What did Jesus really think of women, and what is the modern woman called to be?

Renowned apologist and writer Dr. Rebecca McLaughlin joins us to tackle the assertions of sexism and gender inequality commonly made against Christianity. In this episode, we address unsavory statements made by church fathers attesting to women's inferior intellect or moral character in reference to men's. We discuss biological, social, and Biblical differences between men and women, inclinding headship and submission in marriage. We discuss the decline of monastic culture leading to a devaluation of singleness within the modern church. Finally, we hypothesize why Jesus didn't choose female apostles, but chose several female disciples who played significant and irreplaceable roles in His ministry.

Resources:

• Confronting Christianity podcast
• Confronting Christianity by Dr. McLaughlin
• Jesus Through the Eyes of Women by Dr. McLaughlin

"You can tell a lot about the state of twenty-first century evangelicalism by talking to those who leave it." This is the opening sentence of the introduction to A Heart Aflame for God, a thoughtful, Scripturally-based, and thoroughly-researched book by Dr. Matthew Bingham on spiritual practices from the early Reformed church. In this episode, we discuss perceived issues with Protestantism such as the de-emphasis of ceremony and "tradition," the focus on the mind and Word over bodily worship, and the stereotype that Puritan worship was divorced from the affections of the heart. Dr. Bingham takes us through the Puritan practice of "keeping the heart" and proposes a Reformation triangle of three interconnected practices for spiritual formation: Scriptural engagement, meditation, and prayer. We close by discussing the interplay between one's own spiritual formation and the health of the Church.

Individualism, Exclusion, and the Cult of Busyness: How to Build a Radically Christ-Centered Community

Christian communities should be strongholds of worship, godly love, and hospitality, but the Church elicits many negative perceptions in the modern day, some imposed by the surrounding culture and some of its own making. Dr. Brian Carrier, Pastor of Discipleship at the District Church in Washington, D.C., shares his experience in community-building and spiritual formation as a pastor in a highly individualistic and professional urban setting. We discuss modern Church struggles such as its perception by the outside world as exclusionary and unwelcoming, its need to fight radical individualism and the consumerist mindset of attendees, and its lack of substantial young male involvement. Dr. Carrier advises non-Christians on how to explore the Church and advises Christians on how to disciple others, how to practically love their neighbors, and how to encourage commitment and forge strong bonds within Christian community. This episode will help you to understand what it means to genuinely "do life together."