

Deep Talks with Paul Anleitner
Paul Anleitner
Deep Talks is a podcast dedicated to exploring the integral relationship between religion, culture, philosophy, and science. Featuring long-form discussions and lectures about culture, theology, philosophy, science , and the pursuit of meaning in life.
Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian whose work focuses on the role of culture and story in our quest for meaning. His unique interdisciplinary approach integrates theology, philosophy, and science to help individuals and institutions navigate cultural shifts and address perennial religious longings.
Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian whose work focuses on the role of culture and story in our quest for meaning. His unique interdisciplinary approach integrates theology, philosophy, and science to help individuals and institutions navigate cultural shifts and address perennial religious longings.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 22, 2019 • 1h 17min
Ep 18: Paul Vander Klay Conversation / Jordan Peterson, Theological Dark Web
Paul Vander Klay was a simple pastor of a small church in California. Now he's considered the pastor of the Intellectual Dark Web. His Youtube talks about Jordan Peterson, Christian theology, and what's happening in our present-day meaning-crisis started drawing tens of thousands of views, and even garnered the attention of Jordan Peterson himself who came on Paul's program to talk about these deep ideas.
In our conversation together, we discuss the rise of the Jordan Peterson phenomenon, why people are so desperately searching for meaning in America today, the "Intellectual Dark Web", and a whole bunch of theological ideas!
You can check out Paul Vanderklay's Youtube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGsDIP_K6J6VSTqlq-9IPlg
You can also listen to audio only versions of his program at:
https://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/
To support Deep Talks: Exploring Theology & Meaning-Making and the other video content I'm creating on YouTube, become a patron support on Patreon here:
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
To Subscribe to Deep Talks on Youtube with exclusive video content go to:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg
To subscribe on iTunes/Apple go to:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159

Apr 10, 2019 • 1h 12min
Ep 17: Understanding Our Meaning Crisis (Pt 2)- No One's Actually An Atheist/ The Antidote to Meaning-Crisis
In the second part of "Understanding Our Meaning Crisis" we'll explore how in a secular age, with more and more people claiming to have no religious affiliation, people are actually just as religious as they've ever been.
We'll talk about why no one is actually an atheist, and how an NFL game might not be all that different from an ancient pagan ritual.
Are things like Comic Con, Politics, & Netflix actually religious experience? Have we confused worshipping God with worshipping our country & the State?
Finally, we'll explore how a "sacramental" view of the world may actually be the antidote to our meaning-crisis, and I'll offer some practical strategies for living "sacramentally" in our secular age.
To support this podcast and the other video content I'm creating on YouTube, become a patron support on Patreon here:
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
To subscribe on iTunes/Apple go to:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159
This podcast is also available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and most other podcast platforms
You can also subscribe to the YouTube channel and see exclusive video episodes at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg?view_as=subscriber

Apr 2, 2019 • 1h 43min
Ep 16: Dr. Matthew J. Thomas conversation/ Faith vs Works? Grace vs Law? Have we completely misunderstood the Apostle Paul?
Is it possible that we've completely misunderstood the Apostle Paul...and perhaps even the entire Bible as a result? What do these ideas like "faith and works" or "grace vs. the Law" really mean? Did even Martin Luther and John Calvin misunderstand them?
Our guest in today's conversation is Dr. Matthew J. Thomas. Matthew has Doctor of Philosophy in Theology from the University of Oxford and is an expert in New Testament and early church history. He's written a book that Scott McKnight awarded as one the top 3 theology books of 2018 entitled "Paul's Works of The Law in the Perspective of Second Century Reception." He's taught at St. Patrick's Seminary, Franciscan University, and Regent College.
You can purchase Matthew's book here (warning: it is currently at a pretty hefty academic price tag):
https://www.amazon.com/Perspective-Reception-Wissenschaftliche-Untersuchungen-Testament/dp/3161562755/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=matthew+j.+thomas+paul&qid=1554215169&s=gateway&sr=8-1
You can become a patron supporter on Patreon and ensure that this podcast and the videos we're creating can keep happening here (plus there's a bunch of fun benefits for patrons!):
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
To Listen/Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159?mt=2
Deep Talks also has a YouTube channel with other unique content! Check that out here and subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg?view_as=subscriber
As always, you're questions, feedback, and comments are welcome! Thanks for listening, and please consider reviewing on iTunes to help others find out about what we're doing!

Mar 27, 2019 • 1h 11min
Ep 15: Preston Sprinkle Conversation / non-violence, hell, and moving from what we believe to why we believe
My guest today is Dr. Preston Sprinkle. Preston is a New York Times Best Selling Author, professor, and the President of The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. He has a PhD in New Testament from Aberdeen University in Scotland.
He’s authored books including Fight: A Christian Case For Non-Violence, Erasing Hell co-authored with Francis Chan, and People to Be Love: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue.
In today's episode, Preston joins me for a conversation about moving beyond what we believe to figuring out why we believe it. We also talk about non-violence, hell, our interpretive biases when we read the Bible, postmodernism and more.
Find out more about Preston's work with The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender here:
https://www.centerforfaith.com/
Grab one of Preston's books here:
https://www.prestonsprinkle.com/books
or take part in the Grace/Truth small group discussion materials:
https://www.prestonsprinkle.com/blog/2018/7/10/grace-truth-2
You can support this podcast and the other video content Paul is creating at:
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
For iTunes subscription/listening:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-talks-exploring-theology-and-meaning-making/id1401730159?mt=2
For Spotify Podcast subscription/listening:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0Lgkn9W8V2YHnPkEsluysm?si=MRUvUfAfS1i1ff1D4tJksw
Also, check out the unique Deep Talks video content on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg

Mar 14, 2019 • 42min
Ep 14: Understanding Our Meaning Crisis (Pt 1)
We're in the midst of a massive meaning crisis. Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 35. Church attendance is in decline and there is a significant rise in the "nones"- those who claim to have no particular religious adherence.
But how did we get here? And are people actually less religious than they were 500 years ago, or has "religion" just evolved into something different in this secular age?
You can support this channel and podcast here:
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
or Subscribe to videos on YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2yCyOMUeem-cYwliC-tLJg
Podcast also available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Mar 7, 2019 • 5min
Podcast Update!!! We've got new videos!
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!

Feb 15, 2019 • 25min
Ep 13: Deep Ideas in Film- Understanding Interstellar in a Secular Age
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

Feb 4, 2019 • 55min
Ep 12: Is Life Just a Meaningless Joke? 6 Big Questions & the Answers that Shape a Joker Worldview
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

Jan 30, 2019 • 23min
Ep 11: Deep Ideas in Film- Philosophy in the Dark Knight
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

Jan 22, 2019 • 1h 29min
Ep 10: Conversation with Andy Squyres / Wrestling with God & Sticking with the Church
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