Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times
Dr. A.J. Swoboda and Dr. Nijay Gupta co-host this podcast, discussing Bible, theology, and various topics that give life meaning. They aim to provide simple faith perspectives for chaotic times.
Episodes
ST111: Casting Lots and Holy Decision Making
When making decisions, should we cast lots (i.e., roll the dice) or process with rational thinking, or pray about it, or seek wise counsel? AJ and Nijay talk about holy decision making.Support the show
ST110: Does Prayer Change God's Mind (And Is That Even the Right Question)?
AJ and Nijay have a frank conversation about prayer and how events unfold in our lives.Support the show
ST109: Purpose-Driven Failures: Following God's Call Beyond Worldly Success Metrics
AJ and Nijay have a frank conversation about processing failures and understanding what God is up to. What does "calling" look like when you don't get your dream job? Or you don't feel successful? Or how you make money is just a way to feed your family? Support the show
ST108: The Message to the Church in Laodicea: BE HOT OR COLD! (Seven Letters to the Seven Churches Series)
AJ and Nijay conclude their Revelation 2-3 series. The final message, to the church in Laodicea, is often misunderstood. Listen in as they dig into the historical context and then take a step back to look at how these seven messages form the church then and now.Support the show
ST107: The Apollos Spirit: The Expert Who is Teachable
Nijay and AJ take a closer look at Apollos and Priscilla and Aquila's ministry to Apollos in Acts 18.Support the show
ST106: The Message to the Church in Philadelphia: KNOW YOU ARE BELOVED (Seven Letters to the Seven Churches Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Revelation 2-3 series, this time with the Church in Philadelphia. Listen in.Support the show
ST105: The Message to the Church in Sardis: REJECT MANNEQUIN CHRISTIANITY (Seven Letters to the Seven Churches Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Revelation 2-3 series on the Seven Letters to the Seven Churches. Today: The Church in Sardis. Support the show
ST104: The Message to the Church in Thyatira: KEEP IT SIMPLE (Seven Letters to the Seven Churches Series)
Orthodoxy refers to right-orientation to Christian truth. It's not just about KNOWING truth things, but a bold and unyielding commitment to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ that does not swerve towards any other idea, teaching, or cultural wind. As AJ and Nijay continue their series on the Seven Churches of Revelation, in this episode they discuss the message to the church in Thyatira.
ST103: The Message to the Church in Pergamum: UNCOMPROMISING (Seven Letters to the Seven Churches Series)
AJ and Nijay continue in their series on the seven churches of Revelation 2-3. (Pergamum: Rev 2:12-17)Support the show
ST102: The Message to the Church in Smyrna: PERSEVERANCE (Seven Letters to the Seven Churches Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Revelation series, this time focusing on the message to the church in Smyrna.Support the show
ST101: The Message to the Church in Ephesus: LOVE (Seven Letters to the Seven Churches Series)
AJ and Nijay dig into Revelation 2-3, and the seven letters (or messages) to the seven churches of Asia Minor. The first church addressed is in ancient Ephesus, listen in.Support the show
ST100: Introducing the Book of Revelation (Seven Letters to the Seven Churches Series)
AJ and Nijay kick off a new podcast formation series, this time on the book of Revelation. They will focus in on the so-called Seven Letters to the Seven Churches (Rev 2-3). These powerful messages to real-life first century churches offer insight into true discipleship and undying devotion to Jesus Christ in a world of hostilities and temptations. Listen in on AJ and Nijay's #100th episode o
ST99: The Vital Necessity of Intergenerational Community
AJ and Nijay discuss how bringing together young and old in Christian community is necessary for the church's health.Support the show
ST98: If I'm Saved by Grace, What Motivates Growing in Faith and Maturity?
AJ and Nijay have an honest conversation about why we are here on earth and why we should be passionate about growing in our faith and maturity in Christ.Support the show
ST97: The Bible's Guide to Finding Jesus (When You Lost Him)
Have you ever felt like you have lost sight of Jesus in your life? How do you rediscover him? We learn from Luke 2:41-52 that Jesus' parents LITERALLY lost him when he was a young boy. AJ and Nijay use this story to process how to seek and find Jesus today, just like Mary and Joseph did then. Support the show
ST96: "Blessed Are The Persecuted" (A Beatitudes Series)
AJ and Nijay close out the Beatitudes series with vv. 5:10-13: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who we
ST95: "Blessed Are The Peaceamakers" (A Beatitudes Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their beatitudes series with Matt 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God."Support the show
ST94: "Blessed Are The Pure in Heart" (A Beatitudes Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Beatitudes series with Matthew 5:8: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."Support the show
ST93: "Blessed Are The Merciful" (A Beatitudes Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Beatitudes series. Support the show
ST92: "Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness" (A Beatitudes Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their discussions of the Beatitudes; this time Matthew 5:6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."Support the show
ST91: "Blessed Are The Meek" (A Beatitudes Series)
AJ and Nijay explore the third beatitude, "blessed are the meek." In modern American culture, "meekness is weakness," but somehow in Christ's kingdom it is blessed. How can that be? Listen in to learn more. Please rate, like, and subscribe to Slow Theology on your favorite app.Support the show
ST90: "Blessed Are Those Who Mourn" (A Beatitudes Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their series with Jesus' Beatitude #2.Support the show
ST89: "Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit" (A Beatitude Series)
AJ and Nijay discuss the first beatitude (Matt 5:3; Luke 6:20).Support the show
ST88: "Blessed Are...": Introducing a New Beatitudes Series
AJ and Nijay kick off a **brand new** podcast series on the Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-10). In this first episode they talk about Jesus as teacher and why the Sermon on the Mount in general and the Beatitudes in particular are so important for every Christian to study.Support the show
ST87: Listener Question: Why Was the Jerusalem Temple Decorated with So Much Gold?
In this episode, Nijay and A.J. address a great listener question: if God is for the poor, why did God mandate that the temple be decorated with so much gold and high-value materials? Listen in. (Related texts: Exodus 25-28; 35-40; 1 Kings 6-7; 2 Chron 2-4).Support the show
ST86: The Scandal of Particularity: Why the Incarnation is Good News for Each One of Us
AJ and Nijay explore the amazing doctrine of the Incarnation, God coming into a very particular human form at a particular time to a particular place. God becomes like us to know us and love us and save us face-to-face and heart-to-heart. Simply amazing.Support the show
ST85: Slow Peacemaking and Reconciliation in a Hostile World
It is clear that we live in an increasing violent and hostile world. AJ and Nijay turn to Scripture and the Christian tradition to bring a "slow theology" mindset and long-obedience lifestyle to peacemaking and reconciliation in our relationships today. Support the show
ST84: Why Are the Psalm So Important For Our Spiritual Formation?
Are you feeling spiritually dry? Restless? Mercurial? AJ and Nijay talk about how the biblical Psalter has helped steady the spiritual rhythm of the church for centuries. The Psalms were the prayer and worship language of Israel and of Jesus—and we can find renewal in these ancient words as well. Support the show
ST83: Living Like You'll Never Leave: Is This World My Home—Or Not?
There was a recent prediction that the Rapture would happen Sept 23, 2025. It came and went, apparently no Rapture. But every time there is a major Rapture prediction, enthusiasts sell their worldly possessions to prepare themselves for the Great Beyond. In this episode, AJ and Nijay talk about what the Bible teaches about our posture towards the earth we live in now. Does the Bible teach that thi
ST82: The Spiritual Danger of "Speed Privilege"
*Check out AJ and Nijay's newly released book, SLOW THEOLOGY: 8 Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World (Brazos Press).In this ep., they talk about the benefits of getting what we want ultrafast, but also how it shapes our spirituality. What are the dangers and drawbacks to "speed privilege"?Support the show
ST81: Slow Theology and the Wandering People of God
Today (Sept 23) is the release day for AJ and Nijay's new book entitled SLOW THEOLOGY (Brazos Press). Please check out the book and listen to this launch day conversation about slow theology and the meaning, challenge, and grace in faith-filled wandering in this world as part of the journey of our formation in Christ.Support the show
ST80: A Raw Conversation about the Fragile State of our Country and the American Church
AJ and Nijay have a frank and honest conversation about the current difficult moment we are living in. *Warning*: this episode includes brief discussions of violence and murder.Support the show
ST79: "The Divine Archaeologist": The Spirit of Both Innovation and Tradition (Holy Spirit Series)
AJ and Nijay wrap up their popular Holy Spirit topical series. This episode engages with the matter of balancing our expectations for "new" from the Spirit with how the Spirit reinforces what we already have in Scripture and tradition.Support the show
ST78: How Concerned Should I Be About Spiritual Warfare? (Holy Spirit Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Holy Spirit series on Slow Theology. This time around they discuss what spiritual warfare is, how to think about it, and some extremes to avoid.Support the show
ST77: Does the Spirit Work through Unbelievers? The Holy Spirit and Common Grace (Holy Spirit Series)
Nijay and AJ continue their Holy Spirit series with this discussion of whether the Spirit can speak truth outside of the covenant community. Listen in.Support the show
ST76: Reviving Eutychus: Does the Spirit Work the Same Now as Then? (Holy Spirit Series)
AJ and Nijay are back, baby! After a bit of an early summer hiatus, they resume their Holy Spirit series with the question: does the Holy Spirit work differently now compared to back then? They use the unusual but important story of Paul and Eutychus (Acts 20) to touch upon the "cessationism/continuationism" debate. Listen in. Support the show
ST75: Tongues—The Weirdest Gift of the Spirit? (Holy Spirit Series)
AJ and Nijay finally get to the Spirit's Gift of Tongues in their Holy Spirit series. This is one where there is a lot of theological discussion and sometimes heated debate. And a lot of confusion about what speaking in tongues is all about. Slow Theology offers an accessible discussion to an often perplexing issue and difficult conversation. Check it out.Support the show
ST74: A Teachable Spirit (Nijay Interviews AJ about his *new book*)
AJ and Nijay talk about AJ's brand new book: A TEACHABLE SPIRIT: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone (Zondervan Reflective, 2025).Support the show
ST73: "Can You Lose the Holy Spirit?" (The Holy Spirit Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Holy Spirit series with a frequently asked question from students and church folks: "Can you lose the Holy Spirit"? Support the show
ST72: The Gifts the Spirit Gives—And What the Spirit Expects (The Holy Spirit Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Holy Spirit series. In this ep. they discuss "Spiritual Gifts," what they are and what they are for. They emphasize that the gifts from the Spirit are not "no strings attached." They come with a calling to serve one another and build up the church. Support the show
ST71: On the Spirit and the Speedo Guy (OR: "Walking with the Spirit") (The Holy Spirit Series)
Nijay and AJ continue the Holy Spirit series, focusing on the question: What does it mean to walk with the Spirit? You'll have to listen in to answer the questions: (1) Who is the "Speedo Guy" and (2) What does he have to do with walking in the Spirit versus the flesh?Support the show
ST70: Naming the Spirit: Introducing our "Holy Spirit Series"
AJ and Nijay kick off a series on the Holy Spirit. Do you find yourself confused by the second person of the Trinity? Can you pray to the Spirit? What do you call the Spirit? What exactly is the Spirit? In this first episode AJ and Nijay introduce the conversation and talk about how we talk about the Spirit, and why it matters. Subscribe to make sure you are up to date on all the episodes. Support
ST69: The School of the Prophets: What Do We Do With Prophecy Today?
Does God speak to us through prophets and prophecy today? Or is that a thing of the past? And how can you discern false prophecy from true prophecy? AJ and Nijay have an important conversation.Support the show
ST68: Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology
AJ and Nijay talk about Nijay's brand new book: THE AFFECTIONS OF CHRIST JESUS: LOVE AT THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY (Eerdmans): released Feb 20, 2025. Support the show
ST67: The Quartet of the Vulnerable (Orphans, Widows, Foreigners, the Poor)
Nijay and AJ reflect on Scripture's emphasis on attending to the quartet of the vulnerable (orphans, widows, foreigners, the poor; see Zech 7:9-10). Support the show
ST66: Beyond the Red Letters of Scripture
Are some parts of the Bible inherently more important than others? AJ and Nijay reflect on this important question. Listen in.Support the show
ST65: The Prophetic Boundaries of Jesus
What can the earthly life of Jesus teach us about healthy relationships? Nijay and AJ explore this important question thinking about Jesus as a prophet sent from God the Father with an urgent mission.Support the show
ST64: Do Not Covet (Ten Commandments Series)
Nijay and AJ cap off their series on the Ten Commandments with "Do Not Covet." Support the show
ST63: Do Not Bear False Witness (Ten Commandments Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Ten Commandments series: Do Not Bear False Witness/Do Not Lie. Support the show
ST62: Do Not Steal (Ten Commandments Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Ten Commandments series with "Do Not Steal."Support the show
ST61: Do Not Commit Adultery (Ten Commandments Series)
*Explicit Conversation Warning*AJ and Nijay continue their conversation about the Ten Commandments and practicing Slow Theology. They use the language of sex and lust frequently in this episode, so be mindful of who is listening. Support the show
ST60: Cultivating Poverty of Spirit
Nijay and AJ interrupt their Ten Commandments series to offer a one-off discussion of the problem of spiritual pride; Western Christians today need to cultivate a "poverty of spirit," a deep realization and ownership of our personal neediness, incompleteness, and brokenness. Support the show
ST59: Do Not Murder (Ten Commandments Series)
AJ and Nijay continue with the sixth commandment, "Do not murder." Now, at first glance that seems like an easy thing, but Scripture and Christian theology have a lot to say, not only about the evil of ending life, but also about the responsibility of protecting and blessing life. Explore this important subject further and listen in.Support the show
ST58: Honoring Your Father and Your Mother (Ten Commandments Series)
AJ and Nijay dive into the commandment to "honor your father and your mother." What does this mean? Not just for children, but for adults as well? In a time where there is generational conflict over politics, this could be a very urgent message for healing divides today. Support the show
ST57: Remembering the Sabbath (Ten Commandments Series)
AJ and Nijay continue their Ten Commandments series; this time: Remember the Sabbath. Much of their discussion derives from insights from AJs bestselling book SUBVERSIVE SABBATH.Support the show
ST56: Honoring God's Name (A Ten Commandments Podcast Series)
We often think that not taking the Lord's name in vain means not blurting out "Jesus Christ!" Or "God d*** it!" It's good to respect God's name, but this commandment is far deeper and more pervasively important than watching your tongue when you stub your toe. Check out AJ and Nijay's discussion about what it means to honor God's name in our words and o
ST55: No Other God, No Idols (A Ten Commandments Podcast Series)
AJ and Nijay get into the the first set of commandments, which form the fountainhead for the rest: singular allegiance to YHWH and rejection of idols. The Ten Commandments is much more than a list of don'ts, it is a mini-theology, pointing to a rich life within the healthy boundaries God has established for image-bearing creatures.Support the show
ST54: "I am YHWH, your God...": Introducing a Ten Commandments Podcast Series
Slow Theology is excited to introduce a new series on the Ten Commandments (10C). Join AJ and Nijay as they process this foundation text in Scripture and how it forms our spirituality, theology, ethics, and life together. In this first episode they introduce the background and context of the 10C, and discuss the prescript statement, "I am YHWH, your God, who brought you out of Egypt" (Ex
ST53: Emotionally Navigating News about "Church Evil"
It's all too easy to doomscroll news about "church evil," the harrowing revelations regarding issues of abuse and corruption in Christian communities. In the past, AJ and Nijay have discussed the theological, moral, and philosophical implications of this dark reality coming to light, but in this new episode they discuss the emotional textures of facing this disheartening and horrify
ST52: Choosing Carefully Your "Confessors" and Confidants
Do you have people in your life that you can share your darker struggles with, and confess your sins to? AJ and Nijay talk about being very selective and careful about finding your "confessors" and confidants; people that are not only safe, but also wise and care about your faith and relationship with Jesus.Support the show
ST51: Ways We Can't Be Like Jesus
**Possible Trigger Warning**AJ and Nijay discuss the limitations of "righteous suffering" today. Jesus took abuse and harm upon himself from others for the salvation of the world. Is Jesus a model for abuse victims today? Are there areas of life where WWJD doesn't apply—where we shouldn't or can't imitate Jesus? Support the show
ST50: "Work Out Your Salvation"—What is Paul Talking About? (Philippians 2:12)
In Philippians 2:12, Paul writes, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling..." This verse has perplexed many readers, because on the surface it appears that Paul is talking about earning salvation, so what happened to justification by grace?? AJ and Nijay love talking about reading the Bible well in context, check it out.UPDATE: Nijay mentions in this episode a messaging feature,
ST49: What the Questions Jesus Asked Teaches Us
Jesus is remembered as a great teacher, but he also had many conversations with people he met and he asked a lot of questions (well over 100 questions from the lips of Jesus in the Gospels). What can we learn about Jesus from his questions? What can we learn about the Gospel? What can we learn about our faith? AJ and Nijay reflect on these questions.Support the show
ST48: What's the Best Bible Translation? (Hint: It's a Trick Question)
AJ and Nijay talk about a common question they get in the church and classroom: What's the best Bible translation? If you're curious, listen in on their conversation.Support the show
ST47: From Spiritual Pride to Humility and Love
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves" (Rom 15:1)Knowledge is good - the more you know the further you'll go (as they say). But it can also lead to pride, arrogance, and judgmentalism. AJ and Nijay chat about the dangers of spiritual pride and how to build up the other and not puff up oneself (1 Cor 8:1).Support the show
ST46: Nurturing a Non-Reactive Theology
What happens when your theological heroes change their mind, let you down, or leave the faith? It can be uncomfortable, sometimes devastating. In keeping with the theme of "slow theology," AJ and Nijay address this struggle and encourage a non-reactive theology.Support the show
ST45: Strange Religion (AJ Interviews Nijay)
In the previous episode, Nijay interviewed AJ about his latest book, The Gift of Thorns (ST44). This time around, AJ and Nijay chat about Nijay's latest, Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling (Brazos Press, 2024).Support the show
ST44: The Gift of Thorns (Nijay Interviews AJ)
AJ has written an important new book called THE GIFT OF THORNS. Nijay and AJ discuss why AJ wrote this, a bit of his own story, and how unfulfilled wants can lead us into deeper spiritual life with Christ. This is a raw and vulnerable conversation. (WARNING: adult content is briefly discussed)Support the show
ST43: Praying "Deliver Us from Evil" (Slow Prayer)
AJ and Nijay finish out their series on the Lord's Prayer and how to process the prayer Jesus taught us and learn how to pray slowly and authentically before God. Can we (smarty-pants moderns) really believe in evil? Should we fear evil? What does deliverance/rescue look like? Listen in—and please give Slow Theology and rating on your preferred listening app. Support the show
ST42: Praying "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" (Slow Prayer)
AJ and Nijay continue their series on prayer. They get into theological questions like "what is temptation?" and "Does God influence temptation, if so why?" But they also talk about how this prayer shapes our Christian lives. Support the show
ST41: Praying "Forgive Us" (Slow Prayer)
AJ and Nijay continue to journey slowly through the Lord's Prayer. They reckon with the challenge of forgiving one another, and how important this is as a spiritual practice and an act of trust in God. Support the show
ST40: Praying "Give Us Daily Bread" (Slow Prayer)
AJ and Nijay continue with their Slow Prayer series focusing on the Lord's Prayer. How does it shape our prayer life to pray "Give us this day our daily bread"? Support the show
ST39: Praying "Your Kingdom Come" (Slow Prayer)
AJ and Nijay continue the "Slow Prayer" series, journeying through the Lord's Prayer line by line. In this ep. they discuss the "cry for the kingdom" (as theologian Stanley Grenz puts it). Support the show
ST38: Praying "Our Father in Heaven..." (Slow Prayer)
Why does it matter how we address God? Why "Our Father"? What does it mean that He lives "in Heaven?" And what does it mean to "hallow" God's Name? AJ and Nijay discuss the beginning of the prayer Jesus gave us. (Remember, you don't pray alone, you pray with Jesus)Support the show
ST37: Slow Prayer (Introducing a Lord's Prayer Series)
Nijay and AJ are kicking off a multi-episode series about prayer, with a focus on the Lord's Prayer. Join them for this introductory episode where they chat about why this short prayer from Jesus has been so important in the history of the Church—and how it can shape our spiritual lives today.Support the show
ST36: Walking with a Spouse through their Deconstruction
What happens when your spouse (or close relative/friend) is going through deconstruction and you aren't? It can be a jarring and disheartening experience, and it comes with lots of possible and normal emotions like anger, fear, sadness, compassion, or uncertainty. AJ and Nijay process this together based on insights from Scripture and personal experiences.Support the show
ST35: What Children Can Teach Us About Theology and Faith
AJ and Nijay dialogue about an important question: How would our faith be transformed if we learned with and from children? Too often children are hidden in the church, treated as distractions or underformed community members. But maybe we adults have something to learn FROM children. Listen in to this important conversation.Support the show
ST34: End of Year '23 Episode: Book Recommendations & More! (Podcast Short)
AJ and Nijay wish everyone a happy new year! This Podcast Short is a brief chat about their favorite reads of the year, but also that it is okay not to read everything and sometimes its the best thing to kick back and listen to podcasts! AJ, Nijay, and Nick (our amazing audio editor!) are so thankful for our regular listeners and new listeners as well. More honest and engaging topics and discussio
ST33: The Christmas Episode!
Christmas can be the best of times, but it can also be lonely, stressful, and exhausting. Nijay and AJ have some fun in this episode, but also talk about some of the hard stuff about the holidays too. Wishing you and yours a merry Christmas! Support the show
ST32: Christian Life After Experiencing Spiritual Abuse (**Trigger Warning/Sensitive Topic**)
In 2023, there have been a number of heartbreaking stories involving spiritual abuse in Christian environments, and too many lives have been harmfully affected by these men in power. AJ and Nijay broach this heavy subject thinking about the victims of spiritual abuse who want to go back to church or a Christian community, but are (rightfully) afraid, cynical, or hopeless. How can a "slow theo
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