Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael W Austin

Is Christian Nationalism an existential threat to America? Or is it a tactic to marginalize conservative voices today in the public arena? In this episode, I am joined by two scholars (Mark David Hall and Michael W. Austin) to discuss and debate the nature of Christian nationalism, the church and how Christians should bring their faith into the political realm. READ: Who's Afraid of Christian Nationalism: Why Christian Nationalism Is Not an Existential Threat to America or the Church by Mark David Hall (https://amzn.to/3UrlCra) READ: American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian Paperback by Michael W. Austin (https://amzn.to/3YI3tYs) WATCH: Is Christian Nationalism Dangerous? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2mSsFQRUXs) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: @sean_mcdowell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org

Sponsors: The Clergy Confessions Podcast (www.clergyconfessions.com); Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity (www.gardner-webb.edu); Baptist Seminary of Kentucky (www.bsk.edu); Baylor's Garland School of Social Work; The Community Transformation Center at Palm Beach Atlantic University (www.pbactc.org); The Center for Congregational Health (https://healthychurch.org); and The Baptist House of Studies at Union Presbyterian Seminary (https://www.upsem.edu/). Join the listener community at https://www.classy.org/campaign/podcast-listener-support/c251116. Music from HookSounds.com.

Send us a textChristian Nationalism is an ideology that's everywhere, masquerades as a theology that has infected our politics and seeks to guide our policies locally and nationally. The problem with Christian Nationalism is that it doesn't have anything to do with the Jesus of the Bible. Exposing Christian Nationalism, our new series, will discuss this every Friday in September. Our first guest is Dr. Michael W. Austin, author of American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian. Bishop Wright and Dr. Austin have a conversation about how figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jimmy Carter have harnessed their faith to foster inclusion and the common good, challenging the exclusionary and coercive tendencies of Christian Nationalism. Dr. Austin provides a nuanced examination of how this ideology clashes with core American values and Christian principles, offering a vision for a more harmonious and inclusive form of Christian political engagement. Listen in for the full conversation. Dr. Michael W. Austin is Foundation Professor of Philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University, Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership at Hebrew College, and current president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. He received a B.A. in political science from Kansas State University, an M.A. in philosophy from Talbot School of Theology, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder. His research is focused on ethics and spiritual formation, especially issues related to the cultivation of character and connections between character and the common good. He's published 15 books, including Humility and Human Flourishing (Oxford University Press, 2018) and God and Guns in America (Eerdmans, 2020). His latest book is Humility: Rediscovering the Way of Love and Life in Christ (Eerdmans, 2024). His next book, due out in October, is American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian (Eerdmans).Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

This Postmodern Realities episode is a Point/Counterpoint Viewpoint Debate on Should Parents Allow Unmarried Adult Children to Stay with Their Partner in the Parent's Home?. One Viewpoint is by JOURNAL author Michael W. Austin entitled “Open Our Homes and Our Hearts”. The other Viewpoint is by JOURNAL author Matthew M. Kennedy entitled, “Christian Love and Upholding God's Law in the Home”. https://www.equip.org/articles/should-parents-allow-unmarried-adult-children-to-stay-with-their-partner-in-the-parents-home-point-counterpoint-debate/ When you support the Journal, you join the team of to help provide the resources at equip.org that minister to people worldwide. These resources include our ever growing database of over 1,500 articles, as well as our free Postmodern Realities podcast.Another way you can support our online articles is by leaving us a tip. A tip is just a small amount, like $3, $5, or $10 which is the cost for some of a latte, lunch out, or coffee drink. To leave a tip, click hereOther articles and podcasts by the authors:Michael W. AustinEpisode 199 A Point/Counterpoint Conversation: The Meaning of the Term Pro-LifeThe Meaning of the Term Pro-Life. A Point/Counterpoint Conversation: Pro-Life for All Human LifeEpisode 180 Developing Spiritual DisciplinesEpisode 144 Taking the Long View: A Christian Approach to Youth SportsTaking the Long View: A Christian Approach to Youth SportsEpisode 052: The Benedict OptionIs The Benedict Option a Live Option?Episode 035: All Sins Are Not the SameAll Sins Are Not the SameEpisode 016: Anti-Intellectualism in the ChurchAnti-Intellectualism in the ChurchEpisode 005: Wealth and Stewardship: Key Biblical PrinciplesWealth and Stewardship: Key Biblical Principles Matthew M. KennedyEpisode 355 Is Re-Baptism Biblical?Should Christians Be Rebaptized?Episode 306 Marriage Is about the Gospel: Clarifying the Boundaries of Christian OrthodoxyMarriage is about the Gospel: Clarifying the Boundaries of Christian OrthodoxyEpisode 260: Christ and His Bride: Why Your Pastor's Gender MattersChrist and His Bride: Why Your Pastor's Gender MattersEpisode 235: Does the Bible Dictate Clothing Style by Gender? Cross Dressing and the Gender BinaryDoes the Bible Dictate Clothing Style by Gender? Cross Dressing and the Gender BinaryEpisode 234: Star Wars Happy and Glorious in The High RepublicHappy and Glorious in The High Republic: A Review of The High Republic Era beginning with Star Wars: Light of the Jedi by Charles SouleEpisode 212 Why Do The Parents of Gay Children Change Their Theological Minds?Why Do Parents of Gay Children Change Their Theological MindsEpisode 156 The Prayers Rose Like Incense: Anglican Worship and the Normative PrincipleThe Prayers Rose Like Incense: Anglican Worship and the Normative Principle

Although Christians are followers of the Truth, many find themselves tempted by the alternate “truths” offered by conspiracy theories. Christianity and conspiracy theories have had a long, complicated relationship. But today conspiracy theories are bringing our already polarized society to the brink of chaos. QAnon, the Big Lie, and anti-vaccination theories thrive online, disrupting faith communities. This timely essay collection explores the allure of conspiracy theories and their consequences—and ultimately offers gospel-based paths forward. Michael W. Austin is professor of philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University and senior fellow at the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute. He has published twelve books, including Being Good: Christian Virtues for Everyday Life (Eerdmans, 2012), Humility and Human Flourishing (Oxford University Press, 2018), and his latest, God and Guns in America (Eerdmans, 2020). Gregory L. Bock is assistant professor of philosophy and religion and program director for the philosophy, religion studies, and Asian studies at the University of Texas at Tyler. He also serves as director for UT Tyler's Center for Ethics. He is editor of volumes 3 and 4 of The Philosophy of Forgiveness (Vernon, 2018, 2019) and coeditor of Righteous Indignation: Christian Philosophical and Theological Perspectives on Anger (Fortress, 2021). Tell us about your background and why you decided to write this book? Let's start out with the basic definition of a conspiracy theory? In what ways are Christians susceptible to conspiracy? You mention the demographic of the white evangelical several times in the book, let's start out with a basic definition of evangelical? What are some themes that you observe within evangelical circles? You have a chapter on reasonableness. You mention that the conviction dial is on max strength. Can you describe Teflon hermeneutics? What makes racism so challenging to accept?

Dr. Michael W. Austin is a Professor of Philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University, an author, and a speaker. He has published 12 books; most recently, he co-edited and contributed to QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross: Christianity and Conspiracy Theories. Most of his teaching, writing, and speaking is focused on ethical questions related to character and human flourishing. He believes that philosophy has much to offer us, in our individual, social, and spiritual lives. For many years, he's also been a speaker for the Kentucky Humanities Council, and he contributes to a blog for Psychology Today, “Ethics for Everyone.” 

Although Christians are followers of the Truth, many find themselves tempted by the alternate “truths” offered by conspiracy theories. Christianity and conspiracy theories have had a long, complicated relationship. But today conspiracy theories are bringing our already polarized society to the brink of chaos. QAnon, the Big Lie, and anti-vaccination theories thrive online, disrupting faith communities. This timely essay collection explores the allure of conspiracy theories and their consequences—and ultimately offers gospel-based paths forward. Will and Josh speak with the two editors who endeavored to put this collection together! Buy the book: https://a.co/d/82C041uAccessible to all concerned believers, QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross features scholars of religion, ethics, and public life on the following topics:     • evaluating evidence and forming beliefs      • the Satanic Panic of the 1960s–1990s      • understanding scientific methodology      • conspiracy theories' appeal to those searching for meaning      • the consequences of social media and echo chambers      • productive dialog with people who hold different opinions      • intellectualism in the life of faith      • conspiracy theories in Scripture      • QAnon's religious rhetoric Complete with a guide to reasoning, which outlines both logical fallacies and intellectual virtues, QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross is an indispensable resource for all Christians seeking the truth. Contributors:Chase Andre, Michael W. Austin, Bradley Baurain, Daniel Bennett, Gregory L. Bock, Chad Bogosian, Kevin Carnahan, Jason Cook, Scott Culpepper, Stephen Davis, Garrett J. DeWeese, Marlena Graves, Shawn Graves, David Horner, Dru Johnson, Nathan King, Rick Langer, Christian Miller, Timothy Muehlhoff, Michelle Lynn Panchuk, Susan Peppers-Bates, Steven Porter, Kaitlyn Schiess, Aaron Simmons, Domonique Turnipseed, Rachel I. Wightman, Keith Wyma, Eric Yang Support the showTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (06/08/23), Hank answers the following questions:How do we reconcile the timelessness of God with His intervention in history?When Christians say that we will spend eternity in heaven, what do we mean by that?Will the Trinity have the same function and role in eternity?Are you opposed to preachers carrying guns? What are your thoughts on church security?What responsibility do Christian platforms like TBN share for airing people like Joseph Prince and Joel Osteen?What are your thoughts on Process Theology?Relevant resources for today's Bible Answer Man broadcast:“The Gun Control Debate: Two Christian Perspectives” by Michael W. Austin and Ron Gleason: https://www.equip.org/articles/gun-control-debate-two-christian-perspectives/“Osteenification and What It Portends” by Hank Hanegraaff: https://www.equip.org/articles/osteenification-and-what-it-portends/Hank Hanegraaff, AfterLife: What You Need To Know about Heaven, the Hereafter and Near-Death Experiences: https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-afterlife/Hank Hanegraaff, Christianity in Crisis—21st Century: https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-christianity-in-crisis-21st-century/

3 Moral Issues About AbortionMichael W. Austin PhD Let's not touch on the question that most preoccupies discussion of the subject -- whether abortion should be legal or illegal. But let's talk in an unemotional way. The only question here is the moral one: Is ending the life of a human fetus -- moral? Let's begin with this question: Does the human fetus have any value and any rights? Now, it's a scientific fact that a human fetus is human life. Those who argue that the human fetus has no rights say that a fetus is not a person. But even if you believe that, it doesn't mean the fetus has no intrinsic value or no rights. There are many living beings that are not persons that have both value and rights: Dogs and other animals, for example. And that's Moral Argument Number One: A living being doesn't have to be a person in order to have intrinsic moral value and rights. When challenged with this argument, people usually change the subject to the rights of the mother -- meaning the right of a mother to end her fetus's life under any circumstance, for any reason, and at any time in her pregnancy. Is that moral? It is only if we believe that the human fetus has no intrinsic worth. But in most cases, nearl everyone believes that the human fetus has essentially infinite worth and an almost absolute right to live. When? When a pregnant woman wants to give birth. Then, society -- and its laws -- regard the fetus as so valuable that if someone were to kill that fetus, that person could be prosecuted for homicide. Only if a pregnant woman doesn't want to give birth, do many people regard the fetus as worthless. Now, does that make sense? It doesn't seem to. Either a human fetus has worth or it doesn't. And this is Moral Argument Number Two: On what moral grounds does the mother alone decide a fetus's worth? We certainly don't do that with regard to a newborn child. It is society, not the mother -- or the father -- that determines whether a newborn child has worth and a right to live. So, the question is: Why should that be different before the human being is born? Why does one person, a mother, get to determine whether that being has any right to live? People respond by saying that a woman has the right to "control her body. " Now, that is entirely correct. The problem here, however, is that the fetus is not "her body;" it is in her body. It is a separate body. And that's Moral Argument Number Three. No one ever asks a pregnant woman, "How's your body? " when asking about the fetus. People ask, "How is the baby? "The Abortion DebateThere is much confusion in the abortion debate. The existence of a heartbeat is not enough, on its own, to confer a right to life. On this, I believe many pro-lifers are mistaken. But on the pro-choice side, is it ethical to abort fetuses as a way to select the gender of one's child,or instance? We should not focus solely on the fetus, of course, but also on the interests of the mother, father, and society as a whole. Many believe that in order to achieve this goal, we need to provide much greater support to women who may want to ive birth and raise their children, but choose not to for financial, psychoogical, health, or relationship reasons; that adoption should be much less expensive, so that it is a live option for more qualified parents; and that quality health care should be accessible to all. I fear, however, that one thing that gets lost in all of the dialogue, debate, and rhetoric surrounding the abortion issue is the nature of the human fetus. This is certainly not the only issue. But it is crucial to determining the morality of abortion, one way or the other. People on both sides of the debate would do well to build their views with this in mind.

3 Moral Issues About AbortionMichael W. Austin PhD Let's not touch on the question that most preoccupies discussion of the subject -- whether abortion should be legal or illegal. But let's talk in an unemotional way. The only question here is the moral one: Is ending the life of a human fetus -- moral? Let's begin with this question: Does the human fetus have any value and any rights? Now, it's a scientific fact that a human fetus is human life. Those who argue that the human fetus has no rights say that a fetus is not a person. But even if you believe that, it doesn't mean the fetus has no intrinsic value or no rights. There are many living beings that are not persons that have both value and rights: Dogs and other animals, for example. And that's Moral Argument Number One: A living being doesn't have to be a person in order to have intrinsic moral value and rights. When challenged with this argument, people usually change the subject to the rights of the mother -- meaning the right of a mother to end her fetus's life under any circumstance, for any reason, and at any time in her pregnancy. Is that moral? It is only if we believe that the human fetus has no intrinsic worth. But in most cases, nearl everyone believes that the human fetus has essentially infinite worth and an almost absolute right to live. When? When a pregnant woman wants to give birth. Then, society -- and its laws -- regard the fetus as so valuable that if someone were to kill that fetus, that person could be prosecuted for homicide. Only if a pregnant woman doesn't want to give birth, do many people regard the fetus as worthless. Now, does that make sense? It doesn't seem to. Either a human fetus has worth or it doesn't. And this is Moral Argument Number Two: On what moral grounds does the mother alone decide a fetus's worth? We certainly don't do that with regard to a newborn child. It is society, not the mother -- or the father -- that determines whether a newborn child has worth and a right to live. So, the question is: Why should that be different before the human being is born? Why does one person, a mother, get to determine whether that being has any right to live? People respond by saying that a woman has the right to "control her body. " Now, that is entirely correct. The problem here, however, is that the fetus is not "her body;" it is in her body. It is a separate body. And that's Moral Argument Number Three. No one ever asks a pregnant woman, "How's your body? " when asking about the fetus. People ask, "How is the baby? "The Abortion DebateThere is much confusion in the abortion debate. The existence of a heartbeat is not enough, on its own, to confer a right to life. On this, I believe many pro-lifers are mistaken. But on the pro-choice side, is it ethical to abort fetuses as a way to select the gender of one's child,or instance? We should not focus solely on the fetus, of course, but also on the interests of the mother, father, and society as a whole. Many believe that in order to achieve this goal, we need to provide much greater support to women who may want to ive birth and raise their children, but choose not to for financial, psychoogical, health, or relationship reasons; that adoption should be much less expensive, so that it is a live option for more qualified parents; and that quality health care should be accessible to all. I fear, however, that one thing that gets lost in all of the dialogue, debate, and rhetoric surrounding the abortion issue is the nature of the human fetus. This is certainly not the only issue. But it is crucial to determining the morality of abortion, one way or the other. People on both sides of the debate would do well to build their views with this in mind.

In this interview Dr. Michael Austin addresses issues that pertain to humility (what it is); disagreement (how do we disagree well); and intellectual honesty (being honest with ourselves and others. If you want to read books written by Dr. Austin the following link is to all his available books on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Michael-W-Austin/e/B001HPF4NA?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1627500191&sr=8-1 Support Us: Website: https://www.apologiacenter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ApologiaCenter Twitter: https://twitter.com/apologiacenterPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/apologiacenter Youtube: www.youtube.com/apologiacenter --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/apologiacenter/support

Must Pro-Lifers address more than just abortion in order to be truly pro-life? Does the term pro-life refer to more than just opposing abortion?Hosted by the Postmodern Realities podcast of The Christian Research Journal, Seth Gruber and Michael W. Austin debate these questions. Michael argues for the "whole-life" position maintaining that the pro-life movement must apply its beliefs to more than just abortion. Seth argues for the historical pro-life position, that ending the state-sanctioned slaughter of one-million babies a year is a large enough injustice to justify a single-minded focus. Directing operational resources away from saving children and ending abortion will only fragment and bankrupt a movement already underfund and understaffed. For Seth's article on this topic - You're Not Really Pro-Life Unless... You Oppose Abortion. That's It!  --> https://tinyurl.com/y2xzgc3lFor Mike's article on this topic - Pro-Life For All Human Life  -->https://tinyurl.com/y5qlp8f4Date: 09/14/20___________________________________________________To help UnAborted create more pro-life content and take our content to the streets, become a Patron of the show at https://www.patreon.com/unabortedTo help Seth reach more high school and college students through pro-life presentations around the country, become a monthly supporter at https://prolifetraining.com/donate/ 

What is the meaning of the term pro-life? How should Christians define this term? This is a point/counterpoint discussion. Michael W. Austin defends his viewpoint from his article “The Meaning of the Term Pro-Life. A Point/Counterpoint Conversation: Pro-Life for All Human Life” (available by clicking here https://www.equip.org/article/the-meaning-of-the-term-pro-life-a-point-counterpoint-conversation-pro-life-for-all-human-life/) and Seth Gruber defends his viewpoint from his article “The Meaning of the Term Pro-Life. A Point/Counterpoint Conversation: You're Not Really Pro-Life Unless…You Oppose Abortion. That's It!” (available by clicking here.https://www.equip.org/article/the-meaning-of-the-term-pro-life-a-point-counterpoint-conversation-youre-not-really-pro-life-unlessyou-oppose-abortion-thats-it/)We'd also like to invite you to subscribe to the Journal. To subscribe to the Journal, please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/crj-subscription/When you to subscribe to the Journal, you join the team of print subscribers whose paid subscriptions help provide the resources at equip.org that minister to people worldwide. These resources include our free online-exclusive articles, such as this review, as well as our free Postmodern Realities podcast.Another way you can support keeping our resources free is by leaving us a tip. A tip is just a small amount, like $3 or $5, which is the cost for some of a latte, lunch out, or coffee drink. To leave a tip, click here. https://www.equip.org/product/pmr-jnl-tip/Other articles related to this topic:The 2012 Elections: Five Questions for Pro-Life AdvocatesThe Politics of Abortion: Should Christians Vote Straight Ticket? Don't miss an episode; please subscribe to the Postmodern Realities podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Please help spread the word about Postmodern Realities by giving us a rating and review when you subscribe to the podcast. The more ratings and reviews we have, the more new listeners can discover our content.

Michael W. Austin is the Professor of Philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University (and a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs). He is the author of numerous books and online writings on ethical and religious questions; he believes that Christian ethics are relevant to all of life. 0:00- Introduction 2:14- Chiefs talk + football and philosophy 7:30- God and Guns in America, origins of the book 11:20- The moral dilemma for Christians 15:20- What the Bible says about guns? 19:14- Peace building, pacifism and the Just War theory 31:22- Why Americans love guns 37:24- What steps will make a difference in gun violence Michael's new book is called "God and Guns in America", win a copy on our social media: @3PointStancePod on Instagram and Twitter, on Facebook: 3 Point Stance Podcast. 3 Point Stance is sponsored by Varney Buick GMC in Bangor, Maine. Varney is a family owned and operated business, that treats all of their customers like their own.

Many Christians think of sports as having little to no value. They see the time, money, devotion, and energy that many put into sports as time, money, devotion, and energy that could be better used for the sake of the kingdom of God. But can we think about sports, and be involved in them, in ways that build the kingdom? Yes! To do this, however, will require that we approach sports in ways that are often countercultural. Not only can we approach sports with a kingdom mindset, we must do so. The cultural influence of sports at all levels, including elite sports, is felt across the world. Anyone interested in doing cultural apologetics would do well to consider how to think about and participate in the world of sport, as a Christian. Many cultural apologists spend considerable time and effort understanding other influential aspects of culture, including movies, television, books, and politics. But sports are also a reflection of our culture, and an influence upon it, for better and for worse. Many cultural issues arise in sports, and are discussed by well known athletes who use their platforms to do so. Whether it is equal pay for equal work, issues related to race and justice, politics, sexual ethics, abortion and many others numerous professional athletes make their views known via social media and other outlets, influencing the culture. Christians should not ignore this. There is great potential for sports to contribute to human flourishing, as Christians understand it. Sports can build good character, including specifically Christian virtues like faith, hope, love, and humility. Even those who have little interest in sports would do well to develop a Christian understanding of sports at their best, as well as a thoughtful and helpful critique of the ways in which the actual world of sports falls short of the Christian ideal. Followers of Christ can bring light into the dark corners of the sporting world, and they can celebrate the parts of that world that are already shining examples of what human beings can do as they seek to glorify God in this realm of life. This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with Journal author Michael W. Austin about his online exclusive article Taking the Long View: A Christian Approach to Youth Sports. We would also like to invite you to subscribe to the Journal. To subscribe to the Journal, please click here. When you to subscribe to the Journal, you join the team of print subscribers whose paid subscriptions help provide the resources at equip.org that minister to people worldwide. These resources include our free online exclusive articles, such as this review, as well as our free Postmodern Realities podcast. Another way you can support keeping our resources free is by leaving us a tip. A tip is just a small amount, like $3 or $5, which is the cost for some of a latte, lunch out, or coffee drink. To leave a tip, click here. Other articles related to this topic: Prayers, Football, and Missions: Lessons from Tebowmania Thoughts on Jason Collins, Homosexuality, and Athletics

This week Michael delves into the fetid, feverish week of anti-gun screeds… Down Range Radio – Podcast Episode #615. Scroll down for reference links on topics discussed in this episode. Disclaimer: The statements and opinions expressed here are our own and may not represent those of the companies we represent or any entities affiliated to it. Host: Michael Bane Producer: Marshal Halloway More information and reference links: The Michael Bane Blog Michael Bane on Facebook Shooting Gallery Online (SGO) on Outdoor Channel (Weekly Video Blog) Virtue and Guns/Michael W. Austin Ph.d. The Window of Justification/Gabe Suarez Assault Rifles Are Insane/Lucian Truscott IV Why You Should Ditch Sub-Contact and Carry Mid-Size/Jacki Billings The Music of Six Time User The Music of kitchenromance The Music of Robert Johnson    

What exactly is the Benedict Option? In short, the book includes a call for Christians to consider withdrawing from some aspects of, and strategies for engaging, American culture, such as seeking change through the means of political power. The heart of the book is not about escaping culture rather, it focuses on the fact that the local church should be a community of individuals who love, care for, and support one another in their daily lives. Many Christians, especially in America, have for far too long ignored the classic disciplines of spiritual growth that Dreher discusses in Chapter 3 prayer, asceticism, stability, community, and hospitality. The focus of the book that all believers should be able to agree on includes the revitalization of our churches through a focus on the classical spiritual disciplines of the church, building community among members outside of Sunday morning, equipping our children in the faith, and valuing relationships in the home and with other believers. This Postmodern Realities Podcast episode is a JOURNAL author conversation with Michael W. Austin about his Volume 40 4 book review Is the Benedict Option a Live Option? Mike answers questions including Why do you think our culture has encouraged feelings over reason? Why do you think there is a problem with anti intellectualism in the church? What is the role of knowledge in the life of the follower of Christ?

Postmodern Realities Episode 035: Viewpoint-"All Sins Are Not the Same" (Volume 40 #2) with Michael W. Austin

Viewpoint-"All Sins Are Not the Same" (Volume 40 #2) with Michael W. Austin

Postmodern Realities Episode 016: "Anti-Intellectualism in the Church" (CRJ Issue 39 Volume 4, 2016) with Michael W. Austin

"Anti-Intellectualism in the Church" (CRJ Issue 39 Volume 4, 2016) with Michael W. Austin

Postmodern Realities Episode 005: "Wealth and Stewardship: Key Biblical Principles" (CRJ Issue 39 Volume 02, 2016) with Michael W. Austin

"Wealth and Stewardship: Key Biblical Principles" (CRJ Issue 39 Volume 02, 2016) with Michael W. Austin