Best Deep Talks Exploring Theology Podcasts (2025)

1
#265 | Are We Scrolling Ourselves to Death?: Unpacking the Perils of Digital Distraction with Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa 1:05:19

Play Pause

2d ago1:05:19

1:05:19

The episode delves into the compelling arguments presented in 'Scrolling Ourselves to Death,' where the authors contend that the uncritical acceptance of technology within church culture poses existential threats to genuine discipleship. By drawing parallels to Postman’s seminal work, the discussion emphasizes that the medium through which messages…

1
Paul Vander Klay | New Sincerity and the Rise of the "Metagelical" 1:58:23

4h ago1:58:23

1:58:23

Paul Vander Klay is a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America in Sacramento, California. His YouTube Channel has more than 30,000 subscribers: with videos on Christianity, the meaning crisis, and popular intellectual discourse. https://www.youtube.com/user/paulvanderklay Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter: https://paulanleitn…

1
#264 | Sanctifying Suburbia: How Suburbia is Shaping Your Faith with Brian J. Miller 1:03:45

10d ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Travis Michael Fleming engages in a thoughtful conversation with Brian J. Miller about his influential book, Sanctifying Suburbia. Together, they explore the complex relationship between evangelical faith and the cultural dynamics of suburban life, emphasizing how the environments we inhabit profoundly shape our beliefs and practices. Miller highli…

1
What Do We Mean when We Talk about Grace? 7:05

7h ago7:05

7:05

What do we mean when we talk about grace? In this episode, Dr. Matt O'Reilly explains some common misconceptions about the biblical concept of grace. You'll learn why we shouldn't talk about KINDS of grace, and that grace isn't a thing outside of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Get UPDATES from Theology Project: https://www.theologyproject.onl…

1
Rafe Kelley's Conversion Changed Everything 1:50:07

13h ago1:50:07

1:50:07

Rafe Kelley is the founder of Evolve, Move, Play, which incorporates practices from parkour, martial arts, gymnastics, and dance, as well as the study of human evolution and anthropology, to strengthen people in mind and body. Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/ Support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon…

1
Prevenient Grace VS Common Grace - Why they're not the same 12:22

4d ago12:22

12:22

What’s the difference between common grace and prevenient grace? Are these concepts compatible or contradictory? In this video, we explore how God’s grace works in Wesleyan and Reformed theology, unpacking the meaning of prevenient grace and its relationship to common grace. Discover how grace shapes salvation and human response! GET UPDATES FROM T…

1
Did John Wesley Influence C.S. Lewis' Vision of Talking Animals in Narnia? with Jerome Van Kuiken 3:36

6d ago3:36

3:36

How much did John Wesley shape C. S. Lewis’s vision of Narnia? In this interview clip, Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken and Dr. Matt O'Reilly explore the surprising ways Lewis may have drawn on Wesley’s theology of creation and animal life. Lewis cites Wesley’s sermon The General Deliverance" in The Problem of Pain when wrestling with the suffering of animals…

1
The Spread of Anime in American Culture | Kaz Hayashi 44:36

7d ago44:36

44:36

Kaz Hayashi is a biblical scholar, archeologist, and theologian from Japan. He is currently an associate professor of Old Testament at Bethel Seminary and has written on the theology and anime. Check out his work in: Anime Philosophy and Religion https://a.co/d/auLDmUN Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/ Supp…

1
#263 | Platforms to Pillars: How Do We Survive in a Platform Society? with Mark Sayers 1:02:10

17d ago1:02:10

1:02:10

Travis Michael Fleming and Mark Sayers do a cultural apologetic deep dive into one of the structures influencing church today and how we have become a platform society. They discuss Sayers' book, "Platforms to Pillars," which examines the evolving nature of leadership in the modern world. They start off their conversation with an eye-opening revela…

1
John Wesley on the "Grand Stumbling Block" to Global Missions with Brian Yeich 1:10:17

8d ago1:10:17

1:10:17

In this episode, Dr. Matt O’Reilly talks with Dr. Brian Yeich about John Wesley’s sermon The General Spread of the Gospel. Wesley envisions a future of global gospel advance grounded in the holiness of God’s people. While often overlooked today, Wesley’s optimistic eschatology—sometimes described as postmillennial—offers a powerful reminder: holine…

1
Who are the Four Riders in Revelation 6? The Answer May Surprise You 8:52

11d ago8:52

8:52

Who are the four horsemen of the apocalypse? The question is hotly debated. In this episode of Theology Project, Dr. Matt O'Reilly answers the question based on clues in the text of Revelation 6. It turns out...one of the riders may not be who you thought. My FAVORITE BOOKS on Revelation 1. Revelation by Robert Mulholland https://amzn.to/42c2SAz 2.…

1
Romans 9-11 Are the Reason I'm Arminian - Here's What I Mean 14:13

22d ago14:13

14:13

Romans 9-11 are often seen as Calvinism's silver bullet. It is assumed that these chapters by the apostle Paul make Arminian theology untenable and that Arminians have to explain away their plain meaning. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. In this episode, I'll explain why my Arminian theology is built on Romans 9-11 (and Romans 8), not…

1
John Wesley on Suffering and God's Justice: The General Deliverance with Jerome Van Kuiken 53:36

24d ago53:36

53:36

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken (Oklahoma Wesleyan University) to discuss John Wesley’s profound sermon "The General Deliverance." This sermon tackles one of the hardest questions in Christian theology: How can a just and loving God respond to a world filled with unjust suffering? Wesley’s reflections on one aspect of the pro…

1
#262 | Revitalizing Leadership: The Impact of Joy and Maturity in Ministry with Marcus Warner, Pt. 2 1:07:17

24d ago1:07:17

1:07:17

Travis Michael Fleming and Marcus Warner delve into the intricate dimensions of Rare Leadership, underscoring that true leadership is predicated on emotional maturity and relational health. They contend that the prevailing paradigm of leadership, often characterized by charisma and performance metrics, must be supplanted by a model that prioritizes…

1
John Mark McMillan & Stephen Roach | Social Media Destroying Meaningful Art? 1:48:11

15d ago1:48:11

1:48:11

John Mark McMillan is a Platinum-selling American singer-songwriter, born in Charlotte, NC. Stephen Roach is an author, musician, and founder of The Breath & the Clay, a creative community at the intersection of art, faith, and culture. As host of the Makers & Mystics podcast, he curates conversations that help artists recover wonder and live with …

1
2025 Conference | Good Shepherds: Pastoral Identity and the Future of the Church (Center for Pastor Theologians) 6:06

25d ago6:06

6:06

In this clip from my conversation with Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT), we talk about the upcoming 10th Annual CPT Conference: Good Shepherds – Pastoral Identity and the Future of the Church. Listen to the whole conversation here. The CPT is focused on forming pastor theologians to shepherd the church in our comp…

1
3 Keys to Understand Revelation with Matt O'Reilly 9:56

27d ago9:56

9:56

The Book of Revelation can feel mysterious and overwhelming, but understanding it doesn’t have to be. In this video, we explore three essential keys to unlock its meaning. First, pay attention to the Jewish context—Revelation is rich with Old Testament imagery that shapes its message. Second, don’t read it as a strict timeline or chronological orde…

1
Learn Why the Martyrs are Unhappy with Heaven in Revelation 6 7:05

27d ago7:05

7:05

We typically think of heaven as a place of happiness and serenity. The strange thing is that we get a glimpse of some people who died and went to heaven in Revelation 6...but they are not happy about it. Why is that? What do they want? Why are they dissatisfied? Those are the questions we're looking at in this episode of Theology Project. 🧠 FREE RE…

1
...From Empire: Accelerationism w/ Andrea Emerson 1:21:45

29d ago1:21:45

1:21:45

In this episode Brandi is joined by Andrea Emerson to talk about accelerationsim (political) and the ways that pushing people and systems to rock bottom has been a historic hallmark of destructive Christian practices and how we might choose a different way. Andrea and a group of folks have dedicated themselves to support the Ouda family, a palestin…

1
Can Artificial Intelligence Make Moral Decisions? | Sam Tideman 1:24:11

22d ago1:24:11

1:24:11

Sam Tideman is a Harvard-trained biostatistical data scientist. Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/ Support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcastBy Paul Anleitner

1
Key Clip: Co-Creation Will Transform Your Team and Your Leadership with Tom Tumblin 24:38

30d ago24:38

24:38

What if leadership is NOT about making decisions? What if it's about facilitating a co-creative process? In this clip, Dr. Tom Tumblin (Asbury Theological Seminary) explores what co-creative leadership is, why it matters, and how it can reshape your ministry team into a collaborative, Spirit-led force for the kingdom. You’ll hear how moving from co…

1
Key Insight: "Israel" Wasn't the First Choice to Name the Modern State (Jason Staples) 7:15

1M ago7:15

7:15

Did you know the modern State of Israel wasn’t originally going to be called “Israel”? In this clip from my interview with Dr. Jason Staples, he explains the surprising history of how the nation’s name came about. Staples walks us through several alternative names that were proposed, and even reads from President Harry Truman’s notes, where “Israel…

1
If You’re a Pastor, You’re Already a Theologian — Here’s Why with Joel Lawrence 1:03:27

1M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Why are pastors the de facto theological leaders of the church? What is a pastor theologian? Why do we need pastors to embrace their theological identity? In this episode, we'll hear from Dr. Joel Lawrence, who is president of the Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT). We talk about the difference between academic theology and ecclesial theology, and…

1
Coming Soon: Why Theology Belongs in the Pulpit with Joel Lawrence 2:23

1M ago2:23

2:23

Pastors are more than sermon-givers—they are called to be theologians. In this sneak peek from my conversation with Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, we explore why the theological vocation of the pastor is essential for the church today. The full conversation is COMING SOON - don't miss it. Check out the CPT website: h…

1
Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist: New Book by Jason Vickers and Ryan Barnett 8:39

1M ago8:39

8:39

What does it mean to be deeply rooted in the Christian faith while also embracing the distinctive gifts of the Methodist tradition? In this episode, Dr. Jason Vickers joins me to discuss his new book, Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist. We explore how the Methodist movement emerged as a Spirit-led renewal within the wider body of Christ, wh…

1
What Does "Israel" Really Mean? with Jason Staples 1:24:02

1M ago1:24:02

1:24:02

Is the meaning of “Israel” obvious? That question was hotly debated recently by Senator Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson. In this Theology Project interview, Dr. Jason Staples takes us deep into what the Bible actually says about Israel, the Jews, the Hebrews, and how Paul redefines everything in Romans 9–11. Dr. Staples is the author of Paul and the Re…

1
There's revived focus on holiness among Wesleyan Christians. Bill Ury explains. 4:17

1M ago4:17

4:17

Across the Wesleyan-Methodist family, something remarkable is happening: churches and denominations are rediscovering the heart of their theological heritage—holiness. In this video, Matt O'Reilly and Bill Ury reflect on how various Wesleyan groups are recovering a robust, life-giving vision of holiness rooted in grace, love, and transformation. Th…

1
Key Moment: Forgiveness Is Not the Point of Romans (or Christianity) with Bill Ury 3:59

1M ago3:59

3:59

Watch the whole discussion here: https://youtu.be/lAtmxFIIXIs In this clip, Dr. Matt O'Reilly and Dr. Bill Ury discuss how forgiveness of sin and justification by faith are sometimes set up as the main point of Christianity and key books of the Bible like Romans. What is the point of Christianity? Matt and Bill explain how Christian faith is about …

1
How Satan Attacks You: John Wesley's Remarkable Insight with Jason Vickers 1:06:34

1M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

What are the enemy’s most effective strategies—and how can Christians resist them? In this conversation, Dr. Jason Vickers joins me to unpack John Wesley’s sermon Satan’s Devices and explore the timeless tactics the devil uses to discourage, divide, and derail believers. We discuss how Wesley’s 18th-century insights still speak with power today, wh…

1
The Science of Spiritual Formation with Curt Thompson, MD 38:33

1M ago38:33

38:33

What does neuroscience have to do with following Jesus? In this conversation, psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson unpacks how brain science helps us understand—and experience—spiritual formation more deeply. Drawing from his groundbreaking work in Anatomy of the Soul, The Soul of Shame, and The Soul of Desire, Dr. Thompson explores the connec…

1
The Book of Revelation - Your Questions Answered with Matt O'Reilly 1:02:13

1M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

The mark of the beast? The rapture? The second coming? The four horsemen of the apocalypse? In this episode, Dr. Matt O'Reilly tackles these questions and more from the pages of the New Testament book of Revelation. ----- FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff" Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the …

1
Key Insight: God's Grace Always Precedes Human Faith - Bill Ury Explains 8:41

1M ago8:41

8:41

What if God’s grace was already at work in you—before you ever knew it? In this clip, Dr. Bill Ury unpacks one of the most powerful and underappreciated truths in Wesleyan theology: prevenient grace. This is the grace that goes before—before faith, before repentance, before we even realize we need saving. It’s the divine initiative that makes human…

1
Why Modern Education is Broken | Jeremy Wayne Tate 55:37

1M ago55:37

55:37

Jeremy Wayne Tate is the founder and CEO of the Classic Learning Test and a national leader in the revival of classical education. Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/ Support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcastBy Paul Anleitner

1
Church Leadership Has Changed: Leadership Expert Explains with Tom Tumblin 1:11:50

2M ago1:11:50

1:11:50

Can co-creative leadership transform your church? In this conversation with Dr. Tom Tumblin (Asbury Theological Seminary), we explore what co-creative leadership is, why it matters, and how it can reshape your ministry team into a collaborative, Spirit-led force for the kingdom. You’ll hear how moving from control to co-creation builds trust, empow…

1
God's Name in Vain? What It Really Means with Carmen Joy Imes 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

What does it really mean to take the Lord’s name in vain? In this episode, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Theology Project to challenge the common assumption that the third commandment is only about swearing. Drawing from her book Bearing God’s Name, she shows how this command is actually about identity, mission, and representing God well in the world. If y…

1
...From Empire: Civil Resistance w/ Andre Henry 1:26:41

1M ago1:26:41

1:26:41

In this episode, Brandi is joined by Andre Henry to talk about how we move toward social change, pressure power and systems to move, and maintain our humanity as we content for the world that we believe is possible. You can find Andre's work here! If you like what you hear you can subscribe, rate, review, or tell others about the show. You can help…

1
You’re Saved… Now What? Wesley’s Surprising Answer with Bill Ury 1:07:26

2M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

What is salvation, and how do Wesleyans understand its depth and scope? In this episode, Dr. Matt O’Reilly sits down with Dr. Bill Ury for an engaging discussion on the Wesleyan/Methodist order of salvation. Together, they unpack key aspects of this transformative journey, including prevenient grace, justification, sanctification, and more. You'll …

1
Bible Scholar: Romans 9 Does NOT Teach Calvinism (Jason Staples) 1:14:28

2M ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Did John Calvin misread Paul in Romans 9–11? In this interview with Dr. Jason Staples, we explore how Paul’s argument about Israel challenges the foundations of Calvinistic theology — especially the doctrine of individual predestination. Dr. Staples, author of Paul and the Resurrection of Israel, shows how Paul is not talking about individuals bein…

1
#261 | Revitalizing Leadership: The Impact of Joy and Maturity in Ministry with Marcus Warner, Pt. 1 37:26

2M ago37:26

37:26

The conversation between Travis Michael Fleming and Dr. Marcus Warner centers around the principles delineated in their book, "Rare Leadership," which emphasizes the paramount importance of joy and maturity in effective leadership. They elucidate how the absence of joy leads to a toxic atmosphere in organizational settings, particularly within chur…

1
Fantastic Four, Superman, & More: A Deeper Analysis of this Summer's Movies 1:07:39

1M ago1:07:39

1:07:39

In this episode, I'll break down the deeper philosophical and theological ideas in Fantastic Four, Superman, Jurassic World Rebirth, and F1. Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/ Support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcastBy Paul Anleitner

1
#260 | We Need Each Other: A Conversation with Jim Wilder on the Rediscovery of Relationships in the Christian Life, Pt. 2 1:02:27

2M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

In the final segment, the discussion shifts towards practical applications of these concepts within church leadership and congregational life. Wilder introduces the RARE leadership framework—remaining relational, acting like oneself, returning to joy, and enduring hardship—as a strategy for leaders to navigate the complexities of ministry. This fra…

1
A Metamodern Superman? | Parker Settecase 1:18:05

2M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Parker Settecase and Paul Anleitner discuss the philosophical themes in James Gunn's new Superman movie starring David Corenswet. Subscribe to @ParkerNotes and @ParkersPensees Substack: https://parknotes.substack.com/ Subscribe to "Reading the Zeitgeist" with Paul Anleitner: https://substack.com/@paulanleitner?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profil…

1
#259 | We Need Each Other: A Conversation with Jim Wilder on the Rediscovery of Relationships in the Christian Life, Pt. 1 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

Travis Michael Fleming and Jim Wilder discuss the intricacies of spiritual formation and how our relationships (i.e. attachments) affect how we live and what we believe. Together, they examine how our understanding of God, ourselves, and our interactions with others shapes our spiritual landscapes. Wilder invites us to reconsider the foundational e…