It's a Theological World After All

PODCAST · religion

It's a Theological World After All

*It’s a Theological World After All* explores how theology shapes everything—from science and technology to culture, politics, and human identity. Join Dr. Joshua Farris and guests from around the world for deep conversations at the crossroads of faith, reason, and the big questions of our time.

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    EP17 | How the Trinity Shapes Human Reason and Science With Fr. Andrew Hollingsworth

    Can the doctrine of the Trinity explain the very structure of human consciousness and the natural world? In this episode, I sit down with Fr. Andrew Hollingsworth to explore why the Trinity isn't just an abstract theological puzzle—it’s the "grammar" of reality itself. From the "triadic" philosophy of Charles Sanders Peirce to a scathing critique of AI and materialism, we dive deep into how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit shape how we know truth, experience science, and inhabit the world.If you’ve ever wondered how ancient theology survives in the age of machines, this conversation is for you.SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into theology, philosophy, and the soul.IN THIS EPISODE:The Philosophy of Signs: How Charles Sanders Peirce’s "Firstness, Secondness, and Thirdness" mirrors the Triune God.The Failure of AI: Why machines can process data but lack the "phenomenology" of a living soul.A Defense of the Soul: Why physicalism (the idea that we are just brains) is inconsistent with the Christian faith.Liturgy as Knowledge: How the Anglican Book of Common Prayer "teaches" us the Trinity through participation.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro: Dragon Ball Z & Icons1:45 - Does the Trinity shape how we think about Truth?3:40 - Charles Sanders Peirce & The "Phaneron"6:00 - The Triadic Sign: Object, Representamen, Interpretant11:45 - Substance Dualism vs. Materialism16:30 - Can a machine actually "know" anything?25:30 - Biosemiotics: The Trinity in Biology36:00 - How Liturgy does the "Heavy Lifting" of Theology41:00 - Why Anglicanism? (Suprema Scriptura)44:30 - Conclusion: Doctrine is a Grammar to be InhabitedRESOURCES MENTIONED:God and the World of Signs by Andrew RobinsonThe Doctrine of the Knowledge of God by John FrameSpirit Word Community by Amos YongTake the Next Step in Your EducationIf this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/#Theology #Philosophy #Trinity #AI #Christianity #Apologetics #Anglicanism #Dualism #Peirce #StAugustine

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    EP16 | The Rise of Tech-Paganism: How AI and Ancient Rituals are Merging

    As materialism fails to explain human consciousness, a new and ancient "Liturgy of Self-Making" is rising. In this deep-dive, Anthony Costello, Carl Teichrib and myself, Joshua Farris, explore how AI, Neo-Paganism, and the sexual revolution are converging to redefine what it means to be human.Is the world becoming more technological, or more theological? In this episode, we go behind the scenes of SXSW and Paganicon to witness the birth of a new cultural era. We move beyond surface-level politics to examine the "Sexual Monism" and "Radical Individualism" driving today’s headlines.From the failure of physicalism in AI labs to the "bestial ethics" of modern fantasy literature, our speakers provide a chilling diagnosis of a society that has detached sex from creation and the self from the Logos.What you will learn in this episode:The Failure of Materialism: Why top scientists are abandoning physicalism for mysticism.The AI Mirror: How technology is becoming a tool for modern divination and "Digital Animism."The Pagan Ethic: Why a worldview without a transcendent standard inevitably leads to a "Might Makes Right" power dynamic.The Narcissism of Modern Sex: How the detachment of gender and sexuality from the body is impacting the future of civilization.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: It’s a Theological World After All12:15 – SXSW Report: Why AI Experts are Desperate for Humanity24:30 – Paganicon 2026: Using AI for Tarot and Rituals36:45 – The Aesthetic Ethic: Beauty vs. Ugliness in Neo-Paganism48:20 – Sexual Monism: The Goal of "Gender Alchemy"01:05:10 – The Power Trap: Why Paganism Can't Condemn "The Hawk vs. The Squirrel"01:18:30 – Stoicism & The Logos: Is There a Rational Alternative?01:32:45 – The Marketing of the Occult: Fantasy Fiction and Young Women01:45:10 – Conclusion: The Deconstruction of the Sexual NarrativeConnect with the Kirkwood Center:Website: https://www.kirkwoodcenter.org/Take the Next Step in Your EducationIf this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/#Theology #ArtificialIntelligence #NeoPaganism #Worldview #ChristianApologetics #CultureWar #Ethics #Philosophy

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    EP15 | Is AI Devaluing the Soul? A New Defense for Being Human

    Is technology changing what it means to be human? Today I sit down with Matthew Burford (Founder of Tactical Faith) to discuss why modern apologetics is shifting from "winning arguments" to "reclaiming wonder."As we move deeper into the age of AI and digital distraction, Burford argues that we are facing a crisis of disembodiment. Drawing on neuroscientist Ian McGilchrist’s work on the left and right brain, we explore how the "Left-Brain" obsession with data and control is hollowing out our spiritual lives—and why the physical, "Right-Brain" practices of the Church and the Eucharist are the only cure for modern anxiety.Inside the Episode:The Evolution of Apologetics: Why the "syllogisms" of the 90s aren't reaching Gen Z.The AI Threat: How Large Language Models (LLMs) force us to redefine human uniqueness.The Master and His Emissary: Applying Ian McGilchrist’s brain hemisphere theory to theology.The School of Attention: How the Eucharist retrains our minds to see reality truthfully.Re-enchanting the World: Moving from abstract ideas to concrete, lived practices.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction: Meeting Matthew Burford2:15 – What is Tactical Faith? Bridge between Ivory Tower & Church6:42 – The Shift: From Evidence-Based to Story-Driven Apologetics11:30 – Why "winning the argument" isn't enough anymore15:45 – The "Fragmented Self": Addressing Gen Z & Alpha20:10 – Living in a Post-Christian "Disillusionment"28:45 – Cultural Liturgies: What the Mall taught us about worship35:10 – AI & The Crisis of Embodiment: What makes us unique?41:30 – The Danger of Normalizing Artificial Relationships45:20 – The Eucharist as a "Shared Attention Habit"51:40 – Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain: Ian McGilchrist’s Impact57:15 – Reclaiming the Mystery: How the Church can serve the world nowResources Mentioned:Tactical Faith: https://tacticalfaith.com/Ian McGilchrist - The Master and His EmissaryWhat do you think is the biggest threat AI poses to our humanity? Let us know in the comments below!Take the Next Step in Your EducationIf this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/#Apologetics #FaithAndTech #IanMcGilchrist #Christianity #AI #Philosophy #Theology #TacticalFaith

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    EP14 | The Death of Materialism: Why Panpsychism is the New Worldview

    Is the universe a mindless machine, or is it alive? In this episode, we explore the dramatic collapse of materialism and the rise of Panpsychism—the radical idea that consciousness is a fundamental feature of all matter.From the "Hard Problem of Consciousness" to the return of ancient animism in the modern lab, we sit down with Anthony Costello and Carl Teichrib to deconstruct how modern philosophy is "re-enchanting" the world. Are we unified souls created by a transcendent God, or are we merely temporary "eddies" in a cosmic river of mind?In this episode, we discuss:Galileo’s Error: How science accidentally "shaved off" the soul.The New Paganism: Why elite academics are suddenly sounding like ancient animists.The "Combination Problem": The logical flaw that panpsychists can't explain.Psychedelics & Magic: Are altered states revealing reality or just altering perception?The Theology of Gender: Why the shift toward "Internal Experience" is feminizing the church.The Moral Motivation: Why some philosophers prefer a "Conscious Universe" over a Personal God.Timestamps0:00 - Intro: The Death of Materialism12:45 - Thomas Nagel & The Hard Problem of Consciousness28:30 - What is Panpsychism? (Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down)45:15 - The "Epstein Connection" and Controlling Consciousness58:00 - Is the Universe Divine? Panentheism vs. Pantheism01:15:30 - Modern Animism: Why your computer might have "feelings"01:30:45 - The "Feminization" of Spirituality & The Deification of Nature01:45:20 - Why Panpsychism is "Ad Hoc" (The Theistic Critique)02:00:10 - Final Verdict: Soul vs. Cosmic EddyKey Resources MentionedGalileo's Error by Philip GoffMind and Cosmos by Thomas NagelKnowledge and the Case for Dualism by Richard FumertonThe Argument from Consciousness by J.P. MorelandTake the Next Step in Your EducationIf this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/#Panpsychism #PhilosophyOfMind #Theology #Apologetics #Consciousness #HardProblem #NewPaganism #ChristianPhilosophy #Metaphysics

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    EP 13 | From the Bible to Gaia: The Secret Pagan Roots of Modern Green Policy

    Is environmentalism the new global religion? In this deep-dive discussion, we explore the shocking shift from traditional Christian stewardship to a "Dark Green" neo-paganism that is quietly reshaping our churches, our laws, and our view of what it means to be human.From the "Pachamama" rituals in the Vatican to the deification of "Mother Earth" in global policy like Agenda 21, we dismantle the Lynn White thesis and reveal why the "Population Crater" is the crisis no one is talking about. If you’ve noticed your church or culture shifting toward nature worship over the Creator, this episode explains exactly why—and how to respond.CHAPTERS:0:00 – The Population Bomb vs. The Population Crater12:45 – 3 Christian Doctrines Under Attack by "Deep Ecology"28:30 – The Infiltration: How Earth Worship Entered the Liturgy45:10 – Agenda 21 & The Rio Summit: Environmentalism as Policy1:02:15 – Pachamama & The Vatican: A Crisis of Identity1:18:40 – Transhumanism vs. Post-Humanism: The Future of Man1:35:10 – The Return of the Goddess: Feminism & Neo-Paganism1:50:20 – Why Pastors Are Silent (And Why That’s Dangerous)2:01:00 – Challenging the Assumptions: A Gospel ResponseSUMMARY:In this episode, we connect the dots between historical theology, modern environmental science, and globalist policy. We discuss how the "Gaia Hypothesis" has moved from a scientific metaphor to a spiritual reality for millions, and why the rejection of the Imago Dei (Image of God) leads directly to anti-natalism and the devaluation of human life.We also take a hard look at the "German Catholic" model where altars are replaced with soil, and explore why a return to a "Supernatural Worldview" is the only way to safeguard the Truth in a re-paganized West.RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Population Bomb by Paul EhrlichThe Unseen Realm by Michael HeiserHitler’s Monsters by Eric KurlanderThe 1992 Rio Earth Summit (Agenda 21)Take the Next Step in Your EducationIf this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/#Environmentalism #Paganism #Christianity #Theology #Agenda21 #GaiaHypothesis #ChurchHistory #Worldview #Apologetics #SpiritualWarfare #Posthumanism

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    EP 12 | The New Paganism: A Deep Dive into the West’s Emerging Spiritual Identity

    Is the West Returning to Paganism?In this deep-dive episode, I sit with Carl Teichrib and Anthony Costello to peel back the layers of the modern Neo-Pagan revival. Far from being just "Halloween costumes" or "Burning Man nostalgia," we argue that we are witnessing a massive ontological shift in the Western soul—moving from the Christian Creator-creature distinction to a "One-ist" metaphysical monism.From the history of Gardnerian Wicca and the rise of the Gaia Hypothesis to the political activism of Black Lives Matter and the LA School District, this conversation explores how the "Goddess" is replacing the "Father" in our cultural and spiritual structures. In This Episode, We Explore:The Metaphysics of Monism: Why "Matter is Mother" is the foundation of every pagan worldview.The "White Magic" Trap: Why therapeutic, "benevolent" magic can be more deceptive than dark magic.Environmentalism as Religion: How the 1970 Earth Day charge forced the Church to defend its Theology of Creation.Ritual vs. Prayer: The chilling difference between "bending the universe to your will" and "Thy will be done."Paganism Goes Mainstream: How publishing houses and pop culture targeted a new generation of practitioners.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: The Rise of the "Meta-Divine"12:45 – Gerald Gardner and the Invention of Modern Wicca25:30 – Is Modern Paganism just "Cosplay" or a Real Faith?38:15 – The Political Turn: Activism, BLM, and Education52:10 – Magic Defined: Crowley’s Will vs. Christian Petition01:15:00 – The Environmental Challenge: Defending a Theology of Creation01:35:40 – Why the "Goddess" is the Future of SecularismResources Mentioned:Hitler’s Monsters: A Supernatural History of the Third Reich – Eric Kurlander - https://a.co/d/0fDU7xvgDrawing Down the Moon – Margot Adler - https://a.co/d/06zyKQnJNazi Oaks – Mark Musser - https://a.co/d/0hd7xE1gJoin the ConversationDo you think the rise of nature-based spirituality is a reaction to a "sterile" modern world, or is it a return to ancient spiritual dangers? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to: Subscribe for more deep-dives into theology and culture. Hit the Bell to never miss an episode. Like this video to help the algorithm reach more people!Take the Next Step in Your EducationIf this conversation has sparked a desire to go deeper into the intersection of theology, science, and the soul, I want to invite you to explore our advanced programs. Equip yourself to engage the modern world with intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Explore Our Degree Programs Here: https://degrees.soulscienceministries.com/#Christianity #Paganism #Theology #Wicca #Metaphysics #Worldview #CultureWar #SpiritualWarfare #Apologetics

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    EP 11 | The Death of Secularism and the Rise of Modern Paganism

    We will be watching a new multi-part podcast series that examines a major cultural and spiritual shift in the West. Rather than moving toward disbelief, contemporary culture is experiencing a renewed interest in spirituality—particularly forms resembling paganism, New Age beliefs, occult practices, altered states of consciousness, and alternative cosmologies. This shift challenges the long-standing assumption that Christianity’s primary intellectual opponent is atheistic materialism or secular skepticism.                       Drawing on insights from theology, philosophy, historical analysis, and on-the-ground research, it is argued that the West is entering a “re-enchanted” spiritual landscape—a crowded marketplace of beliefs rather than a secular void.                                                                                                    This podcast aims to help the church recognize and seriously engage this new environment by rethinking apologetics and theological priorities. Instead of responding mainly to unbelief, Christian engagement must now address alternative spiritual worldviews that are actively shaping culture, politics, psychology, technology, and discussions of consciousness and artificial intelligence.                                                                                                                        Overall, the aim is to diagnose the current moment with clarity and realism, encouraging thoughtful, informed, and constructive engagement rather than fear or reactionary responses, and equipping Christians to understand and respond to the spiritual questions now emerging in contemporary culture.#SpiritualShift #CulturalRenewal #PaganCulture #CulturalShift

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    EP10 | Am I My Body? A Robust Response to Gregg Allison

    Today, we're joined by Lauren Ponder, a professional Death Doula, to pull back the curtain on the "Death Positive" movement, Swedish Death Cleaning, and how to reclaim your dignity at the end of life.In this episode of It's a Theological World After All, we explore why our culture is so "death-avoidant" and how we can transform the end-of-life process from a moment of fear into a spiritual and transcendent experience. Whether you're curious about "Death Cafes" or want to know how to start your own "Death Cleaning" legacy project, this conversation is for anyone who wants to live—and die—with intention.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction: The role of a Death Doula05:30 - The Big Secret: Is death a revelation?12:15 - Reclaiming the “Art of Dying Well”18:40 - The Death Positive Movement explained25:10 - Why we equate "spending money" with "loving the dead"32:00 - Swedish Death Cleaning (Döstädning) & Legacy Projects40:15 - What is a Death Cafe? (And why you should join one)48:50 - Personal reflections: Dying with DignityConnect with Lauren Ponder: https://withlove.eventsBooks Mentioned:The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta MagnussonBodies in Motion and at Rest by Thomas Lynch What does "dying with dignity" mean to you? We'd love to hear your thoughts.#DeathPositive #DeathDoula #SwedishDeath Cleaning #EndofLife #LegacyPlanning #TheologyPodcast

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    EP09 | Why the "Death Positive" Movement is Growing and What is a Death Doula?

    Today, we're joined by Lauren Ponder, a professional Death Doula, to pull back the curtain on the "Death Positive" movement, Swedish Death Cleaning, and how to reclaim your dignity at the end of life.In this episode of It's a Theological World After All, we explore why our culture is so "death-avoidant" and how we can transform the end-of-life process from a moment of fear into a spiritual and transcendent experience. Whether you're curious about "Death Cafes" or want to know how to start your own "Death Cleaning" legacy project, this conversation is for anyone who wants to live—and die—with intention.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction: The role of a Death Doula05:30 - The Big Secret: Is death a revelation?12:15 - Reclaiming the “Art of Dying Well”18:40 - The Death Positive Movement explained25:10 - Why we equate "spending money" with "loving the dead"32:00 - Swedish Death Cleaning (Döstädning) & Legacy Projects40:15 - What is a Death Cafe? (And why you should join one)48:50 - Personal reflections: Dying with DignityConnect with Lauren Ponder: https://withlove.eventsBooks Mentioned:The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta MagnussonBodies in Motion and at Rest by Thomas Lynch What does "dying with dignity" mean to you? We'd love to hear your thoughts.#DeathPositive #DeathDoula #SwedishDeath Cleaning #EndofLife #LegacyPlanning #TheologyPodcast

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    EP 08 | How Philosophy Revealed God with Dr. Stephen Priest

    Is God just an abstract idea, or is He the literal "Now" that holds your reality together?In this deep-dive finale, philosopher Dr. Stephen Priest explains how "fundamental ontology," the study of pure being, leads logically from atheism to the Trinitarian God. We move beyond abstract theory into the "Eternal Now," exploring why the present moment is the closest we get to the Divine.Plus, Dr. Priest shares a powerful, practical Christian breathing meditation to replace anxiety with divine presence ("God in, Devil out"). If you are interested in the intersection of consciousness, existentialism, and deep theology, this episode is the masterclass you’ve been waiting for. IN THIS EPISODE:Why "Being" and "Presence" point directly to the Trinity.How Heidegger’s Being and Time misunderstands the "Now."Why God is not an optional "add-on" to the universe, but its foundation.Practical Application: A breathing technique for Christian mindfulness.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Intro: Does the argument for God entail the Trinity?01:17 – Heidegger, Time, and the "Eternal Now"02:40 – Why the Trinity is the "Fundamental Ontology"04:20 – Stephen’s Journey: From Atheism to Pure Being06:40 – The Philosophical Debate: Is "Existence" a real property?09:05 – Does a physical object (like a desk) have "Presence"?11:30 – How to live in the "Now" (Practical Theology)13:00 – Eastern Meditation vs. Christian Contemplation17:00 – The "God In, Devil Out" Breathing Technique21:10 – Why Atheism is a "Lack of Understanding" of Being23:55 – The Immanence of God: Closer than you think25:00 – Conclusion: Why Metaphysics is plausible againRESOURCES & LINKSListen to Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfXgo8h5QaEDr. Stephen Priest’s Work: https://stephenpriest99.wixsite.com/websitePlease consider supporting Soul Science Ministries: https://donorbox.org/soul-science-ministries #Philosophy #Theology #Consciousness #Christianity #StephenPriest #Existentialism #Trinity #Apologetics #Meditation #Metaphysics

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    EP 07 | Grief is NOT a Problem to Solve: Mourning, Memory, and the Soul w/ Philosopher Mikolaj Slawkowski-Rode

    In modern culture, we treat loss like a problem to be solved, something we're told to hurry through so we can "move on." But what if this mindset, which I trace back to the Enlightenment's focus on individual happiness, is actually making our society impoverished?I sat down with the brilliant philosopher Mikolaj Slawkowski-Rode (University of Oxford) to challenge the prevailing Freudian and secular views on grief. Mikolaj argues that mourning is a virtue we need to recover, and a portal not just into memory, but into transcendence.This is a must-watch conversation for anyone seeking deeper meaning, struggling with loss, or questioning the self-help culture's quick-fix approach to suffering.What We Covered:0:01:14 Is Mourning a Problem to Solve or a Virtue?0:05:34 The Relevance of Philosophy (And Why I'm Interested in It!)0:21:39 Why Freud Got Grief Fundamentally Wrong0:38:10 The Enlightenment Shift: Why Individual Happiness Is an Insufficient Goal0:42:25 The Danger of "Toxic Relationship" Talk: How Utilitarianism Ruins Love0:55:48 Mourning as a Moral Practice: Rituals that Keep the Dead Present01:01:15 Kierkegaard's Test of Love: Expressing True Love After Loss01:23:25 The Two Extremes of Death: The Macabre vs. The Overly Joyful01:26:45 Why God Wants Our Outrage: The Appropriate Response to Loss01:34:20 Grief, Transcendence, and Spiritual PerceptionMikolaj's Insight That Hit Me Hardest:"Your mourning is not about you, it's about the person you've lost."Connect with Us:Mikolaj Slawkowski-Rode: https://www.bfriars.ox.ac.uk/people/dr-mikolaj-slawkowski-rode/Check out his excellent edited book: The Meaning of Mourning: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Mourning-Perspectives-Death-Grief/dp/1666908924Subscribe & Follow:Don't forget to subscribe to It's a Theological World, After All! We're here to dive deep into culture, God, and the soul, and I appreciate you joining the conversation.#grief #mourning #philosophy #death #loss #theology #meaningoflife #griefsupport #Blackfriars #MacauleySchakowsky

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    EP 06 | The Psychopath God? Rethinking Perfection, Time, and Emotion in Modern Theology w/ Dr. R.T. Mullins

    I sat down with theologian Dr. R.T. Mullins (The Reluctant Theologian, author of Eternal in Love: A Little Book About a Big God) for a radical discussion that challenged centuries of tradition. We broke down why the idea of a timeless, unmoving God is not only logically incoherent but also deeply damaging to our spiritual health and personal relationships.If you suspect your theology is causing anxiety, I think it's time for an upgrade. Dr. Mullins argues for a temporal, fully emotional, and personal God who is actively responsive to your life and genuinely cares about your flourishing, a God we can actually have a friendship with.What We Discussed:Why the traditional view of a Timeless God is logically and scripturally flawed.How God's perfection requires Him to be changing and responsive.The connection between Divine Impassibility and the emotional profile of a psychopath—a bold claim we had to explore.How your current Theology of Time might be fueling your anxiety and exhaustion.The true meaning of God's Patience in an age of speed.Why the trend toward AI Girlfriends and Religious Bots reveals a deep, unmet human need for a personal God.Timestamps:| Time | Topic || 00:00 | Intro: The Problem of Acceleration and Time| 03:20 | Dr. Mullen's New Book: Eternal in Love|08:17| Temporal God vs. Timeless God Defined|11:07| The Link Between Divine Temporality and Patience|17:50| The Myth of Immutability: Does Perfection Require God to be Unchanging?|23:30| The Incoherence of the "Analogous Time" Argument|26:43| The Problem with Divine Accommodation (Why Impassibility is Deceptive)|36:57| Divine Emotion: Why Sarcasm Can "Wake Up" Exhausted Minds|40:42| Defining Emotion: Why Love, Anger, and Compassion are Moral Virtues in God|45:18| The "Psychopath God" Critique of Classical Theism|55:00| The Problem of Evil: Does God Care About You?|01:02:28| AI, Depersonalization, and the Need for a Personal Creator|01:11:14| Knowing About God vs. Being Known By God|01:18:27| I Think Te Teed to Empathize with God Too!|01:21:08 | Practical Takeaways: How a Temporal God Changes Your Prayer Life|01:22:42| It's Okay to Go Slow: Finding Rest in an Eternal GodFollow Dr. R.T. Mullen's / The Reluctant Theologian:Book: Eternal in Love: A Little Book About a Big God (https://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Love-Little-Studies-Doctrine/dp/1666730971)Podcast: "The Reluctant Theologian" (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-reluctant-theologian-podcast/id1455521623)Website/Social: (https://www.rtmullins.com/)Join the Conversation!What is your immediate reaction to the idea of an emotional, temporal God? Drop a comment below and let me know!Subscribe for more challenging theology: https://www.youtube.com/@soulscienceminShare this with a friend who, like me, needs to slow down!#Theology #GodandTime #DivineEmotion #Christianity #PhilosophyofReligion #AgeofAcceleration #Anxiety #SpiritualLife #TheReluctantTheologian #EternalinLove

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    EP 05 | Is Consciousness Proof of God? A Philosophical Exploration Beyond Materialism

    What if the deepest questions about consciousness aren’t scientific puzzles… but theological ones?In this conversation, we journey through the great frontier where philosophy, consciousness studies, and theology meet. From the mystery of the “I”, to the nature of time and the eternal present, to the limits of materialism and modern philosophy’s struggle to explain subjective experience. This episode explores whether the very structure of consciousness points beyond the physical world to Being itself.Drawing on thinkers like Husserl, Sartre, Heidegger, and Parmenides, and contrasting them with Christian existential voices, we examine why the modern attempt to avoid metaphysics and theology ultimately collapses. We press into the surprising claim that:Philosophical questions have theological answers.You’ll hear insights on:• Consciousness as presence, not a product of the brain• Why solipsism appears in mystical experience (and why it’s false)• The “unchanging now” and the timelessness of God• Why modern philosophy can describe consciousness but not explain it• The failure of pure phenomenology without metaphysics• How quantum discussions intersect with metaphysics and the soulThis isn’t merely theory, it’s a framework for understanding why your experience of awareness, agency, and personhood defies reduction to neurons and physics.And it’s an invitation to consider that the mind’s deepest intuitions… may be echoes of its Source.

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    EP 04 | Demons, Culture, and Scholarship: Reclaiming Christian Influence Today

    Public Theology in a Noisy Age: Fighting Ideas with Truth & GraceWhat it means to be a Christian in today’s chaotic culture and how we can be better representatives of Christ? Don’t let shallow content, demonic influence, social media noise, and declining Christian scholarship numb you into spiritual apathy.Key Topics We Cover:How demonic influence shows up in culture, politics, and religionWhy we desperately need public theologians who can speak truth with clarityThe rise of influencers, gurus, and culture warriors—how Christians should respondThe danger of low-content “brain rot” media and its impact on the next generationThe crisis in Christian education and the decline of evangelical institutionsThe role of podcasts in shaping thoughtful believers todayHow churches can raise thinkers, not just attendeesWhat the next generation of Christian scholars, apologists, and pastors must doThe one piece of advice for future leaders: Do not revise the BibleThis episode is packed with insight on theology, culture, education, and spiritual warfare—not with sensationalism, but with conviction and grace.If you care about:Engaging culture without compromiseTraining the next generation of Christian thinkersCountering shallow media with substanceReclaiming influence in the public square…this conversation is essential. Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway or question from this episode! Subscribe for more thoughtful conversations on theology, philosophy, apologetics, and culture.

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    EP 03 | Philosophy Can’t Escape God: Stephen Priest Explains Why

    What if the biggest questions of life, who am I? Why am I here? What is consciousness? Why is it always now? Can’t be solved by science or philosophy alone? What if they require theological answers?In this conversation with Stephen Priest (Oxford and Cambridge philosopher), we explore why every deep philosophical question—from personal identity to the mystery of time, from being itself to the foundations of consciousness—ultimately points beyond materialism toward God, the soul, and freedom of the will.Across this episode, you’ll discover:Why science depends on philosophy, and philosophy on theologyHow the soul makes sense of personal identity and consciousnessWhy time is always “now”, and what that reveals about God’s presenceHow being itself points to pure being: GodThe limits of materialism and why consciousness can’t be explained awayHow the Trinity (Father, Son, Spirit) illuminates being, presence, and consciousnessWhy modern philosophy after Kant has often failed to face the deepest questionsHow AI and modern technology may force us back to life’s ultimate realitiesPhilosophy raises the most profound questions, but only theology offers answers deep enough to meet them.

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    EP02 | The Power of Imagination in Faith: Theology Beyond Naturalism

    Can imagination lead us closer to God? Can beauty, art, and even pain reveal something deeper than naturalism allows?In this conversation with Charles Taliaferro, we explore the role of forgiveness, theological imagination, beauty, suffering, and art in pointing us toward transcendence. From the challenges of teaching about evil and forgiveness, to the limits of naturalism, to the ways literature, film, and music stir the soul, this episode shows why theology is not a dusty textbook but a living encounter with truth.💡 Topics we cover:Why forgiveness is both beautiful and painfulHow imagination shapes faith and Scripture readingThe tension between naturalism and theism in philosophyIris Murdoch, consciousness, and the transcendentThe power of beauty and art (Rembrandt, Casablanca, The Beatles, Four Quartets)Why the Gospel should always surprise usIf you’re interested in how philosophy, theology, and imagination come together to answer life’s hardest questions, this episode is for you.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this conversation sparks new thoughts for you.Let us know in the comments: Which role do you think imagination plays in faith?

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    EP01 | The Decline of Theology in the Church and Culture with Roger Olson

    Is theology disappearing from the church and public life? In this conversation with Roger Olson, we explore the decline of theology in evangelical culture, the rise of anti-intellectualism, and how “feelings over doctrine” has reshaped faith communities. From the 1966 Time cover declaring “God is Dead,” to seminaries closing their doors, to personal stories of rejection for being “too theological,” Olson traces how we entered a post-theological era—and why he still can’t stop doing theology.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

*It’s a Theological World After All* explores how theology shapes everything—from science and technology to culture, politics, and human identity. Join Dr. Joshua Farris and guests from around the world for deep conversations at the crossroads of faith, reason, and the big questions of our time.

HOSTED BY

Joshua R. Farris

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