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This Christmas, let the incarnation inspire you to live a faith that is fully embodied. Allow the miracle of God’s presence in human form to transform not only how you think but how you live, love, and serve.

And as you reflect on these themes, I encourage you to read The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips. It offers insights into tending to the inner life so that our faith can bear fruit in the external world. This season, let’s remember that just as God entered the world in the flesh, we are called to embody His love and light in every aspect of our lives.

Emmanuel—God with us—remains not just a historical truth but a present reality. Let us live as those who carry this presence into the world.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the incarnation of Jesus shape your understanding of what it means to live as an embodied follower of Christ?
2. What lessons can you take from Mary and Elizabeth’s stories to apply to your life this Christmas season?
3. In what ways can you embody faith in tangible ways during Advent—through generosity, hospitality, or worship?

Call to Action:

• Share this episode with someone who would be encouraged by the stories of Mary and Elizabeth.
• Pick up a copy of The Garden Within by Anita Phillips to explore embodied faith further.
• Follow No More Silos for more conversations about faith, culture, and Scripture.

Looking for meaningful holiday gifts this year? 

Give the gift of faith, reflection, and creativity! My books are perfect for anyone looking to dive deeper into their spiritual journey:

 The Sermon on the Mount Bible Study 

Explore the timeless teachings of Jesus in a way that transforms hearts and minds.

 The Women Who Follow Jesus Bible Study

Discover the inspiring stories of women in the New Testament who exemplify courage, faith, and devotion.

 The Women Who Follow Jesus Coloring Book

A creative and meditative gift for all ages, celebrating the incredible women of the Bible.

 These thoughtful gifts are available now on Amazon and are ideal for loved ones, small group leaders, or anyone looking to grow in their faith.

 Shop today and spread joy this season!

Additional No More Silos Christmas-Themed Episodes

• Reconstructing the Christmas Story
• Why We Should Value Our Cultural Celebrations

Support the show

New Patreon site now available!

Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few years! I'm excited to offer additional resources for subscribers. Resources include book reviews, bible studies, discussions, and bonus podcast episodes.

I am looking forward to interacting with you through this site.

Please share, leave a review, and subscribe to this podcast.
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Emmanuel—God with us—remains not just a historical truth but a present reality. Let us live as those who carry this presence into the world.

In this special Christmas season episode of No More Silos, we explore theological anthropology through the lens of Mary and Elizabeth’s story as told in Luke 1 and 2. Their miraculous journeys highlight the profound intersection of God’s divine work and human embodiment, showing us how faith and physicality are intertwined. We reflect on what it means to live an embodied faith during the Advent season, drawing lessons from their stories to apply to our own lives.

Theological Anthropology and the Christmas Season

• The incarnation is the ultimate affirmation of embodied faith—God became human, fully experiencing life in a body.
• Implications for the Christmas season:
  • Recognize sacredness in the ordinary: God is present in the everyday realities of life.
  • Celebrate community: Mary and Elizabeth’s mutual support is a reminder to lean on and encourage others in faith.
  • Serve through your body: Acts of generosity, hospitality, and service during the holidays reflect God’s work through human lives.

Looking for meaningful holiday gifts this year? 

Give the gift of faith, reflection, and creativity! My books are perfect for anyone looking to dive deeper into their spiritual journey:

 The Sermon on the Mount Bible Study 

Explore the timeless teachings of Jesus in a way that transforms hearts and minds.

 The Women Who Follow Jesus Bible Study

Discover the inspiring stories of women in the New Testament who exemplify courage, faith, and devotion.

 The Women Who Follow Jesus Coloring Book

A creative and meditative gift for all ages, celebrating the incredible women of the Bible.

 These thoughtful gifts are available now on Amazon and are ideal for loved ones, small group leaders, or anyone looking to grow in their faith.

 Shop today and spread joy this season!

Additional No More Silos Christmas-Themed Episodes

• Reconstructing the Christmas Story
• Why We Should Value Our Cultural Celebrations

Support the show

New Patreon site now available!

Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few years! I'm excited to offer additional resources for subscribers. Resources include book reviews, bible studies, discussions, and bonus podcast episodes.

I am looking forward to interacting with you through this site.

Please share, leave a review, and subscribe to this podcast.
Follow me on Instagram @culturalchristianity or TikTok @drerikasantiago

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

Episode Summary: In this two-part series, we’ll dive into the concept of discipleship as a shared journey of faith—a “group project” where each of us plays an active role. Drawing on insights from Yolanda Solomon’s new book, Discipleship as Holy Collaboration, these episodes explore how discipleship involves love, compassion, agency, and embodied action. Solomon emphasizes that genuine discipleship moves beyond rules and regulations and requires a heartfelt commitment to one another, helping each other live out the resurrected life.

In Part 1, we’ll discuss the beauty and challenges of discipleship, the temptation to replace love with mere duty, and how we can reclaim a heart-centered approach. 

In Part 2, we’ll continue with a focus on agency, participation, and the embodied experience of following Jesus, inspired by John’s Gospel and Revelation’s call to active, collective faithfulness.

Inspired by Solomon’s words, “These days I’m tempted to lose my love,” we reflect on how easily love can be replaced by routine and obligation in discipleship. This resonates with the admonition to the church at Ephesus in Revelation, reminding them to reclaim their “first love.”

Parallels with Paul’s teachings in Ephesians, where discipleship involves submission, reconciliation, and spiritual armor. However, without love at the center, discipleship becomes hollow.

Recommended Reading:

• Discipleship as Holy Collaboration by Yolanda Solomon

Join us for this two-part series as we explore how discipleship is not a solo journey but a holy collaboration where each of us plays a vital part.

Support the show

New Patreon site now available!

Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few years! I'm excited to offer additional resources for subscribers. Resources include book reviews, bible studies, discussions, and bonus podcast episodes.

I am looking forward to interacting with you through this site.

Please share, leave a review, and subscribe to this podcast.
Follow me on Instagram @culturalchristianity or TikTok @drerikasantiago

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Send us a text

Episode Summary: In this two-part series, we’ll dive into the concept of discipleship as a shared journey of faith—a “group project” where each of us plays an active role. Drawing on insights from Yolanda Solomon’s new book, Discipleship as Holy Collaboration, these episodes explore how discipleship involves love, compassion, agency, and embodied action. Solomon emphasizes that genuine discipleship moves beyond rules and regulations and requires a heartfelt commitment to one another, helping each other live out the resurrected life.

In Part 1, we’ll discuss the beauty and challenges of discipleship, the temptation to replace love with mere duty, and how we can reclaim a heart-centered approach. 

In Part 2, we’ll continue with a focus on agency, participation, and the embodied experience of following Jesus, inspired by John’s Gospel and Revelation’s call to active, collective faithfulness.

Inspired by Solomon’s words, “These days I’m tempted to lose my love,” we reflect on how easily love can be replaced by routine and obligation in discipleship. This resonates with the admonition to the church at Ephesus in Revelation, reminding them to reclaim their “first love.”

Parallels with Paul’s teachings in Ephesians, where discipleship involves submission, reconciliation, and spiritual armor. However, without love at the center, discipleship becomes hollow.

Recommended Reading:

• Discipleship as Holy Collaboration by Yolanda Solomon

Join us for this two-part series as we explore how discipleship is not a solo journey but a holy collaboration where each of us plays a vital part.

Support the show

New Patreon site now available!

Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few years! I'm excited to offer additional resources for subscribers. Resources include book reviews, bible studies, discussions, and bonus podcast episodes.

I am looking forward to interacting with you through this site.

Please share, leave a review, and subscribe to this podcast.
Follow me on Instagram @culturalchristianity or TikTok @drerikasantiago

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

Episode Summary: The Book of Revelation is often approached with a sense of mystery or even trepidation, as it is filled with vivid imagery and apocalyptic visions. Yet, at its core, this remarkable text offers a compelling invitation to live as “dissident disciples” who remain unwavering in their witness to Christ and courageous in their faith. In this episode, we unpack Revelation’s enduring message, not as a mere forecast of future events but as a powerful call to faithful and transformative discipleship. Through the lens of Scot McKnight’s Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple, we will explore how Revelation inspires believers to embrace hospitality, identity, and resilience in the face of cultural pressures.

Recommended Reading:

• Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple by Scot McKnight

Join us as we explore how the Book of Revelation challenges us to live as a counter-cultural community that mirrors God’s kingdom in a complex world. Listen in for a deeper understanding of what it means to be a “dissident disciple” committed to the call of courageous and compassionate witness.

Support the show

New Patreon site now available!

Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few years! I'm excited to offer additional resources for subscribers. Resources include book reviews, bible studies, discussions, and bonus podcast episodes.

I am looking forward to interacting with you through this site.

Please share, leave a review, and subscribe to this podcast.
Follow me on Instagram @culturalchristianity or TikTok @drerikasantiago

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The question of identity is central to human life, but within Christianity, it has profound implications. What does it mean to be a Christian? Is it simply a label, or is it a transformative identity grounded in community and discipleship? 

Our identity in Christ is intended to be a unifying, all-encompassing identity that transcends earthly divisions. When the church allows this identity to be shaped by American political ideals, it risks losing the transformative power of the gospel. By revisiting the early church’s example of hospitality and inclusivity, modern congregations can build communities that model love, equity, and true unity, fulfilling Jesus’ prayer “that they will all be one, just as you and I are one” (John 17:21, NLT). In this way, the church can reclaim its role as a place of welcome and refuge for all, fostering a community rooted in the life-giving identity of Christ.

Support the show

New Patreon site now available!

Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few years! I'm excited to offer additional resources for subscribers. Resources include book reviews, bible studies, discussions, and bonus podcast episodes.

I am looking forward to interacting with you through this site.

Please share, leave a review, and subscribe to this podcast.
Follow me on Instagram @culturalchristianity or TikTok @drerikasantiago

Thanks for listening!

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In this fourth episode of the No More Silos series, Dr. Erika Santiago continues to explore the profound impact that language has on shaping our outlook on life, religion, and faith. This conversation delves deeper into the power of language in both reconstructing and deconstructing faith, and how the words we use when questioning our beliefs directly influence the answers we receive.

Key Topics:

• How the language we use shapes our understanding of faith and the outcomes of our spiritual inquiries
• Are the questions we ask about faith framed adequately to find the answers we seek?
• The often-overlooked cultural impact of the African American theological tradition within mainstream theological academic standards
• The importance of re-evaluating long-held beliefs, such as the use of the word “helpmeet” in Christian communities
• A formal definition of language is provided, highlighting its critical role in faith and life
• Exploring the dynamic between how language influences culture and, conversely, how culture influences language

Discussion Points:

• Are theological frameworks questioning the right things? How is mainstream theology overlooking culturally rich perspectives, such as those from the African American tradition?
• The need for Christian communities to challenge the use of certain terms that have been misinterpreted or misused, especially those that shape our understanding of relationships and roles.
• Dr. Santiago challenges listeners to think critically about the power of words in constructing our theological narratives and worldviews.

Important Questions:

• How do the words we use in framing our spiritual questions impact the kinds of answers we’re open to receiving?
• What impact does culture have on shaping the theological words we adopt, and how does language, in turn, shape culture?

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as Dr. Santiago examines the symbiotic relationship between language, culture, and faith, encouraging listeners to reassess their understanding of commonly used theological terms and cultural assumptions.

Part 5 is exclusively available for our Patreon members, join now to access the final installment of this incredible series! Deconstructing Language to Reconstruct Our Faith - https://www.patreon.com/nomoresilospodcast

Support the show

New Patreon site now available!

Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few years! I'm excited to offer additional resources for subscribers. Resources include book reviews, bible studies, discussions, and bonus podcast episodes.

I am looking forward to interacting with you through this site.

Please share, leave a review, and subscribe to this podcast.
Follow me on Instagram @culturalchristianity or TikTok @drerikasantiago

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In this third installment of the No More Silos series, Dr. Erika Santiago continues her exploration of how language shapes every facet of our faith journey—from Bible translations to cultural and social identity. She examines how the words we use and the ways we think critically about them influence how we process new information, and why language matters so much in both personal and spiritual development.

Key Topics:

• How language informs Bible translations, impacting our understanding of scripture
• The connection between language, cultural identity, and critical thinking
• The Bible as an emancipating text and how cultural interpretations can sometimes obscure that freedom
• The early Christians’ view of following “the way” as irresistible, compared to modern interpretations of faith
• A reflection on how the language Christians use, especially around marriage, can mirror harmful patterns, which may unintentionally mislead future generations
• Misalignment between modern terminology and the original scriptural context due to English translations

Books & Resources:

• A quote is shared about the language Christians use regarding marriage, and the episode challenges listeners to consider the impact of their words versus their behavior.
• Dr. Santiago highlights the online marriage course Relatable, a coaching resource for couples seeking guidance in their relationships.

Important Discussion Points:

• The nuances of terminology in scripture and the ways modern English translations can sometimes distort the original meaning.
• How the language we use, especially in Christian contexts, has real-world consequences on how others—particularly our children—perceive and internalize spiritual teachings.

Dr. Santiago offers a compelling case for why words matter, urging listeners to be more intentional in how they approach both scripture and everyday language. Don't miss this insightful episode as we dive deeper into the power of language in shaping our faith.

Support the show

New Patreon site now available!

Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few years! I'm excited to offer additional resources for subscribers. Resources include book reviews, bible studies, discussions, and bonus podcast episodes.

I am looking forward to interacting with you through this site.

Please share, leave a review, and subscribe to this podcast.
Follow me on Instagram @culturalchristianity or TikTok @drerikasantiago

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In this episode of No More Silos, Dr. Erika Santiago continues the conversation on how language influences our faith journey. Building on the concepts from Part 1, she discusses the significance of examining biblical language and how certain terms have shaped modern Christian thought. Dr. Santiago reflects on her book "Bible Study The Sermon on the Mount: Helping Deconstructing Christians Reconstruct Their Faith", providing insights on how Jesus’ teachings can guide deconstructing believers toward a reconstructed faith.

Books Discussed:

• "Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality" by Zachary Wagner – A transformative exploration of what healthy masculinity looks like in a Christian context.
• "Fighting Shadows: Overcoming 7 Lies That Keep Men From Becoming Fully Alive" by Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson – A book addressing common cultural lies that men face and how to find freedom in biblical truth.

Key Topics:

• How language can obscure or reveal deeper theological truths
• The role of biblical translations in shaping personal faith
• Reconstructing faith through the lens of the Sermon on the Mount
• Healthy masculinity and the intersection of faith, sexuality, and identity

Resources Mentioned:

• Bible Study The Sermon on the Mount: Helping Deconstructing Christians Reconstruct Their Faith by Dr. Erika Santiago
• Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality by Zachary Wagner
• Fighting Shadows: Overcoming 7 Lies That Keep Men From Becoming Fully Alive by Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson

Tune in as Dr. Santiago unpacks these important resources to further explore the language and ideas that can lead us to a more authentic faith.

Support the show

New Patreon site now available!

Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few years! I'm excited to offer additional resources for subscribers. Resources include book reviews, bible studies, discussions, and bonus podcast episodes.

I am looking forward to interacting with you through this site.

Please share, leave a review, and subscribe to this podcast.
Follow me on Instagram @culturalchristianity or TikTok @drerikasantiago

Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

In this episode of *No More Silos*, titled **"Deconstructing Language to Reconstruct our Faith - Introduction"**, Dr. Erika Santiago explores how language shapes our understanding of faith, scripture, and theology.

She looks into the impact of evolving linguistic expressions on biblical interpretation, unpacking the ways certain words and translations can hinder or deepen our spiritual growth.

This introductory episode sets the stage for a thoughtful journey into how deconstructing our inherited religious language can help us reconstruct a more authentic, Christ-centered faith.

Order your copy of her study of The Sermon on the Mount today on Amazon!

Support the show

New Patreon site now available!

Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few years! I'm excited to offer additional resources for subscribers. Resources include book reviews, bible studies, discussions, and bonus podcast episodes.

I am looking forward to interacting with you through this site.

Please share, leave a review, and subscribe to this podcast.
Follow me on Instagram @culturalchristianity or TikTok @drerikasantiago

Thanks for listening!