Theology In Pieces

Slim and Malcolm

Join Slim Thompson, Malcolm Foley and many more to discuss and 'Apply the Gospel' into little bite sized pieces every week. email hello@theologyinpieces.com to ask questions or reach out.

read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality
ChristianityChristianity

Episodes

54 - Christian Centrism, Power, and Justice with Adam Joyce
Oct 31 2024
54 - Christian Centrism, Power, and Justice with Adam Joyce
Send us a Question!Can Christian centrism truly address the complexities of wealth, power, and racial injustice, or does it fall short of delivering meaningful change? Our latest episode welcomes Adam Joyce, a Chicago-based nonprofit consultant, who challenges the notion that centrist approaches can adequately tackle these pressing issues. We lament the recent article critiquing the positive examples of fatherhood and gender roles surrounding the cartoon "Bluey."  And we confront the tendency to misrepresent political opponents while excusing allies with the recent "Jesus is Lord" protestors at a Kamala rally.  Our conversation moves beyond mere rhetoric, urging listeners to focus on policies that impact the marginalized and oppressed. Lastly, we explore Christian socialism, and question how faith can drive real-world change and not just personal growth. Take a listen and let us know where you agree and where you don't!  The Bluey Article...."How a beloved children's cartoon turns fathers into mothers — and what the Bible says about it""At the Wrong Rally" tweetIf there is a “third way”, this isn’t it: How Christian centrists acquiesce to America’s broken political system - Adam JoyceAdam Joyce is the assistant director of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management and has written for a range of publications, including Christian Century, ABC Religion & Ethics, as well as other publications. His forthcoming book, No More Pharaohs: Christianity, Racial Capitalism, and Socialism will be published with Cascade Books. Email him @ Adam.c.joyce@gmail.com  For more articles from him, check out: THE CHURCH ISN’T ANTI-FASCIST ... YETYOU CAN'T RELATIONSHIP YOUR WAY OUT OF RACIAL CAPITALISMCIVILITY POLICING OBSCURES OUR POLITICAL REALITY--------Gustavo Gutierrez - A Theology of LiberationAbolition Of White Democracy – Joel Olson (not Osteen) 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.
53 - Storytelling, Faith, and Curiosity with Stephen James
Oct 3 2024
53 - Storytelling, Faith, and Curiosity with Stephen James
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.
47 - Whose Fault Is It Anyway? The Poor, Trump, and a Way Forward.
Jun 6 2024
47 - Whose Fault Is It Anyway? The Poor, Trump, and a Way Forward.
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.
44 - Christian Nationalism with Dr. Andrew Whitehead
Apr 18 2024
44 - Christian Nationalism with Dr. Andrew Whitehead
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.
43 - USA Bibles, Israel, and Holy Week Questions
Mar 27 2024
43 - USA Bibles, Israel, and Holy Week Questions
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.
42 - Can You Be a Christian AND an Athlete with Paul Putz?
Mar 9 2024
42 - Can You Be a Christian AND an Athlete with Paul Putz?
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.