Mere Fidelity

Dr. Kevin Vallier discusses the revival of integralism, exploring its opposition to liberalism. They delve into the church-state relationship, arguments against integralism, and the balance between freedom and punishment for heretics. The conversation expands to political theology and the importance of broadening perspectives.

Dr. Fred Sanders, an expert in evangelical spirituality, joins Derek, Alastair, and Matt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of J.I. Packer's 'Knowing God'. They discuss evangelical spirituality, the doctrine of God, classic hymns, the Keswick movement, and the contemporary literary context of the book.

Since at least the time of the Donatists, the Church has wrestled with how to relate to Christians who are just not that good at being Christians. Should we worship with Christians who are living in sin? Should we baptize, marry, and bury those who only attend church twice a year? Prompted by last episode’s discussion of Andrew’s new book, Matt, Alastair, and Andrew examine this question from theological, Biblical, and pastoral perspectives. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: How do you solve a problem like James Boswell? [0:00] When Fraternal Correction Fail [5:26] Excommunication & the Fringe [9:45] Make Mediocre Christianity Great Again [16:09] Bring Them In [21:13] Different Gifts of Faith [28:14] Sacraments [31:13] What are they coming for? [38:27] Scandal Badminton [42:25] Internal Logic of Forgiveness [45:41]

The podcast discusses the significance of the year 1776 in shaping the post-Christian West, exploring its connections to the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and modern economics. It also explores the role of Protestantism in shaping modern society and discusses the global impact of the American Revolution. Additionally, the podcast delves into the significant period between the First and Second Great Awakening in church history, and explores the parallels between Boswell and Boris Johnson in their writing and lifestyle.

Dr. Matthew Barrett, an expert on the Reformation, discusses the connection between the Reformers and the catholic church. They explore the narrative of the Reformation as a renewal and restoration, the importance of balancing Protestant principles and Catholic substance, and the influence of figures like Bernard of Clairvaux on John Calvin. They also discuss exhibiting catholicity within Protestantism and defining distinctions from Eastern Orthodoxy.

In The Biblical Trinity, Brandon Smith proclaims the Trinity from the Bible. The doctrine arises not from a handful of prooftexts but from the fullness of what the Bible says about God. In this edition of Mere Fi, Alastair and Matt chat with Brandon about what this project means in the broad landscape of contemporary theology. They also take a closer look at how the book of Revelation contributes to a Biblical picture of the Trinity. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: That Big Time Academic Life [0:00] A Flowering of Evangelical Theology [2:03] Traditional Cart, Biblical Horse [7:43] Politicisation [12:57] Baptism [18:29] Applicability [24:49] Revelation [30:06] The Spirit [42:50]

Does your church display an American flag or Union Jack or some other national flag? It’s been an active debate since the days of Caesar, through Christendom, and into the Modern American context: What should the relationship be between national symbols and Christian worship? Matt, Alastair, and Derek welcome Hillsdale Assistant Professor Dr. Miles Smith, IV, to bring a historian’s perspective to the debate. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: About Five or So [0:00] As a Historian… [1:26] We the (insert denomination) [3:16] Idolatry [8:01] Sunbelt Megavangelicalism [12:29] International Variations [15:20] U.S. Flag Code [20:23] Patriotic Civil Disobedience [26:04] Early Church [28:42] Other Symbols [32:00] Doing It Well or Badly [35:04] Militarism [39:23] Patriotism in General [40:40]

In Bulwarks of Unbelief, Joseph Minich argues that a felt absence of God, as experienced by the modern individual, offers a better explanation for the rise in atheism. Recent technological and cultural shifts in the modern West have produced a perceived challenge to God’s existence. Andrew, Alastair, and Derek jump right to the heart of the matter and ask some very penetrating and practical questions about Minich’s thesis. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Dun Dun Dunnn! [0:00] Technology and the Alienation of Labor [2:20] Charles Taylor’s Argument [5:30] Individual Symptoms [9:24] Disorientation [13:45] Sacred Agents [19:53] A… Proposal… [21:11] The Narrative of Maturity [28:46] Simultaneous Renegotiation of All Human Culture [30:41] Performative Atheism [36:00] Technological Spirituality [40:48]

Most of what we talk about on Mere Fidelity presupposes a lot of reading. What is the real use of reading? Is what we read more important than how we read? Why do some people who read for years never develop the habits of reading well? Alastair, Matt, and Derek discuss these questions as well as summer reading on this episode. #quitnetflix Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Extremely Illuminating [0:00] Reading well isn’t automatic. [2:56] Social Media Distractions [5:20] Performative Reading [10:47] Choosing What to Read [18:58] Thicker Books [23:20] Reading in Community [32:26] Misc. Advice [39:55]

Friend of the show, Pastor Timothy Keller, has entered into glory. He was a pivotal player in Evangelicalism over the last generation, and a great encourager of many ministers, including the cast and crew of Mere Fidelity. To pay tribute to his life and legacy, Derek, Alastair, and Matt talk to Editor-in-Chief of Mere Orthodoxy, Jake Meador. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: The End of an Era [0:00] Dechurching Countercurrent [3:02] Model Pastor [7:56] Collegiality [17:04] Bridges vs Branding [20:37] Change and Formation [24:59] Commitments and Flexibility [30:43] Passing on the Vision [38:05]