Simply Faithful: Christian Conversations Without the Hype

(Note: this episode is going up a few days early thanks to some stuff going on in real life. Hope nobody minds the early access.)

In an atypical episode, Gray has some questions and wants to have a discussion about psychology and how it relates to Christianity because he isn't sure what he thinks. Join him and Eric as they discuss this complex topic.

What's Good (Eric):
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs by Stephen L. Brusatte

As we recently heard about yet another scandal that consumed a prominent leader within the church, Gray and Eric discuss this issue - not the specific recent case, but the phenomenon of scandal and leadership failure as a whole, what causes it, and what the church needs to be doing about it. If you're in a position of leadership in the church or have seen the fallout of one of these scandals firsthand, this episode is for you!

What's Good:
Gray: Libby app and local libraries
Eric: Just buying all the books

While we rightly emphasize that Christianity is a matter of the heart, there is also an important place for thinking about our actions, especially in terms of habits that shape and form us. Join Eric and Gray as they discuss both the theory and practice of these rhythms in the Christian life.

What's Good:
Gray - Audible for Kids (stories.audible.com)
But Why? Podcast
Eric Wow in the World Podcast

Join Gray and Eric as they dive into a topic they both feel convicted by: Scripture's teachings about how we use our words. They discuss the power of words, how we should think about and practice life-giving speech, and (briefly) several random topics as well.

What's Good:
Eric - High Quality Leisure Activities

Especially in our present moment as we confront real societal challenges surrounding issues of race, many people have questions about issues found in the Bible itself. Does the Old Testament's understanding of Israel promote racism? What about slavery and the way it is treated in Scripture? Join Gray and Eric as they discuss these challenging issues.

What's Good:
Gray - Ka'Chava

Not about the Dan Brown thriller from the early 2000s, Eric and Gray talk about the realities of the spiritual beings found in Scripture. Lots of people have no idea what to make of such creatures. Others have lots of ideas, many of them problematic. Join the conversation as we discuss what the Bible does (and doesn't) tell us about Satan, angels, demons and the like.
What's Good:
Eric - Extra Credits

Christian obedience is about the heart, not just outward appearances. Our motivations matter. However, the more we dig into these heart issues, the more mired we can feel in our sin and uncertainty. Join Gray and Eric as they explore our motivations and how they we should think about them as we seek to follow Jesus.

What's Good:
Gray - Nanami Phone Charger

We as a culture often struggle to know how express sadness, and modern Christianity is at times a culprit in this dysfunction. Join Eric and Gray as they talk about the reality of sadness in our world and in our lives and how to engage with it as followers of Jesus.

What's Good (Eric):
The Gray Havens - Ghost of a King
John Guerra - Keeper of Days

We live in an era obsessed with self-discovery. There are whole genres of books and YouTube videos meant to help you find out who you are. What should we as Christians make of this? Join Gray and Eric as they discuss what is helpful from this way of thinking and what is problematic.

What's Good:
Gray - Trade Coffee

A huge part of our heritage as American Christians is the idea of revival. We talk about it, pray for it, use (and sometimes abuse) it to define our religious experiences. While our desire for revival is good, some of the specifics are problematic. Join Eric and Gray as they discuss this important idea in Scripture and the history of the church.

What's Good:
Eric - Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day