In this episode of the Isms and Schisms Podcast, Aaron sits down with Dr. Brian Harris to discuss the theology of leadership and how everyone has the potential to be a leader. Leadership is a noble thing to aspire to. They make a difference in the world and pave the way for a better future. They are convicted of a belief that drives them to do something and to have a positive impact. No matter who you are, where you’ve come from, what you’re doing right now - you can be a leader, and you can be a better leader. Brian Harris is an accomplished theologian, pastor, and leader, who has a wealth of experience in leadership - from being the principal of a theological seminary for 17 years, to sitting on national boards, to being a pastor and a preacher almost all of his life, to founding the Avenir Leadership Institute.  This episode may not technically be an ’ism’ or a ’schism’ but it’s crammed full of wisdom. They discuss ethical leadership examples, talk about historical leaders - the good and the bad - and chat through plenty of leadership theory that will inspire you and encourage you to step up and to say ’yes’ to life.

’Deconstruction’ is a bit of a buzz word at the moment and can be quite divisive. But what is it? What is deconstructing faith? What are the stages of faith deconstruction? How does it impact Christian theology? Is it destructive or demonic, or is it reformation or good old faith renewal? An important topic, so come along and listen to my thoughts!

Postmodernism is literally that which came after modernism. Where modernism is defined by the belief in universal rules and codes, and an optimistic hope in the inevitable progression of human society to a perfect utopia, postmodernism is defined by local beliefs and fragmentation, an emphasis upon subjective perspectives, and long French surnames. So how does this affect Christian theology and practice? What is truth? Why should I care? Listen to this episode to find out!

In this snippet, let's revisit the man responsible for Jesus' crucifixion: Pontius Pilate. He was the governor of Judea and had bit of a mean streak. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ZzHjuUY3RKxLweBBUS9oq?si=c0966d24945f4bb2 Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/37-pontius-pilate/id1686849777?i=1000651812915

Arminianism is the classical alternative to Calvinism on the question of predestination. The five key points of Arminianism are precisely the theological ideas that inspired the Calvinist TULIP. Arminianism attempts to uphold both God’s sovereignty and human freedom and agency. Basically, God chooses those who would choose him.

Were you destined to listen to this episode? Were you chosen to be saved? Are you even capable at all of responding to God’s grace in any way other than negatively? Listen to this episode to find out! This episode on Calvinism is all about John Calvin’s theology, but predestination in particular - even though Calvin may not actually have been a Calvinist. We unpack Five Point Calvinism, which is neatly summarised in the acronym TULIP.

The Reformation has begun and is showing no signs of slowing. Luther opened Pandora’s Box and the world will never be the same again. This episode continues the dramatic story of the people who challenged the church’s dogmatism in order to install their own sort of dogmatism. Hooray! Let’s explore the lives of Melancthon, Zwingli, and Calvin (and also the short-lived life of Servetus), and see how Protestantism grows into a distinct expression of church.

16th century Germany was an era of radical change and disruption. Many before had attempted to reform the church, but none were successful. Until a monk named Martin Luther came along and developed new ideas about Scripture, the clergy, the sacraments, and justification, among many other things. With the help of the late medieval’s equivalent to the internet - the printing press - Luther’s ideas sparked a wildfire that the papacy could not possibly hope to contain. And the world began to change. The Protestants had arrived.

The ancient Hellenistic philosophical system known as Stoicism is a profoundly practical and helpful way of doing life. I don’t necessarily say that all of Stoicism is to be uncritically adopted, but it is, generally - I believe - perfectly compatible with Christianity. Indeed, it inspired much of the teachings of Christianity. This episode explores Stoicism and its similarities with Christianity.

”For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures and that he was buried and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures.”  So wrote Paul in his letter to the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 15.3-4), passing on to the others the traditions about Jesus that he had himself received from others. But was Jesus actually raised on the third day? And what does he mean by ”in accordance with the scriptures”? Which scriptures?