Curiously Kaitlyn
Do you have questions about theology, the Bible, or the church that you’re too afraid to ask? Tired of pastors and scholars using unfamiliar language or overly complicated explanations? Curiously, Kaitlyn is a weekly podcast hosted by author and theologian Kaitlyn Schiess that tries to make theology accessible, meaningful, and fun. Each week, you’ll hear a kid ask a theology question–sometimes serious, sometimes silly–and Kaitlyn will interview a scholar to help answer it (without all the academic jargon). Together, Kaitlyn and her guest discover that this one simple question opens up big theological ideas that can impact our lives, shape our view of God, and understand Scripture in a new way. Whether you're reminiscing about your own childhood curiosities or simply seeking a refreshing take on faith, tune in and rediscover the joy of learning with "Curiously Kaitlyn.”
Latest episodes
Jun 3, 2025 • 25min
What is heaven like?
What do kids think heaven looks like? Their imaginative answers range from shiny cities to delectable orange cinnamon rolls! The discussion explores heaven as a vibrant community filled with joy and meaningful relationships. It also contrasts traditional views with fresh interpretations, emphasizing divine love and the absence of suffering. Through the eyes of children, the conversation invites us to rethink our hopes and dreams for the afterlife.
May 27, 2025 • 40min
Mailbag: Why did God create angels? What if sin never happened? Why does God stay in the sky?
In this mailbag edition of Curiously Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn and Producer Mike tackle real, handwritten questions from kids. This time: Do we go straight to heaven when we die? Why doesn’t God just take all the believers now? Are our parents technically our siblings in God’s family? What would life be like if there was never any sin? And why did God create… angles? (Or maybe that was angels.) - Sponsor - Zocdoc - Stop putting off those doctor’s appointments! Go to https://www.zocdoc.com/KAITLYN - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238
May 20, 2025 • 29min
Was God bored before creation?
Clayton Keenon, the Lead Teaching Pastor at Christ Community Church and host of the Bible Savvy Podcast, dives into the thought-provoking question of God's state before creation. He explores whether God experiences boredom, emphasizing His eternal relationship within the Trinity. Keenon illustrates that creation is born from God's overflowing love rather than need. The conversation challenges perceptions of divine solitude, highlighting how God's joy and creativity manifest through His creations, inviting us to engage more freely with His love.
May 13, 2025 • 27min
What questions did Kaitlyn ask as a kid?
Debbie Schiess, a passionate speaker and ministry leader dedicated to helping military women, joins her daughter for a heartfelt chat. They reminisce about little Kaitlyn's endless curiosity and delve into effective ways to respond to kids' tough questions. The conversation touches on the importance of faith in family life, how serving in children's ministry impacts community bonds, and the value of fostering a curious mindset in parenting. Debbie emphasizes that embracing questions can lead to deeper connections and spiritual growth.
May 6, 2025 • 37min
When people go to heaven, do they bring their phones?
Andy Crouch, a partner for Theology and Culture at Praxis and author of 'Culture Making', dives into the intriguing question: will we bring our phones to heaven? He discusses how technology can either enhance or distract from our creativity and relationships. Exploring the tension between the beauty and potential harm of tech, Crouch reflects on how a new understanding of creation impacts our views on eternal life. The conversation encourages prioritizing authentic connections over digital distractions.
Apr 29, 2025 • 33min
If God loves us, why did he make things like black widows, mosquitos, wasps, and volcanos?
Kaitlyn is joined this week by pastor Mike Kelsey to answer a very cute question…that is actually much bigger and deeper and harder than you might think. Did God make things like black widows, mosquitos, wasps, and volcanos? And if he did, why do they hurt us? - Sponsor - Zocdoc - Stop putting off those doctor’s appointments! Go to https://www.zocdoc.com/KAITLYN - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238
Apr 22, 2025 • 34min
Will we rise from the dead like Jesus?
Happy Easter! In this week’s episode, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ by talking about how his resurrection changes everything. Pastor and scholar Dr. Malcolm Foley joins Kaitlyn to talk about why Jesus’ resurrection matters - and what it means for our own coming resurrection. 2:30 - Theme Song 3:30 - Will We Rise From the Dead? 5:20 - Does the Resurrection Matter? 10:00 - Post-Resurrection 15:55 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Sleep better now with Brooklyn Bedding's Aurora Luxe Cooling Bed. Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use code KAITLYN to get 30% off sitewide! 17:28 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/CURIOUSLY to receive 50% off your first order 19:20 - How Resurrection Changes Us Now 23:42 - Justice After Death 33:35 - End Credits
6 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 29min
Why do we call Good Friday good?
Dr. Joshua Jipp, a New Testament scholar and director at the Henry Center for Theological Understanding, joins Kaitlyn to unpack the intriguing question: Why is Good Friday considered 'good'? He explores the paradox of Jesus' crucifixion, noting its essential role in conveying God's love. Jipp emphasizes the importance of commemorating this solemn day before rushing to Easter, and he shares insights on how families can approach Good Friday services. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the significance and hope embedded in this troubled yet meaningful occasion.
Apr 8, 2025 • 34min
Why do we wave palm branches?
Nijay Gupta, a New Testament scholar and author, joins the conversation to unravel the rich history of waving palm branches. He discusses their origins as symbols of victory and liberation, connecting them to Jesus's unexpected grand entry into Jerusalem. The irony of celebrating a king riding a donkey sheds light on deeper themes of sacrifice and true victory. Gupta emphasizes the evolving significance of these traditions, urging listeners to reflect on the profound theological meanings that still resonate today.
Apr 1, 2025 • 25min
Why do we wear crosses?
Explore the fascinating journey of the cross, from a brutal instrument of torture to a symbol of hope and redemption in Christianity. Discover how early Christians grappled with its meaning and eventually embraced it at the core of their faith. Learn how children's insights shed light on these complex theological concepts, and delve into biblical prophecies that inspire hope amid suffering. Gain a fresh perspective on how the duality of the cross reflects both shame and transformative power in the Christian narrative.
