theFormed.life

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/11/noticing-in-silence-01/

How can churches responsibly engage with artificial intelligence to benefit their communities? In this episode of theFormed.life, we step into this crucial question with theologian and AI ethics expert Joshua K. Smith. Joshua discusses how churches can actively participate in the ethical use of AI, from generating prayer templates to assisting with Bible translations. He emphasizes the need for faith communities to take a proactive stance in tech conversations, ensuring AI's potential is harnessed for societal good while protecting vulnerable populations. Come and engage with this thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of the Church and AI.

Bio

Joshua K. Smith, Ph.D. (Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), draws on his diverse experiences in the military, ministry, and academia to guide thoughtful discussions on the challenges humanity faces in an AI-driven world. As an author and scholar specializing in the theology of robotics and technology, he helps the local church and broader audiences navigate complex ethical and philosophical issues emerging alongside advancements in artificial intelligence. Smith has written three books, including his most recent work, Violent Tech: A Philosophical and Theological Reflection, which explores the profound implications of AI and robotics on society and faith.

Quotes

"We need as many people as possible to come to this conversation as scientists, as pastors, as politicians, as teachers, as moms and dads to say, these are things that we're concerned about."

• Joshua K. Smith

"Do I value human connectedness? Do I value the work and trade of a human? Or do I just want the product faster and cheaper?"

• Joshua K. Smith

"It might solve some of our bigger problems. Not all of them. There is still sin. That's what I try to help designers understand. It's like there's still brokenness. It will never be a perfect creation."

• Joshua K. Smith

Three Takeaways

1. Leveraging Dormant Resources for Connectivity: Joshua highlighted the untapped potential of "dark fiber" cables in providing internet access to rural communities, outlining how churches can play a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity, especially during times of crisis.
2. Ethical Use of AI: From raising concerns about data privacy to exploring the positive impact of AI in areas like disease treatment and community support, Joshua stressed the importance of an ethical approach in deploying AI technologies to ensure they benefit society while safeguarding vulnerable groups.
3. Inclusive and Proactive Church Engagement: Joshua urged churches to be proactive rather than reactive regarding technology use. By engaging in tech conversations and potentially funding research, churches can advocate for ethical practices and integrate technology to enhance community well-being.

Resources 

Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man - Marshall McLuhan 

Robots Are People Too - John Frank Weaver 

Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future - Bernd Carsten Stahl 

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism - Shoshana Zuboff

Timestamps

00:00 Exploring theology and AI themes with Josh.

05:10 Small community grew into pervasive technology discussion.

07:02 Data exploits push targeted ads to consumers.

13:13 General AI is unpredictable, potentially transformative yet flawed.

15:29 Distinguish ChatGPT, machine learning, and AI nuances.

18:52 AI: Big calculator, struggles with hands, caution needed.

21:06 Blurred line between AI advancements and value.

25:28 Language models: Cheating, translations, sermons, humanitarian uses.

27:26 Jacob used AI to write prayer deceptively.

30:57 Churches' role in guiding technology for good.

34:48 Utilize churches: Connect communities using unactivated internet.

39:46 Nashley Cephas revitalizes Jackson with major investment.

42:39 Technology needs regulation to prevent exploitation.

45:39 Church design often challenges introverted, autistic individuals.

47:55 Old churches, technology, reverence, amplified sound, importance.

51:14 Thanking Josh for his time and generosity.

Hashtags

#CommunityConnectivity #TechEthics #DigitalStewardship #AIinMinistry #InternetAccess #ResponsibleInnovation #ChurchTechnology #EthicalAI #JoshuaKSmith #theFormedLifePodcast

Keywords

rural internet access, church internet solutions, dark fiber cables, community connectivity, technology in church, ethical data usage, protecting vulnerable online, AI in church communities, Bible AI technology, ethical AI implementation, community space utilization, Dead Sea consumer analogy, protecting children online, shift in tech ethics, Genesis technology analogy, regulation of technology, Sabbath and technology, psychological benefits of disconnection, inclusive church technology, autism and worship, reactive church technology use, Marshall McLuhan church tech impact, interdisciplinarity in AI ethics, large language models, AI decision-making, AI misuse risks, balancing tech use, AI in disease treatment, AI in autism support.

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/11/learn-about-sacrifice-15/

What does it mean to live a life beautifully formed in the way of Jesus? In today's episode of theFormed.life, we sit down with Jeanette Thomas—pastor, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor—to explore her profound journey from pastoral leadership to innovative coaching. Join us as we journey through Jeanette's inspiring story, highlighting the transformative power of community, curiosity, and faith.

Bio

Jeanette Thomas, founder of Storyboard Coaching, is an executive coach with over two decades of experience guiding leaders through transformative growth. Her coaching approach focuses on adaptive leadership, using neuroscience and growth mindset principles to help clients achieve relational depth, system improvement, and personal insight. Previously, she held impactful roles as Heartland Regional Representative for HOPE International and Pastor of Extension Ministries at Christ Community Church in Kansas City. Jeanette specializes in designing highly personalized coaching strategies, positioning leaders for meaningful, sustainable change.

Quotes

"Adaptive leadership, the way they define it in in the literature, is mobilizing people to tackle challenges without known or easy answers."

• Jeanette Thomas

"And what that means is that you are willing to ask for what you want or need knowing the answer might be no. Right? And that's actually brave work."

• Jeanette Thomas

 "We're just not gonna get healed without belonging in love."

• Jeanette Thomas

Three Takeaways

1. Adaptive Leadership & Curiosity: Jeanette emphasizes the importance of curiosity and deep questioning in leadership. She illustrates how adaptive leadership goes beyond technical fixes, advocating for broader, more inclusive solutions that leverage the strengths within a community.
2. Community & Vulnerability: Jeanette’s personal battle with cancer underscores the essential role of community support and vulnerability. She highlights that experiencing God and healing often happens through relationships, urging leaders to foster genuine connections and offer presence without the need to "fix."
3. Empowerment & Coaching: In her transition to coaching, Jeanette shares how effective leadership involves empowering others. She uses powerful analogies and real-life examples to show that fostering independence and problem ownership in others can lead to transformative outcomes.

Resources 

https://jeanettethomas.substack.com

Timestamps

00:00 Reflecting on a 20-year journey at Christ Community.

06:47 Leadership coaching feels overly theatrical yet rewarding.

08:31 Leadership is curiosity, continuous learning, and adaptability.

14:17 Helping others navigate change with honest insights.

15:24 Career journey: Community, nonprofit, entrepreneurship, coaching.

19:05 Dig deeper; advice might not suffice.

23:57 Intentional stewardship contrasts with widespread neglect.

27:16 Completed 18 months of extensive chemo.

29:29 Cancer journey led to being more open.

34:03 Supportive women appeared when needed, intuitively assisting.

35:11 Emphasizes vulnerability, presence, and lessons in hardship.

39:18 Jesus impacts every facet of our lives.

44:01 Love from God requires community for healing.

46:49 Your writing has always been deeply admired.

50:40 Empowering communities by connecting resources and experiences.

51:39 Highlighting wisdom from uneducated yet insightful voices.

Hashtags

#VocationalJourney #FaithResilience #CommunitySupport #LeadershipJourney #AdaptiveLeadership #HealingThroughCommunity #StorytellingGrace #CuriosityInLeadership #EarlyStageEntrepreneurship #theFormedLifePodcast

Keywords

cancer journey, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, Hope International, microfinance, community development, brand story management, pastoral residency program, leadership skills, innovation, coaching, adaptive leadership, chemotherapy, health control, early cancer detection, vulnerability, community support, spirituality, creative solutions, philanthropy, African TEDx, Zephaniah, church community, pastoral care, emotional support, hiking, nature reflection, storytelling, leadership coaching, Michael Bungay Stanier

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/11/learn-about-sacrifice-14/

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/11/learn-about-sacrifice-13/

What can the horror genre teach us about faith and the human condition? On this episode of theFormed.life, we explore this intriguing question with Kutter Callaway, a professor from Fuller Theological Seminary. Together, we dig into the connections between horror, trauma, and theology, offering fresh perspectives on how these unsettling narratives can deepen our understanding of spiritual and existential realities.

GUEST BIO:

Kutter Callaway serves as associate dean of the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he focuses on the intersection of theology and culture, particularly in film and media. He holds two PhDs in theology and psychological science and is the author of several books, including Theology for Psychology and Counseling (2022) and The Aesthetics of Atheism (2019). In addition to his academic roles, he co-chairs the Religion, Film, and Visual Culture group for the American Academy of Religion. He is a seasoned Baptist minister with extensive pastoral experience.

QUOTES:

"The kind of horror of living in that body, is something I would never be able to know in a sort of direct visceral way, so I can hear stories, I can be in conversation. But now I've got this movie that just disturbs me to my bones, and I go, why is that? What's happening in that movie? And, you know, spoiler alert, I don't wanna overly spoil it, but it's essentially, a fundamental dehumanization of another human, a child of God based upon the color of their skin, couched in a horror movie."

• Dr. Kutter Callaway

"Statistically significant amounts of people who watched horror genre had way lower levels of depression, anxiety, whatever, coming out of COVID than those who 

• Dr. Kutter Callaway

 "One thing that my filmmaker friends will say, is that, in fact, horror is one of the most deeply Christian, of genres because, and actually this is a Scott Derrickson, he's the one that directed "Exorcism of Emily Rose”, because there are very few genres where good and evil are so clearly defined."

• Dr. Kutter Callaway

3 Main Takeaways

1. Intersection of Horror and Faith: The discussion explores how horror films can serve as a medium for theological reflection and understanding of trauma and suffering. By analyzing horror tropes and films like "Get Out" and "The Exorcist," we discuss how horror can challenge and expand traditional readings of scripture, especially focusing on themes of fear, terror, and divine abandonment.
2. Cultural and Theological Relevance: The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging and engaging with spiritual realities and supernatural experiences. This is seen as a missional opportunity for religious communities to connect with society's encounters with the unexplained. We also emphasize how horror can help articulate and process existential fears, thereby providing a platform to discuss deeper theological questions.
3. Psychological and Social Impact of Horror: The episode touches on the psychological benefits of engaging with horror media, noting that it can help individuals build resilience against anxiety and depression, especially in a post-COVID context. By dealing with fears through horror narratives, people can gain a better understanding of human experiences related to trauma, and it offers a unique lens through which Christians might reconsider their approach to scripture and faith.

RESOURCES: 

Be Afraid Podcast - Kutter Callaway & Christianity Today

The Aesthetics of Atheism - Kutter Callaway & Barry Taylor

Get Out - Directed by Jordan Peele 

The Witch - Directed by Robert Eggers 

Midsommar - Directed by Ari Aster The Exorcist - Directed by William Friedkin 

Stranger Things - Created by the Duffer Brothers 

Quiet Place - Directed by John Krasinski

Timestamps:

00:00 Exploring horror's relationship with Christianity and theology.

04:16 Exploring horror films' cultural significance and impact.

08:56 Horror uniquely explores good vs. evil themes.

10:29 Christian priest sacrifices to save possessed girl.

13:46 Horror fans less anxious post-COVID, research shows.

18:52 Stranger Things blends physical and supernatural horror.

20:48 Reading Mark's gospel was a revealing experience.

24:44 Explores Jesus's divinity and human perceptions.

28:10 Horror genre revives imagination in scripture reading.

30:24 Society struggles with unexplainable spiritual realities.

35:06 Film highlights racial dehumanization horror, provoking reflection.

38:15 Connecting trauma stories through horror explores the supernatural.

40:15 Discussing defining horror genres in a podcast.

45:18 Christians navigate fear, love, and wisdom balance.

46:42 Fear God rightly; misdirected fears hinder wisdom.

50:30 Resources linked in podcast show notes.

Hashtags

#HorrorGenre #ChristianTheology #CulturalEngagement #SpiritualRealities #ExorcismInContext #TheologicalReflection #FearAndFaith #MarkGospelHorror #TraumaAndHorror #theFormedLifePodcast

Keywords

horror genre, religious figures as skeptics, spiritual realities, missional opportunity, Kutter Callaway, satanic panic, supernatural views, exorcism, global ministry, Fuller Seminary, film Get Out, marginalization, racial trauma, Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, theological reflection, trauma and suffering, Christian faith in horror, The Exorcist, theology and psychology, anthropology of horror, horror market appeal, horror hermeneutic, Gospel of Mark, divine abandonment, Trinitarian discourse, transfiguration, supernatural horror, cultural reflection, trauma in horror, horror vs thriller

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/10/learn-about-sacrifice-12/

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/10/learn-about-sacrifice-11/

Introduction:

Have you ever wondered what a biblical approach to Critical Theory would look like? In this episode of theFormed.life we explore this profound question with Dr. Christopher Watkin, an expert in modern European thought and the Bible. Dr. Watkin discusses how the biblical narrative offers a compelling framework for critically examining modern life, integrating science, arts, and personal experience. Tune in as we discover how these timeless truths can bring intellectual richness and practical wisdom to your everyday life.

Bio

Dr. Watkin is a Senior Lecturer in French Studies at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.  His work increasingly explores the complex relationship between modern and contemporary thought and theology. A Christian since age fifteen, Dr. Watkin is fascinated by the interplay between philosophy, contemporary culture, and Christian theology.

Quotes

"There's a wonderful line in Romeo and Juliet where Juliet says something to the effect of, the more I give to thee, the more I have. It's the idea that self emptying and self fulfillment are not 2 sorts of poles on a, on a dichotomy that as far as you, you, you move away from one, you move towards the other."

• Dr. Christopher Watkin

 "It makes sense to do science and it makes sense to do math in a world where there is one God with a stable character and there's a predictability to the universe."

• Dr. Christopher Watkin

"A voice from outside or a vision from outside that gives you an authoritative place to stand to critique the status quo. And, you know, in the Bible, we've got truckloads of that almost on every page. Yes. You know, things as they are are not right. And not just as a council of despair, but God is gonna do something about it and so should you in the present, in the light of his coming again."

• Dr. Christopher Watkin

Three Main Takeaways

1. Personal and Absolute Reality:The Trinity presents God as an absolute and personal reality, suggesting that the universe is governed by a knowable deity. This underscores the significant and inherent value of individuals in the universe.

2. Biblical Critical Theory:Christopher Watkin introduces "Biblical Critical Theory," which uses the Bible's narrative (creation, fall, redemption, new creation) to make sense of contemporary life. This framework provides stability and meaning, helping to understand the world's complexities without losing hope.

3. Separation of Power and Truth: He also emphasizes the biblical distinction between power and truth, where truth serves as an external standard to critique authority. Jesus' model of power, characterized by service and sacrifice, offers a transformative alternative to dominance and suppression seen in other worldviews.

Resources 

Biblical Critical Theory - Christopher Watkin 

City of God - Augustine 

Timestamps:

00:00 Podcast guest: Dr. Watkins, esteemed scholar and lecturer.

04:27 Critical theory's scope narrowed to cultural Marxism.

07:46 Critical theories reveal society's overlooked inequalities.

11:10 Skeptics see God's promises kept throughout the Bible.

15:12 Augustine pioneered systematic critique of Roman society.

20:19 Jesus serves by sacrificing power, not dominating.

23:59 Exploring Christian truth's impact on life.

27:40 God's nature validates sciences and arts equally.

31:36 The Bible encourages deep intellectual examination of life.

32:48 Christian view of sin offers societal insights.

36:00 Adoption of sin critiques the flawed status quo.

41:14 Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Promise in Genesis

43:28 Redemption narrative through biblical story's arc.

47:59 Hopeful plan ensures against life's uncertainties.

50:29 The Bible is an untapped, rich resource.

53:39 Grateful for Chris Watkins' book and effort.

Hashtags

#BiblicalCriticalTheory #PersonalGod #TrinitarianTheology #ImportanceOfPersons #PredictableUniverse #ScienceAndFaith #UnderstandingSin #CreationFallRedemption #ProphetsAndPower #JesusTruePower

Keywords

Personal and Absolute Reality, Trinity, John Frame, Omnipotent God, Predictable Universe, Natural Laws, Science and Arts, Subjective Human Experience, Two Worldviews, Personal Deity, Intellectual Integrity, Understanding Sin, Critical Theory, Biblical Perspective, Modern European Thought, Critical Race Theory, Marxism, Frankfurt School, Cultural Critique, Bible-Narrative Analysis, Augustine’s City of God, Power and Truth, Hebrew Society, Doctrine of Sin, Prophets in the Hebrew Bible, Jesus' Sacrificial Love, Trinitarian Theology, Service and Sacrifice, Societal Norms, Practical Implications of Christianity