This Poor Pastor's Podcast

Exactly what does a person need to do in order to be an acceptable Christian?  Some won't like that question for various reasons, but I am going to ask it anyway. When cultures and preferences collide, is there a way to maintain fellowship and our own positions at the same time?  I think there is, and that is what I am going to talk about in today's episode. 

The subject of struggle and suffering is a difficult one to tackle.  There are no easy answers, and I am not going to try to answer them all in this episode.  That being said, I do want to talk to you about contrast, and how even the darkness can serve a really amazing purpose in our lives.  I hope it helps. 

In this episode, I want to just introduce the concept of listening for the voice of wisdom in our lives.  Often we make the mistake of conflating influence or success with wisdom.  They are not the same.  

Sometimes you just need to dig a giant hole in your front yard to kickstart your life. Want to know what I am talking about?  Listen to this week's episode and find out!

Did you know that not every action of Bible heroes is admirable?  Not everything is there for us to follow as an example.  Some things are there for us to see what not to do.  In today's episode, I want to ask you to consider a different view of Saul in the days following his calling as an apostle and subsequent conversion.  You may not agree, but at least give it a listen.  Thanks!

In today's episode, I want to challenge us in our speech.  This is especially for the pastors and evangelists who listen to this podcast, but it is relevant for us all.  In the arena of ideas, we need to elevate our discourse.  Hopefully this will help. 

Watching our children grow up is hard.  Being a child growing up is hard.  The same is true, whether in a family or in a church.  There is so much intergenerational fighting going on today that I think is needless.  In this episode, I want to extend a plea to good people on both sides of the divide.  

I know some may be bored with this topic already, but I hope you will stick with me a little longer.  I am increasingly aware of the growing (or maybe only emerging) disparity among Christians over the idea of faith.  There are two mainstream views of faith, that you may not even be aware of, but that you will notice once they are pointed out.  The first is that faith is built on evidence or reasons.  It is not reason, but reason informs it.  The second is the "Leap of Faith" model.  This is the view that faith stands in opposition to belief. Where belief is built on reason and rationality, true faith is the embracing of the absurd.  Things you would never believe because they cannot be proven, especially as it relates to the Divine, are the object of pure faith.  

Sound interesting?  Let's talk about it.

Are reason and faith the enemy of faith?  Does the Bible ever teach us to believe without reason?  Is it more virtuous to have a "faith position" than a reasoned one?  Let's talk about it.