Who is Jesus? What does the Bible actually say about…well, everything? Is there a future for faith beyond Evangelicalism? On this weekly podcast, pastor Don Schiewer, Sarah Mainardi, and Dr. Tana M. Schiewer consider these questions and ask many more. Each week, they use the tools of Biblical scholarship to deconstruct misinterpretations of Scripture, uncover the history and context of Jesus, and build a path forward for Christianity that creates safety and freedom for all. Note: we are curr ...
…
continue reading
Did God create evil? What is evil? If God didn't create evil, where did it come from? Don and Tana explore the origins of evil, concepts of justice, and what it means for the world to have both light and darkness. Previous podcast episodes referenced: Should We Focus on Sin? (Episode 113) Adam & Eve's Eviction: The True Story (Episode 108) - this i…
…
continue reading
1
305. What if God Could Retell Your Story?
31:17
31:17
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
31:17
What if God could retell your story? For today's episode, we are sharing a teaching of Don's from 2011 called The Great Reteller. This recording is from a guest speaking slot at Genesis Church in Toledo. It is a simple yet profound message about how the stories of the Bible demonstrate time and time again that God is interested in helping us refram…
…
continue reading
Do Christians need the church? What should the church be today? Don and Tana discuss the status of the Church in the U.S., what it is, what it isn't, and what it could be. Buy us a coffee! Website YouTube TikTok Facebook Instagramעל ידי Ancient Jesus Future Faith
…
continue reading
1
303. Why Do Christians Hate Social Justice?
54:49
54:49
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
54:49
Why do Christians seem to hate social justice? Why does it feel like they'd dislike Jesus if they met him in real life? In this episode, Don and Tana explore the "warnings" against social justice language in churches, starting with Glenn Beck in 2010 and moving to today. Ultimately, they note how racism, economic issues, and the pursuit of power af…
…
continue reading
1
302. Evangelism vs. Discipleship: Understanding the Great Commission
54:49
54:49
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
54:49
Is the Great Commission about evangelism or discipleship? What does it truly mean to be a disciple? Don and Tana discuss the meaning of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) and explore the difference between evangelism and discipleship. Come for the intellectual discussion, stay for a description of Bald Eagle Jesus. Book recommendation: Paul Wa…
…
continue reading
1
301. Did Jesus Really Abolish the Law?
51:38
51:38
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
51:38
Did Jesus really abolish the law? What does it mean that he "fulfilled" it? And what does that mean for us? Tana and Don the example of Jesus and what it means to keep an active faith. Buy us a coffee! Website YouTube TikTok Facebook Instagramעל ידי Ancient Jesus Future Faith
…
continue reading
1
211. Did Judas Really Betray Jesus?
58:52
58:52
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
58:52
Did Judas really betray Jesus? Or was he trying to accomplish something else? Don, Sarah, and Tana discuss how the traditional explanation of Judas' betrayal doesn't quite make sense, uncover Judas' true motivations, and reconsider his place in biblical history. Hang around for a listen if you'd like to challenge your pre-conceived notions of who J…
…
continue reading
1
210. What is Biblical Marriage?
1:01:28
1:01:28
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:01:28
What is a "biblical marriage?" What do people mean by that NOW, and what did it mean THEN? Don, Sarah, and Tana discuss the economic system of marriage in the bible, Paul's desire for singleness, and how many of the directives of God about marriage are actually meant to protect women. Bible Passages/Stories Mentioned: Psalm 127: 3 Abraham and Sarah…
…
continue reading
What is the best way to keep the Sabbath? Are "Sabbath" and "The Lord's Day" the same thing? Don, Sarah, and Tana discuss the true definition of Sabbath and how it has been changed over the years. By exploring it in context and contemplating the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith, we hope to uncover what a "true Sabbath" is. Bible Passages Discuss…
…
continue reading
1
208. Why aren't Christians Moving More Mountains? (Faith vs. Faithfulness)
59:34
59:34
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
59:34
What does it mean to have faith the size of a mustard seed? What does it mean to be faithful? Don, Sarah, and Tana explore the idea of "faith" vs. "faithfulness," the missed potential of "faithful Christians," and the question that plagues many people who are deconstructing: do I maintain my faith, or do I abandon it and move on? Buy us a coffee! W…
…
continue reading
1
BONUS! Matt Nightingale on LGBTQ+ Christians and the Church
1:10:46
1:10:46
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:10:46
This bonus episode is the audio from our March 9th live stream with Matt Nightingale. We had a terrific time talking about what it's like being queer and Christian, how to respond to fundamentalists, embracing ambiguity in faith, and what is next for Christianity. About Matt: Matt Nightingale is a pastor, musician, speaker, writer, and spiritual di…
…
continue reading
Will the real Proverbs 31 woman please stand up? We read the Proverbs 31 passage every Mother's Day, with the implication that the "virtuous wife" is not only a wife, but a mother too. But is that really what Proverbs 31 says? Over the years, this passage has been used to tell women that they are only "virtuous" if they play those domestic roles. B…
…
continue reading
1
206. The Parable of the Sower (is NOT about Evangelism)
50:46
50:46
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
50:46
Don, Sarah, and Tana discuss various ways of looking at the parable of the sower, which is often - and incorrectly - interpreted as a parable about evangelism. Passages discussed: Matthew 13 Buy us a coffee! Website YouTube TikTok Facebook Instagramעל ידי Ancient Jesus/Future Faith
…
continue reading
1
BONUS! Preserving Black History with Christopher Boniface Sanchez
1:20:50
1:20:50
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:20:50
This bonus episode is the audio from a Faith Uncensored interview with Christopher Boniface Sanchez. Chris talks about preserving black history through his work with Christiansburg Institute, Inc. in Virginia, shares a bit about his advocacy work, and discusses the responsibilities of the white church. Chris is a truth orator, wizard-level field or…
…
continue reading
1
205. Bringing Heaven to Earth: Jacob Part 2
55:36
55:36
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
55:36
We continue our exploration of Jacob's story. Picking up after the stolen blessing, we discuss his fractured relationship with Esau, Jacob's Ladder, additional blessings from God, Rachel and Leah, and how Jacob's story is kind of like a...Hallmark Christmas movie? Passages discussed: Genesis 28: 10-22; Genesis 32: 22-32; Genesis 35 Buy us a coffee!…
…
continue reading
1
204. The Parable of the Lost Sheep Explained: An Alternate Reading
56:33
56:33
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
56:33
We discuss an alternative understanding of the parable of the lost sheep. Is the sheep "lost" or is the shepherd irresponsible? What lessons can we draw from this (and the parables of the coin and son) and apply to how we treat those we consider "lost" today? What is our responsibility today as "irresponsible shepherds"? Bible passage discussed: Lu…
…
continue reading
1
203. Mobile Sanctuaries: Creating Salvation and Safety for Others
55:56
55:56
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
55:56
Sarah shares a powerful teaching with us, starting with the details of the ark of the covenant and then relating them to the power of all of us living and studying in community. Together, we explore what it means to create salvation and safety for others. Bible chapters mentioned: Exodus 25, Genesis 18 Buy us a coffee! Website YouTube TikTok Facebo…
…
continue reading
1
202. Jacob the Wrestler and Esau the Hunter
56:04
56:04
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
56:04
In this episode, we continue our discussion of the family of Rebekah by exploring the life of Jacob. From Jacob wrestling in the womb with Esau to wrestling with God, we discuss Jacob's consistent struggles through life as well as his relationship with different members of his family. We also uncover all the things Esau has in common with Prince Ha…
…
continue reading
1
BONUS! Faith Under De/Re-Construction: Racial Justice and the Church
1:11:35
1:11:35
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:11:35
This is a recording of our Faith Under De/Re-Construction live stream on January 16, 2023, in which we discuss racial justice and the Church - and question what is a good way to recognize (and not anesthetize) the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. What is Faith Under De/Re-Construction? On Monday nights (on our YouTube Channel), Don and Tana join Da…
…
continue reading
1
BONUS: Let's Talk About Deconstruction!
1:20:05
1:20:05
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:20:05
In this bonus episode of the podcast, we're providing the audio from our livestream conversation on deconstruction. We talk a little bit about Don and Tana's deconstruction journey, reconstruction, and the messiness of it all. Buy us a coffee! Website YouTube TikTok Facebook Instagramעל ידי Ancient Jesus Future Faith
…
continue reading
We're back for season two, and we're kicking off the new year by celebrating women's strength. Join Don, Tana, and Sarah as we explore the strength of Rebekah, her relationships with the men around her, and some gender-bending truths about her story. References: Genesis 24-29 Luisa from Disney's Encanto Buy us a coffee! Website YouTube TikTok Faceb…
…
continue reading
1
BONUS! Faith Uncensored with David P. Gushee
1:23:03
1:23:03
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:23:03
Today we're sharing the audio from our YouTube live stream with David P. Gushee. Rev. Prof. Dr. David P. Gushee is Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University, Chair of Christian Social Ethics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Senior Research Fellow, International Baptist Theological Study Centre. He is also the e…
…
continue reading
1
119. Why is Jesus' Birth Story Important?
54:25
54:25
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
54:25
Was Jesus really born in December? What holiday traditions are based on Christianity vs. paganism? How do we limit Jesus when we try to keep him in "baby" form? In this episode, Don, Sarah, and Tana discuss the similarities of Jesus' birth story to other stories in the Bible (and other religions), the difference between artistic license and fosteri…
…
continue reading
1
118. How do we handle grief? (Emotions pt. 3)
59:30
59:30
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
59:30
How should we grieve? How should we handle other people's grief? In this episode, Don, Sarah, and Tana talk about how most Christians don't handle grief well and how we can do better. Passage mentioned: Psalm 30: 5 Authors mentioned: Pete Scazzero, Henri Nouwen Buy us a coffee! Website YouTube TikTok Facebook Instagram…
…
continue reading
1
117. Does God Want Me To Be Happy? (Emotions Part 2)
59:11
59:11
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
59:11
What does the bible say about happiness? Does God want us to be happy? In this part two of our series on emotions, we explore the concept of "happiness" and how it is often seen as a negative in some Christian circles. We explore the difference between joy and happiness, break down the "take up your cross" passage, and return to the idea that faith…
…
continue reading
It's a special episode for Giving Tuesday! Around the holidays, charity goes up exponentially. Since two of us on the AJ/FF team have formerly run nonprofits, we thought we would explore the practicalities of charity, including a plea to not let giving be a once-a-year thing. We discuss Giving Tuesday, food drives, toy drives, and more! Buy us a co…
…
continue reading
1
115. Is it Godly to trust your emotions? (Emotions Part 1)
1:00:09
1:00:09
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:00:09
Are you "too emotional?" Have you ever been told by a pastor or other church leader not to trust your emotions? Don, Sarah, and Tana explore the complicated ways Christianity has weaponized Jeremiah 17: 9-10, particularly to manipulate and control women. Resources mentioned: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero (https://amzn.to/3hVpMq…
…
continue reading
1
114. Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?
49:05
49:05
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
49:05
What is the importance of parables? Why did Jesus use them, and was he the only one who did? Join Don, Sarah, and Tana as they explore how parables are used in the bible, how to approach interpreting them, and why they are such a powerful teaching method. Verses explored: 2 Samuel 12, Judges 9: 8-15 Books mentioned: Short Stories by Jesus by Amy-Ji…
…
continue reading
What does the bible say about sin? Should we worry about sinning? What IS sin? Don, Tana, and Sarah have an illuminating conversation about sin and offer a fresh view on the topic that includes breaking down the way the Church teaches sin, three ways of looking at and understanding the concept of sin, and a perspective that frees us from the burden…
…
continue reading
1
112. Should I Give Until It Hurts?
59:10
59:10
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
59:10
In this episode, Sarah breaks down the verses typically titled "The Widow's Mite" - a story about a woman giving her last bit of money to the temple. How do we understand this story, and what application does it have to our lives today? Bible verse discussed: Mark 12: 38 - Mark 13: 2 Also mentioned: Leviticus 19, James 2: 15-17, 1 John 3: 17 Buy us…
…
continue reading
1
111. Does God Have a Plan for My Life?
59:51
59:51
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
59:51
Does God have a plan for my life - and if so, can I mess it up? Don, Sarah, and Tana discuss Jeremiah 29:11 and wonder if we've been asking the wrong question: maybe it's not so much about God's plan and more about how God retells our stories. Note: apologies for the sound quality, which is a little lower than our normal episodes. Buy us a coffee! …
…
continue reading
1
110. How Should Christians Respond to Halloween?
52:19
52:19
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
52:19
Is there an appropriate "Christian response" to Halloween? Is it okay to participate in "spooky" activities? In this episode, we explore some recent reactions to Hocus Pocus 2 as well as some traditional Christian objections to Halloween and "witchy" entertainment. Plus, we answer the all-important question: what would Biblical characters give out …
…
continue reading
What happens when we replace the question "are you saved" with "are you safe?" Don, Sarah, and Tana explore the idea of "soterios" (salvation/safety), and what it means to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." We discuss the communal nature of salvation as well as what it means to view our own and each other's safety as something physi…
…
continue reading
1
108. Did We Misjudge the Fall? (A Garden Theology)
57:28
57:28
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
57:28
What Happened When Adam and Eve Ate From the Tree? Using Genesis 3 as a jumping-off point, Sarah, Don, and Tana discuss Adam and Eve gaining the knowledge of good and evil, judging poorly, and what that can teach us about being good judges now. We also discuss why calling this chapter "the fall" doesn't do God's word justice. Like what you hear? Su…
…
continue reading
1
107. What Does the Bible Say About Women?
59:13
59:13
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
59:13
What did Jesus say about women? What about Paul? Are women really not supposed to teach in the church? Join us as we discuss some of the ways in which the church has been harmful to women, explore the ways Jesus uplifted women, and dispel some myths about Paul and women. (Link to photo mentioned in the podcast: https://bit.ly/3BQMs1X) Bible passage…
…
continue reading
What does it mean to love our neighbors? Who is our neighbor? Join the AJ/FF Team as we discuss what Jesus meant when he answered the question of "what is the greatest commandment," why the Pharisees and Sadducees disagreed so much (and how Paul took advantage of it), and what led Tana to declare "that's sooo Leviticus" in Valspeak. Passages discus…
…
continue reading
1
105. Will the Poor Always Be Among Us?
1:01:29
1:01:29
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:01:29
Today we tackle the most frequent topic in the Bible: poverty. Join us as we discuss common attitudes about poor people, which passages in the Bible have transformed our own thinking on the issue, and what Jesus means when he says "the poor will always be among you." Passages discussed: Leviticus 19: 5-10, Deuteronomy 15:1-11, and Ezekiel 16:49. Bu…
…
continue reading
1
104. Can "Play" and Bible Study Coexist? (Part 2)
1:01:03
1:01:03
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:01:03
Part Two of our discussion about "playing in the text." Using the examples of Jesus's baptism and the Exodus story, we discuss how exploring the imagery, emotions, and connections in a Bible passage can help us better understand the story. Note: during the podcast, we recommend a book by Lois Tverberg and Ann Spangler. Unfortunately, it has been br…
…
continue reading
1
103. Can "Play" and Bible Study Coexist? (Part 1)
50:15
50:15
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
50:15
Did you know it's possible to "play" in the Text? We discuss how to study the bible using a variety of approaches that encourage wonder and enjoyment. Plus, we solve the mystery of what happened to unicorns. (Part 1 of 2) Buy us a coffee! Website YouTube TikTok Facebook Instagramעל ידי Ancient Jesus/Future Faith
…
continue reading
1
102. Is It Okay to Ask Questions?
1:07:29
1:07:29
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:07:29
Is it okay to ask questions? (Spoiler alert: YES.) So many of us were brought up in churches where questioning was discouraged. But why? Why are we afraid to ask questions? And what do we gain when we value questions and learn to ask them well? Book recommendation: A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger Buy us a coffee! Website YouTube TikTok F…
…
continue reading
1
101. Can Evangelicalism Be Redeemed?
47:40
47:40
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
47:40
Can Evangelicalism be redeemed? If not, what is the way forward? Join the AJ/FF Team as we consider what the label "Evangelical" means, the ways in which we've either lived into or transgressed that label, and what might be next for Christianity. Plus, take the Evangelical quiz! Buy us a coffee! Website YouTube TikTok Facebook Instagram…
…
continue reading