Theology For the Rest of Us | Quick Answers to the Questions About God and the Bible

Since the middle of the 1800's theological liberalism has become an influential movement and a part of mainstream thought within many churches, seminaries, and denominations throughout Europe and the United States. The rise of a counter-movement to "battle for the fundamentals" of Christian orthodoxy began in the later portions of the 1800's and really came to prominence in the United States and Great Britain during the 1920's. This movement is now known as Christian fundamentalism. In this episode, Kenny explains the ideology of fundamentalism (generically speaking) within politics, religion, and general ideology. Then Kenny dives into the history of the modern Christian fundamentalist movement and its good elements, as well as its more modern and detrimental elements.

There are multiple occurrences in the Scriptures of people being possessed by demons or influenced by evil spirits and principalities. Recently, Kenny received an email from a regular listener saying that the listener's pastor had made the claim that those Biblical narratives (the passages that speak of demon possessions) that the persons where not actually demon possessed, but rather they were actually mentally ill. In this episode, Kenny responds to this claim by examining a relatively well-known Biblical narrative where Jesus casts a demon out of a man (see Luke 8). Kenny also examines a few other passages, and he makes it clear that demon possession was real in the New Testament and still is real today. Kenny points to several pieces of evidence (both from the Bible as well as from his own personal life) that should lead us to conclude that demon possession does still happen today. Demon possession is real, but we ought not fear because the Spirit of God that lives inside of us is far more powerful than the evil spirits in the world (see 1 John 4:4). Demon possession is a rare occurrence, but even so, we still ought not "mess with" things related to demonic forces, principalities, or elements of the occult. The only Spirit we ought to be engaging with is the Spirit of God; we ought to continually trust in the power of God's Holy Spirit and cultivate intimacy with the Lord.

The most frequent questions that Kenny gets (both from podcast listeners as well as from some of the young people that he has mentored) are typically related to the topic of sex. One frequently asked question is about oral sex. Is it wrong? In this episode, Kenny clearly explains that oral sex can often be viewed as even more intimate than intercourse in the minds of some people. There are even some stats that show that young people are more likely to engage with intercourse before they engage with oral sex, because they view oral sex as being even more sensitive than intercourse. Kenny makes clear that all sexual relations ought to be kept between a man and his wife, between the bounds of covenant marriage. If you are not married, then oral sex is sinful. But within the bounds of marriage, between a man and his wife, the Bible never prohibits oral sex. In fact, there are moments in the the Bible where oral sex seems to be celebrated. Lastly, Kenny then outlines several thoughts and elements of this topic that every married couple ought to consider before indulging in the act of oral sex.

Multiple times throughout his ministry career and throughout his correspondence with regular listeners of the podcast, Kenny has been asked about nudity in media, in the arts, and in our society overall. How should Christians engage with nudity? In addition, Kenny was recently asked by a photographer if it would be sinful or inappropriate for him to take nude photos of people if they have requested to hire him to take nude pics of them or their spouse. In response to this question, and other similar questions, Kenny reluctantly answers by seeking to give Biblical wisdom and cautionary advice. Kenny makes clear that nudity, in-and-of itself, isn't necessarily sinful. But the motivation behind the nudity and the context of the nudity make all the difference, and will govern how we approach the topic of nudity and elements of nudity that may appear in pop culture.

Throughout the New Testament the apostles made reference to the Old Testament law and its connection to the Gospel. The law was the set of rules, regulations, and expectations that God had set down for the people of Israel in the Old Testament. God gave this law after the Exodus from Egypt but before they entered in the promised land. The law was given to them through their spiritual leader Moses. In this episode, Kenny answers a question from a regular listened about the nature of the law. Kenny explains its purpose and its connection to the New Covenant outlined in the New Testament. Kenny also explains the different types of laws that God gave and their purposes for the people of Israel. Kenny finishes by pointing out the ultimate purpose of the law: to expose our need for a savior and to point us to Jesus.

In this episode, Kenny interviews a personal friend about a recent non-profit organization she launched called "Closely Held." Several years ago, Amber Matyi and her husband had a child with significant medical issues. They quickly realized that the families going through the difficultly of having a child with unique medical challenges are often lonely or lack resources and support. Amber and her husband launched Closely Held as a way to serve those families in need. Throughout and after the interview, Kenny challenges listeners to allow Amber's story to be an inspiration. Each of us ought to use our own personal obstacles and difficulties as the means to look for opportunities to tangibly serve the people all around us that are in need. Connect with Closely Held Facebook Page: facebook.com/CloselyHeld Email: closelyheld7@gmail.com

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koiné Greek. Some observers have pondered the question: As the Scriptures have been translated from its original languages into modern English, has any truth been lost in translation? In this episode, Kenny responds to an email from a regular listener about this topic and several related questions. Kenny clearly explains why we can trust modern English translations.

The traditional role of mothers throughout human history has been to have their primary focus to be on child rearing and home making. However, modern feminism has changed that throughout Western cultures and societies. So, this begs the question: Should women be more focused on child rearing more than anything else? Or is that traditional expectation merely nothing more than oppression that is an artifact of old-fashioned patriarchal societies? In this episode, Kenny gives some clear Biblical mandates about what is expected from mothers and then he seeks to give some pastoral wisdom on how to fulfill those mandates as best as possible in our modern cultural context. Kenny challenges mothers to ask these questions: 1) What will bring the most amount of glory to God? 2) What decision will allow you to best fulfill the Biblical mandates upon mothers? 3) What is best for your children and their development?

In this episode, Kenny answers a question based upon recent correspondence with a regular listener about discipleship. What's the difference between a convert and a disciple? We are all called to be disciples of Jesus and to make disciples. Kenny explains that conversion is one of the early steps in the process of becoming a disciple of Jesus.

Many segments of our contemporary society do not value work within the home. Other segments even look down on mothers that choose to stay at-home with the kids instead of "contributing" to society. But the contributions you make at home, for fathers and mothers, matter significantly to God. In this episode, Kenny interviews author, speaker, and blogger Courtney Reissig about her newest book Glory in the Ordinary about the meaning and value of mundane tasks in our homes. When the work of the home fills our days, it is easy to get disillusioned and miss God’s great and grand purpose for our work. As image bearers of God, we were created to work. We contribute to society, and bring order out of chaos in every moment; no matter how small the tasks may seem. Recommended Get a copy of Courtney's Newest Book: Glory in the Ordinary Get a copy of Courtney's First Book: The Accidental Feminist Check out Courtney's Website: www.courtneyreissig.com Follow Courtney on Twitter: @courtneyreissig  

There are many people who claim that they are Christians, but is it possible to determine if they truly are Christians? Can you know if they are genuine followers of Jesus? Have they truly been born again? In this episode, Kenny gives us four clear ways to determine if someone truly has been born again and determine if their faith in Christ in real or fraudulent. 1- Do they claim to have put their faith in Jesus? Do they believe that Jesus is God and that He raised from the dead? (John 3:16-17; Romans 10:9-10) 2- Do they really love God? (Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:37) 3- Are they truly committed to following the commandments of Jesus and living for Him? (John 14) 4- Is it obvious that they are engaging with the Spirit of God and growing in the fruit of the Spirit as a result of their engagement with the Spirit of God? (Galatians 5:22-23)

Dealing with heresies and dealing with those individuals whom espouse heresies is something that the church has been dealing with since the church's inception. In this episode, Kenny explains how we should deal with modern heresies, and more specifically, how we ought to approach or deal with those people asserting or promoting the heresy.

As a part of an on going mini-series on issues related to homosexuality, Kenny addresses the questions around Christian business owners being forced to serve same-sex weddings, as well as other events, that may violate their own Biblical or ideological convictions. Kenny believes that business owners, of any religious or political conviction, should be allowed to do business with whomever they please, for whatever reason they see fit, in whatever manner they see fit, and that the federal government ought not be involved in such matters unless it is a matter of life and death. Kenny outlines how his notions are rooted in paleoconservationism ideology, libertarian ideals, and John Locke's assertions about natural rights. Kenny makes the case that all of the American founding documents are rooted in these same ideologies. Kenny points out several cases where Christian business owners have been sued or put out of business for refusing to serve a same-sex wedding, and compares it to a recent dress designer who refused to make a dress for Melania Trump for the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump. The most famous case to date is the case of Arlene's Flowers wherein the florist refused to sell flowers to a gay couple for their same-sex wedding. Kenny points out the hypocrisy evident in many modern secular progressive groups and the inconsistency in their ideology. Kenny also makes the legal case as to why it is not illegal (and neither is it a form of discrimination) for any business owner to refuse to do business with any person engaged in an action that violates the religious or ideological convictions of that business owner, regardless if the action is sexual or otherwise.

Mainstream views on homosexuality have shifted significantly in contemporary society over the past decade. Being homosexual is viewed as being perfectly normal, and even celebrated, by many people. Now, with the legalization of same-sex marriage, many Christians have asked: Should a Christian ever attend a same-sex marriage ceremony? This could be a tough question because there are a lot of emotions involved and wrapped up in the situation, and there possibly could be the risk that certain relationships could be fractured. Some people say that we should not ever attend because it endorses sin and causes people to believe that we affirm homosexual behavior. Others might say that we ought to attend same-sex weddings as an act of evangelism and charity. And other people might attend without ever really considering whether it is right or wrong. How should we respond? Should we attend? In this episode, Kenny gives a clear answer with careful focus on the importance of having a Biblical worldview and with sensitivity towards Christians who are friends with gay people that are getting married.

Lots of gay people claim that their inclinations and affections for the same gender are feelings that they have experienced since they were very young. Most would claim: "I was born this way!" In this episode, Kenny responds to this thought process by answering some common question that have come from a variety of people and sources in reference to homosexuality and those individuals who profess to be gay. The questions that are often asked: Are gay people born gay? Or do they "turn" gay through life experiences? Or is it just a choice? For much of the history of modern Western civilization, homosexuality has been considered sinful or immoral, or at minimum there has been a cultural stigma attached to homosexuality. This has begun to shift significantly over the last few decades. Many gay people claim that, since they are born this way, all of us must consider homosexuality natural and embrace it as normative. The response by many Evangelical Christians has been to claim that being gay is simply a choice or merely the manifestation of some abuse. In doing this, Evangelicals have taken the spotlight off of the proper angle of this issue. Kenny makes clear that the question about whether gay people are born gay is simply the wrong question to ask because, from an orthodox Christian worldview, it ought to be irrelevant. We are all born with some sin patterns and propensities for sin. The question ought not be: "Are we born this way" but rather "What does the Bible say about this issue?"