All Things New

Every disciple of Jesus should expect opposition. Jesus teaches as much in the Sermon on the Mount. But if the world used to oppose Christians for matters of grace – the exclusivity of the gospel, personal piety, or a relationship with Jesus – it seems that now we're hated for nature. In this episode, we discuss an article by Rhys Laverty that raises this issue and explores how it affects Christian discipleship.

Article: https://thenewalbion.substack.com/p/what-did-you-plan-to-be-hated-for

Pope Francis recently issued a statement on blessings for same-sex relationships: unleashing celebration, critique, and every reaction in between. In this episode, we explore some responses from prominent Catholic and Protestant voices and discuss the latest topic of cultural division within the Catholic church.

In the first episode of the new year, we sit down to talk about the things that stood out to us in 2023: specifically, some of the best or most interesting books or articles we read, movies we watched, or podcasts we listened to. Let us know what topics you'd like to hear us cover in 2024!

In the final 2023 episode of The Wednesday Conversation, we discuss the final chapter of The Christian Family. Herman Bavinck writes about what he sees on the horizon for how society and governments will treat the family, but also reminds his readers of God’s eschatological plan for the future of the family.

A few weeks ago, we shared the conversion story of prominent atheist Ayaan Hirsi Ali. This week, we want to highlight the story of another former atheist, Coram Deo pastoral resident David Sundman. In this episode, David shares his story of recovery from addiction, his rap career, and his surrender to Christ.

David’s Spotify page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7oxAxfBXkMVwlCvGcY63wN?si=08RqXl36QWisQeoGWJMYbQ

After a weekend of teaching in Omaha in 2017, Christian philosopher Dr. James K.A. Smith sat down with the pastors at Coram Deo to talk about his life, his work, and his calling. 

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is well-known in intellectual circles and was one of the most prominent atheists in the world. Once a devout Muslim, she became an atheist after the 9/11 attacks. Even more recently, she’s become a Christian. In this episode, we discuss a bombshell article she wrote just a few weeks ago explaining her conversion to Christianity.

Article: https://www.thefp.com/p/ayaan-hirsi-ali-why-i-am-now-christian-atheism

The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to be a central, global focus. One troubling aspect of the situation is the justification for Hamas’ terrorism that has been offered from all corners of our society. In this episode, we analyze the moral dialogue in our culture from a Christian perspective and explore the broader conversation around the rhetoric of "decolonization."

Article: https://archive.ph/2023.10.28-061758/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/decolonization-narrative-dangerous-and-false/675799/

Gen Z (1997 to 2012) is a generation marked by digital savviness and infinite connection, but also profound loneliness. And in the wake of the Asbury revival last year and the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, many believe that this generation is not only longing for but is primed for spiritual renewal. In this episode, we are joined by Coram Deo’s communication coordinator (and Gen Z representative) E.Beth Hemphill to discuss why this generation is positioned for revival.

Article: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/gen-z-primed-spiritual-renewal/

What’s next for the church? In August, Mere Orthodoxy editor-in-chief Jake Meador laid out a vision for the future of the church in America, combining cultural observations with insights from recent church history. In this episode, we discuss Jake's proposal that the best path forward is to build something like a New Mainline. What does that mean? And what would it look like to try?

Article: https://mereorthodoxy.com/the-american-church-in-the-fourth-republic