#40: The New Evangelicals (with Tim Whitaker)

Join Jeremy and Tim Whitaker, founder of The New Evangelicals, for an unfiltered and entertaining conversation tackling tough topics in faith, church culture, and beyond—all while sipping on wine. Whether you're wrestling with your faith, navigating church hurt, or just curious about new perspectives, this episode delivers humor, depth, and a lot of honesty. Don’t miss Tim’s unforgettable attempt at opening his first bottle of wine and his bold insights on Christianity today.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

Key Points Covered in Episode 40:

1. Introduction of Tim Whitaker and The New Evangelicals:

   • The organization supports those grappling with faith and church hurt.
   • Focus on creating a safe space for exploring progressive Christianity.
   • Tagline: “Faith isn’t easy, hurt makes it harder.”

2. Wine Talk:

   • Jeremy enjoys a Story of Soil Syrah 2022 with notes of red plum, blueberry, and vanilla bean.
   • Tim hilariously opens his first bottle of wine, Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, adding an unplanned comedy segment.

3. Tim’s Faith Journey:

   • From a conservative evangelical upbringing to a more inclusive, justice-focused Christianity.
   • Critiques of political entanglements in modern evangelicalism.
   • Emphasis on expanding one’s faith perspective beyond denominational boundaries.

4. Advocating for the Marginalized:

   • Discussions on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and other underrepresented groups within and outside the church.
   • The pitfalls of using theology to oppress rather than liberate.

5. Engaging with the Bible:

   • Tim’s shift from viewing the Bible as a rulebook to embracing it as a complex, nuanced collection of writings.
   • Encouragement to focus on Jesus’ teachings of love, justice, and inclusion.

6. Parenting and Faith:

   • Should kids be raised in the same traditional church settings their parents left?
   • Tim argues for raising children with openness and curiosity rather than indoctrination.

7. Criticism and Accountability in the Church:

   • Challenges of holding leaders and institutions accountable while staying hopeful.
   • The role of Christians in advocating for justice and resisting harmful ideologies like Christian nationalism.

8. Tim’s Take on Digital Content Creation:

   • Balancing fast-paced news reactions with thoughtful analysis.
   • Addressing negativity from critics while staying grounded.

9. Lightning Round Questions:

   • Tim’s past belief he was wrong about: thinking LGBTQ+ people were inherently sinful.
   • Main issue facing American Christianity: the rise of Christian nationalism.

This episode is perfect for anyone exploring new ways to engage with their faith or questioning traditional church teachings. Tim’s candidness, combined with his humor and passion, makes this an unforgettable conversation. Grab a glass of wine and join the ride!

Links:

• https://www.thenewevangelicals.com/
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-new-evangelicals-podcast/id1557794865
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