Bespectacled and Curious

I grew up on a hobby farm in Canada. We raised animals, processed our own chickens, and ate meat pretty much every day. But I haven’t eaten land animals or birds in over five years.So why did I stop eating meat after growing up on a farm?In this episode, I tell the story of how that shift happened, and why it stuck. It wasn’t one big moment but a mix of experience, circumstance, and eventually, reading Scripture a little more carefully than I had before.I reflect on growing up around animals, what changed when I became a husband and father, and how passages like Genesis 1, Genesis 9, and the biblical vision of new creation reshaped how I think about animals, food, and the future Christians are called to live toward.This isn’t an argument that every Christian should stop eating meat, I don’t think the Bible commands that. But it is an attempt to think more honestly about why we eat animals, what the Bible says about animals, and what it might look like to take seriously that God calls his creatures good.My article in the Anabaptist World: https://anabaptistworld.org/from-farm-boy-to-christian-vegetarian/John Berkman's Chapter "Are We Addicted to the Suffering of Animals: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236008418_Are_We_Addicted_to_the_Suffering_of_Animals_Animal_Cruelty_and_the_Catholic_Moral_Tradition_-_John_Berkman Please follow the podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bespectacled-curious/id1880366110 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iMFvbcOgsmrOAzxiwbNXjAnd subscribe on YouTube!

In this episode, I speak with theologian Roger E. Olson about his theological journey, including his upbringing in Pentecostalism and the experiences that shaped his later convictions.Olson reflects on his studies with Wolfhart Pannenberg and shares stories of encounters with major theological figures such as Oral Roberts, Jürgen Moltmann, John Piper, Greg Boyd, Stanley Grenz, R. C. Sproul, and Richard Bauckham.We discuss why theology matters for the life of the church, and why Arminianism is often misunderstood in contemporary evangelical debates. Olson also reflects on the ongoing relevance of the Calvinism–Arminianism discussion.The conversation then turns to broader shifts in evangelicalism, including why many are moving toward more liturgical traditions and what this reveals about changing Christian identity today. Olson also addresses the question of whether God changes in any meaningful sense.Finally, we explore post-conservative evangelical theology and why he continues to identify as “evangelical” despite ongoing debates about the term.

What happens when a theology professor is also a rapper?In this conversation I speak with Axel Kazadi of Kingswood University (NB, Canada) about the unusual path that led him to become both. We talk about his journey through a significant crisis of faith, the authors who helped him think his way through it, and how music became part of his theological expression. We also discuss his EP “Remontada,” and the place of art in Christian life. Along the way we explore a range of topics, including: the deeper meaning of the Eucharistwhat distinguishes the Wesleyan / Methodist traditionwhat John Wesley meant by entire sanctificationthe challenge of church unity who might be the greatest rapper of all time.Subscribe on YouTube for more!

Klyne Snodgrass taught for more than forty years at North Park Theological Seminary and is widely known for his work on the parables of Jesus. In this episode, we discuss his book You Need a Better Gospel and reflect on a lifetime of scholarship, teaching, and service to the Church.Our conversation explores what the gospel truly is, why participation with Christ stands at the center of Christian faith, and why the New Testament leaves no room for isolated individualism. Snodgrass speaks candidly about his love for the Church, and the need for theological humility. We also discuss common misunderstandings about Jesus’ parables, the authorship and theology of Ephesians, the influence of Richard Longenecker on his life, and why reducing salvation to “asking Jesus into your heart” misses something essential.Bon appétit!

In this conversation, former Asbury Seminary professor Howard A. Snyder discusses his recent FREE book "Consider the Lilies: How Jesus Saves People and the Land" and reflects on a lifetime of ministry and theological work. We talk about his time studying at Notre Dame with John Howard Yoder, the importance of keeping Jesus central, church renewal, and why caring for the land should not be dismissed as “liberal.” Dr. Snyder also shares stories from his years as a pastor-professor in Brazil, explores the idea of sin as predation, and reflects on the power of small groups in sustaining vibrant Christian communities. Along the way, we even touch on writing, trees as networks, and Ted Lasso.Get his FREE book here: https://place.asburyseminary.edu/academicbooks/53/