RZIM: Vital Signs Broadcasts

This week, we're doing something we haven't done in a long time on the Vital Signs podcast: we're giving you a stand-alone episode. Since it's Christmas week, we'll consider the hope of Advent by taking a closer look at Luke's account of Simeon.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

It is certainly not news that our public discourse has grown increasingly hostile. Consequently, there has been a lot of focus on how we vilify our opponents. However, what happens to us when we vilify others? What are the spiritual consequences for this new national pastime? In this six-part series, we'll focus on what our "villainizing" habit does to us. Today, in part six (the final episode of this series), Cameron shows how villainizing creates more and more enemies. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

It is certainly not news that our public discourse has grown increasingly hostile. Consequently, there has been a lot of focus on how we vilify our opponents. However, what happens to us when we vilify others? What are the spiritual consequences for this new national pastime? In this six-part series, we'll focus on what our "villainizing" habit does to us. Today, in part five of six, Cameron looks at how villainizing creates idols.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

It is certainly not news that our public discourse has grown increasingly hostile. Consequently, there has been a lot of focus on how we vilify our opponents. However, what happens to us when we vilify others? What are the spiritual consequences for this new national pastime? In this six-part series, we'll focus on what our "villainizing" habit does to us. Today, in part four of six, Cameron shows how villainizing caters to our worst fantasies.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

It is certainly not news that our public discourse has grown increasingly hostile. Consequently, there has been a lot of focus on how we vilify our opponents. However, what happens to us when we vilify others? What are the spiritual consequences for this new national pastime? In this six-part series, we'll focus on what our "villainizing" habit does to us. Today, in part three of six, Cameron examines the damage that villainizing does to our understanding of God.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

It is certainly not news that our public discourse has grown increasingly hostile. Consequently, there has been a lot of focus on how we vilify our opponents. However, what happens to us when we vilify others? What are the spiritual consequences of this new national pastime? In this six-part series, we'll focus on what our "villainizing" habit does to us. Today, in part two of six, Cameron explores how villainizing destroys our understanding of what it means to be a neighbor. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

It is certainly not news that our public discourse has grown increasingly hostile. Consequently, there has been a lot of focus on how we vilify our opponents. However, what happens to us when we vilify others? What are the spiritual consequences for this new national pastime? In this six-part series, we'll focus on what our "villainizing" habit does to us. Today, in part one, we'll explore how villainizing destroys our sense of truth.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Despite the provocative title, this is a deeply practical series that focuses on how Christians interact with the surrounding culture. Exploring this theme under four headings (seeing, knowing, doing, and changing), the hope is to challenge Christians to hold onto all the strangeness that makes them distinct, and to help those outside the church gain a better understanding of what makes Christian men and women tick. Our final episode considers what it actually means to change the world, and how Christians rely on the power of their Lord, rather than mere human efforts. Don't miss another episode, subscribe wherever podcasts are found. (Quick links: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or Google Play Music)Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Despite the provocative title, this is a deeply practical series that focuses on how Christians interact with the surrounding culture. Exploring this theme under four headings (seeing, knowing, doing, and changing), the hope in this podcast series is to challenge Christians to hold onto all the strangeness that makes them distinct, and to help those outside the church gain a better understanding of what makes Christian men and women tick. In this third episode, we talk about what it is that Christians actually do in their cultural engagement.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Despite the provocative title, this is a deeply practical series that focuses on how Christians interact with the surrounding culture. Exploring this theme under four headings (seeing, knowing, doing, and changing), the hope in this podcast series is to challenge Christians to hold onto all the strangeness that makes them distinct, and to help those outside the church gain a better understanding of what makes Christian men and women tick. In this episode, we consider how to gain a deeper understanding of our culture.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Despite the provocative title, this is a deeply practical series that focuses on how Christians interact with the surrounding culture. Exploring this theme under four headings (seeing, knowing, doing, and changing), the hope in the next four episodes is to challenge Christians to hold onto all the strangeness that makes them distinct, and to help those outside the church gain a better understanding of what makes Christian men and women tick. This episode explores the surprisingly difficult task of actually seeing the culture in which we find ourselves. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Even before the entrance of COVID-19, anxiety levels were skyrocketing in our nation. On the face of it, this seems odd as, relatively speaking, we live in an age of unprecedented wealth, convenience, and connectivity. So, what's wrong with us? In this three-part series, we'll consider anxiety by examining three major illusions of our age: 1) We're in control 2) We're invincible 3) We're immortal. Our final episode explores the illusion of immortality.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Even before the entrance of COVID-19, anxiety levels were skyrocketing in our nation. On the face of it, this seems odd as, relatively speaking, we live in an age of unprecedented wealth, convenience, and connectivity. So, what's wrong with us? In this three-part series, we'll consider anxiety by examining three major illusions of our age: 1) We're in control 2) We're invincible 3) We're immortal. In this first episode, we consider an admittedly strange illusion, namely, that we're invincible. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Even before the entrance of COVID-19, anxiety levels were skyrocketing in our nation. On the face of it, this seems odd as, relatively speaking, we live in an age of unprecedented wealth, convenience, and connectivity. So, what's wrong with us? In this three-part series, we'll consider anxiety by examining three major illusions of our age: 1) We're in control 2) We're invincible 3) We're immortal. In this first episode, we consider the modern illusion that we're in control. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Though we struggle mightily with the concept of communal sin in our 21st century context, it's vital that we recover a basic understanding of wrongdoing that takes us beyond narrow individualism. How else can we account for grave systemic injustice in all of our institutions? Trying to lay the blame at a single person's feet is not only naïve, it vastly oversimplifies the problem. In this six-part series, we'll take a close look at some of our nation's abiding communal sins, taking into account systemic racism, communal sin in politics, the church, the entertainment industry, and the workplace. Having traced these destructive patterns in our cultural moment, we'll then turn to the biblical account of communal sin and see how it both makes sense of our dilemma and offers the only feasible hope. In this final episode, we'll consider the example of the Apostle Peter, a man who experienced a full-blown moral revelation, only to fall back into old prejudices. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Though we struggle mightily with the concept of communal sin in our 21st century context, it's vital that we recover a basic understanding of wrongdoing that takes us beyond narrow individualism. How else can we account for grave systemic injustice in all of our institutions? Trying to lay the blame at a single person's feet is not only naïve, it vastly oversimplifies the problem. In this six-part series, we'll take a close look at some of our nation's abiding communal sins, taking into account systemic racism, communal sin in politics, the church, the entertainment industry, and the workplace. Having traced these destructive patterns in our cultural moment, we'll then turn to the biblical account of communal sin and see how it both makes sense of our dilemma and offers the only feasible hope. In this episode, we consider the gross moral failure of King David. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Though we struggle mightily with the concept of communal sin in our 21st century context, it's vital that we recover a basic understanding of wrongdoing that takes us beyond narrow individualism. How else can we account for grave systemic injustice in all of our institutions? Trying to lay the blame at a single person's feet is not only naïve, it vastly oversimplifies the problem. In this six-part series, we'll take a close look at some of our nation's abiding communal sins, taking into account systemic racism, communal sin in politics, the church, the entertainment industry, and the workplace. Having traced these destructive patterns in our cultural moment, we'll then turn to the biblical account of communal sin and see how it both makes sense of our dilemma and offers the only feasible hope. In this episode, we take a close look at a very disturbing scene in the Old Testament: Achen's sin. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Though we struggle mightily with the concept of communal sin in our 21st century context, it's vital that we recover a basic understanding of wrongdoing that takes us beyond narrow individualism. How else can we account for grave systemic injustice in all of our institutions? Trying to lay the blame at a single person's feet is not only naïve, it vastly oversimplifies the problem. In this six-part series, we'll take a close look at some of our nation's abiding communal sins, taking into account systemic racism, communal sin in politics, the church, the entertainment industry, and the workplace. Having traced these destructive patterns in our cultural moment, we'll then turn to the biblical account of communal sin and see how it both makes sense of our dilemma and offers the only feasible hope. This episode considers the primal instance of sin for the human race, namely, the fall of Adam and Eve. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Though we struggle mightily with the concept of communal sin in our 21st century context, it's vital that we recover a basic understanding of wrongdoing that takes us beyond narrow individualism. How else can we account for grave systemic injustice in all of our institutions? Trying to lay the blame at a single person's feet is not only naïve, it vastly oversimplifies the problem. In this six-part series, we'll take a close look at some of our nation's abiding communal sins, taking into account systemic racism, communal sin in politics, the church, the entertainment industry, and the workplace. Having traced these destructive patterns in our cultural moment, we'll then turn to the biblical account of communal sin and see how it both makes sense of our dilemma and offers the only feasible hope. This episode considers the communal sin of corruption in politics, entertainment, and the workplace.Listen to Part 1Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Though we struggle mightily with the concept of communal sin in our 21st century context, it's vital that we recover a basic understanding of wrongdoing that takes us beyond narrow individualism. How else can we account for grave systemic injustice in all of our institutions? Trying to lay the blame at a single person's feet is not only naïve, it vastly oversimplifies the problem. In this six-part series, we'll take a close look at some of our nation's abiding communal sins, taking into account systemic racism, communal sin in politics, the church, the entertainment industry, and the workplace. Having traced these destructive patterns in our cultural moment, we'll then turn to the biblical account of communal sin and see how it both makes sense of our dilemma and offers the only feasible hope. This episode considers the communal sin of systemic racism.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From racial hatred and ethnic "cleansing" to gross exploitation and rampant sexual abuse, we inhabit a world filled with atrocities and punctuated by unforgivable acts. Consequently, many of us experience unimaginable suffering at the hands of others. At the same time, many of us will also recognize that no healing can take place without forgiveness. But is forgiveness even possible in such circumstances? Where can we find the strength to forgive the unforgiveable? In this 3-part series, we'll explore this harrowing topic. This final episode explores how we can practically forgive the unforgivable in our day-to-day lives.Listen to Part 2Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From racial hatred and ethnic "cleansing" to gross exploitation and rampant sexual abuse, we inhabit a world filled with atrocities and punctuated by unforgivable acts. Consequently, many of us experience unimaginable suffering at the hands of others. At the same time, many of us will also recognize that no healing can take place without forgiveness. But is forgiveness even possible in such circumstances? Where can we find the strength to forgive the unforgiveable? In this 3-part series, we'll explore this harrowing topic. Drawing from Christ's parable of the merciless servant in Matthew 18:23-25, this episode considers how our status as "debtors" before God reframes the discussion on forgiveness.Listen to Part 1Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From racial hatred and ethnic "cleansing" to gross exploitation and rampant sexual abuse, we inhabit a world filled with atrocities and punctuated by unforgivable acts. Consequently, many of us experience unimaginable suffering at the hands of others. At the same time, many of us will also recognize that no healing can take place without forgiveness. But is forgiveness even possible in such circumstances? Where can we find the strength to forgive the unforgiveable? In this 3-part series, we'll explore this harrowing topic. Episode 1 considers the practical ramifications of Romans 5, where Paul informs us that Christ died for us while we were his "enemies." Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From the alarming uptick in mental illness to the increasingly hostile culture wars, ours is a culture shot through with fear and anxiety, much of it fed by a 24/7 news cycle that caters to our hunger for sensationalism. In this atmosphere, how do we avoid falling prey to constant fear and anxiety? Though it may come as a surprise, Christianity has a great deal to say about fear, and in this series we're going to explore a holistic alternative to the constant sense of dread. In this final episode, we talk about the practical implications of the "fear of the Lord."Listen to Part 2Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From the alarming uptick in mental illness to the increasingly hostile culture wars, ours is a culture shot through with fear and anxiety, much of it fed by a 24/7 news cycle that caters to our hunger for sensationalism. In this atmosphere, how do we avoid falling prey to constant fear and anxiety? Though it may come as a surprise, Christianity has a great deal to say about fear, and in this series we're going to explore a holistic alternative to the constant sense of dread. This episode considers our fear of humanity.Listen to Part 1Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

The novelist Marilynne Robinson argues, "Fear operates as an appetite or an addiction. You can never have enough." From the alarming uptick in mental illness to the increasingly hostile culture wars, ours is a culture shot through with fear and anxiety, much of it fed by a 24/7 news cycle that caters to our hunger for sensationalism. In this atmosphere, how do we avoid falling prey to constant fear and anxiety? Though it may come as a surprise, Christianity has a great deal to say about fear, and in this series we're going to explore a holistic alternative to the constant sense of dread. In this episode, we look at the ways in which fear distorts our sense of reality.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

The hiddenness of God is a perennial question, particularly in apologetics circles. Though the issue is frequently explored in philosophical terms, Scripture has a great deal to say on the matter but it frames it in surprising ways. In this series, we'll explore God's hiddenness under three headings: mystery, foolishness, and expectation. This episode focuses on the category of mystery and argues for a more holistic understanding of the word. Listen to Part 2Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

The hiddenness of God is a perennial question, particularly in apologetics circles. Though the issue is frequently explored in philosophical terms, Scripture has a great deal to say on the matter but it frames it in surprising ways. In this series, we'll explore God's hiddenness under three headings: mystery, foolishness, and expectation. This episode focuses on the category of mystery and argues for a more holistic understanding of the word. Listen to Part 1Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

The hiddenness of God is a perennial question, particularly in apologetics circles. Though the issue is frequently explored in philosophical terms, Scripture has a great deal to say on the matter but it frames it in surprising ways. In this series, we'll explore God's hiddenness under three headings: mystery, foolishness, and expectation. This episode focuses on the category of mystery and argues for a more holistic understanding of the word. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

While church leaders often point to the crucial need for rest, it's a luxury that many of us simply don't have. So what do we do? In Matthew 18:28-30, Jesus makes an important distinction between physical rest and soul rest. This two-part series explores that distinction. It's my hope that you'll find encouragement here, even if your life doesn't currently allow you the physical rest you need.Listen to Part 1Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

While church leaders often point to the crucial need for rest, it's a luxury that many of us simply don't have. So what do we do? In Matthew 18:28-30, Jesus makes an important distinction between physical rest and soul rest. This two-part series explores that distinction. It's my hope that you'll find encouragement here, even if your life doesn't currently allow you the physical rest you need.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

In John 2:13-22, we encounter what appears to be a fairly aggressive display of authority as Christ "cleanses" the temple, driving out the livestock and overturning the tables of the money changers. Naturally, the temple authorities want to know what gives him the right to call these shots, and they demand a spiritual sign to verify his authority. Despite their indignation, the question of Christ's authority gets to the heart of his identity, and his magnificent response testifies to this truth. With this in mind, this 3-part series will examine the role of authority in each of our lives and ask the critical question, "Under whose authority are you?" Part 3 argues that Christ is our author, whether we acknowledge him or not, and that our salvation depends on following him. Listen to Part 2Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

In John 2:13-22, we encounter what appears to be a fairly aggressive display of authority as Christ "cleanses" the temple, driving out the livestock and overturning the tables of the money changers. Naturally, the temple authorities want to know what gives him the right to call these shots, and they demand a spiritual sign to verify his authority. Despite their indignation, the question of Christ's authority gets to the heart of his identity, and his magnificent response testifies to this truth. With this in mind, this 3-part series will examine the role of authority in each of our lives and ask the critical question, "Under whose authority are you?" Part 2 considers the consequences of making humanity one's source of authority. Listen to Part 1Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

n John 2:13-22, we encounter what appears to be a fairly aggressive display of authority as Christ "cleanses" the temple, driving out the livestock and overturning the tables of the money changers. Naturally, the temple authorities want to know what gives him the right to call these shots, and they demand a spiritual sign to verify his authority. Despite their indignation, the question of Christ's authority gets to the heart of his identity, and his magnificent response testifies to this truth. With this in mind, this 3-part series will examine the role of authority in each of our lives and ask the critical question, "Under whose authority are you?" Part 1 considers the consequences of making religion one's source of authority.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

To say that our cultural moment is judgmental is to make a point so obvious that it verges on being inane. The engine of our public discourse seems to be equal parts vindictiveness and character assassination. In this charged environment, Christians are often accused of being especially judgmental, and Scripture (the Old Testament in particular) is often singled out as depicting a capricious and judgmental God. However, when we press into scripture, we find that humanity always struggles most with God's mercy—not his judgment. In this two-part series, we'll explore the surprising hope that comes from resting in the God whose mercy never comes as the expense of his justice. Listen to Part 1Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

To say that our cultural moment is judgmental is to make a point so obvious that it verges on being inane. The engine of our public discourse seems to be equal parts vindictiveness and character assassination. In this charged environment, Christians are often accused of being especially judgmental, and Scripture (the Old Testament in particular) is often singled out as depicting a capricious and judgmental God. However, when we press into scripture, we find that humanity always struggles most with God's mercy—not his judgment. In this two-part series, we'll explore the surprising hope that comes from resting in the God whose mercy never comes as the expense of his justice. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From Richard Dawkins to Bill Maher, the widespread hostility toward Christianity in popular culture often causes us to overlook a much prevalent and insidious challenge to the church—namely, the growing sense of apathy about Christ and his kingdom. In the U.S. in particular, many people feel that we've simply outgrown Christianity. In this two-part series, we'll explore the vital task of recovering the significance of Christianity for contemporary people. Listen to Part 1Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From Richard Dawkins to Bill Maher, the widespread hostility toward Christianity in popular culture often causes us to overlook a much prevalent and insidious challenge to the church—namely, the growing sense of apathy about Christ and his kingdom. In the U.S. in particular, many people feel that we've simply outgrown Christianity. In this two-part series, we'll explore the vital task of recovering the significance of Christianity for contemporary people. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From Jesus of Nazareth to the Apostle Paul, the Christian's life is defined by a steadfast devotion to the Kingdom of God, rather than the kingdom of this world. Though Christians don't necessarily see worldly and spiritual success as mutually exclusive, they do prioritize Christ and His kingdom above everything else—a decision that often leads to a life that looks like failure to the surrounding culture. In this 3-part series, we'll discuss the Christian vision of success and see how it challenges the many competing pictures of success. Listen to Part 2 Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From Jesus of Nazareth to the Apostle Paul, the Christian's life is defined by a steadfast devotion to the Kingdom of God, rather than the kingdom of this world. Though Christians don't necessarily see worldly and spiritual success as mutually exclusive, they do prioritize Christ and His kingdom above everything else—a decision that often leads to a life that looks like failure to the surrounding culture. In this 3-part series, we'll discuss the Christian vision of success and see how it challenges the many competing pictures of success. Listen to Part 1 Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From Jesus of Nazareth to the Apostle Paul, the Christian's life is defined by a steadfast devotion to the Kingdom of God, rather than the kingdom of this world. Though Christians don't necessarily see worldly and spiritual success as mutually exclusive, they do prioritize Christ and His kingdom above everything else—a decision that often leads to a life that looks like failure to the surrounding culture. In this 3-part series, we'll discuss the Christian vision of success and see how it challenges the many competing pictures of success. Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Moral judgments are unavoidable. They're also the most dangerous, and have provided the impetus for some of humanity's greatest atrocities. How do we make moral judgments without viewing ourselves as superior to others?Listen to Part 2 Listen on iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

More of an accusation than a question, the mindset behind this phrase is exceedingly popular. Think of Christ's timeless words: "Judge not, that you be not judged. (Matthew 7)" The awkward fact remains: Judgment is unavoidable; we can't not judge. So, how do we learn to make wise judgments, and avoid becoming a judgmental person?Listen to Part 1 Listen on iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Sadly, many people think that Christians are nothing more than hypocrites who hold everyone else to an impossible standard. But if we're honest with ourselves we have to admit that we frequently fail to live up to our own standards. Hypocrisy is not the church's problem; it's not the government's problem; it's not the media's problem; it's our problem. Is there a cure? Is it possible to live a truly authentic life? We'll explore these issues in this series on the challenge of hypocrisy.

Our cultural climate is one of incessant reaction. The pressure to have an opinion on every conceivable subject is pervasive and intense. This episode considers some practical ways of recovering thoughtful responses. Listen to Part 1 Listen on iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Our cultural climate is one of incessant reaction. The pressure to have an opinion on every conceivable subject is pervasive and intense. In this episode, we talk about some of the harmful consequences of this culture of incessant reactions—namely, the cheapening of speech and the perpetuation of confusion. Listen on iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Failure is inevitable, yet many of us are increasingly unprepared for it. Consequently, what ought to lead to no more than disappointment often leads to unremitting turmoil and despair. In the final episode of this 4-part series, we talk about Christianity's liberating perspective on failure.Listen to Part 3 Listen on iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Failure is inevitable, yet many of us are increasingly unprepared for it. Consequently, what ought to lead to no more than disappointment often leads to unremitting turmoil and despair. In part 3 of this 4-part series, we talk about some striking instances of failure in Scripture, and consider how they help to frame the issue.Listen to Part 2 Listen on iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Failure is inevitable, yet many of us are increasingly unprepared for it. Consequently, what ought to lead to no more than disappointment often leads to unremitting turmoil and despair. In part 2 of this 4-part series, we talk about the difficulty of dealing with the success of others.Listen to Part 1 Listen on iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

Failure is inevitable, yet many of us are increasingly unprepared for it. Consequently, what ought to lead to no more than disappointment often leads to unremitting turmoil and despair. In this 4-part series, we'll talk about the ways in which our culture cultivates a set of highly unrealistic expectations regarding success. We'll also discuss the brutal habit of comparing oneself to others, as well as the thorny prospect of enduring the success of others. Finally, we'll turn to the biblical account of failure, and consider how Christianity offers a more holistic response to the inevitable failures that we experience throughout our lives. Listen on iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7

From 13 Reasons Why to S-Town, the topic of suicide is fast becoming a mainstay in popular culture. 13 Reasons Why offers a particularly robust challenge to the carefree individualism that frequently characterizes our thinking. But why are we so preoccupied with self-destruction in the first place? After all, we're healthier, more connected, and more comfortable than we've ever been. Why does our cultural moment seem so very sad? In the final episode in this series, we consider the Christian response to cultural despair.Listen on iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow Cameron on Twitter:@CamMcAllister7 If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.