What Is A Sermon, Anyway?

Derek, Brad, and Alastair talk with Leah Sargeant about her book The Dignity of Dependence. They discuss why the world is built for male bodies, how pregnancy exposes universal human dependence, whether artificial wombs would help anyone, what's wrong with workplace dynamics, and why autonomy is a dangerous cultural idol.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to The Dignity of Dependence   01:07 Unpacking the Feminist Manifesto   03:15 The Intersection of Feminism and Dependence   06:24 Christian Perspectives on Feminism   08:06 Navigating Interchangeability in Society   12:37 Accommodating Differences in a Standardized World   17:40 The Role of Dependence in Human Experience   21:54 The Asymmetry of Dependence and Fertility   29:54 The Power of Asking for Help   31:10 Marketization of Relationships   32:24 The Impact of Endless Choices   33:54 Debt and Relationships   36:25 Navigating Dependence and Dependability   38:16 The Dignity of Dependence   39:47 The Intersection of Dependence and Dignity   43:28 Gender Dynamics in Dependence   46:23 Skepticism Towards Artificial Wombs   50:44 Technical Challenges in Podcasting   51:56 The Ethics of Artificial Wombs   53:28 The Experience of Motherhood   55:54 Navigating Technological Consequentialism   57:33 The Role of Suffering in Life   59:00 Gender Dynamics in Professional Environments   01:00:29 Historical Context of Gender Roles   01:03:00 The Nature of Workplace Relationships   01:05:47 HR Dynamics and Workplace Culture   01:08:05 The Intersection of Gender and Professionalism   01:16:48 Concluding Thoughts on Dependence and Gender        

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 standard-markdown"> Post-liberalism has escaped the internet and entered mainstream politics—but what does it actually mean? Derek, James, and Alastair map three competing visions: nostalgic return to pre-modern order, retrieval of Christian liberalism, or genuine revolution forward.         Retry    

Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, and Brad East discuss the nature of preaching, exploring its purpose, context, and the role of the preacher. They discuss the importance of engaging the heart and conscience of the audience, the need for contextualization in sermons, and the common pitfalls that preachers face. The conversation emphasizes the collective nature of engaging with scripture and the significance of avoiding jargon to ensure accessibility for all listeners.

Derek Rishmawy and Alastair Roberts discuss how minds actually change—through paradigm shifts, careful arguments, or accumulated experience. They explore why steel-manning opponents and engaging charitably with the strongest versions of opposing views is more persuasive than antagonistic debate. The key insight: the best positions emerge when you're willing to incorporate real strengths from other viewpoints and make warranted concessions, which requires moving beyond polarized combat toward genuine good-faith dialogue.

Derek Rishmawy and Brad East engage with Paul T. Sloan, an expert in early Christianity, to discuss his book 'Jesus and the Law of Moses.' The conversation explores the relationship between Jesus, the law, and the restoration of Israel, challenging popular views on legalism and emphasizing the importance of understanding the law as a gift. They delve into the concept of nomism, the significance of Jesus' authority, and the implications of his death as a ransom for liberation. The discussion also touches on the role of faith, the misunderstandings of the Pharisees, and the enduring relevance of the law in the New Testament. Chapters   00:00 Jesus and the Law 06:32 The Common View and Common Ground 14:53 Christological and Missiological Nomism 19:53 Exceptions Built-in to the Law 24:37 Why are the Pharisees always wrong? 31:33 All and Some 39:39 The Personal Element of Obedience 41:32 The Threefold Office of Christ 50:17 Atonement 55:08 Ransom 59:41 What About...?

Most of what we talk about on Mere Fidelity presupposes a lot of reading. What is the real use of reading? Is what we read more important than how we read? Why do some people who read for years never develop the habits of reading well? Alastair, Matt, and Derek discuss these questions as well as summer reading on this episode.

In this episode of Mere Fidelity, Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, and James Wood engage in a deep conversation about the evolving landscape of evangelism and contextualization, particularly focusing on the concept of 'reality respecters'—individuals who are open to the gospel due to their recognition of certain truths in a world increasingly alienated from reality. They discuss the cultural shift towards a more right-leaning openness to Christianity, the importance of understanding individual contexts in evangelism, and the need for a balanced approach that acknowledges both right and left perspectives. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of speaking truthfully about reality while remaining rooted in the gospel's message, ultimately aiming to connect with diverse audiences in meaningful ways. Chapters   00:00 The Context of Evangelism Now 07:02 Understanding Reality Respecters 12:41 Missional Opportunities on Your Right 17:52 Ad Fonte 21:08 Connecting the Dots 28:05 Context and Meta-Context 33:15 Who Are You Preaching At? 37:04 Winsome Strategies 40:51 Problematic Reality 48:13 Spiritual Hunger on the Left 53:06 God Is In Control

Derek Rishmawy and Alastair Roberts explore the Bible as a technological medium, discussing its historical context, the impact of the Reformation on biblical engagement, and the shift from oral to written culture. They delve into the implications of modern technology on scripture interpretation and the importance of internalizing the word of God. The conversation also touches on eschatology and the balance between technology and tradition in the church's life. Chapters   00:00 Bible as Technology 04:25 From Performance to Page to Pixels 12:50 The Reformation 20:16 Eschatology 28:16 Steel Man the Tech 36:52 Metabolizing the Word 45:34 The Collective Encounter with Scripture

Derek Rishmawy and Brad East engage in a conversation about the complexities of atonement, particularly focusing on penal substitution. They explore the historical context, personal experiences, and theological implications surrounding the topic, emphasizing the need for clarity and understanding in discussions about God's justice and mercy. Chapter 00:00 Pumped About Atonement 03:35 The Heat of Atonement Debates 10:49 Teaching Badly 17:32 Who's the Real Problem? 24:45 Experiential Perspectives on Atonement 32:28 History and Retrieval 44:53 New Language for Old Ideas 48:59 Calvinist Lightning Round 01:01:17 Walking the Line

When dealing with delicate, nuanced, disputed, or important issues, should Christians primarily rely on their own judgment or the authority of church leaders in their lives? Derek, Alastair, and Matt bring their own experience to bear, as well as a reliance on Scripture and authority, to answer this listener-submitted question.