Theology Lab: Courage & Curiosity for Everyday Faith

This episode explores the profound questions surrounding the problem of evil, God's goodness, and faith. Scott, Kristin and Greg share personal stories, theological insights, and the importance of engaging with difficult questions to deepen faith. This is the second episode in the series on creation, evil and suffering, and it takes an unexpectedly personal turn. The hosts get into theological questions about God's goodness and why the challenge of evil is so difficult, and yet why we continue to feel compelled to ask what belief in God's goodness can look like even when there is evidence and suffering in the world that would say otherwise. "Can I believe God is good despite the evidence?"👀 Key topicsThe problem of evil and sufferingTheological responses to evil and sufferingPersonal stories of faith and lossThe importance of questioning in faithThe role of Jesus and Christian principles in understanding evilLearn more about Theology Lab: www.theologylab.orgMusic Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE

In this first episode of Beyond Simple Answers we explore the question, Why does God create a world where evil and suffering exist? Why answers to this question don't fully satisfy, and how can we continue to explore God, faith, evil, suffering in a theological vision (engaging the Bible and more) together?Explore the profound question of why God created the world, considering theological answers, human experiences of suffering, and the implications for faith and understanding. Join us as we unpack different perspectives and wrestle with the big questions of existence.Check out Kristin’s book, We Mend With Gold! Find a local bookseller: https://tinyurl.com/MendwithgoldLocal Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/MendWithGoldLearn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.orgCheck out Kristin's Insta page (bookstagram) through her handle, @ktlee.writesMusic Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGEApproximate Chapter times:00:00 Introduction to Beyond Simple Answers01:50 Exploring the Question of Creation04:30 Responses to Creation: Insights from Followers06:55 Theological Perspectives on God's Glory10:45 Human Freedom and the Nature of Evil14:20 Unpacking the Complexity of Creation17:15 Conclusion and Next Steps

SEARCHING FOR A THEOLOGICAL VISION WHEN SIMPLE ANSWERS FALL SHORT.Interesting? This is what Theology Lab's new series, Beyond Simple Answers is about: Explorations on faith, the Bible, theology, for a faith that is looking beyond simple answers.In the inaugural episode of the podcast "Beyond Simple Answers," hosts Scott Rice, Greg Fung, and Kristin T. Lee introduce their mission to explore complex theological questions that often elude simple answers. The podcast aims to create a space for critical inquiry within a faith context, encouraging listeners to engage with their doubts and questions rather than suppress them. Each host shares their personal journeys, highlighting their diverse backgrounds in ministry, medicine, and technology, which inform their perspectives on faith and theology. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community in navigating these discussions, aiming to foster a supportive environment for exploring challenging topics.The hosts outline the podcast's unique approach, which combines a desire to believe with critical thinking, all while operating within a church context. They express their hope to work out a shared theological vision through open dialogue, inviting listeners to join them in this exploration. The episode concludes with a teaser for the first series, which will tackle the provocative question, "Why does God create a world with so much suffering?" This question serves as a springboard for deeper discussions about faith, salvation, and the nature of God, setting the stage for future episodes that promise to engage listeners in meaningful theological inquiry.Check out Kristin’s book, We Mend With Gold! Find a local bookseller: https://tinyurl.com/MendwithgoldLocal Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/MendWithGoldTakeawaysThis podcast seeks a theological vision when simple answers fall short.We want to encourage questions and doubts in a supportive community.Critical thinking and faith can coexist in meaningful ways.Theology Lab's website: www.theologylab.orgMusic Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGEChapters00:00 Beyond Simple Answers!00:49 Introduction to Beyond Simple Answers01:38 Meet the Hosts: Personal Journeys05:16 Goals and Unique Approach of the Podcast10:34 Teaser for the First Series: Why Did God Create a World with So Much Suffering?

In this Theology Lab episode Scott is joined Brian McLaren and Drew Jackson. Brian McLaren and Drew Jackson are connected with the Center for Contemplation and Action, which engages with Father Richard Rohr and his life's work. This is a conversation on faith, bias, and what lies behind the question, "Don't they know what they're doing is wrong?" The conversation engages questions about reading the Bible, the pressures and power of belonging to a community, and the political biases that impact how we relate to others. What is the better way that Jesus calls his followers to in a world torn by division and contempt?Check out some of the books by our guests mentioned in the episode:📚 Drew Jackson: God Speaks through wombs📚 Brian McLaren: Why Don't They Get It?More Theology Lab episodes coming out soon, including from our Deliver Us From Evil series and Scripture & Tradition series.Theology Lab's website: www.theologylab.orgMusic Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE

In this Theology Lab episode Scott is joined by clinical psychologist and a teacher at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Dr. Paul Domigan, for a conversation about what to do when you encounter tensions or apparent contradictions within the Bible. Scott and Paul bring out features of a previous conversation where realized how differently they address questions like this, what lies behind their different approaches, and how they find engaging these differences not to be threats but opportunities for growth in their friendship and understanding how to read the Bible. Conversations like these try to capture what Theology Lab is about in pursuit of a faith characterized by curiosity, courage and compassion. More Theology Lab episodes coming out soon, including from our Deliver Us From Evil series and Scripture & Tradition series.Theology Lab's website: www.theologylab.orgMusic Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE

In this Theology Lab interview Scott talks to Myal Greene, the president and CEO of World Relief, an international humanitarian organization on the topics of immigration, refugee resettlement, and current issues. Their conversation covers how immigration and refugee resettlement connect to faith, spirituality and how Christians read the Bible. Myal offers a thoughtful perspective on not only World Relief's response to the immigration and refugee issues of our time but also how everyday Christians can think with nuance and theologically about these important topics.Learn more about World Relief at: www.worldrelief.orgCurtis Chang's interview with Myal Greene: https://tinyurl.com/42ah93u5The Center for Public Theology and Migration: https://www.theologyandmigration.com/Theology Lab's website: www.theologylab.orgMusic Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE

⭐ In this Theology Lab interview, we’re joined by Dennis Edwards (North Park Seminary) and Lisa Bowens (Princeton Seminary), editors of Do Black Lives Matter?, for a thoughtful conversation at the intersection of Scripture, faith, and contemporary social movements. Together, we explore how the Bible has been read—and misread—in discussions surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement, and what faithful interpretation looks like in moments of cultural tension and resistance. Edwards and Bowens reflect on the role of biblical theology in addressing injustice, the church’s public witness, and the growing pushback against efforts aimed at equity and inclusion in public life. This episode invites listeners to engage Scripture seriously, wrestle honestly with hard questions, and consider how Christian faith speaks into today’s contested cultural landscape. 📚 Check out the books mentioned in the episode: 📚 Do Black Lives Matter? https://wipfandstock.com/9781666705416/do-black-lives-matter/ 📚Might From the Margins: https://heraldpress.com/9781513806013/might-from-the-margins/ 📚 African American Readings of Paul: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802876768/african-american-readings-of-paul/ Music Copyright code: US9BWVXXM3PYATAZ Highrock Media License Number - uB6aGE

A Theology Lab podcast on faith and justice amidst suffering and evil. Rev. Munther Isaac—known for his influential sermon “Christ in the Rubble”—and Mary Speta, Executive Director of Amirah, discuss how faith helps them love amidst impossible situations. The conversation addresses theology and the message of Scripture. Together, they offer thoughtful theological reflection on some of today’s most challenging global issues: war, human trafficking, trauma, and the radical call to love one’s enemy. Designed for learners, students, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian moral discernment, this Theology Lab session (part of the Deliver Us From Evil series).Rev. Munther Isaac brings pastoral insight shaped by conflict and suffering, while Mary Speta offers an expert, survivor-informed perspective on exploitation and restorative justice. Key learning themes include: Christian approaches to understanding war, violence, and human suffering How faith communities can respond to human trafficking with wisdom and compassion The call to love one’s enemy and its implications for discipleship, as well as reflecting on how to deal with anger ➡️ Learn more about the organization Mary leads: https://www.amirahinc.org/ Check out Rev. Munther's book: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802885548/christ-in-the-rubble/The interview includes licensed music (Artlist): I Promise by Ian Post (ian-post)Learn more about Theology Lab: www.theologylab.org

How should we think about dreams, visions and the Bible? The authors of Reading the Bible on Turtle Island walk us through this question and their fascinating book. This is a Theology Lab educational conversation with the authors of Reading the Bible on Turtle Island: Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation, Danny Zacharias and Chris Hoklotubbe. The video looks at how to read Scripture in light of an Indigenous - Native American, First Peoples - lens.👀 This is part 2, which looks at how to understand dreams, visions and connections between the Bible and land (through stories). Alongside an exploration of the Bible, how to understand dreams and visions in relationship to Scripture, this conversation begins with the question about understanding Creator's presence on Turtle Island before settlers arrived.If part 2 on dreams, visions, the Bible and more interests you, check out part 1 of the interview for more on key ideas that underlie reading the Bible on Turtle Island.➡️ Scott is joined in this interview his colleague, Pastor Robert Bloodworth.The interview includes licensed music (Artlist): Rephrase by Nadav Cohen.📚 Be sure to check out Danny and Chris's book here: https://www.ivpress.com/reading-the-bible-on-turtle-island?srsltid=AfmBOop_nrX-GkvgvW5hH3uvFvWZn8vaqde4-J0jUxBX9b1cY1CLXtlI ➡️YouTube: https://youtu.be/stgweHHxMf4Learn more about Theology Lab: www.theologylab.org

How can we (Indigenous and Non-idegnoues alike) learn about reading the Bible from Indigenous Christians and their explorations of faith? How can this inform our theology and what it means to live on (and with) the land in which we find ourselves?This is a Theology Lab educational interview with the authors of Reading the Bible on Turtle Island: Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation, H. Daniel Zacharias and T. Christopher Hoklotubbe, looks at how to read the Bible in light of a Indigenous (Native American, First Peoples) lens. It also answers the question, what does Turtle Island mean? The interview touches on key topics like why continue to return to the Bible when it has been used against Indigenous people groups in many ways, the importance of ancestry, land, and specific rituals for an Indigenous Christian faith and reading of Scripture, and more.This is part 1 of the interview. Part 2 will look at Indigenous readings of the Bible and topics like dreams and vision (how might understanding dreams and vision, both today and in the biblical setting) connect to faith and reading Scripture, as well as focused readings that look how Indigenous Christians connect lived experiences (lifeways), both their own and their ancestors, with prominent themes in the Bible. As we see in this interview, an Indigenous reading of the Bible can open up insights and new depths of understanding for those who identify as Native American, First Peoples, and non-Indigenous readers of Scripture.➡️ Scott is joined in this interview his colleague, Pastor Robert Bloodworth.➡️ The interview includes licensed music (Artlist): Rephrase by Nadav Cohen.📚 Be sure to check out Danny and Chris's book here: https://www.ivpress.com/reading-the-bible-on-turtle-island?srsltid=AfmBOop_nrX-GkvgvW5hH3uvFvWZn8vaqde4-J0jUxBX9b1cY1CLXtlI➡️ Prefer video? See the interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H7ZiNfrhp-A

Recorded on January 16, 2024.This episode features Tim Mackie from the BibleProject. It explores questions of biblical interpretation, Scripture, faith and history, and, as the BibleProject emphasizes, how the Bible comes together to form a unified story.Highrock's Scripture & Tradition series looks at some of the basic tools that can help us understand the Bible. How can we view the Bible as simultaneously divine and human literature? If this question piques your interest, this episode may interest you! In this conversation, moderator Scott Rice is joined by Tim Mackie, co-founder of the Bible Project, for the second installment of the Scripture & Tradition Theology Lab series. This discussion looks at the BibleProject's Paradigm podcast series, exploring how the biblical authors intended the Bible to be read. For the folks at the BibleProject, the principles of the Paradigm help set up Bible readers for a life-long journey of coming to better understand the scriptures and how they can transform our faith and encourage a deeper love for God and others.https://bibleproject.com/podcast/series/paradigm/Learn more about Highrock's Theology Lab: highrock.org/theologylabfacebook: / highrocktheologylabContains licensed music from Artlist: rex banner, "brainstorm"

Recording of the American Evangelicalism Theology Lab session from November 11, 2022 with guest, Rev. Dr. Russell Moore (Christianity Today).In this discussion, moderated by Rev. Dr. Walter Kim (president, National Association of Evangelicals), Russell Moore shares some personal stories about his relation to faith and political engagement. Russell speaks to the looming issue of Christian Nationalism, and what it means for Christians today to maintain both integrity and faithfulness in the public sphere. In the final part of his discussion with Walter Kim, Russell speaks to the crisis that evangelicalism faces today and the possibilities for revitalization and the formation of new coalitions within the evangelical movement.Learn more about Highrock's Theology Lab: highrock.org/theologylabfacebook: / highrocktheologylabContains licensed music from Artlist: rex banner, "brainstorm"

This interview with Karen Keen, author of the Word of a Humble God (Eerdmans, 2022), explores topics around biblical interpretation, how to engage challenging parts of Scripture, stories about war and violence in the Bible, biblical interpretation methods. Karen's book has been described as a top resource for an introduction to the Bible (Scripture) and introduction to scriptural interpretation. How can we read the Bible in light of God's humility and hear God's voice anew? Karen's book! https://www.amazon.com/Word-Humble-God-Inspiration-Interpretation/dp/0802878695 Learn more about Highrock's Theology Lab: highrock.org/theologylabfacebook: / highrocktheologylabContains lisenced, original music (licensed) from Ian Post, "I Promise"

In this Theology Lab Kristin and Scott take up a big question: When and why did we change our mind on a deeply personal topic? This is a question that many of us ask, or are asking from time to time, in our faith. Here we ask about women in ministry or women serving in the highest levels of pastoral leadership. At one point both of us considered ourselves theological complementarians -- the idea that women and men have specific roles within at least the sphere of the church, even if considered equal in the eyes of God -- yet we have changed our minds. We would now consider ourselves theological egalitarians, holding that all roles in church leadership can be filled by all, and that we can celebrate this in our faith. But how did we go from one to the other? How did the Bible play a role in this? How did experience play a role in this? Our conversation is spurred on my our interview with Beth Allison Barr and her recent book, Becoming the Pastor's Wife. The conversation also centers on how Beth inspired us to think about how we navigate different voices on the Bible.Check out Beth's book here: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9781587435898_becoming-the-pastors-wifeLearn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.orgTheology is a learning community supported by Highrock Church. www.highrock.org#TheologyBasics #ChristianFaith #womenandthechurchContains (licensed) original music (licensed) from Ian Post, "I Promise"

In this insightful Theology Lab conversation, historian and theologian Beth Allison Barr explores the Bible, women, and the role of women pastors in the church. We examine what Scripture really says about gender, leadership, and ministry, and how historical and cultural context shapes our understanding of these debated issues. Perfect for non-expert Christians, curious believers, and anyone still in the church wrestling with big theological questions, this video offers a thoughtful, nuanced approach to reading the Bible and engaging with gender and leadership in a faithful way. If you’re interested in theological learning, Bible study for ordinary Christians, and nuanced conversations about women in ministry, this discussion with Beth Allison Barr provides clarity, historical insight, and encouragement for exploring Scripture with honesty and depth. Check out Beth's new book! https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781587434709_the-making-of-biblical-womanhood Contains original music (licensed) from Ian Post, "I Promise"#BethAllisonBarr #biblicalwomanhood #womeninthebible

Video version: https://youtu.be/5PiffZEeBhk?si=2QWsXPEvv6m9MJzVWhat do Christians mean when we talk about evil, and how does the Bible shape our understanding of it? In this Theology Lab video with Willie Jennings (Yale Divinity School) and Janette Ok (Fuller Seminary), we explore the complex and often uncomfortable question: what do we call evil, and how do we recognize it in the world and in ourselves? They discuss Christian Nationalism and what Jesus's prayer, "deliver us from evil," means to them right now. We look at topics like evil, hate, evil, the anti-Christ. Looking at the gospels, the book of Acts, the letters of John (1 John, 2 John, 3 John), this Theology Lab conversation with Willie Jennings and Janette Ok trace how Scripture defines evil, how the church has wrestled with it, and what it means for believers today. This conversation is designed for Christians and anyone navigating faith, theology, the Bible in community. If you’re interested in theological learning, biblical study, and wrestling honestly with hard questions in faith, this video offers a thoughtful, contextual, and faithful approach. Check out the New Testament in Color commentary, which features work by Janette Ok (editor): https://www.ivpress.com/the-new-testament-in-color?srsltid=ARcRdnpFzsrsUSdD0pXrGLggUKgePS8WRb24I-C8wU10orQqf3NCetco Check out Willie Jennings' Act's Commentary: https://www.amazon.com/Acts-Theological-Commentary-Bible-Belief/dp/0664234003Contains original music (licensed) from Ian Post, "I Promise"0:00 Introduction2:00 What is evil and sin? 7:00 Discomfort with "the Anti-Christ"? 8:45 Why don't we respond to seeing violence? 15:25 The disciples are tied to the prison 16:45 Why theology matters 20:06 How do the Bible's authors struggle to name evil? 25:20 Correcting self-righteousness 27:20 1 John and evil 30:10 Can worship resist evil? 34:50 Are Christian Nationalists suffering disciples? 38:05 Evil and unity in community 40:50 "Deliver us from evil" means...

Want to watch the episode? https://youtu.be/J_V6uHYxnbYIn this Theology Lab Conversations episode (episode #1!) Scott Rice and Greg Fung ask a big question: Is theology only for non-experts, or is it something every Christian is called to engage? This conversation explores the basics of theology, how ordinary believers can grow in their understanding of essentials, of interpreting the Bible, and why learning to think theologically matters for the church in light of some the major challenges and questions were asking today. Whether you identify as evangelical, exvangelical, or simply someone with your own questions about faith, our hope is that this series offers something interesting and accessible for theological learning. We talk about how to read the Bible with curiosity, how theology shapes Christian community, and why good questions are essential for a healthy and vibrant faith. Learn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.orgTheology is a learning community supported by Highrock Church. www.highrock.org#TheologyBasics #ChristianFaith #Deconstruction #PostEvangelicalContains original music (licensed) from Ian Post, "I Promise"

Want to watch the episode? https://youtu.be/J_V6uHYxnbYIn this episode of Conversations -- a new Theology Lab series! -- we explore foundational topics of Christian faith in an accessible, honest, and thoughtful way. Designed for ordinary Christians, for folks coming from evangelical backgrounds, post-evangelicals, folks who might identify as deconstructing faith but also just for who are curious, the Conversations series offers a safe space to learn through discussions. We talk about the core themes of theology— ideas about God, interacting with the Bible in different ways, social issues, and how Christian belief has been shaped through history and community. If you’re interested in theological learning, reflecting on what you’ve inherited, continuing to work on an honest, shared faith, we hope the Conversations series might provide clarity, grounding, and room for questions. Whether you’re rooted in the evangelical tradition, shifting or searching, this series invites you to explore basics of Christian theology with curiosity, depth, and grace.Learn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.orgTheology is a learning community supported by Highrock Church. www.highrock.org#TheologyBasics #ChristianFaith #Deconstruction #PostEvangelicalContains original music (lisenced) from Ian Post, "I Promise"0:00 Introduction1:05 Goals: theology basics, commentary, ongoing conversation!3:22 An evangelical background ... but with questions4:40 Is theology only for experts?

In this interview, Sarah Shin (author, writer, theologian; Beyond Colorblind) and Shin Maeng (artist, illustrator, storyteller; shinhappens.com) join Scott Rice for a discussion about their new children's story book, The Deliverer Has Come (Penguin Randomhouse). https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721873/the-deliverer-has-come-by-sarah-shin-illustrated-by-shin-maeng/ https://www.amazon.com/Deliverer-Has-Come-Christmas-Story-ebook/dp/B0CPDVZZMS They discuss how children's books can help illuminate our faith, our understandings of God, and how we read and imagine the Bible and its importance for our faith lives. They also cover topics such as parenting and how the whole community helps care for the next generation in raising them in the faith. Learn more about Highrock's Theology Lab: www.highrock.org/theologylab Check out the artwork of Shin Maeng at www.shinhappen.com Podcast includes original music ("Imagination") written by Dean Payla, produced by PALA.

In this Theology Lab conversation Scott talks to Amy Peeler again about the meaning of the virgin birth and what we miss when we look only at questions about whether or not it happened (apologetics). Amy directs us into some fascinating questions and considerations. What does it mean that when God enters the world, God does so through a female body, the virgin Mary's body, and a female body alone? What significance does this have for how we think about God, about gender and more? A conversation that is sure to help stir your theological imagination!Amy will be at Highrock for a Theology Lab hosted event with the Holy Post on November 23! Check it out here (tickets available): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-the-holy-post-arlington-ma-tickets-1758214911129?aff=oddtdtcreatorCheck out Amy's book! Women and the Gender of God: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802879097/women-and-the-gender-of-god/Podcast includes original music ("Imagination") written by Dean Payla, produced by PALA.