Battlefield Theologian

Yes, I said it, but before you assume what this episode is about you need to listen to the full episode. This is not shunning beta males, this is calling out every man to be a Christian Alpha Male in the biblical sense. The culture constantly asserts masculinity is toxic, and men continually attempt to "fill in the gap" trying to become alpha male; however, the definition culture pushes on both false and unbiblical. Men must step up, lead, and guide their families. In this podcast, Ethan Jago breaks down the stigma many have in assuming what an "alpha male" is and what a "beta male" is and demonstrates through Scripture what and how a REAL MAN should be. I believe this will be an extremely encouraging podcast and a "call to arms" for Christian men everywhere. I hope that women who listen use this to develop a standard for what to look for in a man during the dating and single season they find themselves in. 

Here is a special episode looking at how Christians should respond and be involved in politics. In this podcast we will answer the following questions: How are Christians to obey Christ’s command to obey corrupt earthly governments? Do we unconditionally obey earthly governments in obedience to God? Under what conditions, if any, do we disobey our earthly governments? Has the Church experienced hostile governmental conditions directed at the Church and Christians? In this episode, these questions are answered as well as a brief history lesson on the persecution of Christians during the Roman Empire from 64AD-311AD. Many of the items discussed here also relate to the Christian understanding of when can a war (if ever) could be considered just.   I did an interview with Eric Hovind discussing Just War Theory which you can view here.

The most significant question I have been asked over the years concerns the matter of Freewill. The term freewill is largely and completely misunderstood by so many individuals to mean something that it in fact does not mean when you use the words (free) & (will). Language has evolved over the years, phrases, sentences, and other items are continually changing their meaning. Often times people use words in the wrong context to mean the wrong thing leading to confusion and ambiguity..this is exactly the point and case with the term freewill. When people use this term they interconnect the words (free) and (will) making them appear to be inseparable to define the conclusion they wish to make; however, that is in error. In this podcast, we look at and define what is the will and is it free? Is there a better way to use this term? Do people who use the term "freewill" use it in the proper biblical context?  Using Jonathan Edwards we will unpack this concept through examples, analogies, and stories to help you wrap your mind around this concept.  Sources:  Harnack, Adolph. History of Dogma. Part 2, book 2. Translated by James Millar. 1898. Reprint. New York: Dover, 1961.  Edwards, Jonathan Freedom of the Will. Luther, Martin, Bondage of the Will  Sproul, RC,  Willing to Believe

In this episode, Ethan discusses some research and statistical studies in relation to the decreasing amount of leadership from men. There are several academic and research studies looked at in this podcast indicating the effects of prenatal and preconception that can affect children prior to birth. Additionally, labor force statistics are showing a reversal in the workforce, and the church is also seeing a shift in church involvement for men. This episode is and can be both for men and women. Men, to give you goals to shoot for. Women have a filter through which to assess a future husband. For more information or to get in contact with Ethan click here. Academic Sources Referenced:  Fathers matter from the start: The role of expectant fathers in child development Sofia I. Cardenas, Alyssa R. Morris, Narcis Marshall, Elizabeth C. Aviv, Magdalena Martínez García, Pia Sellery, Darby E. Saxbe Recruiting Fathers For Parenting Research: Yaremych, Haley E. and Susan Persky. "Recruiting Fathers for Parenting Research: An Evaluation of Eight Recruitment Methods and an Exploration of Fathers' Motivations for Participation." Parenting, Science and Practice ahead-of-print, no. ahead-of-print (2022): 1-32. Daily Time Men Spend on Sports/Leisure Activities Gender gap in religious service attendance has narrowed in U.S. Mothers Are the Primary Earners 

In this podcast, your host Ethan Jago interviews Dr. Brian Wright on communal reading. I apologize for some odd cuts; however, there were some issues with the introduction and outro. Despite these issues, the interview is fantastic and I highly suggest you check out his books, and give this a good listen. If you are interested in a particular topic or guest email me at ethan@ethanjago.com. Here are the links to Dr. Wrights's book Communal Reading  God's Daring Dozen Minor Prophet Series The Rythm of the Christian Life 

Recently Ligonier ministries released their newest "State of Theology" survey. Ligonier in partnership with Lifeway research conducted a survey in which they posed specific questions regarding modern matters and items of theological beliefs held by U.S. Adults and Evangelicals. Their website states, "Every two years, we take the theological temperature of the United States to help Christians better understand today’s culture and equip the church with better insights for discipleship."  In this episode, Ethan Jago looks at two critical issues in the findings regarding Evangelicals' view on God and original sin. If there is a specific theological or apologetical issue you wish for Ethan to discuss you can send it via email to: ethan@ethanjago.com  Here is the link to Ligonier's State of Theology Findings https://thestateoftheology.com   If you wish to see further information on items similar to this podcast visit www.ethanjago.com 

The 13th chapter of Hebrews ends with a focus on Christian ethics rooted in sound doctrine.    The first 11 chapters of Hebrews focus on those amongst the Hebrews who have not entirely accepted Christ, or those on edge to come the whole way and leave Judaism in the past. The rest of the book of Hebrews focuses on doctrine.   If we do not understand our doctrine we have no biblical basis for our ethics and we won’t understand the purpose and importance of morality for Christians   Now Christianity is not a form of morality or conducting oneself inducts you into faith.  Christianity is knowing and understanding the doctrine and purpose of why we were created and allowing that knowledge to guide us in proper behavior.  *This message was preached by Ethan Jago on Sunday morning July 17, 2022.

I have noticed an increasing amount of individuals beginning studies on the names of God. That is a great study; however, there are some cautions to consider. In this podcast, Ethan discusses why there are different names of God and a theological issue that arose in the 19th century concerning. This is both audio and video. If you have any questions please feel free to connect with Ethan at www.ethanjago.com. 

This is a sermon recorded at Olive Baptist Church in Crossroads, the young adult ministry. In this sermon, Ethan Jago unpacks a beautiful section of Scripture about the Christians' future hope and foundation in Christ Jesus. Christians must not focus on their past sins, regrets, or wrongdoings. Instead, we must look towards our future hope and the grace that God has bestowed upon us! To hear more sermons by Ethan Jago, or to learn more about the young adult ministry at Olive Baptist Church check out the links below. www.ethanjago.com  www.olivebaptist.org/youngadults

Understanding how the New Testament came into church practice is vital in understanding and defending the reliability of the New Testament. Welcome to the Battlefield Theologian Podcast. In this episode, Ethan Jago discusses the early circulation of the Apostle Paul's letters, the history and circulation of Paul's collection, and how early churches distributed papyri throughout the region. If you wish to get more information regarding theology and apologetics, visit www.ethanjago.com.