The Bonhoeffer episode was gripping me so much. Until the insane claims that he was a failure because of the failed coup against Hitler. Really? Please. He was a huge success as a Christian and an excellent example for all of us who claim to follow Christ.

Just awesome!

So much truth & goodness in this. Grief, depression-not things you want to talk about ir listen to. But this is the broken world that we live in & there is sorrow. Thank you for putting this together.

Love the deep discussion and the way they talk about grief especially. Also the production is amazing!

I loved season one because I’m a history buff but this second season hit me where I am personally and will help professionally. I encourage everyone to listen to Living & Effective

I loved the second season of Living & Effective. It was extremely well-edited and produced with the right guests and a lot of vulnerability. A tough subject handled very beautifully and gracefully. Kudos Joy Beth and Richard!

Really enjoyed this podcast. Looking forward to more.

This podcast promised to be great with co-producer Nick Rynerson involved, but it surpassed my expectations. The show cuts through clichés to artfully demonstrate why the Bible matters and how it’s use and authority have weathered the dynamics of history.

Informative, well researched and thought provoking. My only complaint: not enough episodes! Looking forward to the new year and the topics Richard chooses to discuss.

A profoundly informative and challenging podcast. I want more

Seriously strong podcast.

This podcast must continue! I appreciate the research, interviews and perspectives that go into this podcast.

With creativity and a commitment to excellence, Richard and his team connect the dots between the Bible and its impact on critical historical turning points.

I’ve only listened to one episode so far but this podcast is fantastic and honest. I think it’s so important to look at our faith from a practical, critical, and sometimes difficult lens. It’s already replaced two podcasts that I think have gotten a little stale and rote. My only suggestion would be to add some show notes with texts that are mentioned in the episode or some suggested follow up reading by the people featured in the show. Sure, I could read the transcript of the episodes (and I have), but this would make it easier for those episodes I want to do a little follow-up research on. Otherwise, 5 stars all around!

This podcast could serve as a very important, philosophical lens of how to interpret scripture when we have a very misguided evangelical Christian population, who hold much responsiblility for electing a president who almost deliberately goes against every evangelical Christian value. Something has been lost in translation to say in the very least. Before diving into more specific topics...since the podcast aims at evaluating how interpretation of scripture has proven to be at odds with what we now consider very basic human values, it might be useful to have an introduction to translations leading up to the Christian Standard Bible — providing something like a historical, ontological overview of its etymology as well as theology leading up to publication. This can help carve out how reading scripture present day has to consider not only the evolving social context, but explain why there are different interpretations that branch into different doctrines and denominations, and why your show supports the Christian Standard Bible’s modern edition. One last thing, I know the first episode is more of a synopsis into what the show will cover— which is a lot! As much as I appreciate and find necessary that you highlight the topic of racial oppression that the Church historically had a big hand in perpetuating in this country’s horrific, institutionalized racism- how about also highlighting oppression towards women? Much appreciation for the incredible energy and care put into this, and I’m interested to listen to the forthcoming episodes! Peace, Darcy

There’s a lot of messiness going on in the church today when it comes to social issues. And it seems like, at times, we have little or no desires to look back on the dark parts of our past and reflect on our failings. Living & Effective does a pristine job of reflecting on the corporate Church’s failings in a healthy, critical, compelling way, but also opening the door to optimism and building our faith. It also opens the door for us, today’s Church, to ask ourselves: What are our blind spots? In 100 years, what will the Church look back on us and think, and more importantly—see as our failings? We must be open to healthy critique and self-reflection in order to corporately grow. I look forward to hearing more about the messy, exciting, and powerful ways the Bible has been living and effective throughout history.

I liked the mix of perspectives and the deep dives into uncomfortable subjects.

Sometimes the best way to think of today's pressing spiritual issues is to look at those of the past.

I am refreshed by a podcast that asks tough questions and reminds me of the relenting love of God. It’s wonderfully done, and I’m excited to listen to more!

I’ve never heard a podcast like this one. There is so much false theology and hermeneutics in our current moment and it’s refreshing to hear clear-cut arguments and a transparent grappling with how the Bible was used for good and for ill in history. Can’t wait for the next episode!