All Things New

How can we resist the gamification of our economy — and help others do the same?

The advent of digital technology has incentivized ease and encouraged isolation. Young people, especially young men, have become socially risk-averse — spending more time alone and cultivating negative habits on their devices. In this episode, we engage a Derek Thompson Substack article that explores the connection between online betting and social isolation. We discuss the fight for young men's souls, the need for embodied discipleship, and how the church can be a counter-cultural champion of relationships and community.

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How can we submit to and enjoy the slow process of sanctification?

It’s not uncommon for Christians to feel discouraged by their progress (or lack thereof) in sanctification. But what if our vision of maturity focused less on the destination and more on slow growth over time? In this episode, we use the Sermon on the Mount to consider Christian discipleship and maturity. We discuss Jesus's image of discipleship as a path or road, how to handle discouragement along the way, and the joy of not taking ourselves too seriously.

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How can we advocate for a people-first economy?

Artificial intelligence is disrupting our vocational and social worlds — and as it starts to dominate industries, more people are trying to discern its proper limits and boundaries. Intuitively, we are hesitant about the increasing growth of AI. But why? Is it because we sense that people should do our work? In this episode, Bob weaves together two articles to discuss the contrast between building an AI-first culture and a people-first culture. Along the way, we consider the importance of a Christian anthropology, the growing questions about AI's economic impact, and how Christians can be champions of others in their lives and workspaces.

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The Vatican clarified its stance on the virgin Mary—where do Protestants agree & disagree?

Last week, the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith released a document clarifying Roman Catholic teaching about Mary the mother of Jesus. Mariology has been a point of contention in Protestant/Catholic relations, but the Mater Populi Fidelis document reveals some promising reforms. It also fails to go far enough. In this episode, Bob commends three specific areas of reform, points out three areas of ongoing disagreement, and encourages Protestant/Catholic debate and conversation.

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Why are so many Christians unwilling to bend on the issue of guns?

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder and other recent instances of gun violence, the debate over gun regulation is raging once again. The right to bear arms is constitutionally protected and deeply ingrained in American culture — but does that mean all guns should be permitted? In this episode, we respond to a listener question about where Christians should stand on gun control. We discuss biblical wisdom and gun regulation, the interplay of the gun debate with societal virtue, and why “rights” don’t always align with human flourishing.

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How should the Reformation shape how we worship today?

It’s always good to know and understand our heritage when it comes to worship. Why do we structure our worship gatherings the way we do? Why do we sing together as a congregation? Should we take communion every week? In this episode from 2020, we talk about the book ‘Reformation Worship’ and look at what principles and ideas we can take from the Reformation and put into practice in modern day worship.

Technology is threatening our humanity — how do we push back?

The digital revolution is forcing the human race toward a civilizational bottleneck, Ross Douthat contends in a recent New York Times article. What survives depends on our deliberate choices. Unless we "fight for a future where human things and human beings survive and flourish," much of what we love will be lost. In this episode, we discuss Douthat's insights about how the virtual replaces the real, why we put up with this digital substitution, and how AI accelerates the process. We close by considering how Christians can help preserve the practices and pursuits that make us truly human.

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Bob interviews Trevin Wax about his new book, The Gospel Way Catechism.

Trevin Wax is Vice President of Resources and Marketing at the North American Mission Board and a well-known author, speaker, and cultural commentator. He also serves (along with Bob) as a fellow at The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. In this episode, Bob and Trevin talk apologetics. They discuss Trevin’s newest project "The Gospel Way Catechism" and its unique approach to counter-formation. They also explain the role of cultural apologetics in explaining and defending the Christian faith.

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Bob interviews Trevin Wax about his life, leadership, writing, and formative influences.

Trevin Wax is Vice President of Resources and Marketing at the North American Mission Board and a well-known author, speaker, and cultural commentator. He also serves (along with Bob) as a fellow at The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. During Trevin's recent visit to Nebraska for a TGC pastor's quarterly, we invited him to join the podcast to discuss his life and work. In this episode, we hear about Trevin’s upbringing, his writing, his experiences in ministry, and his vision for the next few decades.

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What are catechisms and why do we use them?

To those unfamiliar with the term, “catechism” can seem like a strange word. Simply put, catechisms are question-and-answer tools that communicate Christian theology in simple ways. In this episode, we respond to a listener question about the origins of catechisms and creeds. We discuss why the Reformation led to a golden age of catechisms, what makes catechisms important, and how they connect us to historic Christianity and spur us to deeper worship.

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