In Good Faith

On today’s show, Chong and Dan look back on an eventful year. Along major dimensions - in technology, in geopolitics, in our socio-emotional lives, it feels like things are accelerating and spinning out of control. This leads to a discussion about peace - what is it, and how can we achieve it? Why does it seem like peace is only ever temporary? Where does chaos and disorder come from, that disturb the peace? Dan concludes with reflections on where ultimate peace is found - yes, Jesus - but goes to great lengths to explain this in the least-trite way possible.  Music by: Julian Wan Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter/X - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.com Show notes Big things have been happening (2:55)Social-technological - AI, medicine, Internet-mediated life...Geopolitical - Breakdown of Pax AmericanaEmotional-psychological - Awareness, acceptance and exploitation of disorders within the heartThe external things affect us individually, and vice versaThe Nine Breakthroughs of the YearHow Anxiety Became ContentWhat do we mean by peace? (26:05)Absence of bad stuff; presence of good stuffCan we be at peace, even when things around us are bad?"Shalom" - the way things ought to beWhat causes chaos and disorder? (37:50)Left-Right answer, circa early 2000s - individuals vs societyLeft-Right answer, circa 2020s - Common-Enemy politicsThe upshot - we are being affected both too little and too much by the outside worldConclusion (53:20)Peace comes from an external intervention into the broken human worldPeace requires a change in perspective - cosmic, eternalPeople are looking for peace; Christians can help them find it

On today’s show, Chong and Dan plant their flag on the next transformational change facing society: Artificial Intelligence (AI). After a decades-long pursuit, pioneering researchers and organisations have been releasing AI products into the world, with amazing and unsettling results. We provide a primer on AI, focusing on ChatGPT and its Large Language Model relatives. Then Chong provides Dan with three near-future, AI-driven scenarios, to spark a discussion of what could come next. AI seems set to disrupt society, but we are still unsure by how much, given that so much of society still operates in the physical world. To be continued…   Music by: Julian Wan Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.com Show notes Something big is happening (1:41)Human technology as (i) fire, (ii) sharp sticks and (ii) our brainsThe biggest upgrade to our brains is happening right nowPlanting the flag on AI - not exploring all the issues, but rather what it is and what it could mean for usExistential risk, AI, and the inevitable turn in human history AI primer (11:43)Neural networks, Large Language Models (LLM) and generative AIIntro to ChatGPT - how it works, what can be doneHow to Become an Expert on A.I.How Does ChatGPT Really Work?What all this could mean (31:44)Scenario 1 - Disruption of “knowledge work”Scenario 2 - Teaching and learning overhauledScenario 3 - “Her” will be real lifeHow much does all this matter? Torn between “not as much” and “a whole lot”Tinkering With ChatGPT, Workers Wonder: Will This Take My Job?Don’t Ban ChatGPT in Schools. Teach With It.Replika users fell in love with their AI chatbot companions. Then they lost themYou Can Have the Blue Pill or the Red Pill, and We’re Out of Blue PillsConclusion (1:07:09)We should be careful when wielding words…

On today’s show, Chong and Dan share what’s been going on in our lives during a busy 2022. This gets us to unpack the concept of “busyness”, and how we in modern society constantly strain against our limits and wonder if we are doing “enough”. Drawing on insights from the book You’re Only Human, we consider how limits are not an inherently bad thing. We also explore the root of our busyness, namely pride in pursuing our own interests and seeking to be the master of our own lives. We conclude with a call to not be everything, everywhere, all at once.Music by: Julian WanConnect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesYear in review (2:01)Dan’s “sophomore slump” in ministryChong’s priority stack - core, primary, secondaryPrimary responsibilities (children, church, work) expanding and crowding out other thingsConcept of busyness (16:31)Why do we feel like we are never doing enough?Introduction to Kelly Kapic’s bookUltimately a theological problem - misunderstanding who we are and what we were made forYou’re Only Human by Kelly KapicFinitude is not sin (25:17)God created us with limits (and it was good); he did not create us with sinCautionary tale: Everything Everywhere All at OnceTime management techniques cover up the core problemIGF 11: The Crisis of FreedomPride as the root cause (45:05)We want to do more and be more, want mastery over all things… i.e., to be like GodHumility as the antidote - to think less of ourselves and to think of ourselves lessGiving thanks for our limitationsConclusion (1:02:09)The insidious effect of busyness - robbing us of joy in the present

On today’s show, Chong and Dan examine the elephant in the current affairs room - the Russo-Ukrainian War. We start by introducing the frame of the End of History, the famous work of political philosophy which posited liberal democracy as the final form of human government after the Cold War. The 1990s and 2000s were great, but now History is back with a vengeance. Rather than discussing the intricacies of the war, we unpack why the war matters by reflecting on four ideas:There is such a thing as good and evilDecadence is bad… war is so much worseBe wary of righteous fervourDon’t take peace and civilisation for grantedMusic by: Julian Wan  Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.com Show notes The End of History (3:32)Francis Fukuyama’s thesis - liberal democracy as the end stateThe 1990s and 2000s were very good!History returns… 2016, COVID-19, war on continental EuropeWikipedia: The End of History and the Last Man There is such a thing as good and evil (20:15)Genuine heroism - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian defenders, good samaritans helping Ukrainian refugeesEvil is revealed - Russian President Vladimir Putin, foot soldiers and atrocities on the groundReflections - we gravitate to moral complexity (e.g., in art and media), but war clarifies what is good and what is evilHow Zelensky Tamed Ukraine’s Fractious Politics and Stood Up to PutinDecadence is bad… war is so much worse (34:03)Definition of decadence - economic stagnation, political stalemate, cultural exhaustion, demographic declineWar is certainly not decadent, neither is Russia’s descent into a totalitarian stateBe careful when you wish for suffering to strengthen resolve, or excitement to remove boredom…The Age of DecadenceBe wary of righteous fervour (43:33)Economic sanctions, calls for military escalation, actual cancellation of Russian culture Being blind to reason, discriminating on the basis of group identity, demanding loyalty oaths - this is what “liberal” ideals are meant to mitigateDon’t take peace and civilisation for granted (50:45)The mechanisms for peace are shockingly fragile… you will always need walls manned by gunsJonah Goldberg: “History… is always out there… staring at us with feral yellow eyes that are hard to see through the light pollution of modern civilisation…”Chesterton’s DefenseConclusion (1:00:36)After the Berlin Wall fell, we were supposed to progress to peace, love and freedom forever… how naive we wereThe Bible takes a longer view - the whole creation is in the pains of childbirth (Romans 8:18-25) until Jesus returns and brings history to an end

On today’s show, Chong and Dan plants the flag on a topic that is looming large on the horizon: the metaverse. We begin by exploring how previous technologies have transformed society and worship, including automobiles (leading to megachurches) and smartphones (leading to Instavangelists). The metaverse looks like the next “big thing”. What is it, and why should people (including Christians) care about it? Drawing on a Gospel Coalition article, we critically examine the metaverse through three lenses: (i) identity, (ii) physicality and (iii) limits, and call for more wisdom in how people interact with the metaverse.Music by: Julian Wan Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notes Technology and worship (1:31)What do McDonalds, Walmart and megachurches have in common?What do Instagram, Uber and Airbnb have in common?Automobiles and smartphones have profoundly shaped society and worshipWhat is the metaverse (10:42)TL;DR - The metaverse is an extension of the internet where we interact inside digital worldsRecent developments - Facebook/Meta rebrand, Web3 technologies, VR and ARFramework for the Metaverse  Meta-thinking about the problem (19:58)“Traditionalists” - cautious with new tech; characterised by the Jurassic Park quote: just because you could, doesn’t mean you should“Progressivists” - excited by new tech; it is good to push boundaries and do new thingsIGF approach - use new tech thoughtfully, give thanks for the good, think critically about the downsidesHow to Prepare for the MetaverseConsideration 1: Identity (26:56)“What happens when we identify more with a virtual version of ourselves than with our real selves?”As Christians, celebrate our received identity that is given by GodConsideration 2: Physicality (35:57)“It will be easy to begin to see the infinite possibilities of our virtual world and bodies as better and more real than the physical world”As Christians, resist constant digital connection; intentionally disconnect to be physically present with othersConsideration 3: Limits (43:32)“The metaverse will present us with the opportunity to experience glimpses of power only God has” - omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresentAs Christians, embrace God-given limits - including on who we are, where we live, and what we knowConclusion (58:05)Robert Nozick’s Experience Machine and the Matrix - “plugging in” was seen as a bad thing; that is not the case todayThe metaverse is about the normalisation of “plugging in”We need to seek wisdom and ask the right questionsWikipedia: Experience machine

On today’s show, Chong and Dan commemorate an important milestone - after 10 years, Dan has completed bible college! The main topic of our show is  “belonging”. We reflect on what is special about this word - it is passive (we don’t “do” it), and it is always in relation to something or someone else. Belonging is also a core part of our identity. Therefore it is no surprise that in our individualistic culture, there is a “crisis” of both belonging and identity. What is the “solution”? Dan boldly claims that true belonging cannot be fulfilled by this world, but rather granted by God.Music by: Julian WanConnect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesDan finished bible college! (1:54)Reflections and quick-fire questionsHuge personal lesson: everyone is walking their own path, you cannot plan for lifeMeditations on belonging (7:11)You can’t “do” belongingYou belong only in relation to other things - family, place, nation, etc.To belong is a fundamental aspect of human identityTo belong is to have an obligation to othersThe modern crisis of belonging (26:00)(Young) people who are lost - we all feel itSelf-sabotage - showing up is hard, so we don’t do it, therefore sacrificing our long-term identityExternal obstacles in modern lifeWhat is the solution? (45:46)We can’t get belonging just by trying harderDan gets preachy - only Christianity offers true belonging through a God who sent his son into the world to find usConclusion (56:06)Parable of the Prodigal Son - belonging that is lost and found again, by graceMerry Christmas - please tell a friend about our show and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts :)

On today’s show, Chong and Dan begin with some special news (which explains why we're a bit late with this one). We then reflect a little bit more on the topic of slack, which really resonated with our listeners. From there, we delve into the practical matter of "knowing yourself" - how do you know how you are going? Dan and Chong discuss four sources of information:What your body tells youWhat your mind tells youWhat your conscience tells youWhat others tell youNOTE: We are conducting a short survey to better understand and serve our listeners. Please access the survey here: http://tinyurl.com/IGFsurvey2021 Thanks very much for your help!Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesWe’re back! (3:19)Follow-up: thank you to our listeners for the Slack episode receptionChong’s reflections on slack in the era of three kidsKnowing yourself (11:22)General vibe in listener feedback and culture that we’re not going so wellHow do you know how you are going?There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called LanguishingWhat your body tells you (17:05)We are embodied beings - signals include tiredness, pain and hungerLook after your own body, and show grace to the physical state of othersWhat your mind tells you (28:10)What does your mind dwell onWorry and anxiety - looking to the past (“if only”) and the future (“what if”)The inner voice / core beliefsWhat your conscience tells you (44:08)Your moral sense of right or wrongLike pain - don’t ignore your conscience, it might be telling you something important!What others tell you (55:16)Valuable because we can have our own blindersRequires giving people permission and willingness to be vulnerableConclusion (1:03:32)Stop hiding, stop running, stop covering up - be real with how you are goingIt’s OK to not be OKHonour your bodyDon’t neglect your relationships (A faithful friend, who can find?)Go deeper - what are your core beliefs?

On today’s show, Chong and Dan follow up on the topic of building by addressing one of the barriers to it - lack of capacity. We begin by surveying the cultural and economic landscape, where “efficiency” reigns. Dan gets real by sharing about how the pursuit of efficiency is impacting his personal life. We then dive into the antidote to efficiency: slack. What does it mean to have slack and what does the Bible have to say about it? Dan and Chong then ride their respective hobby horses - ministry and finances - in applying slack to our own lives.NOTE: We are conducting a short survey to better understand and serve our listeners. Please access the survey here: http://tinyurl.com/IGFsurvey2021 Thanks very much for your help!Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesEfficiency, efficiency everywhere (5:11)Productivity in the Industrial Age and the Internet AgeThe dark side of pursuing efficiency and cutting costs - “costs” can be a good thingDan’s personal lamentWhat is slack (18:44)Slack consists of excess resources that are not spent in the present, for future benefitImportance of slack - allows us to adapt and grow; enables us to handle the inevitable ups and downs of life; helps us to prioritise what is important and effectiveEfficiency is the EnemySlack in the Bible (28:47)Rhythm of build and rest in the Creation account - efficiency as “build” gone awry - Genesis 2:1-3Gleaning - don’t gather up every single crop, but leave some for others - Leviticus 19:9-10 Jesus took his time - to rest and pray (Luke 5:15-16), and to help the least of these (Mark 5:21-43)Fulfilling the greatest commandments requires slack - Matthew 22:36-39Applying slack to our lives (41:46)Church and ministry - people are the most inefficient part of ministry, but they are the very substance of ministryFinances - major financial commitments can wipe away slack and cripple your spiritual life; be careful!Conclusion (57:00)A good litmus test for whether you have slack in your life - do you have time for your family; do you have the capacity to love those from whom you stand to gain nothing

On today’s show, Chong and Dan begin by reflecting on the one year anniversary of In Good Faith. We share things we’ve learned, our favourite episodes, and give a heartfelt thanks to our excellent listeners. From there we launch into the topic of building things (not to build up our resume, but to build for others and our society). What are the barriers to building, what does the Bible have to say about building, and what are own experiences with building? We conclude with an exhortation to our listeners - what are you building, or helping other people to build?NOTE: We are conducting a short survey to better understand and serve our listeners. Please access the survey here: http://tinyurl.com/IGFsurvey2021 Thanks very much for your help!Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesReflecting on one year of IGF (1:55)What have we learnedOur favourite episodes - it has to be the Trump onesA call to build (10:01)Marc Andreessen’s “It’s Time to Build”Poetry and narrative on the importance of buildingWhat building looks like - vocation, recreation, procreationGreek proverb - “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit”The challenge today (19:51)Barriers to building: consumption culture, busyness, therapeutic mindset, lack of respect for the past, precautionary principle, decadenceBuilding in the Bible (31:44)We build because it was God’s first and most enduring command to humankind - Genesis 1:28We build because God created the world for us to build - Genesis 1:31We build to mitigate the effects of the FallWe build to serve othersWe build to pass on the faith down through the generations - Deuteronomy 6:4-9How we have benefited from building (42:11)Family and faithCivilisation and cultureWork and businessHow we are building (52:57)Procreation - raising up our childrenRecreation - IGF podcastVocation - church and ministryConclusion (1:02:10)Chong’s exhortation - let’s get going, let’s be patient and persevereDan’s summary - history began in a garden but ends in a city

On today’s show, Chong and Dan continue discussing the book “The Wisdom Pyramid” by Christian author Brett McCracken. We begin by distinguishing information (which we covered in the previous episode) from wisdom, and note how the latter is about the practical - doing, applying, discerning and living well. We then examine each layer of Brett’s pyramid, starting from the foundational aspect (the Bible) and working our way up. Along the way we share our personal experiences and failings, and present some challenges and exhortations for our listeners.Note: we experienced some technical difficulties that reduced the quality of our recording, apologies in advance!Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesWhat is wisdom? (5:02)There is a practical aspect to wisdom - it’s not just about knowing, it’s knowing and doing “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad” - Brian O’DriscollThe Wisdom Pyramid (13:34)Summary - the Bible, church, nature & beauty, books, the Internet, social mediaConnection to time - from timeless to ephemeralThe Bible (16:32)A foundational worldview is essential for wisdomChallenge for listeners of all backgrounds - ask yourself, “Why do I do what I do?”The church (community) (28:58)Being in a community can be painful, but the pain is the point - “Iron sharpens iron”, Proverbs 27:17We are embodied and embedded, committing to a community brings wisdomNature and beauty (41:07)Nature and beauty as windows to the divine and transcendentThey take us out of the immediate and out of ourselvesThe rest (54:02)Books can provide a timeless perspectiveInternal and social media - one is useful, almost indispensable (but use with caution); the other is pure dessertConclusion (1:03:13)Dan’s recommendation - read one quality fictional book this yearChong’s recommendation - read the gospels of Jesus (start with the Gospel of John)

On today’s show, Chong and Dan begin a two-parter on the book “The Wisdom Pyramid” by Christian author Brett McCracken. In the first episode, we set the scene by discussing a particularly modern sickness: information obesity. As with the abundance of food, so today there is an abundance of information. We explore why this is a problem, and share three information habits from our personal lives that make us “sick”. In the next episode, we will unpack the sources of truth that lead to a life of wisdom.Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesA public health epidemic of the soul (2:09)Obesity - a modern epidemic caused by too much food“Infobesity” - an even more modern epidemic caused by too much informationWhy is this a problem? (16:00)Anxiety and stress; disorientation and fragmentation; impotence; decision and commitment paralysis; confirmation biasIGF 6: Rage in the MachineThree habits that make us sick (40:54)Eating too much; eating too fast; eating only what tastes good to meConclusion (58:13)How you consume information is a moral matterDo a stocktake; get to know your habits; consider taking an information retreat!

On today’s show, Chong and Dan temporarily get into sports (American football). We use this as a launching point to talk about organisational culture. What is it, how is it created and sustained, and how can we affect it? Culture is a powerful and invisible force driving the behaviour of every collective human endeavour. We look at examples from the real world, including Dan’s personal and professional observations of how a culture of outward righteousness and inward spiritual emptiness can be perpetuated within the church 🔥🔥 Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesA story about sports (2:14)Super Bowl LI: A loss that made grown men cryWhat is (organisational) culture? (9:22)Culture is to a group what personality is to an individualGuides behaviour; based on shared norms; below the surface; powerful impactThe Curse of CultureHow is culture created and sustained? (18:36)Repeated success in implementing group beliefs and valuesExamples: Australian Parliament and Apple Inc.Inside the Toxic Sexist Culture of Australia’s Political BubbleBad church culture: the “dutiful Christian” (32:20)“As long as I show up to church and serve every now and then, then I’m OK with God”However, this does not help people know and enjoy God; it does the oppositeHow do we affect culture? (43:48)Strategy; stories and symbols; habits; operating model; rewards and consequences; leadershipConclusion (1:04:22)Culture is all around us; we can’t avoid it, but we can be aware of it and try to understand it

On today’s show, Chong and Dan start by explaining our absence (there’s a good reason!) and sharing our resolutions for 2021. We then get into the realm of philosophy by exploring how one can resolve moral dilemmas. After a quick visit to the Enlightenment, we explore two well-known approaches to moral thinking, utilitarianism and deontological ethics. Finally, we apply them to a case study involving COVID-19 vaccines. How do they help us to think through the issues, what are their weaknesses, and what does Christianity have to say about moral dilemmas?Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notes2021 resolutions (02:10)The Wisdom PyramidFlossingMorality and the Da Vinci Problem (5:55)Da Vinci the Renaissance man… and grave robberConcept of moral distanceMoral dilemmas (10:09)A situation when two or more moral principles are (seemingly) at oddsExamples: “Does my butt look big in this?”, the Trolley problem, Twitter and Facebook banning TrumpTrolley problem - WikipediaDan presents: The Enlightenment (19:59)Enlightenment TL;DR - reason and scienceObserving and classifying the natural world, bringing this to the moral worldUtilitarianism (aka consequentialism) (28:33)Whatever action that will maximise human happiness is the ethical oneExamples and problems - The Organ DonorConsequentialismDeontological ethics (40:06)Whatever you do, only live by the rules which can be expanded to become universal lawsExamples and problems - The Nazi at the DoorDeontological Ethics Case study: COVID-19 vaccines (46:15)Leading vaccines were made with the assistance of cell lines original obtained from aborted human foetusesWhat moral principles should guide our attitude and actions?The Covid Vaccine And Abortion Pt1 - When Good And Evil IntertwineThe Covid Vaccine And Abortion Pt 2 - Guiding Attitudes And Defining The ProblemThe Covid Vaccine And Abortion Pt 3 - Guiding Attitudes And Defining The ProblemThe Christian perspective (57:52)Our world is broken, which gives rise to both moral dilemmas and imperfect solutions (Ecclesiastes 8:14, Job 14:1-2)Christians nevertheless have a positive duty to act out of costly, self-giving love (Colossians 3:17)Everything is under God’s control and the brokenness in the world will one day be redeemed and restored (Revelation 21:1-14)Conclusion (1:02:49)The Christian worldview is sober-minded about the challenge of moral dilemmasNevertheless, we must wrestle with moral dilemmas and live as best we can under God’s rule

On today’s show, Chong and Dan give thanks for a challenging but fulfilling year. We then get into a juicy topic to finish the year: the relationship between religion and politics. Why is it “complicated”? And what are the dangers when Christians idolise politics? Using the Jericho March held in Washington DC on 12 December 2020 as a case study, we explore four kinds of faulty faith:Our personal experience and feeling are paramount (An individualistic faith)God’s purposes are for us (An optimistic faith)We are pure, they are evil (A Manichean faith)We can and must create a better world (A utopian faith)Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesGiving thanks for this year (02:17)What is the relationship between religion and politics? (8:48)Spectrum between no distinction and hard distinctionBut practically - it’s complicated!Background to the case study (16:57)What I Saw at the Jericho MarchWhat happened at the Jericho March (20:45)“The Jericho March was a worrying example of how Christianity can be twisted and drafted into the service of a political ideology” (Source: National Review)Christianity as Ideology: The Cautionary Tale of the Jericho MarchProblem 1: An individualistic faith (28:25)Jericho Marchers were told to trust their own hearts, that what they want is what God wantsLessons for us - Practice discernment; the heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9)Problem 2: An optimistic faith (39:10)“Many of those people declared Trump to be ‘God’s anointed’… they believe that Trump had a special purpose and a special calling” (Source: The Dispatch)Lessons for us - God’s purposes are not necessarily man’s purposes; Christians are called to hope in what’s to come, not to be optimistic about the presentThe Dangerous Idolatry of Christian TrumpismProblem 3: A Manichean faith (46:41)Jericho Marchers were told that they are “children of light”, standing against the agents of darknessLessons for us - The line between good and evil doesn’t run between Trump and Never-Trump, but through every human heart; the Bible teaches that we are no better than our enemies (Romans 3:22-23) and we are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-45)Problem 4: A utopian faith (55:14)“[A speaker] likened the crowd to soldiers preparing for war to restore Eden. ‘We are here to save Earth and its inhabitants,’ he said.” (Source: The American Conservative)Lessons for us - Every political movement that has sought to “improve” society by seizing power and dictating thought/behaviour has led to disaster; at his trial, Jesus said that “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)Conclusion (1:04:38)God takes the long view; as Christians, live (and sacrifice) for His kingdom, not for any kingdom on earth

On today's show, Chong and Dan continue their discussion on Donald Trump. In the previous episode, we tried in good faith to understand Trump and what he represents to his supporters. In this episode, we lay our cards on the table and explain why we think Trump is bad, and why we think it is a good thing that Trump lost his bid for re-election.Even as we take a more critical view, we try to do this as fairly as possible - first, by laying out the facts of what happened during Trump’s presidency and his observable behaviours; and second, by giving our interpretation and opinion of the facts.(This is Part II of a longer discussion. See Episode 13 for Part I. Recorded on 14/15 November 2020.)Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesPreface and caveat (02:59)We recognise the diversity of opinion on TrumpLet's dispense with "what-aboutism" and have an honest reckoningCorruption (06:36)Trump the grifter - before and during officeTrump the norm-destroyerTakeaway: Trump's self-dealing is deeply corrosive to the ideals of public service and proper governanceA quick review of 40 years of investigations into Donald Trump and his businessesThe definitive list of the 20 presidential norms Trump brokeCompetence (28:46)Trump lacks the temperament and ability to do the jobPreference for image over reality shattered by COVID-19 pandemicTakeaway: Trump is not capable of managing, nor hiring the right people to manage, the massive and important machinery of the US GovernmentBreaking with tradition, Trump skips president’s written intelligence report and relies on oral briefingsThe Trump Era Sucks and Needs to Be OverCharacter (53:12)Trump not only fails to embody positive traits, but actively embodies the negative traitsTrump has made his country more angry, anxious and divided, and has brought out the worst in everyoneTakeaway: Trump's character is completely defective, and it has a toxic effect on the entire society (and tarnishes the reputation of Christians who champion him)1 Corinthians 13What happens when Trump gets out of our brains?Conclusion (1:18:20)What is more important for Christians - our witness or our freedom?

On today's show, Chong and Dan are unleashed. Using the 2020 US election as a launching point, we finally get to the topic that has dominated political discussion and general consciousness over the past four years - Donald Trump.We start by recapping what happened in the election and how to interpret the results. We then address the question that has been on everyone’s minds: “What’s the deal with Donald Trump?” Despite his apparent flaws, Trump is on track to win 10 million more votes in 2020 compared to 2016.We think there is a simple, comforting lie and a complex, uncomfortable truth. With great trepidation and in good faith, we delve into the latter in order to better understand Trump and his supporters.(This is Part I of a longer discussion. See Episode 14 for Part II. Recorded on 14/15 November 2020.)Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesThe 2020 US election (09:22)What happened - the stakes, the process, the resultsInterpreting what happenedA word on questioning the results and "voter fraud"Exit Polls Point to the Power of White PatriarchyHow independents, Latino voters and Catholics shifted from 2016 and swung states for Biden and TrumpTrump’s Economy Really Was Better Than Obama’s“Disruptor” of conventional politics (48:59)Trump as the ultimate outsiderEven in power, he tried to maintain this status“Fighter” for back-row America (52:41)People who are struggling and against the elitesPsychological and stylistic attractionDignity by Chris Arnade“Champion” of America-first interests (1:01:26)International arena - trade, diplomacy, warMix of rhetoric and practice“Republican” standard-bearer (1:04:02)Republicans vote for the Republican ¯\_(ツ)_/¯Explains the consistency of his support“Enemy of the Left” (1:07:20)A bulwark against progressivism - for Christians and non-Christians alikeA word on minority groups and why the Left shouldn't take their support for grantedLatinX-plaining the electionImmigrants and the American Dream“Ally” of the religious right (1:25:49)Trump has delivered, transactionally speakingFolk Christianity and Trump worshipChristian Conservatives Respond to Trump’s Loss and Look Ahead

On today's show, Chong and Dan return to the topic of freedom. We start by responding to a thoughtful emailer who questioned the way we traced the popular definition of freedom to the Existentialist movement. We then delve deeper into the idea that freedom is not about lack of constraints, but rather the presence of good constraints that help us to pursue good objectives. We finish by talking about the Christian perspective on freedom - what does it say that we are free from and free for, and why do we think it is compelling?Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesResponding to a thoughtful emailer (02:35)Did we 'straw-man' Existentialism?Ideas matter, and they evolve over timeA different idea of freedom (10:41)Examples of gaining freedom in pursuing good objectives via good constraintsProfessional sport, raising a child, being a moral person, relationshipsThe Christian perspective - 'free from' (32:54)We are free from the bondage of sin"Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship."This is Water by David Foster Wallace (Full Transcript and Audio)The Christian perspective - 'free for' (53:47)We are free to have a relationship with GodChristian freedom is expressed in love of God and love of othersConclusion (1:01:16)A Holy Sonnet by John DonneBatter my heart, three-person'd God

On today’s show, Chong and Dan address the idea of freedom, its promises and perils. We start with a popular definition of freedom ("I can do whatever I want, and not be subject to anything else") and trace its roots to the Existentialist philosophy of the 20th century. We then discuss examples of how this idea is expressed in (Western) society and culture, before tackling the problems with it. Rather than focusing on freedom, should we instead be thinking more carefully about the constraints and aspirations we wish to live by?Connect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesFreedom - definition and roots (06:13)Pop culture definitionExistentialist philosophy - "existence precedes essence"Freedom to (do whatever I want); freedom from (any constraints)Existentialism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)Examples in society and culture (18:13)Disney - Frozen and ZootopiaAdvertisingRick and Morty (Season 1, Episode 8)Natasha Bedingfield - "Unwritten"Youtube - Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten (Official Video)The problems with existential freedom (33:26)No such thing as freedom from everything and freedom to do anythingPursuit of freedom can be at odds with good/evil and human natureThe paradox of freedom - more freedom is not an unambiguous goodConclusion (54:13)A cautionary tale of desiring freedom from Dante's InfernoWikipedia - Dante's Satan

On today’s show, Chong and Dan continue their interview with John McClean. We discuss what it means for Christians to "transform" our culture and use Chong's work as a case study. Finally, using the Benedict Option book as a launching point, we discuss what it looks like for Christians to live and worship in a secularising world.John is Vice Principal of Christ College (in Sydney, NSW) and teaches in the areas of Christian Thought focusing on Systematic Theology and Ethics. He is the convenor of the Gospel, Society and Culture (GS&C) Committee of the Presbyterian Church of NSW and he writes a regular ethics column in the Pulse, the PCNSW magazine. For more information on the GS&C, visit: http://gsandc.org.auConnect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesTheology of culture (7:10)Abraham Kuyper's view - Christians are to bring every sphere of society under the sovereignty of GodCompeting notions - "transform" and "redeem" vs bless and witnessApplying a Christian lens to work (22:03)How Chong thinks of his job (Privacy Consultant) as a ChristianImplications of Christian worldview and practice on our workChristian living and worship (44:13)The Benedict Option book and its prescriptions - personal conversion, spiritual discipline, regular habits and intentional communitiesImportance of embodied and embedded Christian living

On today’s show, Chong and Dan is joined by John McClean to discuss the “culture war” and what Christians should think and do about it. We discuss how the culture war relates to the church’s mission to be a witness and to bless the nations.John is Vice Principal of Christ College (in Sydney, NSW) and teaches in the areas of Christian Thought focusing on Systematic Theology and Ethics. He is the convenor of the Gospel, Society and Culture (GS&C) Committee of the Presbyterian Church of NSW and he writes a regular ethics column in the Pulse, the PCNSW magazine. For more information on the GS&C, visit: http://gsandc.org.auConnect with usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ingoodfaithfmTwitter - https://twitter.com/ingoodfaithfmEmail - ingoodfaithmail@gmail.comShow notesWhat is the “culture war”? (8:17)A fight to define the mainstream cultureHot button issuesWhat is the state of the culture war now, for Christians? (18:49)How does fighting the culture war relate to the mission of the church? (22:30)Living faithfully, being a witness and blessing our culture VS fighting to regain our “Christian foundations”The problem with cultural Christianity and Christian institutions that become embedded within the stateWhere do Christians go from here, in the context of “losing” legal ground? (36:48)Example of abortionNot disengagement; but careful, strategic engagementHow can Christians navigate the magnetic pull of partisan politics? (44:59)Feeling politically homeless VS continuing to serve within political parties - but always guided by grace and loveImportance of relationshipsChong and Dan’s reflections on the interview (55:17)What did we like, what can we apply, and some exhortations for our listeners