Show Notes
This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step. Morling to Go is a collection of free, short, video-based courses created by Morling College to support thoughtful Christian learning and formation. Designed for individuals, small groups, and ministry teams, each course includes teaching videos and discussion questions led by respected evangelical scholars and practitioners. Explore each course and find a resource that best fits your context. About the Guest: Prof Miroslav Volf is a distinguished theologian and the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School, where he directs the Yale Center for Faith and Culture. Originally from Croatia, Volf has had a significant impact in theological circles through his focus on identity, otherness, and reconciliation. He is best known for his acclaimed book Exclusion and Embrace, which Christianity Today named one of the 100 most influential religious books of the twentieth century. Volf has also served as an advisor to the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the White House. Key Takeaways: Ambition is a multifaceted concept, often viewed as both a virtue and a vice across history and cultures. Miroslav Volf emphasises the toxicity of comparing oneself to others and how striving for excellence should surpass endeavors for superiority. The importance of intrinsic value over societal metrics in measuring success and personal worth is underscored. Biblical narratives, such as those in Philippians and the Gospels, highlight the transformative power of purpose-driven ambition for God's glory. The cultural portrayal of ambition, exemplified by classic literature and modern TV series, calls for a reflective look at our own motivations and societal structures. Notable Quotes: "God's love is not a generic thing thrown over the world; it remembers the specificity of the one." "Each of us has a generic nature, but each of us has also a specific nature." "Ambition with a pious swoosh can easily become selfish ambition if not directed carefully." "The widow's two coins were worth more than the great sums of the rich; she gave everything." "Our society often measures success quantitatively, but Jesus looked at the heart, the interior life." Resources: Miroslav Volf's Book: The Cost of Ambition Miroslav Volf's Book: Exclusion and Embrace
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More from With All Due Respect
Episode Summary: In this special bonus episode of "With All Due Respect," Megan Powell Du Toit and Michael Jensen dive into a discussion about Christopher Nolan's 2026 film, "The Odyssey." This adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic is dissected through the lenses of both the original text's themes and contemporary interpretations, offering listeners a rich tapestry of theological and cultural insights. Key Takeaways: Modern Adaptations of Classic Epics: Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" provokes dialogue not only about its faithfulness to Homer's epic but also its reinterpretation in a contemporary context. Themes of Guilt and Atonement: The film explores psychological and spiritual depth, highlighting Odysseus's journey through guilt and atonement as a reflection of modern sensibilities influenced by Christian thought. Hospitality's Role in Society: The concept of hospitality is critically examined, both as a part of Homer's world and in its implications for today's global and often divided landscapes. Cultural Relevance and Critique: The discourse reflects on how adaptations resonate with current socio-political climates, posing questions about home, belonging, and societal norms. Lewis and Tolkien's Influence: There is a discussion on how ancient longings reflected in texts like "The Odyssey" find answers in the Christian gospel, drawing parallels with the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Notable Quotes: "When you're using source material like this… I'm really, I really enjoy a reworking." – Megan Powell Du Toit "The goodies turn out to be the baddies… evil lurking in your own heart." – Michael Jensen "Guilt and atonement… how Christian are those themes." – Michael Jensen "Home is a place that is safe for you and yours, but also must have that permeable border." – Megan Powell Du Toit "There is no real atonement possible, even in Nolan's epic." – Megan Powell Du Toit
Our highest listened to episode (published 12th October 2023, titled Only Human). It's been almost 3 years since the film dropped and these two things stand out for us: Creator/creature theme: In 2026, AI personhood and consciousness is a live legal and theological debate, giving this creator-creature discussion fresh relevance. Euthanasia theme: Voluntary assisted dying is actively expanding across Australia in 2026, making this Ecclesiastes-death exchange a current pastoral conversation.
This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step.
This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step.
This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step.