The Word Without Walls Podcast

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue looking at chapter 11, which discusses sanctification. Some thought prompts based on this chapter: In God's creation, the way is the destination.  What does that have to do with sanctification? True or False: The need for affirmation exists in direct proportion to contradicting God's design. How do we think about wealth differently through sanctification?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue looking at chapter 11, which discusses sanctification. Some questions to get people talking: Contentment versus insatiability--where do we see this in the world around us? How can we find contentment? Consequence versus cause--how does sanctification work? Does being a Christian mean that we do different things than others, or that we do the same things differently?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we turn to chapter 11, which discusses sanctification. Some questions to get people talking: What is the distinction between justification and sanctification? What is holy?  What is the reference point for holy and good?  How can you be holy? Which is harder: to become content, or to stay content?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue looking at chapter 10, which discusses conversion. Some questions to get people talking: What does the redeeming work of God look like in the life of an individual? What about doctrinal precision?  Think about children.  Think about foreigners (e.g., the thief on the cross). If doctrinal precision is required to be saved, whose doctrine will be precise enough?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we begin chapter 10, which discusses conversion. Some ideas to get people talking: What does it take to convert someone? Is conversion ethical? What does anthropology have to do with it?  Can human nature be converted?  What about the soul? Is salvation dispositional or computational? How does salvation work?  How do you know?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to look at chapter 9 of the book, which deals with justification.  Some ideas to get people talking: Justice demands equity.  What if equity can't be provided?  What about countless injustices? What if we prosecute every injustice or inequity? When will all thse injustices be remedied?  Consider the life of Jesus. Is justice inescapable?  How can that change our attitudes? Respond to this statement: The short duration of human life justifies whatever it takes for happiness in this life.

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to look at chapter 9 of the book, which deals with justification.  Some ideas to get people talking: Why doesn't God destroy the wicked?  How can God demand us to be just if He Himself isn't just? What if justice is inescapable? Which is worse: unrighteousness or self-righteousness?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to look at chapter 9 of the book, which deals with justification.  Some ideas to get people talking: What is necessary to restore creation to the image of God? Can you save yourself?  Is justification based on some just reality? What does a person cry out when he needs others to do what he cannot do for himself? In this episode, I mention the iceberg model.  You can find a document and podcast episode to explain that model here.  

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we begin a look at chapter 9 of the book, on justification.  Some ideas to get people talking: Our view of the universe needs to change from geocentric to heliocentric.  What would this shift in thinking mean for our perspective and lives? Are we out of God's saving work until we are in, or are we in until we get ourselves out?  Which is biblical? How does the Bible speak about salvation?  How does nature bear witness? What happens when we assert ourselves in God's place?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue looking at chapter 8 of the book, which discusses the person of Jesus Christ.  This episode asks: Does Jesus really have no mind, words, will of his own, but only the Father's?  If so, what are we to think about free will? Did Jesus ever claim to be interested in equality? What two crimes was Barabbas charged with?  What does that illustrate? What does the Matthew 11 passage about Jesus' yoke being easy and light for us?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue looking at chapter 8 of the book, which discusses the person of Jesus Christ.  What if we started a discussion by making the following statement, "Jesus Christ is no different than any other religious leader."  How could this be a productive way to get people talking?  What would be revealed if we compared Jesus to other religious leaders?  What is something about Jesus we don't talk about enough? 

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we begin looking at chapter 8 of the book, which discusses the person of Jesus Christ.  Every bit of this topic has to do with our life, hope, and future.  The big question for discussion in this episode is: What does it mean to be a Christian, and who decides that?  

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue working through chapter 7 of the book, which discusses sin.   Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: The human ego since Adam is determined to claim autonomy and control, and attempt to control other things inorganically.  Consider that corruption of Adam that corrupts us, and how we see it in the world around us.  Contrast that with how God works, and the SELF-control that Jesus showed. From images of God, to images of man's invention: consider God's Green Arc versus the Red Pyramid world of human invention.  Specifically, think about God's wealth, as opposed to human wealth. Give thought to the prevalence and nature of sexual activity today.  Why is the divorce rate so high? Are you a better God than God? What was the nature of the first sin?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue working through chapter 7 of the book, which discusses sin.   Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: Consider the Bible passages in Matthew 7; Luke 6; and Romans 2 and 3. The corruption of Adam inverts and reverses the image of God.  What is the image of God, especially in terms of relationship?  How does Adam's fall invert God's image?  How do we see Jesus, especially in the Gospel of John, setting things right? Consider wealth and riches in life that have to do with God's creation (nature, family, physiology).  Compare that with human "riches".   What is the consequence for abandoning essence in favor of extension?  

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue working through chapter 7 of the book, which discusses sin.   Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: Why do bad things happen to good people?  Why do bad things happen at all? How can you argue something is bad in an atheistic world? Why do good things happen to bad people? Adam's failure is ... ? What is the difference between people who advocate things versus those who report the consequences of those actions? Why aren't the consequences of contradicting human design enough?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue working through chapter 7 of the book, which discusses sin.   Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: Why not live according to design? Try an exercise: Create a list of things we'd like God not to forbid, and talk about reasons why  What happens when a trailing effect takes over as a purpose and primary cause?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas for conversation inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we begin working through chapter 7 of the book, which discusses sin.   Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: Consider this thought: It was wreckless and unforgiveable of God to create humanity that could sin.  What do we think about that?  How do we respond as Christians? Is God failing, with the decline of Christianity? We work through how we can have a helpful discussion about this "problem of evil" question that many people raise.  

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter–Humanity.   Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: How could Jesus be born and not have a fallen human nature? What inequalities has feminism created, and for whom? What became of women who wanted to stay home when others left? What became of men leaving home to play the industrialist game? Why should there be equality in the world? As members of God's kingdom, how do we think about equality differently? Are we masters or stewards?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter–Humanity.   Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: What does it mean to be male?  What if being male means to be twice as effected by injustices as anyone else?  What else is intregal to being male? What if God knew and makes good of evil, always in equal proportions?   What should we think of men who disadvantage themselves in the extreme for the sake of women?   What is the male counterpart to the imcomparability of child-bearing? Note, my podcasts on Genesis 1--3 also tie in with this subject matter.  You can listen to the following episodes: Genesis 1:1-25; Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 1:28--2:7; Genesis 2:7-17; Genesis 2:18; Genesis 2:19-25; Genesis 3:1-5; Genesis 3:6-7; Genesis 3:8-15; and Genesis 3:16-24.

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter–Humanity.  Specifically, we are still asking questions and thinking about discussion around the Genesis 2 passage when God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Some discussion prompts related to this passage can include: •    Where was Eve when God told Adam how creation works? •    Why didn't God make Eve at the same time He made Adam? •    What are the responsibilities of the male? •    What are the responsibilities of the female? •    How does this compare with people's typical thinking about equality? •    What is the essence of the person and the essence of the content of life?  

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter–Humanity.  Specifically, we consider the idea of woman being made for man. How is the woman a helper, and why does she remain before man?  What does that mean?  What has it been turned into, and what is the proper understanding?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter–Humanity.  Here are some questions for discussion: What is the image of God? What does "dominion" mean, properly speaking? What did Adam get wrong? How should we think about power? Why was it not good for man to be alone? I mention the Green Arc model.  You can find a visual of this model here. 

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the sixth chapter--Humanity.  Here are some questions for discussion: How to be made in the image of God, but not be God, and not fail? What does it take for eternal contentment?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the fifth chapter--Creation.  Here are some questions for discussion: Why creation and not evolution? Can we settle the question of origins? Where do we start the conversation to set a tone of collaboration, rather than combativeness? Is evolution the only, or even the best, explanation? Can we survive a world that assumes evolution?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the fourth chapter–God.  Here are some questions for discussion: Does God have control, or is He being controlled? Can a god be the workmanship of a person? Can you kill God? What about the problem of evil--if there is a god, why is there suffering? How do we handle objections to God in our culture?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we continue to consider how to have a conversation based on the fourth chapter–God.  Here are some questions for discussion: Why is the way to be saved narrow?   What is problematic about the above question? What else in life is narrow? What about injustices?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we consider how to have a conversation based on the fourth chapter--God.  Here are some questions for discussion: If there is no god, what is god? If there is a living, sigular god, then how shall we proceed? What is the relationship of God to us and everyday life? What is God's will and design for relationship with us? In this episode, I mention another talk about atheism.  If you'd like to listen to that, find the link here.

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through ideas inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller. In this episode we consider how to have a conversation based on the third chapter on Law and Gospel.  Here are some questions for discussion: Why can't we import the kingdom of God into the world of human invention? What happens when we put the Gospel into our lives such as we are, in a Red Pyramid world? How does Law and Gospel work?  Why does it fail in a Red Pyramid world? What should our perspective be when we read the Law? Is the news good if it still depends on me? What is essential in understanding the Gospel? What day is the Sabbath? In this episode I mention worldviews.  You can learn more about these by listening here.  

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through questions inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller.  Chapter two of this book discusses revelation.   The discussion about this topic began in the previous episode.  This episode considers how we know things, and the special revelation from the Bible.  What are some challenges the Bible has endured?  What about other religious texts?

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through questions inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller.  Chapter two of this book discusses revelation.  What is revelation?  What are different ways of knowing things?  What serves as a constant, perpetual witness to God?  This episode discusses these questions, and how to lead productive conversations about them.

As the student questions series continues, I'm talking through questions inspired from a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine–Called to Believe by Steven Mueller.  Chapter one of this book is entitled, “The Task of Theology.”  Today's episode continues the same topic as our last episode--the task of theology.   Discussions I have with my students based on this chapter include: Consider the validity of this statement: "Deism is cruelty."  What's the difference between theism and deism?  Does it matter? What happens when I die?  How do I know? What about while I live?  Does religion only pay off when I die? Hasn't Christianity done a lot of harm throughout history? Why is theology so controversial? I talk through how we can get students thinking deeply about these topics, sympathizing with where they are coming from, and lead them to truth.

As the student questions series continues, the next episodes will be based around a text we use in Core Theology class at Concordia University-Irvine--Called to Believe by Steven Mueller.  Chapter one of this book is entitled, "The Task of Theology."  Discussions I have with my students based on this chapter include: What is truth? What is religion? What is faith? In this episode, I discuss how to navigate conversations around these questions.

As we continue from the previous episode on origins and evolutionarianism, in this episode, I have suggestions for what to do in conversation when a person isn't open to hearing anything.  What if someone is so adamant about their beliefs that they won't consider alternatives?  How can we ask questions and find a way to open up the conversation to reach that person?

In this episode, we start thinking about leading conversations around origins, or as I call it, "evolutionarianism".  Let's consider our attitude toward science.  Is religion contrary to science?  How can we come together and have positive conversations about objective reality?  How can we lead a classroom conversation about this, especially in a way that is collaborative, not combative?

As we continue thinking about free will and how best to engage people in conversation to challenge assumptions, this episode focuses on how we tend to think of maturing.  Is the modern-day notion of what it means to reach maturity an accurate one?  What are some big concerns regarding this in our current culture?  What are important, eternal truths to recognize as we work through this issue?  

We continue thinking about free will by considering if we can test for free will.  Some example questions include: Have you ever done anything you regret? What don't we have the ability to change, even if we wanted to? What does our DNA consist of? What is the most effective way to keep a person in bondage? Are decisions and choices cause or effect?  How does free will effect our choices? Is the essence of life decisions ... or discovery?

No free will??  This is an important topic, because how you think about free will affects how you read the Bible.  So, how do I approach this in my classes to get students to reconsider widely-held notions?  What are tests for free will?  What are some key words in the Bible to shed light on the idea of "will"?

We're aware the criticism from the world around us regarding the Bible.  How can we look at the arguments people have, and address them in a helpful way?  In this episode I share statements I typically make to my students to get them thinking and talking.   I mention Lee Strobel's book, The Case for Christ, which you can find here.

In this series about questions we can ask to spur conversation, we've talked about worldviews and collaboration versus competition.  Now we consider some illustrations that can further explain worldviews, including: The coast guard A drowning person Physican/hospital Fasting at Panera Ambassadors and stewards This episode references my new book, The Parabolic Universe, which you can find here.  

As we continue thinking about questions to ask students, and prompts to get them engaged in the classroom, this episode considers the ideas of collaboration versus competition.  Different avenues of converation can include: Consider various models where collaboration is used, versus those where competition is the driver. What are strategies we can use to resolve contentiousness? Think about worldviews--are we just a body, or a body and soul?  Consider Jesus' illustrations of old and new wineskins in Matthew 9.  In this episode, I mention the green arc model.  You can find a visual and more information about that here.  

This episode focuses on different prompts I introduce in my classes regarding worldview, including talking about where to start conversations and how to find common ground, as well as when to step back.   I refer to the Red Pyramid and Green Arc worldviews in this episode.  Here are the links  a visual of each model.  You can also learn more about these models by listening here.

There are certain topics/questions I introduce in all of my classes to set the tone and create an atmosphere where we are free to pursue the truth.  Something we discuss at the very beginning of the semester are the words of Jesus in Matthew 7 when He commands us to judge not.  What does that really mean?  What kind of judgment is in the world all around us?  Is it all bad?  What was Jesus' intention here? We also talk about consequences, and consider how truly interdependent we are.  How can we be advocates for others, and faithful ambassadors for Christ to those around us? In this conversation, I mention the thirteen aspects of the Gospel.  You can find a PDF of that document, as well as the related podcast episode here.

In this episode, I share conversation starters I use in my university classes, especially at the beginning of a semester to set the tone for the class and what we'll be thinking about.  The intent of the questions has to do with the nature of students, what young people are like, and what captivates them.  My discussion prompts are: What if ________________? Are we allowed to talk about ____________? I am ________________. By asking students to fill in the blanks, then starting the discussion around these questions, I'm inviting them to explore ideas, encouraging them that this is a safe place to engage in the life of the mind and discover what the Lord has to say in His Word. 

In this episode, I share an exchange of ideas with a student who asked me about if Christians should be vegetarians.  We consider such things as: What are the different aspects of this question? What did Jesus say about diet? What should be our priorities, as Christians? What if, as Christians, we were less wasteful? What virtues should we pursue?

In the final episode of this mini-series on my new book, The Parabolic Universe, we consider some parables of Jesus that are often considered repetitive.  Are they, really?  Or are they sequential, providing more wisdom with each successive story?  We take a close look at the text of Matthew 13 (treasure in the field, pearl of great price, net catching fish) and Luke 15 (lost sheep, lost coins, lost sons) to examine this more.

In part 3 of the mini-series about the parabolic universe, we're taking a look at some parables of Jesus, going from the simple to those that are seemingly impossible to understand.  These include the parable of the sower, the wise and foolish virgins, and the unfaithful steward.  What are we to make of these? This discussion is based off of my new book, The Parabolic Universe, a consideration of how God reveals Himself in nature. 

As we continue this mini-series on the parabolic universe, this episode looks specifically at hermeneutics--the study of what the source intends the reader to understand (including translation and explanation).  How do we rightly understand parables and how to apply them?  We look into two ancient schools of thought, and consider Jesus' talk of bread in John 6, the parable of the ten virgins, and the parable of the sower.   This discussion is based off of my new book, The Parabolic Universe, a consideration of how God reveals Himself in nature. 

This episode is an introduction to my new book, The Parabolic Universe, a consideration of how God reveals Himself in nature.  In the past few hundred years, the church has abandoned nature as bearing witness to God.  Why is that?  Think about Bible passages such as Psalm 19 and Romans 1. Where in nature can we see a parabolic element, of physical things showing a spiritual truth?  We'll dive deeper into this in upcoming episodes.  

What if all atheists are functionally believers in a god?  What if every human being according to our human nature is functionally atheist?  This episode explores what actually functions as god in people's lives, compared to the true and living God who regenerates our soul in the image of His own Son so that we know the blessedness, peace, and joy of believing.

In the final episode of this mini-series on the nature of salvation, we consider salvation as nutritional.   What does that mean?  It's something Jesus talked about all the time, but we never do.  Why?  How does it contrast with other ways to think about the nature of salvation?   Bible references made in this episode include John 6, John 8:31-32, and Deuteronomy 6.

As we work through this series about the nature of salvation, in this episode we consider a person's disposition.  How does the Bible describe people who are saved?  Consider the disposition of those in the Bible who were helped by God.  We think specifically about Hagar, Esther, Job, and New Testament accounts of Gentiles and Jews.