My Seminary Life

Who watches the Watchmaker? In this week's episode of Apologetics 201, we dive head first into the arguments for the existence of creation. Was it, as William Paley put it, an intelligent, benevolet God who like a Watchmaker put the mechanism together? Was it as Darwin purposed a series of changes over time left to chance? Was it as Alan Moore purposed in Watchmen of a Makerless Mechanism that God can create within? Was it as HP Lovecraft purposed with Cosmic Indifference that the mechanisms of the universe move with no god or Uncaused Cause putting them into motion and therefore the universe is a machine that doesn't care about you? Aslo, is there a better way to do apologetics then just trying to win arguments? Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

With Christianity being a religion, faith plays a big part in our daily lives. From major beliefs within the Christian faith, like the virgin birth of Jesus to, to daily living, faith plays a crucial role. How does faith play a part in apologetics? As our Helper, what does the Holy Spirit do? How does reason play into the equation as we discuss things that are in the realm of the supernatural. Join me as I reject on my research this week digging into verses like Hebrews 11:1 and 1 Peter 3:15 for Scripture guidance. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

This episode is a rebroadcast. What does the word "apologetics" mean and how is it relevant to Christians today? As we begin Apologetics 201, we go back to the original series for a refresher on what this critical word means. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

Happy birthday My Seminary Life! In this year's birthday special, I sit down with Dr. Jonathan Roy of Trevecca Nazarene University to discuss his dissertation on the role shame has on counselors. It is understandable that those stepping into a counseling environment to receive help may feel some shame in their life, but what about those who are providing the help? What are the mental health professionals to do when they feel unqualified or inadequate to help a person? Dr. Roy walks us through his dissertation exploring those topics. He also gives us helpful definitions to understand the difference between shame, guilt, and humiliation, and why being self-aware is so crucial for a counselor. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodContact emailseminarylife@gmail.comDissertation: https://about.proquest.com/en/dissertations/

What's in a name? In today's episode, we bring Celebrate March to a close with a look at my name. Yes, it is my birthday as well this month, and although I do not have the influence the rest of the people I highlighted this month have had, I still think there is an interesting origin behind my name. So strap in as I take you to the magical land of 1993 to discuss the films Dragon: The Story of Bruce Lee and the iconic 90s film The Crow. We also turn to the etymology of the name "Brandon" and see what Urban Dictionary has to say to understand the meaning behind my name. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Store: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

Happy birthday L. Ron Hubbard! Who is your favorite sci-fi writer? As we Celebrate March, we now turn our attention to pulp fiction writer and creator of Scientology L. Ron Hubbard and his work "Dianectics." How does someone go from sci-fi writer to leader of a new religion? What is the science in Scientology? What is the aim of Scientology and Dianetics? In this episode, we cover all of that and I give some of my thoughts on pseudo-psychology within Christianity. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

Happy birthday Fred Rogers! Celebrate March continues as we celebrate the life, career, and impact of everyone's favorite neighbor, Mister Rogers. In this episode, I am joined by Pastor Will Rose to take a walk down memory lane looking at how Mister Roger's Neighborhood impacted him, myself,, and now my son as well. We discuss the important lessons Fred Rogers taught like loving your neighbor have having value for yourself. We discuss Fred's advocacy for children's education and racial equality, and we even discuss how Mister Rogers approach to television can be a way that we can approach children's ministry as well. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.comAMP: https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm/

Happy birthday Chuck Norris, and happy 150th episode MSL Seminarians! In this special edition of Celebrate March, Joe Dea of BuddyWalk with Jesus joins the show to wish a happy birthday to the pop culture phenomenon, Chuck Norris. Joe and I go back to Chucks early days on the karate tournament scene, discuss his place in the hierarchy of great 80s action stars, and look at the cultural impact Walker, Texas Ranger had on the 90s. We also break down the magnitude of the Bruce Lee vs Chuck Norris fight scene in Way of the Dragon (Return of the Dragon), and have an honest conversation on ways the Chuck Norris has served as both a positive and negative example of masculinity. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.comBuddyWalk with Jesus: https://buddywalkwithjesus.com/

Happy birthday Dr. Seuss! What does it mean to speak for the trees? Today we are beginning our month long series Celebrate March where in each episode I will be sitting down to talk about someone who was born in the month of March who made an impact on faith, religion, pop culture, and in some cases all of the above. In this episode, my wife Claire joins the show to discuss the Illumination film The Lorax based on the book by Dr. Seuss. We discuss the impact Dr. Seuss continues to have on children's literature and entertainment. We give our honest thoughts on Illumination and their impact on children's entertainment. As we review the film, we get into the anti-capitalism, anti-industrialization, pro-environmental messages of the film and how we as Christians should respond to messages like that. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

As Lead Them to Worship comes to an end, I sit down to make some observations from a recent survey. Over the past month I have been asking for you all to give me your favorite hymns and worship songs. In this episode, I go over this list and draw some interesting observations. What hymns made the list? Which ones did not? What was the all time most nominated song? Is it possible that worship music goes beyond a very specific genre? All this, plus I talk about some of the cringe songs I have sung in worship settings. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

In this week's edition of Lead Them to Worship, I am joined once again by Joe Dea of BuddyWalk with Jesus to discuss the relationship between AI and ministry. We discuss the popular saying among many Christians that when it comes to tech we should embrace everything because "it's just a tool to share the gospel." Joe briefly recaps the history of AI and how it became a household tool so quickly. We then discuss studying and preaching as worship, and how AI can be used in sermon prep and writing music, but how easy it is to abuse this tool and to reduce the worship we give to God. Lastly, Joe teaches us what it means to be a "Trans-Humanist." BuddyWalk with Jesus: https://buddywalkwithjesus.com/Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

Lead Them to Worship continues with a look at "Holy Roar" by Chris Tomlin and Darren Whitehead. In this book, Tomlin and Whitehead break down the seven different words used in the Hebrew language for "praise" and how they affect how the Jewish people and Christians today worship. In this review, I am joined by my brother Bradley to discuss three of these words, and how they change the way we worship. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWwLsNvWR2C8rfrwaPve-ewContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

This episode in the Lead Them to Worship series takes a close look at John 4:21-24. In this passage, Brandon recaps the story of Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, and camps out in a popular portion where Jesus answers a question about worship. Has the worship wars tainted our thinking on this passage? Can worship take place beyond the walls of our churches and gathering spaces? Find out in this week's episode! Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWwLsNvWR2C8rfrwaPve-ewContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

This is a rebroadcast of the final OneMoreThing bonus episodes. On today's episode, Dr. Ashely Mofield of Mixtape Theology drops in to discuss how music influences our theology, what role 90s CCM influenced him as a young man going into seminary, and where current and classic CCM and even some hymns come up short in teaching good theology.  You can check out the Mixtape Theology podcast and blog at https://www.mixtapetheology.com/You can find the book Mixtape Theology here: https://www.amazon.com/Mixtape-Theology-Christian-Retrospective-Contemporary/dp/1962315002You can check out the rest of the MSL episodes at https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479MSL store https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWwLsNvWR2C8rfrwaPve-ewFollow MSL on Facebook and Instagram @myseminarylifepodContact emailseminarylife@gmail.com

Spoilers ahead! In this week's episode, I sit down to reveal all the planned specials and series for 2024. From Lead Them to Worship, to Apologetics 201, to Dialogues 2, and everything in between, we have a total of seven series coming your way in 2024. I also introduce our new summer time format with Summer School and Camp My Seminary Life, and announce our new fall time special Re-Orientation. All these secrets and more are revealed! Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

In today's episode, we take a look back over the year highlighting all the series that we did and why, putting a spotlight on the new specials that dropped this year, and celebrating the many milestones and new endeavors that My Seminary Life began in 2023. Also, I give a big shout out to Christian Ashley for being so dang popular! Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

Happy Holidays! In today's episode, I sit down with Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell of The Whole Church Podcast, and Elizabeth Clyde of The Clyde's to discuss the top ten most popular holidays in the US. We debate over the ranking of some of the holidays, and try to figure out why certain holidays didn't make the top ten list. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.comAMP: https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm/

Happy Hanukkah! As a way to bring you all into the Hanukkah festivities, I am sitting down with my brother Bradley to review the Disney Channel Original Movie, Full Court Miracle. Along with reviewing the film and sharing our favorite scenes and lines, we discuss how there is a general lack of Hanukkah content this time of the year, and who we would want to direct a serious Maccabees film. We also share why Hanukkah matters to us and how celebrating this holiday has grown us spiritually. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

What is the Gospel? That is the big question my wife Claire and I dialogue over in the finale to this series. We discuss the tiered system approach to theology and how it is possible that the Gospel should be the only item in that category. We dialogue about how the Gospel is simple and yet a very big reality, what heaven will be like, and the importance of pronouns! Claire also runs down her three favorite Christmas films and we get into it a bit over which Home Alone is better. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/mslpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.com

As humans, our understanding of God and life eventually runs out. We cannot fathom God completely and every possible reason for why life is going the way that it is. In this episode, I sit down with Joshua Noel of The Whole Church Podcast to dialogue over hard questions that every human wrestles with and may never arrive at a conclusion. Why God does allow suffering? Why does God seem so severe in the Old Testament but so loving in the New Testament? How can we simply explain the Trinity? All this and more in this dialogue. Website: https://myseminarylife983333216.wordpress.com/?preview_id=3&preview_nonce=2d22b29479Shop: https://my-seminary-life-store.creator-spring.com/Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mslpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeFacebook & Instagram: @myseminarylifepodContact: emailseminarylife@gmail.comAMP: https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm/