Take 2 Theology

Season 2, Episode 127

In this episode, Michael and Zach continue their series on conversational apologetics by exploring Gregory Koukl's signature "Columbo Tactic"—the art of asking thoughtful questions that invite conversation rather than confrontation. While many Christians assume effective apologetics depends primarily on having the right answers, this discussion argues that wise questions often accomplish far more. Looking to the example of Jesus, who frequently responded to questions with questions of His own, Michael and Zach examine how genuine curiosity can uncover assumptions, clarify definitions, expose faulty reasoning, and create opportunities for meaningful gospel conversations. Along the way, they introduce the first two Columbo questions—"What do you mean by that?" and "How did you come to that conclusion?"—while emphasizing the importance of listening well, slowing conversations down, and responding with humility rather than haste. The episode concludes with practical examples drawn from today's cultural conversations and challenges listeners to become faithful ambassadors of Christ by asking better questions before offering better answers.

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Season 2, Episode 126

In this episode, Michael and Zach conclude their series on government and their two-part discussion of the PCA's 2026 Ad Interim Committee Report on Christian Nationalism by examining the report's treatment of the historic Reformed tradition, the American revisions to the Westminster Confession, and the proper relationship between Christianity and civil government. The conversation explores the committee's argument that while the original Westminster Confession reflected the establishmentarian views common among the Reformers, American Presbyterians intentionally revised those sections without embracing a secular vision of government. Along the way, Michael and Zach discuss the report's affirmation of Christian political engagement, patriotism, ordered loves (ordo amoris), nations, peoples, and cultural inheritance, while also examining its firm rejection of kinism, race realism, antisemitism, ethnic hierarchy, and coercive state involvement in matters of religion. The episode also considers the report's critique of modern liberalism and its insistence that rejecting the label "Christian Nationalism" does not require embracing a secular or anti-Christian public square. Throughout the discussion, Michael and Zach seek to fairly represent the committee's conclusions while helping listeners think biblically and historically about Christian influence in society, the limits of civil government, and Christ's lordship over every area of life.

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Season 2, Episode 125

In this episode, Michael and Zach launch a new series on conversational apologetics by exploring the heart that should shape every Christian witness. Drawing inspiration from Gregory Koukl's Tactics, they emphasize that apologetics is not about winning debates or showcasing intellectual ability, but about faithfully representing Jesus Christ as His ambassadors. Through passages such as 1 Peter 3, 2 Corinthians 5, Colossians 4, and Proverbs, the discussion examines the biblical call to give a reasoned defense of the faith with gentleness, respect, and humility. Along the way, Michael and Zach distinguish between apologetics, evangelism, and pre-evangelism, addressing common fears that keep believers from engaging in spiritual conversations and reminding listeners that success is measured by faithfulness rather than immediate results. Looking to the example of Jesus, they highlight the importance of asking thoughtful questions, listening well, and trusting the Holy Spirit to accomplish what persuasive techniques alone never can. The episode concludes with practical encouragement to view every spiritual conversation as an opportunity to faithfully represent Christ while leaving the results in God's hands.

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Season 2, Episode 124

In this episode, Michael and Zach begin a two-part discussion of the PCA's 2026 Ad Interim Committee Report on Christian Nationalism, carefully examining what the committee was—and was not—asked to accomplish. Rather than presenting a complete political theology, the report seeks to provide pastoral and constitutional guidance to the church as it addresses the growing conversations surrounding Christian Nationalism, Ethno-Nationalism, and related movements. The discussion highlights the committee's strong affirmation of Christian political engagement, civic responsibility, and the rich tradition of Reformed political theology, while also exploring its warnings against inflammatory rhetoric, racial ideologies, kinism, antisemitism, and other views the PCA has repeatedly rejected as incompatible with biblical Christianity. Michael and Zach also examine the report's teaching on the God-ordained role of civil government, emphasizing that while government is a legitimate institution for promoting justice and restraining evil, it is neither ultimate nor redemptive. Throughout the episode, they seek to fairly represent the committee's conclusions, helping listeners understand where the report encourages greater Christian engagement in public life and where it calls the church to exercise biblical wisdom, humility, and discernment. The second half of this discussion continues in Episode 126.

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Season 2, Episode 123

In the concluding episode of this series on sin, desire, identity, and the gospel, Michael and Zach explore how biblical theology should shape the qualifications for pastoral leadership. Building on previous discussions of original sin, concupiscence, sanctification, and Christian identity, they ask a practical question facing many churches today: How should elders and pastors speak about, fight against, and model the battle with remaining sin? Drawing from Scripture, the Westminster Standards, and the PCA's Report on Human Sexuality, the conversation examines the importance of clear theological categories, faithful repentance, and language that promotes rather than obscures biblical holiness. As a case study, Michael and Zach carefully evaluate the ministry and teaching of Sam Allberry, highlighting areas of broad agreement while thoughtfully explaining the narrower theological disagreements surrounding the moral status of same-sex attraction and the language Christians use to describe it. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that the issue is not whether church leaders struggle with sin—all do—but whether they clearly identify sin as Scripture does, pursue holiness, model repentance, and faithfully shepherd God's people. The series concludes by reminding listeners that the gospel tells the truth about both our profound need as sinners and the all-sufficient grace of Christ, who transforms those who belong to Him.

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Season 2, Episode 122

In this episode, Michael and Zach reflect on several key themes and insights that emerged from their recent roundtable discussions on government, politics, and Christian civic engagement. The conversation begins by considering how many political disagreements are not ultimately disagreements about moral principles, but disagreements about facts and competing understandings of reality. Drawing on biblical commands concerning truthfulness, wisdom, and charity, the discussion explores the Christian responsibility to pursue truth carefully and to avoid assuming bad motives in those who reach different conclusions.

The episode also revisits questions of economics and political philosophy, examining why many Christians have come to appreciate the strengths of free markets and capitalism while recognizing the ongoing effects of human sin and the need for moral accountability. From there, Michael and Zach consider the wisdom of constitutional republicanism, arguing that its emphasis on limited government, distributed authority, and the rule of law reflects important biblical insights about human dignity, responsibility, and fallenness. Along the way, the discussion explores constitutional interpretation, the importance of stable meaning in both law and Scripture, the separation of powers, federalism, and the dangers of concentrated political authority. Throughout the episode, the goal is not to identify a uniquely biblical political system, but to think carefully about how a Christian understanding of human nature should shape our approach to government, politics, and public life.

Fact Check:

Vote for Independence | July 2, 1776

Approval and Publishing of Document Explaining Why | July 4th, 1776

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Season 2, Episode 121

In this episode, Michael and Zach continue their series on sin, desire, identity, and the gospel by applying the theological foundations established in previous episodes to the contemporary discussion surrounding same-sex attraction and Christian identity. Recognizing that this topic is often approached through political or cultural categories, the conversation instead seeks to examine it through the lenses of biblical anthropology, sanctification, and union with Christ. Drawing heavily from Scripture and the PCA's Report on Human Sexuality, the discussion explores the nature of same-sex attraction as a manifestation of humanity's fallen condition, the distinction between temptation and outward practice, and the ongoing reality of the believer's struggle against remaining corruption. The episode also examines the controversy surrounding identity language such as "gay Christian," considering both the pastoral motivations behind such terminology and the theological concerns raised by those who object to it. Throughout the discussion, Michael and Zach emphasize that the Christian's primary identity is not found in temptations, desires, or struggles, but in union with Jesus Christ. The episode concludes with a call for churches to cultivate environments of both truth and compassion, where believers can honestly confess their struggles while pursuing holiness through the transforming power of the gospel.

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Season 2, Episode 120

In this episode, Michael and Zach conclude their government roundtable series with returning guests Matthew Gilbert and Jonathan White by examining the relationship between nations, immigration, and the Christian's responsibility to love both neighbor and stranger. Early in the discussion, Jonathan—a Colson Center alumnus—offers four guiding questions that help frame faithful Christian cultural engagement:

1. What is good that we can promote, celebrate, and preserve?

2. What is missing that we can creatively contribute?

3. What is evil that we can stop and resist?

4. What is broken that we can restore and heal?

From that foundation, the panel explores the biblical purposes of civil government, the qualities of wise leaders, and the role Christian principles should play in public life. Drawing from passages such as Romans 13, Deuteronomy 4, Leviticus 19, Matthew 25, Luke 10, Acts 17, and others, the conversation wrestles with questions of patriotism, immigration, national responsibility, and the treatment of foreigners. Rather than accepting the polarized narratives that often dominate political discourse, the panel seeks to develop a balanced biblical framework that affirms both the legitimacy of national borders and the biblical command to love, protect, and show compassion to the sojourner. The series concludes by encouraging Christians to pursue justice, mercy, and wisdom while remembering that their ultimate hope rests not in earthly governments, but in the kingdom of God.

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Season 2, Episode 119

In this episode, Michael and Zach continue their series on sin, desire, identity, and holiness by examining the biblical doctrine of concupiscence and the ongoing struggle against indwelling sin. Building on the previous discussion of original sin and fallen human nature, the conversation addresses a difficult question: What should Christians think about sinful desires that seem to arise without conscious choice? Drawing from passages such as James 1, Romans 7, Galatians 5, Hebrews 4, and the Tenth Commandment, the episode explores the distinction between external temptation and inward corruption, the historic debate over whether sinful desire is itself sin, and why the Reformers insisted that disordered desires must be taken seriously as part of humanity's fallenness. Along the way, Michael and Zach discuss the sinlessness of Christ, the doctrine of impeccability, the reality of remaining corruption in the believer, and the Spirit-empowered battle of sanctification. The episode concludes with a message of both honesty and hope: the presence of sinful desire is not proof that grace is absent, but neither is it something to celebrate. Rather, the Christian life is a real war against sin in which God progressively transforms His people through the gospel, His Spirit, and the ordinary means of grace.

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Season 2, Episode 118

In this episode, Michael and Zach are once again joined by Jonathan White and Matthew Gilbert for the second installment of their government roundtable discussion. The conversation tackles some of the most challenging questions Christians face in political engagement, including whether believers should prioritize just outcomes or just processes, how Christians ought to think about democratic norms, and what role the church should play in addressing political issues. Drawing from passages such as Micah 6, Isaiah 10, Proverbs 16, 2 Timothy 4, and Acts 20, the panel explores the relationship between justice, law, and political power while discussing whether pastors should address specific candidates or limit themselves to biblical principles. The discussion also considers the tension between God's sovereignty over rulers and human responsibility in political decision-making, using figures such as the judges of Israel and modern political leaders as case studies. Finally, the panel examines the long-term implications of political alliances within the pro-life movement and reflects on how Christians can faithfully pursue justice, truth, and civic responsibility without confusing the kingdom of God with the kingdoms of this world.

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