All Things New

In Episode 337 we discussed an article by Brad Edwards examining social media as a "counterfeit institution." Brad listened to that episode and reached out to talk further... and to take Chris up on his offer of copy-editing. So we invited Brad to come on the podcast to discuss the article's implications more thoroughly.

Episode 337: https://cdomaha.com/wed-convo/2021/5/5/episode-337-social-media-as-a-counterfeit-institution

Article: https://mereorthodoxy.com/church-amongst-counter-institutions/

In a recent article in First Things, Professors Jenna & Benjamin Storey suggest that modern people have become "pixelated souls." Our Western political system was built to help people navigate two competing allegiances: church and state. But people today are formed by such a wide variety of allegiances that this political arrangement doesn't work anymore. In this episode, we discuss the article, consider its argument, and explore its implications.

Article: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2021/05/pixelated-souls

On the third Wednesday of each month we read & discuss a chapter from Herman Bavinck's “The Wonderful Works of God." In this episode, we discuss chapter 4 as we continue to assess Bavinck's view of general revelation.

Christian parents desire their children to grow up to embrace the Christian faith. Sociologist Christian Smith has spent the last 20 years studying the religious practices of children & adolescents, and in a recent article, he discusses his findings while also offering some helpful advice for parents. Listen in as we discuss the article and explore its insights.

Article: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2021/05/keeping-the-faith

Are social media platforms taking the place of more traditional cultural institutions? In a recent article at Mere Orthodoxy, Brad Edwards argues that they are... and that the implications are troubling. In this episode, we discuss his article and explore how the church can be a counter-formative community.

Article: https://mereorthodoxy.com/church-amongst-counter-institutions/

A recent Gallup poll found that religious membership has fallen to 47% among adults in the United States, the lowest in over 80 years. In this episode, we unpack the data and discuss why it may actually be good news for gospel ministry.

Articles:

https://www.npr.org/2021/03/30/982671783/fewer-than-half-of-u-s-adults-belong-to-a-religious-congregation-new-poll-shows

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/evangelical-history/why-americas-church-membership-rate-is-cratering/

What do we mean when we talk about general revelation and how we can know God through his creation? On this episode of Third Wednesday Theology, we dive into Chapter 3 of Herman Bavinck's "The Wonderful Works of God," to discuss general revelation. If you haven't already, pick up a copy of Bavinck's book and read along with us!

https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/the-wonderful-works-of-god-9781733627221?variant=12437042790447

A recent TGC article by Kevin DeYoung provides some interesting observations about the fragmentation within the church when it comes to race, politics, & gender. In this episode, we discuss and evaluate DeYoung's observations.

Article: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/why-reformed-evangelicalism-has-splintered-four-approaches-to-race-politics-and-gender/

Someone recently suggested the best way to read Carl Trueman's latest book is to begin with the last chapter first. In this episode, we take that advice! We explore the final pages of "The Rise & Triumph of the Modern Self," considering Trueman's advice for the church as she ministers to plastic people in a liquid world.

Dane Ortlund, author of the widely acclaimed book "Gentle & Lowly," joins us on this episode to talk about his life and ministry. He explains how he came to write Gentle & Lowly and shares some of his burdens for the Church today.