Episodes

41
Oct. 18, 2023

Let's hear from our listeners

Today on Concurrently, we’re continuing the conversation by responding to listener feedback on school choice, cancel culture, Christian nationalism, and more.
40
Oct. 11, 2023

Affirmative action and human flourishing

We’re breaking out all our tools to tackle a listener question on affirmative action. How do we unravel lasting consequences of cultural injustice? And what does it mean for human flourishing?
39
Oct. 4, 2023

Family and mission in wartime Ukraine (with Doug Shepherd)

What does discipleship look like in the highest challenge? We’re talking to church planter Doug Shepherd about his family’s experience in wartime Ukraine.
38
Sept. 27, 2023

Discipling kids through the news (with Rebecca Cochrane)

At God’s WORLD News, we’re building news literacy to better live out the gospel. But what does that look like in practice? We’re joined by GWN Managing Editor Rebecca Cochrane to explore our philosophy behind writing the news for kids.
37
Sept. 20, 2023

God, country, and Christian nationalism

Christian nationalism. You’ve heard it in the news. Maybe you’ve heard it in the pulpit. What makes this term so hard to pin down? And how do we teach our kids about the relationship between God and country?
36
Sept. 13, 2023

School choice and abundant grace (with Amy Auten)

Public school? Private school? Homeschool? School choice can feel daunting and guilt-ridden. Today we’re joined by Amy Auten to look back at our own school experiences and point to God’s abundant grace.
35
Sept. 6, 2023

Failure and cultural engagement

We’re back with our panel of guests to talk about learning from failure in culture. How do headline-making mistakes inform the way we teach our kids and students? How does failure factor into engaging community, including the broader culture in which we are placed? Dr. Bob Burns, Dr. Donald Guthrie, and Jessie Swigart help us explore the big questions.
34
Aug. 30, 2023

Data privacy, big tech, and human value

Why does our data matter? How do we explain it to our kids? Today we’re tackling a listener question on data privacy.
33
Aug. 23, 2023

Understanding the U.S. Supreme Court (with Dr. Jesse Merriam)

We’re joined by Constitutional Law professor Dr. Jesse Merriam to talk about the Supreme Court of the United States. The headlines call this a “partisan court.” President Joe Biden says it’s “not a normal court.” What do they mean by that? Why does the Supreme Court exist?
32
Aug. 16, 2023

Silicon Valley, psychedelics, and double standards

What is microdosing? And what does it have to do with industry leaders of Silicon Valley? We’re using the SOAR method to break down a Wall Street Journal article on psychedelics in the world of tech.
Aug. 11, 2023

Bonus: A dialogue on culture-making

How do we avoid falling into damaging, divisive culture wars? In today’s bonus episode, Kelsey and Jonathan explore a life-giving alternative: culture-making.
31
Aug. 9, 2023

Confederate monuments and constructive revisionism

We’re taking a look at history. What should we think when schools, military bases, and other public institutions change names or remove monuments to distance themselves from a Confederate past?
30
Aug. 2, 2023

Failure and discipleship formation

How do we handle failure in our discipleship process? Today we’re joined by Dr. Bob Burns, Dr. Donald Guthrie, and Jessie Swigart to explore the pitfalls and positives of missing the mark.
29
July 26, 2023

Climate change and embracing complexity (with Dr. Nathan Howell)

What is climate change? How should climate issues shape the way we live–if at all? We’re back with environmental engineer Dr. Nathan Howell to explore this complex topic.
28
July 19, 2023

Seeing through the Redemptive Narrative (part 2)

Part two of our exploration into the Redemptive Narrative. How do the final two chapters of the Biblical story inform not just how we view the news, but how we view all of life?
27
July 12, 2023

Seeing through the Redemptive Narrative (part 1)

When we encounter stories in the news, we frame them as part of a bigger picture, an overarching story. For Christians, it’s the Redemptive Narrative. But what is this “Redemptive Narrative?” And how does it impact the way we view the news?
26
July 5, 2023

Exploring environmental stewardship (with Dr. Nathan Howell)

How does the news cover environmental topics? What makes these issues so contentious among believers? We’re joined by environmental engineer Nathan Howell to explore a Christian stance toward the environment.
25
June 28, 2023

Independence, accountability, and teen chaperone rules

Malls, theme parks, and restaurants increasingly require teenage patrons to have adult chaperones. Why are businesses making this change? And what does it mean for teenage independence?
24
June 21, 2023

Cancel culture and the whole person

On this episode, we’re tackling the topic of cancel culture. What is it? Does it really exist? And how can Christians develop a mature, whole-person response?
23
June 14, 2023

Fiction, fake news, and finding perspective

In a world of fake news, developing news literacy takes work. But we might find help through an unexpected practice: reading fiction.
22
June 7, 2023

Suffering with redemptive intention (with Amy Auten)

The news is filled with stories of suffering. Suffering plays an important role in the Christian life. What do we do when the worst comes true? God’s Big WORLD editor Amy Auten shares her story on today’s episode.
21
May 31, 2023

Immigration, Title 42, and Exodus 23

Title 42 has ended. U.S. asylum rules have changed. The issue of immigration once again takes center stage. How can parents and educators navigate this complex issue with their kids?
20
May 24, 2023

COVID-19, summer break, and restorative practices

The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 emergency officially over. Let’s reflect on the past few years and look ahead to summer break. How can we pursue restoration?
19
May 17, 2023

Light pollution and creation care

We’re dipping our toes into the topic of environmentalism by diving deep into a single news article. What causes light pollution? What solutions have been tried? And how should Christians care for creation?