All in Spirituality

152 How to Abide in Christ—Josh Houston Conversation

152 How to Abide in Christ—Josh Houston Conversation

Uncensored Unprofessor
Jesus, Spirituality

In John 15 Jesus commands us to abide in him. What does that mean? Talking with Josh Houston, author of The Abiding Life, we work through what it means to be a disciple and abide in Christ. What crisis led to Josh writing his book? How does American culture press down upon Christian discipleship? Why do I wish I had a spiritual mentor? And what does that even mean? How do the three centers of human wiring—Control, Security, and Esteem—play into our walk with Christ? This is good and intimate reflection!

151 We're Stuck in Human Nature!

151 We're Stuck in Human Nature!

Uncensored Unprofessor
Spirituality

I'm caught in an existential sandwich between numbness and irritation. What has led to this state of being? What truly frightens me about our response to COVID? I've coined a new word—slotch—to capture governmental over-reach, administrative gobbledy-gook, and managerial nonsense. And because we have all endured it, I even sing a song about slotch. Still more, what does both Animal Farm and the Bible teach us about human nature? Come laugh and think with me.

084 The Bible vs. Propaganda

Uncensored Unprofessor
Spirituality

Common remarks on the Bible: a) It's just trying to wreck our fun; b) it was written to protect a bourgeois, bougie, societal structure; c) it was written to benefit faceless powerbrokers; d) it was passed along to benefit upper-class white men. Those remarks purport the Bible is mere propaganda. But, really, if we look closer, is that true? And, just what is propaganda? (I also predict the Super Bowl winner.)

067 Is God's Love Really Unconditional?

067 Is God's Love Really Unconditional?

Uncensored Unprofessor
Spirituality

Unconditional love. It is a slogan, thrown around like a frisbee. Is it biblical? If so, what does it mean? Does it mean God loves sinners? Does it mean that, no matter what, God will still seek relationship with us? What is the nature, the root, of God's love? And more, does God only love us for who we are today? Or is the future of that relationship somehow at stake?
In this episode I also welcome the listeners from 13 new countries!

066 The Shape of The Soul

066 The Shape of The Soul

Uncensored Unprofessor
Spirituality

The human soul is not hard-wired, it gets shaped. Two authors I just read argue that our souls get shaped more by the western marketplace than by Christianity. How does that happen? What goes into that? Are they simply irritated with capitalism? Should we be? And then, what shapes your soul? Are you being intentional? Have you ever met beautiful souls? How can we go about shaping our souls?

049 Why Does Prayer Matter?

049 Why Does Prayer Matter?

Uncensored Unprofessor
Spirituality

If God knows everything what is the point of praying? Won't he just make things happen regardless? But, what if God built the universe such that prayer is an integral tool for us? After all, God is a being who loves to share. What if prayer is less about work and more about sharing? Me? I believe prayer is part of our God-given toolbox to complete both the cultural mandate (Gen. 1) and the Gospel (Mt. 28:19). Even more? Prayer is just good for your soul!

042 Are All Sins Equal?

042 Are All Sins Equal?

Uncensored Unprofessor
Spirituality

Christians commonly believe that all sins are equal, but does the Bible teach that? Did Jesus teach that? Why does God command harsher punishments for some crimes/sins than others? Why did Jesus say there would be greater punishments in the life to come for some sins more so than others? In the eyes of God, is lust equal to rape? In Roman Catholicism, what are mortal and venial sins?