Todd Hunter leads Churches for the Sake of Others, a diocese of the Anglican Church in North America, and is the author of What Jesus Intended: Finding True Faith in the Rubble of Bad Religion.
In this episode, Todd Hunter and I discuss “bad religion,” “good religion,” and what it means to be the church God has called us to be.
THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Todd discusses "bad religion," referring to church actions that harm people, including sexual and financial scandals and misuse of power.
- He shares personal experiences of witnessing bullying and manipulation within charismatic and Pentecostal circles.
- The conversation explores the historical existence of bad religion and the pursuit of healthy and faithful religion.
- Todd Hunter emphasizes the importance of listening without compromise and using Jesus as an example of engaging with others while staying true to beliefs.
- Churches need to listen, especially to victims, without giving up on fundamental beliefs, to reshape churches towards goodness.
- Markus Watson contrasts Jesus' engagement with marginalized individuals with the church's perceived engagement.
- Todd discusses the need for the church to engage with unique Christian claims while avoiding a privileged and know-it-all attitude.
- He emphasizes the theological meaning of "end" and God's healing the world through his people.
- Todd believes that God's people will rule and reign with him in a renewed heaven and earth.
- He shares insights from Dallas Willard about engaging in conversations with others.
- Christ followers need to have honest conversations with others while remaining grounded in their own beliefs.
- Todd Hunter discusses the negative impact of fear and anxiety and emphasizes the eschatological nature of faith for pastors living in a post-Christendom world.
- It is important to understand the broader intentions of Jesus beyond just dying for salvation.
- Todd Hunter expresses a desire to reintroduce Jesus to people who are disengaged from traditional church practices.
- Churches need to meet people where they are, tailoring church practices to different communities.
- The conversation acknowledges the value of traditional church forms while emphasizing openness to various expressions of faith beyond traditions like house churches.
RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:
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