ReThinking Christianity

Feeling worn down by your spiritual journey? You're not alone. I've been there too, wrestling with faith fatigue and the complex dance with deeply ingrained beliefs. After stepping back to breathe amidst life's relentless pace, I'm back with heartfelt thanks for your patience and eagerness for more discussions. This time, we're peeling back the layers of spiritual exhaustion, addressing the pressures of a rigid belief system, and the challenges faced when those sacred convictions are called into question. Join me as we navigate the often rocky terrain of faith, ministry, and the search for answers that are far from black and white.This episode also casts a reflective glance at the profound influence Christianity has had on our lives, particularly through the lens of white Christianity's role in shaping our views on race, social class, and cultural discourse. We'll confront the uncomfortable questions surrounding the historical and contemporary use of Christianity in cultural imperialism and political power plays. More than that, we'll explore the journey to separate who we are from the faith we've practiced. Listen as I recount a simple social media clip that stirred a fresh perspective on my beliefs and invited me to embrace the uncertainty that comes with a truly candid exploration of faith.Subscribe to our Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/ioE3eYFollow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rethinkingchristianitypodcast/

Welcome to an incisive conversation with Kaitlyn Schiess, the brilliant mind behind "The Ballot and the Bible." We've all experienced that challenging intersection of politics, faith, and scriptures. Kaitlyn, with her deep-rooted understanding of this tryst, steers us through her personal journey, from evangelical upbringing to studying at Liberty University amidst the 2016 election. A compelling narrative, questioning Donald Trump's approach to the Bible, ensues, presenting a poignant critique on the intersection of faith and politics.Our fascinating exploration digs into the profound influence Christianity and scriptures have wielded over American politics since its inception. Imagine biblical language used to describe political dissenters during the Revolutionary War! Yes, we uncover such striking instances and turn our lens on the 'City on a Hill' metaphor by John Winthrop, revealing its darker implications. The picture of how this metaphor justified violent land acquisition in America stands testament to the power of scripture when twisted for political ends.As we wrap up, fear not! We steer the conversation towards hope, dissecting the potential for a positive use of scriptural language in politics. The uphill task of conversing with individuals deeply set in their beliefs unfolds, along with strategies to navigate such conversations. We also attempt to understand the role of fear and interpretations of scripture on politics, referencing popular works like the Left Behind series. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that will leave you pondering over the complex intersection of faith, politics, and the Bible.

What does it truly mean to love your neighbor as yourself? Let's take a journey through the essence of Jesus' teachings, as we dissect the story of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10. Uncovering how this principle, meant to spread love, has been manipulated to erect barriers and sow division, we explore the role of biases in distorting our definition of the word "neighbor". Get ready to challenge the status quo as we ponder on the question, "Who is my neighbor?" We confront the ways in which we often redefine our neighbors based on our comfort and prejudices. Drawing from my own spiritual experiences, I share insights on how spirituality should serve as a catalyst for love and understanding, not a justification for hate and division. Together, we'll learn to view our opposition as the model neighbor, invoking the spirit of grace as Jesus did.

When we think of church culture, the image of a rigid, fundamentalist environment often comes to mind. But what if church could be a place for open dialogue and contemplation, a welcoming space that embraces questions rather than quashing them? Join me as I sit down with Benjamin Cremer and talk through what this can look like. Benjamin is a very popular voice on Twitter and Instagram where he shares different thoughts on Christianity, the Church, and the Scriptures. You can follow Benjamin on Socials below and subscribe to his newsletter as well! Instagram | Follow HereNewsletter | Subscribe HereTwitter| Follow Here

Can faith reside comfortably with doubt? I have grappled personally with this paradox, questioning my beliefs and the pressures of evangelical expectations. Today's episode will take you through my journey of embracing the uncertainty and finding peace in not having all the answers. We're going to redefine faith, not as a destination, but as an ongoing expedition, a continual exploration of life's greatest mysteries. As we delve deeper into this journey, we'll be wrestling with doubt and faith, examining how they can coexist and even enhance our relationship with the divine. It's time to discard the burdens of omniscience, let go of the need for certainty and embrace the humility that comes from admitting we don't have all the answers. If you've ever wrestled with your faith, questioned your beliefs, or sought a greater understanding of your spiritual journey, this episode is a sanctuary for your thoughts and an invitation to a compassionate conversation. Let's find comfort in the uncertainty together.

What if you found a spiritual tool that could help you navigate through your feelings of confusion and pain towards peace and redemption? That's exactly what we'll be unpacking in our latest episode of the Rethinking Christianity podcast. We delve into the profound concept of lamenting, that age-old Christian discipline where we reflect on our internal world and the circumstances that surround us. We discuss the chaos that life often throws our way and how lamenting provides an avenue to bring these tumultuous emotions before God, a vital aspect of the Christian life.

Ever felt overwhelmed by the fast-paced, results-driven American way of life? Longing for a deeper, more meaningful connection with Jesus and others? Join us as we explore the power of slowing down and walking with Jesus in this insightful discussion with Kyle Idleman, pastor of Southeast Christian Church and author of When Your Way Isn't Working.Follow us as we uncover the importance of abiding with Jesus, as highlighted in John 15, and discuss how our desire for immediate solutions and measurable results can overshadow the power of connection and spiritual growth. Learn how to strike a balance between spiritual formation practices and connection, with our motivation rooted in relationship rather than production. Lastly, discover practical ways to intentionally create space for rest, connection, and abiding in God's rhythms. Delve into the significance of connecting with other believers and how it can help us stay connected to Jesus. Let's reorient our lives towards a more fulfilling and meaningful connection with Jesus and others, together.

What even is Church in the first place? | EP#45

Why are we so careful when we talk about God? | EP#44

I sit down with Dr. John Walton to talk through his newest title "Wisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament InterpretationYou can buy the title through this link to our store! Check out other titles from guests there as well! Buy Here!

Shane Claiborne | ReThinking Life & What it Really Means to be "Pro Life"Check out all guests of RTC Books Here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/blake.fine?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfblake.fine_H8JYTKCQ310QA2FAMPJW

Matthew Lynch | Old Testament Violence & The Shalom of God | Episode 41Check out all guests of RTC Books Here: ReThinking Christianity Storefront

Asbury, Revival, Rhett & Link | ReThinking Christianity - Episode 40

Heather Hamilton | Returning to Eden |   Episode 39Buy Heather's New Book here - https://amzn.to/3xwdUQEHeather's Website - https://www.returningtoeden.com

A Christmas Special | ReThinking Christianity - Episode 38

Jesus & Our Humility - Episode 37

Jon Collins (The Bible Project) | ReThinking Christianity - Episode 36

On this episode I sat down and talked with Thomas Jay Oord about his latest book Plurifom Love as well as different aspects of Open and Relational Theology.Find some of his work through the link here.Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/rethinkingchristianitypodcast/https://www.facebook.com/ReThinkingChristianity

On this episode of ReThinking Christianity I sat down with Zach Lambert who is the pastor of Restore Austin. Zach shares many of his thoughts through his twitter at https://twitter.com/ZachWLambertFollow us on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/rethinkingchristianitypodcast/https://www.facebook.com/ReThinkingChristianity

Trevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Cedarville University. He has a new title out "The Thrill of Orthodoxy." You can purchase the title here: The Thrill of Orthodoxy 

On todays episode I sat down with Michelle Ferrigno Warren to discuss her new title Join the Resistance published with InterVarsity Press.You can buy her new title here: https://www.amazon.com/Join-Resistance-Step-KingdomCheck out more from Michell Ferrigno Warren at her website: https://michelleferrignowarren.com

Caleb & I sit down to discuss our thoughts on our most recent interview with Bishop Claude Alexander.----------------------------------------------On a previous episode I sat down with Bishop Claude Alexander to discuss his title "Necessary Christianity: What Jesus Shows We Must Be and Do."You can purchase his title here: https://www.amazon.com/Necessary-Christianity-What-Jesus-Shows/dp/1514005700/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/rethinkingchristianitypodcast/https://www.facebook.com/ReThinkingChristianity

On today's episode I sat down with Bishop Claude Alexander to discuss his title "Necessary Christianity: What Jesus Shows We Must Be and Do."You can purchase his title here: https://www.amazon.com/Necessary-Christianity-What-Jesus-Shows/dp/1514005700/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/rethinkingchristianitypodcast/https://www.facebook.com/ReThinkingChristianity

In our world and in the church there is clearly a lot of chaos and with that the need for hope. In this episode I talk through some thoughts about chaos and observations I have of how we can bring about hope around us. Follow ReThinking Christianity on Instagram @ReThinkingChristianityPodcastContact a ReThinking Christianity at https://blakefine.org/rethinkingchristianity/

On Todays Episode I sit down with Brian McLaren to talk about his new upcoming titled called "Do I Stay Christian?" It was a great conversation all around a question that many people find themselves asking. Amazon Link Brian's New Title: Do I Stay Christian?

On this episode I sat down with Dan McClellan as we discussed his background in working with Biblical Studies. He puts out a lot of response videos over on TikTok and YouTube. You can find more about through the links below. We encourage you to check out his work! Dan's TikTok Channel | https://www.tiktok.com/@maklelanDan's YouTube Channel | https://www.youtube.com/user/maklelan

On this episode I talk with Jared Stacy on Conspiracy Theories and their influences on the Modern Evangelical Church. You can find more of Jared's work through his website  | https://jaredstacy.comFollow Jared on Twitter | https://twitter.com/jaredstacy

On this week's episode Caleb and I discuss what it looks like to reclaim how we read and approach the Bible! Some of the resources we mention in the episode are linked below! Exploring My Strange BibleFollow us on Instagram @ ReThinkingChristianityPodcast

On this week's episode Caleb & I discuss a few different perspectives on prayer and how we have viewed prayer in our Christian walk. Follow us on Instagram: ReThinking Christianity Podcast Check out our Youtube Channel: ReThinking Christianity

On this episode I sat down and interviewed author Jake Meador for his new title "What Are Christians For?" You can find this book on Amazon and more of Jake's writing at the website: https://mereorthodoxy.comAmazon link to Jake's book: What Are Christians For?

This week, we hear from Blake about what led him to begin rethinking Christianity. If you grew up in the evangelical tradition, you might relate to his story.Follow us on Instagram at ReThinking Christianity Podcast

This week, we hear from Caleb about what led him to begin rethinking Christianity. If you grew up in the evangelical tradition, you might relate to his story.Follow us on Instagram at ReThinking Christianity Podcast

We keep hearing about the increasing numbers of people who are leaving the church. But, there seems to be a lot of confusion about why. Many pastors have tried to give their opinions on the deconstruction process, but those experiencing it feel that they aren't listened to or even heard. With all the misunderstanding and calls for improvement, we wanted to begin this season talking about some of these reasons for the growing exodus out of the American evangelical church. Keep up with our conversations and other content on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rethinkingchristianitypodcast/

We are so excited to bring you this conversation as we look back at this season, reflecting on where we have been and where we are going. We have some great things coming up and you don't want to miss it.Follow us  @rethinkingchristianitypodcast

On this week's episode I interview Ed Litton, Pastor & the current Southern Baptist Convention President. He spoke from his heart on his convictions about what he hopes to see within the church as a whole and within the Southern Baptist Convention. I hope that this interview can be encouraging for you and presents his perspective. 

Joan Chittister is one of the most influential religious and social leaders of our time. For 50 years she has passionately advocated on behalf of peace, human rights, women's issues, and church renewal. A much sought-after speaker, counselor and clear voice that bridges across all religions, she is also a best-selling author of more than 60 books. This interview was focused on her newest title "The Monastic Heart." This book is all about bringing life and contemplation of the monestary to the everyday life of people. As I have personally been reading through this book and finding new challenges from my own spiritual walk and practiceFind Sister Joan's New Book through the link below:The Monastic Heart

I had a great time talking with Alan Noble  on his new book coming out with InterVarsity Press titled "You Are Not Your: Own Belonging to God in an Inhuman World."We discussed the ideas of how society, culture, and the world is shaping how we operate as humans. In the book Noble explores how this simple truth reframes the way we understand ourselves, our families, our society, and God. Contrasting these two visions of life, he invites us past the sickness of contemporary life into a better understanding of who we are and to whom we belong.Get Alan's Book Here"You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World."You can find more of Alan's content at his website www.oalannoble.com

I had a great time speaking with Josh Mcnall about about his new book titled "Perhaps" coming out on September 21st. The Christian life requires faith. That means that believers are sometimes faced with uncertainty. But is all uncertainty bad?  Josh encourages readers to reclaim the little word "perhaps" as a sacred space between the warring extremes of unchecked doubt and zealous dogmatism. In this day especially, it's time Christians learned to say "perhaps.Josh's Blog & Website: https://joshuamcnall.comJosh's Book| Perhaps: Reclaiming The Space Between Doubt & Dogmatism

Could the Church and the systems that it operates within potentially be more American than actually Christian? I sit down with Drew Anderson author of "No Longer Self Evident"  to discuss this question.You can find Drew's book No Longer Self Evident here. Along with some of Drew's writings at the blog Jeremiah's VowFollow us on Instagram @rethinkingchristianitypodcast

What if our first response to the world around us—to the angry Twitter threads, the fear mongering headlines, the pains of our brothers and sisters—was love? On this episode of ReThinking Christianity I talk with Ashley Abercrombie on the subjects of her new book "Love is the Resistance. In addressing the heated public discourse that we absorb daily, Ashley observes that we, as Christians, have joined in “the ruthless pursuit of being right and destroying adversaries.” The conversation with Ashley was all centered on the issues around handling disagreements  and conflict as Followers of Jesus. Go buy Ashley's new book Love Is the Resistance here. You can also find Ashley's content and social media through her website https://www.ashabercrombie.org

Many people are angry with the Church & Christianity. Because of this many people are choosing to leave the Christian faith all together. In this episode I discuss some of the reasons for such anger and how to potentially process through these frustrations. My hope is that this episode could help you move forward from your anger and frustrations. Follow our Instagram: @ReThinkingChristianityPodcast

What does it look like to follow Jesus on a day to day basis? On this episode I interview Mark Scandrette who has a new book out titled "The Ninefold Path of Jesus: Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes." In this conversation we discuss his new book at what the Ninefold Path of Jesus looks like. Check out Mark's new book here!You can find more of Mark's resources at http://www.markscandrette.com

The Bible is a book that has had a lot of influence on millions of people and for many it can cause a lot of questions and doubts in their faith. On this episode I talk with Pete Enns on the Bible and How the Bible Actually Works. Pete offers insights on the Bible along with how to work through faith & doubt in the midst of working through struggles with the Bible. Check out some of Pete's resources here: https://peteenns.com/books/books-for-normal-people/Also check out The Bible for Normal People Podcast! 

On this episode Meghan Tschanz, author of Women Rising, joins me to to talk about her new book "Women Rising" and the journey that led her to write it. Meghan is a writer, speaker, and former missionary who is passionate about empowering women and reclaiming feminism for the Christian faith. You can find Meghan's new book here:  Women Rising: Learning to Listen, Reclaiming Our Voice

There has been a lot of discussion in the Christian world around the term "evangelical." This word has drawn up a lot of negative connotations over the last few years and the American Evangelical Church has received a lot of deserved criticism. Tim is a voice of criticism that is being an aid to others as they work through their frustrations with the American Church and Christianity as a whole. On this episode I interview Tim on his own faith, deconstruction, and some of his own  issues with the church.  Tim runs a popular instagram page called "The New Evangelicals" where he uses the voice that he has to challenge and push against the narrative of what the Evangelical Church has become. Instagram: The New Evangelicals

When it comes to the Bible we often approach it with many misconceptions and ideas. Because of such misconceptions and ideas it can be easy to not fully appreciate the work it takes in reading it. On this episode I interview Dr. Michael Heiser on rethinking how we approach the Bible. Dr. Heiser is a Biblical Scholar, Author, and host of The Naked Bible Podcast. He has many resources on numerous topics regarding the Bible that you can find through his website and social media. You can find more resources of Dr. Heiser's at his website here.  You should definitely check it out!Follow the Instagram for the podcast @rethinkingchristianitypodcast

As many people deal with doubt in their faith it is often viewed in a negative or taboo way. This does not seem like the most helpful way to view doubt or the best way to work through doubt. Doubt can be something that is helpful and is a tool that God uses to grow us deeper and change certain things in us that are helpful. On this episode I discuss how doubt can be a tool that God uses that makes us go deeper and reflect on ideas and beliefs that we have accepted. Follow me on Instagram: @blakefine @rethinkingchristianitypodcastCheck out my blog:  https://blakefine.org

There are often doubt's that arise in the midst of one's faith and in the seeking to understand God. I have struggled with this at different times along with many others. On this episode, I discuss how there can be beauty found in the midst of our doubt and how doubt can be a tool that challenges our faith and our view of God. Book Mentioned in Episode: The Sin of Certainity by Peter EnnsFollow me on Instagram: @blake.fineCheck out my blog: https://blakefine.org

On today's episode I discuss what it means to go deeper in faith and what that means as we challenge ourselves as followers of Jesus. Some of the thoughts I present are reflective of thoughts discussed in Episode 2 on Why ReThink and What to Rethink? As we challenge ourselves to go deeper we should be people questioning the origins of our own personal faith and how seek to understand what we believe and how we can challenge ourselves in what we believe. 

On this episode I interview Grant Skeldon the Next Gen Director at Q Ideas and the Author of the Passion Generation. Grant and I discuss discipleship, unity, and comparison. Grant gives great insight of the need for discipleship and community among young people and often the lack of it. This conversation was super helpful in my thinking on discipleship and I hope it can be beneficial to you also! Check out some of Grant's work at the links below where you can find his book on Amazon and his website! http://grantskeldon.comhttps://www.amazon.com/Passion-Generation-Definitely-Disruptive-Millennials/dp/0310351855/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=grant+skeldon&qid=1611097951&sr=8-1

Mark Scandrette is an author, teacher and coach for leaders and teams who want to create a better world from the inside out. He is the founding director of ReIMAGINE: A Center for Integral Christian Practice, where he leads an annual series of retreats, workshops and projects designed to help participants apply spiritual wisdom to everyday life.  His most recent books include FREE, Practicing the Way of Jesus, Belonging and Becoming and The Ninefold Path Notebook.Mark and I discuss his growing up, spiritual formation, practicing the way of Jesus, and even the future of the church post cover-19 and 2020. This conversation was super helpful and enlightening to me and I feel it will be the same for you also. Below is a link to some of Mark's books that he has written and his website. Books: https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Scandrette/e/B001JSBV2S?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1609208226&sr=8-2 Website: http://www.markscandrette.com