Seth and Luke explore the tensions of Advent. While so much of the Christmas season seems happy and bright, it's also filled with loss and disappointment. 

They also explore how the early church approached the Advent season in comparison to how most of us think of it. Whether you're in a season of joy or sorrow, this episode will help you lean into Jesus as you wait for His return.

Seth and Luke consider plagues that infect all of our lives: entitlement and cynicism. Though we have so much, we are often so unhappy — grumbling and complaining about all that doesn't go the way we want. Even Christians are susceptible to this dynamic.

How can we pursue a different way that allows us to shine in a dark world? By pursuing a life and practices of gratitude and thanksgiving. Seth shares a number of key Bible verses and some helpful practices that individuals and families can do to practice gratitude.

Luke and Seth discuss the results of the 2024 election, looking at the failures of the Pro-Life cause and the success of Trump. Is it wrong to be overly sad or happy about these things? Is there a Christ-less Conservatism that will dominate political thinking the next few years? How will we respond to it? How do we interact with the growing non-Religious Right in light of the mission of God's people? How will the church respond to the coming mental health crisis that Mark Halperin predicted?

Seth and guest Aaron Renn discuss how, since 2014, we've been living in an America that is differently hostile to the Christian faith than ever before. What does that mean for us as the people of God? What does that mean for us both politically and personally?

https://www.aaronrenn.com

Book: Life In the Negative World

Article: Three Worlds of Evangelicalism

Seth and Luke talk through how much the Bible shapes our understanding of various key political issues. They begin with character vs. policy and then dive into 7 of the key issues in the 2024 election:

Taxes / Economy
Abortion
Immigration & Border
Sex & Gender
Climate & Environment
Foreign Policy
Corruption & Oppression

Just War Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/king-culture/id1531036631?i=1000642083516

Luke and Seth discuss how Biblical Values have shaped politics in Western Culture. They look at the eight ideologies and six moral taste buds that shape our political engagement.

In each one, they explore what the ideology is, how it reflects some biblical good, but how it also is distorted and eventually can lead to a kind of tyranny. 

The Eight Political Ideologies:

1. Liberalism
2. Conservatism
3. Nationalism
4. Democratism
5. Socialism
6. Marxism
7. Economicism
8. Technologism

Then they explore the six moral "taste buds" put forth by Jonathan Haidt:

Compassion
Liberty
Loyalty
Fairness
Authority
Sanctity

Books Referenced:

David Koyzis, Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies: https://amz.run/9Wqf

Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion: https://amz.run/9Wqg

Seth and Luke discuss the religious nature of politics and explore John Stuart Mill's "Harm Principle" as it relates to the nature of limited vs unlimited government. Should Christians care about politics? Why? How do you know if you care too much or too little?

Seth and Guest Dr. Andrew Walker discuss the role of creation in establishing ethical norms for both Christians and Non-Christians.
Check out Walker's new book Faithful Reason and his article on Natural Order.

Seth and guest Kyle discuss the key differences between Mormon theology and traditional, orthodox Christianity while considering a few strategies that ought to guide our interacts with our LDS neighbors.
Follow Kyle here.

Seth and returned host Luke discuss Church Discipline.