Curiously Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Schiess
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."
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 31, 2024 • 29min
Sunday School with Kaitlyn: The Story of Jonah
Join a lively storytelling session where the tale of Jonah unfolds with humor and insight. Explore Jonah’s reluctance to follow divine commands and his fantastic encounter with a whale. Delve into themes of repentance and the humor behind his three days at sea. Discover the deep symbolism of ashes in mourning rituals and the philosophical questions raised by Jonah's conflicting emotions. This engaging discussion is perfect for anyone curious about faith, compassion, and the human experience.
17 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 30min
Is Santa Real!?
Grace Hamman, a scholar and author known for her insights into medieval Christian faith, dives into the enchanting story of St. Nicholas, revealing his acts of kindness and the origins of modern-day Santa Claus. She discusses how historical narratives shape our holiday traditions and the importance of secret giving. The conversation also touches on the theological significance of saints and encourages listeners to appreciate the true spirit of Christmas, emphasizing generosity and the deeper meanings of the holiday beyond materialism.
19 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 35min
How do we know God is real?
Justin Brierley, a writer and speaker known for bridging conversations between faith perspectives, joins Kaitlyn to tackle the crucial question of God's existence. He distinguishes between knowing and proving God's reality and shares insights on how parents can engage children about faith in today's skeptical world. Brierley advocates for a rational defense of God's existence, touching on concepts like human dignity and the universe's fine-tuning. He emphasizes that faith is a dynamic journey, shaped more by personal experience than just intellectual arguments.
13 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 26min
What is the difference between the kingdom of God and eternal life?
Dr. Jonathan Pennington, a New Testament scholar and associate pastor, joins to explore the intriguing differences between the kingdom of God and eternal life. He discusses how Jesus’ teachings reveal their connection, emphasizing that one can’t have eternal life without embracing the kingdom. The conversation highlights the transformative power of these concepts in shaping faith and communal responsibility. Dr. Pennington also challenges the idea of salvation without active discipleship, urging a deeper relationship with God and community.
11 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 29min
Were Jesus' disciples afraid of him?
Dr. Esau McCaulley, a New Testament scholar and associate professor at Wheaton College, joins to discuss the fascinating dynamics of fear in relation to Jesus. He explores who felt fear and who found safety in Christ, demonstrating the complex emotional landscape of His disciples. The conversation highlights transformative moments in the gospels, emphasizing how encounters with Jesus evoke both awe and discomfort. McCaulley also unpacks the daunting yet hopeful implications of the resurrection, urging listeners to embrace the tension between fear and faith.
9 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 31min
Was the tower to heaven real?
Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, and a Harvard PhD in Near Eastern Languages, dives into the fascinating story of the Tower of Babel. He explores the historical reliability of biblical texts while emphasizing that the moral lessons they teach about humanity and God are paramount. The conversation connects ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats to human ambition and divine judgment. Kim reveals the complexities of language diversity and highlights the ongoing relevance of these themes, including the need for humility in our relationship with God.
4 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 47min
Getting Schooled - Revelation 101 (Holy Post Plus Original)
Sky Jatani, co-host of Getting Schooled, engages with Kaitlyn Schiess to unpack the Book of Revelation, often perceived as daunting. They discuss its historical context, focusing on early Christians' struggles under Roman rule. The conversation challenges traditional interpretations, emphasizing Revelation's message of hope rather than fear. They explore the significance of the letters to the seven churches and encourage a deeper, communal engagement with the text, transforming fear into a journey of faith and resilience.
Nov 12, 2024 • 25min
Why did God make the other planets?
Deborah Haarsma, an astrophysicist and president of BioLogos, joins to explore profound questions about the purpose of the cosmos. She discusses how the beauty of creation reflects God's character, emphasizing that the vastness of the universe illustrates divine glory. Debating life beyond Earth, she connects these ideas to faith, discussing the intersection of science and spirituality. Haarsma encourages curiosity in understanding both scientific insights and theological narratives, suggesting that all truth stems from God.
Nov 5, 2024 • 33min
Does the God of the Old Testament and Jesus have different moralities?
Corey Widmer, the lead pastor at Third Church and PhD holder in theology, dives into the complexities of biblical morality. He addresses a child's intriguing question about the differing moralities of the Old Testament God and Jesus. The discussion explores how cultural contexts shape biblical narratives and highlights the importance of understanding God's nature through the lens of the Trinity. Widmer emphasizes the need for peacemaking in today’s world, urging a unified interpretation of the scriptures that reflects God's desire for reconciliation.
Oct 29, 2024 • 37min
Does Angels Look Like Ghosts?
Dr. Wen Reagen, the Director of Music and Worship at Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church and a PhD holder in church history, dives into fascinating discussions about angels, ghosts, and demons. He explores how cultural depictions of angels have evolved and reflects on children's imaginative interpretations. The conversation also touches on the parallels between angels and ghosts, the complexities of Halloween within a Christian context, and the significance of facing our fears through spiritual beliefs. A thought-provoking blend of theology and imagination awaits!
