Show Notes
In this episode Skyler interviews Mike Gunderson on the problem of evil and suffering and the challenges it presents to us. Mike is the lead pastor at Oak Park Christian Church and is someone who has known first hand what it feels like to suffer. In this episode Mike shares with us his unique perspective on dealing with evil and suffering and why it is not the greatest issue we should be wrestling with. Links:Mike GundersonRoom For DoubtNotes:Why Believe God is Good in the Face of Suffering Three options to the problem of suffering:There is no God and life is what it is (no purpose, meaning, or hope).There is a God, but he's not good.There is a God and he is good.The bigger problem is not the problem of evil, but the problem of good.Why is there so much good in the world?For something to be bad, good must exist. Why don't more bad things happen?How to safeguard your faith from suffering:Expect suffering.Realize that God has a grader purpose to life (we do not fully understand it now).Use difficulty as a time to depend on God's grace.How to have a conversations with someone suffering:See it as a challenge to do more good for people and the world.Be merciful to those who are doubting because of suffering (this was Jesus strategy and James instruction)Remember that doubt is not the opposite of faith, unbelief is.
More from Unpacked with Skyler
In this episode Skyler interview Dr. Tom Wright on his newly published book Into The heart of Romans: A Deep Dive Into Paul’s Greatest Letter. Dr. Wright brings his fresh perspective from over 50 years of studying the letter of Romans in this book. He is the former Bishop of Durham and has taught at various schools such as Oxford, Cambridge, and McGill University. Currently Dr. Wright is the research professor emeritus of New Testament and Early Christianity at at St Mary’s college and Senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall at Oxford.
In this episode Skyler interview Dr. Sandra Glahn on her newly released book Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament. Dr. Glahn brings her Biblical expertise and person experience to shed light on a misunderstood background and interpretation to what Paul means when he says, "women will be saved through childbearing" (1 Timothy 2:15). Dr. Glahn is professor of media arts and worship at Dallas Theological Seminary where she focuses a lot of her time teaching about first-century backgrounds.
In this episode Skyler interviews Peter Gurry on the ancient Bible manuscripts, common myths, objections, and the science behind the Greek New Testament used in our English Bibles. Peter serves as the Associate Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary and the Director of the Text and Canon Institute. He holds a Ph.d from the University of Cambridge and is leading expert in the field of textual criticism. Notes:Phoenix Seminary Text and Canon Institute * Two Reasons There Are Variants in Our Copies of the Bible (article) Scribes and Scripture: The amazing story of how we got our Bible (book) Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism (book)
In this episode Skyler interviews John Marriott on the Christian deconversion. John serves on the research staff at the Center for Christian Thought at Biola University, and adjunct professor in the department of philosophy. John's dissertation focused on deconversion from Christianity to atheism making him a leading voice in the area of understanding deconversion and a helpful resource to pastors, parents, and churches in today's world. Notes:The Anatomy of Deconversion John Marriott website
In this episode Skyler interviews David L. Rowe on the Latter-Day Saints and how Christians can have better conversations with them. David served as professor and dean of spiritual life at Salt Lake Theological Seminary, before transitioning to the dean of facilitators at The Vine Institute. In this interview David shares his wealth of knowledge and heart for the Latter-Day Saints. Notes:I Love Mormons: A New Way to Share Christ with Latter-Day SaintsThe Vine Institute