Renewtheology

Last week, we talked about deconstruction in Christianity (check out episode 27 for more on that). But this week, we're going to dig a bit deeper and discuss some of the reasons that people leave the church; things that we can't ignore.

"Deconstructing" one's faith is a hot topic of discussion today. It seems that every week someone else is announcing online that they have deconstructed their faith: some say they are no longer restricting themselves to orthodox Christian doctrine; others leave the faith altogether. In this episode, Emily & Bethany discuss what exactly deconstruction is, how to respond to it, and what to do if you find yourself going through the deconstruction process.

Have you ever had to deal with a toxic person in your life? You may have been told that sometimes you just need to do what's best for you instead of others, or that sometimes you need to walk away from a relationship to be happy. Sound familiar? Tune in to hear Emily & Bethany compare culture's solution to unhealthy relationships with Scripture and how to deal with toxic people biblically.

This week, Emily and Bethany discuss culture's tendency to advertise "brokenness" as a means to show oneself as truly authentic. But does this agree with what the Bible says about brokenness? Tune in to hear more.

This week, Emily & Bethany explore the concept of holiness and how it pertains to God. Is God's holiness good? What does the Bible mean when it says "be holy, as I am holy"? Tune in to hear more.

"Chase your dreams.""Follow your heart.""Love yourself."These messages sound good, but are actually very contrary to Scripture. Listen in as Emily and Bethany dive into the "self-help gospel" and counter it with the Bible.

In this episode of Renew Theology, Emily & Bethany chat about something recently spotted online: the debate between Jesus and the Bible; grace and truth. Have you heard of this debate? We hadn't. But now that we have, join us as we work to tackle the ideas that Jesus trumps the Bible and that the Bible is all we'll ever need.

Bethany and Emily sit down this week to chat about a movement they were both influenced by as teens: purity culture. As Christians in North America start to see the damaging effects of equating purity with virginity, discernment is necessary. Listen in as Emily and Bethany discuss the main issues with purity culture, what Scripture really says about sexual and non-sexual purity, and how we can respond to this movement biblically.

This week, Bethany shares what God has been teaching her about His forgiveness. Emily and Bethany discuss why we need to be forgiven, misconceptions about God's forgiveness, and how we as Christians can (and need to!) respond to it.

Emily & Bethany share what they've been learning during their time in the Old Testament. This week, they talk about what Emily's been learning in Numbers 11 & 13, which detail how Israel forgets that God has been blessing them and ultimately bring grief upon themselves because of their rebellion. Tune in to hear Bethany and Emily chat about how we can recognize God's blessings for what they are.

In the final episode of the Old Testament series, Bethany and Emily discuss some of the challenges that others will often use to oppose the validity of the Old Testament and all of Scripture. Does the Bible really permit slavery, or say that a rape victim must marry her rapist? Tune in to hear explanations of these common challenges.

In part two of this three-part series, Emily and Bethany go through each of the five types of sacrifices found in the beginning chapters of Leviticus and look for parallels of Jesus. They discuss how amazing it is that God has given us a picture of Jesus as far back as ancient Israel's original law code. Listen to hear the beautiful picture of redemption that the Lord weaves into these thousands-of-year-old sacrifices.

Have you ever struggled through reading the Old Testament? The first in a three-part series, this episode is all about the Law of Moses. Bethany and Emily give an intro to the Old Testament Law and talk about what it is and isn't, as well as provide a distinction between the ancient law code of the Hebrews and modern law of North America. Listen to learn more about God's laws for the Jewish people!

The story of the prodigal son is perhaps the most well known of Jesus' parables. Many tell it as a beautiful story of repentance and forgiveness, but could it be more than that? In this week's episode, Emily and Bethany explore what this story says not only about the wayward son, but also the father who welcomes him home and the older son who is less than gracious. Tune in to hear this classic parable told in a different light.

There's a false version of Christianity sweeping through North America today called moralistic therapeutic deism. Although you may have never heard this term, you are most likely familiar with its concepts and beliefs. On this week's episode, Emily and Bethany unpack moralistic therapeutic deism, discuss its problems, and refute it biblically.

This week, Emily and Bethany interview special guest Al Baker on things to consider when choosing a new church. They discuss deal-breaking vs. non-deal-breaking issues to consider, good and bad reasons for leaving a church, red flags to look for when visiting a church, and more.

You've probably heard the phrase "bear each other's burdens," but what does this mean in real life? The same passage that calls us to support each other also talks about confronting sin in our brothers & sisters in Christ. So how do all these principles fit together? Is there a right and wrong way to help each other? Bethany and Emily break down these issues in this week's episode.

A common refrain in today's culture is "Don't judge me!" But is this the attitude Christians should have? The Bible tells us not to judge, doesn't it? Bethany and Emily work through several Bible passages that deal with judging others and explain both the wrong and right ways to judge, and why every Christian needs to know how to judge rightly.

Studying the Bible can be overwhelming for some. In this week's episode, Bethany and Emily share their favourite tips & tools for studying the Bible, as well as some of their favourite teachers and some practical suggestions for protecting yourself from false teachers.

The story of Abraham (almost) sacrificing his son Isaac is a well-known Old Testament passage. But is this story really just an example of Abraham's incredible faith in the promises of God, or is there a bigger lesson here? Join Emily and Bethany as they explore the parallels between the sacrifice of Isaac and the death of Jesus.