PODCAST · religion
The Narthex
by The Narthex
For those on the cusp of faith, considering should you stay or should you go. Perhaps you’re ready to throw in the towel on this whole following Jesus thing because the suffering is too much to bear. This channel is dedicated to you ❤️🩹. Explore this middle ground between faith and unbelief.
Episodes
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The End of the Law: How Hearing Changes Everything
Romans 10 Explained: Faith Comes by Hearing, Christ Ends the Law’s Accusation The episode discusses Karl Menninger’s claim that a secular culture that avoids guilt loses the concept of sin and drifts into inauthentic living, then connects this to Paul’s teaching in Romans 4, 7, and 10 about the...
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Why Relying on Your 'Inner Voice' Is Destroying Your Faith
Stop Trusting Your Gut: Why Hearing “God’s Voice” Inside Can Destroy FaithDr. Shaw critiques a popular Christian approach that encourages believers to look inward, “trust your gut,” and use techniques to hear God’s voice, arguing this shifts faith away from the external gospel promise and can…
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Why the Heart Worships a Legal Scheme
We analyze the intellectual legal scheme and why the mind eventually accepts the constant pressure of deconstruction.When we rely solely on mental effort to navigate faith, we often hit a wall of exhaustion. This video explores the collapse of the intellectual ladder, illustrating how cognitive...
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Christ The End of the Law
This episode centers on Romans 10:4—“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes”—arguing that the interpretation of the word telos (end/fulfillment) shapes views of Jesus, justification, sanctification, and the Christian life. Paul’s concern in Romans 10 is that...
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When Faith is Questioned: A Deep Dive into Deconstruction
The episode explores C.S. Lewis’s claim in Mere Christianity that universal human longing for purpose—what we call happiness and Lewis called joy—points beyond this world. Using George Harrison, Exodus 33, and John Updike’s critique that churches often “promote thirst” without quenching it, the...
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The Biggest Lie About the Law (And How It Keeps You Trapped)
The Law is not a scheme of salvation.Many Christians treat the Law of God as a plan of salvation, a ladder to climb, or a system of works that can make them acceptable to God. Keep the commandments carefully enough, improve your life enough, and God will accept you. That legal scheme of salvation...
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The Narthex VS Grok: Does Obedience Keep You Saved?
Faith and Obedience! Dr. Shaw takes the New Perspective on Paul (Krister Stendahl, E.P. Sanders, covenantal nomism) and ran it by Grok for a long conversation to test it.The claim is simple: we “get in by grace, but stay in by obedience.” So I kept asking the only question that matters to a...
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The Real Reason the Church Made the New Testament Canon
In this episode of The Narthex, Dr. Daniel Shaw unpacks Oscar Cullmann’s influential 1953 essay “Scripture and Tradition” and explains how the second-century Church made a decisive move that still shapes the debate between Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants today.Cullmann argues...
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The "God Told Me" Problem That Is DESTROYING CHRISTIANITY
Are the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), the Catholic Church, and Orthodox Christianity fundamentally different, or do they share the same theological roots? In this video, we explore the deep theological divide between these diverse movements through the lens of the historical Lutheran term:...
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Full Jesus or Just a Memory? What Happens in the Lord's Supper
The episode asks what Christians actually receive in the Lord's Supper when they hear “This is the body of Christ… This is the blood of Christ,” contrasting the memorial/symbolic view with the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox claim of Christ’s actual flesh and blood. It explains the Lutheran...
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Why Sola Kerygma Demands Sola Scriptura: The Theological Link
Does the apostolic kerygma (the core gospel proclamation) logically demand the use of sola scriptura (Scripture Alone)? In this episode of The Narthex, we explore the deep theological connection between the early church's core message and the Reformation principle of "Scripture Alone." We examine...
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Beatles Theology, George Harrison, and Exodus 33: Finding God’s Backside at the Cross
Dr. Daniel Shaw critiques “Beatles theology” as preaching that reduces Christianity to “all you need is love,” then explores theological depth in George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord,” which he said was inspired by Moses in Exodus 33 asking to see God’s glory and being allowed to see only God’s…
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Clash of Beliefs: Gavin Ortlund and Jonathan Pageau Debate the True Church
This episode reviews a discussion between Protestant Baptist Gavin Ortlund and Orthodox Jonathan Pageau about what constitutes the true church and whether Christians outside Orthodoxy are truly Christian. The presenter contrasts Pageau’s emphasis on Orthodoxy, salvation as personal…
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Heated Exchange - Part 1: Protestant vs Orthodox
Dr. Daniel Shaw, Lutheran pastor and New Testament professor, comments on a debate between Baptist Gavin Ortlund and Eastern Orthodox Jonathan Pageau about what constitutes the true Church and true Christianity. It contrasts Orthodoxy’s claim that full communion with Christ requires communion…
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Joseph's Final Journey | What His Coffin Reveals About Faith
Dan Shaw explores this powerful biblical teaching on the lives of Joseph, Jacob, and Rachel. Gain perspective on enduring faith through these ancient narratives. This presentation examines key moments from scripture, focusing on the historical and spiritual significance of Joseph and Jacob.…
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The Protestant Paradox: Who Gets to Decide?
Dr. Daniel Shaw explains that sola scriptura means the Bible is the highest norm for faith and life, not the only authority, and distinguishes it from “solo scriptura.” Responding to a Roman Catholic apologist’s claim that Protestantism “makes zero sense” because private judgment isn’t scalable…
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Knowledge Puffs Up: The Apologist Problem
Dan Shaw asks why Christian apologists are so often disliked, clarifying that apologetics means giving a reasoned defense of the faith (not “saying sorry”) and that anyone can be an apologist for many things. He draws on Helmut Thielicke’s 1962 book A Little Exercise for Young Theologians to…
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Trent Horn & Bryce Crawford: A Deep Dive into the Eucharist
Dan Shaw, host of The Narthex, plays and analyzes a back-and-forth from Bryce Crawford’s podcast featuring Catholic apologist Trent Horn, using it to examine what Christians should call the sacrament and what it truly is. He argues “the Lord’s Supper” best emphasizes that Christ hosts and gives…
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Christianity and Deconstruction (feat. Rhett McLaughlin)
Dan Shaw explores why people leave Christianity by probing a deeper issue beneath individual complaints: the search for certainty in a world that feels like an “earthquake.” Using Luc Ferry’s discussion of Descartes, it argues that radical skepticism and “I think, therefore I am” locate certainty...
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The Truth About the Lord’s Supper: Ritual or Reality?
Rev. Dr. Daniel Shaw uses Flannery O’Connor’s line about the Eucharist—“If it’s a symbol, to hell with it”—to argue that a merely symbolic Lord’s Supper becomes a demand that worsens anxiety and despair rather than a gift for sinners. He points to the Words of Institution in Paul and the Synoptic...
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When You Don't Feel Saved: The Only Anchor That Holds
The episode argues that modern society faces a “famine of trust,” illustrated through Sebastian Junger’s TED Talk about soldiers missing the brotherhood and certainty of war compared with alienation at home, and supported by declining institutional trust (including churches). The speaker connects...
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Baptism: Why We Need to Return to the Pentecost Promise
Baptism as God’s Promise: Forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and Acts 2The episode argues that because God is almighty (Pantokrator), humans can only know Him through His self-revelation, seen in Genesis where God creates ex nihilo through performative speech; Satan cannot oppose God’s power but…
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Leaving the Church: Is It Leaving Jesus?
In this segment, Shawn Ryan shares his personal journey and the reasons behind his decision to no longer attend church, exploring themes of yions, aiming to bring hope and understanding. His reflections provide valuable insights for anyone seeking peace in their spiritual walk.00:00 Why He…
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Is This Why People Leave Christianity?
Why does church so often feel fake — like just another business?Performance, corporate tactics, self-preservation, and the slow replacement of Word and Sacrament with image and numbers have left many people disillusioned and walking away. In this video, Dan Shaw speaks directly about the real...
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The Biblical Truth About Marriage That Changes Everything
00:00 Introduction and Dangerous Sermon 00:30 The Miserly Husband Story 03:31 Adam and Eve: Creation and Loneliness 06:54 Understanding Hermeneutics and Exegesis 07:57 The Christian Hermeneutic: Justification by Faith 19:13 The Gospel's Impact on Relationships and Work 28:07 The Curse and Its...
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Jesus as the Light: What C.S. Lewis Knew About Christmas
In this insightful and heartwarming video, Dan Shaw shares his experience of a profoundly meaningful Christmas. Blending the spiritual depth of C.S. Lewis's writings with the light-hearted cheer of the movie 'Elf,' Dan contrasts the deeper Christian understanding of Christmas with modern secular...
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The Active Savior
Understanding the Grammar of the Gospel: Christ as the Active Subject In this video, the concept of the 'grammar of the gospel' is explored, highlighting how the structure and language used in Christian testimonies and the Bible emphasize Jesus Christ as the active subject. The speaker shares...
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Are You Born Again?
Is being Born Again a simple prayer? In this episode, we dive deep into the first chapter of 1 Peter, exploring the concept of 'being born again' through the lens of biblical texts and the remarkable insights of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. We discuss the profound idea that knowing and longing...
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LIFE CHANGING Facts About Trusting God That Will Blow Your Mind
Join Pastor Dan Shaw as he explores 1 Peter 1, unpacking what it means to live as an exile in this world while holding onto the unshakeable hope found in Christ. This teaching emphasizes that faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17) and how trials refine and strengthen our faith.🔹...
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STAND THE WATCH!
Dive into the powerful and moving story of C.S. Lewis' return to faith after a life of atheism and the heart-wrenching trials he faced. Learn how Lewis' personal struggle with belief mirrors the biblical journey of the prophet Habakkuk, who questioned God's actions in times of suffering and...
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What's REALLY Happening When God Seems To Do Nothing?
In this sermon, Dan Shaw delves into the Book of Habakkuk, a minor prophet whose faith in God is tested by God's seeming injustice. The context of Habakkuk's prophecy is explained, highlighting the corruption, injustice, and looming Babylonian invasion faced by Judah. The sermon draws parallels...
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Feeling Surrounded? Kierkegaard and Blindness
Explore a captivating Bible story about Elisha, emphasizing the importance of faith in God, and the power of spiritual vision. These bible videos bring ancient biblical events to life, showcasing the role of a prophet in delivering divine messages from God. Dive into the bible and discover...
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Friday Night Faith: Jesus and Athletics
Join us as we dive into the powerful intersection of faith and Friday Night Football in this inspiring video. Featuring high school football players Birk Johnston, Hunter Goodsell, and Andrew Dobler, we explore the Christian perspective within the high-stakes world of the NFL and the Super Bowl....
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Witches and Charlie Kirk
In this episode, we examine the Bible in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, delving into accusations of modern witchcraft from the controversial website Jezebel. Just days before his tragic death, witches allegedly cast curses on Kirk via Etsy, prompting us to question the power of…
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Did Jesus Claim to be God?
This podcast episode explores whether Jesus ever claimed divinity, focusing on Dr. Bart Ehrman's assertion that Jesus did not claim to be God outside the Gospel of John. Dan Shaw dissects this claim by analyzing the Gospel of Mark, delving into specific chapters and verses to argue that Jesus is...
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The Hidden God: Why We Look for Answers in All the Wrong Places.
Have you ever felt like God is hiding from you? This video explores the profound concept of the 'hidden God' as discussed by Martin Luther in the 16th century. By drawing parallels to the game of hide and seek, it delves into the reasons why God might purposely hide Himself from us. The video...
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The Key to the Keys
What does Jesus mean by the keys in Matthew 16????
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Did This Bible Verse Split Christianity?
In this episode, we delve into one of the most divisive passages in the Bible—Matthew 16:13-19. Discover why these verses have caused centuries of debate among Christians, split denominations, and sparked theological controversy. We explore the different interpretations of 'the rock' that Jesus...
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Thoughts on Charlie Kirk
Hope from the Bible in light of the murder of Charlie Kirk.
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Why Do People Say the Bible is Confusing?
Is the Bible clear in teaching about salvation? This video explores the clarity of scripture, particularly in relation to how to be saved and the gospel of jesus christ. Join us for bible study and bible reading as we examine this important question within christianity. 00:00 Introduction and...
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The Bible or the Church? Who Wins?
This episode delves into the historical and theological debate between Sola Scriptura (the doctrine that the Bible/Jesus Christ alone is the ultimate authority) and the roles of church tradition and authority within Christianity. The discussion begins with Martin Luther's use of scripture in the...
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Protestant Exodus?
Is there truly a wave of religion migration from Protestant churches towards Catholicism and Orthodoxy? This video explores the discussion around orthodox christianity and catholicism, specifically within protestant communities. Delve into theology and discover the potential reasons behind this...
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The Gospel of John REVEALS Hidden Truths About the Universe
This discussion focuses on the unique aspects and importance of the Gospel of John, highlighting its significance within Christianity. Explore the depths of this biblical text and its relevance to faith today. Dive into the Gospel of John and deepen your understanding of theology.00:00…
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The Surprising Story of Thomas and His Struggle to Believe!
What led Thomas from doubt to faith? Are you struggling with faith?
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A Faith That Needs To Fight Back!
Following Jesus into danger. Dan Shaw discusses the conclusion of the book of Romans, highlighting Paul's mission to visit Rome and use it as a pit stop on his way to Spain to preach the gospel. Shaw reflects on the significance of Paul's journey, including his ultimate martyrdom under Emperor...
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Can Christianity Make You Sick?
In this episode of The Narthex, the topic of 'Predestination Anxiety' is explored in-depth. The discussion revolves around how Christianity can amplify existential anxieties and doubts, focusing on the concept of religious OCD. The thoughts of theologians, such as Stephen Paulson and Martin…
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Am I Chosen?
Are you chosen???? On this episode of The Narthex podcast, the focus is on the intersection of faith and unbelief, particularly addressing significant barriers to Christian faith such as the problem of evil and predestination. Host Dr. Dan Shaw discusses common questions about God's existence,...
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Is God Weak?
Is God Weak?In this video, we explore the challenging theological question known as the Problem of Evil. How can a good and all-powerful God allow suffering and evil to exist? The discussion is centered around a video featuring British philosopher Philip Goff from the 'Closer To Truth' podcast....
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Competing as a Christian: Combining Faith and Athletics
In this podcast episode, Rev. Dr. and Navy Chaplain Dan Shaw introduces Tim Kuykendall, the author of the new book 'Competing Biblically: A Handbook for Coaches, Athletes, and Parents.' The discussion delves into how to integrate a Jesus-centered approach to sports, focusing on philosophies...
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The Existential Dilemma
What is the core dilemma that every human being has to face? What is the meaning of life? Erik Ogard has co-authored a book with his late father entitled "The Existential Dilemma." This episode features a mind-bending discussion on God, atheism, Jesus, and anxiety. Please share with friends!...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
For those on the cusp of faith, considering should you stay or should you go. Perhaps you’re ready to throw in the towel on this whole following Jesus thing because the suffering is too much to bear. This channel is dedicated to you ❤️🩹. Explore this middle ground between faith and unbelief.
HOSTED BY
The Narthex
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Narthex have?
The Narthex currently has 123 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Narthex about?
For those on the cusp of faith, considering should you stay or should you go. Perhaps you’re ready to throw in the towel on this whole following Jesus thing because the suffering is too much to bear. This channel is dedicated to you ❤️🩹. Explore this middle ground between faith and unbelief.
How often does The Narthex release new episodes?
The Narthex publishes regularly with 123 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Narthex?
You can listen to The Narthex on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Narthex?
The Narthex is created and hosted by The Narthex.
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