Faith-Focused, Free-Thinking

Jeff reads a couple essays he wrote years ago as he reflects on his son's encounter with some well-meaning roadside evangelists. Is the gospel more than just a transaction?

Jeff interviews Michelle O'Brien, who grew up in Pentecostalism with its various particulars, including speaking in tongues. As she grew up Michelle felt the pressure of needing to be perfect but now has come to embrace the grace of God for her and everyone.

Jeff comments on Pope Leo, some Deconstruction FB pages he has joined, the Steel Man Argument, and some of the arguments for God's existence.

Jeff interviews a good friend, Josh Wheeler. Josh grew up catholic, moved through the evangelical church, had his own deconstruction, and now is less certain and more hopeful. Jeff and Josh go back and forth on a few theological issues - hell, universalism, the historicity of Jesus, and a little purgatory - and in the process uphold faith and freedom.

Fred Chambers is the Associate Pastor of Straight & Narrow Way Missionary Baptist Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jeff and Fred talk about church, God's love, foster care, and a few other things in this interesting conversation.

Do you know what an "altar call" is? What does it mean to "come to Christ"? Jeff talks about how he thinks of it today and what it means at OCC.

Jeff reads and talks through some axioms that were created by Mike McHargue, also known as Science Mike, who was one of the creators of the Liturgists Podcast. Find him at mikemchargue.com.

Some of the math we find in the stories of the Old Testament doesn't add up to reality. Maybe we need to look for something other than historical narrative in the Biblical record . . . and maybe that's okay.

Are the details of theology important? Where do people go when they die? Did Jeff ever find his faith shaken? Are rewards in heaven something to consider? All this, and some theological musings besides, in Episode 15.

Jeff reads something he wrote years ago to address some FAQ related to the idea that God is going to save everyone. What about Hitler? What is the motivation for missions? Why don't people just do whatever they want?