Thinking Christianly

J.P., Stan, and Jordan discuss engaging the Christmas story as thinking Christians and ways to live in light of the hope that the Incarnation brings. In this podcast we discuss: How does the humility of God bring wonder and awe to this season? What does the quiet nature of Christ’s coming reveal about God’s character? In what ways can we attempt to reclaim the season from consumer culture? How should Christians handle “Happy Holidays” vs. “Merry Christmas” conversations? What is a “redemptive analogy” and how can looking for them help bridge cultural and relational divides? What are the practical implications of the Christmas Story? Resources and References: Fun facts about “Hark the Harold Angels Sing” Dallas Willard – God Wants to Be Seen The Bible Project – Advent Season: What is it, and How is it Celebrated? Movie – The Prince of Egypt Don Richardson, Peace Child Bobby Gross, Living the Christian Year: Time to Inhabit the Story of God Stan Wallace, “Christmas – The Day Jesus Moved into the Neighborhood” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Christmas Bells

In this episode, JP and Stan talk about different views of time and how they integrate with a Christian way of thinking about God and His relationship to time, the relationship of time to salvation, and the overall understanding of time and the nature of reality. They tackle common pitfalls in conversations about time and make distinctions that clear up the broader discussion. In this podcast, we discuss: Does this discussion matter? Is tense real or not? What is the difference between an A-Theory and a B-Theory understanding of time? How do time and space relate to each other in different views of time? What kinds of theological issues arise with the different views of time? What is divine middle knowledge? Will there be time in heaven? “Is the world a bucket of sand or a bowl of molasses?” Is time the same as its measurement? How can we understand the Theory of Relativity? Do we have good reason to trust our experience of time? Resources and citations: William Lane Craig, God, Time, and Eternity William Lane Craig, The Kalam Cosmological Argument JP Moreland and William Lane Craig, “Philosophy of Time and Space” in Philosophical Foundations(Chapter 20 in the second edition).

In this episode, J.P. and Stan discuss worldview and life-view and why evaluating the contents of these thoughts deserves our attention and reflection. How do we go about that process? They discuss the ways we can notice what we attend to and examine how our attention can shape our worldview. This episode is for anyone who needs resources and strategies to help with developing and sustaining a Christian worldview.   In this podcast, we discuss: What is a worldview? Why should we give serious thought to the idea of worldview? What kind of questions should we ask as we evaluate our worldview? What is the “worldview-as-glasses” metaphor and why is it unhelpful? How does a constructivist view fail to account for the different ways of knowing? What is the value of articulating our worldview? How does what we notice shape our worldview? What does it look like to train what we attend to and notice on purpose? What is the role of suffering in shaping our worldview? What are some clues that our worldview has veered into unchristian territory? How can we cultivate curiosity around worldview?   Resources and citations: James W. Sire, The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog J.P. Moreland, Why it is Harmful to Depict a Worldview as Glasses Paul C. Vitz, Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism Walter Brueggemann, The Prophetic Imagination College Faith Podcast – Episode #23 – How to Watch a Movie Ronald Nash, Worldviews in Conflict: Choosing Christianity in a World of Ideas James W. Sire, Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept

For those of us not currently connected to the academic world, the idea of furthering our education as Christians can be daunting. Where do you start? What should you consider before taking on this experience? Is it worth it even if it doesn’t increase your earning potential?  In this episode, JP and Stan share practical advice and wisdom for evaluating the costs and benefits of going beyond learning in an informal setting; specifically as it relates to masters and doctoral degrees in philosophy and ministry. In this podcast, we discuss: How do you know whether or not further formal education is a good fit for you and your season of life? What are the differences between Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) and Masters of Arts? On the doctoral level, what is the difference between a Ph.D. and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)? What is the discernment process for deciding which program might be the best fit? What is the difference between studying under mentors who are masters at their craft and learning on your own? How can different types of cohorts shape graduate education? How to evaluate a program when considering graduate studies and where to find more information. What is the lasting value of furthering education as a Christian? Resources and citations: Agnieszka Tennant, “Masters of Philosophy” in Christianity Today Talbot School of Theology at Biola University College Faith, 6: How to Choose a College – Dr. David Wunder Intervarsity Press, Academic Catalog Master of Arts, Philosophy of Religion | Palm Beach Atlantic University

“The certainty problem has crept in and polluted the whole enterprise of knowing.” – J.P. Moreland. In this episode, J.P. and Stan have a practical discussion about how to engage with the cultural obsession with a narrow definition of certainty. In this podcast, we discuss: What is skepticism? How did it become a cultural “virtue”? Why doubting everything is more dangerous than you think What are the different forms of skepticism? How should we engage with different kinds of skeptics? How can a broad understanding of the history of ideas benefit us when addressing skepticism? Is there a legitimate place for skepticism? What is the Problem of the Criterion? What is the difference between the methodist approach and the particularist approach to the Problem of the Criterion? Why should we reflect on the way we engage with knowledge claims? The big three categories in philosophical thought: What is real? What can we know? What should we do? Resources and Citations: P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview – Chapter 4, The Problem of Skepticism Dallas Willard, Hearing God

Most of us know Dallas Willard as a brilliant and pastoral writer on spiritual formation. In his writing, you can sense a man of great thought, but the depth of his knowledge can be hidden from the reader of his more popular works. In this episode, Stan and J.P. discuss the life, scholarship, and legacy of Dallas Willard. They also share thoughts on spiritual formation gleaned from Dallas. In this podcast, we discuss: The work of Dallas Willard in his academic vocation as a philosopher Why metaphysics and epistemology are essential to the messages of Dr. Willard Why Dallas Willard’s study and translation of Edmund Husserl is so important The legacy of Dr. Willard–how J.P. and Stan have been inspired to continue promoting his ideas Willard’s hopes for future scholarship and predictions for challenges ahead Insights from Dallas on spiritual disciplines leading to spiritual formation How to avoid being satisfied with “Church-ianity” Thoughts on being faithful to your calling when tempted to be discouraged Resources and Citations: Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart Dallas Willard, Hearing God Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines Dallas Willard, Early Writings in the Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics Claire Oritz Hill, Review of Edmund Husserl: Early Writings in the Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics J.P. Moreland, Dallas Willard | JP Moreland

In this episode we conclude our case study of Edmund Husserl. We discuss other lessons we can learn from his life, and lessons to learn from the faithful men and women who risked everything to save his life’s work. We also discuss the challenging work of preserving ideas that matter in a culture that prefers to forget the past. In this podcast, we discuss: Why it is important to do work that doesn’t specifically address the cultural moment How to faithfully push back against false cultural assumptions The story of saving the works of Husserl and other Jewish scholars from Nazi tyranny Why we should honor, preserve, and build on ideas passed down from others The role of the next generation in taking up the mantle of Christian thought The art of seeking long term objectives and why it’s critical that we do Resources and Citations: Hebrews 12:1-2 Toon Horsten, The Father and the Philosopher: Saving the Husserl Archives S. Lewis, “On the Reading of Old Books,” in God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics Dermot Moran, Edmund Husserl: Founder of Phenomenology Thomas C. Oden, editor, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture Herbert Spiegelberg, The Phenomenological Movement Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

In this episode we do a case study of someone who wove together a number of the themes we have talked about in earlier episodes, including the importance of a commitment to truth and the life of the mind, being a part of a vibrant faith community, dealing with challenges, and being faithful to God’s call. These lessons from the life of philosopher Edmund Husserl, as well as some of his philosophical insights, provide great encouragement and challenge for Christians today.  In this podcast, we discuss: Who Edmund Husserl is and why his work matters to Christians. How others helped Husserl, JP, Stan, and Jordan in their journeys. How commitment to the truth lead us to be counter-cultural. How we can be faithful through lonely and challenging times. Unexpected ways God uses the seeds we plant to bring Him glory. How Husserl’s philosophical insights help shape our understanding of what is true, good, and beautiful. Resources and Citations: Dermot Moran, Edmund Husserl: Founder of Phenomenology Herbert Spiegelberg, The Phenomenological Movement Marianne Sawicki, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Edmund Husserl (1859-1938) Roman Ingarden and Edmund Husserl, Briefe an Roman Ingarden: Mit Erläuterungen und Erinnerungen an Husserl Karl Schuhmann, Husserl-Chronik: Denk- und Lebensweg Edmund Husserls Hanne Jacobs, The Husserlian Mind Britannica, German philosopher: Edmund Husserl Edmund Husserl, Obituary Notice of Adolf Reinach Karl Schuhmann, Dariusz Bęben, Husserl i Masaryk K. Chesterton, Quote from Orthodoxy

What is real? This has been a defining question in our modern era. How should a thinking Christian answer this question? J.P. and Stan describe the foundational beliefs and distinctions necessary for addressing this central issue in grace and truth.   In this podcast, we discuss: What is a property? What are some examples of properties? How is this question related to what truth is, the Incarnation, and so much more? Why is it not commonplace to assume properties exist? How underlying assumptions impact beliefs about what is real. What is a “universal”? How do we experience universals and why would a person reject them? What is the difference between physicalism and naturalism? How are they similar? What would people with these views of reality believe to be real? Why do some believers reject universals on theological grounds? Are they right? What is nominalism? What are the various types of nominalists? Why is it important to work hard at understanding ideas that don’t seem to have immediate practical value? Resources mentioned during our conversation: Stan Wallace, “Three Reasons to Believe in Things You Can’t See” J.P. Moreland and Garrett DeWeese, Philosophy Made Slightly Less Difficult: A Beginner’s Guide to Life’s Big Questions, Chapter 2: What is Real? Metaphysics–The Problem of Universals J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, Chapter 10: General Ontology: Two Categories–Property and Substance Paul Gould, Beyond the Control of God?: Six Views on the Problem of God and Abstract Objects Paul Gould’s Website

How do we “find quiet” in a noisy world? Using J.P.’s book Finding Quiet as a launch point J.P., Stan, and Jordan discuss mental health; specifically, anxiety and depression. What options are available to Christians who struggle with these diseases? How can a person seek treatment in a faith-informed way? The information in this podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat specific diseases. As we will discuss in the podcast, we encourage you to consult with a physician or licensed mental health professional about your specific situation. In this podcast we discuss: J.P.’s journey in dealing with anxiety What is creating the conditions that leads to our current epidemic of anxiety Some strategies that we can use to alleviate the experience of anxiety Simple tools and practical help to facilitate a feeling of peace and calm How to find a good Christian counselor or therapist Should Christians seek professional help for mental health issues? How we can show love and care for those struggling with anxiety or depression Encouragement to live with hope instead of despair Resources mentioned during our conversation: J.P. Moreland, Finding Quiet: My Struggle of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World Christopher Lasch, The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in An Age of Diminishing Expectations Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ The College Faith Podcast with Dr. Nita Kotiuga, ​​#26: The Role of Spiritual Disciplines and Directors in Spiritual Formation Rosemead School of Psychology Basic Overview of Therapy Options More Complete List of Types of Therapy Joel McDermon, What Would Jesus Drink?: A Spirit Filled Study