025 • 31min
ST75: Tongues—The Weirdest Gift of the Spirit? (Holy Spirit Series)
AJ and Nijay dive deep into the enigmatic gift of tongues, sparking theological debates and personal reflections. They sift through scriptural insights, contrasting cessationist views with Paul’s teachings, and discuss the impact of spiritual gifts on church unity. The duo highlights the challenges within the Corinthian church, emphasizing the need for clarity in expressing these gifts. They also explore practical steps for engaging with the practice, encouraging listeners to embrace this unique form of spiritual communication and deepen their connection with God.

15 snips
May 8, 2025 • 33min
ST74: A Teachable Spirit (Nijay Interviews AJ about his *new book*)
AJ and Nijay dive into the core ideas of AJ's new book, emphasizing how we can learn from unexpected sources, including enemies. They discuss the art of crafting engaging book titles and share personal anecdotes about the publishing process. The value of maintaining a teachable spirit in today's fast-paced world is explored, as well as the importance of embracing diverse perspectives. Finally, they highlight how teachability can combat fear and isolation, especially during challenging times like a pandemic.

4 snips
May 2, 2025 • 30min
ST73: "Can You Lose the Holy Spirit?" (The Holy Spirit Series)
The podcast dives into whether one can lose the Holy Spirit, referencing Psalm 51 to explore this theological debate. Personal experiences with differing faith perspectives shed light on the permanence of the Holy Spirit in one's life. It also examines Old Testament examples, particularly King David and Saul, to clarify misconceptions. Apostle Paul's teachings highlight the significance of the Holy Spirit as a covenant seal and the importance of nurturing a relationship with God, especially in challenging times, emphasizing community and personal reflection.

9 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 32min
ST72: The Gifts the Spirit Gives—And What the Spirit Expects (The Holy Spirit Series)
AJ and Nijay dive into the intriguing world of spiritual gifts, unpacking their purpose and the responsibilities they entail. They highlight the misconceptions from the Corinthian church, where gifts were misused for personal gain. With a humorous twist, they discuss the absurdity of spiritual competition, likening it to walking on stilts. Cultural insights on gift-giving shed light on the obligation tied to these blessings, emphasizing service and community unity. The biblical characters Bezalel and Ahaliab illustrate the importance of diverse gifts and humility in a church setting.

9 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 31min
ST71: On the Spirit and the Speedo Guy (OR: "Walking with the Spirit") (The Holy Spirit Series)
The discussion dives into the fascinating concept of walking with the Spirit, exploring the journey of faith alongside divine influence. A humorous yet thought-provoking character, the 'Speedo Guy,' illustrates contrasts between living in the Spirit versus the flesh. The uniqueness of faith traditions regarding the Holy Spirit sets the stage for an engaging theological exploration. A video game analogy vividly captures the desire for deeper spiritual experiences. Finally, the conversation navigates the fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing love and its transformative power.

25 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 32min
ST70: Naming the Spirit: Introducing our "Holy Spirit Series"
Join the exploration of the often-misunderstood Holy Spirit and its vital role within the Trinity. Discover how language shapes our perception of the Spirit and the implications of gendered terms. Dive into the rich significance of the Spirit, confronting myths and showcasing personal connections that reveal its intimate presence in believers' lives. This journey promises to clarify confusion and enhance spiritual understanding, inviting listeners to embrace a deeper communion with the divine.


