Faith Seeking Understanding: A Podcast on Christian Faith and 21st Century Life

Epizode

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  Calmly Considered: America at 250 - Promises and Problems 02.07.2026 43min

  Michael and Allan discuss the semiquincentennial birthday of the United States. They ponder the promises of becoming "a more perfect union," and the problems that threaten it.
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  Quick Take: Temporary Protected Status - Answering Objections 01.07.2026 4min

  In this QT, I briefly respond to the major reasons people give to revoke the Temporary Protected Status of Haitians and Syrians,
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  Word Revisited: Did the Apostle Paul Know John's Gospel? 30.06.2026 37min

  In the book, Paul and John in Harmony: A Theological and Historical Exploration, Michael Gorman argues that the two apostles proclaim a unified vision of cruciform love, participation in Christ, and Spirit‑empowered transformation. Gorman shows how their writings mutually illuminate themes of incarnation, self‑giving love, and faithful discipleship, revealing a coherent New Testament theology rather than competing voices.
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  Calmly Considered: Which Political Party Is Worse for the Economy? 09.06.2026 49min

  We've seen the memes accusing one party or the other being mostly responsible for deficits, unemployment, and recessions. Michael and Allan get beyond the memes and drill down in answering the question of whether Republicans or Democrats are worse for economic prosperity. Spoiler Alert: It's complicated.
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  Believing Is Seeing: Love-Centered Theology 19.05.2026 40min

  Allan interviews Tom Oord on the first of three volumes entitled, A Systematic Theology of Love. How does a love-centered theology inform Scripture, doctrine, and life in the world?
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  Short Take: What Does the Bible Say about Government and Social Welfare? 14.05.2026 8min

  Is there a place for government in providing for its citizens? Health care? SNAP benefits? Job training? In his Short Take, we discuss how the Bible informs us on this.
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  Short Take: Who are the Nephilim? 23.04.2026 10min

  On this "Short Take" we explore the mysterious figures of Genesis 6, tracing their origins, interpretations, and theological significance. From ancient giants to symbolic readings, the episode considers biblical context, historical views, and why these enigmatic beings continue to capture imagination and spark debate today in modern discussions.Check out Sandra Richter's book, The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament.
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  Undoing Manifest Destiny and Exposing American Mythology: An Episode of Courageous Conversations 14.04.2026 45min

  I interview Dan Hawk on his book, Undoing Manifest Destiny: Settler America, Christian Colonists, and the Pursuit of Justice.We explore the problems of America's white settler narrative and how its propaganda is still being peddled in the 21st century.
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  Short Takes: Reading Scripture Through the Jesus Lens 07.04.2026 21min

  On this "Short Take," I respond to Franklin Graham and Pete Hegseth's usage of Scripture to justify Donald Trump's war with Iran. The New Testament writers read Israel's Scripture through the person and work of Jesus, which reinterprets the violence of Israel's history.
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  Short Take: The SAVE Act - Is It Needed? Is It Necessary? 24.03.2026 22min

  On this Short Take, Allan looks into the SAVE Act, what it is and its implications.
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  Calmly Considered: Donald Trump and the Epstein Files 17.03.2026 45min

  Donald Trump's name figures prominently in the Epstein Files. Michael and Allan draw out the implications and fallout for the future.
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  Short Takes: The New Testament and Judgment-- By Faith? On Works? 24.02.2026 10min

  The New Testament tells us we are saved by faith, and judged on works. How do we make sense of that tension?
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  Short Takes: Immigration Myth - Open Borders 16.02.2026 21min

  Was the southern border between the U.S. and Mexico open under President Biden with millions streaming in unaccounted for? In this "Short Take," I examine the facts and fiction of the claim.
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  Calmly Considered: Ken Burns' American Revolution 12.02.2026 50min

  On this episode, Michael and Allan discuss Ken's Burns' latest documentary highlighting the complexity of history and its multiple meanings.
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  Short Takes: Romans 13 and the Governing Authorities 09.02.2026 14min

  Romans 13 has to be one of the most misused and abused passages of Scripture. In this episode, we set chapter 13 in the larger context of the letter, especially chapter 12, What counsel is Paul giving the church; and what is he NOT saying.
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  Courageous Conversations: What Is Protestant Libertarianism? 13.01.2026 45min

  What is a Libertarian? Is there a Protestant connection to Libertarianism? Is there a Christian case to be made for Libertarianism?On this episode, we put these questions and others to Alex Bernardo, host of "The Protestant Libertarian Podcast" which is connected to the Libertarian Christian Institute.
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  Calmly Considered: 2025 Year in Review 23.12.2025 50min

  Michael and Allan bid farewell to 2025 and reflect on what might be coming in 2026.
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  Calmly Considered: Why Due Process Matters 04.11.2025 44min

  On this episode, Michael and Allan discuss the importance of due process and the danger when it is not afforded to everyone, regardless of citizenship status.
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  Believing Is Seeing: Between Cross and Flag - The Christian’s Citizenship Dilemma 21.10.2025 37min

  How do Christians navigate their responsibilities as nation state citizens with their ultimate allegiance as heavenly citizens? How do Christians engage politically as a way to love their neighbors?On this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," I speak with Dr. David Koyzis on his recent book, Citizenship without Illusions: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement. You can learn more about David and his work below.Global Scholars Canada pageBlog: Notes from a Byzantine-Rite CalvinistBooks:Political Visions and Illusions: A Survey and Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies (IVP Academic, 2019)We Answer to Another: Authority, Office, and the Image of God (Pickwick, 2014)Citizenship Without Illusions: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement (IVP Academic, 2024)
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  Calmly Considered: Political Violence in America 30.09.2025 51min

  On this episode, Michael and Allan discuss political violence in America in the wake of the assassination of political activist, Charlie Cook. Who is mostly responsible for political violence? What's the solution to incendiary rhetoric? Ho culpable are the followers of Jesus?