Episodes
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It is comfortable and easy to remain naive and sheltered from the realities of the American criminal justice system. Hearing the stories of those whoâve been wrongfully held and convicted is heartbreaking. Reading the statistics is shocking. In our democratic republic, we must do better. You and I and all citizens have conferred the responsibility to carry out justice to our elected officials, so itâs on us to hold them to an honest standard.
Listen to this episode of All Things to gain a clear understanding of some of our systemâs grossest injustices and how you can begin to think, speak, and act for positive change.
"The United States is the worldâs largest jailerâŠaccounting for approximately 19% of the worldâs prisoners, but only 4.25% of the worldâs population⊠We need an examination of the machinery, not merely the product, of the criminal justice system." - Matt Martens, lawyer and author of Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal.
"The important point for the Christian in a democratic system is that, because government officials exercise power that we played a role in giving them, our duty to love carries with it a moral obligation to supervise the exercise of governmental power we conferredâŠYou and I have a political relationship, and thus a moral proximity, to the situation.â - Matt Martens
Many thanks to this seasonâs sponsor, Crossway! https://www.crossway.org/
Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal by Matt Martens: https://www.crossway.org/books/reforming-criminal-justice-hcj/
Keep up with Matt Martens: https://matthew-martens.com/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/martensmatt1
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Do you find yourself grumbling about life, circumstances, work, stress? Are you quick to complain?
Do you have an established routine of giving thanks? Do you know to whom you give thanks and why that matters? What about giving thanks in the midst of a dark trial?
Itâs Thanksgiving week and Dustin Crowe and Jen Oshman are diving deep into all of this. We hope you catch this episode before Thanksgiving, but if you donât, itâll encourage and equip you anytime of the year!
Stopping a habit of grumbling and cultivating a habit of giving thanks is always a good idea. Not to mention it improves sleep quality, blood pressure, and overall well-being! Who doesnât want all that? So listen in!
We give thanks to our episode sponsors:
Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/
You're Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches, by Ray Ortlund, Sam Allberry - https://www.crossway.org/books/youre-not-crazy-tpb/
Dwell Differently - https://dwelldifferently.com/
Keep up with author and pastor Dustin Crowe -
On X/Twitter and Instagram - @indycrowe
www.indycrowe.com
The Grumbler's Guide to Giving Thanks: Reclaiming the Gifts of a Lost Spiritual Discipline, by Dustin Crowe - https://amzn.to/47A5Y0L
Data mentioned on this episode: https://coachfoundation.com/blog/gratitude-statistics/#:~:text
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âDebates about womenâs roles in the church are back in the headlines, but a lot of them leave out a large and important group of American Christians: the Black church.â - Khristi Lauren Adams, author, minister, dean, and advocate.
When we read these first lines of a recent Christianity Today article by Khristi Adams, we knew we wanted to hear more. Why do so many of our conversations about the church or the Evangelical church sideline the wisdom and experience of the Black church?
Khristi Adams graciously joins us this week to talk about church mothers, gender roles, and the wide open arms of the Black church. We barely scratch the surface, but itâs a helpful start to a lengthier conversation that would benefit all Christ followers.
Special Thanks to our Sponsor: Crossway - https://www.crossway.org/
Sunday Matters: 52 Devotionals to Prepare Your Heart for Church by Paul David Tripp - https://www.crossway.org/books/sunday...
Khristi Lauren Adams: https://khristilaurenadams.com/
Pre-Order: Womanish Theology: Discovering God through the Lens of Black Girlhood - https://amzn.to/3QEccFY
Parable of the Brown Girl: The Sacred Lives of Girls of Color - https://amzn.to/3Qzjvif
Unbossed: How Black Girls Are Leading the Way - https://amzn.to/3FWxOIF
Black Girls Unbossed: Young World Changers Leading the Way (for readers ages 9-12) - https://amzn.to/47p34Ma
Resources mentioned in or related to this episode:
The Black Church - from Henry Lewis Gates Jr. - https://www.pbs.org/show/black-church/
Speech given by Jelly Roll when he won best new artist at the CMAs - https://twitter.com/KhristiLauren/sta...
The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Churchâs Complicity in Racism, by Jemar Tisby - https://amzn.to/479QwZs
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Should white parents adopt children of color? Today more than 40% of adoptions are transracial, so itâs a conversation we need to have.
November is National Adoption Month, so weâre talking about adoption, ethnicity, adoptee and birth mom voices, and more on this episode with Dr. Brittany Salmon. As an adoptive mom herself, she offers a ton of wisdom and encouragement to adoptive parents. Adoption and cross-cultural adoption can be both hard and beautiful. There are opportunities here, though, for the adoptive family who is ready to commit more than love.
Thanks to our Episode Sponsors!
Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/
Dwell Differently: https://dwelldifferently.com/
Keep up with Brittany Salmon: http://brittanynsalmon.com/
It Takes More than Love: A Christian Guide to Navigating the Complexities of Cross-Cultural Adoption - https://amzn.to/3MvYDY7
Resources to get involved with Vulnerable Families and Children:
CASA - Court Appointed Special AdvocateÂź (CASA) and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for childrenâs best interests.
https://nationalcasagal.org/
SAFE Families - Safe Families for Children seeks to keep children safe and families together. Safe Families for Children is rooted in faith, fueled by radical hospitality, disruptive generosity, and intentional compassion, to build a network of caring and compassionate volunteers to support families facing social isolation.
https://safe-families.org/
Embrace Grace - Embrace Grace exists to help inspire and equip the church to love and encourage single and pregnant young women and their families. Women experiencing unexpected pregnancies receive practical, spiritual, and emotional support through our global support groups.
https://embracegrace.com/our-story
Brave Love - A pro-adoption movement dedicated to changing the perception of adoption by acknowledging birth moms for their brave decision.
https://www.bravelove.org/
Project 127 - Helping churches and families in Colorado serve children through faith-based family preservation, kinship care, foster care & adoption since 2004.
https://www.project127.org/
Resources for Foster and Adoptive Parents:
Fostered: One Womanâs Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family through Foster Care, by Tori Hope Petersen - https://amzn.to/3MvlUcB
Foster the Family: Encouragement, Hope, and Practical Help for the Christian Foster Parent, by Jamie Finn - https://amzn.to/47j0HdQ
The Connected Parent: Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment, by Karyn Purvis and Lisa Qualls - https://amzn.to/47jyfIF
The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family, by by Karyn Purvis, David Cross, and Wendy Lyons Sunshine - https://amzn.to/3QMpmBX
Cam Lee Small - https://therapyredeemed.wordpress.com/
Books from the adopted perspective. Not Christian, but helpful:
Adopting Hope: Stories and Real Life Advice from Birthparents, Adoptive Parents, and Adoptees, by Lorri Antosz Benson - https://amzn.to/3QMUnWA
Surviving the White Gaze: A Memoir, by Rebecca Carroll - https://amzn.to/3QtWY6f
All You Can Ever Know: A Memoir, by Nicole Chung - https://amzn.to/3QqGMmr
Research mentioned on the episode:
https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/264526/MEPA-Graphical-Factsheet.pdf
https://time.com/the-realities-of-raising-a-kid-of-a-different-race/
https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-changing-face-of-adoption-in-the-united-states
https://adoptionnetwork.com/adoption-myths-facts/domestic-us-statistics/
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A new survey of churches across the US reveals that only 17% of womenâs ministry leaders are in paid staff positions at their churches. Put another way, 83% of womenâs ministry leaders serve totally as volunteers. Additionally, only 5% of womenâs ministry leaders conduct their planning with the involvement of the wider church staff.
Womenâs ministry can be a great joy, but it can also be a heavy burden. Womenâs ministry leaders often face variables that are unseen by other church members and leaders. Navigating inequities in pay and involvement in overall church vision and strategy can be isolating.
On this episode of All Things Jen Oshman asks Jen Wilkin tons of womenâs ministry questions:
Why itâs beneficial.
Why and how to integrate it within the broader church staff and vision.
Why itâs important that women are paid for their work (Serving is good too! But pay does matter.).
What makes a substantive womenâs ministry.
How women who lead as volunteers can begin a conversation about wages with their leadership.
If women should go to seminary if they arenât guaranteed paid work.
How women who serve in healthy churches can encourage their sisters who donât.
A gospel-centered perspective on growing womenâs ministry, even when it feels tough. .
We cover a lot of ground! If you are a woman in ministry, a woman in church, or a man in ministry, this episode is for you.
Many thanks to our episode sponsor:
Crossway: crossway.org
Behold and Believe: A Bible Study on the "I Am" Statements of Jesus, by Courtney Doctor, Joanna Kimbrel - https://www.crossway.org/books/behold-and-believe-tpb/
Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds, by Jen Wilkin - https://www.crossway.org/books/women-of-the-word-tpb-2/
Word-Filled Women's Ministry: Loving and Serving the Church, edited by Gloria Furman, Kathleen Nielson - https://www.crossway.org/books/word-filled-womens-ministry-tpb/
To learn more about Jen Wilkinâs work: https://www.jenwilkin.net/
Resources mentioned on the epsidoe:
Honor Thy Church Mothersâwith Wages: Christianity Today article by Jen Wilkin - https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/october/wilkin-women-ministry-leaders-church-staff-wages-lifeway.html
The State of Ministry to Women by LIfeway Research - https://research.lifeway.com/state-of-ministry-to-women/
Resources for growth for women in ministry:
Lifeway Women Academy: Online Courses for Women, by Women - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/lifeway-women-academy
Womenâs Ministry Leadership cohort with The Gospel Coalition - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/tgcwomen/#cohorts
Simeonâs Trust Online Courses - https://simeontrust.org/online-courses/
Bible Equipping Cohorts - https://bibleequipping.org/cohorts
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While the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022 was a victory for life, we have so much more work to do. Most Americans are pro-choice and lack a vision for what a truly pro-life society could look like. Pro-life advocates must get better at articulating our position and moving our mission forward with energy and passion.
This episode includes both data and answers to practical questions for our current historical moment when it comes to abortion in the United States.
Be sure to pursue more information and equipping from Scott Klusendorf at the Life Training Institute: https://prolifetraining.com/
Many thanks to our episode sponsor:
Crossway: crossway.org
The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture, Second Edition, by Scott Klusendorf: https://www.crossway.org/books/the-case-for-life-tpb-2/
Cultural Counterfeits: Confronting 5 Empty Promises of Our Age and How We Were Made for So Much More, by Jen Oshman: https://www.crossway.org/books/cultural-counterfeits-tpb/
Keep up with Scott Klusendorf: https://prolifetraining.com/about-speaker/scott-klusendorf/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/01/11/what-the-data-says-about-abortion-in-the-u-s-2/
https://time.com/6270530/abortion-rates-post-roe/
https://www.axios.com/2023/06/24/abortion-dobbs-roe-wade-supreme-court
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/10000-abortions-prevented-in-first-two-months-after-roe-v-wade-overturned-report/
https://usafacts.org/articles/which-states-ban-the-abortion-pill/
Episode 56 of All Things: At-Home Abortions via Telemedicine are Legal in the USâHere's Why Thatâs Dangerous: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things/id1449943664?i=1000519419295
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On this bonus episode of All Things we are taking time to listen to the experience of our Palestinian brother in Christ, Pastor Marwan Aboul-Zelof. He shares openly with us what itâs like to be a Palestinian Christian in the Middle East at this time in history.
Pastor Aboul-Zelof was born in the Middle East and has family roots throughout the region. Due to war in his birth country, his family moved to the US when he was a child. While in university, Marwan's desire grew to return to the Middle East for the sake of the gospel. He served as a pastoral intern and church planting resident with Redeemer Church of Dubai and moved to Beirut, Lebanon in 2016 to plant City Bible Church.
Marwan is married to Marci and they have two young boys. He loves to spend time with his family, is a self-proclaimed foodie and coffee connoisseur, and loves walking around and exploring Beirut.
Resources:
As a Palestinian Christian raised in an Israel-loving church, how I see this latest conflict, written in 2021 by Marwan Aboul-Zelof: https://www.christianpost.com/voices/as-a-palestinian-christian-how-i-see-this-latest-conflict.html
Furnace of the Lord: In Support of the Arabs, written by Elisabeth Elliot in 1978: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1978/october-6/furnace-of-lord-in-support-of-arabs.html?share=U3AEfB+KYIW0bhlHn+xFtb3dyK0/S2j5&utm_medium=widgetsocial
Amid Israel-Hamas War, Local Christians Seek Righteous Anger and Gospel Hope, by Jayson Casper, October 11, 2023: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/october/israel-hamas-gaza-war-palestinian-evangelical-messianic-jew.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=article
Marwan Aboul-Zelof on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/theUrbanArab
City Bible Church, Beirut Lebanon: https://www.cbcbeirut.com/
Marwan Aboul-Zelof on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/theUrbanArab
City Bible Church, Beirut Lebanon: https://www.cbcbeirut.com/
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Almost half of all Christians and pastors associate âunityâ with âagreement.â
Almost half of all Christians say they experience unity in their friendships, but only about one-third say they experience unity with their church family. The data bears out what many feel: our local church families are not deeply unified. In fact, we find agreement, harmony, and alliance elsewhere.
How can we, as followers of Jesusâwho gave his own life that we might be reconciled to the Fatherâbe truly and deeply reconciled to and united with other believers?
On this episode weâre chatting with Capitol Hill Baptist Church pastor and 9Marks author Jamie Dunlop to talk about loving the ones who drive us crazyâsomething we all need to be ready to do with voting season on its way.
Many thanks to our episode sponsor:
Crossway: www.crossway.org/plus
Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: Eight Truths for Pursuing Unity in Your Church, by Jamie Dunlop: https://www.crossway.org/books/love-the-ones-who-drive-you-crazy-tpb/
Jamie Dunlop: https://www.crossway.org/authors/jamie-dunlop/
Resources in this episode:
https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-christians-unity/#
Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: Eight Truths for Pursuing Unity in Your Church, by Jamie Dunlop: https://www.crossway.org/books/love-the-ones-who-drive-you-crazy-tpb/
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Muslims make up about 1% of our population here in the United States. But what do most of us Americans really know about Islam in general and what do we know about our Muslim neighbors in particular?
A.S. Ibrahim, professor of Islamic studies and director of the Center for the Christian Understanding of Islam at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says most Muslims immigrate to the United States in search of a better lifeâmore freedom, more opportunities, a higher standard of living. As Christians, though, are we prepared to engage our Muslim neighbors and offer true hope?
In this episode of All Things, Dr. Ibrahim helps us unpack some misconceptions we may have about Muslims and some they may have about us. His goal is that you and I and every Christian listener would see Muslims as Jesus sees them. Dr. Ibrahim wants us to make the most of every opportunity to befriend our Muslim neighbors and offer them true Hope. The yoke of Islam is heavy, but the burden of Christ is light.
Many thanks to our episode sponsors:
Crossway: www.crossway.org/plus
Dwell Differently: https://dwelldifferently.com/
Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age, by Rosaria Butterfield: https://www.crossway.org/books/five-lies-of-our-anti-christian-age-hcj/
Reaching Your Muslim Neighbor with the Gospel, by A. S. Ibrahim: https://www.crossway.org/books/reaching-your-muslim-neighbor-with-the-gospel-tpb/
Keep up with A. S. Ibrahim:
A.S. Ibrahim: https://www.crossway.org/books/reaching-your-muslim-neighbor-with-the-gospel-tpb/
Religions articles by A. S. Ibrahim at World News Group: https://wng.org/authors/a-s-ibrahim
Reaching Your Muslim Neighbor with the Gospel, by A. S. Ibrahim: https://www.crossway.org/books/reaching-your-muslim-neighbor-with-the-gospel-tpb/
Resources in this episode:
Crossway Podcast: What Your Muslim Neighbor Misunderstands about Christianity (A. S. Ibrahim) https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-what-your-muslim-neighbor-misunderstands-about-christianity-ayman-ibrahim/
When Muslims Leave the Faith in the Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-muslims-leave-the-faith-11596755143
New estimates show U.S. Muslim population continues to grow at Pew Research: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/01/03/new-estimates-show-u-s-muslim-population-continues-to-grow/
The share of Americans who leave Islam is offset by those who become Muslim at Pew Research: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/01/26/the-share-of-americans-who-leave-islam-is-offset-by-those-who-become-muslim/
How many Muslims are there in the United States? At Gordon Conwell: https://www.gordonconwell.edu/blog/how-many-muslims-are-there-in-the-united-states/
Reaching Your Muslim Neighbor with the Gospel, by A. S. Ibrahim: https://www.crossway.org/books/reaching-your-muslim-neighbor-with-the-gospel-tpb/
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Research and common sense say most of us are suspicious of our authorities. The American way is to be ruggedly individual and totally autonomous. As a people, we donât like anyone meddling in our own goals and dreams and how we plan to reach them. Making matters worse, examples of terrible authority abound. Daily news headlines reveal bad authorities in our government, police forces, schools, and even churches. Should we do away with authority altogether?
Author Jonathan Leeman says that authority, done biblically, is not only good, but essential to human flourishing. Hey says Jesus is our ultimate model.
On this episode Jen Oshman and Jonathan Leeman discuss the difference between power and authority, how to identify good authority, how to help our kids flourish under good authority, and how to cultivate Christlike authority. The answer to abusive authority is not to do way with it altogether but to understand how God created authority and bestows it for our good.
Special thanks to our sponsor:
Crossway - crossway.org/plus
Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing by Jonathan Leeman: https://www.crossway.org/books/authority-tpb/
Keep up with Jonathan Leeman:
https://www.9marks.org/about/jonathan-leeman/
https://twitter.com/JonathanLeeman
Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing by Jonathan Leeman: https://www.crossway.org/books/authority-tpb/
Resources for this episode:
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2022/06/06/americans-views-of-government-decades-of-distrust-enduring-support-for-its-role/
https://news.gallup.com/poll/403124/majority-continues-say-government-powerful.aspx
https://www.benefitnews.com/news/25-of-workers-dont-trust-their-employers
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In the 21st century, culture changes fast. It may seem like thereâs never been a more tumultuous period in history. But there was one year - 1776 - that changed the social trajectory of the Western world as we know it.
On todayâs episode weâre talking with Andrew Wilson about why we are the way that we are. It turns out we in the West underwent some tremendous shaping influences in 1776 that continue to shape us today. Wilsonâs desire is âto explain why the modern world is the way it is, so the church can understand, serve and love it better.â
Weaving together history and sociology and philosophy and so much more, todayâs conversation will begin to give us the historical lens we need to understand todayâs post-Christian trends and respond accordingly.
Special thanks to our sponsor:
Crossway - crossway.org/plus
Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West, by Andrew Wilson - https://www.crossway.org/books/remaking-the-world-hcj/
Keep up with Andrew Wilson:
https://thinktheology.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/AJWTheology
Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West, by Andrew Wilson - https://www.crossway.org/books/remaking-the-world-hcj/
Resources for this episode:
Welcome: Loving Your Church by Making Space for Everyone, by Jen Oshman - https://amzn.to/3ESIyHG
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050/
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/
https://careynieuwhof.com/the-self-awareness-gap-what-non-christian-people-really-think-about-the-church/
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Mental illness has historically been so taboo in the church. Christians struggle to know how our mental health and spiritual health impact one another. Many are paralyzed by the fear of saying the wrong thing. Still others feel ashamed by their own struggles and silently suffer because they fear the judgement of others. Church, this should not be.
With September being National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this is a perfect opportunity to grow in our holistic understanding of mental health and our faith. Listen in to this timely and crucial conversation with Christian Psychologist Tom Karel.
Thank you to our episode sponsor:
Crossway: www.crossway.org/plus
A Christian's Guide to Mental Illness: Answers to 30 Common Questions: https://www.crossway.org/books/a-christians-guide-to-mental-illness-tpb/
Tom Karel and David Murray:
A Christian's Guide to Mental Illness: Answers to 30 Common Questions: https://www.crossway.org/books/a-christians-guide-to-mental-illness-tpb/
David Murray: https://www.crossway.org/authors/david-p-murray/
Tom Karel: https://www.crossway.org/authors/tom-karel/, https://www.pinerest.org/clinician/tom-karel/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior
https://research.lifeway.com/2018/05/01/13-stats-on-mental-health-and-the-church/
https://www.crossway.org/articles/can-a-christian-have-mental-illness/
https://research.lifeway.com/2013/09/17/mental-health-half-of-evangelicals-believe-prayer-can-heal-mental-illness/
Created in God's Image by Anthony Hoekema: https://amzn.to/48coBZX
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In 1997 only about 1 in 5 American adults had been on the internet in the last three months. Today, over 85% are online every single day and 30% say theyâre almost constantly online. On average we check our phone every 12 minutes and a large portion of us check ours right when we wake up.
This is a massive shift for humanity over the span of just one generation. Implications are sweeping with everything from increased loneliness despite connectivity, increased depression and self-harm amongst teens, and increased rage and division amongst all of us. Our digital connectivity is shaping our hearts, minds, souls, relationships, and lives.
As Christians, though, we have access to the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the people of God to help us apply wisdom to our time online. Listen in to this helpful conversation with Samuel James, tech-realist and author of Digital Liturgies. Samuel doesnât offer any quick, pat answers, but he does help us think deeply about our online engagement.
Episode sponsor:
Crossway: www.crossway.org/plus
Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James: https://www.crossway.org/books/digital-liturgies-tpb/
Samuel James:
Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James: https://www.crossway.org/books/digital-liturgies-tpb/
On Substack: https://www.digitalliturgies.net/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/samueld_james
Resources on this episode:
Most data cited is directly from Digital Liturgies.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/04/25/1171773181/social-media-teens-mental-health
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/oct/14/the-lost-art-of-concentration-being-distracted-in-a-digital-world#
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"No one is immune to suffering. Itâs a part of life on this side of heaven, and yet we do all we can to avoid it, numb it, or end it. We in the West have a poor theology and practice of suffering.
On this first episode of the fall 2023 season of All Things, we are joined by Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni is a well-known author, speaker, and advocate who became a quadriplegic over fifty-six years ago as the result of a tragic diving accident when she was just seventeen. She is CEO of Joni and Friends, a global ministry that serves the practical and spiritual needs of people with disabilities. She is also an artist and the author of numerous bestselling books.
Joni reminds us that joy comes through suffering. Her personal stories and practical advice teach us to persevere through pain, fixing our eyes on our Savior, the Man of Sorrows who knows what it is to suffer. This episode is packed with scriptural truth and will minister to all who are weary. Listen, be encouraged, and share with someone you know.
Episode sponsor:
Crossway: crossway.org/plus
Impossible Christianity: Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World, Be an Expert in Everything, Accept Spiritual Failure, and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time by Kevin DeYoung: https://www.crossway.org/books/impossible-christianity-hcj/
Joni Eareckson Tada:
Joni & Friends - Sharing Hope Through Hardship: https://joniandfriends.org/
Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls by Joni Eareckson Tada: https://www.crossway.org/books/songs-of-suffering-hconly/
Resources from this episode:
Cultural Counterfeits by Jen Oshman (information on assisted suicide and abortion were drawn from chapter 4): https://www.crossway.org/books/cultural-counterfeits-tpb/
https://www.pewresearch.org/interactives/in-their-own-words-how-americans-explain-why-bad-things-happen/
https://news.gallup.com/poll/397286/poor-life-ratings-reach-record-high.aspx#:~:text=Since reaching a record high,estimated 14 million American adults.
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics
https://drugabusestatistics.org/
https://wng.org/roundups/states-remove-protections-from-assisted-suicide-1690922301
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/reflections-on-50th-anniversary-of-my-diving-accident/
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Thanks for listening to this Bonus Episode of All Things! Jen is joined by Dr. Christina Crenshaw to discuss the blockbuster Barbie movie, which hit theaters just last weekend. If youâve already seen it and youâre eager to process it with some girlfriends through a theological lens, this is the conversation for you! Or, if you havenât seen it, but youâre curious what all the hype is about, we can fill you in. Weâre talking feminism, masculinity (or emasculation), motherhood, gender roles and norms, Biblical imagery, Creator and creation, visions of the good life, visits to the gynecologist, and more.
Leave us a comment and tell us what you thought of the movie! We know the opinions out there are limitless!
https://www.drchristinacrenshaw.com/
https://www.jenoshman.com/
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The conversation surrounding disabilities and people with disabilities is evolving and confusing in the West. On the one hand, we see record numbers of abortions due to parents being afraid or unwilling to bring a child with disabilities into the world. For example 67% of children who *may* have down syndrome are aborted in the United States. On the other hand, conversations about inclusion and access are at an all time high. Do we as a culture value and want to include people with disabilities or are we more eager to end their lives and exclude them from our narratives?
This is a complex conversation and Iâm so glad my friend and author Laura Wifler joined me for it. Laura is known for her role at Risen Motherhood, which she founded along with her sister-in-law Emily Jensen, as well as their book and podcast by the same name. Most recently, though, Laura wrote a childrenâs book called âLike Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering Godâs Image in Every Person.â
As a culture, and even as Christian churches and individual followers of Jesus, it seems we are wrestling with whether we are an inclusive or exclusive people. Do we embrace difference or reject it? Do we truly value people with disabilities or do we see serving them as a good deed to accomplish?
Laura helps us to think through all of this, as well as Godâs sovereignty, his goodness in the way he makes each person, what itâs like to receive a disability diagnosis as a parent, how to genuinely care for families that include members with disabilities, how to take life one day at a time, whatâs waiting for us in heaven, and more. We even discuss whether we should be saying âperson with special needsâ or âperson with disabilities.â
This is a rich conversation including personal stories colliding with cultural trends. I hope youâll listen and share it with others.
Resources:
Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering Godâs Image in Every Person by Laura Wifler: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780736985758/like-me
Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments by Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780736976220/risen-motherhood-hardback
You can keep in touch with Laura here: https://laurawifler.com/
Heaven by Randy Alcorn: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780842379427/heaven-hardback
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One major reason unity in our nation, families, and churches is so fragile is because division and cynicism have been incentivized. We all stand to gain a lot when we retreat to our own corners and tribes.
Itâs easier to sit in an echo chamber and be told you are right than to wrestle with different perspectives.
Less gracious, more extreme opinions get more clicks, followers, and campaign donations.
It costs us nothing to think ill of the other side, create caricatures, and retreatâbut it costs us a lot to move toward one another.
Division pays, but unity requires sacrifice.
On this episode of All Things Iâm talking with Daniel Darling, a cultural commentator, author, pastor, and professor, who regularly appears in mainstream media to talk about current events and trends through a Christian lens (you know thatâs my fave).
Dan and I talk about:
- Why we bother engaging in culture anywayâespecially when it can be costly personally and professionally.
- Why 2020 was such a watershed moment for division amongst Americans.
- How some issues are worth dividing over, but most are not.
- How itâs costly, but so worth it, to fight for unity.
- How Christians will indeed be judged by the outside by how well we love one another on the inside.
- How you and I can determine to be people who fight cynicism and move toward unity.
- How Godâs best days are not behind him. He is at work here and now.
- We are called to go (Great Commission) and we are called to love (Great Commandment) and with Godâs help, every Christian really can do both!
In a world of cynicism and division, be a hopeful stayer. This conversation is so helpful and encouraging!
Resources mentioned in the episode:
How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age, by Jonathan Leeman: https://amzn.to/3otDdC1
Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? by Tim Keller: https://amzn.to/3BUb7mA
Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved, by Daniel Darling: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780310366324/agents-of-grace-paperback
A Way with Words: Using Our Online Conversations for Good, by Daniel Darling: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781535995368/a-way-with-words-paperback
The Dignity Revolution: Reclaiming God's Rich Vision for Humanity, by Daniel Darling: https://amzn.to/3oBDh2u
Keep in touch with Dan Darling at https://danieldarling.com/
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May is National Foster Care Awareness Month and there is so much missing in our national and church conversations when it comes to foster care. Iâm loving this chance to increase my own awareness and yours on this episode of All Things. Jamie Finn, who wrote Foster the Family, and runs an organization by the same name, joins me today to talk about all the parties involved in foster care.
Jamie says her perspective and understanding of foster care has changed so much in the past 10 years, during which her family has welcomed home 30 foster children. Her heart used to break only for the children, she says, but her eyes have been opened wide to the burdens and plights of the moms and dads who find themselves having to hand their children over to CPS. Jamieâs heart now breaks for everyone involved and she seeks to do the good, hard, messy gospel work of coming alongside the childâs entire biological family. She preaches us a good word over and over on this episode, so I hope youâll listen!
This episode is not just for foster parents. Itâs for anyone who wants to live a life of meaning and sacrifice and follow Jesus in carrying the cross he has for you. While itâs certainly informative about the breadth of foster care, it will encourage your soul wherever God has you. Have a listen and share with your friends. We all need this truth!
Recommended resources:
Jamie Finnâs ministry: https://www.fosterthefamily.org/
Foster the Family: Encouragement, Hope, and Practical Help for the Christian Foster Parent by Jamie Finn: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781540901866/foster-the-family-paperback
Jamie Finn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosterthefamilyblog/
Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781601422217/radical-paperback?affiliate=jenoshman
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Motherâs Day is this weekend in the United States and for most of us that means celebration mingled with some kind of grief. Many women are childless for a variety of reasons: infertility, miscarriage, child loss, they made an adoption plan, they chose abortion, they never married, and more. The reasons are varied and complex and the weight of that is felt especially on Motherâs Day.
Motherhood is a beautiful and worthwhile gift. We celebrate it and praise the Lord for it! At the same time, we acknowledge that our society and our churches often fall woefully short when it comes to conversations and beliefs about motherhood and children.
Chelsea Patterson Sobolik joins us on All Things today to discuss all of this, as well as the intrinsic worth of women no matter their story regarding children. Chelsea is uniquely situated for this conversation because of her own story, plus her years of writing about and advocating for both women and children. She is herself an adoptee and an adoptive mom, at the age of nineteen she learned she could never have biological children, and she works daily on behalf of vulnerable women and children. Her perspective is both deep and wide when it comes to womanhood, motherhood, children, and the worth and dignity of every human life.
This episode will benefit you if:
- You ever wondered what a womanâs role or worth is if she has no children.
- You or someone you love experiences childlessness for any reason.
- You are a friend or ministry leader to women who suffer grief on Motherâs Day and you donât know what to say.
- You suffer for any reason and youâre looking for hope.
- You struggle to reconcile your losses with a loving God.
- You need a hopeful vision for your future.
Recommended Resources:
Longing For Motherhood: Holding On to Hope in the Midst of Childlessness by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780802416124/longing-for-motherhood-paperback?affiliate=jenoshman
Waiting In Hope: 31 Reflections for Walking with God Through Infertility by Kelley Ramsey and Jenn Hesse: https://amzn.to/42meyxS
Cultural Counterfeits: Confronting 5 Empty Promises of Our Age and How We Were Made for So Much More by Jen Oshman: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781433576324/cultural-counterfeits-paperback
Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780736976220/risen-motherhood-hardback
Missional Motherhood: The Everyday Ministry of Motherhood in the Grand Plan of God by Gloria Furman: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781433552274/missional-motherhood-paperback
Follow Chelsea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseasobolik/
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Obviously one 30-minute podcast episode to commemorate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is not sufficientâbut Iâm hoping youâll tune in to at least get the month going. On this episode I am joined by my friend and journalist Curtis Yee. Curtis regularly contributes to Christianity Today and Sojourners, as well as other outlets, covering a breadth of topics including Asian American culture, church, and mental health. This conversation is a great introduction to all of that!
Curtis and I talk about:
- The origination of the term Asian American
- The history, distinctiveness, and function of the Asian American church
- What itâs like to move between Asian American church and contexts and the broader American contextâburdens, joys, unique experiences.
- How journalism and media affect how we all understand Asian Americans (This is the white tourism part of our convoâso interesting! Donât be a white tourist this month.)
- The challenges of investigating mental health in Asian American contexts and churches.
Pursue further reading and resources this month! Checkout Curtis Yeeâs articles below, as well as a few books and ideas he recommends.
Keep up with Curtis Yee, Journalist here: https://curtisfyee.carrd.co/
Articles by Curtis Yee at Christianity Today:
Asian American Theologian: Our âCultureâ Is Not to Blame: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/april-web-only/asian-american-theology-trauma-mental-health-daniel-lee.html
At Gracepoint Ministries, âWhole-Life Discipleshipâ Took Its Toll: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2022/september/gracepoint-berkland-asian-american-church-discipleship.html
Cru Divided Over Emphasis on Race: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/june/cru-divided-over-emphasis-on-race.html
Other recommended resources:
The Making of Asian America: A History, by Erika Lee: https://amzn.to/3TJfXLi
Off the Pulpit - A podcast hosted by three Korean American pastors, often about the AA church, but also about the American church in general: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-pulpit/id1530814844
The Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC) seeks to encourage, equip, and empower Asian American Christians and friends of our community to follow Christ holistically. We are committed to amplifying the voices, issues, and histories of Asian Americans in the church and society at large. While the Asian American community is extremely diverse and we cannot speak for every individual and perspective, we aim to spotlight and celebrate the Asian American Christian community as inclusively as possible: https://www.asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com/
Stay True: A Memoir, by Hua Hsu: https://amzn.to/3TP9hLR
Crying in H-Mart: A Memoir, by Michelle Zauner: https://amzn.to/3z5olLR
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