Theology Lab: Courage & Curiosity for Everyday Faith

Scott Rice

Theology Lab is a podcast for everyday Christians in search of a theological vision when simple answers aren't enough. We focus on connecting questions of faith with approachable conversations in theology, interpreting the Bible (Scripture), and life in the church. It's a podcast, with different offerings (series, like Beyond Simple Answers), that explores a working theological vision (key beliefs) for folks who consider themselves as curious, as asking questions about their faith (e.g., deconstruction, evangelicalism and post-evangelicalism), and looking for helpful ways forward. In our Beyond Simple Answers podcast (a Theology Lab series), we explore a theological vision for faith, in the form conversations, that responds to simple answers to important questions that often fall short -- and what different responses to questions can look like. Episodes on Theology Lab consist of conversational interviews with a range of guests, from public figures like David Brooks and Kristin Kobes Du Mez, to biblical scholars like Tim Mackie, church leaders, theologians, and more. Theology Lab values an approach to faith that is open to questions and comfortable with nuance. It's a place for those who see themselves as theologically curious. How can we be both grounded while pursuing a vibrant, expansive kind of faith? Theology Lab is offered by Highrock church. These discussions (available here and on YouTube as free resources) focus on important issues of our time – past topics include the state of American evangelicalism, God and money, interpreting Scripture, and theology through the lens of different cultural and ethnic experiences (Black theology, Asian American theology), evil (theodicy), and more. Our website is www.theologylab.org, and you can Scott for more info: theologylab@highrock.org https://www.instagram.com/theologylab1/ https://twitter.com/Theology_Lab

  1. Oct 19

    Nicholas Kristof and Russell Moore on the Problem of Suffering: What Can We Do?

    How do we respond to evil without becoming cynical or losing hope? How do we change our minds? On Theology Lab, journalist Nicholas Kristof (New York Times) and theologian Russell Moore (Christianity Today, editor-at-large) join a conversation about moral courage, human suffering, and the difficult work of doing good in a broken world. Drawing on stories from their lives and work, they explore how people change their minds, what helps us care about others’ suffering, and how faith can inspire action rather than a pursuit of political power. They also discuss Christian nationalism, the lessons of people who confront injustice, and the meaning of Jesus’ prayer, “Deliver us from evil.” 📚 Nicholas Kristof: Chasing Hope: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720814/chasing-hope-by-nicholas-d-kristof/ 📚 Russell Moore: Losing Our Religion: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/71872910-losing-our-religion ➡️ Here's the episode page on Theology lab's website: https://www.theologylab.org/podcast/kristof-moore-problem-of-suffering 00:00 Moral Courage in the Face of Evil 02:18 The People Who Inspired Their Moral Courage 05:28 When Should Christians Speak Out? 08:57 Reporting on Human Tragedy and Injustice 11:39 Can You Change Society Without Political Power? 16:53 What Human Suffering Teaches Us About Humanity 19:25 Desmond Tutu, Evil, and the Power of Hope 21:07 How Experience Changes Our Minds 23:24 Why People Change Their Minds 28:18 Is Evangelicalism at a Turning Point? 31:12 What Christians Around the World Can Teach Us 35:58 How Do We Get People to Care About Suffering? 38:36 What Jesus Teaches Us About Empathy 40:50 “Deliver Us from Evil”: Prayer That Leads to Action 45:28 Christian Nationalism and the Christian Faith 49:10 Finding Hope in the Worst of Circumstances 51:18 Signs of Hope in a Cynical World 52:05 Closing Thoughts

    Nicholas Kristof and Russell Moore on the Problem of Suffering: What Can We Do?
  2. Oct 13

    Would Would A Perfect AI Chatbot (Godbot) Lack? Andy Crouch, Part 2

    Can AI replace a pastor? Can artificial intelligence answer spiritual questions, teach Christian faith, or help us become wiser? In this Theology Lab conversation, Andy Crouch joins Scott and Greg at Theology lab to explore AI and Christianity, artificial intelligence and faith, spiritual formation, human flourishing, and the limits of technology. We ask why getting the right answers is not the same as growing in wisdom, why love requires more than pattern recognition, and why human presence and sacrificial love cannot be reduced to information. As AI tools become more capable, what should Christians embrace, question, or refuse? Does AI threaten human purpose? Can it help us discern something important about what it means to be human? Key topics: - Can AI replace pastors, teachers, or spiritual mentors? - What is the difference between (artificial) information and spiritual formation? - Can artificial intelligence understand love? - What does the resurrection of Jesus have to do with human flourishing? - Why don’t Christians need to respond to AI with fear? - How can technology become an idol? - What should Christian educators protect in an age of AI? ➡️ Learn more about Theology Lab: theologylab.org ➡️ Check out more from Andy & Praxis: https://course.praxis.co/ 📚Check out a list of Andy's books: https://andy-crouch.com/ 📚 Andy's redemptive thesis on AI: https://journal.praxis.co/a-redemptive-thesis-for-artificial-intelligence-ff7dafdd01b5 #ArtificialIntelligence #Christianity #AndyCrouch #AIandFaith #TheologyLab 00:00 Could We Build the Ultimate AI Pastor? 00:56 Can AI Give Us All the Right Answers? 02:25 Why Information Isn’t Enough for Spiritual Growth 03:30 Jesus, the Resurrection, and New Possibilities 06:00 Why AI Cannot Replace Sacrificial Love 07:37 AI, Pattern Recognition, and the Meaning of Love 09:36 What AI Reveals About Being Human 10:55 Why Christians Don’t Need to Fear AI 12:00 Human Purpose in an Age of AI 13:26 Is AI Making Spiritual Answers Too Easy? 14:35 The Spiritual Cost of Always Taking the Fastest Route 18:14 AI in Christian Education: What Should We Protect?

    Would Would A Perfect AI Chatbot (Godbot) Lack? Andy Crouch, Part 2
  3. Oct 6

    Andy Crouch on What AI Can (and Can't) Do: Sacrifice, Love & Being Human, Part 1

    What does artificial intelligence mean for Christian faith, human relationships, spiritual formation, and the future of what it means to be human? In this conversation, Scott Rice and Greg Fung talk with author and theologian Andy Crouch about AI, faith, technology, and the surprising importance of friction in our lives. Andy argues that a life without resistance may sound ideal, but friction is essential for developing strength, wisdom, emotional maturity, and deep relationships. As AI increasingly removes friction from work, thinking, communication, and even relationships, what might we lose? They explore AI and emotional companionship, AI-generated sermons, whether pastors should use AI to write sermons, how Christians can use AI wisely, and why AI may actually be helping us ask deeper theological questions about God and humanity. Andy also explains why Christians should not fear AI—and why our neighbors may need Christians to articulate why human beings matter. A thoughtful conversation about artificial intelligence, Christianity, technology, human flourishing, and spiritual formation. ➡️ Learn more about Theology Lab: theologylab.org ➡️ Check out more from Andy & Praxis: https://course.praxis.co/ 📚Check out a list of Andy's books: https://andy-crouch.com/ 📚 Andy's redemptive thesis on AI: https://journal.praxis.co/a-redemptive-thesis-for-artificial-intelligence-ff7dafdd01b5

    Andy Crouch on What AI Can (and Can't) Do: Sacrifice, Love & Being Human, Part 1
  4. Sep 15

    Kristin Kobes Du Mez - The Making of Modern Christian Womanhood

    Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Theology Lab for a conversation on evangelicalism, Christian women, Christianity and gender, women and Christianity, and biblical inerrancy, drawing from her new book (linked) Live, Laugh, Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World They Made. This is a conversation that looks at, why are people leaving Christianity? Why do some stay? What does theology and the Bible say about women? And how does these topics connect to gender roles in Christianity. Longer description: In this wide-ranging interview, Du Mez explores the history of American evangelicalism, Christian women, holiness theology, New Thought, positive thinking, biblical inerrancy, gender roles, and the culture of Christian femininity. She explains how ideas about perfection, positivity, obedience, and doubt have shaped white Christian womanhood and American Christianity—and how these theological traditions continue to influence the church today. We also discuss Christian women influencers, the rise of blogs and social media, evangelical women's ministries, and the changing landscape of Christian culture. Du Mez asks listeners to reconsider what we assume is timeless Christian teaching and asks how history can lead to greater discernment, wisdom, and compassion. Topics: Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Live Laugh Love, American evangelicalism, Christian women, Christian history, holiness theology, New Thought, biblical inerrancy, gender roles, Christian femininity, and evangelical culture. On inerrancy (mentioned during the episode): https://defendinginerrancy.com/chicago-statements/ www.theologylab.org

    Kristin Kobes Du Mez - The Making of Modern Christian Womanhood
  5. Jul 1

    What's Tim Mackie's Take on Divine Violence in the Bible and Jesus?

    The BibleProject's Tim Mackie gives his take of divine violence in the Bible and the way of Jesus, including his death for enemies. How does he hold a "mosaic" of images that come from Scripture together? In this Theology Lab conversation, Tim Mackie of The BibleProject (the Bible Project) joins us for the second part of our interview. The first part looked at the origins of evil and key patterns in Genesis 1–11. This episode focuses on the challenge of violence in Scripture, especially passages where God commands violence and how those passages might be understood in light of the revelation of God in Jesus. These are difficult questions, and Tim shares how he is continually thinking through them. Scott notes at the beginning how he's struck by Tim Mackie's ongoing reflections on this topic (and his willingness to rethink previously held positions), while Greg gets the conversation started by asking Tim to walk us through certain parts of Scripture that look at violence in the Bible, like Noah and the flood, the book of Joshua, and the death of Jesus. Theology Lab is about encouraging curiosity and courage for an everyday faith. The follow up episode will look at a topic related to our Beyond Simpe Answer series which focuses on pursuing a theological vision when simple answers aren't enough. Learn more about the BibleProject at: bibleproject.com Theology Lab's website is: theologylab.org #TimMackie #BibleProject #ProblemOfEvil

    What's Tim Mackie's Take on Divine Violence in the Bible and Jesus?
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About

Theology Lab is a podcast for everyday Christians in search of a theological vision when simple answers aren't enough. We focus on connecting questions of faith with approachable conversations in theology, interpreting the Bible (Scripture), and life in the church. It's a podcast, with different offerings (series, like Beyond Simple Answers), that explores a working theological vision (key beliefs) for folks who consider themselves as curious, as asking questions about their faith (e.g., deconstruction, evangelicalism and post-evangelicalism), and looking for helpful ways forward. In our Beyond Simple Answers podcast (a Theology Lab series), we explore a theological vision for faith, in the form conversations, that responds to simple answers to important questions that often fall short -- and what different responses to questions can look like. Episodes on Theology Lab consist of conversational interviews with a range of guests, from public figures like David Brooks and Kristin Kobes Du Mez, to biblical scholars like Tim Mackie, church leaders, theologians, and more. Theology Lab values an approach to faith that is open to questions and comfortable with nuance. It's a place for those who see themselves as theologically curious. How can we be both grounded while pursuing a vibrant, expansive kind of faith? Theology Lab is offered by Highrock church. These discussions (available here and on YouTube as free resources) focus on important issues of our time – past topics include the state of American evangelicalism, God and money, interpreting Scripture, and theology through the lens of different cultural and ethnic experiences (Black theology, Asian American theology), evil (theodicy), and more. Our website is www.theologylab.org, and you can Scott for more info: theologylab@highrock.org https://www.instagram.com/theologylab1/ https://twitter.com/Theology_Lab

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