In this episode of Gird Up, host Charlie Ungemach sits down with Pastor Jacob Klug (Mountain View Lutheran, Calgary, AB) and Seminarian Colin Maurice for a wide-ranging, three-part conversation. First, Pastor Klug shares how his congregation uses high strangeness, vampire lore, and sci-fi culture as an apologetic bridge to reach "functional pagans." Next, the guys tackle the psychological and spiritual traps of online dating, "secondary digital identities," and how to navigate romance without making an idol out of it. Finally, the panel reflects on the profound comfort of Christ's resurrected body—exploring what Jesus retaining His scars in heaven reveals about our own suffering, our union with God, and physical restoration.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• • Cultural Engagement & High Strangeness: Why Pastor Jacob Klug is using vampires, sci-fi, and cultural folklore to engage functional pagans and point them back to the reality of the supernatural and Christ.

  • The "Cardboard Cutout" Trap: How dating apps force young Christians to construct curated digital identities—and why that builds immense pressure, anxiety, and visual desensitization.

  • Commodification vs. Promise: Moving past the "demand-obligation paradigm" to pursue authentic, grace-filled relationships grounded in real-life community.

  • Christ’s Scars in Heaven: A deep theological reflection on the incarnation, physical perfection, and why Jesus keeping His scars means we are more than okay in Him.

  Episode Resources & Links Mentioned:

  Mountain View Lutheran: https://mountainviewchurch.org/

Collin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collin525/

Open Book App: https://openbook.today/

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