Theology Lab: Courage & Curiosity for Everyday Life

Scott Rice
  • 5.0 (10)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Theology Lab hosts (online) discussions with public figures and church leaders. With an approach to faith that values being open to questions and comfortable with nuance, courage and humility, Theology Lab is 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). Check out highrock.org/theologylab for our current offerings, or email me, Scott, for more info: theologylab@highrock.org Theology Lab website https://www.instagram.com/theologylab1/ https://twitter.com/Theology_Lab

  1. Tim Mackie (BibleProject) - How can Scripture be God's word AND human words?

    1D AGO

    Tim Mackie (BibleProject) - How can Scripture be God's word AND human words?

    Recorded on January 16, 2024. This episode features Tim Mackie from the BibleProject. It explores questions of biblical interpretation, Scripture, faith and history, and, as the BibleProject emphasizes, how the Bible comes together to form a unified story. Highrock's Scripture & Tradition series looks at some of the basic tools that can help us understand the Bible. How can we view the Bible as simultaneously divine and human literature? If this question piques your interest, this episode may interest you! In this conversation, moderator Scott Rice is joined by Tim Mackie, co-founder of the Bible Project, for the second installment of the Scripture & Tradition Theology Lab series. This discussion looks at the BibleProject's Paradigm podcast series, exploring how the biblical authors intended the Bible to be read. For the folks at the BibleProject, the principles of the Paradigm help set up Bible readers for a life-long journey of coming to better understand the scriptures and how they can transform our faith and encourage a deeper love for God and others. https://bibleproject.com/podcast/series/paradigm/ Learn more about Highrock's Theology Lab: highrock.org/theologylab facebook: / highrocktheologylab Contains licensed music from Artlist: rex banner, "brainstorm"

    35 min
  2. Russell Moore shares why he objects to Christian Nationalism

    12/27/2025

    Russell Moore shares why he objects to Christian Nationalism

    Recording of the American Evangelicalism Theology Lab session from November 11, 2022 with guest, Rev. Dr. Russell Moore (Christianity Today). In this discussion, moderated by Rev. Dr. Walter Kim (president, National Association of Evangelicals), Russell Moore shares some personal stories about his relation to faith and political engagement. Russell speaks to the looming issue of Christian Nationalism, and what it means for Christians today to maintain both integrity and faithfulness in the public sphere. In the final part of his discussion with Walter Kim, Russell speaks to the crisis that evangelicalism faces today and the possibilities for revitalization and the formation of new coalitions within the evangelical movement. Learn more about Highrock's Theology Lab: highrock.org/theologylab facebook: / highrocktheologylab Contains licensed music from Artlist: rex banner, "brainstorm"

    21 min
  3. How did we get the Bible? A CHRISTMAS take on why this matters A LOT for how we read it

    12/20/2025

    How did we get the Bible? A CHRISTMAS take on why this matters A LOT for how we read it

    This interview with Karen Keen, author of the Word of a Humble God (Eerdmans, 2022), explores topics around biblical interpretation, how to engage challenging parts of Scripture, stories about war and violence in the Bible, biblical interpretation methods. Karen's book has been described as a top resource for an introduction to the Bible (Scripture) and introduction to scriptural interpretation. How can we read the Bible in light of God's humility and hear God's voice anew? Karen's book! https://www.amazon.com/Word-Humble-God-Inspiration-Interpretation/dp/0802878695 Learn more about Highrock's Theology Lab: highrock.org/theologylab facebook: / highrocktheologylab Contains lisenced, original music (licensed) from Ian Post, "I Promise"

    43 min
  4. Why I Changed My Mind: Women & Leadership in the Church

    12/13/2025

    Why I Changed My Mind: Women & Leadership in the Church

    In this Theology Lab Kristin and Scott take up a big question: When and why did we change our mind on a deeply personal topic? This is a question that many of us ask, or are asking from time to time, in our faith. Here we ask about women in ministry or women serving in the highest levels of pastoral leadership. At one point both of us considered ourselves theological complementarians -- the idea that women and men have specific roles within at least the sphere of the church, even if considered equal in the eyes of God -- yet we have changed our minds. We would now consider ourselves theological egalitarians, holding that all roles in church leadership can be filled by all, and that we can celebrate this in our faith. But how did we go from one to the other? How did the Bible play a role in this? How did experience play a role in this? Our conversation is spurred on my our interview with Beth Allison Barr and her recent book, Becoming the Pastor's Wife. The conversation also centers on how Beth inspired us to think about how we navigate different voices on the Bible. Check out Beth's book here: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9781587435898_becoming-the-pastors-wife Learn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.org Theology is a learning community supported by Highrock Church. www.highrock.org #TheologyBasics #ChristianFaith #womenandthechurch Contains (licensed) original music (licensed) from Ian Post, "I Promise"

    14 min
  5. Feeling overlooked? How women's voices are changing church leadership - Beth Allison Barr

    12/08/2025

    Feeling overlooked? How women's voices are changing church leadership - Beth Allison Barr

    In this insightful Theology Lab conversation, historian and theologian Beth Allison Barr explores the Bible, women, and the role of women pastors in the church. We examine what Scripture really says about gender, leadership, and ministry, and how historical and cultural context shapes our understanding of these debated issues. Perfect for non-expert Christians, curious believers, and anyone still in the church wrestling with big theological questions, this video offers a thoughtful, nuanced approach to reading the Bible and engaging with gender and leadership in a faithful way. If you’re interested in theological learning, Bible study for ordinary Christians, and nuanced conversations about women in ministry, this discussion with Beth Allison Barr provides clarity, historical insight, and encouragement for exploring Scripture with honesty and depth. Check out Beth's new book! https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781587434709_the-making-of-biblical-womanhood Contains original music (licensed) from Ian Post, "I Promise" #BethAllisonBarr #biblicalwomanhood #womeninthebible

    49 min
  6. Evil is real. But can we name it? Willie Jennings and Janette Ok on reading the Bible and naming evil

    12/02/2025

    Evil is real. But can we name it? Willie Jennings and Janette Ok on reading the Bible and naming evil

    Video version: https://youtu.be/5PiffZEeBhk?si=2QWsXPEvv6m9MJzV What do Christians mean when we talk about evil, and how does the Bible shape our understanding of it? In this Theology Lab video with Willie Jennings (Yale Divinity School) and Janette Ok (Fuller Seminary), we explore the complex and often uncomfortable question: what do we call evil, and how do we recognize it in the world and in ourselves? They discuss Christian Nationalism and what Jesus's prayer, "deliver us from evil," means to them right now. We look at topics like evil, hate, evil, the anti-Christ. Looking at the gospels, the book of Acts, the letters of John (1 John, 2 John, 3 John), this Theology Lab conversation with Willie Jennings and Janette Ok trace how Scripture defines evil, how the church has wrestled with it, and what it means for believers today. This conversation is designed for Christians and anyone navigating faith, theology, the Bible in community. If you’re interested in theological learning, biblical study, and wrestling honestly with hard questions in faith, this video offers a thoughtful, contextual, and faithful approach. Check out the New Testament in Color commentary, which features work by Janette Ok (editor): https://www.ivpress.com/the-new-testament-in-color?srsltid=ARcRdnpFzsrsUSdD0pXrGLggUKgePS8WRb24I-C8wU10orQqf3NCetco Check out Willie Jennings' Act's Commentary: https://www.amazon.com/Acts-Theological-Commentary-Bible-Belief/dp/0664234003 Contains original music (licensed) from Ian Post, "I Promise" 0:00 Introduction 2:00 What is evil and sin? 7:00 Discomfort with "the Anti-Christ"? 8:45 Why don't we respond to seeing violence? 15:25 The disciples are tied to the prison 16:45 Why theology matters 20:06 How do the Bible's authors struggle to name evil? 25:20 Correcting self-righteousness 27:20 1 John and evil 30:10 Can worship resist evil? 34:50 Are Christian Nationalists suffering disciples? 38:05 Evil and unity in community 40:50 "Deliver us from evil" means...

    42 min
  7. Think theology is just for experts? Think again. What it means for ordinary Christians to do theology

    11/25/2025

    Think theology is just for experts? Think again. What it means for ordinary Christians to do theology

    Want to watch the episode? https://youtu.be/J_V6uHYxnbY In this Theology Lab Conversations episode (episode #1!) Scott Rice and Greg Fung ask a big question: Is theology only for non-experts, or is it something every Christian is called to engage? This conversation explores the basics of theology, how ordinary believers can grow in their understanding of essentials, of interpreting the Bible, and why learning to think theologically matters for the church in light of some the major challenges and questions were asking today. Whether you identify as evangelical, exvangelical, or simply someone with your own questions about faith, our hope is that this series offers something interesting and accessible for theological learning. We talk about how to read the Bible with curiosity, how theology shapes Christian community, and why good questions are essential for a healthy and vibrant faith. Learn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.org Theology is a learning community supported by Highrock Church. www.highrock.org #TheologyBasics #ChristianFaith #Deconstruction #PostEvangelical Contains original music (licensed) from Ian Post, "I Promise"

    17 min
  8. New Series! Theology Lab's 'Conversations' - Intro episode

    11/20/2025

    New Series! Theology Lab's 'Conversations' - Intro episode

    Want to watch the episode? https://youtu.be/J_V6uHYxnbY In this episode of Conversations -- a new Theology Lab series! -- we explore foundational topics of Christian faith in an accessible, honest, and thoughtful way. Designed for ordinary Christians, for folks coming from evangelical backgrounds, post-evangelicals, folks who might identify as deconstructing faith but also just for who are curious, the Conversations series offers a safe space to learn through discussions. We talk about the core themes of theology— ideas about God, interacting with the Bible in different ways, social issues, and how Christian belief has been shaped through history and community. If you’re interested in theological learning, reflecting on what you’ve inherited, continuing to work on an honest, shared faith, we hope the Conversations series might provide clarity, grounding, and room for questions. Whether you’re rooted in the evangelical tradition, shifting or searching, this series invites you to explore basics of Christian theology with curiosity, depth, and grace. Learn more about Theology Lab at www.theologylab.org Theology is a learning community supported by Highrock Church. www.highrock.org #TheologyBasics #ChristianFaith #Deconstruction #PostEvangelical Contains original music (lisenced) from Ian Post, "I Promise" 0:00 Introduction 1:05 Goals: theology basics, commentary, ongoing conversation! 3:22 An evangelical background ... but with questions 4:40 Is theology only for experts?

    5 min
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About

Theology Lab hosts (online) discussions with public figures and church leaders. With an approach to faith that values being open to questions and comfortable with nuance, courage and humility, Theology Lab is 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). Check out highrock.org/theologylab for our current offerings, or email me, Scott, for more info: theologylab@highrock.org Theology Lab website https://www.instagram.com/theologylab1/ https://twitter.com/Theology_Lab

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