In this episode, Ken Shuman shares a Substack post by Alan Hirsch* in which Hirsch reflects on words from theologian-psychologist Richard Beck on the concept and nature of "Satan." Hirsch speaks of the forces in the world that are anti-Jesus, and the temptation for those in the Church to adopt the same tools and become anti-Jesus in his name. But he also celebrates the good news of the One who will never be other than who he is - who will never be other than love:

"There is a satan to the kingdom of God. But the good news, the Easter news, is this: Jesus did not become the enemy to defeat the enemy. He remained the Son. He remained love. And this is what saves us. He did not fight Satan with Satan’s weapons, but refused them altogether. He overcame by being entirely what he always was.

And so must we."
This episode was recorded on July 25th, 2025.

* Alan Hirsch, "The life and mission of Jesus, as well as that of his followers, are not lived in a neutral world," July 19, 2025