The Uncensored Unprofessor

What was Jesus about? How did eschatology define both he and his ministry? If Christianity is about going to heaven when we die, why does morality even matter? Jesus was stunningly oriented to eschatology and eschatological themes. These themes still matter today for those of us who follow the risen one.

Morality matters to Jesus. He didn't come just so we could go to heaven when we die. In his ministry he modeled all manner of ways he wanted to transform society; and I develop those herein. God cares about the common good. Indeed, he wants shalom for us, and salvation is shalom is salvation.

The Old Testament shows us that morality truly matters to God. But why did God take a huge chunk of 39 books, a huge chunk of human history, and go on and on about morality? Isn't Christianity just about being saved and going to heaven? I reference the movie Apocalypto to help us understand the OT context. (Also review Star Wars: The Last Jedi.)

Between the massive cultural slide into moral relativism and the Church's growing silence, morality does not much seem to matter for Christians. But just what does Jesus' identity have to say toward this mawing gap? Listen to this 5 minute episode.

I believe that "Good questions lead to good answers." If that's true, how should we ask good questions? I interview Dr. Dennis McNutt, himself a professor for 40 years (and my father-in-law), toward these ends. Come and think with me on asking questions!

What categories inform how I watch and review movies? Well, I look for philosophic development, values, integrity, character development, and the good/true/beautiful. Let's use our brains, be aware of getting emotionally played, and enjoy movies as a means for cultural engagement. I also review my favorite movie ever: No Country for Old Men.

Christians run reason through a sieve of faith, but that in no way cancels out reason. Faith welcomes reason. Even more, faith makes room for doubt! It is true, yes, that God is far greater than reason, but he comes to us in ways that reason welcomes and embraces. In this episode I tell the stories about the first college class I ever taught and about sharing my faith with my mom. I also explore a recent book on Near Death Experiences.

Why do I believe? Well, by this world's standards Jesus' method was utterly crazy! His approach is shocking. So, he is not your ordinary hero, even though you might not notice that upon first glance. I also have a movie review: 3 Billboards outside of Ebbing, Missouri.

This is my very first "quick hitter" episode. Just what does tolerance mean? What doesn't it mean?

Why am I a Christian? Just why do I believe? This is the first half of a two-part delineation of why I embrace the Christian worldview. I speak variously to spiritual, existential, and philosophical issues that are profound for me. To that end I describe an automobile accident I was in, why and that beauty is so gripping to me, and what the Bible has to say about human nature.