Beyond the Box

Big C, one of our long-time listeners and friends of the podcast, submitted an idea for a show with a couple of questions relating to how we teach our children.  Because Ray and Steve both live life with their families outside of institutional religion, is it possible that their children are getting a very limited, and perhaps unbalanced, source of teaching?

After playing a portion of an audio clip clarifying Big C’s question, Ray and Steve discuss the way that they view raising children outside of an organized “religion”, yet while modeling a faith-filled life.

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Note: As we mentioned in the last post, this was originally one long episode that we edited into two episodes, so just as the last one ended without any type of “sign off”, this one starts without any type of “introduction”, picking up in the middle of the discussion.  With that in mind, if you haven’t already listened to Part 1, please go do so before listening to this one. It will make much more sense that way!

Continuing the discussion regarding literal interpretations of Genesis 1-11 and other beliefs held to be essential by some for salvation, Ray and Steve wrap up the discussion started last time.  References to the end of the year and holidays reflect the intent to originally air the entire episode before the end of 2010.  Don’t worry–it’s not meant to indicate that we’re done for 2011!

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Note: This is a part 1 of a lengthy episode that we split up into two episodes for listening convenience.  Therefore, the ending of this recording may feel a bit abrupt to you, but will be continued in part 2 which will post in a few days.

There are many Christians who believe that the opening of the book of Genesis (specifically the first 11 chapters) must be interpreted literally or else it is virtually impossible to believe anything else in scripture literally.  Some would even go so far, then, to say that it is essential to believe Genesis 1-11 literally in order to be saved.

Ray and Steve use this particular example of the opening to the book of Genesis to discuss the larger issue of what beliefs should or should not be considered as absolutely essential. If a belief really is essential, Ray and Steve argue that it should, or even must, be included in any “gospel presentation”.  Usually this is not the case.

Come along for the ride, and then look for part 2 to show up soon.

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True to form, Ray and Steve have trouble staying on any one topic, but instead wax very passionately about several different topics, at least related in their own minds!  Bouncing off comments made with regard to open theology a few episodes ago, this episode offers several thoughts that may cause mixed responses in the minds of some listeners.  However, through it all, Ray and Steve continue to assert that they do not have all the answers, and that they are open to other ideas different from their own.

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We were excited to discover yesterday that Beyond the Box is in the running for a Podcast Award in the Religion Inspiration category. (Huge thanks to Big C for promoting us in the nomination stage!)

Voting begins Dec 1 (today) and continues through Dec 15 at http://www.podcastawards.com. One vote per person per IP address (per day?), and you will have to confirm your vote via email.

We appreciate all of our listeners, award or no award, and if you choose to vote for us for this award, we thank you.  We’ll be coming back at ya real soon with a new episode, so stay tuned to your iTunes or feed reader!

Prompted by listener feedback and interaction, Steve and Ray respond to and continue the ongoing conversation about Open Theism and it’s ramifications for prayer, the sovereignty of God, and the problem of evil.  In this part 1 of ?? episodes, Steve and Ray travel a few rabbit trails, interact with listener comments, and once again focus on Jesus as the self-expression of God.  Let’s keep the conversation going!

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For many conservative Christians, the notion of a God who might actually leave some details of the future up to us is a frightening prospect.  Wouldn’t this logically mean that God is not in control? Couldn’t a God who doesn’t know the future possibly be defeated?

In this episode, Ray and Steve pick up on a months-old idea submission from Chip who asked about open theology.  Thinking out loud about the concept, they discuss questions related to a God who not only may not dictate every detail of the future, but who actually might change his mind based on the decisions and actions of humans.

It’s vintage BtB, but with a new intro/outro!

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After more than eight months without an episode, Beyond the Box is finally back!  In this very unique episode (what a way to return, huh?) Ray and Steve actually sat down together in person with a small portable recorder in a fast-food restaurant and talked about a wide variety of topics, including the inspiration of Scripture and reflections on a talk they had just attended by Bart Ehrman.

Despite the country music playing in the background (and turned up quite loudly for the last part of the podcast, possibly due to some unhappy customers sitting nearby!), we hope you enjoy this conversation and the return of Ray and Steve to podcasting.

Here’s to more regular podcasts again!

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Folks, we’re sorry for the lack of shows lately.  The reality is that a lot has changed in life for both of us right about the start of this year, and we both have had a tough time carving out the time to get together and record.

We have every intention of returning to podcasting very soon, but in the meantime appreciate your patience in waiting for us to return.  We’re not entirely sure when we’ll return, but if you follow us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/BtBPodcast), you’ll get updated just as soon as new episodes are released.

In the meantime, keep exploring life beyond the box!

Thanks,

steve and ray

What comes to mind when you hear the word “anarchy”? Does it sound like something that is compatible with Christianity?

Well, there are some that say that “anarchy” can be defined in a way that actually makes the most sense of any understanding of the teachings of Jesus.

After a humble explanation of why it’s been so long since the last episode, and an update on an advancement in Steve’s music career, Ray and a slightly congested Steve discuss the concept of Christian Anarchy and how it relates to western evangelical Christianity’s quest for political power.

Thanks for waiting patiently for each episode. We appreciate each of you who are along for the ride!

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