Summer is in full swing. We usually talk about big, weighty, theological and cultural topics on this podcast; but in the summertime, we take an episode or two to talk about what we're reading at the pool. In this episode, Bethany leads a conversation exploring the things we’re reading, watching, and thinking about this summer.

(0:00) Introductions: Summer Pursuits
(0:45) What We’re Reading
(10:28) Bob’s TGC Update
(15:40) What We’re Thinking About
(28:36) What We’re Watching (and Listening To)

In the early 2000s, New Atheism was all the rage. Many people left faith behind, convinced they didn't need religion. But it turns out society hasn’t been able to meaningfully replicate the benefits of church. In a recent New York Times article, Lauren Jackson describes how secularism sought to build transcendent community through means like yoga, CrossFit, SoulCycle, meditation and more. Despite these efforts, the data show that there is overwhelming empirical support for the value of being at a house of worship on a regular basis. In this episode, we discuss Jackson's article, and especially her poignant conclusion: "My spiritual longing hasn't been sated by secularism... I want a god."

(0:00) Introductions: Camille from Long Island’s Donut Drop
(2:00) Why America Is Revisiting Faith
(5:05) How Secularism Has Tried (and Failed) to Meet Our Needs
(16:57) Longing for “Inconvenient” Community
(22:31) Christian Community Provides the Meaning We Long For
(28:50) Be More Outgoing About What You Believe

Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/18/style/religion-america.html

Last month, Trinity Classical Academy sent forth its first class of graduating seniors. To mark this milestone, we're republishing an interview that first aired in 2020 on Owen Strachan's now-defunct podcast. At that time, Dr. Strachan was on the faculty at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he invited Bob Thune to MBTS's Spurgeon Library to talk about the founding of Trinity Classical Academy. The founding and building of institutions is critical for gospel renewal, for societal health, and for the preservation and propagation of Christian faith. The story of TCA's success—from a fledgling startup school to a thriving educational institution—should inspire Christians to be dreamers and builders and doers.

(0:00) Introductions: Bob Introduces Owen Introducing Bob
(4:33) The Origin Story of Trinity Classical Academy
(20:30) The Aim of Education: Formation
(27:13) How Can You be a Catalyst in Your Context?

Welcome back for part 2 of the AI Debate! Bob Thune and Jacob Tewes continue their friendly debate about the proposition: "Christians can and should use AI tools." This episode considers the downstream effects of AI, the faulty anthropology it assumes, the question of whether Christians should be "early adopters," and whether demonology should factor into the conversation. Catch up on Part 1 if you missed it.

(0:00) Introductions: Diving Right Back In
(4:41) AI Assumes an Unbiblical Anthropology
(8:12) Does AI Open Us Up to the Influence of Spiritual Beings?
(20:26) Is Healthy Skepticism Enough?
(35:21) What Should Christians Do with AI?

Special guest Jacob Tewes joins the podcast to engage Bob in a friendly debate about AI. The proposition: "Christians can and should use artificial intelligence." Bob argues the negative; Jacob, based on his background as an attorney for multiple AI-related startups, argues the affirmative. We talk education, innovation, Christian freedom, and the question of responsible use. Whether you're optimistic or skeptical about AI, this conversation will deepen your thinking about the ethics, implications, and limits of artificial intelligence. Catch the next episode for part 2 of the debate!

(0:00) Introductions: Jacob & Jacob Join The Podcast
(2:21) The Proposition
(9:58) Jacob: AI is a Tool Christians Should Use Wisely
(15:19) Bob: AI is Not a Neutral Tool
(19:51) Is Responsible Use of AI Possible?
(31:10) AI is a Bad Shortcut

Numerous Silicon Valley startups now offer parents the ability to test and screen embryos, identifying those at increased risk for various health problems. But while the marketing language seems helpful, the dark reality is that these companies promise to destroy human lives before they have time to grow. In this episode, we use an article from the American Enterprise Institute as a catalyst to begin a conversation about consumer eugenics. We explore how companies like Orchid Health weaponize parents’ fears and anxieties, and why Christians need to be ethically proactive and wise in evaluating reproductive technology.

(0:00) Introductions: Consumer Eugenics is Becoming a Big Thing
(1:39) Why Consumer Eugenics Is Not a Good Thing
(15:12) Understanding the Ethics & Language of Consumer Eugenics
(18;53) The Need for a Robust Anthropology
(24:58) Keeping Our Eyes Wide Open

Article: https://www.aei.org/op-eds/silicon-valleys-consumer-eugenics/

The death of Pope Francis and subsequent election of Leo XIV has put the papal office at the forefront of cultural discourse. But how and when did Christians start to revere the bishop of Rome? Where did the Pope's authority and importance originate? And why did the Reformers strongly critique the papacy? In this episode, we discuss the development of the papacy in church history, the internal and external pushback against the Pope, and the importance of developing thoughtful, convictional Protestant sensibilities.

(0:00) Introductions: Why We’re Not Papists
(3:24) The Rise of the Pope in Church History
(11:07) Apologetic Arguments Against the Papacy
(24:47) Reading a Letter from Luther
(31:36) It's OK to Be a Convictional Protestant

For decades, Christianity has been in decline in the UK. The common wisdom held that secularization was inevitable, and that the US would follow the same pattern. But a brand-new study shows a surprising trend. Over the last 6 years in England and Wales, church attendance has risen 50%. The largest increases are among young people – especially young men. And they're not just showing up to church, they're also reading the Bible and practicing spiritual disciplines. In this episode, we dig into what the Holy Spirit is doing across the pond and what it portends for the future of the church.

(0:00) Introductions: Katrina’s Last Snacks
(1:48) The Quiet Revival in the UK
(6:47) The Kids are Alright
(11:57) The Stats Say: Invite Your Friends to Church!
(16:54) Investing in the Kingdom of God

Study: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival

Everyone is in need of change. But how do Christians actually participate in the work of change? In this archive episode from 2018, we survey Paul Tripp’s book Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands to discuss the simple biblical pattern for helping people change: love, know, speak, do.

A couple weeks ago, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School announced the impending closure of its Chicago-area campus. The demise of TEDS is the latest in a spate of struggles among Christian higher-ed institutions. Why are seminaries and colleges closing their doors? What does it mean for the future of theological education? In this episode, we dig into the history of 20th-century American Christianity to explore the founding of evangelical institutions, the challenges that brought them to this point, the "Southern takeover" of American evangelicalism, and what the future might hold.

(0:00) Introductions: Theological Education is Suffering
(5:00) What Happened at TEDS
(10:36) Some Broader Analysis & Bob's Historical Survey
(22:16) The Rise of the SBC
(32:29) What this Means for Christian Scholarship
(37:07) Opportunities for the Future