Podcasts about theologian stanley hauerwas

He [Joseph] went there [to Bethlehem] to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them (Luke 2:5-7). Theologian Stanley Hauerwas was once asked what the greatest threat to American Christianity was. His answer was surprising. It wasn't atheism, radical Islam, civil religion, or consumerism. No, Hauerwas stated that what threatens to undo American Christianity is sentimentality. Rather than actively engaging with the grit and grime of the world, sentimentality longs for a life in a world illuminated by a soft, flattering light, where no one cusses and where every conflict is neatly resolved. It's safe for the whole family. It never disrupts, never demands, never makes us question. Sentimentality thrives on comfort and making us feel good. Luke will have none of that. As Pastor Anthony said yesterday, because the emperor in Rome wanted a census taken for taxation purposes, Joseph and Mary headed off to Bethlehem. When they finally arrived, there was no room for them, so Mary's baby was born without an address. Jesus began his fleshly life among the animals because humans had no place for him. Nothing sentimental about that. The Christmas story raises a central question of the gospel. John the Baptist put it this way, “Are you the one?” (cf. Matthew 11:3). How can this be the saviour of the world? How can someone born in such conditions be Israel's Lord? The supreme ruler of the universe lays in a feed trough. What kind of beginning is this? Philippians 2 tells us that this humble birth was only the beginning of his humiliation (5-8). Jesus embraced the grit and grime of human life. Nothing sentimental. But can we believe that this is the Christ? Jesus never assumed that we would easily come by such faith. When he talked about his second coming, he asked, “Will I find faith on earth?” If we do believe that he is the Christ, does it matter? Yes, says James, “faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). What deeds accompany faith? ‘Feeding the hungry and clothing the naked' (cf. 2:15-17). Paul concurs, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6). Loving amidst the grit and grime of life on earth, Christianity refuses sentimentality. The gospels tell us that with Jesus, the kingdom of God arrived on earth. For us, kingdoms are associated with power people and fancy palaces. But not the kingdom of Jesus. It still advances on this earth through the small acts of love and kindness. His kingdom is still difficult to find, to see. This fits with the famous definition of faith, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). This understanding of faith presses us on towards the end of history. Jesus summarized it this way, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 22:13). The universe with its billions of galaxies glittering with stars, he brought into existence. Our Lord created all things visible and invisible; in him and through him and for him all things were made (Colossians 1:16). He is the consummation and end of all things. When the curtain falls on cosmic history, Jesus will be there full of glory as the Omega, the end of all things. Until that time, Jesus' disciples reject sentimentality. We get into the trenches of the grit and grime of the world with our Lord. The Christmas story is told to underscore that following Jesus is the way of humility, of grit and grime, not sentimentality. As you live in the grit and grime, go with this blessing: Though you walk in darkness, may you see the great light. Though you live in a land of deep shadows—may you see light! sunbursts of light! May God increase your life, expand your joy. May you be glad in his presence! May God give you the joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings (cf. Isaiah 9:2-3 MSG).

“What I want for Christmas?” Sunday, December 11, 10:50 am, Worship Service Livestream Cleaning out a box of old papers, the other day, I came across a chapter -- part of a chapter -- of a book from Theologian Stanley Hauerwas that felt very current. It was about the "wanting" at the center of our lives. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Sam King, Worship Associate; Larry Chinn, Jazz Pianist; Laurel Sprigg, Soprano; Ben Rudiak-Gould, Songleader Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Joe Chapot, Live Chat Moderator; Thomas Brown, Sexton; DeAndre Smith, Sexton; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

“What I want for Christmas?” Sunday, December 11, 10:50 am, Worship Service Livestream Cleaning out a box of old papers, the other day, I came across a chapter -- part of a chapter -- of a book from Theologian Stanley Hauerwas that felt very current. It was about the "wanting" at the center of our lives. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Sam King, Worship Associate; Larry Chinn, Jazz Pianist; Laurel Sprigg, Soprano; Ben Rudiak-Gould, Songleader Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Joe Chapot, Live Chat Moderator; Thomas Brown, Sexton; DeAndre Smith, Sexton; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Ushersner, Head Usher; Ralph Fenn, Les James, Tom Brookshire, Zoom Coffee Hour

Theologian Stanley Hauerwas has written some of the most influential books on religion in the 20th century. But behind closed doors, he was suffering more than most of us knew. Here, Kate and Stanley talk candidly about his rollercoaster highs and lows of being married to someone with severe mental illness. And why doesn't God fix our pain? They have some spicy opinions about that.  In this episode, Kate and Stanley discuss:  Why Christians are not exempt from difficult circumstances Why people need fewer explanations (and why Stanley is suspicious of anyone who demands them) Stanley's advice for going through something difficult CW: bipolar, mental illness *** Looking for the transcript or show notes? Click here. Find Kate on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter. Subscribe to our weekly email for blessings. No Cure for Being Human (And Other Truths I Need to Hear) is now available in PAPERBACK. Order your copy, today. Looking for some short spiritual reflections and blessings? Check out GOOD ENOUGH: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection. Available wherever books are sold. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Theologian Stanley Hauerwas has written some of the most influential books on religion in the 20th century. But behind closed doors, he was suffering more than most of us knew. Here, Kate and Stanley talk candidly about his rollercoaster highs and lows of being married to someone with severe mental illness. And why doesn't God fix our pain? They have some spicy opinions about that. In this episode, Kate and Stanley discuss:  Why Christians are not exempt from difficult circumstances Why people need fewer explanations (and why Stanley is suspicious of anyone who demands them) Stanley's advice for going through something difficult CW: bipolar, mental illness***Looking for the transcript or show notes? Click here.Find Kate on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter.Subscribe to our weekly email for blessings.No Cure for Being Human (And Other Truths I Need to Hear) is now available in PAPERBACK. Order your copy, today.Looking for some short spiritual reflections and blessings? Check out GOOD ENOUGH: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection. Available wherever books are sold. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them (Luke 2:5-7). Theologian Stanley Hauerwas was once asked what he thought was the greatest threat to American Christianity. His answer was surprising. It wasn't atheism, radical Islam, civil religion, or consumerism. No, Hauerwas stated that what threatens to undo American Christianity is sentimentality. Rather than actively engaging with the grit and grime of the world, sentimentality longs for a life in a world illuminated by a soft, flattering light, where no one cusses and where every conflict is neatly resolved. It's safe for the whole family. It never disrupts, never demands, never makes us question. Sentimentality thrives on comfort and making us feel good. Luke will have none of that. As Pastor Anthony said yesterday, because the emperor in Rome wanted a census taken for taxation purposes, Joseph and Mary headed off to Bethlehem. When they finally arrived, there was no room for them, so Mary's baby was born without an address. Jesus began his fleshly life among the animals because humans had no place for him. Nothing sentimental about that. The Christmas story raises a central question of the gospel. John the Baptist put it this way, “Are you the one?” (cf. Matthew 11:3). How can this be the saviour of the world? How can someone born in such conditions be Israel's Lord? The supreme ruler of the universe lays in a feed trough. What kind of beginning is this? Philippians 2 tells us that this humble birth was only the beginning of his humiliation (5-8). Jesus embraced the grit and grime of human life. Nothing sentimental. But can we believe that this is the Christ? Jesus never assumed that we would easily come by such faith. When he talked about his second coming, he asked, “Will I find faith on earth?” If we do believe, does it matter? Yes, says James, “faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). What deeds accompany faith? “Feeding the hungry and clothing the naked” (2:15-17). Paul concurs, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6). Loving amidst the grit and grime of life on earth, Christianity refuses sentimentality. The gospels tell us that with Jesus, the kingdom of God arrived on earth. For us, kingdoms are associated with power people and fancy palaces. But not the kingdom of Jesus. It still advances on this earth through the small acts of love and kindness. His kingdom is still difficult to find, to see. This fits with the famous definition of faith, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). This understanding of faith presses us on towards the end of history. Jesus summarized it this way, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 22:13). The universe with its billions of galaxies glittering with stars, he brought into existence. Our Lord created all things visible and invisible; in him and through him and for him all things were made (Colossians 1:16). He is the consummation and end of all things. When the curtain falls on cosmic history, Jesus will be there full of glory as the Omega, the end of all things. Until that time, Jesus' disciples reject sentimentality. We get into the trenches of the grit and grime of the world with our Lord. The Christmas story is told to underscore that following Jesus is the way of humility, of grit and grime, not sentimentality.

Theologian Stanley Hauerwas on death, love, suffering, mental disability, the American church, and what it means to him to be a Christian.

Theologian Stanley Hauerwas says that "the heart of the gospel is that you don't know Jesus without the witness of the Church." As church membership declines, will this witness be dampened? Writer and hip-hop artist, Sho Baraka, explores the history of the Christian faith, why its growth has slowed in western societies, and how the Church can reclaim our role as witnesses of Christ.

Theologian Stanley Hauerwas explains how he approaches John Howard Yoder's sexual assault of many of his female Mennonite students.

... The post Nearing the End - A Conversation with Theologian Stanley Hauerwas appeared first on AlbertMohler.com.