Faith Improvised

Epizódy

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  Paul's Subversive Performance of Divine Triumph in Ephesians 3, Pt. 2 16.09.2026 1h 8min

  In this episode, I continue to draw out the logic of Paul's digression in Ephesians 3:2-13.
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  Paul's Subversive Performance of Divine Triumph in Ephesians 3 02.09.2026 1h 10min

  In this episode, I answer some questions about the problematic language of "divine combat" when considered against the history of Christian triumphalism, and I begin talking about Paul's autobiographical section in Ephesians 3.
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  Divine Combat in Ephesians 1-2, Pt. 4 26.08.2026 55min

  In this episode, I finish talking about the second cycle of divine combat Paul narrates in Ephesians 2:11-22.
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  Divine Combat in Ephesians 1-2, Pt. 3 19.08.2026 54min

  In this episode, I talk about the second half of Ephesians 2 and the second cycle of conflict-victory Paul elaborates there.
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  Divine Combat in Ephesians 1-2, Pt. 2 12.08.2026 1h 8min

  In this episode, I talk about Eph 2:1-10, the first cycle of divine warfare Paul elaborates after writing about God's victory in Christ in 1:20-23.
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  Divine Combat in Ephesians 1-2 05.08.2026 45min

  In this episode I talk about a few books I've read recently, and I begin talking about how Paul unfolds God's triumphs in terms of divine combat in Ephesians 1-2.
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  The Gospel Has A Grammar 29.07.2026 1h 1min

  In this episode, I share some thoughts, especially about the relationship of vocabulary and grammar, in thinking well about the gospel.
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  Concluding Thoughts on "Toxic Empathy" 22.07.2026 1h

  In this episode, I offer some further thoughts in assessing the notion of "toxic empathy," which I began talking about in the previous episode.
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  Taking "Toxic Empathy" Seriously . . . Seriously 15.07.2026 1h 36min

  In this episode, I talk about reading Allie Beth Stuckey's Washington Post opinion piece about the novel, "Yesteryear," and about my reading of her book, "Toxic Empathy."I mention the May 7 episode of the Radio Atlantic podcast, "The Tragedy of the Tradwife."
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  Thinking Critically About How We Talk 08.07.2026 57min

  In this episode I share some thoughts, especially about thinking critically about how we use certain words.
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  The Audiences of Ephesians 02.07.2026 57min

  In this episode, I talk about the audiences of Ephesians and why it's important to keep them in mind while interpreting the letter.
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  Back To It! 24.06.2026 1h 2min

  In this episode I talk about what I've been up to over the last several months since I produced an episode, and I mention the following books:Scott Anderson, King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic MiscalculationCaro Claire Burke, Yesteryear: A NovelLaura Field, Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New RightC. Thi Nguyen, The Score: How to Stop Playing Someone Else's GameHelen Lewis, The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous IdeaKaveh Akbar, Martyr! A NovelFrederic Gros, A Philosophy of WalkingAndrew McCarthy, Who Needs Friends?Mustafa Aksakal, The War That Made the Middle EastMonica Datta, Nebraska: A Novel
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  Dark Passions & Other Thoughts 14.10.2025 25min

  In this episode I talk about William Galston's book, Anger, Fear, Domination: Dark Passions and the Power of Political Speech, and Mark Edmundson's book, The Age of Guilt: The Super-Ego in the Online World, and share some other thoughts from the past few weeks.
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  Paul's Thesis Statement in Ephesians 1, Pt. 2 30.09.2025 39min

  In this episode, I continue talking about how Ephesians 1:19-23 functions in the argument of this letter.
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  Paul's Thesis Statement in Ephesians 1 23.09.2025 59min

  In this episode I talk about how Eph 1:19-23 functions within his overall presentation in this letter.
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  Summer's End 16.09.2025 50min

  In this episode, I give an update of what I've been up to the last several months, and mention a bunch of books I've been reading or am about to jump into. Books mentioned:They Poisoned the World: Life and Death inthe Age of Forever Chemicals, by Mariah Blake Pushback: The 2,500 Year Fight To ThwartWomen By Restricting Abortion, by Mary Fissell Long Island Compromise, byTaffy Brodesser-Akner Big Dumb Eyes, by Nate Bargatze Attack from Within: How Disinformation isSabotaging America, by Barbara McQuade The Age of Guilt: The Super-Ego in the OnlineWorld, by Mark Edmundsen We the People: A History of the U.S.Constitution, Jill Lepore
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  Paul's Prayer Report in Ephesians 1 13.05.2025 1h 11min

  In this episode, I talk about how Paul reports he is praying for his audiences at the end of Ephesians 1.
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  Identity Formation in Ephesians 1, Pt. 3 29.04.2025 1h 13min

  In this episode, I talk about Timothy Snyder's chapter on solidarity, from his book On Freedom, and about Paul's literary and rhetorical strategy in Ephesians 1.
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  Identity Formation in Ephesians 1, Pt. 2 22.04.2025 58min

  In this episode, I talk a bit more about Timothy Snyder's book, On Freedom, and about Paul's literary strategy in Ephesians 1.
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  An Epic Golf Tournament & National Political Shenanigans 16.04.2025 1h 8min

  In this episode, Steve Watkins and I reflect on Rory McIlroy's Masters win, and talk about staying sane and humane in the midst of national political madness.