Wayfaring Stranger: Insights on the Path of Faith

Sullivan Williams

The podcast of a Wayfaring Stranger and the conversations he has along the way.

  1. 11/06/2024

    Heather Hitzeroth: The Faults In Our Fundamentalism

    Heather Hitzeroth, a seminary graduate with an MTS from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, brings valuable insights from both her academic study and personal journey through conservative evangelicalism. In this episode, Heather explores how certain church cultures can subtly conflate their interpretations of scripture with absolute truth, creating unintended barriers to authentic faith. She unpacks how this mindset affects everything from personal devotion to community relationships, often leading to fear-based rather than grace-based spirituality. Through our conversation, she demonstrates how theological precision, while important, should never override the unity Christ desires for His church. Listen as Heather addresses the challenging dynamics of moving beyond tribal Christianity while maintaining biblical faithfulness. She shares powerful insights about the difference between essential doctrine and secondary issues, the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian life, and the freedom found in embracing the diversity of God's church. Her perspective on biblical interpretation and church culture offers fresh understanding of how we can hold firm convictions while extending grace to those who differ on non-essential matters. Whether you're wrestling with questions about your church background, seeking to understand different Christian traditions, or wanting to engage more authentically with fellow believers, Heather's thoughtful analysis and pastoral heart provide a compelling framework for navigating faith with both conviction and grace. - Jesu Juva

    59 min
  2. 10/23/2024

    Dr. Andrew Schmutzer: Beyond Easy Answers - Timeless Truths in the Old Testament's Difficult Stories

    Dr. Andrew Schmutzer, a distinguished biblical scholar and educator, brings profound insights into how the Old Testament narratives speak to our modern struggles. In this episode, Dr. Schmutzer explores why many Christians shy away from the Old Testament and what we lose in doing so. He unpacks how these ancient narratives—far from being irrelevant—provide a rich theological framework for understanding our own broken stories. Through our conversation, he demonstrates how biblical characters like Joseph show us how to face suffering without being defined by it, offering hope for those struggling with identity and pain in our modern context. Listen as Dr. Schmutzer addresses how the church often provides "PG answers to R-rated problems" and why we need to embrace the full spectrum of biblical narrative. He shares powerful insights about the difference between lamenting and protesting, the danger of making our pain our identity, and how God weaves beauty through our broken pieces. His perspective on family dynamics in scripture, particularly in Samuel and Genesis, offers fresh understanding of how consequences ripple through generations while still leaving room for redemption. Whether you're wrestling with personal trauma, seeking deeper biblical understanding, or wanting to engage more authentically with scripture, Dr. Schmutzer's thoughtful analysis and pastoral heart provide a compelling framework for seeing how God works through even our darkest chapters to create something beautiful. - Jesu Juva

    55 min
  3. 10/02/2024

    Dr. Jerry Root: C.S. Lewis’s Lasting Influence on Christian Thought

    Dr. Jerry Root, a renowned C.S. Lewis scholar and professor emeritus at Wheaton College, brings a lifetime of wisdom and insight to this engaging conversation. With nine books to his name, seven of which focus on C.S. Lewis, Jerry offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith, literature, and intellectual pursuit. In this episode, Jerry takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in South Central Los Angeles to becoming a globally recognized expert on C.S. Lewis. He shares how his initial struggle with reading transformed into a voracious appetite for literature, particularly the works of Lewis. Jerry's story is a testament to the power of mentorship, intellectual curiosity, and the transformative nature of great ideas. Listen as Jerry unpacks complex theological concepts with clarity and warmth, making them accessible to listeners of all backgrounds. He offers fascinating insights into the Inklings, the literary group that included Lewis and Tolkien, and dispels common myths about their relationships. Jerry also shares personal anecdotes from his extensive travels, including visits to significant Lewis sites and encounters with other scholars. It was inspiring to hear Jerry's thoughts on the importance of integrating faith and learning, his approach to reading and writing, and his perspective on maintaining a dynamic faith in a changing world. Whether you're a devoted Lewis fan or new to his work, Jerry's infectious enthusiasm and deep knowledge will leave you eager to dive deeper into the rich world of literature and faith. Jesu Juva

    1h 24m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The podcast of a Wayfaring Stranger and the conversations he has along the way.