Faithfully Navigating the Internet
Have you ever felt adrift in a sea of individualism, yearning for a story larger than your own? In this episode of Dialogos, we confront the erosion of collective narratives and the surge of self-consciousness that shapes our modern existence. We explore how birth control has redefined personal choices and societal frameworks, untangling its subtle influence on the tales we tell ourselves and others.At the heart of our discussion lies a paradox: adopting an identity within a community—most profoundly through the journey of becoming a mother or father—offers a tether to a grander narrative, a sense of purpose beyond the self. Yet, this embrace of the communal comes at a cost: the quiet death of our personal narratives, those self-conscious identities we've so carefully crafted.Join us as we wrestle with these soul-stirring questions: Can parenthood anchor us in a fragmented world, or does it demand the surrender of our individual dreams? How do we reconcile the longing for personal expression with the call of communal belonging? Through the lenses of philosophy and theology, we probe the spiritual ripples of these shifts, seeking to understand what they reveal about our quest for meaning in an age of disconnection.We invite you to step into this Dialogos—a conversation that unearths the tensions and triumphs of identity, community, and sacrifice.
Imagine a tiny baby, adrift on the Nile in a woven basket, his life hanging in the balance. This is the birth of Moses—a story of danger, divine protection, and destiny. In this 22-minute video, we dive into Exodus 2 to explore how this fragile beginning sets the stage for Israel's deliverance and echoes a greater salvation that reverberates through time.Join me as we trace the Israelites' journey from refuge to slavery, uncovering how Joseph's forgiveness brought them to Egypt's doorstep. We'll witness the birth of Moses—a child spared from Pharaoh's decree, destined to lead his people to freedom. Along the way, we'll unpack the striking parallels between Moses and Jesus, both deliverers who emerged from peril to fulfill God's plan. From the waters of the Nile to the shadow of the cross, this narrative weaves destruction and salvation into a single, powerful thread. What can Moses' birth teach us about trusting God in uncertain times? Let's pull on this thread together and uncover its truth for today.
Have you ever stopped to ponder why the word 'worship' echoes through so many conversations, yet its definition seems to morph with every group that claims it? In this episode of Dialogos, we embark on an immersive journey into the heart of this enigmatic term, unraveling its philosophical and theological layers. What does 'worship' reveal about our grappling with unknowingness, our dance with chaos, and our yearning for order? Can any one faith, denomination, or tradition truly assert that it holds the definitive understanding of this profound concept?We invite you to join us in re-exploring 'worship' with open minds and curious spirits, as we delve into its nuances and implications. How has this sacred practice evolved—or devolved—across time and cultures? What happens when it becomes rote or disconnected from its roots? Our hope is to rediscover how this timeless act might breathe new life into our spiritual existence, restoring a sense of the divine that so many of us feel has faded from our religious lives in an increasingly fragmented world.From ancient rituals to modern expressions, we'll wrestle with what 'worship' means today and whether it can still anchor us amid life's uncertainties. Is it a bridge between the known and the unknown, or has it lost its power to transform?Join us as we continue the Dialogos—a conversation that digs deep into faith, philosophy, and the human experience.
In this episode, I unpack the dark underbelly of Oneness Pentecostalism (UPCI), sparked by a young father's plea for help amid spiritual wreckage—abuse tied to flimsy doctrine peddled as ‘the truth.' From manipulative pastors to shattered lives, we're digging into how false teachings and cult-like control crush young men, families, and faith itself—asking: Why does ‘the truth' need a circus to survive?Join me as I confront the cowardice behind the pulpit, the emotional sleight-of-hand, and the stolen masculinity that props up this system—while offering hope for those burned by it. We'll peel back the layers of dogma, expose the cracks, and point to a faith that doesn't choke you with conformity but sets you free to question, heal, and stand tall.What happens when ‘spiritual authority' becomes a weapon? Let's face this head-on and find the way out—together.
Stories have the power to reveal who we are, where we're going, and how God shapes us through the chaos. In this episode, we step into Exodus (Exodus 1-2)—a raw, untamed saga of a people pulled from slavery into a wilderness of transformation, led by Moses, a reluctant anchor in a storm of rebellion and promise. From Egypt's oppression to the edge of freedom, this opening act asks us: How do you hold fast when every step forward feels like unraveling?Join me as we trace the Israelites' journey from bondage to the brink, unpacking how Exodus sets the stage for humanity's wrestle with identity, faith, and a God who won't let go. We'll explore how Moses' call, the multiplying sons of Jacob, and a new king's fear weave a narrative that's both ancient and alive—pointing to patterns of rejection and redemption that ripple through time.What can Exodus teach us about trusting God in the in-between? Let's dive into this foundational text and uncover its truth for today.
What if faith deconstruction isn't just about tearing things down, but part of a larger pattern of death, renewal, and life? In this episode of Dialogos, we dive deep into the process of deconstruction—not as an endpoint, but as a necessary phase in the ongoing cycle of faith and meaning.We explore how prophetic figures act as mediators between order and chaos, disrupting rigid systems to make room for renewal. Drawing from mythology, scripture, and even Barbie (yes, Weird Barbie is the perfect prophetic archetype), we discuss why these figures challenge us, why they're necessary, and how they help reshape our understanding of truth.Is deconstruction destroying faith, or can it be a path to something deeper? What happens when systems become too rigid? And how can we navigate this cycle without losing our way?Join us as we wrestle with these ideas and continue the Dialogos.
What does it mean to stay faithful when every right choice drags you deeper into hardship? In this episode, we dive into the story of Joseph—Genesis' final act (Genesis 37-50)—a rollercoaster of betrayal, integrity, and redemption that ties together the book's earliest threads. From a pit of jealousy to Egypt's throne, Joseph's life doesn't just echo the struggles of Cain, Noah, and Eden—it casts a shadow of the Savior to come. Join Russell Aspinwall as we unpack how this favored son, sold for silver and raised to save his betrayers, reveals God's promise in the mess of human failure. How do we hold fast when integrity feels like a burden? This 27-minute journey through Joseph's story might just change how you see faith in your own life.Text: Genesis 37-50 (NET Bible)Follow: Subscribe for more biblical deep dives!Connect: Find Russell on Instagram (@russellaspinwall), X (@RussAspinwall), or Facebook (Russell Aspinwall).
Welcome to Dialogos, a podcast where we explore deep ideas, wrestle with faith, and embrace the mystery of meaning. In this first episode, we introduce the vision behind Dialogos—why we chose the name, what this space is about, and what we hope to create through these conversations.We also dive into Rad's journey with faith, the struggle with certainty, and the beauty of letting go—learning to embrace faith as an adventure rather than a rigid system of answers.If you're someone who loves meaningful discussions, enjoys questioning and exploring, or just wants to join in on the conversation, you're in the right place.
Narratives shape how we see ourselves, our purpose, and our relationship with God. This episode explores one of the most pivotal sibling rivalries in biblical history—the story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25-33). More than just a tale of deception and blessing, this story forces us to wrestle with the nature of identity, divine sovereignty, and the struggle for God's favor.Join me as we unpack the weight of Jacob's journey—from grasping Esau's heel at birth to wrestling with God at the Jabbok River. How does Jacob's transformation into Israel reveal the deeper meaning of faith, struggle, and grace? What does his story teach us about our own striving and God's calling?We'll explore the prophetic significance of Jacob's blessing, the echoes of Eden and Exodus within his story, and how his encounter with God reshapes everything.What does Jacob's struggle mean for us today? How do we wrestle with God and come away changed? Let's dive deep into the golden thread woven through this ancient story and discover its relevance in our lives.
Are tongues the initial evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit? This debate tackles one of the most controversial topics in Pentecostal theology. I (Russell Aspinwall, an ex-Oneness Pentecostal) sit down with Oneness Pentecostal preacher Alex Vidrio to challenge the claim that speaking in tongues is the necessary sign of receiving the Holy Spirit.This conversation dives into the biblical foundation for tongues, dynamic personal experiences, and whether the Oneness Pentecostal interpretation holds up to scrutiny. We explore key passages, theological implications, and how this teaching shapes Christian faith and experience.Is speaking in tongues a universal sign of salvation? Does the Bible truly support this doctrine? And what does this debate mean for those wrestling with their faith?Join us as we explore these questions, test our assumptions, and search for the truth in Scripture.
Be very scared. The world is ending! Christians should panic and look for someone to save us! #WWIII #War #Christ #Faith #Jesus #Christian
Get off the internet and go live a real life. #Nietzsche #GodIsDead #TheCross #Christian #Christianity #God #Jesus
Join me for a rant on #pain that I had to get out after reading the book #Dominion. I want to encourage everyone to be a real person and get off the internet and be brave!
Today we talk about mega churches, preacher/pastor roles, worship, and pregnancy.#God #Jesus #Church #Pastor #Preacher #Influencer #Christian #Pregnancy
Thinking out loud, and trying to do it faithfully.
Today on the internet, we talk about how much the internet sucks. We do this over the internet. No contradictions here.
We talk about controversial stuff, and women and men, and some more stuff and controversy and things and whatnot.