Mere Fidelity

Jemar Tisby joins Derek and Alastair to discuss the history of racism in the American church. Listen in as they discuss everything from the theological importance of "remembering" to why today’s political issues are often framed differently for black demographics and how our theology helps us to respond to issues of racism today.

The entire cast and crew are together to discuss Jesus' temptation in the Garden of Gethsemane. What is the nature of temptation, what are the Christological distinctions to be made in these passages, and how are Jesus' temptations different from our own?

Dr. Tara Isabella Burton joins the crew to discuss why occultism, astrology, tarot cards, folk religion, and New Age spirituality are all the rage and why this phenomenon is not particular to religious "nones."

Matt, Derek, and Alastair dive into the difficult and unsettling text of Jephthah's vow in Judges 11. The crew covers recent and old interpretations of the troubled passage, asking if certain texts can or should be "smoothed over" with typology, how we should handle texts with seeming contradictions, and how to poise ourselves in the face of scripture's ethical dilemmas?

How can Christians fulfill the Law of Love and be good neighbors in a fragmented age? Jake Meador contributes to answering this question in, "In Search of The Common Good: Christian Fidelity in a Fractured World." Jake joins Matt and Derek to discuss his recent book and untangle some of the modern presuppositions that have been found a home in the church today.

Chris Arnade joins Andrew, Derek, and Alastair to talk about his new book, "Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America," where he tells the stories of how America's poor find dignity and identity in their forgotten communities.

Matt, Derek, and Alastair mull over the "boring" parts of scripture to see how these monotonous passages can be more greatly appreciated and share advice and resources that everyday Bible-readers can use. Matt also shares why Derek and Alastair are wrong for suggesting any book but John as the first book of the Bible a new Christian should read.

Matt, Derek, and Alastair sit down with Joe Carter to discuss the ongoing cultural theme of online radicalization and how the church can respond.

Matt and Alastair sit down with Dr. Justin Holcomb to discuss the difficult topic of sexual abuse in the church and how to identify and prevent it.

Sam Allberry joins the crew to discuss his new book, 7 Myths about Singleness. Sam helps to unravel some of the modern assumptions around being single and share his experience of being a single minister.

Why are more people foregoing religious affiliation in favor of the term "religious nones"? Here to help Matt, Derek, and Alastair wrestle with this subject is Dr. Tricia Bruce. Dr. Bruce is an accomplished sociologist of religion, award-winning author, an affiliate with the University of Notre Dame. Join the crew as they seek to understand the shifting cultural and religious ground in our current context.

Is it possible for one to know all there is to know about theology by just reading the Bible for themselves? Join Andrew, Alastair, and Derek as they deal with the idea of Biblicism and balance between isolated readings of scripture and implicit faith in church traditions.

Should individual Christians be politically active or should the church as an institution be politically active? Join the whole cast and crew as they discuss (and debate) the doctrine of the Spirituality of the Church.

How do we find 'the good' in a world of bad hot takes? Here to help the crew pan for gold is Hannah Anderson. She joins Andrew, Alastair, and Derek to discuss her new book, All That's Good: Recovering The Lost Art of Discernment, and shares how, through discernment, we can not only survive the world but enjoy it.

How do Christians live faithfully in the land of too much (i.e., the suburbs)? In this episode, Dr. Ashley Hales joins Matt, Derek, and Alastair to talk about consumerism, individualism, busyness, and safety, topics that are covered in her new book, "Finding Holy In The Suburbs" (IV Press).

Inspired by the discussion over Andrew's book, Matt, Derek, and Alastair sit down to tackle another ecclesiastical issue: the invisibility of the church.

The crew discusses Andrew's new book and his invitation to have charismatic worship and a high view of the sacraments.

Tucker Carlson recently went on a rant about work, economics and class. So we brought on an expert to talk about it, and about the place of family and the church in responding to shifting economic conditions. Dr. Diane Schanzenbach, economist and Director of the Institute for Policy Research, joins us for a very lively and important conversation. Don't miss this one. (Really.)

Paul Gutacker, Director of the Brazos Fellows, joins the show to discuss Buzzfeed's exploration of how millennials became the 'burnout generation.'

Dr. Tim Keller joins the show to talk about his new book on Jonah, *The Prodigal Prophet.*