Faith Improvised
Faith Improvised explores what it means to be faithfully Christian in a changing world. Host Tim Gombis discusses biblical texts, books, politics, sports, music, films, and other topics with friends. The podcast aims to help listeners be fully alive in God's good world and enjoy the liberating reality of the Christian gospel.
Episodes
Divine Combat in Ephesians 1-2, Pt. 3
In this episode, I talk about the second half of Ephesians 2 and the second cycle of conflict-victory Paul elaborates there.
Divine Combat in Ephesians 1-2, Pt. 2
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.
Divine Combat in Ephesians 1-2
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.
The Gospel Has A Grammar
In this episode, I share some thoughts, especially about the relationship of vocabulary and grammar, in thinking well about the gospel.
Concluding Thoughts on "Toxic Empathy"
In this episode, I offer some further thoughts in assessing the notion of "toxic empathy," which I began talking about in the previous episode.
Taking "Toxic Empathy" Seriously . . . Seriously
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."
Thinking Critically About How We Talk
In this episode I share some thoughts, especially about thinking critically about how we use certain words.
The Audiences of Ephesians
In this episode, I talk about the audiences of Ephesians and why it's important to keep them in mind while interpreting the letter.
Back To It!
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 Play
Dark Passions & Other Thoughts
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.
Paul's Thesis Statement in Ephesians 1, Pt. 2
In this episode, I continue talking about how Ephesians 1:19-23 functions in the argument of this letter.
Paul's Thesis Statement in Ephesians 1
In this episode I talk about how Eph 1:19-23 functions within his overall presentation in this letter.
Summer's End
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-Akn
Paul's Prayer Report in Ephesians 1
In this episode, I talk about how Paul reports he is praying for his audiences at the end of Ephesians 1.
Identity Formation in Ephesians 1, Pt. 3
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.
Identity Formation in Ephesians 1, Pt. 2
In this episode, I talk a bit more about Timothy Snyder's book, On Freedom, and about Paul's literary strategy in Ephesians 1.
An Epic Golf Tournament & National Political Shenanigans
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.
Identity Formation In Ephesians 1
In this episode, I keep talking about Timothy Snyder's book, On Freedom, and I talk about Paul's identity formation strategy in the opening of Ephesians.
Ephesians As A Letter
In this episode, I continue talking about Timothy Snyder's book, On Freedom, and I introduce other aspects of Paul's letter called Ephesians.
God's Cosmic Enemies in Ephesians
In this episode, I talk about the role of the powers and authorities in Paul's letter, and their background in the Old Testament and the Jewish literature of Paul's day.
Ephesians & Me
In this episode, I revisit my history with Paul's letter called Ephesians.
Introducing Season 6
In this episode, I talk about what I've been up to the last six months, and I introduce what I'm going to talk about in this upcoming season: Paul's letter called Ephesians.I also mention a number of scholars and journalists whose work I have benefitted from: Timothy Snyder, Anne Applebaum, Jason Stanley, Tom Nichols, Andrea Chalupa, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Sarah Kendzior, and John Ganz.
Showing Up
In this episode, Steve and I talk about enjoying some good beers sent from a listener, and about the importance of showing up.
Autocracy, Inc.
In this episode, Steve and I talk about Anne Applebaum's new book, Autocracy, Inc.
Salman Rushdie's Memoir
In this episode, Steve and I talk about a bunch of things, but especially Salman Rushdie's memoir entitle Knife: Meditations after an Attempted Murder.
Buffoonery & Autocracy
In this episode, Steve and I discuss the March 29, 2024 episode of the Ezra Klein Show, on which Ezra interviewed political journalist John Ganz. Ganz's new book, When the Clock Broke, is a survey of political and cultural developments in the 1990s that gave rise to the sorts of resentments and grievances at work in the upcoming election.
Reason, Passion, Ignorance, and Expertise in Politics
Steve and I talk about passion and reason in the populace, and the place of expertise in politics.
What We've Learned About Teaching
Steve and I talk about a bunch of stuff, but especially about what we've learned about teaching.
You Are Not Your Job, Pt. 2
In this episode, Steve and I continue our conversation about who we are and what we do, along with a bunch of other stuff.
You Are Not Your Job
In this episode, Steve and I talk about our identities in relation to our jobs and careers.
Chosen Family
In this episode, Steve and I talk about a bunch of stuff, but especially about the notion of chosen family.
Adventures in Public Education
In this episode, I give some updates about the last month or so, and Steve and I talk about the football playoffs and about our experiences in public education.
Tim Gets Some Perspective
In this episode, Steve and I talk about a bunch of different topics, but especially some recent lessons in perspective.
Gaining Perspective on Our Suffering
In this episode, Steve and I talk about how holding onto a right perspective helps us deal with our suffering.
Doing What You Love & Maintaining Perspective
In this episode, we ended up talking quite a bit about Johnny Marr's autobiography, Set the Boy Free, and the sort of person Marr embodies. He stayed focused on what he loved--playing guitar--and remained committed to those around him, which kept him from losing his perspective on life.
I also mentioned a few books: Underland, by Robert Macfarlane; Empire of Pain, by Patrick Radden Keefe; Devi
Long Walks & Laughter
In this episode, Steve and I talk about some of the healing dynamics associated with our practice of taking long walks and the healing power of laughter.
The Challenges of Our Intellectual Journeys
In this episode, Steve and I reflect on our personal transformations over the last 25 years, and the emotional, relational, and intellectual dynamics involved in those.
The Place of Pain and Suffering in the Pursuit of Happiness and Wholeness
In this episode, Steve and I talk about how painful situations can be catalysts for growth, and under what conditions that can happen.
The Quest for Certainty in an Uncertain World
In this episode, Steve and I talk about certainty and uncertainty, reflecting on Mark C. Taylor's comment, in his book, After God, that "Certainty is the symptom of death; uncertainty, the pulse of life."
Tragic Violence in the Middle East & The Importance of Memory
In our conversation, Steve and I mention a few books: Mark Tessler, A History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; Elias Chacour, Blood Brothers: The Dramatic Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel; Sandy Tolan, The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East; Ari Shavit, My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel; Anne Applebaum, Twilight of Democra
The Origins and Expressions of Individualism in American Protestantism
Steve and I talk about why and how American Protestantism--especially white evangelicalism--is so individualistic. We mentioned a few books: Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations; Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America; Ijeoma Oluo, Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America.
Conspiracies, Intellectual Humility, and Arrogance
In this episode, Steve and I talk about some articles we've read recently on conspiracy theories, and relate those to intellectual humility and arrogance. We also mention the following books and articles: "Google Isn't Grad School," by Arthur Brooks, from The Atlantic, July 2023; "What Conspiracy Theorists Don't Believe," by Tim Harford, from The Atlantic, July 2023; The Death of Expertise, by Tom
True Grit: Navigating a Cold, Indifferent Universe
In this episode, Steve and I discuss the novel and the film adaptations of "True Grit"--their similarities and differences, and how the Coen version fits their vision of life in a cold, indifferent universe.
We mention this article about the film by Stanley Fish, and the book by Adam Nayman, The Coen Brothers: This Book Really Ties the Films Together.
Pursuing Happiness, Wholeness, and Healing, Pt. 2
In this episode, Steve and I continue talking about happiness, with some references to the Book of Job and A Serious Man.
Pursuing Happiness, Wholeness, and Healing: Introducing Season 5
In this episode, I begin a series of conversations with my best friend, Steve Watkins, about pursuing happiness, wholeness, and healing. We mentioned a few books in this episode: Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (Harper, 2015), and Pema Chödrön, Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion (Shambhala, 2018). We also mentioned the be
Evangelism Is Not the Task of the Church
In this episode I talk about how I came to the view that evangelism is not the task of the church.
Concluding Season 4
In this episode, I talk about my big move and new location in Louisville, and answer a few listener emails.
Reading New Testament Letters, Pt. 3
In this episode I finish talking about interpreting New Testament letters as occasional literature.
Reading New Testament Letters, Pt. 2
In this episode, I recommend my friend Max Botner's book, Beyond the Greek New Testament: Advanced Readings for Students of Biblical Studies (Baker Academic), and I talk about New Testament letters as occasional literature.
Reading New Testament Letters, Pt. 1
In this episode, I recommend Louis Menand's new book, The Free World: Art and Thought in the Cold War (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021), and I begin talking about reading and interpreting New Testament letters.
Reading Biblical Narratives, Pt. 3
In this episode, I catch up with the 17 listeners on what I've been up to the last few months, I recommend Beth Moore's new memoir, called All My Knotted Up Life (Tyndale Momentum), and I finish talking about some features of biblical narratives.
Reading Biblical Narratives, Pt. 2
In this episode, I recommend a brilliant new book by Daniel G. Hummel, The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle over the End Times Shaped a Nation (Eerdmans, 2023), and I talk a bit more about reading biblical narratives.
Reading Biblical Narratives
In this episode, I catch all 17 listeners up on what I’ve been doing the last month or so, and I talk a little about reading biblical narratives.
The Bible Is a Library, Pt. 2
In this episode, I recommend Nijay Gupta's new book, Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church (IVP Academic, 2023), and I talk a bit more about why it’s so important to understand the different kinds of literature in the Bible.
The Bible Is a Library
In this episode, I recommend Myth America: Historians Take on the Biggest Legends and Lies About Our Past, edited by Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer (Basic Books, 2023), and I talk about how important it is to reckon with the various kinds of literature found in the Bible.
The Questions the Bible Asks of Us
In this episode, I recommend Gabor Maté's brilliant new book on trauma and healing, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture Avery, 2022), and I address some of the questions raised by the series on the big story of the Bible.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 15
In this episode, I talk about the current moment of the biblical story in a sub-series on engaging with Scripture that went on a whole lot longer than I thought it would.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 14
In this episode, I talk about the early church and how that fits into the biblical story.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 13
In this episode, I talk about Jesus and how he fits into the biblical story.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 12
In this episode, I try to provide some backdrop to the historical dynamics that shaped the culture to which Jesus arrived.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 11
In this episode, I finish talking about God’s call of Israel and what that means for God’s aim to reclaim the world for his glory.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 10
I recommend Bono’s new memoir called Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story (Knopf, 2022), and I talk about God’s call of Israel and what that means for God’s aim to reclaim the world for his glory.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 9
In this episode, I talk about God’s call of Israel and what that means for God’s aim to reclaim the world for his glory.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 8
I begin talking about God's plan to reclaim what was lost when humans failed in their commission to manage creation's flourishing.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 7
I recommend the book by Justin E. H. Smith, The Internet is Not What You Think It Is: A History, A Philosophy, A Warning (Princeton University Press, 2022), and I talk a bit more about the big story of the Bible.
I also mention the soon-to-be-released book by Isaac B. Sharp, The Other Evangelicals: A Story of Liberal, Black, Progressirve, Feminist, and Gay Christians--and the Movement that Pushed
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 6
I relay some of the excellent meals I've enjoyed recently, and I continue talking about the big story of the Bible and how humans made a mess of things in Genesis 3.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 5
I recommend Jenny Odell's wonderful book, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy (Melville House, 2020), and I draw out some implications about humanity from Genesis 1-2.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 4
In this episode, I recommend Mel Brooks's wonderful memoir, All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business (Ballantine Books, 2021), and I talk about the opening chapter of the biblical story (Genesis 1-2).
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 3
In this episode, I continue talking about the opening chapter of the Bible’s big story.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 2
I recommend Merve Emre's book, The Personality Brokers: The Strange History of Myers-Briggs and the Birth of Personality Testing (Anchor Books, 2019), and I talk a bit more about the narrative dynamics going on in Genesis 1-2.
The Big Story of the Bible, Pt. 1
I respond to some questions I've received, I recommend Katelyn Beaty's new book, Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits are Hurting the Church (Brazos Press, 2022), and I begin talking about the big story of the Bible.
Putting the Testaments Together
In this episode, I recommend a wonderful work of fiction, called Dear Committee Members: A Novel (Doubleday, 2015), and I talk about two approaches to Scripture: Lectio Divina and the Law/Gospel contrast.
Thinking with Scripture
In this episode, I recommend Hillary McBride's wonderful new book, The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Connection through Embodied Living (Brazos Press, 2021), and I talk about critical thinking when it comes to engaging with Christian Scripture.
Introducing Season 4
After a longer layoff than I had anticipated, I begin this fourth season by talking about what I've been up to over the last 3 1/2 months, note some of the books I've been reading, and give an overview of what I intend to explore in the upcoming season.
Wrapping Up Romans
In this episode, I wrap up season 3 and the exploration of Paul's Letter to the Romans.
The Closing of Paul's Letter to the Romans
A brief update on two books I'm reading--The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity, by David Graeber and David Wengrow, and The Church Cracked Open: Disruption, Decline, and New Hope for Beloved Community, by Stephanie Spellers. I also talk about the closing section of Paul's letter to the Roman Christians.
The Rhetorical Climax of Romans
In this episode, I recommend J. Richard Middleton's wonderful and compelling new book, Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, The Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God (Baker Academic, 2021), and I talk about Romans 14:1-15:13, which is the climax of Paul's argument in the letter.
Middleton's book is available with free shipping from Baker Book House (https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/
Submission to Worldly Powers in Romans 13
In this episode, I recommend Daniel Silliman's wonderful new book, Reading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a Faith (Eerdmans), and I talk about Paul's exhortations in Romans 13.
I also mention Stephen Colbert's thoughts about the relationship of his Christian faith to his comedy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUaWDqDOWPk), and the brilliant fake conspiracy theory 'Birds
Being God's New Creation Community (Romans 12)
I share a few reflections about exploring how to be Christian, I recommend the PBS documentary on Billy Graham, and I talk about Paul's exhortations to the Roman Christians in Romans 12.
You can find the documentary here: https://www.pbs.org/video/billy-graham-tp3vqn/.
How to Be Christian and Stay Christian (Even When LGBTQ+ People Exist)
In this episode, I share a few more reflections about conspiracy theories, I recommend Kiese Laymon's book, Heavy: An American Memoir (Scribner), and I talk about what it means to be Christian and how to remain Christian when relating to people who identify as LGBTQ+ inside and outside the church.
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