ReThink Mission

Rethink Mission is a historically grounded podcast hosted by Dr. Mike Brown that reexamines early Christianity by beginning with lived communities, shared memory, and received tradition rather than later institutions or isolated texts. Focusing on what the series calls primitive Christian mission, the podcast challenges popular skeptical narratives that portray Christianity as a late textual invention or a belief system fabricated through copying and doctrinal manipulation. Drawing on early Christian writings, archaeological evidence, and historical method, the series argues that Christian belief and worship preceded the New Testament texts and that these writings functioned as occasional documents addressing real communities that already shared a coherent faith. Episodes explore the role of communal memory, apostolic authority, early creeds, and high Christology, showing that core Christian convictions—such as the worship of Jesus as Lord, belief in the resurrection, and continuity with Jewish Scripture—were established very early and received rather than invented by figures like Paul. By integrating theology, history, and philosophy, Rethink Mission offers listeners a disciplined alternative to both naïve faith and reductionist skepticism, inviting a deeper understanding of how Christianity emerged, spread, and sustained itself in the ancient world. Episode 3:  The Ascension of Jesus as King

Rethink Mission is a historically grounded podcast hosted by Dr. Mike Brown that reexamines early Christianity by beginning with lived communities, shared memory, and received tradition rather than later institutions or isolated texts. Focusing on what the series calls primitive Christian mission, the podcast challenges popular skeptical narratives that portray Christianity as a late textual invention or a belief system fabricated through copying and doctrinal manipulation. Drawing on early Christian writings, archaeological evidence, and historical method, the series argues that Christian belief and worship preceded the New Testament texts and that these writings functioned as occasional documents addressing real communities that already shared a coherent faith. Episodes explore the role of communal memory, apostolic authority, early creeds, and high Christology, showing that core Christian convictions—such as the worship of Jesus as Lord, belief in the resurrection, and continuity with Jewish Scripture—were established very early and received rather than invented by figures like Paul. By integrating theology, history, and philosophy, Rethink Mission offers listeners a disciplined alternative to both naïve faith and reductionist skepticism, inviting a deeper understanding of how Christianity emerged, spread, and sustained itself in the ancient world.Episode 2:  A look at the Synoptic Gospels.

Rethink Mission is a historically grounded podcast hosted by Dr. Mike Brown that reexamines early Christianity by beginning with lived communities, shared memory, and received tradition rather than later institutions or isolated texts. Focusing on what the series calls primitive Christian mission, the podcast challenges popular skeptical narratives that portray Christianity as a late textual invention or a belief system fabricated through copying and doctrinal manipulation. Drawing on early Christian writings, archaeological evidence, and historical method, the series argues that Christian belief and worship preceded the New Testament texts and that these writings functioned as occasional documents addressing real communities that already shared a coherent faith. Episodes explore the role of communal memory, apostolic authority, early creeds, and high Christology, showing that core Christian convictions—such as the worship of Jesus as Lord, belief in the resurrection, and continuity with Jewish Scripture—were established very early and received rather than invented by figures like Paul. By integrating theology, history, and philosophy, Rethink Mission offers listeners a disciplined alternative to both naïve faith and reductionist skepticism, inviting a deeper understanding of how Christianity emerged, spread, and sustained itself in the ancient world.Episode 1: The life in the Community of Faith and the role of history

In this final episode of Identity we wrap up the discussion by presenting the ancient Christian concept of identity formation and what it looked like in the Early Church.

In this episode we review the major topics that were covered in the last 11 weeks. We push in on the social basis for our identities and recognize that our identities are not formed singularly but rather collectively.

In this episode of Teleology we unpack the four causes by Aristotle and examine the role of final causality in our search for meaning. Briefly unpacking the scientific progress that resulted from ignoring final causes and focusing upon material, formal, and effecient causality we discover the roots of our mechanical understanding. Then we explore how this has resulted in a loss of meaning and purpose in our lives.

In this episode we discuss the history of Nationalism and the idea of a nation state. What does it mean to be an American? What is an american? To whom should we be loyal? How should a government relate to its people?

Universal Humanism is the idea that a person should be loyal to the human race. In this episode we uncover the complex history of different cultures and ideas that believe in Universal Humanism.

This first of three episodes deals with Race, ethnicity and tribalism. In this episode we focus upon the history and impact of these ways of understanding ourselves in the world.

How should people relate to the physical world? Should humans control the world and force it to conform to their expectations or should humans conform their expectations to the physical world? What does it mean to live in the world and use it resources?

In the secod of this two part episode we discuss the ethical paradigm of Fear and Power as way of navigating good and evil in the world. There are several methods cultures use to navigate the ethical problems in the world, Guilt Innocence, Honor and Shame, Fear and Power. In this second part we discuss child sacrifce and fear and power.

In this two part episode we discuss the ethical paradigm of Guilt and Innocence and Honor and Shame as way of navigating good and evil. There are several methods cultures use to navigate the ethical problems in the world, Guilt Innocence, Honor and Shame, Fear and Power. In this two part series we discuss Guilt and Innocence and Honor and Shame.

In this episode we uncover the roots of our desire to be authentic. Authenticity is a halmark of many cultures today and we explore the consequences of this emphasis for the American context.

In this Identity episode vwe discuss the topic of Individualism. How does individualism compare to other ways of bering in the world. Is Christianity only for individuals or can people with a more collective understanding serve God.

Starting our second season we begin with our Identity series. In this series we discuss what it means to be a person in the 21st century. We will begin with the concept of Plausibility Structures.

In this second part Monica and Mike finish up the conversation about Ukraine. You can find more information about Mission: Ukraine at www.wished1.net. Thank you all for a great season we look forward to season two.

In this episode Monica and Mike begin a conversation about Ukraine. You can find more information about Mission: Ukraine at www.wished1.net. Feel free to contact us at dr.mikebrown@rethinkjcmission.org .

In this final episode of Supernatural we close out the series talking with Pastor Brad Terhune. Mike Monica and Brad dance around the theme of Supernatural and close out the series with practical thoughts on what it all means.

In this episode we interview Pastors David Kelly and Brian Burke in their ministry, Well Springs. We discuss how the ministry began and what it means in the developing new context.

In this episode we interview scholar Craig Keener and talk about some of his most recent work in Miracles. He relates multiple experiences and multiple accounts of what is happening all over the world in terms of Miracles.