J29 Coalition Podcast

Applying Old Testament Law Today

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson challenges pastors and leaders to rethink how they engage the Old Testament in a politically polarized world. He explains how biblical law was never meant to be a blueprint for modern legislation but a formational guide to shape a wise and just people. Johnson explores the difference between Western legal systems and the Torah’s narrative and casuistic structure, emphasizing that the law invites discernment, not domination. He calls the church to recover a posture of patient, communal reflection on Scripture, especially when facing culture war pressures to weaponize the Bible in public life.About DruDru Johnson is the Templeton senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall (University of Oxford), adjunct professor of religion at Hope College in Holland, MI (previously a professor at The King’s College [http://tkc.edu/] in New York City), director of the Abrahamic Theistic Origins Project, director of the Center for Hebraic Thought [http://hebraicthought.org/], editor at The Biblical Mind [https://thebiblicalmind.org/], host of The Biblical Mind podcast [https://centerforhebraicthought.podbean.com/], and co-host of the OnScript Podcast [http://onscript.study/]. Before that, he was a high-school dropout, skinhead, punk rock drummer, combat veteran [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-skinhead-punk-rocker-to-the-air-force-and/id1513100783?i=1000499661736], IT supervisor, and pastor—all things that he hopes none of his children ever become.His books include Human Rites, Biblical Philosophy, and Understanding Biblical Law. Johnson speaks widely on the intersection of biblical theology, justice, and public ethics, helping church leaders engage Scripture with clarity, nuance, and theological depth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.j29coalition.com [https://blog.j29coalition.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

When Politics Divides Us

David Ritchie, a pastor in Amarillo, Texas, discusses the challenges of navigating political polarization within the church. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between healthy political engagement and political idolatry, urging pastors to guide their congregations towards a Christ-centered perspective. Ritchie highlights the need for reconciliation amidst divisions and offers practical tools for pastors to foster healthy discourse and unity within their communities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pastoral Context 03:30 Navigating Political Polarization in the Church 06:27 Understanding Political Idolatry 09:38 The Role of Patriotism vs. Nationalism 12:26 Discerning Healthy Political Engagement 15:20 The Fruits of the Spirit vs. Works of the Flesh 17:33 Practical Tools for Pastors 20:28 The Power of the Gospel in Reconciliation 23:34 Resources for Understanding Political Idolatry This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.j29coalition.com [https://blog.j29coalition.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

When Social Media Divides Us

Chris Martin discusses the inherent flaws in the design of the social internet, emphasizing that it is not a neutral technology but rather a set of tools created by individuals with their own brokenness. He highlights how algorithms and the content we engage with shape our desires and behaviors in fundamentally flawed ways. Check out Chris Martin’s Mending Division Academy course, “When Social Media Divides Us: Confronting Our Internet Habits,” at MendingDivisionAcademy.com [https://www.mendingdivisionacademy.com/]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.j29coalition.com [https://blog.j29coalition.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Confronting Our Media Consumption Habits

Caleb Campbell and Bonnie Kristian explore the landscape of journalism, discussing the distinction between news and opinion, the ideological perspectives of various media outlets, and the historical context of news consumption. They delve into the shift towards digital media and its implications for how people consume news today. Bonnie offers insights for pastors on encouraging healthy media consumption habits and provides resources for finding quality news. Resources Mending Division Academy [https://www.mendingdivisionacademy.com/] Bonnie Kristian Substack Newsletter [https://bonniekristian.substack.com/] Chapters 00:00 Understanding Journalism: News vs. Opinion 02:42 The Role of Media Outlets: Perspectives and Bias 05:28 The Evolution of News Consumption: From Print to Digital 07:53 The Impact of Social Media on News Consumption 10:45 Navigating Information Overload: Healthy Media Consumption 13:28 Encouraging Healthy Media Habits in Congregations This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.j29coalition.com [https://blog.j29coalition.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Confronting Misinformation

Summary Caleb Campbell and Daniel Bennett explore the complexities of misinformation and disinformation, the blurred lines between news and entertainment, and the challenges of navigating trust in media. They discuss the importance of healthy communication, especially in the context of faith and relationships, and offer insights on how to engage in constructive conversations about divisive topics. The discussion emphasizes the need for pastors and individuals to foster understanding and build trust in a divided world. Links Go to MendingDivisionAcademy.com [https://www.mendingdivisionacademy.com/] to learn more about Daniel Bennett’s course, “When Conspiracies Divide Us: Confronting Misinformation.” Takeaways * Misinformation is incorrect information, while disinformation is intentionally misleading. * The media landscape has blurred the lines between news and entertainment. * Trust in news sources requires a balanced media diet. * Healthy conversations are essential for understanding differing perspectives. * Faith can intersect with conspiratorial thinking in complex ways. * Pastors face challenges in addressing divisive issues within their congregations. * Building rapport and trust is crucial in conversations about sensitive topics. * Understanding the motivations behind beliefs can foster better communication. * All truth is ultimately God’s truth, guiding our understanding of the world. * Engaging with love and curiosity can mend relationships affected by misinformation. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Polarized Perspectives in News Consumption 01:50 Misinformation vs. Disinformation: Key Differences 05:50 The Blurred Lines Between News and Entertainment 10:53 Navigating Trustworthy News Sources 13:18 The Impact of Media on Personal Relationships 17:36 Engaging with Conspiratorial Thinking 21:44 The Role of Faith in Truth and Misinformation 25:43 Pastoral Guidance in a Divided Culture 28:10 Educational Resources for Mending Divisions This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.j29coalition.com [https://blog.j29coalition.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]