The Table Podcast his brought to you by the Hendricks Center at Dallas Theological Seminary. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Darrell Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement and features weekly guests on a variety of topics.
The Table Podcast - Issues of God and Culture is an incredibly valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their Bible study and gain insight into difficult questions. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, with interesting guests and trustworthy hosts. Listeners can expect to learn something new with each episode and gain nuanced perspectives on important issues. This podcast is particularly helpful for those seeking practical application of theological principles in today's world.
One of the best aspects of The Table Podcast is the diverse range of topics it covers. From deep theological discussions to current events in places like Hong Kong, this podcast offers something for everyone. The guests invited to speak on the show are knowledgeable and provide unique insights into various subjects. The hosts maintain a respectful and non-judgmental atmosphere, allowing for open and honest conversations.
Another standout aspect of this podcast is its ability to address highly debated issues without bias. It strives to present different perspectives without judgment or taking sides. This approach allows listeners to form their own opinions while still being informed about all sides of the argument. The practical application of theological principles is also highly appreciated, as it helps listeners understand how faith can be lived out in the real world.
While it's difficult to find any major flaws with The Table Podcast, one minor criticism could be that some episodes may not cater to everyone's specific interests. However, given the wide range of topics covered, this is not a significant drawback.
In conclusion, The Table Podcast - Issues of God and Culture is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of biblical teachings and engage with important cultural issues. It provides valuable insights from knowledgeable guests and encourages listeners to think deeply about these matters. Overall, this podcast deserves praise for its comprehensive coverage, respectful discussions, and practical applications of theological principles.

In this episode of The Table Podcast, Darrell Bock sits down with Neil Coulter, Brian Chan, and Windrider's Ryann Heim to reflect on the final Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT and its upcoming move to Boulder, CO. Join the conversation as we explore standout indie films from Sundance 2026 and discuss how the intersection of theology and film can turn movies into powerful machines for empathy, love, and cultural engagement. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:42 The Last Sundance in Park City 08:22 The Value of the Sundance Experience 13:39 Standout Films: Birdie 19:12 Standout Films: If I Go, Will They Miss Me? 20:32 Standout Films: Queen of Chess 24:37 Standout Films: Birds of War & One in a Million 26:42 The Impact on Seminary Students 36:15 Movies as Empathy Machines 49:02 Final Encouragement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is telling a better story more effective than winning an argument? Join Kasey Olander on this episode of The Table Podcast as she sits down with authors Daniel and Mike Blackaby to explore how Christians can better engage today's culture through the heart. They discuss the power of storytelling, art, and authentic community in sharing the gospel with a generation that is increasingly emotionally driven. Discover why emphasizing the beauty and goodness of God's narrative is an essential complement to traditional apologetics when communicating biblical truths. Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:52 Christian Apologetics: Logic vs. Emotion 07:53 The Ultimate Question: Is God Good? 14:43 Opportunities in an Emotionally Driven Culture 16:59 How Storytelling Shapes Culture & Belief 25:12 Jesus and the Power of Biblical Narrative 29:27 The Role of Arts and Media in the Church 33:16 Why Beauty Matters in Christian Worship 40:10 Gen Z, The Loneliness Epidemic, & Authentic Community 46:37 Intergenerational Opportunities for the Church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Table Podcast, Kasey Olander sits down with DTS alumni Ciaran and June Loughran to explore the shifting landscape of Christianity in Ireland. The Loughrans share their journey from working as engineers to planting Living Hope Church, discussing the unique opportunities of leading a highly multicultural congregation in a post-religious society. Listen in for their insights on maintaining cultural flexibility, keeping the Gospel central, and building trust through authentic pastoral leadership. Time codes: 01:53 Ciaran's journey 05:46 June's story 08:07 A leap of faith: Leaving engineering for Dallas Theological Seminary 15:20 The religious history, geography, and demographics of Ireland 25:39 The “New Irish” and pastoring a growing multicultural church 34:10 Navigating cultural expectations, dress, and pastoral titles 42:04 Building trust in a post-religious society through authentic leadership 47:18 Final encouragements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should Christians engage a culture that feels increasingly hostile to the Gospel? Join Darrell Bock, Collin Hansen, and Josh Chatraw as they unpack the enduring legacy of Tim Keller and his "Third Way" approach to biblical cultural engagement. Together, they explore how Christians can effectively navigate a polarized, secular age by moving beyond the culture wars and grounding apologetics in deep cultural analysis and the Gospel. Time codes: 6:35 Tim Keller's Tri-Perspectival Perspective 14:04 The Third Way and Tone 20:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Cultural Engagement 23:27 Tone in the New Testament 30:06 Culture and Lenses 38:16 Meaning, Hope, and Value in a secular World 43:20 Differentiating the Waves and Currents in Culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does the church stay relevant in a world defined by artificial intelligence, extreme polarization, and a global loneliness epidemic? Join Darrell Bock and Jurie Kriel as they explore the unprecedented cultural shifts redefining human identity and unpack why returning to the “irreducible minimum” of authentic community is the ultimate key to reaching the next generation. Time codes: 01:23 What Does Church Relevance Mean Today? 02:04 Lessons on Truth and Trust from South Africa 10:33 Navigating Rapid Cultural Change 15:19 The 6 Shifts Shaping the Future 17:01 AI and the Global Human Identity Crisis 24:15 The Paradox of Digital Connection and Loneliness 28:30 The “Irreducible Minimum” of the Church 34:49 Surviving the Echo Chamber and Cultural Polarization 43:32 How Technology is Forcing a Return to True Belonging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can the local church better serve and utilize the strengths of its senior members? In this episode of The Table Podcast, Bill Hendricks sits down with Hal Habecker to discuss a biblical view of aging, the critical need for multi-generational community, and how older adults can continue to discover their God-given purpose in their later decades. Time codes: 3:21 The Generational Gap 5:04 Finding and Embracing Purpose in Aging 19:01 How the Church Can Build a Multi-Generational Mindset 36:16 Discovering Your Giftedness through Story 35:33 Practical Steps for the Church to Foster Intergenerational Relationships 37:59 Balancing Church and Family 42:31 Finishing Well Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Description/Excerpt: Join Darrell Bock, Ed Uszynski, and Brian Smith as they explore how Christian parents can faithfully navigate the intense culture of modern youth sports, sharing practical strategies for surviving the "youth sport industrial complex" while using athletics as a powerful tool for your child's character development and discipleship. Time codes: 1:54 What is Athletes in Action? 7:43 Five Principles for Sports Ministries 10:04 Relational Aspects of Sports 13:20 How Parents Should Approach Sports for Their Children 21:29 Challenges of Modern Youth Sports 26:32 Sports and Identity 28:34 Sports as Discipleship 35:41 7 Virtues to Cultivate in Sports 40:06 Towards a Theology of Sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is God really there? Listen in with Kymberli Cook as analytic theologian Kevin Wong and philosopher Charity Anderson explore one of the oldest and deepest questions, diving into the complex concept of divine hiddenness and asking why a loving God might not always make His presence obvious. Time codes: 3:19 What is Divine Hiddenness? 5:29 Classic Arguments for Divine Hiddenness 8:27 How Divine Hiddenness Affects How We Think About God 14:33 How Creating a Stronger Argument for Divine Hiddenness is Helpful 22:31 Hiddenness and a Knowable God 27:24 Navigating Divine Hiddenness as a Christian 32:12 Wrestling with the Question of Divine Hiddenness 41:34 Summary of Divine Hiddenness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Table Podcast, Kymberli Cook and Rick Yount explore the crucial difference between the structured programs of Christian education and the life-changing, relational process of discipleship. Listen to discover practical ways church leaders and believers can revitalize ministries and foster genuine spiritual growth through clarity, warmth, and flexibility. Time codes: 2:49 What Happens in Christian Education 5:54 When Did Christian Education Arise as a Field 10:33 Key Objectives for Christian Education 15:42 Process vs Program: The Difference between Discipleship and Education 26:29 How to Reignite the Life in Your Organization 34:38 The Three Most Important Things About Teaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Glenn Kreider, and Craig Blaising discuss the history, core beliefs, and diversity within dispensationalism, including its view of salvation and the relationship between Israel and the Church. Timecodes 02:39 What is Dispensationalism? 09:27 What Makes Dispensationalists Unique? 20:06 The Historical Context for Dispensationalism's Growth 28:39 Controversy Surrounding Dispensationalism 41:12 Rooting Dispensationalism in Scripture 43:36 Progressive Dispensationalism 51:00 Diversity within Dispensationalism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Bob Chisholm, and John Walton discuss the reality of spiritual beings in the Old Testament and how to understand them in their proper context. Time Codes 02:04 Walton's Background in the Old Testament 06:16 Chisholm's Background in the Old Testament 10:34 Context for a Discussion Around the Spirit World 17:37 Approaches to Old Testament Interpretation 23:13 Describing the “Good Guys” in the Spirit World 29:25 Defining the “Bad Guys” in the Spirit World 38:57 The Description of Satan in the Old Testament 46:32 How Does Our Understanding of the Spirit World Impact Us? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can business be used as an economic engine for God's kingdom? In this episode, Bill Hendricks sits down with Raymond Harris, a highly successful architect turned “venture capitalist in God's kingdom,” to discuss the biblical theology of wealth and stewardship. Time codes: 1:14 Raymond's Background 6:53 Raymond's Theology of Money and Stewardship 11:57 The Purpose of Business 16:05 What Does it Mean to Take Care of the Poor? 19:57 Investing in the Kingdom 28:19 Helping Others Develop an Economic Engine 36:00 Exchange your Earthly Wealth for Heavenly Wealth 38:18 The Role of an Entrepreneur 41:04 Satisfaction from Investing in People 43:09 Who is The Most Generous Person? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Timothy Yoder, and Paul Smalley discuss free will and predestination, exploring their existence in Scripture and the tension that arises between these two ideas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander, Brian Chan, Rebecca Carrell, and Aaron Switzer as they explore a Christian perspective on horror films, discussing the role of fear, spiritual discernment, and how the genre can unexpectedly reveal truth and beauty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Darrell Bock, and Michael Svigel discuss why eschatology is important and the direct correlation it has on how we live our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does your spiritual life feel like a bed of cold ashes? Join Dr. Mark Yarbrough, Bill Hendricks, and Dr. Darrell Bock as they discuss how to navigate the mundane struggles of daily life and apply six spiritual essentials to rekindle your heart for God Time Codes 3:50 The Rekindled Heart 8:11 Faith in the Mundane Life 11:25 Knowledge vs. Transformation: The Goal of Bible Study 17:20 Rekindled Devotion and Bold Trust in God's Word 24:53 Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart 30:44 Rekindled Love; Authentic Compassion for Others 41:33 Rekindled Holiness 46:01 Rekindled Servanthood 49:41 Rekindled Zeal, A Burden for the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Darrell Bock and Jake Prochaska as they explore the resilience of the church in Sudan and South Sudan as indigenous leaders navigate persecution and extreme poverty to build self-sustaining communities centered on the gospel Time codes: 1:37 Background to Sudan and South Sudan 9:32 Building a Community with the Church 14:54 The Ripple Effect of Church Planting 16:52 The Importance of Indigenous Leadership and Training 23:09 How Western Christians can Help Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Darrell Bock, Eric Mason, Elizabeth Woodson, and Bryan Carter discuss the church's role in biblical racial reconciliation. Time codes 00:15 Mason's ministry of reconciliation in Philadelphia 05:08 Woodson's ministry of reconciliation in Dallas 06:39 Carter's ministry of reconciliation in Dallas 08:56 Carter's message: Recognize distinctives that shape faith for African Americans 12:37 Woodson's message: Understand theology affects sociology in the Black church 14:18Mason's message: The Black church represents dignity for African Americans1 8:45 How can we move from conversations about reconciliation to action? 23:40 Racial reconciliation is a key part of the church's mission 26:47 Hope and the current racial environment in America 32:05 The role of partnerships and the church community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander, Sam Won and Rebecca Carrell as they explore why the church needs to recover the lost art of lament by showing how biblical lament serves as a vital tool for navigating loss while affirming the compatibility of deep grief and Christian hope Time codes: 9:52 Misconceptions About Grief in the Church 18:16 The Structure of a Lament Psalm 22:23 The Honesty of Biblical Lament 24:41 How to Grieve With Those Who Grieve 35:35 The Pressure to Mask vs. The Compassion of Christ 43:12 Lament as a Theological Mirror 45:17 Sufferers are Marginalized 47:29 What we Should Learn from Lament Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander, Kelley Mathews, and Jessica Hooten Wilson as they unpack how the books we read shape our imagination, desires, and empathy, as well as providing practical habits for making reading a life-forming spiritual practice. Time codes 3:58 Reading as Counter-Cultural 6:35 How Christians Should Think about Reading 12:05 Reading Books Other than the Bible 15:00 How to Decide What to Read 19:29 Reading as an Embodied Experience 21:36 Reading Helps us Understand Ourselves 26:25 Good Practices to Grow the Reading Life 36:58 Closing Thoughts Resources Jessica Hooten Wilson's Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who cares for the pastor? Join Kasey Olander, Robert Duckworth, and Roger Sharp as they talk about the pastoral burnout crisis—why pastors so often isolate, misidentify their needs, and suffer in silence—and offer practical solutions and healthy rhythms to care for those who care for others. Time codes 1:17 Why Pastors Burn Out 13:30 Common Anxieties for Pastors 17:05 Confidentiality and Transparency for Pastors 24:15 Ways to Care for the Pastor's Soul 33:52 Warning Signs of Burnout 39:46 How Smaller Ministries Can Support their Ministers 44:45 The Ethical Counselor goes to Counseling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Todd Agnew, Sarah Griffith, and Kasey Olander as they Speak Now about Taylor Swift—cultural phenomenon and Mastermind of the Eras tour—discussing why fans are so Enchanted by this artist and how Christians can engage thoughtfully and Fearlessly with art while pointing to Christ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Description/Excerpt: Join Kasey Olander, Darrell Bock, and Mikel Del Rosario as they explore the historical Jesus—His titles, teachings, works, and what they reveal about His claims to divinity. Time codes: 6:17 Jesus as Prophet. 9:38 Jesus as Son of Man. 11:26 Jesus as Christ. 14:01 Christ Authority and Miracles. 20:20 The Healing of the Paralytic. 22:53 The Other, Contemporary Perspectives on Christ. 26:04 Where Should Skeptics Start. 28:52 Did Jesus Claim to be God? 42:00 Jesus as Lord Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Darrell Bock, Sandra Glahn, and Gary Hoag discuss the world of Ephesus and how understanding the context gives unique insight into the world of the New Testament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander, Brian Chan, and Reg Grant for a conversation about creative writing, the discipline behind the craft, and how stories can shape culture and Christian faith. Time codes: 2:01 What is Creative Writing? 8:42 Transforming Power of Stories 14:22 Embodiment of Story 17:40 How Stories Draw us in 23:42 How to Craft a Story 30:16 Giving Life to a Story 35:52 How Writing Impacts Culture 45:40 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Darrell Bock and David Hoehner in this episode as they discuss international aid, its role, and its Christian ethos Time codes: 2:17 Time in Russia and Ukraine 7:53 After Ukraine 12:25 How to Strengthen Governance 16:37 What is USAID 19:37 Impact of Closing USAID 27:27 Christians in NGOs 32:04 A Reconfiguration of International Development 35:59 Post International Development 38:51 The Implicit Christian Justice of International Aid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kymberli Cook, Amy Peeler, and Mike Balbier as they explore the role of prophets in Scripture and discuss how Christians today can wisely navigate modern prophecy in the church. Time Stamps: 5:54 What is a prophet? 12:15 Safeguards/guidelines around prophets 17:53 Old Testament Prophets 22:26 New Testament Prophets 24:57 The Difference between New and Old Testament prophets 27:26 The role of the Holy Spirit in Prophesy 30:23 How different Church traditions handle prophesy 39:11 how can Christians today Navigate modern Prophecy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Darrell Bock and Walter Kim as they explore the mission, context, challenges, and potential solutions of American evangelicalism. Time codes: 5:33 What is the National Association of Evangelicals? 12:45 Examples of the NAE's Work 19:43 Key Challenges Facing the Evangelical Movement 30:57 Potential Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander, Neil Coulter, and Todd Agnew as they explore why the arts matter for Christian life and worship — from the creative process to art's role in community, theology, and incarnational praise. TimeStamps 5:37 What is Art? 10:26 Enjoyment in the process 17:00 The Role of Art in our Worship with God 24:13 The Impact of World View on the Meaning of Art 41:31 Advice to Appreciating Art Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Description/Excerpt: Join Milyce Pipkin and Myron Butler as they discuss his faith journey—from musical success to Family life to spiritual battles—and what true worship looks like Time codes: 1:53 Myron's Early Life 4:37 Winning the Grammy 14:43 Chasing Success for a Father's Approval 20:15 Not Letting your Family be a Victim of Ministry 27:33 Spiritual Warfare 33:31 A Praise and Worship Lifestyle 41:01 Myron's greatest Gift 45:20 Myron's advice to Aspiring Artists 47:44 Evolution of Gospel Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Todd Agnew, Sarah Griffith, and Kasey Olander as they Speak Now about Taylor Swift—cultural phenomenon and Mastermind of the Eras tour—discussing why fans are so Enchanted by this artist and how Christians can engage thoughtfully and Fearlessly with art while pointing to Christ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Darrell Bock, Kasey Olander, and Ryann Heim for a conversation on Sundance and film in which they discuss how powerful storytelling can spark empathy, challenge assumptions, and transform lives Time Stamps 1:50 What is Windrider? 4:47 What is Sundance Film Festival? 5:36 What is the Value of Sundance? 21:04 Why does Film Evoke Emotion? 24:49 The Value of Empathy 29:48 The Transformative Power of Story 42:25 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Darrell Bock, Amy Peeler and Mariam Kovalishyn to show how reading the New Testament through a multiethnic, context-aware lens, reshapes interpretation, pedagogy, and everyday Christian practice toward embodied love of neighbor. Time codes: 7:31 Why a multiethnic reading matters. 17:32 Challenges to a multiethnic church 20:07 Theological core: Ephesians 2 and Revelations 7 27:23 The potential of different perspectives 37:54 The importance of Listening 43:54 How the church can get more involved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Darrell Bock and Keeney Dickenson explore Charles Spurgeon's cultural engagement as a way of living out the gospel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Darrell Bock, Christina Crenshaw, and Perry Glanzer highlight the importance of Christian higher education and the significant role it can play in building up the body of Christ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Kasey Olander, French Jones, and Michelle Pokorny discuss why self-care is essential to living the life that God calls us to live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Drs. Darrell Bock, Gary Barnes, and Doug Rosenau discuss sexuality and singleness, focusing on how single people can develop a more biblical perspective on sexuality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Kasey Olander, Drew Hunter, and Rebekkah Scott discuss the need for a biblical, robust understanding of friendship and how healthy friendships benefit our lives and tell us more about God. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Kymberli Cook, Michael Swalley, Fred Johnson, and Artem Usov discuss breakdancing (breaking), the hip-hop community, and the way Break Free Ministries engages people with the gospel through this artistic platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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In this episode, Kymberli Cook, Malcolm Yarnell, and Michael Svigel celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed by discussing its history, relationship to the Bible, and use today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Bill Hendricks and Greg Stier discuss how impactful youth can be when they are set on fire with the gospel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Darrell Bock and Johnny Buckles discuss how law and theology overlap in interpretation and religious freedom, aiming to help Christians think wisely about their rights and role in the public square. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Dr. Darrell Bock and Greg Adams discuss the intersection of faith and work, focusing on Adams' experience in business and government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Bill Hendricks, Milyce Pipkin, and Bruce and Toni Hebel discuss the power of forgiveness, how it sets people free, and why it's essential for Christian leaders and everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Darrell Bock and Brandon Washington discuss the history of American evangelicalism in light of race, repentance, and reconciliation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Darrell Bock, Steven Eng, and Bryan English discuss how church ministries engage with government through advocacy, relationship-building, and representing biblical principles in a polarized political landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Kymberli Cook, Sam Storms, and Darrell Bock discuss the key differences between Christian end-times views—amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennialism—while affirming their shared belief in the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God's kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices