Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times

AJ and Nijay are back! In this episode they discuss "theological envy"—the inclination to find attractive aspects of other Christian traditions, which can lead to bitterness or spite towards one's own theological heritage. Learning from other traditions is a good and beautiful thing, but is there a place for "theological contentment" in a healthy and messy life of faith? Support the show

In the last episode of Season 4, Nijay and AJ talk about habits and practices that keep their faith steady, even and especially in periods of doubt and apathy. (Find out what why AJ "hums" to strengthen his faith!)Support the show

How do you process difficult texts of the Bible? Texts that seem immoral or even antithetical to the fundamentals of Christian faith? AJ and Nijay reflect on "hermeneutics" (how we approach the Bible), using Philemon as a case study.Support the show

A.J. Swoboda wrote a book called AFTER DOUBT, which came out in early 2021. It has received hundreds of favorable reviews from readers, and it has generated rich conversations about faith, doubt, deconstruction, and walking with Jesus in the mess of real life. In this ep, Nijay and AJ chat about the kinds of questions that have emerged over 2021 as he has interacted with readers and other scholars.Support the show

Is Christian faith just intellectual, or does it embrace our emotions? The conversation dives into the emotional turmoil in Psalm 137, stressing the need for emotional education in faith. It highlights the power of imprecatory Psalms to give voice to feelings like anger and grief. The struggle to express intense emotions is explored, alongside the importance of embracing silence and suffering in spiritual contexts. Ultimately, it advocates for a balanced path that values emotional authenticity while recognizing Christ's lordship.

Doubt often clouds faith, but a deeper understanding of salvation can illuminate God's presence. The hosts explore salvation as more than a mere transaction, drawing on biblical narratives that highlight its cyclical nature. They redefine the notion of a 'savior,' contrasting ancient military leaders with Jesus' nurturing role. The conversation emphasizes salvation's holistic dimensions, incorporating physical, emotional, and social elements, while finding grace in everyday moments reveals a richer appreciation for divine joy.

AJ and Nijay dive into the heart of the good news of Jesus amidst the chaos of modern faith. They unpack the idea of 'religionless Christianity,' questioning the gospel's essence for those disillusioned by organized religion. Personal stories highlight the struggle between doubt and the yearning for an authentic experience. They explore God's patience and the importance of community in times of weakness, all while emphasizing love and grace as central themes that endure through personal challenges.

AJ and Nijay share personal stories about transformative moments in their theological journeys. They discuss the evolving understanding of God's sovereignty and the importance of flexibility in beliefs. The conversation also explores the tension between traditional and contemporary views on creation. Through these reflections, they emphasize the significance of humility, openness to learning, and the beauty of embracing diverse perspectives in faith.

Join AJ and Nijay as they engage in unscripted dialogue about faith and personal journeys. They candidly discuss the complexities of conversion, family confrontations, and the emotional toll of job loss. The conversation delves into the challenges of upholding faith during crises and the importance of community support. They also reflect on how fame and past choices have impacted their values and relationships, sharing insights on vulnerability and the weight of regrets. It's an honest exploration of life's hard questions.

In a world driven by instant gratification, the impact on our theology is profound. The discussion highlights the dangers of quick theological engagement, especially on social media. It champions slow theology as a mindful approach, encouraging deep reflection on complex spiritual questions. The podcast explores open-ended biblical narratives that provoke personal engagement. It emphasizes the importance of stillness and the value of unresolved questions in nurturing faith, advocating for a contemplative journey over hasty conclusions.