AJ and Nijay discuss the limits of imitating Jesus in suffering, cautioning against harmful notions. They explore the attributes of God humans can emulate and those exclusive to God. The podcast delves into distinctions between redemptive and wicked suffering, and the importance of humility in church leadership.

The hosts discuss the meaning of working out salvation in Philippians 2, emphasizing the balance between human effort and divine intervention. They explore trusting God in difficult times, reflecting on gratitude amidst suffering, and embodying Christ's character through faithfulness.

Jesus is remembered as a great teacher, but he also had many conversations with people he met and he asked a lot of questions (well over 100 questions from the lips of Jesus in the Gospels). What can we learn about Jesus from his questions? What can we learn about the Gospel? What can we learn about our faith? AJ and Nijay reflect on these questions.Support the show

AJ and Nijay talk about a common question they get in the church and classroom: What's the best Bible translation? If you're curious, listen in on their conversation.Support the show

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves" (Rom 15:1)Knowledge is good - the more you know the further you'll go (as they say). But it can also lead to pride, arrogance, and judgmentalism. AJ and Nijay chat about the dangers of spiritual pride and how to build up the other and not puff up oneself (1 Cor 8:1).Support the show

What happens when your theological heroes change their mind, let you down, or leave the faith? It can be uncomfortable, sometimes devastating. In keeping with the theme of "slow theology," AJ and Nijay address this struggle and encourage a non-reactive theology.Support the show

In the previous episode, Nijay interviewed AJ about his latest book, The Gift of Thorns (ST44). This time around, AJ and Nijay chat about Nijay's latest, Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling (Brazos Press, 2024).Support the show

AJ, author of 'The Gift of Thorns,' shares a raw and vulnerable conversation with Nijay. They discuss unfulfilled wants leading to deeper spiritual life, exploring desires in the New Testament, embracing honesty about challenging topics like desire and sex within the church, and the importance of delayed gratification in a society focused on instant satisfaction.

Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of the phrase 'deliver us from evil.' Discover the historical ties to early Christian practices and engage with C.S. Lewis's insights on recognizing evil in modern faith. The discussion delves into personal and communal spirituality, emphasizing humility and the need for self-critique. Themes of betrayal, spiritual vulnerability, and the complexities of contemporary tribalism are also unpacked. Finally, confront the reality of evil, highlighting the importance of prayer and spiritual warfare in facing malevolence.

Delve into the complexities of temptation as AJ and Nijay explore its meaning in the Lord's Prayer. They discuss how desire and temptation intertwine in spiritual growth, emphasizing that temptation is a shared human experience. The conversation shifts to the Greek term 'pérádzo' and its implications in understanding divine testing versus temptation. Listeners will discover how struggles can lead to resilience, and how confronting our darker desires through prayer fosters a deeper connection with God.