Theology in the Raw

Dr. Tim Muehlhoff, a communication professor and leader of Biola’s Winsome Conviction work, discusses polarization, social media’s role in tribalism, and key flashpoints since 2016. He explores heart change before tactics, steelmanning opposing views, perspective-taking exercises, when to confront publicly or privately, and the costs and benefits of winsome engagement in contentious cultural debates.

Paul Copan, philosopher and apologist, and Chris Date, theologian and writer defending annihilationism, debate hell with civility. They compare biblical texts, symbolism in Revelation, Matthew 25 imagery, atonement, immortality, and what divine justice implies. The conversation stays friendly while tackling whether final punishment means ongoing conscious torment or final destruction.

Elyse Fitzpatrick, biblical counselor and prolific author, reflects on grace, justification, and Jesus’ kingship. Conversation touches on discovering Lent, why many Christians miss justification, loving enemies from security in Christ, and the surprising pushback to grace-focused teaching. Practical pastoral approaches and the making of her Lenten devotional Friend of Sinners are highlighted.

A multi-year, exegetical deep dive into what Scripture says about women in church leadership. Close readings of Genesis 1–3, helper language, naming, and the effects of the Fall. Examination of Old Testament women, Jesus' interactions with women, house church structures, and Romans 16 figures like Phoebe and Junia. Careful study of kephale, 1 Corinthians passages, and 1 Timothy debates about teaching and church offices.

Stephen McWhirter, a worship leader, songwriter, and author who overcame long-term addiction after a dramatic conversion. He shares his journey from rebellion to radical restoration. Conversations cover his songwriting breakout with "Come Jesus Come," the road from metal bands to worship, forgiveness and reconciliation, and the making of his book Radically Restored.

Carl Nelson, president of Transform Minnesota, connects churches to address complex civic issues. Schelli Cronk, Transform Minnesota COO, works with pastoral care and refugee ministry. Dave Brickey, lead pastor at Open Door, engages cross-cultural outreach. They discuss ICE actions hurting lawfully admitted refugees, churches’ large-scale practical care, protests and pastoral tensions, and opportunities for deeper cross-cultural relationships and discipleship.

W. Lee Warren, MD, a neurosurgeon, Iraq War veteran, and author, links neuroscience and Christian faith to everyday mental health practices. He discusses how repeating thoughts reshape the brain. He explores grief, addiction, anxiety, depression, and when medication or careful diagnosis is needed. Practical steps and Scripture-based reframing are highlighted.

Angela Weszely, founder of ProGrace and author of Becoming ProGrace, helps Christians resemble Jesus in abortion conversations with a grace-centered, church-focused approach. She explains why moving beyond pro-life/pro-choice rhetoric matters. She outlines ProGrace's curriculum, theological commitments to equal dignity, pastoral responses, and how churches can become safe, supportive places that prevent harm and heal pain.

Kyle Strobel, a systematic theologian and spiritual formation teacher at Biola, explores spiritual dryness and how early consolation can mislead us. He explains consolation, desert, and desolation as stages that shape faith. He warns against equating emotion with true devotion and discusses how disciplines and personality affect spiritual growth.

David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby and major supporter of evangelical causes, reflects on stewardship, family legacy, and faith-shaped business. He discusses seeing business as stewardship. He recounts tough choices like closing Sundays and funding the Museum of the Bible. He explains family governance, giving half of profits, and training successors for multigenerational stewardship.