Category: Christianity
Episode 30: Unity Between Catholics & Protestants: A Conversation with Austin Suggs from Gospel Simplicity

Episode 30: Unity Between Catholics & Protestants: A Conversation with Austin Suggs from Gospel Simplicity

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In this episode, Jacque and Megan talk with Austin Suggs from Gospel Simplicity. Gospel Simplicity began as a YouTube channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news that should be shared with as many people as possible. Austin creates content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.

Some topics discussed in this episode are:

  1. When do doctrinal differences become issues that require division?
  2. What would it take for Protestants to join Catholics or vice versa?
  3. How to respond to Protestants who reject the legitimacy of a Catholic’s faith and vice versa.
  4. Will there ever be a union of all different Christian traditions on this side of heaven?

Resources:

Subscribe to Gospel Simplicity on YouTube!

Like Gospel Simplicity on Facebook

 

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Episode 29: Purity Culture, Modesty, Body Image, & Healing from Sexual Sin

Episode 29: Purity Culture, Modesty, Body Image, & Healing from Sexual Sin

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Trigger Warning: This episode references sexual assault and disordered eating. 

Jacque and Megan talk to Mary about purity culture: what it is, family dynamics, modesty, body image, and more. Purity Culture is largely understood to be a Christian sub-culture beginning around 1990 in conservative evangelical circles. It is characterized by efforts to promote sexual abstinence prior to marriage as well as emphasizing women to be “appropriately submissive”. While the intentions in this movement may or may not be pure (pun intended), it is important to talk about the lasting effects, and lingering shame, on those who grew up within it. Mary also shares some spectacular wisdom in this episode on healing from sexual sin and managing misplaced shame.

Resources:

History of Purity Culture

 

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Episode 28: Why Do We Bleed? A Theology of Menstruation

Episode 28: Why Do We Bleed? A Theology of Menstruation

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Women often feel shame, disgust, embarrassment, or annoyance at their periods, but is that how menstruation should be viewed? In this episode, Jacque and Megan interview Kerena Lawler who has developed a theology of menstruation. She says that the menstrual cycle tells a story: creation, fall, redemption, and future restoration. Some questions discussed in this episode:

  1. Why is it valuable as women for us to be knowledgeable about our cycle?
  2. Why did God create women to menstruate?
  3. How do you think our reproductive cycle was before the fall? How should women view their periods now? 

Resources:

Follow Kerena on Instagram

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Episode 27: The Messy Parts of Converting

Episode 27: The Messy Parts of Converting

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Meet Reilly! In this episode, Jacque and Megan talk to Reilly about her conversion story from a non-denominational, Protestant background to the Catholic Church. They discuss the messy parts of conversion, the difficulties and doubts that come along with it, and also the good and beautiful parts as well.

Follow Reilly on Twitter

 

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Episode 26: Lust as a Feminine Vice – A Conversation with Clare McCallan

Episode 26: Lust as a Feminine Vice – A Conversation with Clare McCallan

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We tend to associate lust as more of a masculine vice but women also struggle. In this episode, Jacque and Megan interview Clare McCallan, author and spoken word poet, who wrote a piece on lust as a feminine vice. Clare talks about the difference between healthy sexual desire and lust, how lust is different from real love, and much more. 

Resources:

Clare McCallan Documentary

Follow Clare on Instagram

Clare’s Website

Clare’s book Stations

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Episode 25: When it is Time to End a Friendship

Episode 25: When it is Time to End a Friendship

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We live in a culture where it’s popular to “cut out toxicity”. This leads to many people cutting people out of their life instead of working through problems. However…there are times when a relationship needs to be cut out because it is truly toxic. When is it time to end a friendship and when is it time to seek reconciliation? Is cutting someone out of your life ever loving or Biblical? Jacque and Megan discuss these questions and more with their friend Alé. 

Follow Alé on Instagram

Book Recommendations:

Changes That Heal by Dr. Cloud

Boundaries by Dr. Cloud & Dr. Townsend

Resources:

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Toxic Friendships: Thirty Minutes with The Perry’s Podcast

 

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Episode 24: What Do We Think About Birth Control?

Episode 24: What Do We Think About Birth Control?

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Can a Christian couple take birth control? Are there forms that are permissible? Why is the Catholic Church against contraceptives? Jacque and Megan discuss their differing views in this episode.

Statistics on who takes birth control

Resources for Megan’s View:

John Piper on Birth Control

Matt Pearman on Birth Control

Resources for Jacque’s View:

Historical Church Teaching on Contraception

Natural Family Planning (NFP)

Catechism of the Catholic Church #2362

Catechism of the Catholic Church #2363

Catechism of the Catholic Church #2364

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Episode 23: Finding God In Your Struggle with Mental Illness – A Conversation with Kristen Deasy

Episode 23: Finding God In Your Struggle with Mental Illness – A Conversation with Kristen Deasy

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TW: This episode discusses mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidality.

Meet Kristen! Jacque and Megan talk with Kristen Deasy, mental health advocate and founder of “The Human Condition”.  The mission of “The Human Condition” is to change the narrative that mental health and faith are mutually exclusive through promoting hope, healing, and conversation. “The Human Condition” hopes to inspire those living with mental illness that God has a plan for them; to be great saints in the midst of their suffering.

This episodes discusses the integration of faith and mental health, self harm, suicide, and finding God in our suffering. 

Resources:

Follow Kristen on Instagram

Follow The Human Condition on Instagram

The Human Condition Website

Like The Human Condition on Facebook

 

 

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Episode 22: Surviving (and Thriving) Through a Breakup

Episode 22: Surviving (and Thriving) Through a Breakup

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Meet Rebecca! In this episode, Jacque and Megan discuss with Rebecca how to survive and thrive through the heartache of a breakup. Rebecca talks about common thoughts and struggles, practical tips, and how God creates something new out of our rubble.

Resources Mentioned:

Be Healed by Dr. Bob Schuchts

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Episode 21: Healthy Sexuality for Women

Episode 21: Healthy Sexuality for Women

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As Christian women, how do we navigate sexual desire, chastity/purity, and attraction in a healthy and Godly way? In this episode, Jacque and Megan discuss harmful views of puberty, sexual desire, women & pornography and give practical tips for pursuing chastity as women.

Resources:

Coming of Age Rituals Around the World

PornHub 2019 Stats

Pornography Statistics & Church

New York Post: Women & Porn

Psychology Today: Women & Porn

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