Hey everyone, Just wanted to give everyone a short update on some stuff happening with the podcast.  First over the last couple of weeks, we've put out 2 short videos on the "6 Biggest Meaning-Making Questions." I didn't turn them into an audio podcast, because they really need to be seen in order to have the proper effect.  So you can check those out here on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLudgMWgrpr-g-w9FwkRDPnNs4uyYMsWGe   Also, we've got a Patreon page that is now live. If each of you who listen became a supporter at even just $2 a month, it would be a game changer for this podcast. As hopefully you can tell, there's a lot of work and research that goes into these podcasts. If you find them valuable, please consider becoming a patron today! There's so much more I want to do together! (there's also some fun tiers and rewards too)   https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast   Take a listen to this short episode to hear more!  

Understanding Interstellar in a Secular Age. How can philosophy and theology help us understand what makes Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" such a compelling movie? What does longing for transcendence and meaning in our modern, secular age look like? Does Nolan's answer ultimately satisfy us? In this episode, we'll talk about one of Christopher Nolan's best films and use it to explore: -the philosophy of Charles Taylor and James K.A. Smith -Soren Kierkegaard - Naturalism/Materialism - Christian theology about the Trinity and love -Nietzsche and morality -noted atheist, Sam Harris's search for an objective ethical standard -eugenics -"New Age" answers to human longings for transcendence and more! The best format for today's episode is to watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqr3hLCuu-c&t=2s Please consider becoming a supporter on Patreon today! https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast

In our follow up to Episode 11 where we examined the philosophical ideas embedded in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, we take a deeper look at the six big questions people have about life, God, reality, and meaning and examine the answers that could easily lead someone to a Joker worldview. We'll also explore how Christianity and other theistic worldviews may answer those same questions. Finally, we'll talk about why nihilistic comedies like Seinfeld, Bojack Horseman, and Rick and Morty so deeply connect with people today.       If you prefer iTunes you can subscribe here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159?mt=2 or on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/Uih-Z8_gwlM  

As storied creatures, humans search for meaning and purpose in their life and the world through stories. In many ways, modern cinema has replaced traditional religious institutions as the primary location people go to in order to find stories that will help them make sense of their lives. Some of the great movies of our time are deeply embedded with profound theological and philosophical ideas. In this series, we'll explore the deep ideas and questions embedded in popular films. First up, is Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, which as we will explore, is filled existential themes and questions borrowed from the likes of Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus, and Soren Kierkegaard. To subscribe on iTunes instead go to: Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159?mt=2 or your preferred Podcast platform of choice. Click here to watch on Youtube

In our first interview of 2019, Paul talks with singer-songwriter Andy Squyres about what happens when our particular set of beliefs and experiences within our unique "stream" of faith brush up against suffering or doubt and create questions that we don't have easy answers for. In this conversation, Andy also shares about his unique upbringing in Charismatic churches, why he thinks the Church is the best place to wrestle with God, and why we need room for honest lament to stay spiritually healthy. Andy's 2015 album Cherry Blossoms was widely acclaimed as one of the best singer-songwriter records of the year beautifully capturing the joys, sorrows, pain, and hope that comes with any authentic journey of Christian faith. Not only is he a songwriter, but he is also a pastor in Charlotte, North Carolina where he and his wife Amy and their six children reside. He has a new record in the works, scheduled to be released later this year. Paul and Andy's long form discussion is presented in its entirety, unedited, after a brief introduction. All music in today's episode comes from his 2015  Cherry Blossoms release. Enjoy! Thanks for subscribing, rating/reviewing, and leaving your feedback on the discussion! you can find out more about Andy and listen to his music on: Spotify Twitter

Along with our regular full-length episodes and series, I will also be producing this year some shorter episodes that we'll affectionately call Shower Thoughts. These shorter episodes will be an opportunity to have some fun wrestling with some of the more speculative ideas and hypotheses in the world of theology and meaning-making. Today's episode is all about Christianity & evolution. Living things are fundamentally driven to survive and procreate. They adapt features that best help to ensure they do just that. The ones that don't die out.  Traditionally, Darwinian theory suggests that evolution has no goal, but for some reason, as Jeff Goldbloom's character in Jurassic Park exclaims, "Life finds a way." But why? Does evolution have a point? And can the answer be found in the Christian story of Good News?

Does God sanction "holy war?" What disagreements have Christians had about war and violence over the past 2,000 years? Are common American attitudes towards war compatible with following Jesus?     In this episode we'll tackle these questions (and much more!) and explain the 3 most common perspectives Christians have had on the subject of war & violence.   

In part 4 of our series surrounding issues relating to Christian theology and science, we'll explore why there is no such thing as "theology-less" science. Despite the claims of many naturalists to the "objectivity" of science, we'll discuss why there is no "neutral" position when it comes the subject of God and science. We'll also explore the theological influences on Charles Darwin and try to understand why Darwinian language isn't theologically neutral. Finally, we'll consider why humility, honest inquiry, and open dialogue among differing perspectives should be welcomed by people who are seriously committed to the meaning-making process.

In part 3 of our series exploring issues relating to science and the Christian faith, we analyze Genesis 2-3 and explore common misunderstandings of this creation story and tackle some questions that have perplexed many Christians such as: Is the one called "Adam" in this story the first and only human being on the planet?  Was everything on earth perfect, free of evil, with no animals even eating other animals until Adam & Eve messed it up? How would the ancient Israelites, to whom this story is written, have understood Adam and Eve, the garden, cosmic trees and talking snakes?

In the second part of our series exploring issues relating to theology and science, we dive deep into chapter one of the book of Genesis. Some have searched Genesis 1 to find answers to questions about the age of the earth or have looked to this story for scientific descriptions of the origins of creation, while others feeling faced with what they presume to be an either/or choice between science and Genesis 1 have simply discarded the Biblical text as irrelevant. But what if we're asking all the wrong questions of the story? What if God's inspired intentions for the story reveals something far more profound?