Episodes

  • Beautiful, But What Did It Mean? The Case for Comprehensible Art
    Nov 19 2024

    Jamin Bradley, a pastor, theologian, musician, and author, argues in his blog post that art, even when beautifully executed, must be comprehensible to its audience. He critiques a graphic novel he recently read, highlighting its confusing narrative and lack of clarity. He argues that great art should be thought-provoking and accessible, allowing the audience to understand and engage with the artist's intended meaning. Bradley ultimately advocates for finding a balance between creative expression and audience comprehension to ensure art effectively inspires and impacts its viewers.

    Read the original post here: https://jaminbradley.com/2024/11/19/beautiful-but-what-did-it-mean-the-case-for-comprehensible-art/

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    17 mins
  • When Our Words Are Hijacked: The Case of Bonhoeffer, Jesus, and Misguided Followers
    Nov 14 2024

    Jamin Bradley, a pastor and theologian, argues that the words of important figures like Jesus and Dietrich Bonhoeffer are often misinterpreted and misused. He uses the January 6th insurrection as an example of how words can be misinterpreted to incite violence, rather than to promote understanding. Bradley points out that conservative author Eric Metaxas has misrepresented Bonhoeffer's legacy, portraying him as a right-wing figure who would have supported conservative politics, which Bradley argues is inaccurate. Bradley emphasizes the importance of studying the context and character of individuals to avoid misinterpreting their words and using them for harmful purposes.

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    20 mins
  • It Does Matter: Following Jesus in a Divisive Presidency
    Nov 6 2024

    Jamin Bradley, a pastor, theologian, musician, and author, argues that it is not enough to simply say “just follow Jesus” in the face of a divisive political climate. He believes that the presidency of Donald Trump has caused real suffering for many people, and that dismissing their fears and anxieties with platitudes is insensitive and unhelpful. Instead, Bradley suggests that it is important to acknowledge the impact of the political situation while also continuing to follow Jesus. He emphasizes the need to grieve with those who are suffering and to offer them support and understanding.

    Read the original post here: https://jaminbradley.com/2024/11/06/it-does-matter-following-jesus-in-a-divisive-presidency/

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    18 mins
  • The Perils of Political Nostalgia: When ‘Great’ Isn’t Great for Everyone
    Oct 30 2024

    The provided text is an article by Jamin Bradley, a pastor and theologian, that critiques the concept of political nostalgia, specifically using the slogan "Make America Great Again" as an example. Bradley argues that this type of rhetoric often overlooks the historical context of the "greatness" being referenced, which may have only benefited certain groups at the expense of others. He uses biblical examples and the ideology of Nazi Germany to illustrate how a yearning for a romanticized past can be harmful, as it ignores the complexities of history and the evolution of society.

    Read the original post here: https://jaminbradley.com/2024/10/29/the-perils-of-political-nostalgia-when-great-isnt-great-for-everyone/

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    11 mins
  • Cultivating the Garden of God: Environmentalism and Our Heavenly Mission
    Oct 29 2024

    Jamin Bradley, a pastor and theologian, argues that Christians should embrace environmentalism as part of their faith. He draws a connection between the biblical concept of Eden and a future where Heaven and Earth combine, suggesting that restoring the environment is essential to fulfilling God's plan. Bradley likens this process to "cultivating a garden," emphasizing the role of humans in actively caring for the world, guided by Jesus, who is seen as a gardener. He believes this includes combating injustice and fostering love wherever hate and chaos exist.

    Read the original post here: https://jaminbradley.com/2024/10/29/cultivating-the-garden-of-god-environmentalism-and-our-heavenly-mission/

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    16 mins
  • Why I’m Annoying About Politics: A Pastor’s Perspective on Faith and Policy
    Oct 29 2024

    Jamin Bradley, a pastor who holds a master's degree in theology and social justice, expresses his frustration with how some Christians view politics and public figures. He criticizes the blind support for politicians like Donald Trump, arguing that their policies and rhetoric contradict Christian values of compassion and justice. He feels it is his duty as a pastor to challenge this trend and remind his congregation that true faith involves serving the marginalized, not blindly following political figures.

    Read the original post here: https://jaminbradley.com/2024/10/28/why-im-annoying-about-politics-a-pastors-perspective-on-faith-and-policy/

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    13 mins
  • One Nation, Under God? Examining the Gospel in Political Cheers
    Oct 25 2024

    The provided text is an excerpt from a blog post by Jamin Bradley, a pastor and author, titled "One Nation, Under God? Examining the Gospel in Political Cheers." Bradley critiques the enthusiastic support of political rhetoric, especially those promoting violence and division, by those who claim to be Christian. He argues that these cheers for death and hatred do not reflect the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized forgiveness, love, and peace. Bradley urges his readers to be aware of the dangers of succumbing to the energy of crowds and to ensure their actions are aligned with Christ's message.

    Read the original post here: https://jaminbradley.com/2024/10/25/one-nation-under-god-examining-the-gospel-in-political-cheers/

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    10 mins
  • Winning the Battle of the Mind: Holy Ignorance as a Strategy Against Darkness
    Oct 24 2024

    The author, Jamin Bradley, describes his personal experience with intrusive thoughts and how he developed a strategy called "holy ignorance" to combat them. He argues that by focusing on positive and uplifting stimuli, such as watching humorous TV shows, he was able to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones. Bradley differentiates this strategy from "unholy ignorance," which he defines as ignoring a problem and failing to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing demonic influences and developing effective strategies to counteract them, arguing that engagement with such thoughts only amplifies their power.

    Read the original article here: https://exorcistbestiary.com/2024/10/24/winning-the-battle-of-the-mind-holy-ignorance-as-a-strategy-against-darkness/

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    13 mins