Theology In Pieces

Over the last couple of years, the topic of Christian Nationalism has come up a number of times.  And today we're honored to have Dr. Andrew Whitehead on to help us think through this especially during this political season.  Dr. Whitehead is one of the foremost scholars of Christian nationalism in the United States.  He is the author of American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church, which is the subject of much of our conversation and also is the lead author of  Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States. He has been featured in  The New York Times, NPR, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, CNN Today, The Economist, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian. He has been interviewed on NBC News, National Public Radio, and the BBC, among others.  Dr. Whitehead argues at the center of this conversation is Christianity's relationship to power for only a specific group of people and the methods used to obtain and retain it through fear and violence.  All of which are anti-christ.  We hope today's conversation will challenge you to ponder love versus fear in your community.  And we hope to give you 1 or 2 tools to use as you begin conversations with those who embrace this corrupt philosophy/theology.  To learn more about him check out:Twitter: @ndrewwhiteheadhttps://linktr.ee/andrewwhiteheadhttps://andrewwhitehead.substack.com/Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Are you ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride? Buckle up as we navigate the entwined tracks of faith, nationalism, and capitalism. Our spirited discourse leaps from the laughable to the profound, starting with the absurdity of a themed Bible endorsed by a political heavyweight. We'll untangle the motivations behind such moves and what they herald for America's religious and political climate.The tension heightens with a spicy analysis of the US's role in the Israel-Palestine conflict. We scrutinize the paradox of providing both military might and humanitarian relief, emblematic of a greater moral quagmire. Our conversation doesn't stop at the gates of controversy; we pry open the divergent Christian perspectives on Israel, dissecting the web of theology and politics that influence them. The birth of modern Israel post-WWII and its biblical interpretations by Christians are placed under the microscope, revealing layers that many narratives leave concealed.Our episode culminates with a deep reflection fitting for Holy Week, exploring the realms of Christ's submission to divine will and the enigmatic doctrine of his descent into hell, known as "The Harrowing of Hell."  These are not just theological footnotes; they're pivotal to understanding the crux of Christian faith. It's a soul-searching expedition through scripture and doctrine, and whether you're a devout believer or a theological detective, there's something profound waiting for you here. Trump Hawking God Bless the USA bibleUS Aid to Gaza in one image @shaneclaiborneAn Evening with the Holy Post - w/ Malcolm, Kaitlyn Sciess, and Beth Barr - April 15The Church Doesn't Talk Much About Greed - Article interviewing Malcolm.  Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

On this week's podcast we explore the intersection of faith and sports and we're joined by Dr. Paul Putz, the Assistant Dire​ctor of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor's Truett Seminary.  Paul is a friend, basketball phenom, and a historian who has studied the long history of sports in America and the ebbs and flows of its relationship to Christianity.  Listen in to hear not only a historical perspective on the origins of sports like basketball and baseball, but to investigate whether Christians can rightly hold the Christian ethic while simultaneously competing and striving to beat their opponent.  We'll talk about capitalism, NIL, and the addictive nature of sports, as well as the good, the right, the true of using our bodies in games such as these.  To learn more you can  follow Paul on X/twitter: @p_emory, Threads/Instagram: @paulemoryputz, or subscribe to his Substack newsletter, Spirit of the Game or check out his website: https://www.paulemoryputz.com/Faith And Sports Institute at Baylor's Truett SeminaryAlso, read about how James Naismith's descendants recently visited with Paul and Baylor this past year.  Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Is doubt good or bad?  Why is it so hard to find a good Children's Bible?  And what do we do with Romans 13?  Some think its the Be-All argument to always submit to the government, while others see rebellion as the only godly response.   Tune in to hear the guys weigh all this against the backdrop of scripture.  Doubt is a Ladder, Not a Home - Brad East The Quest for a Good Children's Bible - Rabekah HendersonJesus Storybook Bible - Sally Lloyd JonesLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

On today’s podcast, Malcolm declares war on a certain pizza, we respond to some absurdity about empathy, feminism, and the church, revisit penal substitutionary atonement and respond to objections to the Christian Ethic of nonviolence in the world and from the bible.  For more resources on these subjects check out:Episode 21 – Atonement Theories w/ Dr. Jacob Randolph  The Scope and Power of Nonviolent Resistance | Matt. 5:9 | Slim ThompsonSinners in the Hands of a Loving God - Brian ZahndThe Day the Revolution Began, NT WrightConfronting Old Testament Controversies, Tremper LongmanIs God a Moral Monster – Paul CopanNonviolence – Preston SprinkleThe Bible Project- Judgement or CrueltyJoin us as we grapple with the profound implications of God's character and the radical subversion of power and victory through the lens of the cross.Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Should we be worried about DEI? Does Texas’ recent states rights argument set us up for a Civil War? And what do we think about the decline of trust in pastors? All that and we revisit the LGBTQ conversation from a listener’s questions.  Have more questions?  Write in hello@theologyinpieces.comLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

 Your 2023 Theology in Pieces Wrapped is here.  Listen in to hear ours and maybe your BEST thing you read, listened to, watched, and learned.  What surprised you this year?  And what are you Most looking forward to in 2024?  This episode was more reflective, more personal, and more hopeful than most!  But you heard our best.... what's yours? $2.00 A Day - Kathryn Edin and Luke Shaefer All Riches Come from Injustice - Stephen MorrisonPoverty By America - Matthew Desmond---Atomic Habits - James ClearThe Happiness Hypothesis - Jonathan HeidtStill Time to Care - Greg JohnsonLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Do you prefer Blue or Pink?  Action Movies or love novels?  Sports or nah?Today we unpack societal perceptions of gender roles, gender stereotypes, and gender-specific commands in the scripture. We rethink  the one-size-fits-all definition of biblical manhood and womanhood as we survey some of today's leading thinkers views on what it means to be a man and woman.  We can't wait for you to listen and respond!Non Toxic Masculinity - By Zachary WagnerRead some of the articles mentioned here:4 P's of MasculinityA Celebration of Biblical MasculinityDesiring God Article  - "Grooming the Next Generation"The Terrible Tweet of the Day: No Quarter NovemberLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Join us as we attempt to unscramble the unique challenges facing the church's same-sex attracted believers. We respond to listener questions on the feasibility of celibacy,  eternal destiny's, and practically how these things play out in the church, all the while highlighting the importance of humility when navigating these conversations, reminding ourselves to focus on "the log in our eyes" before pointing out "the speck in someone else's."And let's not forget the important things like: background music and holiday debates. When is the ideal time to put up Christmas decorations? Real or fake Christmas trees? Is Turkey the most overrated tradition ever?Whether you're interested in theological discourse or looking for some holiday decor inspiration, this episode offers a rich blend of thought-provoking discussions and lighthearted banter. Join the conversation and listen in!Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Unearth the profound intricacies of spiritual friendships, the Southern Baptist Convention controversy and, surprisingly, horror movies, as we journey alongside our guest, Eve Tushnet. Eve, an award-winning author (Gay and Catholic), blogger and freelance writer, brings her unique insights and experiences to shed light on these thought-provoking topics. The episode takes a bold turn as we grapple with the recent controversies within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) - an amicus brief related to a child abuse case that has far-reaching implications for abuse survivors. We scrutinize the challenging decisions institutions face in such circumstances, highlighting the importance of doing what's right, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. The conversation shifts to the sphere of adoption, ignited by a controversial tweet, sparking a debate on moral obligations and the potential harms and implications of adoption on identity formation.But what’s a conversation without a little touch of the macabre? Eve introduces us to her love for horror movies, sharing her reviews of international Catholic horror films and American classics, and uncovering the unexpected ways horror films can bring messages of hope. To round off this enlightening discussion, we delve into the practical aspects of deepening friendships, with Eve sharing her advice on building and maintaining these crucial relationships. Packed with honest dialogue and intriguing insights, this episode promises to be a riveting exploration of faith, friendship, and films. So, why wait? Tune in and join the conversation.Books by Eve TushnetFollow her @ evetushnet.substack.comLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Are you thirsting for a deeper understanding on complex theological issues? Theology in Pieces tries to give you the tools to see the best arguments on any given theological issue.  Whether it be deeper commitments like baptism - who should it be for?  Or lighter things like terrible theological takes from the Texas Railroad Commissioner and Baal Worship.  Today's episode hits on a variety of issues.  Should baptism be for Believers only?  Or For you and your children?  Acts 2:39 "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”  But we also try to balance all that heavy lifting with a good bit of absurdity.  We detour into the vibrant era of the '90s, solve the mystery of who stole Slim's water bottle and talk about snake handling.  There are also some truly terrible/heinous tweets.  And yet God is good... All the time.  We hope you enjoy. Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Prepare for an in-depth look at what the scriptures have to say about all these questions surrounding Homosexuality.   With the help of the insightful Grant Hartley, co-host of the Life on Side B podcast, we aim to shake the dust off difficult scriptures and bring you a fresh perspective on their meaning.  As Ted Lasso would say, "Be Curious. Not Judgemental."  The 6 passages we'll take an in-depth look at are: Genesis 19Leviticus 18:22Leviticus 20:13Romans 1:26-271 Corinthians 6:91 Timothy 1:10We'll consider some of the best arguments from the affirming view point, disqualify one of these verses from even covering this topic, and look at original Hebrew and Greek.  Get ready for a bible study!  And to lighten things up, we'll let you in on how Slim survived his birthday quest to jump out of an airplane! So, sit back, plug in, and join us on this incredible exploration of faith, culture, sexuality, and gender.Learn more from Grant at his SubstackRead his article on Sodom and GomorrahHis "How One Gay Southern Baptist found Himself drawn to the Catholic Church"Or follow him on Twitter... not X. Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

When life hands you a revelation at 11, it's hard to know where to go from there. That was the turning point for our guest, Dr. Nate Collins, president and founder of Revoice and author of All But Invisible, when he realized his sexuality and embarked on a journey of self-acceptance in a Christian home. With his background in New Testament studies and his experiences at Moody Bible Institute, Dr. Collins shares his profound insights about the intersection of faith and sexuality. The church, while a place of sanctuary for many, can sometimes be a place of struggle for the LGBTQ community. As we navigate through this episode, we delve into the challenges faced by the LGBT Christian community, including those in mixed-orientation marriages and the single struggle within the church. Dr. Collins and the guys unpack how the church's idolization of marriage impacts those who identify as LGBTQ and how the definition of 'gay Christianity' can shift the conversation. As we approach the end of our discussion, we begin to explore the complexities of group formation, identity markers, and how the gospel can provide a better good. We consider how the cultural narratives we're all exposed to shape our perceptions and the role of community and identity within the church. Ultimately, we discuss how our joy is found in our union with Christ and connection with others. Join us for an open conversation about faith, identity, and the church as we learn from Dr. Collins' experiences and insights.Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Are you ready to unpack the controversial subject of biblical sexuality? This robust discourse kicks off with a fun chat with Malcolm, revealing his upcoming book and meet-up with historical icon, Malcolm X. While you might wonder what drink we'd share with any historic figure, prepare for a pivot as we plunge into the pressing question - Is the Bible Pro-Gay? As we traverse this convoluted terrain of sexual ethics, theological perspectives, and biblical views on homosexuality, we invite you to join us and engage in this intense exploration.  But be prepared, as the discomfort might just be the catalyst for profound transformation.  As we proceed, we confront the church's history concerning sexual matters head-on.   We then plead for Christians to lead with humility, curiosity, and openness to where the scriptures may lead us.  As we close the conversation, we contemplate celibacy as the eventual goal for everyone and our mutual responsibility in supporting each other. Don't miss this episode where we candidly discuss the pressing issue of biblical sexuality and its myriad facets.Some Resources to go deeper from a Side A side:God and the Gay Christian by Matthew VinesChanging Our Minds by David GusheeThe Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships by Karen KeenSome Resources to go deeper from a Side B perspective:Still Time to Care by Greg JohnsonWashed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality by Wesley HillAll But Invisible: Exploring Identity Questions at the Intersection of Faith, Gender, and Sexuality by Nate CollinsLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Today had a little bit of Everything as we caught up on our Mailbag answering 2 important questions: What is the biblical definition of headship? What happens to the people on an island who never hear the gospel?  We traversed the tyranny of terrible tweets and found out Malcolm and Slim's favorite empire.  Tune in!  Some resources: Male Headship Wasn’t a Big Deal—Until I was Sexually Harassed by My PastorThe Bible Teaches the Equal Standing of Man and WomanLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

We're back.  And today's episode was initiated by a Terrible Tweet or (X) from a rant a megachurch pastor gave recently in his sermon.  So that prompted the question - Is the Church a Family or a Production?  We then looked at an Article from Jake Meador written in the Atlantic titled: The Misunderstood Reason Millions of Americans Stopped Going to ChurchAnd summarized here: What If Churches Ask for More and No One Says Yes?All that, the usual laughs, and responding to some mailbag and reviews.  What do you think?  Where are we hitting?  Where are we missing?  Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Today 2Pac joins the conversation as we wrestle with seemingly contradictory scriptures surrounding Judgement.  Are Christians to judge one another or not?  Is there ever a time when judgement crosses the line?  Do Paul and Jesus ever agree on anything?  Tune in and find out.  What's your take on Southpark Malcolm?  As always we love hearing from you, so please write in your questions, or share something you were rewarded for!  Southpark MalcolmLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Today we ask the most important question of our or anyone's lifetime: Would Jesus Tik Tok?  We actually go much deeper than that and explore the christian's relationship with technology in our growing digital age.  Thanks to Clara Burns for the episode request! Want to go deeper?  Check out Felicia Wu Song's book: Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence and Place in the Digital Age - amazon.  https://www.ivpress.com/restless-devices  Music referenced: https://music.apple.com/us/album/denomination-blues/392421239?i=392421284https://youtu.be/NoOX9-kcv7gLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

"The basic thrust of the law is if you steal something, you have to give it back. "  - Duke Kwon and Gregory Thompson. (Lev. 6:4-5, Numbers 5:7)Why is this so complicated?  And yet... when the theft in question is hundreds of years of human theft, theft of life, identity, land, compounding wealth, etc.  How do you value that?  $14 Trillion?  Can we really make restitution?  You may say... "But that was my ancestors!"   And yet the Christian call is called to repair, make right, and love.  Join us for this essential and weighty conversation.  We took a little longer, but we're overjoyed to have Duke on the podcast.  If you want to follow him, check him out on Twitter @dukekwondcGet the book - Amazon / Baker Read the Critical Response from Kevin DeYoung on TGCRead Duke and Greg's response: Sanctifying the Status Quo: A Response to Reverend Kevin DeYoung&Distinctively Christian? An Additional Response to Reverend Kevin DeYoungMalcolm and Duke's Upcoming Book: Reparations and the Theological Disciplines: Prophetic Voices for Remembrance, Reckoning, and RepairLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Today we fight.  Listen in as Malcolm and Slim fight like never before over whether we should drop words like 'sin' and even 'should.'  Right before recording, the Southern Baptist Convention came down with a monumental decision regarding women in any pastoral role that will send ripples throughout America. Lastly, Kenneth Copeland found a connection between George Washington, Jesus, and Genesis.  We can't see it. Can you?  SBC VoteCopeland's RantLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.