
Deep Talks | Cultural Theology with Paul Anleitner
Deep Talks is a podcast dedicated to exploring the integral relationship between religion, culture, philosophy, and science. Fostering nuanced, non-combative dialogue about theology and culture, science, the arts, entertainment, and philosophy within a broad, historic Christian perspective.
Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian who writes and speaks on religion and culture. He has degrees in history from the University of Michigan and a Master of Christian Thought from Bethel Seminary, where he graduated with highest honors.
Latest episodes

31 snips
Aug 15, 2023 • 57min
Metamodernism, Part 1 | What’s happening & why is this happening?
The podcast explores metamodernism as a new cultural shift influenced by postmodernism. It delves into examples from popular culture like Shrek and Wes Anderson movies to illustrate how metamodernism embraces irony, sincerity, and genuine emotion. The tension between sincerity and irony is explored, along with the blending of modern and postmodern storytelling in works like Fight Club. The essence of metamodernism is discussed, highlighting the yearning for authenticity and connection. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of patron support.

Jul 24, 2023 • 1h 1min
Oppenheimer: Christopher Nolan, Nihilism, and the Human Condition
Does Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer tell a different story about the human condition and nihilism than the story he's told in films like The Dark Knight and Interstellar?
Yes.
In this episode, we'll explore how Nolan's films grapple with ideas from Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Camus, Augustine, and even New Age humanists and discuss why Oppenheimer is his most Augustinian film.
https://linktr.ee/paulanleitner
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If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon?
You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023.
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
Connect with Paul Anleitner on Twitter at:
https://twitter.com/PaulAnleitner

Jun 13, 2023 • 2h 23min
John Vervaeke & Paul Vander Klay
Minister Paul Vander Klay and cognitive scientist John Vervaeke discuss the meaning of "God" beyond the Christian vs. atheist debate. They explore theological concepts like love, ultimate existence, and highest value, reflecting on the characteristics of a post-secular age. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by Christian pastors in communicating complex ideas, the limits of language and perception when discussing ultimate reality, and the importance of different perspectives. They also touch on topics like surviving suffering, the clash of perspectives within Christianity, discerning the true and the good, and recognizing and respecting different loyalties.

Jun 6, 2023 • 1h 2min
Evolution & The Slain Lamb
In this episode, we'll explore connections between theology and science as we examine the often neglected role that cooperation plays in evolution.
Is God's supposedly "good" creation governed by violent competition or by cruciform cooperation?
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If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon?
You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023.
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/

May 16, 2023 • 1h 30min
Parker Settecase | Is God Writing a Good Story?
Are we characters in a story authored by God? Can God write himself into the story? Why did God write a story with so much evil and suffering? Where is this story headed?
Parker Settecase from the oustanding philosophy podcast "Parker's Pensees" joins me to discuss all this along with reflections on the work of his mentor Kevin Vanhoozer, understanding the philosophical divide between Continental and Analytic philosophy, and so much more!
Subscribe to Parker's YouTube channel at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA
____
If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon?
You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel. We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023.
https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/

May 9, 2023 • 1h 18min
Mind Software: How Culture Programs Your Values (Part 2)
This podcast explores the differences between masculine & feminine cultures, the impact of cultural values on uncertainty avoidance, and the cultural values of the kingdom of God. It delves into the concept of masculine and feminine energies, discusses extreme cultural orientations and the desire to dismantle the patriarchy. The podcast also examines the impact of cultural values on subcultures and invites listeners to share their experiences in navigating cultural differences.

9 snips
May 2, 2023 • 1h 20min
Mind Software- How Culture Programs Your Values (Part 1)
This podcast explores how culture shapes our values and behaviors. It delves into the cultural influences on political inclinations, the impact of culture on personality traits, and the concept of power distance in different cultures. It also discusses the differences between individualistic and collectivist societies and examines how Christian communities navigate cultural values.

Apr 18, 2023 • 60min
John Mark McMillan Wrestles with Our Violent Heroes (Part 2)
John Mark McMillan is a platinum-selling songwriter and artist from Charlotte, North Carolina.
https://www.johnmarkmcmillan.com/
In today's episode, I continue exploring with John Mark many of the themes and questions surrounding the formative power of "hunter-hero" myths that I discussed in the previous episode with Dr. Chris Green.
How do these cultural stories that center around violent heroes shape the way we (especially as men) look at God, the world, and our own sense of vocation?
A full length, unedited video of this discussion is available to patrons of Deep Talks at:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-john-our-81157453?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
__________
If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel.
We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles:
https://paulanleitner.substack.com/

Apr 11, 2023 • 49min
John Mark McMillan Wrestles with Our Violent Heroes (Part 1)
John Mark McMillan is a platinum-selling songwriter and artist from Charlotte, North Carolina.
https://www.johnmarkmcmillan.com/
In today's episode, I continue exploring with John Mark many of the themes and questions surrounding the formative power of "hunter-hero" myths that I discussed in the previous episode with Dr. Chris Green.
How do these cultural stories that center around violent heroes shape the way we (especially as men) look at God, the world, and our own sense of vocation?
A full length, unedited video of this discussion is available to patrons of Deep Talks at:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-john-our-81157453?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
__________
If you find this podcast helpful and want to see it continue ad-free, would you consider becoming a supporter on Patreon? You're not only supporting this podcast, but you are also supporting my free Substack page and YouTube channel.
We need 200 patrons to ensure that my work can continue in 2023. https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast
To subscribe to my Substack for essays and articles:
https://paulanleitner.substack.com/

Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 38min
Dr. Chris Green | Christianity & The Complicated Cowboy Myth: Jesus, John Wayne, & Masculinity
Explore the impact of cowboy archetypes and myths on American religion and masculinity, the complexities of biblical narratives, the celebration of violent heroes, and the role of Christ as the ultimate hero. Discover the importance of imagination, compassion, and the role of fathers in shaping individuals. Delve into the challenges of young men in Christian communities and the call to engage in reflecting on Christian meaning.
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