In this compelling episode of Why God Why, we grapple with the intricate interplay between Christianity and the pervasive sense of anxiety many individuals encounter. Peter Englert sits down with Jason Cusick, a Southern California pastor and author of "The Anxiety Field Guide," to unravel the question, "Why does Christianity make us anxious?"Jason, who brings a wealth of pastoral insight and personal experience, engages in a candid discussion about the complexities of faith in an age of uncertainty. The conversation dives deep into the paradox of a religion that, on one hand, offers profound hope and, on the other, can inadvertently foster feelings of fear and inadequacy.Listeners will be challenged to consider how cultural interpretations of scripture, the pursuit of certainty, and misconceptions of masculinity within the church contribute to a collective anxiety. The dialogue also explores how sensitive individuals navigate their faith journey amidst these tensions.As we near the end of a season focused on the credibility of Christianity, this episode serves as a timely reflection on the role of anxiety in our spiritual lives. It's not only a thoughtful examination of the pressures and expectations placed upon believers but also a beacon of hope for those seeking to find peace and authenticity in their walk with God.For those feeling the weight of spiritual anxiety or struggling with the expectations of religious life, Jason offers a poignant reminder that Christianity, at its core, is a symphony of hope composed by Jesus—a symphony that can resonate with beauty and truth even amidst life's discordant moments.Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation that invites you to rethink the intersection of faith and anxiety. And as always, we encourage you to be part of the conversation. Email your questions and thoughts to Peter@browncroft.org. Your voice is a vital addition to our collective journey of understanding.Tune in to "Why God Why?" for an episode that promises to be as enlightening as it is comforting, reminding us all that the path to a non-anxious faith is paved with honesty, community, and the enduring hope found in the gospel.Show notes created by https://headliner.app

In this compelling episode of Why God Why, we embark on a profound exploration of the enduring question: Why are Christians so hypocritical? Hosts Peter Englert and Amanda D'Angelo welcome Dr. Nijay Gupta of Northern Seminary, a scholar on the New Living Translation committee and author of the timely book "Strange Religion," which serves as a backdrop to our inquiry into the credibility of Christianity.Dr. Gupta offers a deep dive into the paradoxical nature of early Christianity, contrasting its radical inclusivity and compassion with the societal norms of ancient Rome. The episode dissects the early church's commitment to treating all as equals, challenging societal stratification, and the transformative power of a personal relationship with God. Yet, it doesn't shy away from the imperfections and internal conflicts that also marked the early Christian communities.Listeners will be encouraged to reflect on the ways in which modern Christianity mirrors or diverges from its roots. The conversation addresses the church's current reputation issues and the vital need for transparency, authenticity, and compassion in an era where the message of the gospel often gets lost in the noise of political and social strife.This episode is not only an analysis of past hypocrisies but also a call to action for contemporary believers to embody the weirdness of the gospel—that radical, counter-cultural love and equality that first defined the followers of Christ.For those wrestling with deconstruction or feeling disillusioned by the church, Dr. Gupta's insights provide a beacon of hope and a reminder that Christianity, at its core, is indeed worth saving and reforming. He challenges listeners to be part of the solution, to engage with the teachings of Jesus, and to become agents of compassion in a divided world.Tune in to "Why God Why" for an honest, unflinching, and ultimately hopeful conversation that bridges the gap between the ancient and the modern, urging us to rediscover the strange, compelling beauty of true Christianity.To continue the journey and engage with the themes discussed, reach out with your questions and stories to Peter@browncroft.org. Your voice is an integral part of this ongoing exploration of faith, doubt, and the pursuit of a credible Christianity.Show notes created by https://headliner.app

In this raw and poignant episode of Why God Why, we delve into the delicate and often painful topic of church harm and the credibility of Christianity. Hosts Gage Hunt and John Iamaio are joined by returning guest Brian Lee, who bravely shares his personal experiences of spiritual abuse and his journey towards healing and advocacy.Brian, a seasoned voice on the subject and founder of the nonprofit Broken to Beloved, offers a candid look at the darker side of church life, addressing the critical question: "Why does it feel like churches cause more harm than good?" With vulnerability and insight, Brian discusses the power dynamics and control issues that can lead to toxic church environments, and how these experiences have shaped his mission to support others through similar struggles.Listeners will be invited into a space of reflection and empathy as Amanda, Peter, and Brian navigate the complexities of reconciling faith with the reality of church-induced wounds. This episode is not just an exploration of the problems but also a beacon of hope for those seeking to create healthier, more compassionate faith communities.For anyone who has felt the sting of spiritual betrayal or is grappling with the imperfections of religious institutions, this conversation offers solace and a reminder that you are not alone. Your story matters, and there are paths to healing and redemption within and beyond the walls of the church.If you or someone you know has been affected by church harm, visit brokentobeloved.org for resources and support. And remember, your voice is crucial to this ongoing dialogue—reach out with your questions and stories to Peter@browncroft.org. Your contributions are invaluable as we confront these challenging issues together.Listen in for a heart-wrenching yet hopeful examination of faith, hurt, and the relentless pursuit of a church that truly embodies the love and grace it preaches.

In this episode Gage Hunt, John Iamaio, and special guest Sasha Hallock dive into the relationship between Christianity and art. Is Christian art always cheesy? Is there tension between art and Christian belief, the artist and the pulpit? How does a Christian worldview empower or inhibit engagement in art? Is Christian theology perhaps uniquely compatible with the posture of the artist? This episode explores these topics and more. Sasha Hallock is an Iranian American artist living and working in New York City.He did not grow up in a religious home, but became a Christian while studying, painting, and drawing in college. Alongside his work as a practicing artist, he works with Transform Arts in the Arts and Culture division of Cru, an international nonprofit. Resources Mentioned in the episode or Recommended by SashaFor Additional Reading:Art and Faith A Theology of Making by Makoto FujimuraImage Journal - Art Faith MysteryLetter to Artists - Pope John Paul IIArtist Communities:Forefront - Rochester, NYRenaissance - NYCArt House Dallas - Dallas, TXTransform Arts - National art and faith organization with residency opportunitiesFollow Sasha:Sashahallock.com - Sasha Hallock's website for art@Sashahallock - Sasha Hallock InstagramCute Animal Videos:@Pandalalai - Cute Animal Instagram 

In this thought-provoking episode of Why God Why?, we explore the complex intersection of faith and politics with our esteemed guest, Dr. Russell Moore. Renowned for his tenure at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and his insightful contributions to major publications, Dr. Moore brings a wealth of experience and a pastoral heart to the table. Join us as we tackle the pressing question: Why does it seem Christianity has been co-opted by politics?Our hosts, Peter Englert and producer Nathan Yoder, delve deep into the credibility crisis facing Christianity today. Dr. Moore shares his personal journey, reflecting on his decision to leave the Southern Baptist Convention and offering guidance to those wrestling with their place within the church. We discuss the dangers of Christian nationalism, the loss of authentic religious and political engagement, and the hope that can be found in the midst of disillusionment.As we navigate through topics like faith, identity, authority, integrity, and stability, Dr. Moore challenges listeners to recognize the opportunities for growth that come with acknowledging the church's shortcomings. He also provides a nuanced understanding of patriotism versus nationalism, and how we can love our country without idolizing it.Don't miss this episode's candid and compassionate conversation, which not only diagnoses the issues but also points us toward a more grounded and hopeful path forward. Whether you're deconstructing, doubting, or simply seeking clarity, this episode offers a beacon of light in a time of political and religious turmoil.Send your questions and thoughts to Peter@browncroft.org, and we might discuss them in our season finale. Tune in for an episode that doesn't shy away from the hard questions and invites us all to a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus in today's world.[Listen to the full episode for an insightful and timely discussion with Dr. Russell Moore on the Why God Why? podcast.]