Is the world getting better and better over time or worse and worse?  Listen in to Rose Rider, Daniel Fitzsimmons, and Sean Finnegan as they discuss how our culture thinks about progress in order to help you understand the hidden forces at work.  After discussing and deconstructing the idea of progress, they offer a helpful and balanced Christian perspective.

Read a detailed article on Progress here.

Historical Jesus 12: Intensified Conflict

Once Jesus came into Jerusalem, his enemies threw “stumper questions” at him in an effort to discredit him before the populace.  Jesus ably diffused these theological bombs and lobbed his own in return.  He told parables about the religious leaders that infuriated them while delighting the crowds.  Coupled with his earlier acts, Jesus’ public defiance was sure to land him in serious trouble.

Course notes are available here.

Join Sean Finnegan, Dan Fitzsimmons, and Rose Rider for some interesting cultural analysis.  We begin by looking at how the ethic of tolerance works in our culture before deconstructing it and providing a Christian point of view.  Though many times tolerance can be a force for good, sometimes people use it as a stick to beat others who hold a minority opinion.  Furthermore, tolerance is shallow whereas the kind of love Jesus calls us to is deep.  Tolerance often complies with the status quo but love gives of itself in risky and exciting ways.  Tune in to here our full conversation.

Read a detailed article on Tolerance here.

Historical Jesus 11: Entering Jerusalem

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, it was not quietly, but triumphantly, riding a donkey while the crowds shout, “Hosanna!”  This moment brings to and end his “messianic secret” and publicly declares to everyone that he was claiming to be the Jewish Messiah.  His action in the temple further underlined this claim.  The Sadducees took note and resolved to deal with him.

Course notes are available here.

Daniel Fitzsimmons and I probe the culture by discussing one of the most influential hidden philosophies of life in our culture today–hyper-individualism.  In a nut shell, hyper-individualism is a two step process:

This mindset has benefits and detriments for society, but in the end it fails to work as a philosophy of life.  After analyzing this cultural narrative, we offer a Christian perspective that can competently replace hyper-individualism.

Read a detailed article on Hyper-Individualism here.

Historical Jesus 10: Conflict

From his birth to his untimely death, conflict dominated Jesus’ life.  During his ministry the Pharisees disagreed with Jesus about the Sabbath, purity, divorce, and his style of ministry.  Jesus called them out on pride, greed, and hypocrisy.  Looking at how Jesus handled conflict serves as an example to those of us today who seek to follow him.

Course notes are available here.

In what ways is the culture putting a filter over your eyes?  How is our world rewriting your script, adjusting your plausibility intuitions?  For our first ever “Off Script” episode, I’m joined by two cohosts, Dan Fitzsimmons and Rose Rider, to discuss how our culture influences our lives as well as how to share the gospel with those who hold defeater beliefs.  Right now I’m not sure how often we’ll be able to put this out, but you’re feedback will be key in evaluating if this idea is worthwhile.  Please take the time to drop a comment on this episode or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.  Let us know how we did and how we can improve.

Read an article called “Seeing the Filter” here.

Historical Jesus 9: Jewish Groups

In order to understand Jesus, it helps to know what kinds of Jewish groups were around in his time.  In particular, four massively influential Jewish groups vied for influence among the people of Christ’s time: the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots.  Learn how Jesus compares and contrasts to these sects.  In addition, we need to consider four other groups, mentioned in the Gospels: the chief priests, Sanhedrin, scribes, and Samaritans.

Course notes are available here.

Historical Jesus 8: Paradoxical Submission

Jesus enjoyed an intimate relationship with his Father.  He often spent time with him in prayer, sometimes all night long.  Throughout his ministry Jesus frequently spoke about how his words and deeds were not his own, but the Father’s who sent him.  Paradoxically, by utterly submitting himself to God, he experienced the greatest exaltation in human history.  Learn from Jesus the true path to greatness.

Course notes are available here.

Historical Jesus 7: Disciples of Jesus

What does Jesus expect of his followers?  What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?  What is the cost of discipleship?  Join me as I work through what Jesus said about his expectations and requirements of his disciples as well as the rewards he promises.  This is a topic you’ll want to take seriously, after all what would be worse than thinking you were Christ’s disciple when in fact, you are deceived.  You can gather an army of theologians together and survey their opinions, but in the end, all that really matters is what Rabbi Jesus says he requires.

Course notes are available here.