Send us a Question!What happens when you blend the art of storytelling with the intricacies of faith? Renowned author Stephen James joins us, and his insights might just transform how you view fiction. As we navigate the complex themes in Christian art, we question the label of "Christian" and its implications. Drawing inspiration from literary icons like Flannery O'Connor and GK Chesterton, we discuss how storytelling can authentically capture the world's darkness and light. By avoiding fixed agendas and embracing dilemmas, we explore the potential for stories to evolve into unexpected revelations, underscoring the power of authenticity in art and faith.Known for his gripping thrillers, Stephen shares the journey from thrillers to his re-released prayer book, A Heart Exposed: Talking to God with Nothing to Hide. (to be released soon). We also explore his newest work, "Rift," and how it might serve as a bridge for a younger generation.This episode goes deep, but don't worry we made sure to cover some terrible tweets surrounding common christian colloquialisms.  Circles > Rows"Hey Church Fam!" "Do Life Together"John Newton to Chris Tomlin...Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Today we have a packed house with not 1, not 2, but 3 historians weighing in on the question Who are Evangelicals?  With 81% of white evangelicals voting in one direction, it caused us to ask... what is it that holds evangelicals together?  You may be surprised by our conclusions.  We had a long but fantastic discussion including terrible tweets and responding to the most recent presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.  Have a listen and let us know what you think! Resources Referenced:Who Are Evangelicals, Again?  Two Historians Weigh InWho Are Evangelicals, Again? Two Historians Weigh In Again.Matthew Sutton's ArticleSymposium: The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind 30 years later. (Malcolm and Ansley)Jake's Letter to the editor at the Washington Post about Bibles in Oklahoma. Episode 21 Atonement Theories with Dr. Jacob Randolph Find Dr. Ansley Quiros on her website or on X @ansleyquirosFind Dr. Jacob Randolph on X: @j_rhett Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Hey Listeners!  How likely is a Civil War in America?  What can you do now to prepare? In light of the horrors we're seeing in Gaza, how do we square our commitment to non-violence with what appears to be a violent Old Testament God?   On today's episode we respond to listeners questions. Before we delve into the heavy stuff, we look at the sermon cutting floor and respond to a TERRIBLE TWEET. Listen to episode 40 (nonviolence and the paradox of the christian witness). Resources discussed:The Black Tax: 150 years of theft, exploitation, and dispossession in America - Andrew W. KahrlPoverty, By America- Matthew Desmond Confronting Old Testament Controversies, Tremper LongmanIs God a Moral Monster – Paul CopanLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!On today's episode, we had the honor to sit down with the incredible Matthew Soerens from World Relief.  The topic of immigration feels radioactive and untouchable for the average person.  But Matthew brings real life examples, experience, research, and the scriptures to speak in a very common sense logical way.  This conversation was unbelievable!  Ear mark this episode to listen to more than once.  Matthew is the co-author of: ‘Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion, and truth in the immigration debate.’ Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis& Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church Want to support World Relief?  Give here. Prior to this conversation, we responded to this great article on how only 1 pastor stood up to Richard Nixon. Why was that?  What conviction would it take to do the same today?  Read He Told Richard Nixon to Confess. What did you think?! Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!What's Law got to do with it?  On today's episode we sit down with Kent Mckeever, a lawyer, executive director of Greater Waco Legal Services (a non-profit legal firm), and a former pastor.  Kent lays out the beauty and application of his love for Jesus and Justice as inspiration for his work in providing legal assistance for All. Everyone regardless of their financial status has the right to a quality attorney. Their sliding scale fees and payment plans make it affordable and available to people who might not expect it. We were thrilled to have him on the pod and hope some would in turn take a peak at emulating this work.  Whether you're looking to go down this path, or you just want to see this work in your city, tune in for an enlightening conversation on faith, the law, and nonprofit work.Want to Support their Work?  Donate here.Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!On Today's Episode we respond to the horrific assassination attempt on former President Trump's life.  What does this mean for our country?  What spiritually can we glean from his life being spared?  Did God save Trump?  Does Ephesians 6:11 play a part?   Then we wrestle with Adam Joyce's article on Christianity and Third-Way-ism, titled "If there is a “third way”, this isn’t it: How Christian centrists acquiesce to America’s broken political system." Why are Christians so woefully prepared to talk about politics?  Is it because we've been discipled to only discuss the 'How' and ignore the 'what?'  What are the implications of such thinking?  Listen and wrestle with us!  Also, did you know you can Pre-Order Malcolm's New book NOW!  Get yours HERE. Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Whose Fault is Poverty?  The poor, the rich, something else?  Today we tackle this tricky topic biblically.   Then the guys respond to a terrible tweet from the current President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his article: The Verdict Is In.  This is in response to former President Donald Trump convicted as guilty of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records.  The news of his guilt has brought many responses including memes of Jesus comforting Trump saying, "It's okay, they called me guilty too."  Which spurred Malcolm's response in his new article: "Hallowed Be Thy Name: Your President is Not Jesus"How Fair Are Your State's Property Taxes? - Junia HowellEnd Homelessness in Waco! Mosaic Waco is partnering with Mission Waco to build a Community for those experiencing homelessness.  Housing alone will not end homelessness, but community will. You can partner with us to help provide low-cost permanent supportive housing to the homeless in McLennan County HERE. Learn More about the Creekside Community HERE. Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Can coffee really save the world?  Shouldn't we be allocating our time to ministry instead of business?  Why is the church missing this?!  Tune in to hear the 2024 Roasters of the Year and  owners of Bridge City Coffee discuss why Coffee is this beautiful fruit that has the potential to do far more than keeping you awake.  This product, this way of doing business, the people they can employ, all has the potential to extend the garden mandate and do something 'good' in the world.  Listen for ways to connect your work to God's work.  Stay to nerd out on coffee.  But be prepared for this week's terrible tweet.  Slim engaged.  Then he was told he serves Satan because he stood up for David French.  Roaster of the Year Article. Bridgecity instagram : @bridgecitycoffeeOr if you're in waco - @bridgecity_waco-----the PCA's Tweet.Slim's Response.A Summary.  (PCA cancels anti-polarization panel with David French for being too polarizing) Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!"Garden More."  On today's episode we wrestle with Dr. Jennifer Howell on why Christians should but don't care about our environment.  We name a number of the underlying  issues that keep us from seeing the fuller picture in the fabric of justice.   And though the darkness can be truly dark, Dr. Howell paints a path forward for every church member and church to contribute to reclaiming and restoring God's broken but beautiful world.   Before that, we discuss more terrible tweets, Sean Feuct, Faux Outrage/persecution, and actual persecution in India.  Fake persecution : https://x.com/seanfeucht/status/1787237445404139683?s=46&t=Krugcu1bTKRpnPSMcKlWxwVs  India Criminalizing healing prayers. Can Christians Be Environmentalists?  - Sermon by SlimPlastics - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - youtube. Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Over the last couple of years, the topic of Christian Nationalism has come up a number of times.  And today we're honored to have Dr. Andrew Whitehead on to help us think through this especially during this political season.  Dr. Whitehead is one of the foremost scholars of Christian nationalism in the United States.  He is the author of American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church, which is the subject of much of our conversation and also is the lead author of  Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States. He has been featured in  The New York Times, NPR, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, CNN Today, The Economist, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian. He has been interviewed on NBC News, National Public Radio, and the BBC, among others.  Dr. Whitehead argues at the center of this conversation is Christianity's relationship to power for only a specific group of people and the methods used to obtain and retain it through fear and violence.  All of which are anti-christ.  We hope today's conversation will challenge you to ponder love versus fear in your community.  And we hope to give you 1 or 2 tools to use as you begin conversations with those who embrace this corrupt philosophy/theology.  To learn more about him check out:Twitter: @ndrewwhiteheadhttps://linktr.ee/andrewwhiteheadhttps://andrewwhitehead.substack.com/Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Are you ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride? Buckle up as we navigate the entwined tracks of faith, nationalism, and capitalism. Our spirited discourse leaps from the laughable to the profound, starting with the absurdity of a themed Bible endorsed by a political heavyweight. We'll untangle the motivations behind such moves and what they herald for America's religious and political climate.The tension heightens with a spicy analysis of the US's role in the Israel-Palestine conflict. We scrutinize the paradox of providing both military might and humanitarian relief, emblematic of a greater moral quagmire. Our conversation doesn't stop at the gates of controversy; we pry open the divergent Christian perspectives on Israel, dissecting the web of theology and politics that influence them. The birth of modern Israel post-WWII and its biblical interpretations by Christians are placed under the microscope, revealing layers that many narratives leave concealed.Our episode culminates with a deep reflection fitting for Holy Week, exploring the realms of Christ's submission to divine will and the enigmatic doctrine of his descent into hell, known as "The Harrowing of Hell."  These are not just theological footnotes; they're pivotal to understanding the crux of Christian faith. It's a soul-searching expedition through scripture and doctrine, and whether you're a devout believer or a theological detective, there's something profound waiting for you here. Trump Hawking God Bless the USA bibleUS Aid to Gaza in one image @shaneclaiborneAn Evening with the Holy Post - w/ Malcolm, Kaitlyn Sciess, and Beth Barr - April 15The Church Doesn't Talk Much About Greed - Article interviewing Malcolm.  Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!On this week's podcast we explore the intersection of faith and sports and we're joined by Dr. Paul Putz, the Assistant Dire​ctor of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor's Truett Seminary.  Paul is a friend, basketball phenom, and a historian who has studied the long history of sports in America and the ebbs and flows of its relationship to Christianity.  Listen in to hear not only a historical perspective on the origins of sports like basketball and baseball, but to investigate whether Christians can rightly hold the Christian ethic while simultaneously competing and striving to beat their opponent.  We'll talk about capitalism, NIL, and the addictive nature of sports, as well as the good, the right, the true of using our bodies in games such as these.  To learn more you can  follow Paul on X/twitter: @p_emory, Threads/Instagram: @paulemoryputz, or subscribe to his Substack newsletter, Spirit of the Game or check out his website: https://www.paulemoryputz.com/Faith And Sports Institute at Baylor's Truett SeminaryAlso, read about how James Naismith's descendants recently visited with Paul and Baylor this past year.  Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Is doubt good or bad?  Why is it so hard to find a good Children's Bible?  And what do we do with Romans 13?  Some think its the Be-All argument to always submit to the government, while others see rebellion as the only godly response.   Tune in to hear the guys weigh all this against the backdrop of scripture.  Doubt is a Ladder, Not a Home - Brad East The Quest for a Good Children's Bible - Rabekah HendersonJesus Storybook Bible - Sally Lloyd JonesLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!On today’s podcast, Malcolm declares war on a certain pizza, we respond to some absurdity about empathy, feminism, and the church, revisit penal substitutionary atonement and respond to objections to the Christian Ethic of nonviolence in the world and from the bible.  For more resources on these subjects check out:Episode 21 – Atonement Theories w/ Dr. Jacob Randolph  The Scope and Power of Nonviolent Resistance | Matt. 5:9 | Slim ThompsonSinners in the Hands of a Loving God - Brian ZahndThe Day the Revolution Began, NT WrightConfronting Old Testament Controversies, Tremper LongmanIs God a Moral Monster – Paul CopanNonviolence – Preston SprinkleThe Bible Project- Judgement or CrueltyJoin us as we grapple with the profound implications of God's character and the radical subversion of power and victory through the lens of the cross.Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Should we be worried about DEI? Does Texas’ recent states rights argument set us up for a Civil War? And what do we think about the decline of trust in pastors? All that and we revisit the LGBTQ conversation from a listener’s questions.  Have more questions?  Write in hello@theologyinpieces.comLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!The Mailbag is FULL.  We respond to a number of listener emails, wrestle with some toxic takes of 1 Peter 3, and explore questions surrounding reformed theology.    Terrible Tweet: https://x.com/ronfilipkowski/status/1744860622024548646?s=46&t=Krugcu1bTKRpnPSMcKlWxw Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question! Your 2023 Theology in Pieces Wrapped is here.  Listen in to hear ours and maybe your BEST thing you read, listened to, watched, and learned.  What surprised you this year?  And what are you Most looking forward to in 2024?  This episode was more reflective, more personal, and more hopeful than most!  But you heard our best.... what's yours? $2.00 A Day - Kathryn Edin and Luke Shaefer All Riches Come from Injustice - Stephen MorrisonPoverty By America - Matthew Desmond---Atomic Habits - James ClearThe Happiness Hypothesis - Jonathan HeidtStill Time to Care - Greg JohnsonLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Do you prefer Blue or Pink?  Action Movies or love novels?  Sports or nah?Today we unpack societal perceptions of gender roles, gender stereotypes, and gender-specific commands in the scripture. We rethink  the one-size-fits-all definition of biblical manhood and womanhood as we survey some of today's leading thinkers views on what it means to be a man and woman.  We can't wait for you to listen and respond!Non Toxic Masculinity - By Zachary WagnerRead some of the articles mentioned here:4 P's of MasculinityA Celebration of Biblical MasculinityDesiring God Article  - "Grooming the Next Generation"The Terrible Tweet of the Day: No Quarter NovemberLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Join us as we attempt to unscramble the unique challenges facing the church's same-sex attracted believers. We respond to listener questions on the feasibility of celibacy,  eternal destiny's, and practically how these things play out in the church, all the while highlighting the importance of humility when navigating these conversations, reminding ourselves to focus on "the log in our eyes" before pointing out "the speck in someone else's."And let's not forget the important things like: background music and holiday debates. When is the ideal time to put up Christmas decorations? Real or fake Christmas trees? Is Turkey the most overrated tradition ever?Whether you're interested in theological discourse or looking for some holiday decor inspiration, this episode offers a rich blend of thought-provoking discussions and lighthearted banter. Join the conversation and listen in!Like, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.

Send us a Question!Unearth the profound intricacies of spiritual friendships, the Southern Baptist Convention controversy and, surprisingly, horror movies, as we journey alongside our guest, Eve Tushnet. Eve, an award-winning author (Gay and Catholic), blogger and freelance writer, brings her unique insights and experiences to shed light on these thought-provoking topics. The episode takes a bold turn as we grapple with the recent controversies within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) - an amicus brief related to a child abuse case that has far-reaching implications for abuse survivors. We scrutinize the challenging decisions institutions face in such circumstances, highlighting the importance of doing what's right, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. The conversation shifts to the sphere of adoption, ignited by a controversial tweet, sparking a debate on moral obligations and the potential harms and implications of adoption on identity formation.But what’s a conversation without a little touch of the macabre? Eve introduces us to her love for horror movies, sharing her reviews of international Catholic horror films and American classics, and uncovering the unexpected ways horror films can bring messages of hope. To round off this enlightening discussion, we delve into the practical aspects of deepening friendships, with Eve sharing her advice on building and maintaining these crucial relationships. Packed with honest dialogue and intriguing insights, this episode promises to be a riveting exploration of faith, friendship, and films. So, why wait? Tune in and join the conversation.Books by Eve TushnetFollow her @ evetushnet.substack.comLike, subscribe, rate please!! Then share with a friend! For more information, you can follow us athttps://www.theologyinpieces.com/Theology in Pieces on Instagram - @theologyinpieces Email us by emailing hello@theologyinpieces.comMalcolm Foley - on twitter @MalcolmBFoleySlim Thompson on twitter @wacoslimFor more information on the church, check us out at www.mosaicwaco.org or on instagram.