Theosations

John and Payton spend their morning chatting about happenings in faith and culture. They begin with a follow up on Hamilton and American exceptionalism, and then John shares a new segment: Technological Difficulties! The guys also weigh in on the recent activities of three leading Evangelical figures: Jerry Fallwell, Jr., John MacArthur, and Eric Metaxas. Lastly, they end the show with some more media recommendations, including a biography, podcast, and even a video game! 

Technical Difficulties Recommendations: To-Do Software

2Do - For All the Power!

Things 3 - Power & Elegance

Due - For the Relentlessly Forgetful

On our 32nd Episode, John and Payton spend their Tuesday morning discussing faith and culture over much-needed coffee. The guys share their thoughts on a Christian approach to politics, and they also dissect Bethel’s use of Gandalf in a recent church service. They finally give quick reviews of their recent reads, all while “sparing the details.”

John and Payton are back after their short hosting hiatus! The guys share some big life updates, and they discuss the various losses they and others have experienced due to the Coronavirus pandemic, especially the loss of friendship. Payton also ends the show with an abbreviated review of the newly released Hamilton!

On our 29th Episode, John and Payton get back in the booth (quarantined of course) to discuss faith and culture (and soccer too)! They break down the controversy surrounding the life of the late Ravi Zacharias, and they dive in (only ankle deep) into the world of QAnon and conspiracy theories. The guys also share their favorite Quarantine Corner tweets, and Payton gives a final update on #Biscuitgate!

Quarantine Corner:

Matthew Pierce: Build Your Own Bible Study

Mark Rober: Squirrel Proof


What in the World:

Before Evangelicals Canonize Ravi Zacharias...

CT: Ravi Zacharias Responds to Sexting Allegations, Credentials Critique

TGC: Faithful Legacy Amid Controversy

The Atlantic: QAnon Is A New American Religion

Ed Stetzer on QAnon

On our 28th Episode, John and Payton hop on the podcasting court for a one-on-one discussion of happenings in the world of theology and faith. The guys lament and share thoughts about the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery and the death of pastor Darrin Patrick, and then they share their media recommendations for the coming summer months.

Ahmaud Arbery and the Trauma of Being a Black Runner

Ahmaud Arbery and the America That Doesn't Exist

Playing with Fire by Kings Kaleidoscope

John and Payton are back in the podcast saddle and have rounded up new topics to discuss! The guys weigh in on states reopening (specifically their home state of Georgia) as well as new technology from Google and Apple that could help track the spread of COVID-19. They also have an extended discussion about the heart of the Gospel and what various scholarly groups are saying about the themes of justification by faith and Jesus’ kingship in the Bible.

• The Heart of the Gospel
• Gospel Introductions Tweet
• UPDATE on our Apple & Google/COVID-19 section: Contact tracing is newly being referred as to "exposure notification"

On the 26th Episode, John and Payton once again hop on their quarantine mics to discuss things happening in their lives and the world at large! The guys detail concerns with the environmental impact of mass quarantines, and they lament recent storms that caused significant damage throughout the Southeast. They also appraise their experiences of Easter done digitally, and they conclude the episode with Bible verses submitted by listeners!

On our 25th episode, John and Payton hop in the Quarantine Corner to share things happening in the world, including good news from John Mayer and John Krasinski, and Pope Francis’ speech given to an empty St. Peter’s Square. The guys also discuss business during Coronavirus, jails letting inmates out on lowered bails, and NT Wright’s latest article on Christianity and Coronavirus.

John Mayer's "Current Mood"

John Krasinski's "Some Good News"

Pope Francis in St. Peters Square

Washington Post on Incarceration and Coronavirus, updated

On our 24th Episode, John and Payton sit down for a conversation while quarantined! They discuss all things COVID-19, including one of them being on the last pre-quarantine cruise ship and how the world is truly living in “unprecedented” times. Given the importance of social distancing, the guys share media recommendations and spiritual practices to help listeners make the most of their time. John also circles back to the topic of Rhett and Link’s deconstructions from the last episode after listening to Rhett’s telling of his experiences.

Click Here to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

MET OPERA

On our 23rd episode, John and Payton sit down to discuss two concerning stories that emerged over recent weeks. They first talk about the report published by L'Arche International concerning multiple cases of sexual assault by their late founder Jean Vanier, and they consider more generally how we as Christians must deal with egregious actions by Christian leaders. Then they bring up the deconstruction stories of Rhett and Link, two famous Youtubers and former Cru (Campus Crusades) staffers, and the guys share their own experiences with deconstruction and how the process can be ultimately beneficial for one's Christian faith.

Jean Vanier, once seen as a Nobel or sainthood candidate, now accused of abusive sexual relationships

Rhett's Spiritual Deconstruction

Link's Spiritual Deconstruction