Thinking Theologically

By Spencer ShawReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Thinking Theologically episodes

May 02, 2024 68. Creation Corruption Continued
How important is the Tower of Babel to the greater biblical narrative? We discuss Genesis 11, its spiritual realm backing, and why it matters to us today in this episode.

Music:
"Kid Kodi"
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue
1 hr 11 min
April 12, 2024 67. Creation Corruption
Spiritual beings are involved in mankind's fall from the very beginning. In this episode, we discuss the Fall of Genesis 3, the Flood of Genesis 6, and how spiritual beings were present in bringing about rebellion against God.

Music:
"Kid Kodi"
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue
1 hr 23 min
March 27, 2024 66. The "Divine Council" of God
Did you know that God has a spiritual council He converses with and even, sometimes, allows to make decisions? Jack and Spencer discuss Psalm 82 and God's Divine Council in this episode.

Music:
"Kid Kodi"
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue
1 hr 11 min
February 29, 2024Conversation #1 with Jake Doberenz - AI in Church and Ministry: Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Faith Communities
In our first every conversation, I speak with Jake Doberenz about his new book "AI in Church and Ministry: Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Faith Communities." We talk about the ethical and theological considers of AI, how ministers and churches and begin integrating AI, as well as some helpful resources.

Introduction
Personal introductions

Describe/summarize the book (AI in Church Ministry: Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Faith Communities). (2:21)
What is it about?

Who is the intended audience?

What is the main thing you want people to take away?

Why is this topic important? (11:18)
How important is it for churches to adapt to our ever changing world?

Should Christian universities train ministers in the use of technology and AI? Will this be important in the future?

Define AI (17:45)
Ethical/Theologically Considerations of AI
What’s the biggest danger of AI? (24:21)

Risk for children/youth ministry (28:59)
How should youth ministers be speaking to their kids about ethical use of AI?

The importance of human connection (emphasized heavily in the book) (36:38)
What makes us human?

Balance between AI and gifted members

Balance between AI and the human touch

AI has the potential to change the work landscape of our society. How important is work? What are God’s thoughts about work? (53:33)

Ethical considerations for preaching (1:02:10)
Plagiarism?

Originality?

Human/pastoral component
Ministry Usage
Your book lists three different areas that AI can assist churches.
Teaching Ministry

Care and Community

Administration

What do you think is the biggest benefit AI can give to the church? (1:13:20)

My personal experience with AI (Helpful for ministers in small church settings) (1:17:21)
Church logo

Cultivating culture logo

Sermon illustration

Sermon series title - Unleashed (Holy Spirit)

Kahoot

Discussion questions for youth class

Discussion questions for small groups

How can a minister get a congregation on board with AI? (1:28:43)
Should every church be using AI?

How can AI be used in a cost-effective manner? (1:36:32)
Small churches

Packed budgets

What is the role of higher church leadership? (e.g., elders, lead minister) (1:41:41)
Closing Remarks
Top 3 AI resources for churches (1:47:03)

Music:
"Kid Kodi"
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue
1 hr 54 min
February 22, 2024 65. Why We Need to Study the Spiritual Realm
For many, the spiritual realm or "heavenlies" as Paul calls it in Ephesians 6 is an interesting, but unclear subject. On this episode, Jack and Spencer discuss, generally, what the spiritual is, and more specifically, why it's important to study it.

Music:
"Kid Kodi"
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue
53 min
February 13, 2024 64. How to Interpret...Revelation
For the ancient world, the apocalyptic genre was not particularly difficult to understand. This is not the case today.

In this episode, Spencer and Jack discuss Revelation, the genre of Apocalyptic literature, and how to interpret signs and symbols in Scripture.

Music:
"Kid Kodi"
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue
1 hr 16 min
January 18, 2024 63. How to Interpret...Paul
In this episode, Spencer and Jack discuss the writings of Paul and a few key elements present in his writing style.

thinkingtheologically.org

Music:
"Kid Kodi"
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue
1 hr 1 min
December 18, 2023 62. The Synoptic Problem
In this episode, Spencer and Jack observe the differences within various narratives in the synoptic gospels, discuss why we shouldn't try to harmonize them, and offer a better way of reading through them.

Music:
"Kid Kodi"
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue
1 hr 16 min
November 30, 2023 61. How to Interpret the Gospels
In this episode, Spencer and Jack discuss the differences in the synoptic gospels, explain why they might be there, and discuss how to interpret the gospels as literature.

Music:
"Kid Kodi"
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue
1 hr 10 min
November 17, 2023 60. How to Interpret Wisdom Literature
In this episode, we discuss how to interpret Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament.

Music:
"Kid Kodi"
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue
49 min