Christian Curious

08/05/2023

Why are young adults leaving the Church? Dr. Halee Gray Scott, director of the Young Adult Initiative, discusses research she’s conducted with young adults, six hard questions she’s found that they’re are asking of the Church, and how churches can respond. She also shares about her new book, "Not a Hopeless Case: 6 Vital Questions from Young Adults to a Church in Crisis," and why, despite decreasing trends in attendance, she believes there is still hope for the Church. Though Dr. Scott’s work centers around young adults, the research and these questions are relevant for all ages.

Listen at DenverSeminary.edu/Podcast

03/05/2023

Are you a "None?" Do you agree with this definition? Halee Gray Scott's new book "Not a Hopeless Case- 6 Vital Questions from Young Adults for a Church in Crisis" addresses some of these challenges and more! www.haleegrayscott.com

24/04/2023

ON SALE TOMORROW!

Dr. Halee Gray Scott dives deep into the spiritual and religious world of Generation Z and the "nones" to discover where they find their sources of spirituality -- and how to reach them.

The statistics seem grim. Every year, the decline of Christianity, and organized religion overall, continues at a rapid pace -- especially among young adults. Churches across the country are closing their doors, dying, or are being "adopted" by nearby larger churches. What is the story church leaders hear? We've lost the next generation.

But this decline in religious affiliation has not made Gen Z less spiritual. Young adults are still asking questions that only faith (or religion) can fully answer. Questions are like seeds buried in the rich, dark soil of our hearts. Nurtured with oxygen and water, they unfold into that which they were meant to become. Absent these conditions, they wither in the dark. Those most resistant to Christianity are those whose questions did not receive oxygen in their faith communities while they were children and teenagers.

Not a Hopeless Case is the story of questions, the questions of young adults about faith and spirituality--young adults who are lost and want to be found--and the questions of pastors who seek to find them.

17/03/2023

08/03/2023

02/03/2023

The Four Loves, by C.S. Lewis, chronicles the classic Greek definitions on this evergreen topic. Today we discuss Eros love- the romantic/sexual definition. Using C.S. Lewis as a touchstone, we'll explore this challenging topic from a historical, academic and modern perspective. bit.ly/3ZshVli

24/02/2023

https://tinyurl.com/mknwpesb

16/02/2023

http://bit.ly/40LTel3

07/02/2023

When you think of asking someone to be your mentor, do you break out in a sweat like you're asking someone on a first date? Do you think you have to find the 'perfect person' who will answer all of your myriad needs?

Laura Flanders, a seasoned leader and educator in the training and mentoring field helps us dispels the myths, and our anxiety, by unpacking the definition of mentorship in a compelling and encouraging way. She will help you look at this new year with intentionality and set you up for expanded growth and deeper formation - personally and professionally. When you think of asking someone to be your mentor, do you break out in a sweat like you're asking someone on a first date? Do you think you have to find the 'perfect person' who will answer all of your myriad needs? Listen to the podcast: https://bit.ly/40ve202 and learn more about Laura and the power of mentorship at https://www.taprootinnovation.com/

01/02/2023

01/02/2023

https://bit.ly/3kX0JoV

30/01/2023

Can we/should we be able to find Jesus in the metaverse? Today's virtual reality offers an alternative world view where one can try on new personas and explore new worlds. Should Christians be building avatars and churches to minister in the metaverse? We visit with prolific author and professor, Douglas Groothuis to explore this scintillating and controversial new way of looking at the Christianity in today's virtual worlds. https://bit.ly/3j9a0JR

Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://bit.ly/3ZPAroi

28/09/2022

As a young mother, I was often frustrated by what I saw to be my own inability to enact meaningful change while taking care of my two daughters. Yet I know as a researcher and a writer that this sense of purposelessness is not limited to mothers, but can follow women-- especially Christian women--throughout various seasons of their lives.

In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with The Denver Institute's for Faith and Work's Joanna Meyer about how Christian women can find meaning and purpose through their life's calling. Joanna serves as Denver Institute's Director of Public Engagement, hosts the Faith and Work Podcast, and oversees the Women & Vocation initiative.

Listen here: https://www.christiancurious.com/episodes/how-can-christian-women-discern-their-calling-in-each-season

25/09/2022

Do not be afraid to ask your heavenly Father your questions.

23/09/2022

On today's Friday Forum, we're curious-- what are some of the differences you see between millennials and Gen Z?



Explore more on this episode of : https://www.christiancurious.com/episodes/who-is-generation-z

21/09/2022

Swift on the heels of the pandemic came the Great Resignation. Millions of people around the world voluntarily resigned from their jobs. Economists and sociologists believed that the pandemic gave people the opportunity to reevaluate their work life balance and why they are working.

On this week's episode of Christian Curious, we speak with The Denver Institute for Faith and Work's Director of Public Engagement, Joanna Meyer, about God's calling and why we work.

Click the link in below to listen, or search 'Christian Curious' on your preferred podcast platform!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-is-gods-calling/id1531746532?i=1000580109431

19/09/2022

Do you struggle with the pressure to be perfect?

If so, you're not alone.

The American Psychological Association found that perfectionism amongst young adults is at an all time high.

Check out today's blog to hear how breakfast burritos and an art teacher influenced one young adult's journey from perfectionism to contentment.

https://www.christiancurious.com/blog/perfectionism-young-adults

14/09/2022

Everyone has a different relationship with exercise.
Some love it.
Some hate it.
Some do it to feel skinny.
Some do it to feel strong.

Have you ever asked yourself, "how can my faith influence how I exercise?" If so, we've pulled this episode out of the Christian Curious archives just for you.

Click here to listen, or search for us on your favorite podcast platform.

https://www.christiancurious.com/episodes/exercising-the-soul

11/09/2022

Never stop seeking.

09/09/2022

On today's Friday Forum, we want to ask you--do you think the term evangelical is more religious or more political? Let us know in the comments!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
In the past, the word evangelical adhered exclusively to people with a certain set of religious beliefs. However, in recent years, it has increasingly become associated with a conservative political stance.

How has the meaning of evangelical transformed over time? What are the dangers, and what is the truth?

Listen to this episode from the archives here: https://www.christiancurious.com/episodes/evangelical-politics-or-religion

07/09/2022

Powerlessness.

It's the feeling of hands being tied or getting carried out to sea by a riptide. It buries us under an ocean of anxiety, stress, and depression. It's a feeling that I often hear expressed by young adults who, thanks to technology, are assaulted daily by images of worldwide crises. Against such things, we wonder: what good can I do?

According to Catherine Pearson, constraints can be catalysts for creativity. Catherine is the founder of The Goodmakers Society and holds a degree in business & finance from Sheffield Hallam University. She is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Theology, Imagination, and Culture at Salem College in Salisbury.

Some questions we asked Catherine in this episode:

- Why do you think creativity is so important to envisioning the good that that you can do in the world?
- How does technology hinder our ability to be present to the areas in our neighborhood that could use a helping hand?
- What practical advice would you give to a person who has given up hope about making a change for good?

Check out the episode here, or search "Christian Curious" on your preferred listening platform: https://www.christiancurious.com/episodes/catherine-pearson-what-good-can-you-do-goodmakers-society

Powerlessness. It's the feeling of hands being tied or getting carried out to sea by a riptide. It buries us under an ocean of anxiety, stress, and depression. It's a feeling that I often hear expressed by young adults who, thanks to technology, are assaulted daily by images of worldwide crises. Ag

05/09/2022

Nowadays, a 9-5 job doesn’t seem to be enough. Additional internships, schooling, and side hustles scream out from the sidelines: “If you want to reach your dreams, you need to prepare better.” More experience, more education, and more money will be required.

Western cultures have cultivated an insatiable desire for more—this is not a new revelation. Christianity has done a pretty decent job of identifying the dangers of this when it comes to money. But what about when it comes to our work?

How can an understanding of our Christian calling reign us back into a life of purpose and peace?

Read more on today's blog: https://www.christiancurious.com/blog/what-is-christian-calling

04/09/2022

Reminder: amidst all of your questions and wonderings, you can rest assured that your heavenly Father will give you everything you need.

02/09/2022

It is one thing to believe in God, but it is a completely different thing to believe that God is who he says he is. Who we believe God to be comes to light during temptations and trials.

We want to hear from you!

In your own words, what is faith?

Check out this episode of Christian Curious from the archives to learn more: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-curious/id1531746532?i=1000491214724

31/08/2022

Every year, more churches are closing their doors than opening them. A 2021 study conducted by LifeWay Research revealed that 4,500 churches closed in America, and only 3,000 opened.

A few questions I often present to pastors are "If your church were to close, would your neighborhood notice? What good is your church doing in the community?"

In this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Catherine Pearson, the founder of the Goodmakers Society . We chat about:

• The spirituality of work
• The intersection of church and business
• Social entrepreneurship
• How individuals and organizations can seek societal good
• So much more!

Catherine holds a degree in business and finance from Sheffield Hallam University and is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Theology, Imagination, and Culture at Salem College in Salisbury. At the center of her work, Catherine is asking, "How could the world be better and what part can we play to make it so?”

Listen Here: https://www.christiancurious.com/episodes/how-can-our-work-make-a-difference

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To learn more about Catherine Pearson's Work, visit The Goodmakers Society Website: https://www.goodmakerssociety.org/about

26/08/2022

Teaching between generations is often one way. In the home, parents teach their kids. In school, teachers teach the children. But what if we changed direction to see what we can learn from children?

The Scriptures place a high value on children. When the disciples asked who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus answered, “‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”

On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee asks her daughters, Ellie (13) and Vivi (11), "What do kids and teens thinks adults should know about their generation? "

Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-curious/id1531746532?i=1000577439231

17/08/2022

Mil­len­ni­als are per­haps the most stud­ied gen­er­a­tion in his­to­ry. For years, new stud­ies on Mil­len­ni­als seemed to be pub­lished every day. But there is a new gen­er­a­tion on the rise; a gen­er­ation marked­ly dif­fer­ent from pre­ced­ing gen­er­a­tions: Gen­er­a­tion Z.

Born any­where from 1996 to 2012, we still have much to learn about this gen­er­a­tion. In this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee chats with two members of Gen Z to learn more--her daughters, Eliana and Vivienne Scott.

Click here to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-curious/id1531746532?i=1000576268239
(or search Christian Curious on your preferred podcast platform)

Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

10/08/2022

There is power in the written word. Words can cut like swords, heal like salve, and preserve like stone. We don't question the power of writing... but we do wonder if there's a secret to the writing process. After all, most writers know that as satisfying as finishing a piece of writing can be, the process is often fraught with frustration.

In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Dr. Douglas Groothuis. He's written 15 books and published in several papers. So, we thought he'd know a few things about writing (such as how to stay in your chair to write when the mountains are calling your name.)

Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/93-what-is-the-secret-to-a-successful-writing-process/id1531746532?i=1000575559645

Read the Shownotes: https://www.christiancurious.com/christian-curious-shownotes/successful-writing-process-shownotes

‎Show Christian Curious, Ep 93. What is the Secret to a Successful Writing Process? - Aug 9, 2022

08/08/2022

What's with purpose anxiety?

Everyone wants to live a purposeful life. In fact, recent studies have proven that humans crave purpose so badly that it has made us anxious.

Organizational researcher Larissa Rainey found that a whopping 91 percent of participants in her study reportedly experience purpose anxiety. According to Rainey, “Purpose anxiety can be defined as the negative emotions experienced in direct relation to the search for purpose.”

Despite biblical promises of peace, Christians seem to experience purpose anxiety just as much as the rest of society. We know God has a plan for our life, but how do we access it?

In other words, what is my responsibility, and what is God’s responsibility?

Today's blog post aims to dismantle purpose anxiety by providing practical answers to that question.

Click here to read: https://www.christiancurious.com/blog/purpose-anxiety-how-to-combat

Anxiety

02/08/2022

Summer is drawing to a close, and in just a few weeks students will return to public schools in droves. Several of them will be taught Critical Race Theory as a part of their curriculum and, according to apologist and philosopher Dr. Douglas Groothuis, this should raise concern for Christians.

What is Critical Race Theory (CRT), and how does it conflate with Christian and American ideals? Is there an alternative that could honestly depict America's flaws while championing a hopeful future? In this episode of Christian Curious, we unpack CRT with Dr. Groothuis.

Listen here (or search Christian Curious on your preferred podcast platform): https://open.spotify.com/episode/5C8bc6LzZtahE8jCgFQ4iV?si=dl8hHUdGTsuExUZKgcle8Q

Today is LAUNCH DAY for his new book, Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics, in response to the 2020 riots and emergence of CRT.

You can purchase Fire in the Streets here: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Streets-Confidently-Incendiary-Cultural/dp/1684513081/ref=asc_df_1684513081/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564725474608&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4136487045843611965&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028715&hvtargid=pla-1645952115076&psc=1

Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/