Theology in the Raw

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In quick and dirty 20-25 minute episodes, Preston takes a fresh look at what the Bible really says, as he challenges opinions and traditions--yes, even his own. Homosexuality, sex, porn, drinking, immigration, racial tensions, violence, ISIS, Trump, guns, patriotism, you name it. If it's of interes…

Preston Sprinkle


    • Oct 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 1h AVG DURATION
    • 810 EPISODES

    4.6 from 1,125 ratings Listeners of Theology in the Raw that love the show mention: thanks preston, thank you preston, love preston, sprinkle, best christian podcast, think deeply, posture, open mindedness, theologically, difficult topics, he's always, evangelical, gracious, theology, authority, thinker, christians, well worth your time, lgbtq, openness.


    Ivy Insights

    The Theology in the Raw podcast is an intellectually stimulating and challenging podcast that has greatly helped me grow in my faith. I love the thought-provoking discussions on pressing topics of our time, as well as the diverse range of guests that Preston Sprinkle brings on. His openness, style, and approach to tough conversations are greatly appreciated. The podcast tackles difficult issues with compassion and invites listeners to listen and learn from each other without judgment or division. Overall, this podcast is a great resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian faith and practice.

    One of the best aspects of Theology in the Raw is the diversity of perspectives presented. Preston Sprinkle invites guests from across the theological spectrum on issues of pressing concern to Christians and Christian churches. This allows listeners to engage with different viewpoints and consider multiple perspectives, which is crucial for personal growth and development. The podcast also promotes intellectual honesty and challenges deeply-held beliefs, encouraging listeners to think deeper about their faith.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is Preston Sprinkle's humility and willingness to ask difficult questions. He doesn't shy away from controversial topics or demolishing idols, which leads to honest and challenging conversations. Even when I disagree with him or a guest, I always find myself helped to think deeper about my own beliefs and understandings.

    On the flip side, one potential downside of this podcast could be that some listeners may find it challenging or uncomfortable due to its willingness to challenge deeply-held beliefs. However, I believe that discomfort can often lead us to personal growth and a greater understanding of our faith.

    In conclusion, The Theology in the Raw podcast is an excellent resource for those seeking thought-provoking discussions on pressing topics within Christianity. It offers diverse perspectives, intellectual honesty, and challenges listeners to think deeper about their faith. Despite potential discomfort or disagreement with certain viewpoints presented, this podcast provides valuable insights that can help individuals grow in their understanding of Christian faith and practice. I highly recommend giving it a listen.



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    Latest episodes from Theology in the Raw

    Understanding Emerging Sexual Identities: Dr. Mark Yarhouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 58:46


    Check out the Theology in the Raw Patreon community to watch my extended conversation with Dr. Yarhouse Pick up a copy of Emerging Sexual Identities by Dr. Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky today! Learn more about the Exiles in Babylon Conference hereMy guest today is Dr. Mark Yarhouse! Dr. Yarhouse has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and is author or co-author of several books, including Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture. His forthcoming book, Emerging Sexual Identities (with Dr. Julia Sadusky) will be published by Brazos Press at the end of October.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Real Story Behind the Nicene Creed. Dr. Bryan Litfin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 68:07


    Check out the Theology in the Raw Patreon community for bonus content, extra episodes, and discounted event tickets! Register now for Exiles 26! April 30-May 2 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Check this page for more info! Watch this episode to hear all about how The Council of Nicaea went down, and how we got the Nicene Creed. Find out why the doctrine of the Trinity is so important, and why it took a couple times to get the Nicene Creed just right.My guest is Dr. Bryan Litfin. Bryan Litfin is Professor of Bible & Theology in the Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Previously, he served for 16 years as Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and 3 years as an editor and writer at Moody Publishers.Bryan received his PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia and a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. His undergraduate work was at the University of Tennessee in the field of Communications.Bryan is married to Carolyn, and they have two adult children. Bryan enjoys teaching, hiking in the mountains, writing, and investing in the lives of students, especially when he gets to take them on study abroad trips in the lands of church history. Bryan and Carolyn worship at Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Is it Possible to Heal from the Trauma of Sexual Abuse? Dr. Dan Allender

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 64:48


    Check out the Theology in the Raw Patreon community for bonus content, extra episodes, and discounted event tickets!My guest today is Dr. Dan Allender. For over 30 years, his “Allender Theory” has brought healing and transformation to hundreds of thousands of lives by bridging the story of the gospel and the stories of trauma and abuse that mark so many. He's written a bunch of life-changing books (e.g. The Wounded Heart, God Loves Sex) and is an incredible communicator. Most of all, he's one of the most down to earth, Jesus-like, and delightful persons I've ever met. Dan will be speaking on healing from Sexual Trauma at Exiles in Babylon 2026! Part of our session titled Mental Health and the Gospel. Learn more here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Daniel Yang: How Should Christians Think About Immigration?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 60:55


    Register for the Exiles in Babylon conference! April 30-May 2, 2026.Join me on Patreon for Bonus Episodes, Extra Innings, Discounted Tickets and more! Daniel Yang serves as the Senior Director of Global Mission and Church Movements for World Relief. Prior to that he was the director of the Church Multiplication Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. Daniel has been a pastor, church planter, engineer and technology consultant. He has planted churches in Detroit, Dallas, Toronto, and Chicago, either as the lead planter or through recruiting, training, assessing, and mentoring church planters. Daniel is a sought-after conference speaker, missional strategist, consultant, and co-author of Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church (InterVarsity, May 2022) and Becoming a Future-Ready Church: 8 Shifts to Encourage and Empower the Next Generation of Leaders (Zondervan, October 2024).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    A Raw Testimony from a Male Survivor

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 73:58


    Check out the Theology in the Raw Patreon community for bonus content, extra episodes, and discounted event tickets! Today's guest is my longtime friend Dr. Joel Willitts. On this episode, Joel shares his difficult journey navigating faith and life after being sexually abused by a family member in his youth. It's an incredibly raw conversation —if you're sensitive to these topics, please make sure to prepare yourself before listening.Joel is a Professor in the Biblical and Theological Studies Department at North Park University in Chicago, IL, where he's taught for over twenty years. His academic journey began at Liberty University (B.A. '92), followed by a Th.M. from Dallas Seminary ('00), and an M.Phil. ('02) and Ph.D. ('07) from Cambridge University. His intellectual curiosities are many, included the Jewish Context of the New Testament and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He enjoys travel, running marathons, watching baseball (especially the Yankees!), listening to U2, and reading. He live in the suburbs of Chicago and has boy-girl twins who are freshmen at North Park University. He's been married to Karla for 33 years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Kaitlyn Schiess: Is "Exile" Really a Helpful Political Identity?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 71:30


    Join the Theology in the Raw Patreon community to watch our "Extra Innings" conversation where Kaitlyn shares some horror stories about the Christian dating scene and gives some much-needed advice for anyone trying to set up their friends. Kaitlyn Schiess is a doctoral student in Christian ethics at Duke Divinity School. She has a ThM in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is the author of The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture has been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here (Brazos, 2023) and The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor (IVP, 2020). Her writing has appeared at Christianity Today, The New York Times, RELEVANT, and Sojourners. Her work focuses on political theology, theological interpretation of the Old Testament prophets, and American religious history. Find more of her work at https://kaitlynschiess.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: Marissa Burt & Kelsey Kramer McGinnis

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 59:49


    The Myth of Good Christian Parenting is available to pre-order now on Amazon, reserve your copy today! Join the Theology in the Raw community on Patreon to watch our "Extra Innings" conversation on whether parents should spank their kids. Marissa Franks Burt (MA in Theological Studies, Columbia International University) is a novelist, editor, teacher, and cohost of the At Home with the Lectionary and In the Church Library podcasts. She lives in a small town in Washington's Snoqualmie Valley with her husband, six children, and heaps of books. Kelsey Kramer McGinnis (PhD, University of Iowa) is a musicologist, educator, and correspondent for Christianity Today, writing on worship practices and Christian subculture. She is an adjunct professor at Grand View University in Des Moines and previously worked at the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights. Marissa & Kelsey cohost the podcast In The Church Library where they discuss print resources. And they coauthored the book The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families, which is the topic of our conversation. Link to pre-order bonuses. Link to download of the introduction and first chapter. Order from Baker for guaranteed release day deliverySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Surrendered Sexuality: Dr. Juli Slattery

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 59:56


    Dr. Juli Slattery is the president and co-founder of Authentic Intimacy. She is a clinical psychologist and hosts the weekly Java with Juli podcast. Juli has authored or co-authored 14 books, including her latest book: Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes…Everything. Join the Theology in the Raw community to get access to our "extra innings" conversation, where Juli counsels me on how to respond to slander and lies spread about me from Christian influencers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Should the State Ban Conversion Therapy for Minors? Dr. Julia Sadusky

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 62:22


    Dr. Julia Sadusky is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and speaker who specializes in sexuality, gender, and faith and has written several books in this area, including Start Talking to Your Kids about Sex. Julia has submitted an Amicus Brief concerning the recent case against the ban on conversation therapy in the state of Colorado. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Biblical Scholarship, Race, Sports, BBQ, and Everything Else: Dr. Esau McCaulley

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 58:56


    Check out Patreon.com/theologyintheraw for Extra Innings, bonus episodes, interactive live streams, and discounted event tix!Shoutout to our amazing sponsor, Wild Alaskan. Save $35 on your first box of delicious, sustainable seafood. Head to wildalaskan.com/titr to order. Also, be sure to grab a copy of God's Colorful Kingdom, available now! Exiles in Babylon Conference 2026 Registration is open! Join us in Minneapolis, April 30-May 2. Esau McCaulley, PhD, is Pastor of All Saints Anglican Church in Naperville IL. He is also an author and The Jonathan Blanchard Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. His research and writing focus on New Testament Exegesis, African American Biblical Interpretation, and Public Theology. Esau's latest book is a children's Bible called God's Colorful Kingdom, which celebrates God's heart for diversity throughout scripture. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Slow Theology: Drs. Nijay Gupta and A.J. Swoboda

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 60:58


    Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content! A. J. Swoboda (PhD, University of Birmingham) is an assistant professor of Bible, theology, and world Christianity at Bushnell University. He also leads a doctor of ministry program around Christian formation and soul care at Friends University. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including the award-winning Subversive Sabbath and After Doubt. Nijay K. Gupta (PhD, Durham University) is Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. Gupta is an award-winning author of numerous books, including Tell Her Story, Strange Religion, and commentaries on Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. He is also a senior translator for the New Living Translation. A.J. and Nijay cohost the Slow Theology podcast and co-authored the recent book Slow Theology, which is the topic of our conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    On Being Christian and Same-Sex Attracted in Africa: Steve Mwendia

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 52:53


    Steve Mwendia is a Kenyan Christian, who experiences same-sex attraction. Steve founded a ministry called “Found” that aims to walk alongside believers experiencing same-sex orientation and/or gender dysphoria, helping them flourish in their faith, identity, and community. See more at foundafric.org. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Sexual Orientation, Revoice, and Evangelical Approaches to the LGBTQ Conversation: Dr. Nate Collins

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 53:21


    Dr. Nate Collins has a Ph.D. in New Testament from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of All But Invisible: Exploring Identity Questions at the Intersection of Faith, Gender, and Sexuality (Zondervan, 2017), as well as a forthcoming volume about sexuality in the Biblical Theology for Life series from Zondervan Academic. And in 2018, Nate founded the ministry of Revoice and serves as its current President. Join the Theology in the Raw community to listen to my "extra innings" conversation with Nate about his journey as a gay man in evangelicalism, including his 14 years at Southern Seminary.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    A Theology of Nutrition, Exercise, and Caring for Our Bodies: Dr. Lainey Greer

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 58:14


    Dr. Lainey Greer is the founder of Your Body Matters and creator of Understand Healthy and The Bible and Your Body. She is passionate about Christian theology and body stewardship and strives to give believers the tools they need to glorify God in their bodies. Dr. Greer holds a BS in Exercise Science from University of Tennessee, a master's from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She's also written several books including Embodied Holiness and Struggling with Body Image. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Why Church Attendance Has Increased Among Gen Z and Millennials: David Kinnaman

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 52:15


    David Kinnaman is the author of the bestselling books Faith For Exiles, Good Faith, You Lost Me and unChristian. He is CEO of Barna Group, a leading research and communications company that works with churches, nonprofits, and businesses ranging from film studios to financial services. Since 1995, David has directed interviews with more than two million individuals and overseen thousands of U.S. and global research studies. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    What Happens When You Say Women Should Have Agency and Influence in the Church: Aimee Byrd

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 63:27


    Aimee Byrd is an author and speaker, troublemaker, and a semi-empty nester going back to school. And she's recently become an aspiring bartender. Aimee is the author of several books including Why Can't We Be Friends? Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and the recently released: Saving Face: Finding My Self, God, and One Another Outside a Defaced Church. Join the Theology in the Raw community to listen to my "extra innings" conversation with Aimee about when you should leave a church.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    How to Disciple Young Kids in Christian Sexuality, Part 2: Laurie Krieg

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 43:25


    Laurie Krieg is the Director of Parent Programs & Discipleship at The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, where she also serves as a founding board member. Laurie has a master's in evangelism and leadership from Wheaton Graduate School, and she and her husband, Matt, are the co-hosts of the Hole in My Heart Podcast, co-authors of An Impossible Marriage (IVP 2020), and together wrote the forthcoming parenting book, Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World (IVP 2026). Pre-order our brand new resource: Christian Sexuality: Raising Kids, which releases on Sept 16th! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Bonus Q&A Preview (September)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 5:10


    September Bonus Q&A EpisodeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    How to Disciple Young Kids in Christian Sexuality, Part 1: Laurie Krieg

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 51:02


    Laurie Krieg is the Director of Parent Programs & Discipleship at The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, where she also serves as a founding board member. Laurie has a master's in evangelism and leadership from Wheaton Graduate School, and she and her husband, Matt, are the co-hosts of the Hole in My Heart Podcast, co-authors of An Impossible Marriage (IVP 2020), and together wrote the forthcoming parenting book, Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World (IVP 2026). Pre-order our brand new resource: Christian Sexuality: Raising Kids, which releases on Sept 16th! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    How to Die and the Scandal of Christian Discipleship: Josh Porter

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 64:26


    Joshua S. Porter is a writer, pastor, and former frontman of the art-punk band Showbread. After years of loud music and louder questions, he now teaches and writes about radical discipleship, faith after deconstruction, and the subversive way of Jesus. He is the author of Death to Deconstruction and How to Die: Chaos, Mortality, and the Scandal of Christian Discipleship. Josh pastors at Van City Church in Vancouver, Washington. Find him at joshuasporter.com. Join the Theology in the Raw community to listen to our "extra innings" conversation about Josh's behind the scenes peak into the Chrisitan rock music industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    What Does it Mean to Be "Biblical?" Dr. Kevin J. Vanhoozer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 55:03


    Dr. Kevin J. Vanhoozer is one of the leading Evangelical theologians of our day. He's taught systematic theology and hermeneutics at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Edinburgh University, and Wheaton College. He's currently a Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He's the author of many groundbreaking books, two of which are important for this conversation: Is There a Meaning in this Text? and Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What it Means to Read the Bible Theologically. Join the Theology in the Raw community to listen to our "extra innings" conversation about "inerrancy" and whether this is a legitimate description of the Bible. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    A Raw Conversation about Manga and the Complex Life of a Creative: Street Hymns

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 70:02


    Street Hymns is a musical & spoken word artist, writer, producer, & battle rapper. Street has been a regular performing artist at the Exiles in Babylon conferences and is one of the most creative and talented persons I've ever met. He's also working on a series of Manga books for David C. Cook publishers. Search "Street Hymns Battle Rap" on YouTube to see him in action! Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Mental Health, Suffering, and the Gospel: Brenna Blain

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 87:41


    Brenna Blain is a Contemporary Theologian, teacher, and author of the bestselling book Can I Say That? How Unsafe Questions Lead Us to the Real God. Her work focuses on the intersection of faith, suffering, and orthopraxy. She is passionate about preaching for and advising churches across the world, partnering relationally to offer guidance on complex realities with a compassionate and orthodox lens. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Understanding the Early Church Fathers and Why It Matters: Dr. Shawn Wilhite

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 59:58


    Dr. Shawn Wilhite is an Associate Professor of New Testament at California Baptist University. He has two earned Ph.D.s: one from Durham University (Theology and Religion), where he wrote his dissertation on Cyril of Alexandria and Scriptural Exegesis, and another from Southern Seminary (New Testament), where he wrote his dissertation on The Didache. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Bonus Q&A Preview (August)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 5:25


    August Bonus Q&A #1 EpisodeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Secrets of Effective Writing, and How to Tame Your Thoughts: Max Lucado

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 64:07


    Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don't read books.” He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. Max's books have sold more than 150 million copies in over 50 languages worldwide. His latest book is: Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content. https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Is God Really on Our Side? And the OT Background to John's Gospel: Joshua Ryan Butler

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 54:20


    Joshua Ryan Butler is a Teaching Pastor with the Willamette family of churches in the Portland area and the author of The Party Crasher, Beautiful Union, The Skeletons in God's Closet, The Pursuing God, and his most recent book, God is On Your Side. To listen to our "extra innings" conversation, head over to Theology in the Raw's Patreon page to become a member of the Theology in the Raw community. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Justice in the Face of Violence, and the Pros/Cons of Short-Term Missions: Dr. Kurt Ver Beek

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 57:24


    Kurt Ver Beek is the co-founder of the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ). He taught as a professor of Sociology at Calvin University, where he directed the Honduras Justice Studies semester with his wife, Jo Ann, for 20 years. He is the author of Call for Justice, co-written with Christian philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Should Christians Read Fictional Literature Containing Magic, Witchcraft, & the Occult? Marian Jacobs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 58:46


    Marian Jacobs has a background in theater-arts and is an avid reader, writer, wife and mother, and a current seminary student. She's the author of the recently released On Magic and Miracles: A Theological Guide to Discerning Fictional Magic, which is the topic we discuss in this conversation. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Navigating Faith and Bisexuality: Kainan Seth Joubert

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 59:41


    Kainan is a covenant member at Fielder Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he serves as a commissioned shepherd, Bible teacher, and church planting resident. He earned his BA in Communication Theory from Dallas Baptist University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Theological Studies at Grimké Seminary in their School of Urban Ministry. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Live from Exiles25: Social Justice & the Gospel. Thaddeus Williams & Malcolm Foley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 56:06


    Subscribe to Theology in the Raw on Patreon to instantly unlock Part 2 of this episode for FREE. You'll get to watch Malcolm and Thaddeus interact with questions from each other and our live audience! Just head to www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw and select “Join for Free” to watch now. For this first video, I invited Dr. Thaddeus Williams and Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley to discuss and debate the role of social justice in the mission of the the Church. This took place at 2025 Exiles in Babylon Conference, hosted in Minneapolis April 3-5, 2025. Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley serves as the Special Advisor to the President of Baylor University for Equity and Campus Engagement and as a pastor at Mosaic Waco, an intentionally multi-cultural, non-denominational church in Waco, TX. His book with Brazos Press, The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money is the Root of Racism and How The Church Can Create a New Way Forward, argues that the only truly antiracist Christian communities are the ones that resist greed and exploitationThaddeus Williams (Ph.D., Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam) serves as tenured professor of theology for Biola University. He is also the author of the best-seller Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice. He has also taught Philosophy and Literature at Saddleback College, Jurisprudence at Trinity Law School, and as a lecturer in Worldview Studies at L'Abri Fellowships in Switzerland and Holland, and Ethics for Blackstone Legal Fellowship the Federalist Society in Washington D.C.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Bonus Q&A - Preview (July)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 5:12


    Subscribe to Theology in the Raw on Patreon to instantly unlock this full Bonus Q&A. You'll also have access to a huge archive of bonus episodes, Extra Innings, and free video content from the Exiles in Babylon archives. Here's the questions you'll find when you unlock the full episode!* Huldah interpreted Scripture for men and was sanctioned by God as a prophet to do so. Does that role for women change in the New Testament?* Do you see this issue as an agree-to-disagree issue between Christians? How important is it and why?* Does Phoebe being a letter carrier necessarily mean that she is teaching authoritatively? Isn't Paul the true authority, and she is simply representing him?* In 1Tim 3:1 Paul says “if anyone desires to be an elder” if he meant only men, why use the Greek word “tis” and not a more descriptive word for male?* Is it possible to be a mutualist at home but a purely symbolic complementarian in the church on the basis that bishops are representatives of the apostles?* Elder-exclusive complementarianism is the only form that makes any sense to me, Biblically. What arguments, if any, do you see for stricter forms?* Does "husband of one wife" in 1 Tim. 3.2;3.12 have to be gender exclusive? Could it be translated as some have suggested as a "one-man" woman?* Comps: women cant teach/exercise auth. over men because 1 Tim 2.But Priscilla teaching Apollos is to a degree a man submitting to a woman's teaching. How you understand this?* In Gen 3 God punished females with subjection to their husbands due to Eve's sin. Is Paul extrapolating this to church leadership positions as well in 1 Tim 2?* Do we need to read primogeniture into Genesis in order to be faithfully exegeting Genesis 2?* With so many Hapax Legomena in 1 Timothy, and 8 alone in 1 Timothy 2, why is it so often quoted as “the clearest passage on women” in the New Testament?* Does Gen. 3:15 indicate that sexism is from Satan, ie., that the enemy specifically targets women? If so, what are the implications for the church/Christians?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Son of an Israeli General Becomes an Activist for Palestinians

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 68:06


    Miko Peled is an Israeli-American, whose father Matti Peled was a famous Israeli general who served in the 1948 and 1967 war with the Israel Defense Force. Miko also served 3 years in the IDF. But he is now an activist advocating for Palestinian liberation and the end to the occupation. Miko is the founder and president at Palestine House of Freedom in Washington, D.C. And is the author of several books including The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Following God in the Midst of Suffering and Sin: Measha Brueggergosman-Lee

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 62:52


    Measha Brueggergosman-Lee is a professional singer and musician, who in 2024 became the first black recipient and youngest recipient ever of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Classical Music from the Governor General of Canada. She's also the author of her memoir Something Is Always On Fire and is currently writing a sequel entitled Open-Hearted. She is currently in the third year of a Masters in Practical Theology at Acadia Divinity College.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Reflections on Israel-Palestine, the Destruction of Gaza, and the American Church: Dr. Daniel Bannoura

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 82:21


    Dr. Daniel Bannoura (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is a Palestinian theologian. His research focuses on the Quran, Christian-Muslim relations, and Palestinian theology. He's also a co-host of "Across the Divide", a podcast on faith and politics in the context of Palestine-Israel. And he's on the organizational team for the upcoming “Church at the Crossroads” conference outside of Chicago this coming September (11-13). Recieve $20 off registration for the Church at the Crossroads conference by entering "TITR" upon checkout. Listen to Daniel's podcast Across the Divide. Click on this link to find Daniel's resource list for Israel-Palestine: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JHWbiYVQ4sD5gX-o0yHC-5hXnY1KPf0kBvw2rZSJfiE/edit?usp=sharing 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

    Reflections on Israel-Palestine, the Destruction of Gaza, and the American Church: Dr. Daniel Bannoura

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 82:21


    Dr. Daniel Bannoura (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is a Palestinian theologian. His research focuses on the Quran, Christian-Muslim relations, and Palestinian theology. He's also a co-host of "Across the Divide", a podcast on faith and politics in the context of Palestine-Israel. And he's on the organizational team for the upcoming “Church at the Crossroads” conference outside of Chicago this coming September (11-13). Recieve $20 off registration for the Church at the Crossroads conference by entering "TITR" upon checkout. Listen to Daniel's podcast Across the Divide. Click on this link to find Daniel's resource list for Israel-Palestine: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JHWbiYVQ4sD5gX-o0yHC-5hXnY1KPf0kBvw2rZSJfiE/edit?usp=sharing Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Is it Good for Christians to be Involved in Sports? Dr. Ed Uszynski

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 63:44


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    Is it Good for Christians to be Involved in Sports? Dr. Ed Uszynski

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 63:14


    Dr. Ed Uszynski (PhD, Bowling Green State University) has been working with collegiate and professional athletes in various roles with Athletes in Action since 1992. He's the author of Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters (IVP) and his most recent book, Away Game: A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, coauthored with Brian Smith. To listen to our "extra innings" conversation, head over to Theology in the Raw's Patreon page to become a member of the Theology in the Raw community. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    What Can the Church Learn from Early Abolitionists? Dr. Daniel Hill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 57:03


    Dr. Daniel Lee Hill (PhD, Wheaton College) is assistant professor of Christian theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas. He is the author of several books, including his most recent book, Bearing Witness: What the Church Can Learn from Early Abolitionists (Baker Academic, 2025), which forms the basis of our conversation. 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

    The Religious History of the Land Now Called "America": Dr. Thomas Tweed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 59:40


    Dr. Thomas A. Tweed, who did his graduate study at Harvard and Stanford, is the Harold and Martha Welch Professor of American Studies and Professor of History at Notre Dame University. Dr. Tweed served as president of the American Academy of Religion in 2015, the largest learned society for the study of religion. He is the author of many books, including his more recent: Religion in the Lands That Became America: A New History (Yale University Press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Bonus Q&A (Women In Leadership)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 6:24


    Subscribe to Theology in the Raw on Patreon to instantly unlock this full Bonus Q&A on women in leadership! You'll also have access to a huge archive of bonus episodes, Extra Innings, and free video content from the Exiles in Babylon archives.  Here's the questions you'll find when you unlock the full episode!* Are Egalitarian arguments similar to arguments from pro LGBTQ theologians? * 1 Corinthians 12 gives a list of spiritual gifts for church leadership and specifically doesn't mention sex distinction. Are these roles specific to men only? * Which is a bigger risk - being wrongly complementarian or being wrongly egalitarian? What price do we pay in each case?* How do complementarians rationalize listening to female academics (such as those on your podcast) when they say Biblically women can't teach men?* “1 Tim 2:11: ‘A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.' Once culturally liberating, now often restrictive—how do you handle that tension?”* In Eph 5, ppl teach about men & women like it transcends culture over time, but the bit on slaves is taught differently. How can we know how to differentiate?* How should the fact that Jesus chose 12 male Jewish apostles inform this question?* What is the complementarian rationale for keeping male/female distinctions while no longer keeping slave/free and Jew/Greek distinctions in Gal. 3:28?* Paul says, “ I do not permit a women to teach” he didn't Say “God does not allow a women to teach” do you make anything about this being a “Paul” command Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    A Raw Converastion about Women in Ministry: Dr. Sandy Richter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 55:37


    Dr. Sandra Richter (PhD Harvard) is the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College and, in Sandy's own words: "I'm Preston Sprinkle's best friend." Oh, glory! Sandy is also the author of several books including the incredible The Epic of Eden and an ongoing series of Bible Studies (written and video) called Epic of Eden Bible Study. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Is Abortion Ever Morally Permissible? Lila Rose

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 58:39


    Lila Rose is an anti-abortion activist who is the founder and president of the anti-abortion organization Live Action and the author of Fighting for Life: Becoming a Force for Change in a Wounded World. She's the host of the Lila Rose Show on YouTube and has engaged in a number of debates over the ethics of abortion. 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

    Are Spiritual Gifts Still for Today? (Bonus Q&A Preview)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 6:24


    Subscribe to Theology in the Raw on Patreon to instantly unlock this full Bonus Q&A, as well as a huge archive of bonus episodes, Extra Innings, and free video content from the Exiles in Babylon archives. Check out all the questions Preston tackled on today's episode: * What are your thoughts on spiritual gifts, cessationism vs continuationism? * Should Protestants read the deuterocanonical books even if they don't agree they are inspired? * What are your thoughts on Open Theism? * Many people are converting to Catholicism and Pentecostalism. Do you have a theory for why these denominations are particularly reaching people in this time? * Have you ever heard of the miracle of the holy fire? How should western Christians think about and relate to traditions and rituals in the eastern church? * Matt. 16:19, 18:18. What does Jesus mean here: “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”? * If events/people in Gen. 1-11 weren't "real," what about the Noahic covenant, genealogies, doctrines, etc based on them? * Creative ideas for how we can biblically engage with pride month? In the past we have done prayer walks but that is kind of behind the scenes. * Is marriage always to be officiated in public with witnesses? In other words, if vows were made privately does that count biblically as marriage? * What unique challenges do you think a father faces when raising a daughter, and how should he address them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    What Is the Main Focus of Paul's Letter to the Romans? Dr. Joey Dodson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 59:06


    Joey is my brotha from another motha. He also has a Ph.D. in New Testament from Aberdeen University, is the Dr. Craig L. Blomberg Endowed Chair of New Testament at Denver Seminary, and is the author of several books and peer reviewed articles. In this conversation, Joey walks us through the four main lenses scholars use to assess the main focus of Romans: Reformational, Apocalyptic, Heilsgeschichte (Salvation-History), and Reading Romans Backwards. To listen to our "extra innings" conversation, head over to Theology in the Raw's Patreon page to become a member of the Theology in the Raw community.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Sex, Procreation, and How Our Bodies Tell God's Story: Dr. Christopher West

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 69:34


    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

    Does Archaeology Prove the Trustworthiness of the Bible? Dr. Todd Bolen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 67:07


    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

    Do Christians Need to Go to Church? Jonathan Griffiths

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 53:29


    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

    You Were Never Meant to Do it All: Dr. Kelly Kapic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 50:30


    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

    How Did the Apostles Really Die? Dr. Sean McDowell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 64:13


    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

    Understanding the Nicene Creed for Ministry Today: Dr. Glenn Packiam

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 54:39


    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

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