ReThink Mission

In this final episode of Identity we wrap up the discussion by presenting the ancient Christian concept of identity formation and what it looked like in the Early Church.

In this episode we review the major topics that were covered in the last 11 weeks. We push in on the social basis for our identities and recognize that our identities are not formed singularly but rather collectively.

In this episode of Teleology we unpack the four causes by Aristotle and examine the role of final causality in our search for meaning. Briefly unpacking the scientific progress that resulted from ignoring final causes and focusing upon material, formal, and effecient causality we discover the roots of our mechanical understanding. Then we explore how this has resulted in a loss of meaning and purpose in our lives.

In this episode we discuss the history of Nationalism and the idea of a nation state. What does it mean to be an American? What is an american? To whom should we be loyal? How should a government relate to its people?

Universal Humanism is the idea that a person should be loyal to the human race. In this episode we uncover the complex history of different cultures and ideas that believe in Universal Humanism.

This first of three episodes deals with Race, ethnicity and tribalism. In this episode we focus upon the history and impact of these ways of understanding ourselves in the world.

How should people relate to the physical world? Should humans control the world and force it to conform to their expectations or should humans conform their expectations to the physical world? What does it mean to live in the world and use it resources?

In the secod of this two part episode we discuss the ethical paradigm of Fear and Power as way of navigating good and evil in the world. There are several methods cultures use to navigate the ethical problems in the world, Guilt Innocence, Honor and Shame, Fear and Power. In this second part we discuss child sacrifce and fear and power.

In this two part episode we discuss the ethical paradigm of Guilt and Innocence and Honor and Shame as way of navigating good and evil. There are several methods cultures use to navigate the ethical problems in the world, Guilt Innocence, Honor and Shame, Fear and Power. In this two part series we discuss Guilt and Innocence and Honor and Shame.

In this episode we discuss the Porous Self vs the Buffered Self. Building on ideas present in Charles Taylor's work on Secularism this episode discusses the different ways in which we find ourselves insulated from the problems of life and death by setting up buffers which prevent us from feeling the pain of life.

Charles Taylor seminal work A Secular Age conveys the idea of how secular people live buffered lives. A buffered life is a life that is protected from the life and death issues which many people have to contend.

In this episode we uncover the roots of our desire to be authentic. Authenticity is a halmark of many cultures today and we explore the consequences of this emphasis for the American context.

In this Identity episode vwe discuss the topic of Individualism. How does individualism compare to other ways of bering in the world. Is Christianity only for individuals or can people with a more collective understanding serve God.

Starting our second season we begin with our Identity series. In this series we discuss what it means to be a person in the 21st century. We will begin with the concept of Plausibility Structures.

In this second part Monica and Mike finish up the conversation about Ukraine. You can find more information about Mission: Ukraine at www.wished1.net. Thank you all for a great season we look forward to season two.

In this episode Monica and Mike begin a conversation about Ukraine. You can find more information about Mission: Ukraine at www.wished1.net. Feel free to contact us at dr.mikebrown@rethinkjcmission.org .

In this final episode of Supernatural we close out the series talking with Pastor Brad Terhune. Mike Monica and Brad dance around the theme of Supernatural and close out the series with practical thoughts on what it all means.

In this episode we interview Pastors David Kelly and Brian Burke in their ministry, Well Springs. We discuss how the ministry began and what it means in the developing new context.

In this episode we interview scholar Craig Keener and talk about some of his most recent work in Miracles. He relates multiple experiences and multiple accounts of what is happening all over the world in terms of Miracles.

In this third episode of Supernatural, we relate multiple stores and experiences that connect to the so called supernatural world. We examine multiple sources and provide layers of understanding pointing out that some of the very arguments of the podcast are over a hundred years old but still valid.

In this second episode of Supernatural we discuss the deep and complicated history of creation. We begin by talking about Augustines ideas of God's relationship to creating and sustaing creation. We also discuss Aquinas' conception of God's creating and sustaining power, and finally we end with a discussion about Dunns Scotus and the enlightenment.

Building on the information shared in the previous series Jesus and Mission we broach the topic of what is Natural and what is Supernatural. We set the stage for the six episode series by looking at different ideas involved in this topic. We talk about how Miracles are used in the Christian Scriptures and what some of the language means.

In this final episode about Jesus and Mission Monica and Mike discuss the revolt in 74 AD with a Guest.

In this final episode of Jesus and Mission we examine the last days of the Jewish nation in 74 A.D. the revolt in 66 A.D. culminates in the disastrous out come of the destruction of the Temple and the nation of Israel.

In this two part episode we discuss the revolt culminating in the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. In the first part we discuss how the revolt occurred and the Battle of Beth Horon.

This episode discusses Jesus crucifixion and how it became understood as a sacrifice. This episode discusses Jesus death.

Jesus' Political Life and Death. We discuss the complex relationship Jesus had with rulers and authorities and why it was necessary for him to die.

In this week we discuss Jesus' mission to the nations. How did a 1st century Jew become the hope of the world?

In this last Podcast of the Advent Season Monica and Mike talk about Jesus' teaching on love, they discuss marxism and its influence in christian thinking.

Week seventeen: Love Your Neighbor. In this week we discuss Jesus' teaching about Love. We focus upon what it means to take Jesus teaching seriously.

In this episode we discuss how to understand Jesus teaching and what he was trying to say to the world. We contrast this against those who wish to read current political/historical narratives onto Jesus' teaching.

Week sixteen: We discuss Isaiah 42,49, 53. Jesus' calling and mission to the lost. We analyze the claim that God prefers the poor and Jesus is for the marginalized.

In this bonus Episode Monica and Mike discuss episode 13, 14, and 15. We discuss the Kingdom of God and Jesus mission and

In this discussion we focus upon the Jewish people and how Jesus is reconstituting Israel. We talk about belonging and what it means to belong to a group or group citizenship. We discussion the Sermon on the Mount and the difference between Jewish ethics and Greek Ethics.

This week we discuss the Healing ministry of Jesus. In this week we discuss the effect of Jesus healing the sick, casting out demons and controlling the power of nature.

In this episode we discuss the idea of the Kingdom of God and Jesus' mission to create it. We talk about the anointing of Christ as prophet priest and king.We discuss Jesus identity as a dyadic person who receives his mission from his Father.

Brad and Monica join our bonus episode talking about the Kingdom of God.

We begin by examining Jesus' proclamation to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. We discuss the reality of Kingdom and what a kingdom means.

In week 11 we discuss the Zealots and the Jewish resistance to Roman / foreign rule. The zealots are constantly attempting to create social unrest and open revolt. What were Jewish expectations for the Messiah?

The conquest of Herod the Great. Conquest, politics and place in the Jewish mind. How did an Idumean come to be in charge of Jews? How did Rome get involved in Israel. This podcast we find out.

Another Surprise Bonus week. This week we bring a guest on to discuss the Hasmonean Revolt and the rise of Rome!

Roman history, Roman world-view. Roman military, Roman warfare, The Punic wars, Hannibal. Roman mentality of complete domination or complete destruction. We discuss shrewd Roman politics.

The Jews revolt against foreign rule. This changes the post exile mindset. Oppression is not from God. Self rule is idealized. How the Jews gained independence.

Another bonus episode. This week Monica Nall and Michael Brown discuss the implications from the week 7 release, on Dark powers.

Today we discuss healings power and wonder workers in the ancient world. We take a look at the magic papyri and we discuss the difference between religion today and religion in the ancient world. They view humanity as under the control of dark powers.

Today we discuss social dynamics. We lay the foundation for understanding 1st century interpersonal social networks. We talk about agonistic societies, and the competition for the limited resource of honor and shame. We discuss the importance of friendship and family in the ancient world.

We lay the foundations for cultural conflict and the foundations for Pharasees Sadducees, Antiochus Epiphanies. Hellenization is a major problem for the Jews.

Week 4 bonus material! This week Monica Nall and Mike Brown review the controversial material in week four.

In this week we discuss what it means to be a person in the ancient world. We discuss some things like relationships religion and Dark powers.

We contrast Jewish thought world against the Greek polis; Jewish people understood God in terms of punishment and covenant.

We provide a brief introduction to Greek philosophy and the importance of the polis, we discuss The Iliad. We introduce the idea of Hellenization and how it influenced the culture and the world.