Faith Seeking Understanding: A Podcast on Christian Faith and 21st Century Life
A podcast dedicated to Christian faith and 21st century life. Hosted by Allan R. Bevere, pastor (retired), professor, and self-appointed Anselm Chair of Podcast Theology and Culture, Faith Seeking Understanding University.
Episodes
Calmly Considered: Which Political Party Is Worse for the Economy?
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.
Believing Is Seeing: Love-Centered Theology
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?
Short Take: What Does the Bible Say about Government and Social Welfare?
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.
Short Take: Who are the Nephilim?
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 Ep
Undoing Manifest Destiny and Exposing American Mythology: An Episode of Courageous Conversations
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.
Short Takes: Reading Scripture Through the Jesus Lens
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.
Short Take: The SAVE Act - Is It Needed? Is It Necessary?
On this Short Take, Allan looks into the SAVE Act, what it is and its implications.
Calmly Considered: Donald Trump and the Epstein Files
Donald Trump's name figures prominently in the Epstein Files. Michael and Allan draw out the implications and fallout for the future.
Short Takes: The New Testament and Judgment-- By Faith? On Works?
The New Testament tells us we are saved by faith, and judged on works. How do we make sense of that tension?
Short Takes: Immigration Myth - Open Borders
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.
Calmly Considered: Ken Burns' American Revolution
On this episode, Michael and Allan discuss Ken's Burns' latest documentary highlighting the complexity of history and its multiple meanings.
Short Takes: Romans 13 and the Governing Authorities
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.
Courageous Conversations: What Is Protestant Libertarianism?
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.
Calmly Considered: 2025 Year in Review
Michael and Allan bid farewell to 2025 and reflect on what might be coming in 2026.
Calmly Considered: Why Due Process Matters
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.
Believing Is Seeing: Between Cross and Flag - The Christian’s Citizenship Dilemma
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 D
Calmly Considered: Political Violence in America
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?
Courageous Conversations: The Church and Worldly Power
On this episode, I speak with David Fitch of Northern Seminary on the corrupting influence of worldly power in the church and politics.
Courageous Conversations: Christians and Corrupting Power
On this episode, I speak with David Fitch of Northern Seminary on Christians and the corrupting influence of worldly power in the church and politics.
Calmly Considered: Trump Economics
On this episode, Michael and Allan discuss the current economic situation resulting from Donald Trump's economic policies. They discuss, tariffs, unemployment, inflation, and other related topics.
Courageous Conversations: Power Corrupts - Abuse, the Church, and Politics
On this episode of "Courageous Conversations," I converse with Sarah Bucy Klingler, missionary kid and advocate for those who have been on the receiving end of ecclesial abuse. We discuss power and the church, and the current abusive context of American politics. Sarah is the Project Manager at MK Safety Net.
Calmly Considered: Whose History Is It Anyway?
On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the telling of history, its selectivity, and why it appears some are attempting to erase certain portions from our collective memory.
Courageous Conversations: What the Heck Is Up with Hell?
On this episode of "Courageous Conversations," we interview Rev. Derek Kubilus on his book, Holy Hell: A Case Against Eternal Damnation.
Calmly Considered: Will Donald Trump Fail?
On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan offer analysis of Brendan Miller's YouTube Video, "5 Reasons Trump Will Fail (and it's already happening)." Mention is also made of the TEDx Talk, "Why do so many incompetent men become leaders?"
Calmly Considered: Staying Sane in the Age of Trump
Michael and Allan discuss the kakistocracy of the Trump Administration, and how to take care of ourselves and stay rational in this time.
Calmly Considered: Year in Review 2024, Ahead to 2025
In the last episode of 2024, Michael and Allan review the events of 2024, and look ahead to 2025.
Believing Is Seeing: Does Doctrine Matter?
Does doctrine matter or is it beside the point of faithful Christian living?
In this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," Allan interviews Dr. Beth Felker Jones, Professor of Theology at Northern Seminary in Lisle, Illinois. She is the author of the book, Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically.
Calmly Considered: The Electoral College and Election Predictions
In this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the Electoral College and whether it continues to be relevant, and they offer their predictions on Election 2024.
Believing Is Seeing: Living in Ordinary Time
On this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," Allan interviews Sarah Wells on her book, Ordinary Time: Meditations from the In-Between.
More information can be found on Sarah's website.
Her full list of publication are found on her Amazon author page.
Calmly Considered: Is Democracy in Trouble?
Authoritarianism is on the rise globally, and more and more people are supporting authoritarian minded leaders. Michael and Allan discuss whether or not democracy is in trouble in America.
Calmly Considered: The Decline of the Church
In this episode Michael and Allan discuss the decline of the church in the West. What are the challenges the church faces in a post-industrial and ever-increasing secular society?
Courageous Conversations: Seeking Justice in the Justice System
In Felecia Marshall's book, Grant Me Justice, she tells the story of the murder of her daughter and the frustration of dealing with the justice system as she sought justice for her child.
Felecia's web page: https://www.feleciamarshall.com/
She is the founder of https://www.grantmejustice.org/
Believing Is Seeing: Can a Scientist Believe in the Resurrection?
On this episode of Believing Is Seeing, we ask theologian and astrophysicist, Rev. Professor David Wilkinson about his Christian faith and whether the belief in a bodily raised Jesus is credible in the twenty-first century. David has two Ph.Ds: one in astrophysics and the other in systematic theology.
David Wilkinson is Director of Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS), an in
Calmly Considered: The Silver Tsunami
On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the "silver tsunami," the wave of older adults growing across the world. What are the challenges of the silver tsunami? The opportunities? Is the language of silver tsunami derogatory? Michael and Allan ponder the questions.
Calmly Considered: Why Ukraine Matters
On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the continuing saga of Ukraine and why it matters to the United States and the rest of the world.
Word Revisited: The Bible, Politics, and Imagination
On this episode of "Word Revisited," Scot McKnight discusses his book, The Bible Is Not Enough: Imagination and Peacemaking in the Modern World.
The Wesleyan Way: Our Holiness Heritage
On this episode of "The Wesleyan Way," we interview Rev. Craig L. Adams, retired United Methodist pastor who is the keeper of the Wesleyan Holiness Heritage Facebook group. Craig discusses the holiness roots and heritage of United Methodism.
Believing Is Seeing: Speaking Christian in Today's World
On this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," Allan interviews Rev. Dr. Joy Moore, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and Professor of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. They discuss how Christians can speak distinctively on moral issues in today's society.
Calmly Considered: The Year in Review 2023
In the final episode of 2023, Michael and Allan review 2023 and look to 2024.
Word Revisited: The Apostle Paul-- Follower of Jesus or Founder of Christianity?
On this episode of "Word Revisited," I chat with Dr. Michael J. Gorman, the Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland. He is the author of numerous books and specializes on the theology and letters of the Apostle Paul.
Michael's Amazon author page is here.
Calmly Considered: The Israeli Palestinian Conflict
On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the perennial tragedy of the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
Believing Is Seeing: Is God All Powerful?
On this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," I interview Thomas Jay Oord on his book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence, where he challenges the belief that the Bible teaches that God is omnipotent, that is all-powerful.
Oord directs a doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary and directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology. More information on ORT can be fou
Calmly Considered: Does Character Count? Does Virtue Matter?
On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan explore why it appears that American society has jettisoned the importance of character and virtue for leadership, particularly in the realm of politics. Does character really count? Does virtue really matter?
Believing Is Seeing: Christian Faith and Extraterrestrial Intelligence
On this episode of "Believing Is Seeing," Allan converses with the Reverend Professor David Wilkinson, Professor and Principal of St. John's College in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Durham, U.K. Dr. Wilkinson has two Ph.Ds, one in astrophysics and the other in systematic theology. They discuss the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and what it
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Legacy (Episode 15)
On this final episode of "A Prophet with Honor," Pidge and Allan ponder Dietrich's legacy and how it informs discipleship in the 21st century.
Calmly Considered: The Supreme Court-- Guardians of the Constitution or Judicial Legislators?
On this episode of "Calmly Considered" Michael and Allan discuss the Supreme Court of the United States: its history, development and its politicization by politicians throughout the decades.
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Scripture (Episode 14)
On this episode of "A Prophet with Honor," Pidge and Allan discuss Dietrich's understanding of the nature of the Bible and how he used it in his theological reflection.
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Life Together (Episode 13)
On this episode of "A Prophet with Honor," Pidge and Allan reflect upon Dietrich's understanding of the church formed largely by his time with the underground seminary which resulted in his book Life Together.
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer-- Who Is Christ for Us Today? (Episode 12)
Who is Christ for us today? That is the central question in Dietrich's theology. In episode 12, Pidge and Allan reflect upon Bonhoeffer's understanding of Jesus not as an abstract doctrine, but as one who calls his disciples to follow in his way of life, death, and resurrection.
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Cost of Discipleship (Episode 11)
On episode 11 of "A Prophet with Honor," Bonhoeffer's book, The Cost of Discipleship is highlighted. Originally lectures he taught at the underground seminary, this book reveals how seriously Dietrich took Jesus' call to discipleship and faithful obedience. "When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die."
Calmly Considered: Managing Tensions, Or How to Keep from Making Stupid Arguments
On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the importance of polarity management, a way of viewing tensions not as either/or problems to be solved, but both/and tensions to be managed. When tensions are turned into problems as is so often the case in today's politics, stupidity reigns supreme and solutions remain elusive.
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Letters and Papers from Prison (Episode 10)
In this episode of "A Prophet with Honor," Pidge and Allan discuss the book, Letters and Papers from Prison which is a compilation of Dietrich's correspondence (published posthumously) while under arrest by the Nazis. These writings reveal a deeply personal side of Bonhoeffer as well as his deep reflections on faith and suffering.
A Prophet with Honor: Bonhoeffer the Assassin? (Episode 9)
It is generally believed that Dietrich Bonhoeffer was involved in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. He certainly knew of plots, but did he in some way participate in the planning? Pidge and Allan discuss the matter.
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Stupidity (Episode 8)
In his Letters and Papers from Prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, "Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous." What does Bonhoeffer mean by "stupidity?" Is he referring to those who lack intelligence or is it something more complicated? Who is he referring to in his context of Nazi Germany? Pidge and Allan discuss the
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Confessing Church (Episode 7)
The Confessing Church was formed in Germany in May 1934 as an alternative to the German Nationalist Church which was complicit with Nazism. Dietrich would play a key role in its formation and work.
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Harlem (Episode 6)
In 1930, Dietrich spends a year in New York City. He spends time in Harlem with the black community there. One of the shocking incidents that happens to Bonhoeffer is that one night he and an African American friend are refused service at a restaurant because of his friend's skin color. Bonhoeffer cannot fathom this.
In this episode of A Prophet with Honor, Pidge and Allan reflect on Dietrich
Calmly Considered: A Discussion on Deconstruction
On this episode of Calmly Considered, Michael and Allan discuss deconstruction particularly as it relates to religion and faith. What is deconstruction? Is it new or something that's been around for a long time? Is deconstruction present in the Bible? Was Jesus a deconstructionist?
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer in America (Episode 5)
In 1930, Dietrich comes to the United States for a year of study at Union Theological Seminary in New York. It will be a formative experience that he will take back to Germany.
In episode five of fifteen, Pidge and Allan reflect on Bonhoeffer’s transformative experience in America.
Courageous Conversations: Immigration, the Bible, and Current Realities
On this episode of Courageous Conversations, we interview Christy Staats of the National Immigration Forum. We discuss the current situation at the border between the United States and Mexico and separate fact from fiction. Christy also offers a Christian perspective on immigration and how the followers of Jesus can respond to those seeking asylum.
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer - 1938-1945 (Episode 4)
In 1939, Dietrich Bonhoeffer travels to New York for a second time hoping to avoid being drafted into the German army. When he arrives, he immediately begins to regret it, feeling he has abandoned his friends and the cause of the resistance. Six weeks later, he returns to Germany to continue the struggle.
Episode four of A Prophet with Honor, looks at Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life as a secret age
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer - 1933-1937 (Episode 3)
In January 1933, Adolf Hitler is made Chancellor of Germany. Two days later, while Dietrich is giving a radio address critical of the Nazis, the broadcast is taken off the air and Bonhoeffer has a direct encounter with Hitler's fascism.
On episode three of A Prophet with Honor, Allan and Pidge highlight the important events of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life from 1933-1937.
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer - 1906-1932 (Episode 2)
On April 1, 1933, the Nazis proclaimed a boycott of Jewish businesses in Germany in an attempt to intimidate German Jews and discourage others from doing business with Jews. The morning of April 1st, Dietrich's 91 year old grandmother, Julie went into town passing Nazi guards entering a Jewish owned department store and purchasing what she desired. She said, "No one is going to tell where
Calmly Considered: The Mainstream Media-- Purveyors of Truth or Peddlers of Propaganda?
On this episode of Calmly Considered, Michael and Allan discuss today's media in America and whether or not it can be trusted to give to the public a reliable picture of newsworthy events. They also ponder the implications for Christians who believe in telling and discerning the truth in a world of information overload.
Episode Visuals: Media Bias Chart, Ground News.
A Prophet with Honor: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Post World War I Germany (Episode 1)
In this first of fifteen episodes on the life and witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Allan and Dr. Pidge Bannin discuss the reasons for the rise of Hitler and the Nazis after the First World War (1914-1918), and why Bonhoeffer was able to recognize the threat while many other Christians were not.
Word Revisited: Major Matters on the Minor Prophets
On this episode of Word Revisited, Allan interviews Dr. David W. Baker, Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. The conversation centers around the minor prophets. Why are they referred to as minor? What are the major themes of these twelve preachers? What is their relevance for us today?
Dr. Baker is the author and editor of numerous book
The Wesleyan Way: Active Faith and Resisting Dangerous Ideologies
On the episode of The Wesleyan Way, Allan interviews Paul Chilcote, Wesleyan historian and theologian on how a Wesleyan theological perspective can help us avoid the dangerous ideologies of legalism, nationalism, dispensationalism, and antinomianism.
Calmly Considered: Global Population-- Will It Become Standing Room Only?
On this episode of Calmly Considered, Michael and Allan discuss the growing global population, its implications for the future and why it's important for the followers of Jesus.
Believing Is Seeing: The Character of Virtue-- A Conversation with Stanley Hauerwas
On this episode of "Seeing Is Believing," Allan interviews Stanley Hauerwas on his book, The Character of Virtue: Letters to a Godson. Among the topics discussed, Stanley wonders if Protestantism still makes sense, and he asks Allan why he remains a United Methodist.
Calmly Considered: Does Social Security Have a Future?
On this episode of Calmly Considered, Michael and Allan discuss the sustainability of Social Security and the necessity of seeking the common good.
The Wesleyan Way: Revival-- Real or Ridiculous?
On this episode of The Wesleyan Way, Allan interviews Rev. Dr. Ben Witherington III on the phenomenon of religious revival and specifically the 2023 awakening taking place at Asbury University in Wilmore, KY. What is revival? Is it something to take seriously as a movement of the Holy Spirit, or should it be dismissed as emotional hype?
Rev. Dr. Ben Witherington III is Amos Professor of New
Courageous Conversations: Abortion-- Toward a Better Understanding
In this episode of "Calmly Considered," Allan converses with Joy Moore and Michael Gorman on the subject of abortion. How can Christians offer a more robust understanding of abortion that moves beyond the pitting of rights against each other? How does Christian doctrine inform the discussion? If the church is an alternative to the way of society, how do Christians utilize their unique witness to b
Calmly Considered: The Sport of Gambling-- Should Christians Take the Bet?
In this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the rise of betting on sports in America and gambling in general. Does legalized gambling boost the economy? What are the challenges gambling presents to communities? Is it appropriate for Christians to gamble?
The Wesleyan Way: Methodist Beginnings Through the Eyes of Women
In this episode of "The Wesleyan Way," we interview Rev. Dr. Donna L. Fowler-Marchant on her book Mothers in Israel: Methodist Beginnings Through the Eyes of Women. Rev. Fowler has done Methodism a great service in writing this book. She demonstrates that women were indeed the backbone of the earliest Methodist movement. These Mothers in Israel as they were called (if you want to know why, read th
Calmly Considered: 2022 Review, 2023 Preview
In this last episode of 2022, Michael and Allan review some of the happenings of 2022 and think ahead to 2023. Among the topics discussed are Ukraine, politics, the economy, immigration and the current worker shortage, scientific discoveries, and the all important prediction of who will win the Super Bowl.
Believing Is Seeing: Pietism-- Heartfelt Faith or Heavenly-Minded Humbug?
In this episode of Believing Is Seeing, we interview Dr. Jason Barnhart, Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. We discuss the topic of pietism, what it is and why heartfelt faith is not heavenly-minded humbug.
Check out Jason's blog, "Brethren Contemplative," here.
Learn more about Ashland Theological Seminary, here.
Calmly Considered: Should Christians Participate in Black Friday?
In this episode of Calmly Considered, Michael and Allan discuss how Christians might think about gift giving in the Christmas season and how to balance living in a culture of material abundance with a life of simplicity.
Word Revisited: Should Protestants Read the Apocrypha?
In this episode of Word Revisited, we interview Rev. Dr. David DeSilva, Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary (Ashland, Ohio) and an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. The interview centers on his book, Introducing the Apocrypha: Message, Context, and Significance. We ask ask him why Protestants should read the Apocrypha and how th
The Wesleyan Way: An Interview with Bishop William H. Willimon
In this premiere episode of The Wesleyan Way, Allan interviews United Methodist Bishop William H. Willimon on his latest book, Don't Look Back: Methodist Hope for What Comes Next. They discuss such questions as "How have Methodists lost their essential character as a mission?" "What must be done to revitalize a Methodism that is currently aging out of existence?" "Why do Jurisdictional Confe
Calmly Considered: The Mid-Term Election and Voting as a Christian
In this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the upcoming mid-term election. They offer some thoughts on the current political landscape and make some predictions, which are probably wrong. They also reflect on how Christians might think about voting as it relates to their faith.
Word Revisited: John Among the Gospels
In our premiere episode of "Word Revisited," we speak with Dr. Paul Anderson on the Gospel of John. Is John history? Is it theology? Both? Neither? How is the Fourth Gospel similar to and different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke?
Dr. Anderson is Professor of Biblical and Quaker Studies at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. He also serves as Extraordinary Professor of Religion at North-West Un
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