Cruciform Conversations

(Note - this post was created when I served as VP of Ideos Institute, which is now the Fuller Center for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation)In this conversation, Greg Arthur speaks with Dr. John Hawthorne about the current state of Christian universities, exploring the tensions and challenges they face in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. They discuss the pervasive culture of fear within these institutions, the generational differences impacting student engagement, and the need for a fearless approach to education that centers on the student experience. Dr. Hawthorne emphasizes the importance of understanding the backgrounds and struggles of students in order to foster transformation and growth within Christian higher education.

They also discuss the complexities of student experiences in Christian universities, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in addressing diverse issues such as race, sexuality, and personal struggles. John advocates for centering student experiences in educational practices and highlights the importance of pursuing truth amidst societal complexities. The discussion also explores the role of Christian universities as mission outposts, aiming to provide a transformative educational environment that respects academic freedom while maintaining a commitment to Christian values.Resources: Check out John’s new book The Fearless Christian University

Check out John’s Substack

Another great article about the founding of Christian Universities and current Culture Wars by Hank Spaulding called The Death of the Christian University

They also spend time previewing The (Re)union, our virtual conference taking place February 26-28, 2025. Listeners to the episode can get a discount code to use when they register. Use the code: Podcast20 for 20% off! And, in theme with this post, we are providing FREE registrations for educators and college students who want to explore peacemaking. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Find out more information about the conference here

Episode Takeaways

* Christian universities are often characterized by fear.

* The changing world presents challenges for evangelical institutions.

* Generational differences impact how students engage with faith.

* Fear of societal decline affects decision-making in universities.

* Students today are asking more complex questions.

* Cultural dynamics play a significant role in education.

* Trustees and administrators need to understand student experiences.

* The vision for fearless universities includes embracing change.

* Economic challenges are a reality for many Christian colleges.

* Engagement with contemporary issues is essential for relevance. The image of the ideal Christian college student is often misleading.

* Many students face real-life challenges that affect their education.

* Centering student experiences can transform educational practices.

* Empathy and compassion are crucial in addressing student needs.

* Christian universities should engage with cultural issues thoughtfully.

* Fear of backlash can stifle important conversations on campus.

* Pursuing truth amidst complexity is essential for growth.

* Christian universities can serve as mission outposts for transformation.

* Leadership plays a critical role in shaping university culture.

* There are successful models of transformative education in practice.

(Note - this post was created when I served as VP of Ideos Institute, which is now the Fuller Center for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation)Christians in every culture have to be aware of and navigate syncretism, a blending of their culture, other religions, and traditions with their faith. The American Church has an arduous task of separating out American civil religion from faithfulness to Jesus. In this conversation, Greg Arthur speaks with Brian Zahnd about his journey in ministry, the impact of the Jesus movement, and the challenges faced by the American church today. Zahnd examines the conflation of American identity with Christianity, discussing the implications of American civil religion and the nature of American empire. He reflects on the historical context of the church's relationship with empires and the ongoing struggle to maintain the integrity of the gospel amidst cultural pressures. They also explore the complexities of the early church, the concept of rival gods, and the distinction between the Kingdom of Christ and earthly empires. They discuss the importance of citizenship in heaven, the need for community transformation through discipleship, and the challenges of peacemaking in a divided world. The dialogue emphasizes the resilience of the global church and the call for Christians to embody love and kindness amidst political disagreements.

Want to explore more? Engage with Brian’s work.

Books Mentioned: Postcards from BabylonWhen Everything’s On FireA Farewell to Mars

They also spend time previewing The (Re)union, our virtual conference taking place February 26-28, 2025. Listeners to the episode can get a discount code to use when they register. Use the code: Podcast20 for 20% off! Find out more information here

Episode Takeaways

* Critiquing American civil religion has led to significant losses in his congregation.

* Americanism poses a challenge to discipleship in the church.

* America can be understood as a mixed entity: a nation, a culture, an empire, and a religion.

* The church's relationship with empire has been problematic throughout history.

* Zahnd emphasizes the importance of recognizing America as a rival to the Lordship of Jesus.

* Christian nationalism has become a prominent issue in contemporary discussions.

* The church has always faced struggles and has never experienced a golden age. The early church faced significant challenges that shaped the New Testament.

* Rival gods like Mammon and Mars influence contemporary society.

* The Kingdom of Christ transcends political ideologies.

* Citizenship in heaven should take precedence over national identity.

* Discipleship requires a radical transformation of community values.

* Peacemaking is essential in a divided world, especially among Christians.

* Hearing the stories of others is crucial for understanding and love.

* Contemplative practices can foster kindness and compassion.

* The global church offers resilience and hope for the future.

* The church must embody an alternative society of love and kindness.

Christians in every culture have to be aware of and navigate syncretism, a blending of their culture, other religions, and traditions with their faith. The American Church has an arduous task of separating out American civil religion from faithfulness to Jesus.
In this conversation, Greg Arthur speaks with Brian Zahnd about his journey in ministry, the impact of the Jesus movement, and the challenges faced by the American church today. Zahnd examines the conflation of American identity with Christianity, discussing the implications of American civil religion and the nature of American empire. He reflects on the historical context of the church's relationship with empires and the ongoing struggle to maintain the integrity of the gospel amidst cultural pressures.
They also explore the complexities of the early church, the concept of rival gods, and the distinction between the Kingdom of Christ and earthly empires. They discuss the importance of citizenship in heaven, the need for community transformation through discipleship, and the challenges of peacemaking in a divided world. The dialogue emphasizes the resilience of the global church and the call for Christians to embody love and kindness amidst political disagreements.

Are you trying to make sense of what is happening in the American church and who and what an evangelical is in 2025? You aren’t alone!
In this conversation, Greg Arthur and Dr. David Fitch explore the current state of evangelicalism, the ideologies that shape it, and the challenges it faces in today's society. They discuss the significance of language, the role of signifiers in defining evangelical identity, and the need for a shift towards more relational and understanding approaches within the church. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement, active resistance to social injustices, and the potential for renewal within evangelicalism through the power of Christ.

Episode Takeaways

(Note - this post was created when I served as VP of Ideos Institute, which is now the Fuller Center for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation)Are you trying to make sense of what is happening in the American church and who and what an evangelical is in 2025? You aren’t alone!In this conversation, Greg Arthur and Dr. David Fitch explore the current state of evangelicalism, the ideologies that shape it, and the challenges it faces in today's society. They discuss the significance of language, the role of signifiers in defining evangelical identity, and the need for a shift towards more relational and understanding approaches within the church. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement, active resistance to social injustices, and the potential for renewal within evangelicalism through the power of Christ.

Want to explore more? Engage with Dr. Fitch’s work via Substack

Books Mentioned: Reckoning with Power

The Church of Us vs. Them

The End of Evangelicalism

They also spend time previewing The (Re)union, our virtual conference taking place February 26-28, 2025. Listeners to the episode can get a discount code to use when they register. Use the code: Podcast20 for 20% off! Find out more information here

Episode Takeaways

* Evangelicalism is about mission and engagement in culture.

* Ideologies can manipulate and shape beliefs within the church.

* Inerrancy has become a master signifier detached from discipleship.

* We must prioritize relationships over ideological antagonism.

* Language plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions and ideologies.

* The church should create spaces for dialogue and understanding.

* Active resistance can take many forms, including community engagement.

* We need to be a different kind of people in our neighborhoods.

* Listening to the concerns of younger generations is essential.

* Renewal within evangelicalism is possible through the power of Christ.

In this conversation, Greg Arthur speaks with Dr. Ray Kim, from the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, about the complexities of peacemaking in today's society, touching on themes of extremism, Christian nationalism, and the importance of building conflict-resilient communities. They explore the challenges of loving one's enemies, the role of storytelling in fostering understanding, and the need for faith communities to navigate issues of masculinity and gender. The discussion emphasizes the importance of curiosity, social trust, and the potential for reconciliation in a polarized world.

Register for The (Re)union:

Takeaways

(Note - this post was created when I served as VP of Ideos Institute, which is now the Fuller Center for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation)In this conversation, Greg Arthur speaks with Dr. Ray Kim from the International Center of Religion and Diplomacy about the complexities of peacemaking today, touching on themes of extremism, Christian nationalism, and the importance of building conflict-resilient communities. They explore the challenges of loving one's enemies, the role of storytelling in fostering understanding, and the need for faith communities to navigate issues of masculinity and gender. The discussion emphasizes the importance of curiosity, social trust, and the potential for reconciliation in a polarized world.

They also spend time previewing The (Re)union, our virtual conference taking place February 26-28, 2025. Listeners to the episode can get a discount code to use when they register. Find out more information here

Episode Takeaways

* Peacemaking requires understanding and addressing extremism.

* Christian nationalism is a multifaceted issue that needs careful examination.

* Building conflict-resilient communities is essential for social cohesion.

* Conflict can be an opportunity for growth and deeper relationships.

* Loving our enemies should be a lived reality, not just a platitude.

* Storytelling is a powerful tool for fostering connection and understanding.

* Faith communities must engage with the complexities of masculinity and gender.

* Tolerance is not enough; we must strive for true reconciliation.

* Rebuilding social trust is crucial in addressing societal divisions.

* Curiosity should guide our interactions, not anger or fear.

(Note - this post was created when I served as VP of Ideos Institute, which is now the Fuller Center for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation)

In the recent election, abortion access was a significant topic, ballot measure, and factor in voting choices. Not only is the country deeply divided on this issue, so too is the American church. In this conversation, Ideos’ Greg Arthur speaks with Angela Wesley, CEO of ProGrace, about the organization's mission to create a Jesus-centered approach to the complex issues surrounding abortion and unintended pregnancies that moves beyond the categories of being pro-choice or pro-life.

They discuss the importance of empathy, grace, and community support in addressing these sensitive topics, emphasizing the need for the church to be a safe space for women. Angela shares her personal journey to ProGrace, the challenges of navigating political divides, and the necessity of listening to the experiences of those affected by these issues. They dive into sexual ethics, theology, and reading scripture in a way that helps inform these conversations. This hopeful and honest conversation highlights the role of both men and women in fostering understanding and compassion, ultimately calling for a shift in how the church engages with these topics.Make sure to visit ProGrace’s website to connect with their work and find their resources.

Check out Angela’s podcast, including a wonderful conversation with Christy Vines on How to Move from Debate to Dialogue Through the Power of Stories.

Takeaways

* ProGrace aims to create a Jesus-centered approach to abortion conversations.

* Empathy and understanding are crucial in addressing the complexities of unintended pregnancies.

* The church should be a safe space for women facing difficult choices.

* Listening to women's experiences is essential for meaningful support.

* Dismantling shame is a key part of creating a supportive community.

* Both men and women have roles in the conversation about abortion.

* Curiosity and humility are necessary for understanding diverse perspectives.

* Community support can significantly impact decision-making during crises.

* The church must reflect on its own shortcomings in addressing these issues.

* Creating a culture of belonging can help restore individuals' sense of self.

Chapters and Topics

00:00 Introduction to ProGrace and Its Mission

03:17 Angela Wesley's Journey to ProGrace

06:24 The Role of Grace in Addressing Abortion Conversations

09:16 Understanding the Political Landscape of Abortion

12:13 The Shift from Judgment to Support

15:12 The Importance of Community Support for Women

18:07 Rethinking Sin and Collective Responsibility

20:53 Jesus' Model of Compassion and Understanding

24:25 Encountering Grace and Truth

25:22 Dismantling Shame in the Church

26:43 Understanding Sexual Ethics and Vulnerability

28:16 The Role of Community in Healing

30:02 Curiosity and Humility in Conversations

32:01 The Church's Role in Addressing Abortion

33:41 Rallying Around Unintended Pregnancies

35:47 Creating Safe Spaces for Decision-Making

38:05 Empowering Voices with Lived Experience

40:09 Curiosity in Understanding Vulnerable Populations

42:09 Healing Through Gender Collaboration

44:04 Resources for Engaging in the Conversation

In the recent election, abortion access was a significant topic, ballot measure, and factor in voting choices. Not only is the country deeply divided on this issue, so too is the American church. In this conversation, Ideos’ Greg Arthur speaks with Angela Wesley, CEO of ProGrace, about the organization's mission to create a Jesus-centered approach to the complex issues surrounding abortion and unintended pregnancies that moves beyond the categories of being pro-choice or pro-life.

They discuss the importance of empathy, grace, and community support in addressing these sensitive topics, emphasizing the need for the church to be a safe space for women. Angela shares her personal journey to ProGrace, the challenges of navigating political divides, and the necessity of listening to the experiences of those affected by these issues. They dive into sexual ethics, theology, and reading scripture in a way that helps inform these conversations. This hopeful and honest conversation highlights the role of both men and women in fostering understanding and compassion, ultimately calling for a shift in how the church engages with these topics.
Make sure to visit ProGrace’s website to connect with their work and find their resources.

Check out Angela’s podcast, including a wonderful conversation with Christy Vines on How to Move from Debate to Dialogue Through the Power of Stories.

(Note - this post was created when I served as VP of Ideos Institute, which is now the Fuller Center for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation)

In this conversation reflecting on what they are learning and observing after the 2024 election, Ideos VP Greg Arthur speaks with Mako Nagasawa about his unique journey from a diverse cultural background to founding ⁠The Anástasis Center⁠.

“We proclaim the restorative justice of God and the healing atonement of Jesus.”

— Mission Statement of The Anástasis Center for Christian Education and Ministry

The conversation explores themes of justice, atonement, and the church's role in cultural engagement, particularly in the context of political reactions to recent events. Mako emphasizes the importance of restorative justice over retributive justice, highlighting the need for emotional health and spiritual formation within communities. The discussion culminates in practical steps for healing and restoration in both personal and communal contexts.

Takeaways:

* Mako Nagasawa's journey reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences.

* Restorative justice focuses on healing rather than punishment.

* The church has a vital role in addressing social justice issues.

* Political reactions to events reveal deep divides within the church.

* Understanding atonement is crucial for engaging with justice.

* Emotional health is essential for community building.

* Spiritual formation practices can lead to healing.

* The church must engage constructively in public life.

* Historical injustices shape current community dynamics.

* Restoration involves partnership with God in healing human nature.