In this episode I talk about the problems with seeing Trump as a kind of Cyrus, America as a kind of Israel, and God as interesting in making sure America becomes "great again", whatever a person means by that. My hope and prayer is that we can in these times hold fast to the confession of our faith that Jesus is Lord and live in the world according to His politics, ethics, and example.  

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In this episode and the next I want to explore the dangerous intersection and relationship between partisan politics and religion. In this episode we'll explore how America is just the latest in a long line of empires who baptize their efforts and desires to rule others in religious language so that God simply serves the purposes of the political powers. This is sometimes called civil religion or nationalism and the Bible has a lot to say about it. In part two of this episode we'll see how Trump and the MAGA movement welcome and run off of twisted Christian language and how the church has sadly joined in that project in order to maintain cultural power and influence in order to protect itself. In my opinion this may be the premiere theological crisis of the evangelical church in America today.  Have a follow-up question to something that was said? 

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I don't know if you heard, but there is an election coming up soon. In light of the season, we are going to be kicking off a new series all about politics called Crucifying Donkeys and Elephants. My guest today is Kaitlyn Schiess. Kaitlyn has a new book coming out The Liturgy of Politics in which she discusses how politics shapes us as people and how we as Christians need to be properly formed in order to engage in politics in a healthy manner. It is a must-read book for any Christian as we approach the 2020 election. My hope is that this episode helps reframe the conversation around politics and helps us see a new way forward, a more Christ-like way forward, in how we think about, talk about, and engage in politics. 

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My email is [email protected] and you can send me a voice memo at the link below.

6 years ago my theological journey began when I watched the "Monster God Debate". By the time the debate was finished my imagination had been captured and my heart undone by a newfound beauty in the cross of Christ and the God of the Bible. Most of us, myself included prior to this debate, have heard the gospel presented in a way that makes God out to be angry and distant, like a judge who must punish sin and refuses to look upon filthy sinners while Jesus is seen as merciful and kind. I suggest that our misunderstanding of the cross has led to us mischaracterizing the nature and character of God. 

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In the second to last episode in this series I want to examine the common claim that many regular churchgoers make, that they are not theologians. This claim is too often rooted in a false view of the Spirit and is employed as a kind of spiritual escapism that is rooted in fear, fear of not being smart enough, of not measuring up, or of not getting it right. However, Jesus calls us to love God with our minds, and when we do we actually open ourselves to a unique work of God's grace. 

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I had the immense privilege of speaking to Dr. Chris E.W. Green for our very first Deep Dive episode. Dr. Green holds the title of Public Theologian at Southeastern University and has previously taught at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland Tennesee. He is also the author of numerous books including Surprised by God, which has a chapter on this very subject, Sanctifying Interpretation and Towards a Pentecostal Theology of the Lord's Supper.  The idea for this whole series stemmed from a sermon Dr. Green preached at Sanctuary Church entitled God Is Not In Control. At the core what we are attempting to talk about is the mysterious ways in which God's actions in the world relate to ours and how we understand the things that happen to us. Ultimately Dr. Green and I agree, we must always confess that God is always good, always against evil, and always at work in ways which are for my good and the good of those around me.  Have a follow-up question to something that was said? 

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In episode 2 of our series Things We Should All Stop Saying in Church I want to talk about how we use the word religion. For some reason it has come to be a dirty word. We talk about "dead religion" or not wanting to be "religious" all the time, but I think that is the wrong way to think about religion because religion is not dead or alive it is true or false. We need new and more faithful ways to talk about our religion, so let's get talking!

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To kick off our series Things We Should All Stop Saying In Church I want to examine the often prayed and exclaimed phrase, "We don't want church as usual". Although this sentiment is often rooted in the sincere desire to encounter God in His nearness it actually does the opposite by setting God off at a distance from us in a way that eventually leads to weariness and disillusionment. I want to argue for a better way to talk about the presence of God in our midst and the ways in which the Spirit works in our lives for our own good, the good of our churches, and the good of our communities. 

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Welcome to Upon This Rock where we have and host theologically rich and reflective conversations around Scripture, church culture, and current events. If you want to contribute your voice to the conversation by requesting a topic, asking a question, or challenging an idea you can go to the link below and leave me a digital voicemail and you may just hear your own voice on the next episode of the podcast as we keep the conversation going. So thanks for stopping by and let's get talking!

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My email is [email protected] and you can send me a voice memo at the link below.