Mere Fidelity

Exploring the unhealthy impact of social media on attention spans and discourse, the gamification of speech, and the importance of responsible engagement. Reflecting on the digital Benedict Option, regulating social media usage, and the benefits of quitting hypocrisy for personal growth.

Fred Sanders, a celebrated theologian from Biola University, dives into the complexities of God's gendered language. He discusses the significance of masculine terms for God while exploring the role of feminine imagery and metaphors, particularly concerning the Holy Spirit. The conversation delves into the tension between personal and impersonal language in theology, the impact of feminist theology on divine discourse, and the relationship between gender and the Trinity. Listeners are prompted to reflect on how language shapes our understanding of divine personhood.

Is asceticism good for the Christian life? Seems like a simple question at first, but there is a lot more there than you may realize. Matt, Derek, and Alastair unpack this deep issue on this episode of Mere Fidelity. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Davenant [0:00] "Ash What?" says the Presbyterian [2:26] Defining Ascesis [4:44] Negative Over Positive [5:51] Secular-Spiritual Fasting [10:51] Bodily Locus [13:57] Distorted Self-Perception [17:13] Sociology [20:29] Lenten Dysfunction [24:46] Giving Up Goods for the Sake of Betters [29:13] We Modern Democratic Individualists [32:28]

Dive into the intriguing legacy of C.S. Lewis as he bridges the gap between fundamentalist America and evangelical Britain. Explore his universal appeal and how his works are interpreted by progressives and conservatives. Unpack the complexities of his writings and the diverse influences he continues to have on different groups.

A recent discussion stirred the pot when a pastor suggested Christians might attend LGBTQ weddings. This sparked debates on moral complicity and various ethical dilemmas Christians face today. The speakers navigate cultural differences in moral judgments between British and American evangelicals. They delve into the nuances of attending civil versus religious weddings, emphasizing the importance of discernment. Finally, they explore the role of moral guidelines in faith communities, encouraging ongoing dialogue about balancing love and truth.

John Bryant, an author and person with personal experience of OCD, joins Matt and Alastair on this podcast. They discuss the challenges of describing mental illness and the importance of gospel words and hope in navigating it. They explore how scripture shapes one's trust and attention, and the significance of revelation in their spiritual journey. They also delve into the experience of OCD, the healing process for trauma, and the importance of treating the body and mind gently. Finally, they emphasize the need for kindness, respect, and companionship for those with mental illness.

It's come up on the show before, but this time Andrew and Matt are going to settle this once and for all, with some help from Alastair. How should the church deal with flagrant sins of professing Christians? Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Most Irregular [0:00] Digging Up the Past [1:51] Range of Interpretations [3:24] Levels of Affiliation [8:44] Clarifications [16:07] Church Discipline [21:31] A Hard Case [30:34] Publicity [41:24]

Dr. Kevin Hector has written the theology for the rest of us. Normal, non-academic persons will find Christianity as a Way of Life approachable and rewarding to dive into. But he just walked into a podcast with an ethicist, a Biblical scholar, and systematic theologian. Will he come unscathed through the grilling that Matt, Alastair, and Derek give him? (Short answer: yes, and it's awesome.) Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Trustworthy Alastair [0:00] Thrilled [2:24] How Systematic [3:15] Generic Method Question [9:32] Disrupting Conversations [14:00] The Notion of Devotion [19:43] Just Ethics [22:36] Wisdom [25:36] Community [29:34] Straight-up Doctrine [33:06]

What is the most basic aspect of God's identity? What do we know Him as first? One potential answer to those questions is God as Creator. Repeat Mere Fidelity guest, Peter Leithart, has written a book that sets out to examine the idea of God as Creator as found in Genesis 1. But this is not without controversy. Matt, Derek, and Alastair push back hard in this very fruitful discussion. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Alastair's Boss [0:00] What's the problem with Genesis 1? [2:27] God's First Name [6:11] God's Dependence [11:42] God's Freedom [16:38] Language and Accommodation [22:50] Negation, Affirmation, and Progress [27:06] Self-Revelation [42:28]

In the wake of a controversial Vatican document favorable toward blessing those in same-sex relationships, Matt, Alastair, and Derek discuss what exactly blessings are, what they do, and why we should get this right. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Vatican Bomb [0:00] Having Been Blessed, We Bless [3:09] Genesis 1:28 [5:49] Asher vs Barak [9:31] Human Procreation [12:59] Priestly Blessing [16:53] But what does blessing DO? [19:28] Blessed Be God [23:24] New Testament [27:20] A Good Word [32:24]