Faith Seeking Understanding: A Podcast on Christian Faith and 21st Century Life

Is there a place for government in providing for its citizens? Health care? SNAP benefits? Job training? In his Short Take, we discuss how the Bible informs us on this.

On this "Short Take" we explore the mysterious figures of Genesis 6, tracing their origins, interpretations, and theological significance. From ancient giants to symbolic readings, the episode considers biblical context, historical views, and why these enigmatic beings continue to capture imagination and spark debate today in modern discussions.Check out Sandra Richter's book, The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament.

I interview Dan Hawk on his book, Undoing Manifest Destiny: Settler America, Christian Colonists, and the Pursuit of Justice.We explore the problems of America's white settler narrative and how its propaganda is still being peddled in the 21st century.

On this "Short Take," I respond to Franklin Graham and Pete Hegseth's usage of Scripture to justify Donald Trump's war with Iran. The New Testament writers read Israel's Scripture through the person and work of Jesus, which reinterprets the violence of Israel's history.

On this Short Take, Allan looks into the SAVE Act, what it is and its implications.

Donald Trump's name figures prominently in the Epstein Files. Michael and Allan draw out the implications and fallout for the future.

The New Testament tells us we are saved by faith, and judged on works. How do we make sense of that tension?

Was the southern border between the U.S. and Mexico open under President Biden with millions streaming in unaccounted for? In this "Short Take," I examine the facts and fiction of the claim.

On this episode, Michael and Allan discuss Ken's Burns' latest documentary highlighting the complexity of history and its multiple meanings.

Romans 13 has to be one of the most misused and abused passages of Scripture. In this episode, we set chapter 13 in the larger context of the letter, especially chapter 12, What counsel is Paul giving the church; and what is he NOT saying.

What is a Libertarian? Is there a Protestant connection to Libertarianism? Is there a Christian case to be made for Libertarianism?On this episode, we put these questions and others to Alex Bernardo, host of "The Protestant Libertarian Podcast" which is connected to the Libertarian Christian Institute.

Michael and Allan bid farewell to 2025 and reflect on what might be coming in 2026.

On this episode, Michael and Allan discuss the importance of due process and the danger when it is not afforded to everyone, regardless of citizenship status.

How do Christians navigate their responsibilities as nation state citizens with their ultimate allegiance as heavenly citizens? How do Christians engage politically as a way to love their neighbors?On this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," I speak with Dr. David Koyzis on his recent book, Citizenship without Illusions: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement. You can learn more about David and his work below.Global Scholars Canada pageBlog: Notes from a Byzantine-Rite CalvinistBooks:Political Visions and Illusions: A Survey and Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies (IVP Academic, 2019)We Answer to Another: Authority, Office, and the Image of God (Pickwick, 2014)Citizenship Without Illusions: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement (IVP Academic, 2024)

On this episode, Michael and Allan discuss political violence in America in the wake of the assassination of political activist, Charlie Cook. Who is mostly responsible for political violence? What's the solution to incendiary rhetoric? Ho culpable are the followers of Jesus?

On this episode, I speak with David Fitch of Northern Seminary on the corrupting influence of worldly power in the church and politics.

On this episode, I speak with David Fitch of Northern Seminary on Christians and the corrupting influence of worldly power in the church and politics.

On this episode, Michael and Allan discuss the current economic situation resulting from Donald Trump's economic policies. They discuss, tariffs, unemployment, inflation, and other related topics.

On this episode of "Courageous Conversations," I converse with Sarah Bucy Klingler, missionary kid and advocate for those who have been on the receiving end of ecclesial abuse. We discuss power and the church, and the current abusive context of American politics. Sarah is the Project Manager at MK Safety Net.

On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the telling of history, its selectivity, and why it appears some are attempting to erase certain portions from our collective memory.

On this episode of "Courageous Conversations," we interview Rev. Derek Kubilus on his book, Holy Hell: A Case Against Eternal Damnation.

On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan offer analysis of Brendan Miller's YouTube Video, "5 Reasons Trump Will Fail (and it's already happening)." Mention is also made of the TEDx Talk, "Why do so many incompetent men become leaders?"

Michael and Allan discuss the kakistocracy of the Trump Administration, and how to take care of ourselves and stay rational in this time.

In the last episode of 2024, Michael and Allan review the events of 2024, and look ahead to 2025.

Does doctrine matter or is it beside the point of faithful Christian living? In this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," Allan interviews Dr. Beth Felker Jones, Professor of Theology at Northern Seminary in Lisle, Illinois. She is the author of the book, Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically.

In this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the Electoral College and whether it continues to be relevant, and they offer their predictions on Election 2024.

On this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," Allan interviews Sarah Wells on her book, Ordinary Time: Meditations from the In-Between. More information can be found on Sarah's website. Her full list of publication are found on her Amazon author page.

Authoritarianism is on the rise globally, and more and more people are supporting authoritarian minded leaders. Michael and Allan discuss whether or not democracy is in trouble in America.

In this episode Michael and Allan discuss the decline of the church in the West. What are the challenges the church faces in a post-industrial and ever-increasing secular society?

In Felecia Marshall's book, Grant Me Justice, she tells the story of the murder of her daughter and the frustration of dealing with the justice system as she sought justice for her child. Felecia's web page: https://www.feleciamarshall.com/ She is the founder of https://www.grantmejustice.org/

On this episode of Believing Is Seeing, we ask theologian and astrophysicist, Rev. Professor David Wilkinson about his Christian faith and whether the belief in a bodily raised Jesus is credible in the twenty-first century. David has two Ph.Ds: one in astrophysics and the other in systematic theology. David Wilkinson is Director of Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS), an international project based at St John’s College, Durham University, U.K. in which Cranmer Hall is situated. He is also a Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion.

On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the "silver tsunami," the wave of older adults growing across the world. What are the challenges of the silver tsunami? The opportunities? Is the language of silver tsunami derogatory? Michael and Allan ponder the questions.

On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the continuing saga of Ukraine and why it matters to the United States and the rest of the world.

On this episode of "Word Revisited," Scot McKnight discusses his book, The Bible Is Not Enough: Imagination and Peacemaking in the Modern World.

On this episode of "The Wesleyan Way," we interview Rev. Craig L. Adams, retired United Methodist pastor who is the keeper of the Wesleyan Holiness Heritage Facebook group. Craig discusses the holiness roots and heritage of United Methodism.

On this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," Allan interviews Rev. Dr. Joy Moore, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and Professor of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. They discuss how Christians can speak distinctively on moral issues in today's society.

In the final episode of 2023, Michael and Allan review 2023 and look to 2024.

On this episode of "Word Revisited," I chat with Dr. Michael J. Gorman, the Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland. He is the author of numerous books and specializes on the theology and letters of the Apostle Paul. Michael's Amazon author page is here.

On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the perennial tragedy of the Israeli Palestinian conflict.

On this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," I interview Thomas Jay Oord on his book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence, where he challenges the belief that the Bible teaches that God is omnipotent, that is all-powerful. Oord directs a doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary and directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology. More information on ORT can be found at Tom's website. https://thomasjayoord.com/

On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan explore why it appears that American society has jettisoned the importance of character and virtue for leadership, particularly in the realm of politics. Does character really count? Does virtue really matter?

On this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," Allan converses with the Reverend Professor David Wilkinson, Professor and Principal of St. John's College in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Durham, U.K. Dr. Wilkinson has two Ph.Ds, one in astrophysics and the other in systematic theology. They discuss the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and what its existence might mean for the truth of Christianity. Wilkinson's publications can be found here.

On this final episode of "A Prophet with Honor," Pidge and Allan ponder Dietrich's legacy and how it informs discipleship in the 21st century.

On this episode of "Calmly Considered" Michael and Allan discuss the Supreme Court of the United States: its history, development and its politicization by politicians throughout the decades.

On this episode of "A Prophet with Honor," Pidge and Allan discuss Dietrich's understanding of the nature of the Bible and how he used it in his theological reflection.

On this episode of "A Prophet with Honor," Pidge and Allan reflect upon Dietrich's understanding of the church formed largely by his time with the underground seminary which resulted in his book Life Together.

Who is Christ for us today? That is the central question in Dietrich's theology. In episode 12, Pidge and Allan reflect upon Bonhoeffer's understanding of Jesus not as an abstract doctrine, but as one who calls his disciples to follow in his way of life, death, and resurrection.

On episode 11 of "A Prophet with Honor," Bonhoeffer's book, The Cost of Discipleship is highlighted. Originally lectures he taught at the underground seminary, this book reveals how seriously Dietrich took Jesus' call to discipleship and faithful obedience. "When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die."

On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the importance of polarity management, a way of viewing tensions not as either/or problems to be solved, but both/and tensions to be managed. When tensions are turned into problems as is so often the case in today's politics, stupidity reigns supreme and solutions remain elusive.

In this episode of "A Prophet with Honor," Pidge and Allan discuss the book, Letters and Papers from Prison which is a compilation of Dietrich's correspondence (published posthumously) while under arrest by the Nazis. These writings reveal a deeply personal side of Bonhoeffer as well as his deep reflections on faith and suffering.