Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

In this episode, James talks with Miranda Zapor Cruz who is a professor of hisotrical theology at Indiana Weslyan University and author of Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters. James and Miranda discuss various perspectives on Christians and politics, as well as the way Christian nationalism harms Christianity.  For more from James visit usefultogod.com or pick up James's new book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness at amazon.com. You can purchase Miranda's book at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). You can also find her blog at https://mirandazaporcruz.com/.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James talks with fellow Old Testament scholar Michael Rhodes about biblical justice. Michael is the author of Just Discipleship: Biblical Justice in an Unjust World and Formative Feasting, Practicing the King’s Economy. He also has numerous articles in Christianity Today and The Biblical Mind. He spent more than fourteen years in community development in urban ministry work. He is ordained in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and is currently a lecturer in Old Testament at Carey Baptist College. James and Michael discuss a variety of ideas associated with biblical justice including the interrelationship between the church and governing authorities, the narratives of Joseph and Daniel, and David's final words to Solomon.  To connect with James visit usefultogod.com. If you are interested in the interrelationship of Christians and politics, check out his new book titled Serpents and Doves on amazon.com or the Serpents and Doves course here. To purchase Michael's book visit ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James looks at Genesis 4. He discusses the tension between Cain and God, Cain's poor choice, and the resolution that God ultimately brings about through Seth. He argues that the narrative centers on Cain's unwillingness to worship God on God's terms. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James and Nate sit down with Dayton Moore. In addition to holding various other positions in Major League Baseball, Dayton was a general manager for the Royals. Under his leadership, the Royals won the world series in 2015. James, Nate and Dayton talk about leadership, the need for mentoring, and the importance of faith in Jesus Christ.  Dayton is also the founder and board president of C You In the Major Leagues, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and families in crisis and developing strong future leaders. To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us. You can find out more about C You In the Majors at https://cyouinthemajorleagues.org/. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James sits down with Jay Y. Kim, author of Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age. James and Jay discuss the promise and pitfalls of digital technologies, how to slow down in a world that is constantly pushing us to speed up, and technology's capacity to shape us into something other than the image of Christ. You can connect with James at usefultogod.com. To purchase Jay's book at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount).  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James talks with Jake Hamilton, author of Journey to Biblical Masculinity: 12 Paths Every Man Must Take. Jake is also the founder and CEO of "The Fight," a ministry dedicated to challenging men to own who they are and discover who they could be. They discuss how to distringuish what it means to be a man from more general spiritual and character formation that would apply to both genders. They also speak about the importance of "owning" one's own self, the need for wise elders in the body of Christ, and the vulnerability necessary to become Christian men.  To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us. To purchase Jake's book, visit amazon.com or thisisthefight.com. You can also find out more about "The Fight" at thisisthefight.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James discusses 1 Samuel 17, the narrative of David and Goliath. He discusses the differences between David and the other characters in the narrative, as well as highlighting the underlying theology of this well-known Bible story. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, James has a conversation with Helen Cepero. Helen is the author of Christ-Shaped Character: Choosing Love, Faith and Hope. She also started the C. John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction at North Park Seminary and practices spiritual direction formation program at the Journey Center in Santa Rosa, CA. James and Helen discuss spiritual direction, the role of effort and discipline in Christian spiritual life, and the importance of listening to others.  You can connect with James at https://usefultogod.com/contact-us. Purchase Christ-Shaped Character at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). You can also get Helen's book titled Journaling as a Spiritual Practice here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pastor Doug Wilson and Al Mohler discuss the relationship between Church and State at the National Conservatism Conference. They explore the implications of recognizing God as the ultimate authority, the importance of aligning beliefs with Christian principles, and the challenges of intertwining faith with politics.

In this episode, James sits down with David Koyzis author of Citizenship Without Illusions: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement. He also writes a blog titled "Notes from a Byzantine-Rite Calvinist." David and James discuss the challenge of idolatry in the political realm, as well as strategies for Christians to love God and neighbor by engaging in activities oriented toward justice.  To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us. You can find Citizenship Without Illusions at ivpress.com (use the code IVPPOD20 for 20% off your purchase). You can also find David's other works at ivpress.com or amazon.com.  Political Visions and Illusions: A Survey of Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies (https://www.ivpress.com/political-visions-illusions). We Answer to Another: Authority, Office, and the Image of God (click here)  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.