(00:00-09:21): Well, it is election day and Brian and Ian discuss 4 Questions Before Election Day in The Gospel Coalition. Jason Seville brings up convicting and thought-provoking points to consider despite the results from today. 

 

(09:21-27:31): Jim Denison is the founder of Denison Forum. He also serves as Resident Scholar for Ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health. He gave us perspective and encouragement on the election and discussed what the Bible says about politics. 

 

(27:31-36:59): Tim Adams interviewed John Gray: ‘What can we learn from cats? Don't live in an imagined future'. The philosopher’s new book attacks the idea that any ideology has the answers to life’s questions – but advice from cats might be his exception. 

(36:59-47:04): Andy Stanley writes, “What Christians Should Do If Their Candidate Loses the 2020 Election” in Time Magazine. 

(47:04-57:22): Scott Sauls writes “Loving as Jesus Does in a Hate-Filled Time” on his website. 

(57:22-1:06:58): SPRINGSTEEN REJOIN - David Brooks writes “Bruce Springsteen and the Art of Aging Well” in the Atlantic. Brian and Ian discuss what the happiest Springsteen album in decades can teach us about Joe Biden, the wisdom of maturity, and the meaning of life.

(1:06:58-1:15:30): This piece reminded us how we are supposed to treat our neighbors who think and believe differently than us. Clare Ansberry writes “How Next-Door Neighbors With Opposing Political Views Stayed Friends”. Troubled by the national discourse, the Gateses and Mitchells use signs to ‘send a message’ of civility

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(00:00-09:46): Timothy Dalrymple writes “Why Evangelicals Disagree on the President” in Christiainty Today. Brian and Ian discuss the potential reason why we are divided, and how we can come together.

(09:46-27:28): We spoke with Kenneth Tanner from Church of the Holy Redeemer. He has written for Huffington Post, Patheos, and much more. He wrote “A Benediction for Election Season” in Sojourners Magazine. He starts the prayer with “May you remember that all politics and all platforms and all legalities and all borders and all leaders are temporary.”

He then takes time to unpack this prayer. He also talks about the Open Table Conferences. Open Table has been a unique conference that provides space for authentic dialogue as we explore questions about God, life, and spirituality. It is part of a relational movement, a growing awareness, that bows at wonder and mystery and delights in love and freedom. Hidden agendas do not fuel our conversation, rather it is the relentless love of God, like living waters filling the deepest spaces of our stories, that we seek to engage. Remaining true to its original inspiration, the Open Table remains a welcoming space to learn and be refreshed as we journey together in a different narrative – that God revealed in Jesus is better than we ever imagined.

(27:28-37:32): Peter Leithart writes “Democracy Can't Save Itself” in Center for Pastor Theologians. 

(37:32-47:23): In the headlines: ‘They All Got Careless’: How Falwell Kept His Grip on Liberty Amid Sexual ‘Games,’ Self-Dealing. The deposed university president secured backing by ousting critics and hiring the family members and businesses of loyalists.

(47:23-55:44): Jill McCormick writes “How Each Enneagram Type Is Handling The Election Season” in Relevant. PLUS, Pamela Rutledge writes “Struggling With Election Anxiety? Basic coping skills can help keep stress in check.”

(55:44-1:04:54): Friend of the show, Chad Ragsdale writes “Why Your Conservative Uncle Votes Differently Than You”. 

(1:04:54-1:14:50): Brian and Ian discuss “6 Spiritual Truths that Won’t Change with the Election” by Fredrick Schmidt in Patheos to close the show.

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(00:00-09:46): Timothy Dalrymple writes “Why Evangelicals Disagree on the President” in Christiainty Today. Brian and Ian discuss the potential reason why we are divided, and how we can come together.

(09:46-27:28): We spoke with Kenneth Tanner from Church of the Holy Redeemer. He has written for Huffington Post, Patheos, and much more. He wrote “A Benediction for Election Season” in Sojourners Magazine. He starts the prayer with “May you remember that all politics and all platforms and all legalities and all borders and all leaders are temporary.”

He then takes time to unpack this prayer. He also talks about the Open Table Conferences. Open Table has been a unique conference that provides space for authentic dialogue as we explore questions about God, life, and spirituality. It is part of a relational movement, a growing awareness, that bows at wonder and mystery and delights in love and freedom. Hidden agendas do not fuel our conversation, rather it is the relentless love of God, like living waters filling the deepest spaces of our stories, that we seek to engage. Remaining true to its original inspiration, the Open Table remains a welcoming space to learn and be refreshed as we journey together in a different narrative – that God revealed in Jesus is better than we ever imagined.

(27:28-37:32): Peter Leithart writes “Democracy Can't Save Itself” in Center for Pastor Theologians. 

(37:32-47:23): In the headlines: ‘They All Got Careless’: How Falwell Kept His Grip on Liberty Amid Sexual ‘Games,’ Self-Dealing. The deposed university president secured backing by ousting critics and hiring the family members and businesses of loyalists.

(47:23-55:44): Jill McCormick writes “How Each Enneagram Type Is Handling The Election Season” in Relevant. PLUS, Pamela Rutledge writes “Struggling With Election Anxiety? Basic coping skills can help keep stress in check.”

(55:44-1:04:54): Friend of the show, Chad Ragsdale writes “Why Your Conservative Uncle Votes Differently Than You”. 

(1:04:54-1:14:50): Brian and Ian discuss “6 Spiritual Truths that Won’t Change with the Election” by Fredrick Schmidt in Patheos to close the show.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:03): Brian Zahnd writes “Put Not Your Trust in Princes…or Presidents” on his personal website. If a politician wants to align their politics with the politics of God, then the political agenda set forth in Psalm 146 is what they will prioritize. And all the Hebrew prophets (including Jesus) said, “Amen!”

 

(09:03-28:09): We were joined by Lauren Gullett, Director of Admissions & Recruitment for Emmanuel Christian Seminary. She joined us to discuss what the MACM program is, what higher education is like during the pandemic, what the church’s relationship with higher education/seminary, and who seminary is for. 

 

(28:09-37:36): Our church suspended in-person worship until 2021. This one question sealed the deal. Decisions about when to reopen churches quickly became political and divisive when the pandemic hit. The answer depends on what questions we ask.

 

(37:36-47:00): In NBC Think: Is working from home forever the best idea or the worst? A writer who loves working from home and a writer who hates it make their cases.

(47:00-1:17:17): We spoke with Karen Swallow Prior and Tish Harrison Warren. They joined us to have an in-depth and necessary discussion on how Christians ought to vote and where our priorities need to lie, and the responses may surprise you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:03): Brian Zahnd writes “Put Not Your Trust in Princes…or Presidents” on his personal website. If a politician wants to align their politics with the politics of God, then the political agenda set forth in Psalm 146 is what they will prioritize. And all the Hebrew prophets (including Jesus) said, “Amen!”

 

(09:03-28:09): We were joined by Lauren Gullett, Director of Admissions & Recruitment for Emmanuel Christian Seminary. She joined us to discuss what the MACM program is, what higher education is like during the pandemic, what the church’s relationship with higher education/seminary, and who seminary is for. 

 

(28:09-37:36): Our church suspended in-person worship until 2021. This one question sealed the deal. Decisions about when to reopen churches quickly became political and divisive when the pandemic hit. The answer depends on what questions we ask.

 

(37:36-47:00): In NBC Think: Is working from home forever the best idea or the worst? A writer who loves working from home and a writer who hates it make their cases.

(47:00-1:17:17): We spoke with Karen Swallow Prior and Tish Harrison Warren. They joined us to have an in-depth and necessary discussion on how Christians ought to vote and where our priorities need to lie, and the responses may surprise you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:0 0-08:58): Megan Fowler writes “Meet the Evangelicals Who Won’t Vote for Trump, Biden, or Anybody at All” in Christianity Today. They’re not apathetic. Convicted nonvoters think Christian citizenship calls for a different kind of engagement.

(08:58-27:33): We were joined by author and the B. R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary, David Fitch. His book “The Church of Us vs. Them: Freedom from a Faith That Feeds on Making Enemies” couldn’t be more relevant than in this election season. 

David also touches on how our attitude should be going into the election. He says the election is important, but it isn’t THAT important. No matter what, JESUS IS STILL LORD. 

(27:33-36:56): Brian and Ian discuss this piece by Sally Davies “The need to touch” in Aeon. The language of touch binds our minds and bodies to the broader social world. What happens when touch becomes taboo?

(36:56-46:48): Brian and Ian discuss This documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations, “The Social Dilemma”. 

(46:58-56:19): Ian posted “I feel like a political refugee” on Facebook. He continues “Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I feel a bit like a civil vagrant in a post-religious-right America, roving the dimly lit streets without a real home to lay my head…”

(59:19-1:05:37): Ed Stetzer writes “People Are Being Discipled by Their Cable News” in his blog The Exchange on Christianity Today. How do we disciple in good as we disciple out the wrong?

(1:05:37-1:14:39): Mikaela Mathews writes “'A New Start:' Seventeen Inmates Baptized in Mississippi Jail” in Christian Headlines.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:0 0-08:58): Megan Fowler writes “Meet the Evangelicals Who Won’t Vote for Trump, Biden, or Anybody at All” in Christianity Today. They’re not apathetic. Convicted nonvoters think Christian citizenship calls for a different kind of engagement.

(08:58-27:33): We were joined by author and the B. R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary, David Fitch. His book “The Church of Us vs. Them: Freedom from a Faith That Feeds on Making Enemies” couldn’t be more relevant than in this election season. 

David also touches on how our attitude should be going into the election. He says the election is important, but it isn’t THAT important. No matter what, JESUS IS STILL LORD. 

(27:33-36:56): Brian and Ian discuss this piece by Sally Davies “The need to touch” in Aeon. The language of touch binds our minds and bodies to the broader social world. What happens when touch becomes taboo?

(36:56-46:48): Brian and Ian discuss This documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations, “The Social Dilemma”. 

(46:58-56:19): Ian posted “I feel like a political refugee” on Facebook. He continues “Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I feel a bit like a civil vagrant in a post-religious-right America, roving the dimly lit streets without a real home to lay my head…”

(59:19-1:05:37): Ed Stetzer writes “People Are Being Discipled by Their Cable News” in his blog The Exchange on Christianity Today. How do we disciple in good as we disciple out the wrong?

(1:05:37-1:14:39): Mikaela Mathews writes “'A New Start:' Seventeen Inmates Baptized in Mississippi Jail” in Christian Headlines.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:22): The Dodgers are world champs and it might be the oddest of all World Series endings. PLUS, Class Is Back In Session In The First Trailer For ‘Saved By The Bell’ Revival.

(09:22-18:37): There’s a theology driving Sean Feucht’s worship music protests — and it’s a popular one. What’s at stake aren’t just political and ideological differences but complex and deeply rooted theological commitments that have long been forming Christian identities.

(18:37-28:00): Joanne Bratta from Hopeful Beginnings joined us to provide an update on this amazing ministry. She talked about how they are managing to continue serving through this crisis.
Via website: We are first and foremost a child welfare agency and take our responsibility very seriously. Our counselors are some of the very best in our area and are committed to our clients. The entire staff thinks “out of the box” to provide you with professional services. We are with you every step of the way, will care for you, and nurture you in whatever journey you choose. We walk alongside you!

(28:00-38:12): Here’s an interesting phenomenon: Meet the TikTok Generation of Televangelists. Brian and Ian discuss this piece by Rachel Seo in Christianity Today. 

(38:12-47:16): Aaron Earls writes “More Pastors Endorse Political Candidates in 2020: But very few do so from the pulpit, according to the latest from LifeWay Research” in Christianity Today. 

(47:16-1:05:55): We were joined by author and ministry leader, Eugene Cho. He is a pastor, speaker, author, visionary and humanitarian. A son of Korean immigrants and a natural entrepreneur, Cho spends much of his time circling the globe speaking about the intersection of faith, justice, and leadership. He is also the pastor of Quest Church –an urban, multi-cultural and multi-generational church in Seattle, Washington. 

We discussed his book “Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk” in which Eugene reminds us, we find our hope not in a politician or nation, but in the person of Jesus Christ. And from that foundation, we can walk with integrity, vote with conviction, listen to the hurting—and always remember that God is still on His throne.

(1:05:55-1:15:48): Brian and Ian take time to discuss this excerpt from JD Greear’s book “What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?” called “Be the “Them””.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:22): The Dodgers are world champs and it might be the oddest of all World Series endings. PLUS, Class Is Back In Session In The First Trailer For ‘Saved By The Bell’ Revival.

(09:22-18:37): There’s a theology driving Sean Feucht’s worship music protests — and it’s a popular one. What’s at stake aren’t just political and ideological differences but complex and deeply rooted theological commitments that have long been forming Christian identities.

(18:37-28:00): Joanne Bratta from Hopeful Beginnings joined us to provide an update on this amazing ministry. She talked about how they are managing to continue serving through this crisis.

Via website: We are first and foremost a child welfare agency and take our responsibility very seriously. Our counselors are some of the very best in our area and are committed to our clients. The entire staff thinks “out of the box” to provide you with professional services. We are with you every step of the way, will care for you, and nurture you in whatever journey you choose. We walk alongside you!

(28:00-38:12): Here’s an interesting phenomenon: Meet the TikTok Generation of Televangelists. Brian and Ian discuss this piece by Rachel Seo in Christianity Today. 

(38:12-47:16): Aaron Earls writes “More Pastors Endorse Political Candidates in 2020: But very few do so from the pulpit, according to the latest from LifeWay Research” in Christianity Today. 

(47:16-1:05:55): We were joined by author and ministry leader, Eugene Cho. He is a pastor, speaker, author, visionary and humanitarian. A son of Korean immigrants and a natural entrepreneur, Cho spends much of his time circling the globe speaking about the intersection of faith, justice, and leadership. He is also the pastor of Quest Church –an urban, multi-cultural and multi-generational church in Seattle, Washington. 

We discussed his book “Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk” in which Eugene reminds us, we find our hope not in a politician or nation, but in the person of Jesus Christ. And from that foundation, we can walk with integrity, vote with conviction, listen to the hurting—and always remember that God is still on His throne.

(1:05:55-1:15:48): Brian and Ian take time to discuss this excerpt from JD Greear’s book “What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?” called “Be the “Them””.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:26):  Brian and Ian shared their reaction to the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court

(09:26-38:16):  William Vanderbloemen is the founder of The Vanderbloemen Search Group. He joined Brian and Ian to talk about the work he does to help churches and businesses to find leadership. He also talked about how churches are adapting to COVID and his new book Culture Wins: The Roadmap To An Irresistible Workplace

(38:16-47:58): Al Mohler has made his Christian case for voting for President Trump in next week’s Presidential election. Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

(47:58-1:06:42): Steven Garber is professor of marketplace theology and director of the program in leadership, theology, and society at Regent College, Vancouver, BC. He joined Brian and Ian to talk about his new book The Seamless Life

(1:06:42-1:16:16): Brian and Ian ended the show by sharing some heartwarming stories from the Good News Network.

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