264 episodes

The New Evangelicals Podcast is here to push the Evangelical Church forward and to re-think how it approaches key cultural issues.

The New Evangelicals Podcast Tim Whitaker

    • Religion & Spirituality

The New Evangelicals Podcast is here to push the Evangelical Church forward and to re-think how it approaches key cultural issues.

    250. TNE TALKS: The Problem with Criminalizing Addiction // Christina Dent

    250. TNE TALKS: The Problem with Criminalizing Addiction // Christina Dent

    Summary
    Christina Dent shares her journey of changing her perspective on drugs and addiction, leading her to start the organization End It For Good. She discusses the importance of understanding the underlying causes of addiction and the need for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy. She also highlights the challenges of changing deeply ingrained beliefs and the role of faith in this process. Christina emphasizes the need to challenge the status quo and the financial incentives that perpetuate the current system. The conversation explores different solutions to the drug addiction crisis and the need to rethink our approach in the US. Christina discusses the challenges faced by family members and law enforcement in addressing addiction and the harmful effects of punishment and blame. The conversation also delves into the importance of legal regulation to ensure consumer safety and reduce crime. It highlights the need for accessible and affordable healthcare, livable wages, and social infrastructure to support individuals struggling with addiction. The conversation concludes by mentioning Switzerland as a country that has implemented innovative approaches to drug addiction, such as heroin-assisted treatment.
    Takeaways
    Understanding the underlying causes of addiction is crucial for developing effective solutions.
    Changing deeply ingrained beliefs and challenging the status quo can be difficult but necessary.
    There are financial incentives that perpetuate the current drug policy system.
    Faith can play a role in shaping one's perspective on addiction and compassion.
    A more compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy is needed. Rethinking our approach to drug addiction is necessary to address the crisis effectively.
    Punishment and blame are not effective in helping individuals struggling with addiction.
    Legal regulation is crucial to ensure consumer safety and reduce crime related to drug addiction.
    Accessible healthcare, livable wages, and social infrastructure are essential in supporting individuals with addiction.
    Switzerland has implemented innovative approaches, such as heroin-assisted treatment, to address drug addiction.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    02:31 Changing Perspectives on Drugs and Addiction
    08:19 Challenging the Status Quo in Drug Policy
    13:16 The Role of Faith in Shaping Perspectives
    23:46 The Need for a Compassionate and Evidence-Based Approach
    28:45 Approaching Loved Ones with Addiction
    31:32 The Ineffectiveness of Arresting Drug Dealers
    35:29 Addressing Contaminated Drugs through Legal Regulation
    39:36 The Need for Accessible Healthcare and Livable Wages
    46:36 Switzerland's Innovative Approaches to Drug Addiction
    Read Curious by Christina Dent
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    The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.
    We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here!
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    • 1 hr 1 min
    249. TNE RECAPS: Sean Feucht v. Taylor Swift

    249. TNE RECAPS: Sean Feucht v. Taylor Swift

    Summary
    In this conversation, Tim and April discuss Taylor Swift's new album and the criticism it has received from some conservative Christians. They address the accusations of blasphemy and witchcraft, as well as the critique of explicit lyrics. They also highlight the hypocrisy of supporting Donald Trump while condemning Swift's music. The conversation reveals the subjective nature of art interpretation and the need for self-reflection within religious communities. In this conversation, Tim and April discuss the misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding the concepts of witchcraft, demons, and Christian nationalism. They critique the views of Sean Feucht, a Christian musician and activist, who uses buzzwords like witches and demons without fully understanding their historical and cultural contexts. They also highlight the financial motivations behind Feucht's activism and his association with other controversial figures like Mark Driscoll and Eric Metaxas. The conversation touches on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of Christian Zionism, as well as the harmful effects of fear-based ideologies and the importance of respecting individual beliefs.
    Takeaways
    The criticism of Taylor Swift's album by conservative Christians reveals the subjective nature of art interpretation.
    Accusations of blasphemy and witchcraft are based on selective reading and misinterpretation of lyrics.
    The hypocrisy of supporting Donald Trump while condemning Swift's music exposes the double standards within some religious communities.
    Misunderstandings and misconceptions about witchcraft and demons are prevalent, often fueled by a lack of historical and cultural context.
    Some Christian activists, like Sean Feucht, use buzzwords without fully understanding their meanings, leading to misrepresentations and fear-based ideologies.
    Christian nationalism often promotes a narrow and exclusionary view of Christianity, disregarding the diversity of beliefs within the faith.
    Respecting individual beliefs and avoiding the imposition of one's own beliefs on others is crucial for fostering understanding and dialogue.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Mispronunciations
    07:06 Engaging with Different Perspectives on LGBTQ+ Affirmation
    27:27 Sean Feucht's Urgent Message and Misguided Critiques
    35:26 The Subjectivity of Art Interpretation and the Need for Self-Reflection
    45:52 Navigating the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict with Nuance
    52:56 Respecting Individual Beliefs and Avoiding Imposition
    Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!
    If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!
    Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals 
    Subscribe On YouTube
    The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.
    We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here!
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    • 1 hr 18 min
    248. TNE RESPONDS: Exiles In Babylon Recap // Tim Whitaker

    248. TNE RESPONDS: Exiles In Babylon Recap // Tim Whitaker

    Summary
    Tim recaps his experience attending the Exiles in Babylon conference and shares his thoughts on the event. The conference covered various topics such as Israel and Palestine, deconstruction and reconstruction, women and patriarchy, LGBTQ+ issues, and politics in the church. Tim discusses the controversy surrounding the event due to the host, Preston Sprinkle, holding a non-affirming stance on LGBTQ+ issues. He shares his own conflicted perspective on the matter. Tim also highlights the diversity of speakers and attendees at the conference and the positive conversations that took place.
    Takeaways
    The Exiles in Babylon conference covered a range of topics that are currently in the cultural zeitgeist.
    The event was controversial due to the host, Preston Sprinkle, holding a non-affirming stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
    The conference had a diverse range of speakers and attendees, fostering positive and thought-provoking conversations.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
    06:32 Tim's Role at the Conference
    10:34 Protesters and Criticism
    15:47 The Burden of Side B Perspectives
    25:40 Changing Perspectives and Encouragement
    29:47 Supporting the Work of Project Amplify
    Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!
    If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!
    Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals 
    Subscribe On YouTube
    The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.
    We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here!
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    • 37 min
    247. TNE TALKS: Compassion is Not Political // Bri Stensrud

    247. TNE TALKS: Compassion is Not Political // Bri Stensrud

    Summary
    Bri Stensrud, founder of Women of Welcome, and author of the book, Starts with Welcome: The Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation, discusses her passion for the immigration conversation and how it changed her personal and professional life. Bri reflects on the disconnect between the evangelical culture she grew up in and the reality of the immigration issue, and how it led her to question her faith, politics, and personal life. 

    Takeaways
    The immigration conversation is complex and goes beyond legal and illegal distinctions; it involves understanding the holistic stories of individuals affected by violence, corrupt governments, and civil war.
    The evangelical culture often prioritizes self-preservation and curated spaces over sacrificially living for others, which can lead to a disconnect between faith and compassionate action.
    Compassion for immigrants and refugees is not a political stance but a prophetic movement rooted in the teachings of Jesus.
    Engaging in the immigration conversation requires holding elected officials accountable, advocating for change, and recognizing that no political platform aligns perfectly with pro-immigrant values. Meeting people where they are in their understanding of immigration issues is important for fostering compassion and understanding.

    Chapters
    00:00 The Transformative Power of Encounters
    03:46 The Disconnect Between Evangelical Culture and the Reality of the Immigration Issue
    08:41 Moving Beyond Legal vs. Illegal
    12:18 The Need for a Prophetic Movement: Compassion as a Spiritual Responsibility
    27:53 Compassion and Understanding in Immigration Conversations
    30:24 Starts with Welcome: A Faith-Filled Perspective on Immigration
    33:44 Addressing the Broken Immigration System and the Need for Reform
    41:37 Proximity and Compassion: Essential Elements in Immigration Advocacy
    Read Start with Welcome by Bri Stensrud
    Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!
    If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!
    Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals 
    Subscribe On YouTube
    The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.
    We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 3 min
    246. TNE RECAPS: Mark Driscoll Needs Therapy

    246. TNE RECAPS: Mark Driscoll Needs Therapy

    Summary
    In this conversation, Tim and April discuss the recent events involving Josh Howerton and Mark Driscoll. They talk about Josh's apology and the similarities between his apology and another pastor's apology. They also discuss Mark's controversial remarks at the Stronger Men's Conference and his use of the Jezebel spirit trope. The conversation delves into the problematic nature of these actions and the reactions from the audience and online community. In this conversation, Tim and April discuss the recent controversy surrounding Mark Driscoll and his involvement in the Stronger Men's Conference. They explore the dynamics of the charismatic world and its tendency to look for demons everywhere, as well as the intersection of Christian nationalism and charismatic beliefs. They also highlight the lack of accountability and the documented legacy of abuse associated with Mark Driscoll. The conversation touches on the internalized misogyny within evangelical circles and the problematic views on women's modesty. They conclude by discussing the recent developments involving John Lindell and his call for Mark Driscoll to repent.
    Takeaways
    Apologies should be genuine and not copied from others
    Using the Jezebel spirit trope is sexist and misogynistic
    Mark Driscoll's actions and remarks are calculated and attention-seeking
    The reactions from the audience and online community reveal the problematic nature of these actions. The charismatic world is often primed to look for demons everywhere, and this tendency is amplified when combined with Christian nationalist beliefs.
    Mark Driscoll has a history of abuse and a lack of accountability, yet he continues to gain a following and promote his new book.
    There is a prevalent issue of internalized misogyny within evangelical circles, with many women defending Mark Driscoll despite his problematic views and treatment of women.
    John Lindell has called out Mark Driscoll for his actions and has received death threats as a result.
    The concept of 'modesty' in evangelical circles is often misused and places the burden on women to manage men's thoughts and actions.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Setting
    07:07 Josh Howerton's Apology and Plagiarism
    31:26 Mark's Calculated Actions and Reactions
    43:04 John Lindell's Call for Mark Driscoll to Repent
    Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!
    If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!
    Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals 
    Subscribe On YouTube
    The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.
    We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 11 min
    245. TNE RESPONDS: This Might Change the Church Forever Pt. 1 // Tim Whitaker and Dan Koch

    245. TNE RESPONDS: This Might Change the Church Forever Pt. 1 // Tim Whitaker and Dan Koch

    Summary
    In this conversation, Tim Whitaker and Dan Koch discuss the upcoming book by Richard B. Hayes, a respected New Testament scholar, titled 'The Widening of God's Mercy: A Thoroughly Biblical Account of LGBTQ Affirmation in the Church.' They explore the potential impact of the book and the various reactions it has received. They also discuss the importance of acknowledging the harm caused by previous non-affirming positions and the need for an apology. They consider the strategic implications of the book and its potential to shift the conversation in white evangelical spaces. They highlight the importance of listening to the voices of queer Christian scholars and the potential for the book to provide validation and support for those navigating their faith and sexuality. In this conversation, Tim Whitaker and Dan Koch discuss the complexities of personal beliefs and the influence of family and media. They explore the idea of holding contradictory views and the importance of integration and growth.
    Takeaways
    Richard B. Hayes, a respected New Testament scholar, has written a book titled 'The Widening of God's Mercy: A Thoroughly Biblical Account of LGBTQ Affirmation in the Church.'
    The book has received various reactions, ranging from skepticism to hopefulness.
    It is important to acknowledge the harm caused by previous non-affirming positions and to apologize for the damage done.
    The book has the potential to make a significant impact in white evangelical spaces, particularly among the rank and file members of churches.
    The strategic implications of the book should be considered, as it may provide validation and support for those navigating their faith and sexuality.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    06:47 Reactions and Expectations
    26:52 Validation and Support for Navigating Faith and Sexuality
    42:28 The Importance of Integration and Growth
    Connect with Dan Koch
    Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community!
    If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!
    Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals 
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    The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.
    We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 57 min

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