Bespectacled and Curious

Jonathan Tysick
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Making faith, theology, and culture a little more human and a little less blurry. I’m Jonathan Tysick, a Canadian living in South Africa. I wear a lot of glasses and have a lot of questions. I have theology degrees from two continents and am currently working on a third (degree and continent) — which just means I have even more (hopefully better) questions than when I started. This is primarily an interview show where I get to know and interrogate Christian scholars, artists, and other thoughtful people about things that matter. If you enjoy curious, honest, conversation, please follow along.

  1. Sep 21

    #13 Wm. Paul Young: Return to the Shack, Christian Universalism, and Why He Thinks You Can't Be Pro-Life and Support the Death Penalty

    Wm. Paul Young, author of The Shack, joins me to talk about God, restorative justice, Christian universalism, and his forthcoming book Return to the Shack. Young reflects on what has changed—and what hasn't—since The Shack, including the pressures of writing, the temptation toward anxiety and control, and why he sees his vocation as a kind of translation. We talk about his understanding of God as fundamentally nonviolent and loving, his rejection of retributive justice, and his conviction that “vengeance doesn't heal anything.” We also get into some of his most controversial theological convictions. Why does Young reject eternal conscious torment? What does he mean by Christian universalism and the redemption of all things? Why does he reject the idea of original sin or a fixed “sin nature”? And how does he understand human agency if ultimately no one can be separated from God? Young also explains why he believes you cannot be genuinely pro-life while supporting the death penalty, and connects his thinking about capital punishment with his broader understanding of God, justice, and healing. Along the way, we discuss The Shack, Cross Roads, Eve, Lies We Believe About God, the criticism he has received, the influence of the Church Fathers, his experience of recovering from childhood sexual abuse, and why he believes we don't come to healing in isolation.

    #13 Wm. Paul Young: Return to the Shack, Christian Universalism, and Why He Thinks You Can't Be Pro-Life and Support the Death Penalty

  2. Sep 4

    #12 Revive Your Bible Reading: 10 Free, Fun Resources Worth Watching, Listening & Reading

    Struggling to read the Bible? Or maybe you’ve started a Bible reading plan three times this year and somehow keep falling off the wagon? You’re not alone.Sometimes we just need to approach the Bible from a different angle. So in this video, I’m sharing some of my favourite multimedia resources for engaging Scripture, things you can watch, listen to, and readwhen your usual Bible routine starts feeling a little stale.Some of these are well-known, others are seriously underrated. The goal isn’t to replace actually reading the Bible, but to help us encounter these ancient texts in ways that might make us want to come back to them.📖 Resources Covered:-Lumo Project: Word-for-word Gospel films that bring the biblical text to life, available in more than 1,540 languages.-The Chosen: The hugely popular crowdfunded series depicting the ministry of Jesus.-“Can I Trust the Bible?” Series: A three-part documentary from Apologetics Canada looking at where the Bible came from and why Christians should—or shouldn’t—trust it.-The Visual Commentary on Scripture: A fantastic British project that combines high-resolution artwork with scholarly commentary on individual biblical passages.-EveryPsalm by Poor Bishop Hooper: A collection of songs working through the Psalms and capturing their surprisingly wide emotional range.-Creative Audio Bibles: From the NIV Dramatized Bible to Streetlights’ hip-hop-infused reading of the NLT and Rhythm and Bible’s musical retelling of the New Testament, there are some really creative ways to listen to Scripture.-Bible-Based Fiction: Novels and immersive retellings written by New Testament scholars including Bruce Longenecker, Holly Beers, David deSilva, Ben Witherington III, and Paula Gooder. ‪-Accessible Bible Commentaries: If you want something more substantial than a devotional but less intimidating than a massive academic commentary, check out resources like the Bible for Everyone series by John Goldingay and N. T. Wright ‪Scot McKnight’s New Testament Everyday Bible Studies ‪and William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible. ‪‬ 🔗 Read the original article:I originally wrote about these resources in the July/August 2026 issue of Faith Today. You can read the full article here.

    #12 Revive Your Bible Reading: 10 Free, Fun Resources Worth Watching, Listening & Reading

  3. Aug 5

    #11 Warren Carter: Why Did Jesus Die? The Roman Empire and the New Testament

    How much did the Roman Empire shape the life, ministry, and death of Jesus? And what happens when we stop treating Rome as the background of the New Testament and instead recognize it as the foreground? In this episode, I sit down with New Testament scholar Warren Carter, one of the leading voices in New Testament empire studies, to explore how the Roman Empire transforms the way we read Jesus, Paul, and the early Christian movement. We discuss why Jesus was crucified historically, what it meant to confess that "Jesus is Lord" in the first century, and whether Jesus and Paul can rightly be understood as confronting the Roman imperial order. Along the way we explore: Why the Roman Empire is the foreground—not merely the background—of the New Testament.Why Jesus had "a death sentence written all over him."Different ways the early Christians navigated empire, from accommodation to nonviolent resistance.Pontius Pilate and common historical misunderstandings.Herod, taxation, emperor worship, food systems, and everyday life in the first century.Whether Paul's collection for Jerusalem functioned as an anti-imperial act.Carter's response to critics of empire studies.How the Christmas story challenges powerful rulers.How an empire-centered reading reshapes our understanding of salvation.The importance of historical work alongside theological reflection.What contemporary Christians can learn about power, empire, and faithful witness today.Whether you're a pastor, student, scholar, or simply curious about the historical world of Jesus, this conversation offers a rich introduction to one of the most influential approaches to reading the New Testament.

  4. Jul 22

    #10 Why Another Theology Podcast? The Vision of Bespectacled and Curious

    In this mini solo episode I simply discuss why I created this show, some of its distinctives and what I hope will come out of it. Thanks for listening!

    #10 Why Another Theology Podcast? The Vision of Bespectacled and Curious

  5. Jul 8

    #9 Beverly Roberts Gaventa: Romans, Paul, Phoebe, and the "Apocalyptic" Gospel

    For decades Beverly Roberts Gaventa has been one of the world's leading Pauline scholars. In this conversation we explore one of the Bible's most influential—and most misunderstood—letters. We discuss: • Why Romans is not a "Romans Road" • What an apocalyptic reading of Paul actually means • Why Sin and Death are more than bad habits • Paul's use of the Old Testament • Phoebe's crucial role in delivering and interpreting Romans • Women in church leadership • Douglas Campbell's reading of Romans • Israel in Romans 9–11 and contemporary questions • Gaventa's nearly twenty years of writing her Romans commentary • Criticisms of her interpretation • How scholarship has shaped her own faith • The mentors who influenced her • What she has changed her mind about over her career • What keeps her curious after decades of studying Paul • What gives her hope—and concern—for today's church Whether you're a pastor, student, scholar, or simply someone who has always wanted to understand Romans better, this conversation offers a rich introduction to one of the New Testament's greatest letters.

    #9 Beverly Roberts Gaventa: Romans, Paul, Phoebe, and the "Apocalyptic" Gospel

  6. Jun 18

    #8 Ben Finfrock (@fintatstic): Tattoos, Art & Why Christian Culture is Too Safe

    What can tattoos teach us about beauty, meaning, creativity, and the human experience? In this episode I speak with my dear friend Ben Finfrock for a conversation on faith, tattoos, art, beauty, and the human body. Ben shares his journey to Christian faith and how he found his vocation as a tattoo artist. Along the way, he reflects on the theology of tattoos, the role of conscience in Christian decision-making, and why many people seem more concerned about their parents' opinions than God's when considering their first tattoo. Drawing from thousands of hours spent working closely with clients, Ben discusses what tattooing has taught him about identity, belonging, beauty, and the deep human desire to create meaning. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craft itself—from designing tattoos and working with different bodies to developing artistic skill and finding his own creative voice. The conversation expands beyond tattooing to explore the nature of art, whether there is such a thing as "Christian art," and what artists can teach the church about beauty, culture, and human flourishing. Ben also discusses his work helping lead an art gallery in Paris, the relationship between theology and artistic interpretation, and why he believes Christians should engage more deeply with the wider world of art and culture. Topics discussed include: Becoming a Christian and a tattoo artist Tattoos, theology, and Christian conscience The beauty and significance of the human body What tattooing reveals about human nature The creative process behind designing tattoos The tattoos Ben refuses to do Art, meaning, and interpretation The church's relationship with art and culture Christian artists and creative vocation Connect with Ben: Instagram: @fintatstic TikTok: @fintatstic

    #8 Ben Finfrock (@fintatstic): Tattoos, Art & Why Christian Culture is Too Safe

  7. Jun 2

    #7 Ruth Padilla DeBorst: Integral Mission, Evangelism, Social Justice, and the Future of the Church

    What is integral mission, and why has it become one of the most influential concepts in global Christianity? In this episode, I chat with theologian Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst to explore the relationship between evangelism and social justice, the future of the church, and what faithful Christian witness looks like in today's world. Ruth reflects on the legacy of her parents, René and Catherine Padilla, and shares how experiences of hospitality, community, and ministry shaped her understanding of the gospel. We discuss the origins and significance of integral mission, concerns about contemporary evangelicalism, the importance of ecumenical collaboration, and what gives her hope for the global church. We also explore intentional Christian community, theology from the margins, creation care, the influence of context on theology, and her involvement with organizations such as the Lausanne Movement, the Global Christian Forum, and A Rocha. Finally, Ruth shares how profound personal suffering—including the murder of her first husband—has shaped her understanding of God, discipleship, and hope. Topics discussed include: • Integral mission • Evangelism and social justice • René Padilla and Latin American theology • The Lausanne Movement • Ecumenism and Christian unity • Global Christianity • Theology and culture • Intentional Christian community • Creation care and ecological justice • Suffering, hope, and discipleship If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider following, rating, and sharing the podcast. Please consider buying me a coffee to support the channel: https://buymeacoffee.com/bespectacledandcurious Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bespectacledandcurious/

    #7 Ruth Padilla DeBorst: Integral Mission, Evangelism, Social Justice, and the Future of the Church

  8. May 9

    #6 Ruthia Pak Regis: Visio Divina, Contemplation, and Vulnerable Art

    In this episode, I speak with Toronto painter Ruthia Pak-Regis about art, theology, beauty, contemplation, and the spiritual discipline of learning how to see. We discuss visio divina, abstract art, creativity, vulnerability, and why Ruthia dislikes the label “Christian art.” We also talk about her theological studies at the University of Toronto, being represented by Roberts Gallery (the oldest commercial gallery in Canada), the tension between artistic ideals and practical realities, creative staleness, taking a sabbatical from painting, and how art can help cultivate a more contemplative life. This was one of the more open and reflective conversations I’ve had on the podcast — a discussion about beauty, faith, change, and what it means to pay attention in a distracted world. Check out her work: https://www.robertsgal...

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About

Making faith, theology, and culture a little more human and a little less blurry. I’m Jonathan Tysick, a Canadian living in South Africa. I wear a lot of glasses and have a lot of questions. I have theology degrees from two continents and am currently working on a third (degree and continent) — which just means I have even more (hopefully better) questions than when I started. This is primarily an interview show where I get to know and interrogate Christian scholars, artists, and other thoughtful people about things that matter. If you enjoy curious, honest, conversation, please follow along.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Tysick
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jonathan Tysick
  • Show Website
    Bespectacled and Curious

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