Summary

In this conversation, Joash P. Thomas discusses his book ‘The Justice of Jesus’ and explores the themes of justice, faith, and the impact of colonization on modern Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of centering marginalized voices and the need for the church to engage in justice work without the constraints of colonial frameworks. The discussion also touches on the complexities of mission work, the role of empathy, and the call to live a flourishing life now, rather than focusing solely on the afterlife.

‘Justice is a communal exercise’

Takeaways

* Joash wrote a book called ‘The Justice of Jesus’.

* Justice should not be pigeonholed into biblical or social categories.

* All justice is ultimately God’s justice.

* We can’t change the past, but we can be faithful in the present.

* The gospel centers marginalized voices.

* Decolonization is essential for understanding justice.

* Empathy is crucial in addressing historical injustices.

* The church must engage in justice work today.

* Mission work can have both beautiful and harmful outcomes.

* Living a flourishing life now is a key aspect of faith.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Joash P. Thomas

02:41 The Justice of Jesus: A New Perspective

05:45 Decolonizing Justice and Faith

08:04 The Impact of Colonization on Justice

10:50 Understanding the Complexity of Colonization

13:37 The Duality of Good and Harm in Mission Work

20:04 The Complexity of Divine Action Amidst Human Atrocity

21:59 The Now of the Gospel: Living in Abundance

23:44 Reckoning with Colonial Narratives and Their Impact

26:09 Centering Marginalized Voices in the Gospel

27:56 Transformation Through Empathy and Understanding

29:43 Navigating the Tension Between Prophetic and Priestly Calls

32:16 Historical Trauma and Its Effects on Power Dynamics

36:16 Co-opting Liberation: The Need for Reflection

37:52 Hope in the Global Church: Moving Forward Together

Summary

In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, hosts Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage in a profound conversation with Karissa Sovdi about the complexities of singleness within the church. They explore the societal and theological implications of viewing singleness as a problem to be solved rather than a valid and fulfilling life choice. The discussion touches on the idolatry of marriage and family, the importance of celebrating life milestones beyond traditional markers, and the need for genuine community and friendship. Karissa shares her personal journey of dismantling the ‘future wife’ identity and embracing the gift of singleness, while also addressing the burdens and misconceptions surrounding it. The episode concludes with practical advice for living a fulfilling single life and the importance of inclusivity in church communities.

Check out more from Karissa at Surviving Christianity Unmarried

‘I never really identified as a person; I identified as a future wife’

Takeaways

* Singleness is often viewed as a problem rather than a valid life choice.

* The nuclear family is idolized in North American Christianity.

* Celebrating milestones beyond marriage is essential for community.

* Eternal life and fulfilment can start now, not just in marriage.

* Celibacy and singleness can be gifts that allow for deeper connections with God.

* Friendship is crucial and often overlooked in discussions about singleness.

* Comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness.

* The church needs to create inclusive spaces for singles.

* Marriage should not be seen as the ultimate goal or solution to loneliness.

* Practical steps can help individuals embrace and celebrate their singleness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Karissa Sovdi

01:32 Exploring Singleness in the Church

03:50 Dismantling the Future Wife Identity

07:43 The Idolatry of Family and Marriage

11:02 Celebrating Life Beyond Marriage

14:41 The Gift of Singleness and Celibacy

18:50 Understanding Celibacy and Singleness

21:15 The Role of Friendship in Singleness

24:54 The Burden of Singleness in Church

29:37 Reimagining Community and Connection

32:11 Jesus’ Example of Singleness

35:17 The Crisis of Loneliness and Friendship

38:29 Practical Steps for Living Singleness Well

42:52 Conclusion and Resources

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Sheila Wray Gregoire discusses her groundbreaking work, 'The Great Sex Rescue,' which reveals the dissatisfaction of evangelical women in marriages due to toxic beliefs about gender roles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, healthy communication, and the need for empowerment and non-compliance in challenging patriarchal structures and her latest book ‘The Marriage You Want’. Sheila highlights the role of religion in relationships and the necessity of addressing toxic teachings within the church. The conversation concludes with a call to action for individuals to seek healthier, more fulfilling marriages based on equality and partnership.

“Healthy communication is the key to a successful marriage.”

"Healthy communication is key to a successful marriage."

Takeaways

* The Great Sex Rescue highlighted the dissatisfaction of evangelical women in marriages.

* Toxic beliefs about gender roles can lead to harmful practices in relationships.

* Religiosity can be beneficial, but toxic teachings can negate those benefits.

* Healthy marriages are built on mutual respect and partnership.

* Women should not feel obligated to fulfill male desires at the expense of their own needs.

* Doubt and deconstruction can lead to a deeper understanding of faith.

* Empowerment and non-compliance are essential for women in toxic environments.

* Healthy communication is key to a successful marriage.

* The church must address and change toxic teachings about gender roles.

* Jesus' teachings promote equality and mutual respect in relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sheila Wray Gregoire

00:58 The Great Sex Rescue: A Turning Point

04:34 Research Findings on Women's Satisfaction

09:13 The Impact of Toxic Beliefs

13:48 Challenging Patriarchy in Marriage

18:52 The Role of Religion in Relationships

23:44 Navigating Toxic Church Environments

28:29 Building Healthy Marriages

33:10 Empowerment and Non-Compliance

38:04 The Importance of Mutual Respect

42:49 The Future of Marriage and Relationships

47:42 Conclusion and Call to Action

56:29 Black and White Bold Modern Podcast YouTube Intro.mp4

Jemar Tisby is a New York Times bestselling author, national speaker, and public historian on a mission to deliver truths from the Black experience with depth and clarity.

Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Scholl engage with Dr. Jemar Tisby, a historian and author, to explore the complex relationship between racism and spirituality. They discuss Tisby's personal journey into racial justice, the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the importance of moving from racial reconciliation to racial justice. The conversation delves into the historical context of racism in America, the role of the church, and the spiritual nature of racism. Tisby emphasizes the need for collective action, the significance of unsung heroes in the fight for justice, and the importance of discipleship in addressing systemic injustices. The discussion concludes with practical steps for church leaders to foster a commitment to justice within their communities.

Take-aways

* Racism is a spiritual issue that requires a collective response.

* The church has a responsibility to address systemic injustices.

* Racial reconciliation often lacks the depth needed for true justice.

* Understanding history is crucial to addressing current racial issues.

* The Curse of Ham has been misused to justify racism.

* Women played a vital role in the civil rights movement.

* Discipleship should include a commitment to justice.

* Awareness, relationships, and commitment are key to racial justice.

* Activism often starts with small groups or individuals.

* Hope exists in the ongoing fight for justice.

Links

Follow Dr. Jemar Tisby on Substack

Summary

In this conversation, Hakeem Bradley shares his journey from growing up in the 5% Nation to becoming a biblical scholar. He discusses the contrasting views on scripture between Islam and Christianity, his transition from pastoral ministry to biblical research, and the significance of Genesis in understanding powers and principalities. Hakeem emphasizes the importance of equity in the creation narrative and explores the cultural context of Genesis in relation to ancient Near Eastern texts. He also highlights the influence of Genesis on the Epistle of James and the role of the church in spiritual warfare. In this conversation, Hakeem Bradley and Danielle Strickland explore the themes of spiritual warfare, the power of love and generosity, the concept of original sin as passive participation, and the awakening potential of scripture. They discuss the authority given to humanity, the wisdom from above, and the true nature of power as demonstrated by Jesus. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of living generously and the transformative power of love in combating darkness.

Takeaways

* Hakeem Bradley's journey from the 5% Nation to biblical scholarship is profound.

* The Bible can be a tool for liberation, not oppression.

* Understanding the cultural context of scripture is crucial.

* Genesis sets the foundation for understanding powers and principalities.

* Equity is inherent in the creation narrative of Genesis.

* The line of the woman and the line of the snake represent spiritual allegiances.

* The wisdom from above is accessible to all believers.

* The church has a role in crushing spiritual oppression.

* Hakeem's work aims to equip families for biblical literacy.

* The narrative of Genesis challenges patriarchal interpretations. We join in with Christ's mission to defeat darkness.

* Living generously and hospitably is a form of spiritual warfare.

* Original sin is about passive participation in evil.

* Scripture serves as an awakening tool for believers.

* Authority was given to humanity to rule wisely.

* The snake symbolizes twisted authority in creation.

* True power is often perceived as weakness in the world.

* Choosing not to retaliate reflects true strength.

* The wisdom of God is accessible to us now.

* Engaging with scripture shapes our understanding and actions.

About Hakeem

Hakeem is a biblical scholar, teacher, blogger, and researcher. He has served various communities across the United States and Canada through preaching, teaching, and research. He holds a Master’s of Theological and Biblical Studies from Western Seminary and is a Ph. D. candidate in New Testament Studies at Ridley College (Melbourne). He works as an Associate Scholar at BibleProject, and serves as the chaplain for the College Park Skyhawks. Lastly, he is an Academic Fellow with the Center for Hebraic Thought.

Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland, James Sholl, and Dr. Hilary McBride explore the complex relationship between religion, mental health, and societal systems. They discuss how religion can serve as both a source of support and a potential source of harm, particularly when it becomes a toxic system that prioritizes itself over the well-being of individuals. The conversation delves into the nuances of how charismatic leadership can manipulate followers and the importance of understanding the disconnection that can occur within religious contexts, ultimately leading to a deeper exploration of identity and belonging. In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and Hillary McBride explore the profound connection between embodiment, spirituality, and trauma. They discuss how disconnection from our bodies can lead to various forms of suffering and how reconnecting with our physical selves can be a pathway to liberation and healing. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of our bodies, understanding cultural narratives that devalue them, and the spiritual significance of listening to our bodies. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they highlight practices for fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the world around us.

Takeaways

* Religion can be both a source of support and harm.

* Cultural practices around spirituality can disconnect us from our spiritual longings.

* Systems can serve their own purposes at the expense of individuals.

* Charismatic leaders can create environments that feel safe but are toxic.

* Attachment styles influence how individuals relate to systems.

* Disconnection from self can lead to compliance in toxic systems.

* Religious practices can exacerbate mental health issues for some.

* Understanding the sacred purpose of systems is crucial.

* Disconnection is a key factor in understanding oppression. Disconnection from the body can lead to suffering.

* Embodiment is a pathway to spiritual and political liberation.

* Recognizing the value of bodies is essential for healing.

* Cultural narratives often devalue the body, especially for women.

* Listening to our bodies can reveal deep truths about ourselves.

* Trauma can create a disconnect from our physical selves.

* Practices for embodiment can help reconnect with our bodies.

* Spirituality is intertwined with our physical existence.

* Memory is held in our bodies and influences our experiences.

* The body can be a source of wisdom and guidance.

Dr. Hillary McBride

"We are in desperate need of a new economic story."

Ched Myers

Summary

In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage with Ched Myers to explore the interconnected themes of principalities and powers, biblical theology, activism, and social justice. They discuss the importance of apocalyptic literature as a form of resistance against oppressive systems, the role of the church in advocating for social justice, and the concept of Sabbath economics as a means of community engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for practical steps towards resistance and change, encouraging listeners to reimagine economic narratives and engage in meaningful action.

Takeaways

* Ched Myers emphasizes the importance of discussing principalities and powers in relation to social justice.

* The conversation highlights the need for a holistic understanding of biblical theology and activism.

* Apocalyptic literature serves as a vital tool for resistance against oppressive systems.

* The church has a significant role in advocating for social justice and confronting empire.

* Sabbath economics is presented as a framework for community engagement and mutual aid.

* Ched Myers calls for a new economic story rooted in biblical principles.

* The podcast encourages listeners to engage with their local communities and resist economic injustice.

* Stories are essential for understanding our history and fighting against oppression.

* The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of faith and economics.

* Ched Myers invites listeners to join the ongoing river of social justice activism.

20% off using discount code SOJO20

Links

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Principalities and Powers

10:07 Ched Myers' Journey to Faith

17:10 The Role of Apocalyptic Literature

25:08 Sabbath Economics and Resistance

34:07 The Jubilee Tradition and Economic Justice

35:34 The Biblical Foundation of Mutual Aid

37:02 Jubilee Language in Luke's Gospel

38:29 Understanding Affluenza as a Disease

39:58 Jesus and the Rich: Unmasking Plutocracy

42:37 Restoring Kinship Through Redistribution

44:05 The Role of Scripture in Political Imagination

48:55 Practical Steps Towards Economic Justice

53:13 Investing in Community Development

54:59 Challenging the Monopoly Mentality

01:00:29 The Power of Stories in Social Justice