Luke Simmons and Seth Troutt discuss cultural and theological questions through a biblical lens.
The King & Culture podcast is an insightful and practical discussion of the epidemic of loneliness and disconnectedness in our culture. With a focus on developing friendships, this podcast offers simple and concrete steps that are particularly helpful for men. The hosts do an excellent job of describing the issue of loneliness in our society, providing valuable insights from both personal experiences and biblical teachings.
One of the best aspects of The King & Culture podcast is its ability to address cultural issues head-on without shying away from controversial topics. The hosts are not afraid to tackle tough subjects and delve into them with love and respect for those who may be lost or struggling. This approach sets this podcast apart from others, as it offers a refreshing perspective that aligns with the truth found in the Bible.
Furthermore, the depth of the conversations on this podcast is truly commendable. Listeners feel like they are active participants in the discussions, benefiting from the wealth of knowledge shared by the hosts. The show strikes a balance between being polished enough to remain efficient while still allowing room for real, in-the-moment discussions. This creates an engaging atmosphere where listeners can pause and rewind if needed, ensuring everyone can fully grasp even complex concepts.
However, one potential downside of The King & Culture podcast is that it may not be suitable for those who prefer a more lighthearted approach. While it successfully tackles serious topics with grace and respect, some listeners might find it lacking in humor or levity. Additionally, individuals who have a different understanding or interpretation of Christianity or scripture may feel alienated by this podcast's unapologetic stance on these matters.
In conclusion, The King & Culture podcast is highly recommended for individuals interested in gaining insight into contemporary thought on various topics. It provides valuable perspectives while also affirming longstanding views held by listeners. Despite its serious tone at times, this podcast strikes a balance between delivering important messages and fostering thoughtful discussions that ultimately leave listeners more informed and engaged.
Luke and Seth discuss how demonic powers typically operate, the nature of "culture" and "war," and different approaches Christians take to establishing and contending for norms at various levels. Should Christians engage in "culture war"? If so, how?
Luke, Seth, and guest Brad Edwards discuss The Reason for Church, Brad's new book, and various reasons why it's harder than ever to convince people that the local church is a good thing, sometimes even harder to convince them that Jesus is God or that he's risen from the dead. Why does local church matter? Why does belonging to the body of Christ matter? How does digital technology make local church seem more optional than ever before? How does the decline of institutions shape how people relate to the church? The Reason For Church
Seth and Luke discuss the good side and bad side of comparing yourself to others, letting the tenth commandment serve as a guide. What is envy? How do we fight it? When is being motivated by the success of other's productive or destructive?
Luke and Seth discuss the wisdom literature and how to apply it to various seasons of life. Wisdom, or skill, is seasonal and contextual. How do we apply the Song of Songs? What dangers are there if we apply the book of Ecclesiastes too quickly? Can we run before we walk when it comes to wisdom?
Luke, Seth, and guest Kyle Worley discuss the doctrine of our Union with Christ. Kyle's new book focuses on how you and I are invited to live at home with God in Christ Jesus. Union with Christ is one of the most unbelievable and overlooked realities of Christian salvation.Home With God
Seth and Luke discuss the Roman Catholic Church, looking at places where there is agreement and disagreement with Evangelical Protestantism. Issues like Scripture, tradition, Mary, sacraments, eucharist, the Pope, and justification all factor into how we make sense of the points of overlap and departure. Referenced books: Was the Reformation A Mistake, What It Means to Be Protestant
Seth and Luke tackle more of the questions that were submitted during Ask Anything. They tackle these questions:• What is the church's structure for leadership and accountability from a leadership perspectivewith the pastors and elders? And how does the church approach addressing unrepentant sinwithin the leadership and/or within the body?• We hear from men from preaching on Sundays. Where are the places we can hear and learn fromwomen? And who are they?• What vision would you give to young singles having a hard time finding purpose?• As our church grows and the pastor to member/attended ratio grows, how should we view the role of a pastor at Ironwood in 2025? Said another way, are there ways to feel pastored like a small church pastor would with more “touch” while attending an ever growing church?• I know the church's stance on homosexuality. I would like to know how this church would react/respond to an openly homosexual couple or transgender individual who would regularly attend church.• Why don't we use the extra books that are used in the Orthodox Christian Bible? What is your take on the Gospel of Mary? Mary Magdalene was obviously close to Jesus and why would we exclude her? Male patriarchy?• What is Ironwood's belief about what happens to people immediately after death? Is our soul asleepuntil Christ's 2nd coming, or are we resurrected immediately?• What is the role of the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy in the modern Church?• As pastors what is difficult feedback you have been given in the last year or so and how did you learn and grow from that feedback?• How do you accept when your child decides he or she wants to change their gender?• In all your experience, what is the best way you've seen a couple embrace God in their marriage?ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:- Video from three Ask Anything services in 2024- Wesley Huff video series, "Can I Trust the Bible"
Luke, Seth, and guest Patrick Miller dicuss different ways Christians can respond to being outsiders and exiles in the midst of our complex cultural realities. Patrick gives us six practical ways that Christians can seek the welfare of the dark world into which we've been sent all while maintaining a joyful rather than fussy disposition. https://joyfuloutsiders.com
Seth and Luke take a few minutes to reflect on the origins of the podcast as they reflect on 100 episodes. Then they talk through Ironwood Church's conviction about "Christ & Culture," which forms much of the approach to the King & Culture podcast. Read the conviction statement here: https://www.ironwoodchurch.org/doctrineFinally, they discuss the future of the podcast, how they approach interviews, and invite feedback for possible topics and ideas.
Luke and Seth talk about the sermon series that will occupy much of 2025 — the book of Hebrews. Luke shares about the process for deciding what to preach and arranging the preaching calendar, and then they discuss the key themes, authorship, favorite passages, and other hopes for Ironwood as we explore this remarkable book.For more resources on Hebrews, visit the article on the Ironwood website: http://ironwoodchurch.org/hebrews-overview
Luke, Seth, and guest Trevin Wax discuss various strategies and approaches to connecting with God in a meaningful and reugular way in prayer. They explore the merits of strcuture and routine while considering the issues tha arise if we simply view time with God as self-improvement project or a life-hack. Gospel Coalition: Trevin Wax30 Days Series books
Seth and Luke explore the tensions of Advent. While so much of the Christmas season seems happy and bright, it's also filled with loss and disappointment. They also explore how the early church approached the Advent season in comparison to how most of us think of it. Whether you're in a season of joy or sorrow, this episode will help you lean into Jesus as you wait for His return.
Seth and Luke consider plagues that infect all of our lives: entitlement and cynicism. Though we have so much, we are often so unhappy — grumbling and complaining about all that doesn't go the way we want. Even Christians are susceptible to this dynamic.How can we pursue a different way that allows us to shine in a dark world? By pursuing a life and practices of gratitude and thanksgiving. Seth shares a number of key Bible verses and some helpful practices that individuals and families can do to practice gratitude.
Luke and Seth discuss the results of the 2024 election, looking at the failures of the Pro-Life cause and the success of Trump. Is it wrong to be overly sad or happy about these things? Is there a Christ-less Conservatism that will dominate political thinking the next few years? How will we respond to it? How do we interact with the growing non-Religious Right in light of the mission of God's people? How will the church respond to the coming mental health crisis that Mark Halperin predicted?
Seth and guest Aaron Renn discuss how, since 2014, we've been living in an America that is differently hostile to the Christian faith than ever before. What does that mean for us as the people of God? What does that mean for us both politically and personally?https://www.aaronrenn.comBook: Life In the Negative WorldArticle: Three Worlds of Evangelicalism
Seth and Luke talk through how much the Bible shapes our understanding of various key political issues. They begin with character vs. policy and then dive into 7 of the key issues in the 2024 election:Taxes / EconomyAbortionImmigration & BorderSex & GenderClimate & EnvironmentForeign PolicyCorruption & OppressionJust War Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/king-culture/id1531036631?i=1000642083516
Luke and Seth discuss how Biblical Values have shaped politics in Western Culture. They look at the eight ideologies and six moral taste buds that shape our political engagement.In each one, they explore what the ideology is, how it reflects some biblical good, but how it also is distorted and eventually can lead to a kind of tyranny. The Eight Political Ideologies:1. Liberalism2. Conservatism3. Nationalism4. Democratism5. Socialism6. Marxism7. Economicism8. TechnologismThen they explore the six moral "taste buds" put forth by Jonathan Haidt:CompassionLibertyLoyaltyFairnessAuthoritySanctityBooks Referenced:David Koyzis, Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies: https://amz.run/9WqfJonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion: https://amz.run/9Wqg
Seth and Luke discuss the religious nature of politics and explore John Stuart Mill's "Harm Principle" as it relates to the nature of limited vs unlimited government. Should Christians care about politics? Why? How do you know if you care too much or too little?
Seth and Guest Dr. Andrew Walker discuss the role of creation in establishing ethical norms for both Christians and Non-Christians. Check out Walker's new book Faithful Reason and his article on Natural Order.
Seth and guest Kyle discuss the key differences between Mormon theology and traditional, orthodox Christianity while considering a few strategies that ought to guide our interacts with our LDS neighbors. Follow Kyle here.
Seth and returned host Luke discuss Church Discipline.
Seth and guest Jay discuss his book Analog Church and how digital technology can lead us away from what the Bible teaches us about what the church actually is. Check out Jay's books here
Seth and guest Dan discuss his forthcoming book on Patriotism. Should Christians love their country? How do you know if your affection for your nation is idolatrous? What practices are helpful for developing an appreciate love of America? Check out Dan's website here: https://danieldarling.com
Seth and guest Dr. Miles Smith IV discuss the religious roots of America and to what extent it is true that America was founded as a Christian Nation. Discussed Links: https://davenantinstitute.org/religion-republic
Seth and Cathi discuss how Cathi's story led to her involvement in the Pro-Life cause and how her relationship to Jesus animates her work in the realm of public policy. AZ Policy Website Vineyard Pregnancy CenterHope Women's Center
Seth and guest Nancy Pearcey discuss some of her newest book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She's been described by The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."www.nancypearcey.com/
Seth and guest Dr. Dani Treweek discuss singleness and the church. How did the early church view unmarried people? What does the bible have to say about unmarried people? How can the church grow in her love for and inclusion of unmarried people?Read Dani's book here.
Seth and guest Jennifer Greeberg discuss various misconceptions of joy, how misused bible verses have harmed God's people, and practically discuss how we can follow Jesus who "for the joy set before him endured the cross.
Seth and guest Ashley Lande discuss her journey into and out of the search for God using drugs and pagan spirituality before eventually coming to faith in Jesus.ArticlePre-order Ashley's book here
Seth and guest Josh Butler discuss the four political religions in America and six strategies for how Christians can faithfully engage politically.Buy Josh's book here.
Seth and Luke discuss how to think, speak, and pray about authority figures and leaders.
Seth and Luke discuss the warnings given to the rich in the Bible and the tension that exists between enjoying God's blessings and living with radical generosity.
Luke, Seth, and Guest Ian Harber discuss the crisis of deconstruction and how to walk with people in the process of reconstructing their faith.Ep 24. Deconstructing Deconstruction Ep 12. Decolonizing DeconstructionRead Ian's TGC Article hereSubscribe to Ian's Substack here
Seth and guest Tony Ziolko LPC discuss the nature of trauma and how to develop resilience in ourselves and our children.
Seth and Luke discuss various types of Christian Nationalism and how we should hold our faith in the public square.
Luke and Seth discuss Biblical and historical arguments regarding Just War Theory, Pacifism, and self-defense.
Seth and Luke discuss various spiritual disciplines to experiment with in 2024.
Luke and Seth discuss what God's people were expecting vs what they got when God took on Flesh in Jesus.
Seth and Luke discuss how to think about and pray for Evil Men considering the fact that they are made in the image of God.
Enjoy this recording from Revelation Q&A Night on November 9. Luke and Seth answer questions that had been submitted online and in person.
Seth and Luke discuss the new name of Redemption Gateway, the significance of metaphors for growing in our faith, and the Psalm 1 vision for how we can be a faithful presence as a church.
Luke and Seth discuss CS Lewis' concept of the Inner Ring and how not to "love the glory. that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God." (John 12:43)
Seth and Luke discuss various ways to make sense of the relationships between magic, religion, science, and technology.
Luke & Seth unpack FAQs for the book of Revelation and issues related to eschatology (the study of the last days).Revelation Series Overview w/ resources, songs, and key interpretative issues Alpha & Omega (Revelation w/ Dr. John DelHousaye)Life After Life After DeathGet the Hell off of Earth Mark of the Beast To Be Or Not To Be Left Behind
They're back! In today's episode, Seth and Luke discuss Seth's sabbatical, male insecurity, gender, and the role humiliation plays in virtue development.
Enjoy this replay of one of Luke and Seth's favorite episodes. In this episode, they discuss the importance of both theology and therapy in the life of a Christian.
Enjoy this replay of one of Seth and Luke's favorite episodes. They discuss the dangers of conforming with the secular right and the importance of following the heart of Christ.
Please enjoy this replay of one of Seth and Luke's favorite episodes. They reframe what 'taking God's name in vain' looks like and how we can honor God's name in our speech and words.
Enjoy this replay of one of Luke and Seth's favorite episodes. This episode originated in a mini-series about Seth's dissertation.
Enjoy this replay of one of Seth and Luke's favorite episodes. They discuss what the bible says and doesn't say and the ways in which our culture possesses 'The Mark of the Beast
Seth welcomes special guest Dr. John DelHousaye to discuss the book of Revelation. They ask how to interpret it, how to submit to it, and how to live in light of the End of History. Chiasm diagram
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