

The New Evangelicals Podcast
Hosted by Tim Whitaker
The New Evangelicals Podcast is here to push the Evangelical Church forward and to re-think how it approaches key cultural issues.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 22, 2024 • 19min
260. TNE RESPONDS: A Church Gives Bad Mental Health Advice
Tim responds to Rich and Dawnchere Wilkerson telling their congregation not to seek therapy that isn't founded in the BibleRegister for Faith and Politics for the Rest of UsGet Tickets to Theology Beer Camp (Promo Code: TNEHOBBIT))Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 20, 2024 • 1h 4min
259. TNE TALKS: Building Bridges with Our Enemies// John Pavlovitz
Author John Pavlovitz discusses his transition from evangelical pastor to progressive Christian, navigating relationships and political differences. Emphasizing humanizing people and the dangers of dehumanization, he advocates for empathy and dialogue to bridge divides. The importance of maintaining respect, understanding, and unity in promoting systemic change and fostering inclusive dialogue is highlighted.

May 17, 2024 • 1h 34min
258. TNE RECAPS: Harrison Butker Fumbles the Ball
SummaryIn this conversation, Tim and April discuss various topics, including their preferences for living in different states, Tim's love for New Jersey, and April's love for Mexican food. They also touch on the concept of a daily live show, a prayer for lactose intolerance, and a prophecy update regarding the rapture. They discuss the ongoing investigation into the death of Micah Miller and the controversy surrounding Lake Point Church's attempt to skew a traffic study. In this conversation, Tim and April discuss a controversial commencement speech given by Harrison Butker, the kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs. They analyze Butker's comments about women and their roles in society, as well as his views on Catholicism and Christian nationalism. The hosts critique the speech and highlight the harmful and patriarchal messages it conveys. They also address the hypocrisy of Christian nationalists who claim to be persecuted while advocating for discrimination against marginalized groups. The conversation touches on the broader themes of feminism, cancel culture, and the role of men in society.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:22 Living in Different States: Tim's Love for New Jersey07:03 The Idea of a Daily Live Show10:21 Prophecy Update: The Rapture42:20 Introduction: Harrison Butker's Controversial Speech45:07 Butker's Views on Cultural Values and Media47:05 Butker's Critique of Catholicism and Pro-Choice Catholics51:53 The Role of Women in Butker's Speech55:41 The Importance of Marriage and Motherhood in Butker's Speech01:09:25 Absentee Fathers and Violence Rates01:14:06 Reaction to Butker's Speech: Twitter ResponsesRegister for Faith and Politics for the Rest of UsCheck out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 15, 2024 • 29min
257. TNE RESPONDS: Alisa Still Doesn't Understand Deconstruction
SummaryIn this episode, Tim responds to a video by Alisa Childers, a prominent figure in the apologetics space. Tim addresses the claim that the deconstruction movement exists only because of social media and argues that deconstruction is not a unified movement but rather an explosion of individuals with different perspectives. He also challenges the idea that words have objective meaning and explores different interpretations of the Bible. Tim concludes by discussing the concept of truth and the limitations of proving historical events like the resurrection of Jesus.TakeawaysDeconstruction is not a unified movement but an explosion with a diverse individuals with different perspectives.Social media has played a significant role in the deconstruction movement by providing a platform for people to share their experiences and access alternative perspectives.Christianity has different metanarratives depending on the particular stream of Christian thought.The concept of truth in Christianity is complex, and the ability to prove historical events like the resurrection is limited.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation and Background on Alisa Childers02:04 Deconstruction as an Explosion, Not a Unified Movement05:12 The Influence of Social Media on the Deconstruction Movement08:37 The Challenge of Objective Meaning in Words13:02 The Diversity of Interpretations in the Bible16:32 Different Metanarratives in ChristianityRegister for Faith and Politics for the Rest of UsCheck out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 13, 2024 • 1h 6min
256. TNE TALKS: The Church Hurt Me Then it Healed Me // Ryan George
SummaryRyan George grew up in the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist (IFB) church and experienced both abuse and healing within the church. He shares his story of growing up in a conservative and abusive environment, where rules and regulations were enforced to an extreme degree. Ryan's father, a pastor in the IFB network, was later exposed as a serial sexual predator. Ryan reflects on the spiritual and physical abuse he endured, as well as the ways in which the IFB culture justified and perpetuated this abuse. It was through therapy, healthy relationships, and experiencing true love and community that Ryan began to recognize the abuse he had endured and find healing. Ryan George shares his journey of healing and redemption after experiencing spiritual abuse and the harm caused by his father. Despite the pain and trauma, Ryan found healing in the church through authentic relationships and a personal connection with God. He emphasizes the importance of finding safe spaces and supportive communities where individuals can share their hurts and doubts. Ryan's story highlights the power of redefining one's understanding of God and finding healing in unexpected places.TakeawaysThe IFB culture enforced extreme rules and regulations, leading to spiritual and physical abuse.Through therapy, healthy relationships, and experiencing true love and community, Ryan began to recognize the abuse he had endured and find healing. Authentic relationships and supportive communities in the church can play a crucial role in the healing process.Redefining one's understanding of God and finding a personal connection can lead to healing and transformation.Safe spaces where individuals can share their hurts and doubts are essential for healing and growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Hurt and Healed by the Church07:37 The Dark Side of the IFB: Serial Sexual Predators26:59 Introduction and Background37:07 Navigating the Church After Spiritual Abuse45:02 Finding Healing and Redemption in the ChurchRegister for Faith and Politics for the Rest of UsCheck out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 10, 2024 • 1h 20min
255. TNE RECAPS: The Mica Miller Story
SummaryIn this episode April and Tim discuss the Mica Miller case. The hosts discuss the controversy surrounding the viral video of the pastor announcing his wife's death during a sermon. They mention Mica's mental health struggles, reports of abuse, and the couple's separation and divorce filings. They explores how the evangelical world broadly addresses allegations of abuse, the toxic positivity within evangelicalism, and the need for a more inclusive and supportive church culture. The hosts emphasize the importance of mental health support and resources for those in abusive relationships. They also discuss the flaws in gun laws and the dangers of overlooking red flags within church leadership. They also discuss which tweet will be awarded "the tweet of the week".TakeawaysWhen discussing sensitive topics like mental health and abuse caution and sensitivity is key.Information in the Mica Miller case is still being released and it's important not to jump to conclusions without waiting for more data.The conversation raises questions about Mica's husbands' behavior and the dynamics of his relationship with his wife. Mica Miller's death highlights the need for mental health support and resources for those in abusive relationships within the church.Toxic positivity within evangelicalism can prevent individuals from seeking help and acknowledging mental health struggles.Gun laws should be more thoughtfully created to prevent individuals in vulnerable mental states from accessing firearms.Church leadership must be held accountable for overlooking red flags and enabling abusive behavior.Contact the National Domestic Violence LineContact the National Mental Health Crisis LinePre-Order Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith by April AjoyRegister for Faith and Politics for the Rest of UsCheck out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 8, 2024 • 2h 47min
254. TNE RESPONDS: Rosaria Butterfield's Dangerous Influence on Conservative Christianity // Matthew Vines
In this episode, Tim sits down with Matthew Vines from The Reformation Project to discuss Rosaria Butterfield's problematic anti LGBTQ+ theology, and her impact on the larger conservative Christian culture.Register for Faith and Politics for the Rest of UsCheck out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 6, 2024 • 1h 29min
253. TNE TALKS: What I Missed at Exiles In Babylon // Billie Hoard
Billie Hoard discusses Tim's experience at the Exiles in Babylon Conference, exploring topics like deconstructing evangelical beliefs, inclusivity in religious spaces, LGBTQ+ rights, solidarity in Side B Christianity, and reclaiming the message of love in Christianity.

May 3, 2024 • 1h 18min
252. TNE RECAPS: Go Home John MacArthur
In this podcast, Tim and April talk about April's super villain chair, their MLM experiences, LGBTQ+ clergy ban, student protests supporting Palestinians, militarization of US police, John MacArthur's controversial mental health views, dehumanization of children, and positive news in the fight for justice.

May 1, 2024 • 45min
251. TNE RESPONDS: This Might Change the Church Forever Pt. 2 // Rev. Dr. Angela N. Parker
SummaryRev. Dr. Angela N. Parker, a theologian and professor, is interviewed by Tim. They discuss Dr. Parker's work and the upcoming book by Richard Hayes titled:'The Widening of God's Mercy: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story,' which challenges traditional non-affirming views on sexuality and presents an affirming standpoint. Richard Hayes is an influential New Testament scholar known for his work on the faithfulness of Christ. One of his influential books is The Moral Vision of the New Testament, which includes a chapter on homosexuality. The conversation explores the problematic idea of trying to change the sexual orientation of LGBTQIA+ Christians. It discusses the pressure for LGBTQIA+ individuals to conform to a monolithic identity in order to be accepted by churches. The conversation also highlights the dominance of mostly white men in the field of biblical scholarship and the need for diverse perspectives. The conversation discusses the impact of Hayes' earlier teaching against queer affirming theology and the harm caused by his narrow perspectives. The conversation touches on the need for white men to listen to and learn from queer scholars who have already done extensive biblical scholarship. It emphasizes the importance of not overshadowing or dismissing the work of marginalized voices.TakeawaysThe field of biblical scholarship needs more diversity and representationListening to diverse perspectives can help challenge and broaden our understanding of the world Acknowledging and making amends for past harm is an important part of personal growth and repentance.White men should listen to and learn from marginalized voices, particularly queer scholars, who have already done extensive biblical scholarship on queer affirmation.The conversation highlights the need for humility and a willingness to learn and change.The work of white evangelicals should involve fighting against Christian nationalism and working towards justice and equality.We need to critically think about who we invite into our spaces and the perspectives we prioritize.Treating marginalized groups as monolithic is dangerous and perpetuates stereotypes.Living in cognitive dissonance is challenging but can lead to growth and change.There is a need for liberation from hateful rhetoric against LGBTQIA+ individuals within denominations and churches.Flourishing and full participation should be possible for all members of the community.Recognizing and amplifying the work of queer scholars and biblical scholarship is important.Biblical scholarship has a significant impact on shaping Christian culture.Faith should be a catalyst for social justice and dismantling systems of oppression.Follow Rev Dr. Angela N. Parker's work.Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeThe New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices