Best Biblicalworldview Podcasts (2023)

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Is Theology Boring? | Trevin Wax 1:04:39

1d ago1:04:39

1:04:39

The creeds of Christianity summarize the most paradoxical and surprising story the world has ever known. So why do so many find them boring? In this best-of episode, Shane welcomes Trevin Wax to explain why the core truths of our faith are an invitation to adventure, using his book, The Thrill of Orthodoxy.…

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Thanking God Without Idolizing His Gifts | Joe Rigney 57:05

8d ago57:05

57:05

We gather at Thanksgiving to enjoy food, to count our blessings (including family and friends), and to express our gratitude to the Giver. But is it possible to love God’s gifts too much? Shane welcomes Dr. Joe Rigney, author of The Things of Earth, to explain how we should treasure God by enjoying our blessings.…

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Christ’s Presence in Our Pain | Joni Eareckson Tada 33:17

15d ago33:17

33:17

What is the secret of contentment in all circumstances? The Apostle Paul knew it, and so can Christians who acknowledge God’s presence and seek His face. Shane welcomes Joni Eareckson Tada, herself no stranger to suffering, to share insights from her latest devotional book, The Practice of the Presence of Jesus.…

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Do We Treat the Holy Spirit Like God? | Costi Hinn 1:01:07

22d ago1:01:07

1:01:07

He’s been described like a genie in a bottle, treated like The Force from Star Wars, and is sometimes simply forgotten. But the Holy Spirit is God, and learning to worship Him and recognize His work is central to Christianity. Shane welcomes Costi Hinn to sort truth from error using his new book, Knowing the Spirit.…

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A Jerusalem Pastor on the War in Gaza | David Pileggi 1:08:28

29d ago1:08:28

1:08:28

The world is still reeling from the events of October 7, when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel and slaughtered over a thousand civilians. As war rages, confusion reigns in academia and politics over who is to blame and what should be done. This week, Shane welcomes David Pileggi, Rector of Christ Church Anglican in Jerusalem, to offer the wisdom of…

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Should Christians Tell Haunting Stories? | Ben Garrett and Brian Sauvé 1:10:09

1M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

The world is filled with tales of ghosts, vampires, sea serpents, and all manner of mythological monsters. The secular mind dismisses these as superstitions, but should Christians? This week Shane welcomes Ben Garrett and Brian Sauvé, hosts of The Haunted Cosmos podcast, to explain how speculation about the spooky can glorify God.…

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Are We Souls? | Joshua Farris 59:42

1M ago59:42

59:42

For most of history, nearly everybody has agreed that human beings survive the deaths of our bodies. But somewhere along the way, materialism rose to dominance, and we became nothing but bodies. What’s the truth? Shane welcomes Dr. Joshua Farris, author of The Creation of Self, to make a robust case for the soul. Show Notes: The critical theories t…

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What is it About Music? | Various Guests 1:08:04

2M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

Music has been a favorite theme on Upstream. Guests like Andrew Peterson, Jeremy Begbie, The Arcadian Wild, and David Radford of The Gray Havens have explored the mystery of music from artistic and academic perspectives. This week, we bring you the best of those episodes with Shane’s thoughts how they connect, and how God uses music in our lives.…

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What Critical Theory Gets Wrong—and Right | Neil Shenvi & Pat Sawyer 1:02:44

2M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and the modern social justice movement, the definition of "justice" changed. But critical social theories are based on important truths, even if they mix them with lies. Shane welcomes Drs. Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer to identify those truths and lies using their new book, Critical Dilemm…

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Why Are Churches Dying? | Michael Graham 1:00:05

2M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

We're in the mist of the most significant religious shift in American history. Millions are abandoning organized Christianity, but there is little clarity about why they're leaving, or how to stem the exodus. Shane welcomes Michael Graham, co-author of The Great Dechurching, to offer data-driven answers and surprising hope.…

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Why Does Believing in God Feel Like Work? | Joseph Minich 1:04:00

2M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Atheists like to tell a story in which religion declined because of scientific evidence and arguments. But what if unbelief became a plausible option because of the way modern people work, live, and relate to the world, and the way these changes make us feel? Shane welcomes Dr. Joseph Minich to discuss his book, Bulwarks of Unbelief.…

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The Five Lies Coming for Your Church and Your Children | Rosaria Butterfield 59:15

3M ago59:15

59:15

Homosexuality, “spirituality,” feminism, transgenderism, and more; an alternative creed is making inroads into Christianity and false claims on young lives. Shane welcomes Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, someone who once believed and lived those lies, to explain how God set her free and can do the same for anyone.…

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What Has the Internet Done to Our Brains ... and Souls? | Samuel James 1:06:15

3M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

Christians often think of technology as morally neutral, but a closer examination shows that assumptions about the world and humanity are built into inventions like the internet. These “liturgies,” or repeated patterns of formative behavior, shape us mentally and spiritually in ways that contradict God’s design for us. Shane welcomes Samuel James t…

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God Is Speaking ... If We Will Listen | Os Guinness 58:12

3M ago58:12

58:12

A dandelion, a song, a mother’s love, even the reality of evil; God has used all of these to pierce the godless worldviews of real men and women. In this Upstream re-air, Shane welcomes Dr. Os Guinness to tell their stories using his book, Signals of Transcendence.

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When Girls Decide They’re Boys | Katie McCoy 1:02:20

3M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

We’re witnessing an unprecedented epidemic of teenage girls who want to change their gender and think transition will make them happy. What’s really going on, and how can Christians respond? Shane welcomes Dr. Katie McCoy to answer these hard questions using her new book, To Be a Woman.

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The Whole Bible Is a Creation Story | Edward Klink 1:01:23

4M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

When we hear pastors or theologians refer to “creation,” we assume they’re talking about the beginning of the world. But what if the whole story of Scripture is about the purpose, function, and glorious destiny of God’s handiwork—including us? Shane welcomes Dr. Edward Klink to discuss his book, The Beginning and End of All Things: A Biblical Theol…

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You Were Created to Create! | Brian Brown 1:01:21

4M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

When God created humans in His image, He gave us a mandate: to imitate His work by bringing beauty, order, art, and culture into the world. This has implications for our relationship with time, space, matter, language, each other, and God. To explain, Shane welcomes Brian Brown, co-editor of an eye-opening new book called Why We Create.…

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Mistakes We Make When We 'Engage the Culture' | Justin Bailey 1:05:59

4M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

Christians easily fall into the habit of treating culture as something “out there,” distinct from us and potentially corrupting or dangerous. But what if we are a part of that culture, and what if conflict isn’t the only or best way to understand our role in shaping culture? Shane welcomes Dr. Justin Bailey to discuss his latest book, Interpreting …

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World-Changing Christians You’ve Never Heard Of | Glenn Sunshine 1:02:15

4M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

A Viking who sailed to America, a prisoner who transformed an African kingdom, the daughter-in-law of Genghis Khan—what do all of these people have in common? Surprisingly, belief in Christ. Shane welcomes Dr. Glenn Sunshine to talk about his new book, 32 Christians Who Changed Their World.

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How Sex Unlocks the Meaning of the Universe | Joshua Butler 1:00:20

5M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Creation is bursting with Divine symbolism, especially where opposites unite—and nowhere do we find a more profound, sacred, or fruitful symbolism than in sex. Shane welcomes Joshua Butler, author of Beautiful Union, to explore how God’s vision for the one flesh relationship displays deep mysteries about creation and its Creator.…

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Why Is the Cosmos Comprehensible? | Melissa Cain Travis 1:01:10

5M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Contrary to secular mythology, the pioneers of modern astronomy believed they were “thinking God’s thoughts after Him.” In fact, this belief was essential to their discoveries! Shane welcomes Dr. Melissa Cain Travis to explain why Christian convictions led to the scientific revolution and can help us see the stars as they truly are.…

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Further Upstream - How Do Westerners Give Their Lives for Christ? 37:34

5M ago37:34

37:34

Most of us will never have to choose between death and denying Jesus. So what does martyrdom mean for us? Shane welcomes Kasey Leander to reflect on the conversation with Jerry Pattengale about The New Book of Christian Martyrs.

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How the Martyrs Can Prepare Us for Persecution | Jerry Pattengale 1:05:18

5M ago1:05:18

1:05:18

Four-hundred and fifty years ago, John Foxe published his famous Book of Martyrs. But more Christians died for their faith in the last century than in the previous nineteen combined. Shane welcomes Dr. Jerry Pattengale to tell the stories of those who’ve confessed Christ to the end, using his The New Book of Christian Martyrs.…

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A Christian Exodus from Public Schools? | Larry Taylor 49:12

5M ago49:12

49:12

We’re witnessing a groundswell of demand to create viable, Christian alternatives to the American public school system, but is there room for everyone? Shane welcomes Dr. Larry Taylor, president of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to sketch an exciting future for education.

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Further Upstream - Why Tim Keller Caught Skeptics Off Guard 43:49

5M ago43:49

43:49

Shane welcomes Tim Padgett to explore the distinctive approach to apologetics and evangelism that set Tim Keller apart and sometimes made him controversial. He subverted expectations, but how do we balance winsomeness toward outsiders with fidelity to our countercultural Christian convictions?

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The Beliefs that Made Tim Keller | Collin Hansen 1:05:09

5M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Last month, pastor-theologian Timothy Keller went home to the Lord. His ministry was filled with incredible successes and unexpected controversies, and raises questions about how Christians should engage our post-Christian culture. Shane welcomes Collin Hansen, author of Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation.…

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Further Upstream - Good Creation Theology Can Save Your Faith 41:05

6M ago41:05

41:05

In his latest songs, Josh Bales meditates on doubt, deconstruction, and the glory we were created for. Shane welcomes Tim Padgett to discuss how understanding our high calling as humans can direct our search for God and truth.

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Singing the Weight of Glory | Josh Bales 1:00:28

6M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

Human beings are fallen, sinful, and broken, but that’s not where the story began. Shane welcomes singer-songwriter, priest, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Josh Bales to explain the importance of telling the full story of redemption, using his new EP, The Weight of Glory.

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Does Creation Reveal a Creator? | Stephen Meyer 49:05

6M ago49:05

49:05

Christians have long taught that God’s existence and power are evident in the world He has made. Yet secular, materialistic science says the universe looks exactly as we would expect if God didn’t exist. Shane welcomes philosopher of science Dr. Stephen Meyer at the 2023 Colson Center National Conference to explain why “the God hypothesis” is makin…

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Further Upstream - A Christian View of Nature 37:20

6M ago37:20

37:20

Progressive environmentalists seem to worship nature and treat human beings like vermin. But conservative Christians often fall into the opposite trap of downplaying human responsibility to care for God’s world. Shane welcomes Tim Padgett to talk more about Christianity and the environment.

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Does God Care About the Environment? | Xandra Carroll 1:07:27

6M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

Many Christians view concern for nature as a secular, left-wing obsession. But if God loves the world He made and cares about its wellbeing, shouldn’t we care, too? Shane welcomes author and apologist Xandra Carroll to make the case for Christian environmentalism.

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Further Upstream - Is Western Music Best? 46:07

6M ago46:07

46:07

Music as we know it is surprisingly young. What influence did Christianity have on the rise of this art form, and does that mean there are no universal truths about music? Shane welcomes Kasey Leander to reflect on the conversation with Dr. Jeremy Begbie.

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The Mystery of Music | Jeremy Begbie 1:01:07

6M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Few art forms have the power music has to move us and enrich our lives. But what gives it that power? Shane welcomes theologian and musician Dr. Jeremy Begbie to reveal how music can voice deep theological truths in a way words can’t. Special thanks to Duke University for allowing us to use clips from Dr. Begbie's musical illustrations. The origina…

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What the Sexual Revolution Stole from Children | Katy Faust 1:05:03

7M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

At every stage of the battle for sexual liberation, adults have assured themselves that kids will be alright. But the kids tell a different story. Shane welcomes Katy Faust to explain why the quest to fulfill adult desires has steamrolled children’s needs.

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Further Upstream - How the Psalms Shape Our Faith 37:32

7M ago37:32

37:32

Praise, lament, righteous anger, celebration, and wonder—the book of Psalms contains the full range of human experience expressed in Divine words. Singing those words changes us in a way words alone can’t. Shane welcome Tim Padgett to reflect on the conversation with Brian Sauvé.

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Singing the Psalms—Even the Ones About Dragons | Brian Sauvé 1:11:55

7M ago1:11:55

1:11:55

In the center of the Bible is a giant, divinely inspired song book. What would happen if we sang it? Shane welcomes pastor and musician Brian Sauvé to talk about his new album of psalms set to original music: "Even Dragons Shall Him Praise."

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Further Upstream - Keeping Faith When God Is Silent 51:30

7M ago51:30

51:30

The theological problem of suffering is distinct from the lived experience of suffering. But remembering God’s character can change everything. Shane welcomes Kasey Leander to reflect on the conversation with Adam Mabry about his book, When God Seems Gone.

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When God Plays ‘Hard to Get’ | Adam Mabry 1:00:47

7M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

What happens when tragedy, sorrow, or frustration strike and God seems not to hear our prayers? Shane welcomes Adam Mabry, author of When God Seems Gone: Finding Hope When Nothing Makes Sense to encourage faith in the midst of (apparent) Divine absence.

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Further Upstream - How Middle-earth Can Reenchant Your Worldview 47:19

7M ago47:19

47:19

J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary stories may have more to do with the “real world” than most readers realize. Shane welcomes Tim Padgett to reflect on the conversation with Austin Freeman, author of Tolkien Dogmatics.

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J.R.R. Tolkien the Theologian? | Austin Freeman 1:03:44

7M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

What do Valar, Elves, and Hobbits have to do with Christian theology? According to their creator, quite a lot! Shane welcomes Dr. Austin Freeman to discuss his book, Tolkien Dogmatics: Theology through Mythology with the Maker of Middle-earth.

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Further Upstream - The Bible Is In a Class By Itself 37:12

7M ago37:12

37:12

Shane welcomes Tim Padgett to reflect on the conversation with Steven Wedgeworth about the true meaning of the phrase “Sola Scriptura,” and why misunderstanding that phrase can distort a Christian’s worldview.

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What “Scripture Alone” Really Means | Steven Wedgeworth 1:04:34

8M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

“The Bible is the only book I need.” How biblical (and historical) is that statement? Shane welcomes Steven Wedgeworth, rector of Christ Church Anglican in South Bend, Indiana to explain what the Protestant Reformers really believed about Scripture, and why it matters.

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Further Upstream - C.S. Lewis and the Mystery of the Cross 44:29

8M ago44:29

44:29

Is there one right theory of how Christ’s atoning work saves us, or does the Bible reveal something more complex and mysterious? Shane welcomes Kasey Leander to reflect on the conversation with Hal Poe about C.S. Lewis and the Gospel message.

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Did C.S. Lewis Know the Gospel? | Hal Poe 1:04:44

8M ago1:04:44

1:04:44

If asked to present the Gospel, many of us would speak of God punishing Jesus in the place of sinners. But C.S. Lewis didn’t often speak of it this way. Shane welcomes Dr. Harry Lee Poe, Charles Colson Professor at Union University to talk about how C.S. Lewis answered the question: “Why did Jesus have to die?”…

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Further Upstream - Why Apologetics Requires Imagination 40:59

8M ago40:59

40:59

What if it’s not enough to convince people of the historical truth of Christ’s Resurrection? What if it’s just as important to love the Gospel as a story? Shane welcomes Kasey Leander to talk more about the conversation with Matt Burnett on re-mythologizing Easter.

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Re-Mythologizing Easter | Matt Burnett 1:01:15

8M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Christ's Resurrection is the turning point that reminds us our world's history is a story that ends in hope. But appreciating stories requires imagination! Shane welcomes Anglican pastor Matt Burnett to explore how imagination can illuminate redemption, worship, and catechesis.

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Further Upstream - Looking for Answers, Not Exits 59:22

8M ago59:22

59:22

“Deconstruction” has become a well-worn path for those who question aspects of their Christian upbringing. But there’s another option. Shane welcomes Kasey Leander to reflect on his conversation with Jinger Duggar Vuolo about her book, Becoming Free Indeed.

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Disentangle Your Faith, Don’t Deconstruct | Jinger Duggar Vuolo 1:01:18

8M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Shane welcomes Jinger Duggar Vuolo of 19 Kids and Counting to tell the story of how she separated her belief in Jesus from her upbringing under the teachings of Bill Gothard, and to explain how questioning well can deepen your faith instead of destroying it.

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Further Upstream - The Paradoxes Scripture Solves 54:05

8M ago54:05

54:05

Are humans gods or viruses? Should we be merciful or just? Is history headed for disaster or utopia? Such dichotomies are at the center of our cultural debates. But what if there’s a story that harmonizes them? Shane welcomes Kasey Leander to talk more about Christopher Watkin’s book, Biblical Critical Theory.…

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The Bible Tells a Better Story Than the Modern World | Christopher Watkin 1:09:41

8M ago1:09:41

1:09:41

G.K. Chesterton observed that critics of Christianity often attack it for contradictory reasons. Dr. Christopher Watkin, author of Biblical Critical Theory, argues that this is because God’s revelation is too big for our culture’s false dichotomies.

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