The NewCity Orlando All of Life Podcast

In this episode, Damein Schitter sits down with Jay Sklar, who is Professor of Old Testament and Vice President of Academics at Covenant Theological Seminary. Their conversation tackles why Leviticus feels so daunting and seemingly irrelevant, from its legalistic nature to its cultural oddities and ritual focus. Dr Sklar passionately makes the case for its importance, emphasizing its pivotal role in the Pentateuch and shedding light on the profound significance of the Day of Atonement.

Leviticus isn't just a book of old laws; it's a guide on living in holiness and understanding the depth of sin and atonement. Damein and Jay delve into how knowing the sacrificial system of Leviticus is essential to fully grasping the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. A foundational knowledge of Leviticus can transform our understanding of Jesus' life and ministry.

From ritual and moral purity to the broader context of ancient texts, Damein and Jay discuss how interpreting Leviticus through its historical and cultural lens can prevent modern misinterpretations. They explore the parallels between ritual purity and contemporary health protocols, shedding light on their significance in ancient Israelite culture. Moreover, the symbolic acts and the sacrificial system in Leviticus enrich our appreciation of Jesus' atoning work. Our hope is that their conversation will enhance your theological perspective and spiritual connection to the life and ministry of Jesus!

In this episode, recorded live at our Following Jesus in Politics Learning Event, Pastor Damein Schitter interviews Todd Deatherage, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Telos Group. Their mission is to form communities of American peacemakers across lines of difference, and equip them to help reconcile seemingly intractable conflicts at home and abroad. In this interview with Todd, we are hear about his background from a conservative Baptist upbringing in Arkansas to the halls of power on Capitol Hill, encountering a crisis of faith along the way. Todd's story sheds light on how the deluge of information and cultural shifts push many towards an "us versus them" mindset for a semblance of control, and he explores how personal interactions can shatter these simplistic narratives, providing a path to more inclusive perspectives—even in fraught situations like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In our conversation, Todd shares how his conservative Christian background initially shaped his views and political engagements, only to be challenged by the diverse, complex reality of working in Washington, D.C. He reflects on the impact of conservative Christian ideologies on international conflicts and the struggle to reconcile a simplistic theology with the world's intricacies. Emphasizing the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount, Todd underscores the need for a theology rooted in peacemaking, advocating for a faith that evolves to meet new challenges and complexities.

Todd also insists on the importance of understanding media's role in shaping perceptions and urges thoughtful voting and civic engagement. From balancing personal frustrations with self-care to navigating the tension between respecting authorities and resisting unjust governance, we uncover how to maintain a consistent Christian witness while advocating for justice and human flourishing.

In this episode, Nate asked Pastor Damein about the vision for the upcoming season of the All of Life podcast. This season, we're building on the learning event and sermon series, Following Jesus in Politics. We'll have guests like Mike Allen on the role of preaching in Presbyterian thought, Todd Deathrage on steering through tough conversations, and Robert Cunningham on the nuanced world of public theology and political ideologies. Don't miss our insights from key readings like David Koyzis' "Political Visions and Illusions" and Patrick Schreiner's "Political Gospel," all designed to enrich your understanding and challenge your perspectives.

We'll also venture into the oft-overlooked book of Leviticus, shedding light on its relevance today with the help of expert Dr. Jay Sklar. Our playful yet profound sermon series, "Leviticus is for Lovers," aims to reform how you perceive this book where Bible reading plans often die in the wilderness. We'll also add some more episodes along the way that were not mentioned, so stay tuned!

You can access the reading list we mention here.

In this episode, Pastors Damein Schitter and Benjamin Kandt give our May update to NewCity Next. You can find the resources mentioned and the slides from the presentation at this link.

In this episode, the second of our Psalms and Secure Attachment series, Nate Claiborne talks with Benjamin Kandt about more of the specifics of attachment theory. The core of attachment theory is the dynamic processes that nurture emotional and spiritual bonds: attunement, containment, and the dance of rupture and repair in relationships. 

Alongside this, we address the complexities of establishing a bond with a deity we cannot touch or see, sidestepping trite explanations and engage with the real struggles of those wrestling with anxiety and fear. The scars of trauma can distort our view of God,  and so we explore the shadows that abuse casts on one's theological outlook. But, abuse and trauma do not get the last word, and an earned secure attachment with God and others is possible, something we will explain in upcoming episodes. 

In this episode, Nate discusses with Dr Michael Allen how we should approach reading Leviticus in our M'Cheyne Bible Reading plan. While the genealogies present a roadblock for many readers, they serve an importance purpose in both the book of Numbers, and the Pentateuch as a whole, which is tracing the unfolding promises of God.

For more resources for the M'Cheyne Bible Reading Plan, click here.

In this episode, Nate talks with Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt about the connection between attachment theory and the most widely used metaphor in the Psalms.

Nate and Ben unpack the concept of God as a refuge and its parallels with secure attachment. The Psalms unveil a portrait of God as a safe haven and a secure base, concepts so vital to our growth and sense of safety. Moreover, the linguistic shift from addressing God as "he" to "you" in places like Psalm 23 speaks to a deepening relationship that offers the same comfort and safety as a child finds in a parent's embrace.

The discussion digs into the intersections of theology, psychology, and neuroscience as we prepare the ground for the "Summer in the Psalms" series. We reflect on our own personal journeys and the paths that have led us here, and hope to pave the way for a summer of reflection, connection, and growth through the lens of secure attachment and the Psalms.

In this episode, Nate discusses with Dr Michael Allen how we should approach reading Leviticus in our M'Cheyne Bible Reading plan. With Mike's guidance, we delve into the Levitical sacrificial system and its reflection in today's Christian worship. Navigating the application of Leviticus's ancient laws to the complexities of today's world, we seek to capture the essence of its teachings. From economic justice to sexual ethics, Dr. Allen assists us in understanding the enduring principles of Leviticus while discerning God's logic in commanding total devotion. This episode invites you to reflect on how these sacred texts shape our relationships and guide our worship, offering a mix of historical context and practical application for a faith that seeks to follow Jesus in all of life.

In this episode, recorded at Jason Dunn's Ordination service, Senior Pastor Damein Schitter and Pastor of Formation and Mission Benjamin Kandt give an update on NewCity Next, which was first rolled out in March 2022.

A visual overview of NewCity Next can be accessed here.

In this episode, Pastor of Formation and Mission Benjamin Kandt discusses Circles with Casey Deloach and Charlie King. They get candid about their commitment to a 28-week deep dive into the Sermon on the Mount, their strategies for memorizing scripture, and the transformative effects it's had on their lives.

Casey and Charlie share how embedding the Sermon on the Mount into their day-to-day lives has not only reshaped their perspectives but also their actions, and enhanced their relationships as a result.

You learn more about Circles at NewCity here, and access the Sermon on the Mount guide here.

To listen to the parenting sermons, you can find those here:

• Delight
• Disciple
• Discipline