Mere Fidelity

New York Times columnist Ross Douthat joins the show to talk about Pope Francis and the crisis within the Roman Catholic communion.

Theologian J. Todd Billings joins the crew to talk about the pastoral and theological value of 'heaven.'

Matt, Alastair and Derek consider book 7 of Augustine's Confessions.

Derek hosts a special episode of Mere Fidelity to talk about the new book from Alistair and Andrew. You can check out their new book here, if you're so inclined: https://www.crossway.org/books/echoes-of-exodus-tpb/

Reading Club: 'Confessions,' Book VI by Mere Fidelity

Derek, Alastair and Matt take up (at a listener's request) the theology and philosophy of 'equality' as a social category.

In their final episode of the year, the entire cast considers the theological significance of the Virgin Birth.

Matt, Alastair and Derek consider Augustine's movement from Carthage to Milan in Book 5 of *Confessions.*

The whole crew talks with Matt about the origins of the community BBQ for families of inmates he's recently announced, and about the prospects and dangers of this sort of activism.

David Henreckson, Associate Professor of Theology, joins to delve into James K.A. Smith's *Awaiting the King.* They explore the book's intriguing shift from traditional political theology to contemporary questions of authority and Christian engagement. Henreckson discusses the church's role in shaping societal loves, critiques the First Amendment, and debates the idea of church establishment. He emphasizes the need for a more engaged, historically-informed public theology, while addressing complex notions of pluralism and the church's influence on cultural liturgies.