Theology Central

A discussion about the song Beautiful Things by Benson Boone

A discussion about how free we are to make decisions

A discussion about the 2025 Sword Conference

I continue our discussion about how to train AI

Can you trust AI to help with theology, Bible study, or sermon prep? In this episode, we start with a scathing email that exposes AI's failures—and then dive deep into how to train AI to become a reliable tool rather than a dangerous liability. From setting standards to demanding accuracy, and from biblical interpretation to sermon critique, this episode equips you to use AI faithfully, wisely, and critically. Because the goal isn't to let AI speak for you—the goal is to train it to serve the truth.

Matthew 7:1–5 doesn't teach us how to judge—it shows us why we can't. In this episode, we explore how Jesus exposes our hypocrisy and leaves us convicted, not justified.

Get ready for Isaiah 44 with guided study assignments through chapters 40–44. Designed for individual or couple use, these exercises help you dig deep into God's character, Israel's condition, and the unfolding plan of redemption.

Bridget Bishop was the first to hang during the Salem witch trials. This episode tells the story of her trial, execution, and legacy—walking from courtroom to gallows, from stone memorial to dark streets. She wasn't a witch. But her death opened the door to a season of terror.

What does it really mean to be “possessed” by the Holy Spirit? If Christians are controlled by God, why do they still sin? In this episode, we review a sermon on Holy Spirit possession and examine its theological and logical flaws.

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful and paradoxical passages in all of Scripture — Paul's “Fool's Speech” from 2 Corinthians 11 and 12. What does it mean to boast in weakness? Why does Paul mock the very idea of spiritual superiority? And how does this speech dismantle everything we think we know about leadership, success, and Christian identity? Get ready for an uncomfortable but necessary confrontation with the gospel of weakness.

Catchy, fun, and full of ache. In this episode, we break down Role Model's “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out”—a deceptively upbeat anthem of emotional uncertainty, fear of abandonment, and fleeting intimacy. We explore the tension between sound and substance, and ask what this song reveals about modern love, vulnerability, and spiritual thirst.

Jesus calls remarriage after divorce adultery—but the modern church rarely treats it that way. In this episode, we dig deep into Matthew 5:31–32, asking: What does the Bible really say? Is the exception clause misunderstood? And how should the church respond if we take Jesus seriously?

Jesus calls remarriage after divorce adultery—but the modern church rarely treats it that way. In this episode, we dig deep into Matthew 5:31–32, asking: What does the Bible really say? Is the exception clause misunderstood? And how should the church respond if we take Jesus seriously?

Jesus calls remarriage after divorce adultery—but the modern church rarely treats it that way. In this episode, we dig deep into Matthew 5:31–32, asking: What does the Bible really say? Is the exception clause misunderstood? And how should the church respond if we take Jesus seriously?

We dive into Sabrina Carpenter's “Manchild”—a sharp, honest anthem about emotional immaturity, modern relationships, and gender dynamics. What does this viral hit reveal about our culture, and how should the Church respond?

If God is sovereign, why does sin exist at all?This episode confronts one of the hardest questions in theology: Did God want sin — and what does Isaiah 40–55 reveal about His purpose in allowing it? A raw, honest look at divine sovereignty, human rebellion, and the uncomfortable truth behind redemption.

If God is sovereign, why does sin exist at all?This episode confronts one of the hardest questions in theology: Did God want sin — and what does Isaiah 40–55 reveal about His purpose in allowing it? A raw, honest look at divine sovereignty, human rebellion, and the uncomfortable truth behind redemption.

We conclude our look at the devotional put out by the Girls Gone Bible podcast

This episode explores Matthew 5:27–32, exposing how Jesus' words crush any illusion of internal purity or external righteousness. We challenge popular views on lust, showing it begins within—not outside us—and conclude with the only hope for sinners: the imputed righteousness of Christ.

We look at the devotional put out by the Girls Gone Bible podcast

Christian influencers promoting an athleisure line have ignited a firestorm of debate—are they being immodest, or is the backlash part of a deeper theological problem? In this episode, we tackle the controversy surrounding Girls Gone Bible, modesty culture, and whether women are unfairly held responsible for men's lust. We go deep into Scripture, examine what modesty really means, and ask: who's actually to blame when someone sins? A must-listen for anyone tired of shallow answers and ready for a biblical, honest conversation.https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14788899/Christian-influencers-fire-evangelical-followers-promoting-immodest-athleisure-line.html

What does it mean to call Mary the Mother of the Church? Is the title biblical or purely traditional? In this episode, we explore the theological claims made in the Catholic Church's celebration of the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. We examine the scriptural basis, early Church writings, and the typological parallels with Eve and the Ark of the Covenant — and challenge Protestants who reject Marian theology while using the same interpretive methods for their own doctrines.

We conclude our study of Isaiah 43

We continue our study of Isaiah 43

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars imagine the end of the world—and all they want is to be together. In this episode, we unpack the lyrics of “Die with a Smile,” exploring love, vulnerability, and why this emotional anthem resonates so deeply. Is it about conflict, surrender, or something more eternal?

I review a sermon on John 21:15-17

Did Jesus and Peter use two different words for love in John 21—and does it actually matter? This episode exposes the myth, traces its origins, and shows why the Greek doesn't say what many claim it does.

Jesus prayed “that they may all be one”—but in a divided church, what does that really mean? In this episode, we examine John 17:20–26, explore who Jesus was praying for, and wrestle with the challenge of unity in light of today's church reality.

A review of the last few days of the lectionary readings

In this episode, I respond to Breakpoint's take on AI and loneliness, pushing back on their claim that the Church is the cure. Yes, AI relationships are artificial—but let's not pretend church communities always offer something better. I explore the real failures of Christian community, the limits of human connection, and why honesty—not idealism—is what we need.

We continue our work on Isaiah 40-55. In this episode we walk through Isaiah 43:8-13

We continue our work on Isaiah 40-55. In this episode we walk through Isaiah 43:1-7 and we consider the church as a factory of false hope

Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae's “What I Want” sounds like a casual hookup anthem—but listen closely and you'll hear something deeper: two people agreeing not to feel. In this episode, we analyze the song's emotional detachment, its theology of resigned desire, and what it reveals about a culture that craves connection but fears the cost. Is this honesty, or just another form of despair? And does the song offer even a flicker of hope? Let's find out.

We discuss the lectionary readings for May 31, 2025

Before we break it down together, here's your assignment: listen to “What I Want” and interpret it for yourself. What are the characters really saying? Is this song about honesty, fear, desire—or emotional surrender? In this episode, I give you questions to guide your reflection and invite you to wrestle with what the lyrics reveal about love, pain, detachment, and longing. Come ready to listen—and to think theologically.

Spotify just launched powerful new podcast features—from smarter recommendations to interactive comments and creator tools. Here's what's new and why it matters.

In this episode, we explore how Acts 15 fulfills the promises and preparation of John's Farewell Discourse. The Eleven, equipped by Jesus, now act with unity, authority, and Spirit-led clarity. This isn't devotional theory—it's redemptive history unfolding.

An assignment based on recent lectionary readings. Grab your bible, your notebook, and a pencil

Teddy Swims' “Lose Control” isn't just about heartbreak—it's a raw confession of fear, need, and the ache of being alone. In this episode, we explore the song's emotional core, the tension between needing God and needing others, and why Christianity often struggles to hold both together.

In this episode, we return to our long-form study through Isaiah 40–55 by walking slowly and carefully through an observational outline of Isaiah 43. Rather than rushing to application or theological conclusions, we seek to see what is actually in the text.

In this episode, we return to our long-form study through Isaiah 40–55 by walking slowly and carefully through an observational outline of Isaiah 43. Rather than rushing to application or theological conclusions, we seek to see what is actually in the text. 

Marjorie Taylor Greene clashed with Elon Musk's AI after it questioned her Christianity—but was the AI wrong? In this episode, we explore what happened, examine the theology of judgment and discernment, and ask: Can AI be more biblically accurate than some Christians?