This episode features a RENEW.org Review of Richard and Christopher Hays’s ‘The Widening of God’s Mercy’. For more information view this article by John Whittaker: https://renew.org/review-of-the-widening-of-gods-mercy/    Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/  Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/   Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

A Critical Review of 'Letter to the American Church' Movie Visit: Renew.org for a written in depth review. John Whitaker provides an in-depth review of 'Letter to the American Church,' a movie by Eric Metaxas that parallels issues faced by the American church today with the German church during Hitler's rise and the Chinese church under Mao. The film, a follow-up to Metaxas's bestselling book, aims to rally the American church against what it perceives as a critical juncture resembling past authoritarian takeovers, citing concerns like abortion, gender ideology, BLM, and pandemic-related mandates. Whitaker expresses discomfort with the movie's hard-selling approach, its fear-based, alarmist tone, and the unbalanced comparisons it draws. He acknowledges some positive aspects, such as the call to justice and awareness of political harm, but criticizes the film's militancy, lack of nuanced discourse, and its potential to deepen divisions within the American church. Whitaker suggests a more helpful focus on discipleship and engagement with foundational issues of the church's role in society, recommending David Young's book 'Resilient' as a more balanced resource.   Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/  Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/   Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

In this episode on the Real Life Theology Podcast you’l hear a review of the new book Scrolling Ourselves to Death.    Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/  Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/   Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

Exploring Church History: Key Figures and Renew Network Vision Join us in this episode as Bobby and David dive into an insightful discussion about their journey with the Renew Network, aiming to restore and renew the New Testament church. They explore notable figures in Christian history, such as Irenaeus, Augustine, Aquinas, and Luther, who contributed to shaping Christianity. The founders discuss the importance of following God's Word, the challenges of embracing the Holy Spirit, and the need for courageous leadership. They highlight the mission and values of Renew Network, focusing on discipleship, church planting, and upholding biblical authority. Discover their vision for the future and how they plan to equip churches and individuals to make disciples and expand God's Kingdom. Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/  Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/   Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

After Alexander Campbell: Restoration Movement History from 1865 to 2018 Join us in this episode where hosts David and Bobby discuss the significant developments in the Restoration Movement after the death of Alexander Campbell, covering the period from 1865 to 2018. Discover the impacts of the Civil War on the movement, the publication history of influential magazines like the Gospel Advocate and the Christian Standard, and key figures such as David Lipscomb, Foy Wallace, James A. Garfield, and Marshall Keeble. The episode explores the divisions within the movement, including the rise of the Disciples of Christ, Christian churches, and a cappella Churches of Christ, while delving into modern challenges and their ongoing legacy. Learn how the Restoration Movement shapes evangelical thought today and the central role of Renew in its future. This comprehensive overview is essential for anyone studying church history and the evolution of Christian denominations in America.   Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/  Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/   Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

Exploring the Roots of the Restoration Movement: The Impact of Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone In this episode, we dive into the significant impact of Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone on the Restoration Movement in American Christian history. David Young opens with a prayer before diving into last week's topic on revivals. The discussion encompasses Barton Stone's foundational contributions, his role in American Christian revivals, and the subsequent establishment of 'Christian Churches'. The narrative transitions to Thomas Campbell, Alexander Campbell's father, exploring Thomas’s journey from a Scottish Presbyterian minister to an influential figure in the Restoration Movement. The key ideas include the rejection of binding creeds, the emphasis on adhering strictly to the Bible, and the notable debates that Alexander Campbell engaged in to advocate for these principles. The historical challenges, triumphs, and the notable Union meeting of 1832 between Stone's and Campbell's followers are also covered. The episode concludes with an examination of baptismal practices, the influence of cultural and doctrinal shifts, and the ongoing relevance of these historical movements in shaping modern Christian faith.   Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/  Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/   Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

Join us in a deep dive into the pivotal moments in American Protestantism, focusing on the contributions of figures like James McReady and Barton Warren Stone. This episode explores the historical context and significance of the First and Second Great Awakenings. Learn about key events such as the Red River Revival and the Cane Ridge Revival, and understand how these movements sparked widespread religious transformations that continue to influence modern evangelical Christianity. We also dive into discussions around Calvinism, revivalism, and the lasting impact of these awakenings on American religious life. Special guest David guides us through a recorded presentation and a live Q&A session, offering insights into the revivalist spirit that reshaped the Christian landscape across the United States.   Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/  Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/   Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

Join Bobby Harrington and David Young from Renew.org as they dive into the history of the early church, focusing on the Restoration Movement, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Roman Catholicism. In this episode, Harrington recounts the early church period, highlights key historical events such as the fall of Rome, and discusses the development of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the schism that led to the formation of the Roman Catholic Church. The conversation addresses major theological differences, such as the role of scripture, tradition, and the concept of theosis, while exploring the significance of the Protestant Reformation. Engaging and informative, this class provides a comprehensive overview for anyone interested in church history and the key distinctions between major Christian traditions.   Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/  Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/   Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

Join us on our very first video featuring Bobby Harrington and David Young as they teach a class on the History of the Protestant Reformation and Early Church History. Join Bobby Harrington and David Young in this engaging and informative beta course, the first recorded for the Renew Certificate in Theology. Bobby outlines the structure and goals of the course, which covers the 12 courses offered at his home church, aimed at ordaining qualified individuals for ministry. Key topics include the Restoration Movement, early church history, and significant Christian doctrines. David Young dives into crucial theological questions spanning 1500 years of Christian history, covering topics such as the church’s approach to Judaism, the development of the New Testament canon, ecclesiastical authority, Christology, and the doctrine of salvation. This session also addresses relevant contemporary questions and historical perspectives. For resources, the suggested readings include 'The Fool of God' and Gavin Ortland’s 'What It Means to be Protestant.'   Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/  Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/   Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

Welcome back to the Real Life Theology Podcast. In this episode Guy Hammond explains why tone matters in conversations about LGBTQ issues and how churches can combine dignity, truth, and hospitality. Guy shares his personal journey, the scriptural context he relies on, practical advice for parents and churches, and why acceptance need not equal approval while still offering a welcoming place to learn about Jesus.   Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/  Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/   Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/