Theology in the Raw

Dr. Christopher West serves as President of the Theology of the Body Institute near Philadelphia and as Professor of Theological Anthropology in its jointly sponsored master's program with Pontifex University. Christopher is one of the world's most recognized teachers of John Paul II's Theology of the Body. He's written many books including Our Bodies Tell God's Story: Discovering the Divine Plan for Love, Sex, and Gender. To recieve 20% off of Christopher's book "Our Bodies Tell God's Story," go to https://shop.corproject.com/collections/books/products/our-bodies-tell-gods-story-discovering-the-divine-plan-for-love-sex-and-gender-paperback and enter the code "OURBODIES" at checkout. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Todd Bolen is professor of Biblical Studies at The Master's University (my alma mater) and the founder of BiblePlaces.com—one of the most comprehensive pictorial library of biblical sites. Todd was one of my all-time favorite professors in college and was one of my main inspirations for wanting to become a biblical scholar. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Griffiths is pastor of Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, Canada and leads Encounter the Truth, a media ministry that broadcasts on radio and podcasts across the U.S. and Canada. In his recent book, Gathered for Good: God's Good Design for the Local Church, he addresses the need for in-person gathering with empathy and authority, and encourages believers to commit to their local church community as a way to deepen their spiritual growth. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content at patreon.com/theologyintheraw  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly M. Kapic (PhD, King's College, University of London) is a professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. He is an author or editor of more than fifteen books, including You're Only Human, Embodied Hope, which each won a Christianity Today Book of the Year Award, and the recently released You Were Never Meant to Do it All. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content at patreon.com/theologyintheraw  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Sean McDowell is a professor of Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He has earned two Master's degrees in philosophy and theology and his Ph.D. in Apologetics and Worldview Studies. He is the author, editor, or co-author of more than 20 books including More Than A Carpenter, Chasing Love, End the Stalemate, and The Fate of the Apostles. He is the co-host of the Think Biblically podcast–one of the most popular podcasts on the intersection of faith and culture. At the end of this episode we also discuss our recent debate about whether Christians should use preferred pronouns. This “extra innings” portion of our conversation will be available for our patreon supporters. If you would like to become a member of the patreon community, then head over to patreon.com/theologyintheraw to get access to TITR “extra innings” and other premium content.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Glenn Packiam is a pastor, author and practical theologian who currently serves as the lead pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California. He earned a PhD from Durham University, is an ordained priest with the Anglican Church of North America, and is the author of several books, including The Resilient Pastor, Blessed Broken Given, and the recently released: “What's a Christian Anyway? Finding our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption,” which forms the topic of our conversation. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content at patreon.com/theologyintheraw  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Larry Sanger is the co-founder of Wikipedia. Larry received his PhD in philosophy from The Ohio State University and for many years was an intellectual skeptic of Christianity. But earlier this year, he wrote an essay titled: “How a Skeptical Philosopher Becomes a Christian” (Feb 2025), which went viral. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content at patreon.com/theologyintheraw  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Gerry Breshears (Ph.D. Fuller Seminary) is a professor of theology at Western Seminary, a pastor of pastors, elder at Grace Community Church (Gresham, OR), and a happy great-grandfather. To listen to the last part of our conversation about women in leadership, become a Theology in the Raw patron at patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Christopher Landau is a former BBC World Service religious affairs correspondent, who left journalism to train as a Church of England Minister. He has a doctorate in Christian Ethics at the University of Oxford on the ethics of disagreement among Christians in the New Testament, later published as 'A Theology of Disagreement'. His latest contribution to debates on sexuality is his newly published Grove Booklet, ‘Compassionate Orthodoxy' and Sexuality: Seeking Grace and Truth in Disagreement. He is the director of ReSource, a UK charity supporting local churches in spiritual renewal. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content at patreon.com/theologyintheraw  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.J. Swoboda (Ph.D., Birmingham) is an associate professor of Bible and Theology at Bushnell University and lead mentor for the Doctor of Ministry Program on Spiritual Formation and Soul Care at Friends University. He is the author of many books, including The Gift of Thorns (Zondervan), After Doubt (Brazos), and the recently released: A Teachable Spirit: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone. He hosts the “Slow Theology” podcast (w/ Dr. Nijay Gupta) and writes the widely read “Low-Level Theologian” Substack. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content at patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Skye Jethani is an award-winning author, speaker, and co-host of the Holy Post Podcast. Skye has written more than a dozen books and served as an editor and executive at Christianity Today for more than a decade. His voice has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, and The Washington Post. To listen to the final 25 min of this episode, where Skye and I debate the question "should Christians vote," go over to patreon.com/theologyintheraw.com to become a member, where you can access this convo and other premium content.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus Q&A: Why Christians Stopped Celebrating Biblically-Commanded Holidays Like Passover & Hanukkah If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw 0:00 INTRO0:32 Why did Christians stop celebrating Biblically commanded holidays? Passover, Sukkot, Shavuot, Hanukkah (Jesus celebrated). Not salvation issue but is it a loss?7:55 Do you think biblical inerrancy should be a central or peripheral doctrine for Christians? 16:13 Are Christians who use Social Media or books to call out fellow Christians violating Matthew 18 about having private conversations first? 20:32 We have friends whose child is trans but say they do not have gender dysphoria. Is this common? I don't remember you ever addressing this in your writing. 22:33 Can you please put the death knell on dispensationalism and rapture theology?! Would you call it a heresy or a deception?! 26:17 Any ideas/strategies for campus ministry staff to engage with non-believing LGBTQ students well? 34:48 I've read that Rahab plays a subversive role in Joshua, though it's not explicit. What safeguards ensure this reading stems from the text, not modern agendas? 39:09 What are your thoughts on Christian missionaries evangelizing a group then insisting the group adapt to their cultural values e.g. modesty/how much they wear 43:55. What are your thoughts on Christian couple traveling alone before marriage? Should they care about perception even if they're not sleeping together? 47:12 Can I be saved if I believe gay marriage is wrong in God's eyes but still choose to marry someone of the same sex? 50:12 Conditional Immortality: I've never heard you point out the duality of Rev 20:10 vs 21:8. Same punishment, very different results. Why not? Seems vital. 52:41 When reading church history, do you sometimes feel discouraged or unsettled (or maybe you feel encouraged)? What helps you read and keep healthy perspective. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to the full length Q & A episode at patreon.com/theologyintheraw  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a recording of the session titled "Transgender People and the Church" at the recent Exiles in Babylon conference in Minneapolis. In this session, I give a short theological overview of Transgender identities and Mark Yarhouse gives a psychological perspective. And then, we had three people share their testimonies: Remi Rathjen (a Christian who experiences Gender Dysphoria and who hasn't transitioned), Julia Mallott (a transitioned transwoman who does not identify as a Christian), and Chloe Cole (a Christian who transitioned at an early age and then detransitoned). To listen to these testimonies and our 45 minute dialogue, go to patreon.com/theologyintheraw and sign up for a free (or paid) account.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Anderson is the Missions Pastor at Church of the City (NYC) where she is a part of the teaching team and leads ministries that partner in the spiritual, social, and cultural renewal of New York City. As a part of that work Ashley leads a group called The Table, which is a group of LGBTQ/same sex attracted Christians at Church of the City who have consecrated their sexuality to God in alignment with an orthodox Christian sex ethic with the belief that a consecrated life is not only possible, but can be deeply satisfying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doug Smith offers an insider's perspective on the power of technology, informed by over three decades of software development experience and a lifetime of Bible study. As a software developer, Doug has served Fortune 500 companies, startups, universities, government agencies, and media personalities. He's currently an Android-focused engineer with Covenant Eyes and a proud ambassador for ScreenStrong.org. See his recent article on AI and ministry https://renew.org/should-we-use-generative-ai-chatbots-for-ministry/ and his recent book [Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires, and How You Can Break Free. Jay Owen is the Founder and CEO of Business Builders, a marketing agency in St. Augustine Florida, and the executive director of communication at The Church of Eleven22. With over 20 years of experience growing businesses, Jay now helps others leverage AI technology for sustainable growth. Follow Jay's work at https://aiwithjay.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katelyn Beaty is a journalist, editor, and author who's written for the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Washington Post, Religion News Service, Religion & Politics, and The Atlantic. She is cohost of the Saved by the City podcast (Religion News Service), the author of 2 books including her latest: Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church (Brazos Press, 2022), and currently serves as the editorial director of Brazos Press.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who Are The Spirits In Prison Christ Preached To? If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw -- 0:00 Introduction0:18 How do you explain the odd passage in 1 Peter about Christ being put to death and proclaiming to the spirits in prison?5:57 ls the MAGA movement blasphemous and heretical? Can we call a spade a spade?21:07 How do you view celibate partnerships? Are they biblical?29:04 Is reading smut equivalent to viewing porn?30:48 My church holds to a side B view of gender/sexuality, however they believe it's an "agree to disagree issue" with other churches. Thoughts? 33:50 Is the gospel of John trustworthy? I've heard different ideas about its reliability.37:13 Does complementarianism imply that every female pastor has a "more worthy" man somewhere in the congregation? Consdier Debra...39:41 Many Christians argue that much of the Old Testament is 'mytho-history' and that only the spiritual lessons matter. Thoughts?43:30 What are the benefits of a complementarian reading of scripture? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Dan Sered is a COO for Jews for Jesus and overseas the Jews for Jesus teams in Europe, South Africa, Israel, and Australia. With a doctor of ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary, an MA in ministry and leadership from Western Seminary. Dan was born in Israel and had a secular Jewish upbringing. His family relocated to the United States when he was in his teens, where he came to Christ in the late 90's. Dan helped to pastor All Nations Church in Israel for 17 years. He and his family returned to the US in 2020, when Dan was appointed chief operations officer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa is a world renown speaker and writer with over 30 years of church and para-church ministry leadership experience. She holds a Masters in Theology from Covenant Theological Seminary and is pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry from Denver Seminary. She's the co-host of the popular “Back Porch Theology” podcast and the author of several books including her most recent book: A Jesus Shaped Life: How Diving Deeper into Theology Can Transform Us and Our World with the Radical Kindness of God.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Kara Powell, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI), the founder of the TENx10 Collaboration, and the Chief of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary (see fulleryouthinstitute.org). Named by Christianity Today as one of “50 Women to Watch”, Kara speaks regularly at national parenting and leadership conferences, and is the author or co-author of a number of books including the recently released: Future-Focused Church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church located in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah. He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, I Declare War, The Last Supper on the Moon, and Roar Like a Lion, the 2022 ECPA Christian Book Award winner for young people's literature. Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven. Levi's latest book is Blessed Are The Spiraling: How the Chaotic Search for Significance Can Lead to Joy through Life's Shifting Seasons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BONUS Q&A: Does God Allow Evil For His Glory?  0:00 Introduction 0:27 How should I respond to someone who says "Bad things happen for God's glory?" It feels irksome. 11:54 Thoughts and impressions on this year's Exiles conference? 20:06 How should we practice communion? Every week? Young people? Nonbelievers? 32:28 How does assurance of salvation actually work? 37:36 Should Christians do yoga? 41:33 Why respond to Christopher Yuan on 'X'?  46:27 My previous charismatic church claimed that 1 Peter 2:24 meant that Jesus literally carried our diseases as well as sins. Thoughts? 50:26 Can you steelman the argument against DEI, CRT, BLM, and then address its flaws? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew W. Bates (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lisle, Illinois. He is the author of Gospel Allegiance, Salvation by Allegiance Alone, and Why the Gospel?, which won a 2024 Christianity Today Book Award and was named the 2024 Resource of the Year by Outreach magazine, and Beyond the Salvation Wars, which forms the topic of our conversation. Bates also cofounded and cohosts the popular Bible and theology podcast OnScript.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com--a program that provides a sounding board of interest to all who are concerned about U.S. foreign policy and its implications. Follow his daily podcast “Antiwar.com.”  -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Prof. NT Wright is a biblical scholar, professor, former bishop of Durham, and an author who's written 30 billion books. Over the last 25 years, he's been one of the most influential and inspiring NT scholars in my life and in the lives of many others. Click HERE to gain FREE access to the course “Simply Good News” by NT Wright. -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian that writes and speaks on the intersection of religion, culture, philosophy, and science. He is the host of Deep Talks: Cultural Theology with Paul Anleitner, a YouTube channel and podcast featuring long-form discussions with leading voices and lectures on the cultural theology. Register for the Exiles and Babylon conference: theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan White Jr. is the Co-founder of The Kineo Center, a ministry that serves weary and wounded leaders. Dan is also the author of Love Over Fearand co-author of Church as Movement. Register for the Exiles and Babylon conference: theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Munther Isaac is a Palestinian pastor, theologian, author, and activist. He has an MA from Westminster Theological Seminary and a PhD from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. He pastors the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour. He is also the academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College and the author of several books including the recently released: Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

0:00 Introduction 0:33 Any ideas on your next project after you complete your current book? 3:03 How should speaking in tongues be practiced in our churches today? 9:42 As a pacifist, how do you reconcile God's violent actions and his call to violence in OT and NT? 15:38 Since being saved, when have you felt least certain about the veracity of your faith? 22:07 Is there hierarchy within the Trinity? 24:25 What are you looking forward to the most in the new creation? 27:20 Who is the primary audience in the Sermon on the Mount? The disciples or the crowd? 28:47 Are the qualifications of elder conditional? Some of the "if" statements? 32:00 What would a good Christian response to Nazi Germany in 1935? What do we do if we feel like we're headed toward such times today?  34:06 Is it acceptable to pray imprecatory Psalms for our world leaders? 36:56 Do you believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Barr is the James Vardaman professor of history at Baylor University in Waco, TX, and is the author of several books including her recently released Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry, which forms the backdrop of our conversation. Register for the Exiles and Babylon conference: theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Eldredge is a New York Times bestselling author, counselor, and teacher who has inspired millions to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. He's the author of several books including The Sacred Romance, Wild at Heart, and his recently released Experiencing Jesus. Really:Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder through Everyday Encounters with God. He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's kingdom. www.wildatheart.org. Register for the Exiles and Babylon conference: theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! 0:00 Introduction 0:41 Will you respond to any critiques of "the Upside Down Kingdom Study Bible?" Is it "woke?" 5:49 How do you explain the difference between sexual attraction and sinful sexual lust? 9:35 Is the Kingdom a meritocracy? The gate is grace, but what about rewards and placement--based on works? 20:23 Is there any topic you find uninteresting or would prefer not to discuss? 26:45 My young adult trans kid is mentally and emotionally healthier after transition. I feel guilty that I like them better, but they need Jesus. Thoughts? 30:21 What are some things happening on the political right that you've aligned with? 45:15 How do you choose which Christian charities to support? 47:13 Do you love Satan? We're supposed to love our enemies! (from a 7-year old) 48:33 What do you think of the statement, "Hell was made for Satan and his demons, not for people?" 49:35 How can we inherit a sin nature if God knit us together in the womb? Isn't he creating sin then? 50:39 Do you think there are gender distinctives that men must embrace, like growing beards?  53:47 The Greek word for submit in Eph 5:24--is it a "command" or is it a "suggestion?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Robin Parry is the minor canon for eco-spirituality at Worcester Cathedral, UK. He is also an academic book editor for Wipf and Stock Publishers and the author of several books and articles including The Evangelical Universalist (under the name Gregory MacDonald) and an important article on Christian Universalism in the Four Views on Hell book, which I edited. In this conversation, I didn't bring Robin on for a debate but for him to unpack his biblical case for Christian Universalism. Register for the Exiles and Babylon conference: theologyintheraw.com  -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Mark Thiessen Nation has authored and edited a number of books, including two books on Bonhoeffer: Bonhoeffer the Assassin? and Discipleship in a World Full of Nazis. For sixteen years he was professor of theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and before that was director of The London Mennonite Centre, London, England. Register for the Exiles in Babylon conference (Minneapolis, April 3-5, 2025) at theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Nijay Gupta earned his PhD in NT from Durham University. He currently serves as Prof of NT at Northern Seminary. He's written several books including Strange Religion, Tell Her Story, and the recently released: The Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul's TheologyRegister for the Exiles in Babylon conference (Minneapolis, April 3-5, 2025) at theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Ben Norquist is the director of the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME). Ben is a researcher and public organizer. Inspired by his study of higher education in Palestine, Ben currently works on the ways educational and epistemological structures develop responsively to physical landscapes, especially those that are highly configured and imposed. He us the coauthor of Every Somewhere Sacred: Rescuing a Theology of Place in the American Imagination coming out with IVP Academic, fall, 2025. -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Brickey has been a pastor for over 20 years and currently serves as lead pastor at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, MN. Dave and his team are also the host church of this year's "Exiles in Babylon" conference (April 3-5, 2025). Find out more at theologyintheraw.com . Dave is a pastor of a church in the suburbs and has a radical, kingdom-minded heart. We talk about what this looks like in the context of church ministry.  -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Miller is a teaching Pastor and Director of Digital Relationships at the Crossing Church in Columbia, MO. He has a master's degree from Covenant Theological Seminary and he cohosts two podcasts: Ten Minute Bible Talks and Truth over Tribe, with Keith Simon. He and Keith are the authors of two great books: Truth Over Tribe, and their most recent book, Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jesus in a Disorienting Culture. Register for the Exiles in Babylon conference (Minneapolis, April 3-5, 2025) at theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com 0:00 Introduction 0:28 How should churches handle bathroom situations for transgender individuals? Different for teens and adults? 8:18 Your recent video with Sean McDowell...I noticed increased tension. Did this affect your friendship? 13:19 Knowing what you know, how do you handle being around Pro-Israel Christians and/or are insensitive toward what's going in Palestine? 20:55 In the "Upside Down Kingdom Bible", yuoiur commentary on Genesis 9:18-27 surprised me. How do we know "rape" vs. "mockery" happened here? 25:13 If both sexes are called to be Christlike and exhibit the fruit of the spirit, does it make sense to be called a "Biblical Man or Women?" 37:13 Should we talk to our kids about masturbation? 39:00 While the Bible seems to approve of wine, does it suggest that beer and hard liquor lack the same biblical support? 43:09 Thoughts on the "Man of lawlessness" in 2 Thess. 2:3. Is it a future antichrist? I'm unsure. 46:48 Was Jesus as God capable of sin? 48:19 Any tips for preparing for a daughter's wedding? 52:55 Were Paul's letters written before the gospels? How do we know? 55:53 How would you address folks who disagree with fundamental theological convictions of a church community, but insist on remaining in the church and promoting disagreement? 58:55 Is it unbiblical for a woman to explain and lead communion? 1:01:55 What is the difference between Luke 12:19 and the American idea of retirement?  1:06:13 How do you respond to the criticism that the "Upside Down Kingdom Bible" isn't a study Bible, but a special-interest Bible? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jinger Duggar Vuolo grew up on TV. From the age of nine until twenty-seven, she appeared on her family's hit TLC reality shows, "19 Kids and Counting" and "Counting On." She is an author whose books include New York Times bestseller Becoming Free Indeed, her personal memoir The Hope We Hold and a children's book, You Can Shine So Bright. Jinger's latest book is People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Jeremy, and their two daughters, Felicity Nicole and Evangeline Jo. In her free time, Jinger enjoys traveling, hiking, and anything to do with good food. Register for the Exiles in Babylon conference (Minneapolis, April 3-5, 2025) at theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cody Cook earned a BA and MA in biblical studies from God's Bible School. He's a regular contributor at the Libertarian Christian Institute and the author of Fight the Powers: What the Bible Says About the Relationship Between Spiritual Forces and Human Governments and the recently released, The Anarchist Anabaptist, which is the topic of our conversation. Order The Anarchist Anabaptist through libertarianchristians.com and use the code SPRINKLE25 for a 25% off discount. Register for the Exiles in Babylon conference (Minneapolis, April 3-5, 2025) at theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marvin Williams is lead pastor at Trinity Church in Lansing Michigan, who's finishing a Doctorate at Fuller Theological, where he's writing a dissertation titled, “My Whole Black Self” which focuses on self-differentiation of black men living in predominantly white spaces.  -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Her most recent book is: The Promise and Power of Easter (Bible Study Guide): Captivated by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, w/ Lisa Harper. Check out the A21 Campaign: https://www.a21.org Register for the Exiles conference (April 3-5, 2025): https://theologyintheraw.com/exiles25/ -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Malcolm Foley (PhD, Baylor University) is a pastor, historian and speaker who serves as special advisor to the president for equity and campus engagement at Baylor University. He is the author of the upcoming book, The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money Is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Annie F. Downs is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and podcast host of the super popular “That Sounds Fun” podcast. She's based in Nashville, TN and also NYC. Some of her bestselling books including Chase the Fun, That Sounds Fun, 100 Days to Brave, Remember God, and her about to be released children's book called: Where Did TJ Go?: A Book for Kids on Grief and Loss.Resources Annie mentioned about singleness: https://www.anniefdowns.com/pastoringsingles -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

0:00 Introduction 0:49 What was the turning point in your theological journey that moved you away from the hyper-conservatism of John MacArthur? 23:19 John Piper recently said pronoun hospitality is a prelude to future perversions in which a person marries an animal--your reponse? 31:10 The Bible limits grounds for divorce and never allows remarriage. I wasn't a Christian then, but I'm my husband's third wife. Are we both doomed? 34:44 What are your thoughts on Trump banning gender affirming care for minors? How can church leaders help those struggling? 42:16 Is your view of being an ""exile"" challenged by Trump's Exective Orders? I feel like I want to protest...does that fit into the ""exile"" profile? 1:06:25 Do you see non-hierarchical gatherings of Christians to be as legitimate as "Church, Inc" institutions? Do you see a shift away from that corporate structure in the future? 1:11:18 Was the Passover an atoning sacrifice? If not, why did Jesus relate himself to the Passover Lamb instead of the bull or ram sacrifice? 1:15:11 Did God pour out wrath on Jesus? Can he really pour wrath on Himself? Can he turn his face away from himself? -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Holly Carey is the author of Women Who Do: Female Disciples in the Gospels (Eerdmans, 2023). Dr. Cary is the Professor of Biblical Studies and Department Chair of Biblical Studies at Point University (West Point, GA). A graduate of Point and of Asbury Theological Seminary, she earned her Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins at the University of Edinburgh. She serves as a contributing editor to the Stone-Campbell Journal, is a member of the SBL Mark Seminar and its Passion Narrative steering committee, and lectures and preaches at conferences, workshops, and churches around the country. Dr. Carey is married to Warren, and they have four children. She likes to read, swim, hike, preach, and is a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo. In this conversation, we talk about the content of her book Women Who Do. Register for the Exiles in Babylon conference (Minneapolis, April 3-5, 2025) at theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Davidson was a business and economics journalist for 30 or so years at NPR, NY Times, New Yorker and elsewhere. He co-founded NPR's Planet Money. He is an atheist Jew with a Buddhist practice and a long-time fascination with evangelical Christianity. He majored in History of Religion with a focus on evangelicalism at University of Chicago. Adam lives in Vermont with my wife and son. Adam will be speaking at this year's Exiles in Babylon conference, dialoguing with Dr. Sean McDowell about the question: Is the Evangelical Church Good for this Country. Register HERE for the conference.  -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Don Davis is the founder and former Executive Director of The Urban Ministry Institute of World Impact, and he currently serves as the Senior Executive Advisor. Dr. Davis has been involved in ministry among the urban poor for over 40 years. Learn more about Don HERE. Register for the Exiles in Babylon conference (Minneapolis, April 3-5, 2025) at theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Sharon Hodde Miller leads Bright City Church in Durham, NC with her husband, Ike. She also has a PhD on women and calling, and is the author of several books, including her most recent one, The Cost of Control. We talk a lot about pastoral ministry, church planting, and how to cultivate resilience in ministry. Register for the Exiles and Babylon conference: theologyintheraw.com -- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-- If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel! Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Or you can support me directly through Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Visit my personal website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com For questions about faith, sexuality & gender: https://www.centerforfaith.com -- 0:00 Introduction 0:24 Is divorce allowed if couple isn't growing together or is a ""loveless"" marriage? 4:41 How do you talk to your kids about their possible future marriages or singleness? Many parents assume marriage is in their future. 8:29 What are your top 5 musicians or bands? 14:42 Does the use of non-lethal force have a place within a framework of non-violence? Policing/self defense? 18:18 Did God have to send Jesus at the time in history when he did? With such cruel ways to kill? 23:42 Is the Greek word 'skubula' a vulgar term? 29:29 Can you talk through the two words in 1 Corinthians 6:9 that are tranlated ""men having sex with men?"" 37:20 What do you know about the ""Divine Council?"" 40:12 What is meant by the term ""gods"" in John 10:34-35? 46:29 Why do some scholars call the first century Holy Land ""Palestine"" and others are completely opposed to this label? NT Wright even calls Jesus a Palestinian Jew. 54:11 Is contemplative prayer biblical? 58:06 Premarital sex isn't clearly outlawed in scripture, and Song of Songs seems to celebrate sexual intimacy outside of marriage. Please help. 1:01:11 ""Kephale""--you said it doesn't imply lack of power. Why does prominence have to be linked with power? 1:03:19 Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25? 1:09:04 If God is pro-life, why the flood in Genesis? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices