(00:00-09:16): For the second night, Kenosha is experiencing rioting and outrage over the shooting of Jacob Blake. Kenosha becomes center of nationwide protests after police shoot Black man in front of his children. Also, Trump's convention offers misleading portrait of his presidency.

(09:16-28:02): We were joined by owner and founder of Daydream Supply Company, Branden Benskin. He is a worship and youth pastor in the Chicagoland area, and now a new business owner. His passion to be the change in the world he wants to see is what has led him to open his new business. Along with selling men’s and women’s clothes, and home goods, 20% of his profits go to fighting human trafficking. They partner with the International Justice Mission because we believe in their work. They not only help those harmed by slavery, but they also work in justice systems to create ways to end human trafficking for good

He also speaks to those who struggle getting started on passions, as well as those who want to contribute to a cause with their earnings. 

(28:02-37:30): Brett McCracken writes “ Cool Christianity Is (Still) a Bad Idea” in The Gospel Coalition. At the beginning of the 21st century, “relevance” became the prevailing buzzword in Western evangelical Christianity

(37:30-47:08): Jerry Falwell Jr. (yes, again) is in our discussions today. He officially resigned as President of Liberty University, again. Brian and Ian discuss some of our listener’s responses to the situation with him. Board leaders decide return of Christian university’s president wouldn’t be in its “best interest” after dueling accounts of an affair make news.

(47:08-56:38): Brian and Ian discuss the predicament with the controversial Netflix series “Cuties”. CC Pecknold writes “Why We Shouldn’t Watch Cuties” while Cassie Da Costa writes “The Angry Christian Right Should Watch Netflix’s ‘Cuties’” in The Daily Beast. 

(56:38-1:05:32): As pastors, Brian and Ian relate fully with this piece by Jonathan Leeman “Pastors on Social Media”.

(1:05:32-1:15:06): David French writes “The Deep Breath Before the Plunge”. Brian and Ian discuss thoughts from the precipice of profound political conflict.

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(00:00-08:48): Tragic news from over the weekend “Protests break out in Wisconsin over police shooting of Jacob Blake”. Brian and Ian discuss the continuance of social injustice and how this story has affected everyone’s sensitivity to violence. 

(08:48-18:23): John MacArthur in an interview went into detail about how “You are not a true believer if you don’t vote for Trump” and “Biden is wanting an ‘all Muslim’ cabinet, which is an attack on Christianity”. 

(18:23-27:33): Brian and Ian respond to the in-depth interview with John MacArthur and respond to his comments. 

(27:33-37:03): Brian and Ian close the hour with “7 self-care tips for coping with 'crisis fatigue'” by Nicole Spector in Today. Experts weigh in with advice on how to ease the effects of unrelenting stress.”

(37:03-46:46): KellyAnne Conway left the White House after her daughter openly tore into her online. Brian and Ian discuss the importance of maintaining a good relationship with family and taking time to understand them better. 

(46:46-56:35): The NBA playoffs are in full swing and Brian and Ian discuss a situation between two opposing players. Clippers' Montrezl Harrell apologizes to Mavericks' Luka Doncic over 'White boy' remark. Harrell addressed the apology after the Game 3 encounter.

(56:35-1:05:01): Leah MarieAnn Klett writes “'God is calling us to true joy': Levi Lusko on COVID-19, racism, church reopening” in The Christian Post. 

(1:05:01-1:13:38): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian close the show out on a high note with some uplifting stories from The Good News Network.

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(00:00-08:48): Tragic news from over the weekend “Protests break out in Wisconsin over police shooting of Jacob Blake”. Brian and Ian discuss the continuance of social injustice and how this story has affected everyone’s sensitivity to violence. 

(08:48-18:23): John MacArthur in an interview went into detail about how “You are not a true believer if you don’t vote for Trump” and “Biden is wanting an ‘all Muslim’ cabinet, which is an attack on Christianity”. 

(18:23-27:33): Brian and Ian respond to the in-depth interview with John MacArthur and respond to his comments. 

(27:33-37:03): Brian and Ian close the hour with “7 self-care tips for coping with 'crisis fatigue'” by Nicole Spector in Today. Experts weigh in with advice on how to ease the effects of unrelenting stress.”

(37:03-46:46): KellyAnne Conway left the White House after her daughter openly tore into her online. Brian and Ian discuss the importance of maintaining a good relationship with family and taking time to understand them better. 

(46:46-56:35): The NBA playoffs are in full swing and Brian and Ian discuss a situation between two opposing players. Clippers' Montrezl Harrell apologizes to Mavericks' Luka Doncic over 'White boy' remark. Harrell addressed the apology after the Game 3 encounter.

(56:35-1:05:01): Leah MarieAnn Klett writes “'God is calling us to true joy': Levi Lusko on COVID-19, racism, church reopening” in The Christian Post. 

(1:05:01-1:13:38): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian close the show out on a high note with some uplifting stories from The Good News Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:27): Brian and Ian kick off the show with some pretty cool news. They talked about this: “A 13-year-old ‘regular kid’ with a stutter gave a must-watch Democratic convention speech”. They shifted over to how after 4 decades on TBN, Kenneth Copeland is being replaced by Steven Furtick. 

(09:27-19:03): More Falwell news! Apparently, 50 pastors who graduated from Liberty University demand Falwell be ‘permanently removed’, as reported by The Christian Post. Plus, “To prevent the next Christian scandal, shrink the integrity gap” writes Jeff Mattson in The Christian Post. 

(19:03-28:05): Tim Keller tweeted “Talking about oppression, justice, etc doesn't make one a Marxist. It makes one a student of the Bible.” and another long thread on defending his stance on giving to the poor and defending the oppressed. 

(28:05-37:21): Mike Glenn writes “Doing What You Can” in Scot McKnight’s blog ‘Jesus Creed’ on Christianity Today. 

(37:05-47:05): Brian and Ian discuss “Don’t Underestimate the Power of Gentleness” in The Gospel Coalition by Ian Harber. It is a review of “A Gentle Answer” by Scott Sauls. Take a listen to our interview with Scott from earlier this year here. 

(47:05-56:20): Diana Butler Bass writes “Making It Up As We Go: The Loss of Ritual and the Challenge of COVID” 

(56:20-1:05:38): Does abortion trump all other issues? Some Evangelicals and Catholics think so. Brian and Ian discuss this touchy issue and where they stand on this prompt. 

(1:05:38-1:15:41): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian close the show out on a high note with some uplifting stories from The Good News Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:27): Brian and Ian kick off the show with some pretty cool news. They talked about this: “A 13-year-old ‘regular kid’ with a stutter gave a must-watch Democratic convention speech”. They shifted over to how after 4 decades on TBN, Kenneth Copeland is being replaced by Steven Furtick. 

(09:27-19:03): More Falwell news! Apparently, 50 pastors who graduated from Liberty University demand Falwell be ‘permanently removed’, as reported by The Christian Post. Plus, “To prevent the next Christian scandal, shrink the integrity gap” writes Jeff Mattson in The Christian Post. 

(19:03-28:05): Tim Keller tweeted “Talking about oppression, justice, etc doesn't make one a Marxist. It makes one a student of the Bible.” and another long thread on defending his stance on giving to the poor and defending the oppressed. 

(28:05-37:21): Mike Glenn writes “Doing What You Can” in Scot McKnight’s blog ‘Jesus Creed’ on Christianity Today. 

(37:05-47:05): Brian and Ian discuss “Don’t Underestimate the Power of Gentleness” in The Gospel Coalition by Ian Harber. It is a review of “A Gentle Answer” by Scott Sauls. Take a listen to our interview with Scott from earlier this year here. 

(47:05-56:20): Diana Butler Bass writes “Making It Up As We Go: The Loss of Ritual and the Challenge of COVID” 

(56:20-1:05:38): Does abortion trump all other issues? Some Evangelicals and Catholics think so. Brian and Ian discuss this touchy issue and where they stand on this prompt. 

(1:05:38-1:15:41): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian close the show out on a high note with some uplifting stories from The Good News Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:43): Brain and Ian kicked off the show by discussing stories involving broadcaster Thom Brennaman, Steve Bannon and Jerry Fallwell Jr.

(09:43-19:13): Pope Francis says that “Making the poor a priority isn't political, it's the Gospel.” Brain and Ian shared their reaction.

(19:13-28:21): What goes through your mind when you hear the phrase “You are enough”? Brain and Ian discussed a social media post that took on the topic.

(28:21-38:02): Are mission trips really worth the time and money? Brian and Ian talked about the best way to help those in need.

(38:02-48:21): Brian and Ian talked about the conflict between religion and scientists when it comes to the COVID-19 outbreak.

(48:21-58:10): Do you think someone can be a Bible-believing Christian and vote for a Democrat? Brain and I discussed the views of Father James Martin, who is both generally politically liberal and pro-life.

(58:10-1:07:23): According to scientific research, putting up your Christmas decorations early can put you in a better mood. Brian and Ian are both furious at this idea and believes it puts the entire scientific method into question.

(1:07:23-1:17:12): Brain and Ian wrapped up the show by talking about how the digital age has changed our concept of ethics

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:43): Brain and Ian kicked off the show by discussing stories involving broadcaster Thom Brennaman, Steve Bannon and Jerry Fallwell Jr.

(09:43-19:13): Pope Francis says that “Making the poor a priority isn't political, it's the Gospel.” Brain and Ian shared their reaction.

(19:13-28:21): What goes through your mind when you hear the phrase “You are enough”? Brain and Ian discussed a social media post that took on the topic.

(28:21-38:02): Are mission trips really worth the time and money? Brian and Ian talked about the best way to help those in need.

(38:02-48:21): Brian and Ian talked about the conflict between religion and scientists when it comes to the COVID-19 outbreak.

(48:21-58:10): Do you think someone can be a Bible-believing Christian and vote for a Democrat? Brain and I discussed the views of Father James Martin, who is both generally politically liberal and pro-life.

(58:10-1:07:23): According to scientific research, putting up your Christmas decorations early can put you in a better mood. Brian and Ian are both furious at this idea and believes it puts the entire scientific method into question.

(1:07:23-1:17:12): Brain and Ian wrapped up the show by talking about how the digital age has changed our concept of ethics

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:24): Adelle Banks writes “Bipartisan network of Christian groups launches police reform initiative” in Religion News Service. Also, “Evangelicals Call for Police and Criminal Justice Reform”. New initiative challenges churches and believers: “Scripture makes the pursuit of justice for our neighbors a mandatory part of the Christian life.”

(09:24-27:09): We were joined by author Kellye Fabian from Willow Creek. Kellye is a lawyer who practiced law for 13 years before moving into full-time ministry at Willow Creek. There, she has held many different positions, including overseeing the legal aid clinic she started in 2009, writing discipleship content like devotionals and small group studies, and leading the women's ministry. Kellye was a founder and leader of the Practice, a liturgical, practice-based church within Willow Creek. And she has written two books: Sacred Questions: A Transformative Journey through the Bible (2018). NEW BOOK COMING SOON: Holy Vulnerability: Spiritual Practices for the Broken, Ashamed, Anxious and Afraid (summer 2021).

(27:09-36:21): Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic writes “How Much Is Bad Sleep Hurting Your Career?” in the Harvard Business Review. We all have spells of lack of sleep, Brian and Ian discuss how they’ve overcome them. 

(36:21-46:34): Brenda Salter McNeil writes “Finding the Courage to Pursue Racial Justice Now” in Relevant Magazine. If we want to understand reality and move beyond the rhetoric of fear, we have to be intentional.

(46:34-55:44): “Evangelicals Voting for Biden Have 'Sold Their Soul to the Devil,' Pastor Robert Jeffress Asserts.” Brian and Ian discuss the discourse of Christiains voting either Republican or Democratic. Does the way you vote disqualify you from faith?

(55:44-1:05:21): Andrew M. Yuengert writes “The Pandemic and Practical Wisdom” in the Public Discourse. COVID-19 underscores our need for practical wisdom, which allows us to pursue the human good even when we lack technical mastery of a situation and when we must make difficult decisions between competing goods.

 

(1:05:21-1:14:47): Brian and Ian discuss “Comedians Speaking Truth to Power: Lenny Bruce, George Carlin & Richard Pryor” in Open Culture. Lenny Bruce in 1959 reveals how sensationalism in the news is dangerous and gives some examples. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:24): Adelle Banks writes “Bipartisan network of Christian groups launches police reform initiative” in Religion News Service. Also, “Evangelicals Call for Police and Criminal Justice Reform”. New initiative challenges churches and believers: “Scripture makes the pursuit of justice for our neighbors a mandatory part of the Christian life.”

(09:24-27:09): We were joined by author Kellye Fabian from Willow Creek. Kellye is a lawyer who practiced law for 13 years before moving into full-time ministry at Willow Creek. There, she has held many different positions, including overseeing the legal aid clinic she started in 2009, writing discipleship content like devotionals and small group studies, and leading the women's ministry. Kellye was a founder and leader of the Practice, a liturgical, practice-based church within Willow Creek. And she has written two books: Sacred Questions: A Transformative Journey through the Bible (2018). NEW BOOK COMING SOON: Holy Vulnerability: Spiritual Practices for the Broken, Ashamed, Anxious and Afraid (summer 2021).

(27:09-36:21): Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic writes “How Much Is Bad Sleep Hurting Your Career?” in the Harvard Business Review. We all have spells of lack of sleep, Brian and Ian discuss how they’ve overcome them. 

(36:21-46:34): Brenda Salter McNeil writes “Finding the Courage to Pursue Racial Justice Now” in Relevant Magazine. If we want to understand reality and move beyond the rhetoric of fear, we have to be intentional.

(46:34-55:44): “Evangelicals Voting for Biden Have 'Sold Their Soul to the Devil,' Pastor Robert Jeffress Asserts.” Brian and Ian discuss the discourse of Christiains voting either Republican or Democratic. Does the way you vote disqualify you from faith?

(55:44-1:05:21): Andrew M. Yuengert writes “The Pandemic and Practical Wisdom” in the Public Discourse. COVID-19 underscores our need for practical wisdom, which allows us to pursue the human good even when we lack technical mastery of a situation and when we must make difficult decisions between competing goods.

 

(1:05:21-1:14:47): Brian and Ian discuss “Comedians Speaking Truth to Power: Lenny Bruce, George Carlin & Richard Pryor” in Open Culture. Lenny Bruce in 1959 reveals how sensationalism in the news is dangerous and gives some examples. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-07:23): Democrats tap array of faith leaders to speak at convention. Brian and Ian touch on the DNC, as well as Michelle Obama’s speech from the convention and “Joe Biden’s Catholic politics are complicated—but deeply American”

(07:23-37:32): We were joined by author and pastor Brian Zahnd. He is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is also the author of nine books including Sinners In the Hands of a Loving God and Postcards From Babylon. He discussed his story into ministry, and how he is leading his church through a pandemic.

(37:32-46:56): This is odd but is it plausible? Katlyn Beaty writes “QAnon: The alternative religion that’s coming to your church” in Religion News Network. Brian and Ian discuss conspiracy theories and their play in the church. 

(46:56-56:33): Dan Reiland writes “Warning Signs & Practical Help for Stress Overload”. Brian and Ian discuss telltale giveaways that people around you - or you yourself - are experiencing overbearing stress. 

(56:33-1:05:23): Ian and Brian discuss “5 Rather Startling Reasons People Leave Your Church” By Carey Nieuwhof. “what most leaders aren’t prepared for is the reality that people will leave when things are going well. Even when they’re going really well. In fact, some people leave because things are going well, or because you’re getting healthier.”

(1:05:23-1:14:26): The Center for Action and Contemplation writes “A Mirror Image”

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