Podcasts about mere fidelity

Mere Fidelity hosts Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, and James Wood interview Professor John Bolt about completing Herman Bavinck's Reformed Ethics translation project. Discussion covers Bavinck's methodology combining creation order and union with Christ, his engagement with contemporary scholarship, controversial applications on marriage/sexuality, and why Bavinck appeals across denominational boundaries. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome 01:05 Monumental Translation 04:49 The Bavinck Moment 07:53 Bavinck's Approach to Ethics 11:01 Union With and Imitation Of Christ 15:30 Anthropology 18:33 Topics Strange and Controversial 24:13 Casuistry 27:33 Extrabiblical Science 31:01 Divisions

Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, and Brad East discuss why so many Christians today feel stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by the idea of “calling.” They examine how the biblical and Reformation doctrine of vocation has been reshaped by modern expectations of career, identity, and fulfillment—and how to recover a clearer, more grounded view of vocation rooted in community, providence, and everyday faithfulness. A Mere Orthodoxy Podcast Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Lexham Press, featuring The Foremost Problems in Contemporary Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck. These newly translated lectures explore faith in the modern world with Bavinck's signature depth and clarity. Mere Fidelity listeners receive 40% off at lexhampress.com/merefidelity. Key Idea Vocation isn't about finding the perfect, fulfilling job. It's about using your gifts to serve others and glorify God in the ordinary responsibilities of life. Chapters 0:00 Introduction and sponsor 2:00 Why calling feels confusing today 4:30 When vocation becomes careerism 6:30 Community and the biblical view of calling 8:30 The myth of the perfect job 11:00 Deep gladness and daily responsibility 13:00 The idol of work and career fulfillment 16:00 Gifts for the good of others 18:30 The human calling in Genesis 21:00 Male and female in shared vocation 24:00 Why we need a deflated view of calling 26:30 Dignity in ordinary work 29:00 Vocation for all kinds of people Resources Mentioned The Foremost Problems in Contemporary Dogmatics – Herman Bavinck (Lexham Press) Frederick Buechner: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.”  

Mere Fidelity is back! Welcome to Mere Fidelity 2.0: A Mere Orthodoxy Podcast. Hosts Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, Brad East, and James Wood dive into the major news of Pope Francis's passing and Cardinal Robert Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV. As Protestant theologians, they grapple with what this papal transition means for the broader Christian landscape. They discuss how evangelicals should approach papal authority, explore the potential for greater Christian unity under the new papacy, and examine the ongoing influence of Catholic social teaching. They also reflect on the challenges and opportunities of engaging with Catholic tradition while remaining committed to Protestant principles. — Chapters: 00:00 Mere Fidelity 2.0: A New Era 03:25 Protestant Perspectives on the Papacy 09:21 Toward a Unified Church 12:30 Papal "Authority" 15:25 The Role of the Pope in a Divided Church 18:23 Visions for Unity in the Church 23:53 Pope Not King 25:02 Protestant Perspectives on Tradition 27:55 Calvin in the Middle 32:46 Visible and Invisible 33:48 Encyclical Teaching 41:05 Extra Cautions 46:24 Future Ecumenical Councils 51:20 New Chapter

Alastair Roberts (PhD, Durham University) works for the Theopolis and Davenant Institutes. He is an author of Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption Through Scripture (Crossway, 2018) and the forthcoming Heirs Together: A Theology of the Sexes. He participates in the Mere Fidelity and Theopolis podcasts, blogs at Alastair's Adversaria, posts regular videos on theology on his YouTube account, and tweets at @zugzwanged.

Tariffs, a Christian response to cancel culture, and hope in the midst of political turmoil. Find us on YouTube. This week, Paul D. Miller joins Russell, Mike, and Clarissa to talk about tit-for-tat tariffs between the US and China, and about why this isn't just a story about our pocketbooks but one for the church pews as well. Then, Matthew Lee Anderson stops by to discuss a Christian response to cancel culture. Finally, Justin Giboney joins us to bring some hope. Find out why you don't need to burn a Tesla in protest—or hide away in your closet until the next four years are over. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in Apple Podcasts. ABOUT THE GUESTS:  Paul D. Miller is an American academic, writer, and former White House staffer for presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He is a professor in the practice of international affairs at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Matthew Lee Anderson is an assistant research professor of ethics and theology at Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion. Anderson writes occasionally for Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, The Washington Post, and elsewhere. He was listed among Christianity Today's “33 under 33” list of young evangelical leaders and cohosts Mere Fidelity, a podcast on faith, theology, and ethics.  Justin Giboney is an attorney, political strategist, and ordained minister in Atlanta. He is also the cofounder and president of the And Campaign, a coalition of urban Christians who address the sociopolitical arena with the compassion and conviction of the gospel. Giboney is the coauthor of Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25 percent off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lot can happen in ten years. A lot has happened in ten years. In this, Matt's final episode as a Mere Fi co-host, the guys reflect on the changes, crises, developments, growth, learning, cursings, and blessings that have occurred since the podcast started. Each of them offers their younger selves what wisdom they can. May you profit from their experience. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: The OG Mere Fi Cast & Crew [0:00] Decade Retrospective [2:55] Andrew Now Knows What a Podcast Is [3:30] Alastair Values Committed Conversation Partners [7:06] Derek Still Doesn't Know [11:25] Focus on What Matters [17:06] The Theology Underneath [23:48] Matt Gives a Warning [29:23] The Stillness Outside the Crisis [39:51] Evangelicalism's Hour [44:29] Physical Relationships [47:56] Links Mentioned: Lexham Press Book of the Month Merrie Band “Twenty-Five Bloggers in One Sentence Each,” by Andrew Wilson, c. 2014 Credits: To support Mere Fidelity financially, visit our Patreon here. Follow Derek, Andrew, and Alastair for more tweet-sized brilliance. Thanks to Timothy Crouch for keeping us organized. Thanks to Tim Motte for sound editing. And thanks to The Joy Eternal for lending us their music, which everybody should download out of gratitude for their kindness.

When a prominent Biblical theologian changes his position on the legitimacy of same-sex marriage, it prompts numerous questions for Derek, Alastair, and Matt to tackle in this episode of Mere Fidelity. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Against Worldview [0:00] A Change of Mind [1:41] What Kind of Change? [3:06] Hays's Shift [6:55] “Using” Scripture [9:13] The “Right” Community [12:59] Ignoring Marriage [17:57] Different Questions Entirely [23:03] No Longer a Sin [29:57] Orthodoxy [35:22] Leadership and Esteem [38:08]

Amy Mantravadi, Mere Fi's snarkiest online critic has written a novel—a historical novel—about the heroes of the Reformation. Matt and Alastair bring her on the show to talk about it, what historical fiction can do that theology can't, what the central issue of the Reformation was, and what it's like inside the heads of Luther, Erasmus, and Melanchthon. Plus, Matt gets it exactly right at least once. Stick around to the end for a big announcement about the future of Mere Fidelity. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: A Big Tease [0:00] Delighted and Terrified [1:48] Psychologically Intense [4:55] Historical Fiction [10:56] Hazards [15:49] Those Particular Years [23:05] Melanchthon FTW [29:10] The Peasants Are Revolting [34:45] Ambivalence [45:13] Mythological Force [50:17]

On October 23rd, 524, Boethius, the last of the Classical philosophers and the first Medieval Man, was executed. Today, 1,500 years later, his work, especially The Consolation of Philosophy, continues to influence many, including major thinkers such as C.S. Lewis. Dr. Tom Ward returns to Mere Fidelity to discuss what Boethius can teach us today. Dr. Ward has recently written a new book about Boethius: After Stoicism. With the resurgence of interest in Stoicism spreading rapidly online and off, you will certainly benefit from this conversation. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: A Very Important Book [0:00] 1,500 Years Ago Today [1:53] Stoicism [4:07] Apatheia and Ataraxia [7:07] Self-Indulgent Sadness [10:00] Joy [15:03] His Christian Bona Fides [19:01] Wisdom [25:27] Therapy [28:08] The Philosophers Who Don't Do Anything [35:10] The End of an Era [36:25]

Dr. Tim Perry returns to Mere Fidelity with a (as Matt calls it) “spicy” book about how ancient heresies have structured the political witness of modern evangelicalism. This is bad. Maybe even very bad. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: One Correction [0:00] Speaking of Politics (again) [2:04] The Challenge of Critiquing Self-Loathing [5:59] Straddling Worlds [8:14] Sourcing Heresy [10:58] Balancing Two Kingdoms [14:40] Slow Down [18:02] Presupposed Politics [22:00] Patchwork Theology [25:25] Gnostic Relevance [29:31] Settle Down [36:57] Idolatrously High Stakes [38:35]

Dr. Alastair Roberts (PhD, Durham University) joins Mike Neglia to discuss the value of incorporating diverse forms of Christian teaching beyond traditional sermons. Alastair, a Teaching Fellow at The Theopolis Institute and a lecturer for Davenant Hall, emphasizes the importance of shorter sermons to allow time for other instructional methods like catechesis, Eucharistic addresses, and exegetical teaching. He argues that sermons should focus on addressing the conscience and upholding the authority of God's Word rather than attempting to encompass all aspects of Christian teaching. Mike shares his own struggles with lengthy sermons and seeks practical advice on making them more concise. Together, they discuss the benefits of concentrating on a single key application and integrating varied teaching methods within the service. The conversation also explores the significance of feedback and the pastor's role in guiding the congregation's spiritual growth. Alastair Roberts is a well-known blogger, writer, and host of the Mere Fidelity podcast. He also runs his own podcast, Alastair's Adversaria, where he provides daily reflections on the Bible and features topical interviews. He is the author of *Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption Through Scripture* (Crossway, 2018) and the forthcoming *Heirs Together: A Theology of the Sexes*. Alastair and his wife Susannah split their time between the UK and the US. You can follow his theological insights on his blog, Alastair's Adversaria, his YouTube channel, and on Twitter @zugzwanged. For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com  The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/ Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective Click here to support Expositors Collective

The data is in. Social media has now been studied long enough that we are able to compile reliable data, not just anecdotal evidence, about its effects on the mental health of boys, girls, young men, and young women. Algorithms, video games, porn, and more affect boys and girls very differently. And as the results become clearer, it also becomes more clear what to do about it. Andy Crouch returns to Mere Fidelity to discuss the problems and the solutions with Matt, Alastair, and Derek. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Proper Attention [0:00] Technology Correspondent [1:42] We Have the Data [2:54] Asymmetrical Effects [10:24] Morality Is Actually Practical [14:01] Idolatry Works Short-Term [15:16] Shifting Discourse [19:20] The Algorithm [27:54] Mental Distance [32:18] No Control Group [35:01] Practical Application [36:40] Should we ban mobile phones in schools? [39:46]

The data is in. Social media has now been studied long enough that we are able to compile reliable data, not just anecdotal evidence, about its effects on the mental health of boys, girls, young men, and young women. Algorithms, video games, porn, and more affect boys and girls very differently. And as the results become clearer, it also becomes more clear what to do about it. Andy Crouch returns to Mere Fidelity to discuss the problems and the solutions with Matt, Alastair, and Derek. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Proper Attention [0:00] Technology Correspondent [1:42] We Have the Data [2:54] Asymmetrical Effects [10:24] Morality Is Actually Practical [14:01] Idolatry Works Short-Term [15:16] Shifting Discourse [19:20] The Algorithm [27:54] Mental Distance [32:18] No Control Group [35:01] Practical Application [36:40] Should we ban mobile phones in schools? [39:46]

Churches rightly warn against gossip, but also the need to hold people accountable for their sins. Matthew Lee Anderson of Mere Fidelity argues for that certain specific circumstances may permit the use of gossip to protect a vulnerable third party. He draws from the moral and theological tradition of the church to identify specific criteria for the usage of gossip as well as a warning about the dangers of gossip. We also talk about the need for churches to clamp down on gossip and the courage required to challenge a brother face to face.  Show Notes Check out Matt's podcast: https://merefidelity.com/ Support us on Patreon Website: thatllpreach.io IG: thatllpreachpodcast YouTube Channel

Casuistry is a technical term for a way of reasoning about ethical principles in specific situations. It fell into disuse historically in favor of a more narrative-based view of the world. But some of the Mere Fidelity cast are sensing that there is a felt lack of organized principle application to pastoral situations in the church. Do you agree that casuistry needs to make a comeback? Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: The Kazooists North American Tour 2024 [0:00] What is casuistry? [2:53] History, Both Catholic and Protestant [5:30] Conflicting Principles [7:46] Proper Context, Lacking Confession [13:58] Practical Application of Practical Application [20:40] Narrative & Principle United [22:08] Moral Reasoning in Paul's Epistles [28:44] Legalism [30:38] First Steps for Pastors [37:05]

There's a long-standing tensions between the academic disciplines of Systematic theology and Biblical theology. In this episode, Derek Rishmawy from the Mere Fidelity podcast joins us to try to bridge the gap by appreciating the insights of both. We talk about the role and importance of systematics not only in giving us conceptual clarity, but also in ministering to our souls. As a campus minister, Derek regularly draws upon his systematic training to apply the gospel to Gen Z students crippled with anxiety, doubt, and questions about identity. We also talk about practical ways pastors can help their congregations grow in their understanding of doctrine and its application to everyday life. Check out Derek's blog: https://derekzrishmawy.com/ Check out Derek's podcast: https://merefidelity.com/ Support us on Patreon Website: thatllpreach.io IG: thatllpreachpodcast YouTube Channel

Having discussed the Septuagint last week, we now dive into seeing how the Greek translation of Exodus may have influenced the prologue to John's Gospel. In Relatione (relevant links) The Lexham English Septuagint A New English Translation of the Septuagint (You can also read digital copies of each book here) Septuaginta: Reader's Edition (this is a Greek edition) Eowyn's recommendation: The Last Battle Gwendolyn's recommendation: Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups Ex Interrete (a hodgepodge of Internet items that I found interesting) Men and Women in I Timothy The guys at Mere Fidelity discuss 1 Timothy 2:9-15. The final conversation on women being saved through childbearing was particularly good. A Greek Lesson on John 1:2-18 Along the lines of today's episode, James White walks through John 1:2-18, giving a glimpse at some of its wonders.

Alastair Roberts (PhD, Durham University) works for the Theopolis and Davenant Institutes. He is an author of Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption Through Scripture (Crossway, 2018) and the forthcoming Heirs Together: A Theology of the Sexes. He participates in the Mere Fidelity and Theopolis podcasts, blogs at Alastair's Adversaria, posts regular videos on theology on his YouTube account, and tweets at @zugzwanged.Jordan Bush is the founder and executive director of TGFB Media and hosts the Thank God for Bitcoin Podcast. Find Jordan on Twitter @jmbushwrites.The Thank For Nostr Podcast is a TGFB Media production. TGFB Media (Twitter:@ThankGodforBTC) exists to educate and equip Christians to understand Bitcoin and use it for the glory of God and the good of people everywhere.

We can all feel it. Something about social media is just really unhealthy. But what to do about it? That's the question on the table in this episode of Mere Fidelity. Should we pull the plug entirely? Should we seek balance? Should we embrace it? Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: One More Episode [0:00] Like, Follow, Subscribe, Defend Yourself [1:47] Types of Social Media [4:14] The Twitter Shift [6:22] Gamification of Speech [9:20] The Attention Dimension [11:23] Default [14:12] Signaling and Positioning [18:09] Digital Benedict Option [21:27] Regulate [30:27] Quit Hypocrisy [34:23] Huge Benefits [45:18]

Is asceticism good for the Christian life? Seems like a simple question at first, but there is a lot more there than you may realize. Matt, Derek, and Alastair unpack this deep issue on this episode of Mere Fidelity. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Davenant [0:00] “Ash What?” says the Presbyterian [2:26] Defining Ascesis [4:44] Negative Over Positive [5:51] Secular-Spiritual Fasting [10:51] Bodily Locus [13:57] Distorted Self-Perception [17:13] Sociology [20:29] Lenten Dysfunction [24:46] Giving Up Goods for the Sake of Betters [29:13] We Modern Democratic Individualists [32:28]

Andrew Wilson joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about special needs, the case for eucharistic and charismatic worship in the life of the church, and why the year 1776 was such a big deal and how the West is now post-Christian because of it.ABOUTAndrew Wilson (PhD, King's College London) is the teaching pastor at King's Church London and a columnist for Christianity Today. He's the author of several books, including the three they talk about in this episode: Remaking the World, Spirit and Sacrament, and The Life We Never Expected. He's a part of the Mere Fidelity podcast, co-hosts the “Post-Christianity?” podcast with Glen Scrivener, and regularly writes on the Think Theology website. Andrew is married to Rachel and they have three children: Zeke, Anna and Samuel. He is also a great follow on X/Twitter.

The exodus—the story of God leading his chosen people out of slavery in Egypt—stands as a pivotal event in the Old Testament. But if you listen closely, you will hear echoes of this story of redemption all throughout God's Word. Using music as a of metaphor, the authors of Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption through Scripture (Crossway) point us to the recurring theme of the exodus throughout the entire symphony of Scripture, shedding light on the Bible's unified message of salvation and restoration that is at the heart of God's plan for the world. Alastair J. Roberts (PhD, Durham University) works for the Theopolis, Davenant, and Greystone Institutes. He participates in the Mere Fidelity and Theopolis podcasts, and blogs at Alastair's Adversaria. Jonathan Wright is a PhD student in New Testament at Midwestern Baptist theological seminary. He holds an MDiv from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a ThM from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and can be reached at jonrichwright@gmail.com, on Twitter @jonrichwright, or jonathanrichardwright.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The exodus—the story of God leading his chosen people out of slavery in Egypt—stands as a pivotal event in the Old Testament. But if you listen closely, you will hear echoes of this story of redemption all throughout God's Word. Using music as a of metaphor, the authors of Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption through Scripture (Crossway) point us to the recurring theme of the exodus throughout the entire symphony of Scripture, shedding light on the Bible's unified message of salvation and restoration that is at the heart of God's plan for the world. Alastair J. Roberts (PhD, Durham University) works for the Theopolis, Davenant, and Greystone Institutes. He participates in the Mere Fidelity and Theopolis podcasts, and blogs at Alastair's Adversaria. Jonathan Wright is a PhD student in New Testament at Midwestern Baptist theological seminary. He holds an MDiv from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a ThM from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and can be reached at jonrichwright@gmail.com, on Twitter @jonrichwright, or jonathanrichardwright.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

Joining me this week to talk about the love of learning within the life of faith is Matthew Lee Anderson. Matt is an assistant professor in Baylor University's Honors College and the Associate Director of Baylor in Washington. He founded Mere Orthodoxy and co-hosts Mere Fidelity, a podcast on faith, theology, and ethics. His new book is titled Called Into Questions. Follow him on Twitter: @mattleeanderson. RELATED CONTENT 1) Conversations About Books - Byron Borger & Richard Leiter (Episode # 140) 2) What It Means To Be Human - Jeff Brauch (Episode # 81) The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible. Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Occasionally on Mere Fidelity we have taken up difficult passages of Scripture. On this episode we take up an entire book that feels quite difficult: the book of the prophet Zechariah. What do all those oddly specific visions mean? Is Alexander the Great an actual Christ figure? How can you tell the difference between prophetic horizons? With Matt acting as everyman, Andrew asks the sharp questions, and Alastair sorts out the answers. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Anno Biden [0:00] Free Sermon Prep? [1:38] Weird Form… or Weird Content [4:07] Night Vision Context [6:22] Problem Solved? [14:35] More Complicated: Hooray! [18:08] Wait, Which Horizon? 27:48] The Meaning of Prophecy [37:03] Of Normative Accounts of Providence in History [43:02]

When answering the question, “How did we get here?” how far back do you have to go? Mere Fidelity's own Andrew Wilson has identified a compelling candidate when it comes to the rise of the post-Christian West—namely, 1776. This year contains much more than the obvious historical paradigm shift that we all know. Andrew, Matt, and Alastair unpack this significant date with regard to both church and culture. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Numerical Patterns [0:00] Subtle [1:22] What a year! [4:09] W.E.I.R.D.E.R. [7:58] Historical Pastoral [10:14] Ideas [14:42] In the Moment [19”42] New Contradictions [24:18] Protestantism [27:42] America [31:37] Church History [41:53]

Was the Reformation really as much a break with what came before it as we are often led to believe? Dr. Matthew Barrett says the Reformers themselves thought not. In his substantial new book, he shows how strongly the Reformers sought to establish their connection with the catholic and universal church. Alastair, Derek, and Matt join Dr. Barrett for a lively and fruitful discussion on this episode of Mere Fidelity. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Repeat Guest [0:00] 14.7 lbs. [1:49] How catholic was the Reformation? [4:36] Reformation(s) Plural [15:50] Baptists [22:20] Precipitating Modernity [32:57] Medieval VIPs [41:06] Principles of Retrieval [48:49]

Most of what we talk about on Mere Fidelity presupposes a lot of reading. What is the real use of reading? Is what we read more important than how we read? Why do some people who read for years never develop the habits of reading well? Alastair, Matt, and Derek discuss these questions as well as summer reading on this episode. #quitnetflix Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Extremely Illuminating [0:00] Reading well isn't automatic. [2:56] Social Media Distractions [5:20] Performative Reading [10:47] Choosing What to Read [18:58] Thicker Books [23:20] Reading in Community [32:26] Misc. Advice [39:55]

Alastair Roberts (PhD, Durham University) works for the Theopolis and Davenant Institutes. He is an author of Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption Through Scripture (Crossway, 2018) and the forthcoming Heirs Together: A Theology of the Sexes. He participates in the ⁠Mere Fidelity⁠ and ⁠Theopolis⁠ podcasts, blogs at ⁠Alastair's Adversaria⁠, posts regular videos on theology on his ⁠YouTube⁠ account, and tweets at ⁠@zugzwanged⁠. In this episode we discuss Jephthah's vow in Judges 11. He discuss what type of sacrifice is made, whether or not it involved killing, burnt offerings could be translated ascension offerings, examples of similar vows in scripture, why Jephthah reacted the way he did, why his daughter reacted the way she did, why she was lamented every year, and much more!

Friend of the show, Pastor Timothy Keller, has entered into glory. He was a pivotal player in Evangelicalism over the last generation, and a great encourager of many ministers, including the cast and crew of Mere Fidelity. To pay tribute to his life and legacy, Derek, Alastair, and Matt talk to Editor-in-Chief of Mere Orthodoxy, Jake Meador. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: The End of an Era [0:00] Dechurching Countercurrent [3:02] Model Pastor [7:56] Collegiality [17:04] Bridges vs Branding [20:37] Change and Formation [24:59] Commitments and Flexibility [30:43] Passing on the Vision [38:05]

Lectio Divina is a popular form of prayer using the reading of Scripture as a means of encountering God. While its origins are in Christian tradition, Lectio Divina is sometimes associated with a kind of individualistic loose spirituality. Dr. Hans Boersma, however, makes a strong case for its use in the devotional lives of faithful Christians. Alastair, Matt, and Derek probe his case in this episode of Mere Fidelity. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: It's soo pretty! [0:48] Thinking Sacramentally [3:18] Meaning in Encounter [5:15] The Four Steps of Lectio Divina [9:15] Communal vs Private Devotion [10:26] Privileged Technology [16:23] Quiet Times [21:14] Cultural Context [25:42] Reading Un-Modernly [31:52]

Josh Butler caused a big ruckus when an excerpt from his latest book was posted on a prominent Christian website. His approach using sex to talk about God drew a lot of criticism. The Mere Fi cast have a few criticisms of their own. Andrew, Matt, and Alastair discuss it all quite candidly with Josh himself in this episode of Mere Fidelity. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: The Most Popular Theologian on the Internet [0:00] Upon Further Consideration [3:12] Procreative Directionality [14:53] Continence, Celibacy, and Pleasure [22:56] Biblical Sex Language [32:27] Cart/Horse [37:05] The Veils of Language [43:59]

How can we humans form a conception of God, Who is infinitely beyond our capacity for understanding? Analogies! They're at least as great as sliced bread. But using analogies is like playing with fire. Each one is a path that can lead us into the light of truth and over the cliff of delusion. Fortunately, Mere Fidelity has its own elite team of theological sleuths. On this episode Andrew, Matt, Alastair, and Derek talk about how we can use the analogies in Scripture as tools to bring us closer to God, our Father, Rock, and Shepherd. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Is is is? [0:00] Longitudinal Thematic Discussion [1:20] Images for God [3:12] Sourced in Scripture [6:18] Analogy/Metaphor/Symbol/Sign [9:54] Dangerous Fruitfulness [13:49] Apophatic Controls [19:07] Direction [24:31] Names [29:11] God's Proper Self [38:06]

On this episode of Mere Fidelity, historian of history Paul Gutacker joins Matt, Derek, and Alastair to talk about the changing and sometimes fraught relationship that Protestants have had with the notions of “history” and “tradition.” Paul's book, The Old Faith in a New Nation, particularly examines how nineteenth century debates about slavery, etc., influenced our ideas about the roles of Scripture and Church in regard to history. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Neo-Calvinism [0:30] My Fellow Subjects [2:08] Meta-history [3:22] What is Biblicism? [4:37] Misusing History [9:54] Scripture's Changing Role [14:42] Tradition or History [18:41] Church Disputes [23:36] Foreigners [27:06] Spirit and Letter [29:35] Hermeneutical Precedent [42:42] How should pastors use history? [46:05]

Alastair Roberts (PhD, Durham University) works for the Theopolis and Davenant Institutes. He is an author of Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption Through Scripture (Crossway, 2018) and the forthcoming Heirs Together: A Theology of the Sexes. He participates in the Mere Fidelity and Theopolis podcasts, blogs at Alastair's Adversaria, posts regular videos on theology on his YouTube account, and tweets at @zugzwanged. In this episode we discuss Judges 19. He discusses the many ways that this passage connections and parallels to so many other stories in the Bible. These include, Sodom & Gomorrah, Rachel & Benjamin, Passover, Judges 17-18, Saul, Hosea. Alastair helps to illuminate how the passage as frames the entire book of Judges and how we are to interpret it in light of Israel's larger narrative. Email Host: theweirdchristianpodcast@gmail.com

J.R.R. Tolkien is known as the language professor who created a fantasy world and constructed several languages for fun. However, those who get to know his writing and thought well discover that behind those seemingly frivolous projects lie deeply seeded theological ideas. And where better to discuss the intersection of theology and fiction than here on Mere Fidelity. Austin Freeman, author of Tolkien Dogmatics, joins Matt, Derek, and Alastair to delve into the wealth of thought hidden in Middle Earth. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Theology & Literature [0:00] Imaginary World [4:45] Actual World [10:37] What Dogmas? [14:28] Gift of Death [20:26] Peer Comparison [27:13] Sub-Creation [35:08] The Bombadil Question [42:39]

Why are so many Canadians choosing to make use of “medical assistance in dying” and ending their lives prematurely? The Mere Fidelity crew (including Alastair's new Plus One) tackle this vexing question and disturbing trend. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: A Problem in Canada [0:00] The Situation [3:10] The Terminology [8:04] The Act Itself [14:22] Passing the Buck [16:22] Death Catechesis [20:39] Conditions of Dying [28:35] “Good” Death [35:04] Life Extension [42:43]

Learn more about Mere Orthodoxy at www.mereorthodoxy.com.

At the end of each year, we like to take one episode of Mere Fidelity to give the hosts a chance to talk about their own projects and what has been their intellectual focus of the past year. We are blessed this year to have all four of the regular cast and crew together at once: Matt, Andrew, Alastair, and Derek. So listen in as they… [checks notes]… um… disagree over the first amendment, recite the meaning of every number in the Bible, and prevent one of Derek's existential justifications from unplugging the internet? Hey, it's Mere Fidelity, folks! Timestamps: Tolkien Dogmatics [0:31] Looking Backward and Forward [4:14] Andrew is writing books. [5:27] Alastair is making connections. [18:44] Derek is thinking about life. [34:56] Matt is revisiting and rewriting. [46:39] Full links and show notes at merefidelity.com.

When one advocates for good practices that are quite old and abandoned, these things that have been forgotten can seem new and radical. Peter Leithart returns to Mere Fidelity to discuss the vision and principles of the Theopolis Institute, especially as written in his new book, On Earth as in Heaven. The book is large but it reads as well as a manifesto of how the church and the Bible are related in liturgy. It is also offered at a significant discount as Mere Fidelity's Lexham Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com.

My neighbor two houses down recently sent me a Mere Fidelity podcast episode interviewing ‘What's Wrong with Rights?' author Dr. Nigel Biggar. While I'm glad to have gotten the episode, I did not at all care for the dismissive attitude toward even the concept of natural rights which Dr. Biggar communicated. It seems Dr. Biggar has only two categories for conversations about rights – statements of fact concerning the legal rights granted by civil governments, and moral appeals from the governed to be granted more rights by their governments. The trouble with this is that it leads to tyranny and arbitrary rule. Remember here the premise of Romans 13, that governing authority is God-given but has no less a mandate to reward those who do good and punish those who do evil. If that dual-purpose is what God has given this minister of civil government power and authority to achieve, it cannot possibly do its job well if it does not know what is right and wrong, or if we say that the government itself is the source of right and wrong. On a related note, New Zealand's prime minister says world leaders have an opportunity right now to crack down on free speech online. Ideas freely communicated are themselves weapons of war in her view. And given how her government and that of Australia next door handled the COVID business, it's not hard to imagine what kind of speech online she would like to see banned, or met with force if necessary to curtail. But even as New Zealand's prime minister is calling for more censorship, Italy's first female PM is being censored online. Shadowbanned, shares of her speech are being suppressed. Meanwhile, the mainstream media headlines when you search for her on Google all describe her as “Extreme Right,” and “Far Right,” and “Hard Right.” This is a word association game, and a kind of brainwashing. At the same time, Canada is reportedly allowing China to open up police stations to the north of us. Who ever heard of such a ridiculous thing? The only reason I can think of for why one nation would permit another nation to open up police stations in their country is colonization. That is to say, I see this as China colonizing Canada. That is also to say that I see New Zealand's PM talking about curtailing free speech online as a kind of colonization of at least the ideas of the Chinese Communist Party; it's the sort of thing they would do too, and have done now for decades. My wife sent me a link to a YouTube video share from the channel for ‘The Good and the Beautiful' in which the founder, Jenny Phillips, talks about the difference between popular children's books from 100-150 years ago and the most popular books of today. The sentences now are short, simple, action-oriented, and relatively more concerned with the self than with others and the surrounding environment. By contrast, books 100-150 years ago had far more complexity, and more adjectives – more describing words. Popular children's books today make no mention of God, but frequently do contain rude humor, and disparaging remarks about family relationships. It's not just that our expectations are so low; it's that many have demanded more and more that simplicity and self-absorption carry the day, rejecting work that is robust and espouses high ideals. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/garrett-ashley-mullet/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/garrett-ashley-mullet/support

In light of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the two British and one Canadian member of the Mere Fidelity cast & crew ruminate upon the peculiarities, virtues, weaknesses, generalities, and specificities of the institution of the British monarchy. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com.

The Bible has some tricky passages. Occasionally here on Mere Fidelity the crew likes to pick one of these up and try to unravel it. On the discussion table today: How do we reconcile clear laws and murky narratives? For instance, it seems that the commandments against lying are absolute, and yet in Exodus 1, God blesses the Hebrew midwives for their deception. Let's dive in with Matt, Alastair, and Derek. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com.

Now that Alastair has returned from his honeymoon, Mere Fidelity jumps right back into the liturgical year with a lively discussion of Pentecost. The guys endeavor to find the Holy Spirit in Scripture and to see His gifts in the Church. They also (with apologies to Andrew) touch briefly on the perennial question: What's the deal with charismatics? Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com.

Friendly disagreements are one of the best things about Mere Fidelity. In a previous episode, the guys were unable to come to a mutual understanding of the nature of apostasy and assurance. So they asked Reformed theologian Dr. J. Todd Billings to return for his fourth appearance on Mere Fi. Can he straighten things out? Can you *know* that you are saved? Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com.

Jen Pollock Michel, writer and Mere Fidelity listener, sent in an important and challenging question by email: There are several passages in the Bible that deal with scenarios of sexual violence. What is the best way to preach these texts, without traumatizing or triggering the congregation? We decided to not only address this question on the show but bring her directly on as a guest to talk about it. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com.

Mere Fidelity is surrounded by a Merrie Band of enthusiastic patrons who contribute financially to this podcast. Sometimes they gather to ask questions of our fearless leaders. It's one of the perks. If you ever find yourself shouting in your car or talking to your headphones while listening to Mere Fidelity, consider joining the Merrie Band at www.patreon.com/merefidelity. Then you can send your thoughts to Matt, Derek, Alastair, and Andrew directly… and even get an answer. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com.

There's been a recent flurry of articles and podcasts discussing the failure of evangelical elites, whether they have in fact failed, wondering who these so-called elites are, disclaiming that people are elites, etc. This week I look at the question of who the evangelical elite are, and whether or not they are doing a good job. I start by reprising the elite theory of E. Digby Baltzell, and also the views of others elite theorists like James Burnham, Robert Michels, C. Wright Mills, and Robert Dahl.  From this I create a definition of what an elite is and how elite power functions and apply it to America as a whole. Then I apply it to evangelicalism to show how the elites of various evangelical subdomains can be identified.Looking specifically at the group often labeled Big Eva, I name names in terms of who is doing poorly, who is doing well, and who is struggling to adapt to the times. I also examine and apply a different definition of the elite adapted from Kevin DeYoung, and discuss institutional constraints elites operate under, as well as virtues and perils of being inside vs. outside of institutions.American Reformer: The Evangelical Embarrassment Reflex - https://americanreformer.org/the-embarrassment-reflex-evangelicals-and-culture/The American Conservative: Church, State, and the Future of American Evangelicalism - https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/church-state-and-the-future-of-evangelicalism/Mark Galli on Evangelical Elites:  https://markgalli.substack.com/p/the-galli-report-100821Carl Trueman: The Failure of Evangelical Elites - https://www.firstthings.com/article/2021/11/the-failure-of-evangelical-elitesLife Books and Everything Podcast on Evangelical Elites (segments starts at 29:00) - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/life-and-books-and-everything-evangelical-elites/Mere Fidelity on Evangelical Elites - https://soundcloud.com/mere-fidelity/evangelical-elitesAmerican Affairs: E. Digby Baltzell's Sociology of Elites - https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2021/02/rediscovering-e-digby-baltzells-sociology-of-elites/

Dr. Alastair Roberts walks us through a biblical sexual ethic and what it means to love God with our bodies. Watch Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/KwKOShwT7LATo support this podcast (and receive some sweet swag) check out: https://www.provenmen.org/protectors/Alastair Roberts is a Teaching Fellow of the Theopolis Institute and the Davenant Institute, a blogger and writer, and one of the hosts of the Mere Fidelity podcast. His personal podcast is Alastair's Adversaria, where he produces daily reflections upon Scripture. He is the author of Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption through Scripture (2018).  

In this episode, Dr. Anderson and Shane discuss what a sexual ethic is and whether or not the body actually matters. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/8YsFmkVeBR8Matthew Lee Anderson is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion, and the Associate Director of Baylor in Washington. He is an Associate Fellow at the McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Life at Oxford University, where he completed a D.Phil. in Christian Ethics. Academically, Anderson writes on a wide range of subjects, including pro- and anti-natalism, political theology, and bioethics. Anderson has an M.Phil. from the same university, and is a Perpetual Member of Biola University's Torrey Honors Institute. In 2005 he founded Mere Orthodoxy, a web-based magazine that provides both long- and short-form commentary on matters of religion, politics, and culture from a broadly conservative, evangelical standpoint. He is the author of two books. Earthen Vessels: Why Our Bodies Matter to Our Faith was one of the first efforts (2008) within evangelicalism to develop a robustly theological account of bodiliness. The End of our Exploring is an attempt to articulate a spirituality and theology of questioning. Anderson writes occasionally for Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, The Washington Post, and elsewhere. He was listed among Christianity Today's ‘33 under 33' list of younger evangelical leaders, and co-hosts Mere Fidelity, a podcast on faith, theology, and ethics. He lives in Waco, Texas, and in his spare time enjoys beating fourth-graders at basketball.