Mere Fidelity

Derek, Brad, and Alastair talk with Leah Sargeant about her book The Dignity of Dependence. They discuss why the world is built for male bodies, how pregnancy exposes universal human dependence, whether artificial wombs would help anyone, what's wrong with workplace dynamics, and why autonomy is a dangerous cultural idol.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to The Dignity of Dependence   01:07 Unpacking the Feminist Manifesto   03:15 The Intersection of Feminism and Dependence   06:24 Christian Perspectives on Feminism   08:06 Navigating Interchangeability in Society   12:37 Accommodating Differences in a Standardized World   17:40 The Role of Dependence in Human Experience   21:54 The Asymmetry of Dependence and Fertility   29:54 The Power of Asking for Help   31:10 Marketization of Relationships   32:24 The Impact of Endless Choices   33:54 Debt and Relationships   36:25 Navigating Dependence and Dependability   38:16 The Dignity of Dependence   39:47 The Intersection of Dependence and Dignity   43:28 G

Post-liberalism has escaped the internet and entered mainstream politics—but what does it actually mean? Derek, James, and Alastair map three competing visions: nostalgic return to pre-modern order, retrieval of Christian liberalism, or genuine revolution forward.         Retry    

Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, and Brad East discuss the nature of preaching, exploring its purpose, context, and the role of the preacher. They discuss the importance of engaging the heart and conscience of the audience, the need for contextualization in sermons, and the common pitfalls that preachers face. The conversation emphasizes the collective nature of engaging with scripture and the significance of avoiding jargon to ensure accessibility for all listeners.

Derek Rishmawy and Alastair Roberts discuss how minds actually change—through paradigm shifts, careful arguments, or accumulated experience. They explore why steel-manning opponents and engaging charitably with the strongest versions of opposing views is more persuasive than antagonistic debate. The key insight: the best positions emerge when you're willing to incorporate real strengths from other viewpoints and make warranted concessions, which requires moving beyond polarized combat toward genuine good-faith dialogue.

Derek Rishmawy and Brad East engage with Paul T. Sloan, an expert in early Christianity, to discuss his book 'Jesus and the Law of Moses.' The conversation explores the relationship between Jesus, the law, and the restoration of Israel, challenging popular views on legalism and emphasizing the importance of understanding the law as a gift. They delve into the concept of nomism, the significance of Jesus' authority, and the implications of his death as a ransom for liberation. The discussion also touches on the role of faith, the misunderstandings of the Pharisees, and the enduring relevance of the law in the New Testament. Chapters   00:00 Jesus and the Law 06:32 The Common View and Common Ground 14:53 Christological and Missiological Nomism 19:53 Exceptions Built-in to the Law 24:37 Why are the Pharisees always wrong? 31:33 All and Some 39:39 The Personal Element of Obedience 41:32 The Threefold Office of Christ 50:17 Atonement 55:08 Ransom 59:41 What About...?

Most of what we talk about on Mere Fidelity presupposes a lot of reading. What is the real use of reading? Is what we read more important than how we read? Why do some people who read for years never develop the habits of reading well? Alastair, Matt, and Derek discuss these questions as well as summer reading on this episode.

In this episode of Mere Fidelity, Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, and James Wood engage in a deep conversation about the evolving landscape of evangelism and contextualization, particularly focusing on the concept of 'reality respecters'—individuals who are open to the gospel due to their recognition of certain truths in a world increasingly alienated from reality. They discuss the cultural shift towards a more right-leaning openness to Christianity, the importance of understanding individual contexts in evangelism, and the need for a balanced approach that acknowledges both right and left perspectives. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of speaking truthfully about reality while remaining rooted in the gospel's message, ultimately aiming to connect with diverse audiences in meaningful ways. Chapters   00:00 The Context of Evangelism Now 07:02 Understanding Reality Respecters 12:41 Missional Opportunities on Your Right 17:52 Ad Fonte 21:08 Connecting the Dots 28:05 Context and Meta-Context 33:15 Who

Derek Rishmawy and Alastair Roberts explore the Bible as a technological medium, discussing its historical context, the impact of the Reformation on biblical engagement, and the shift from oral to written culture. They delve into the implications of modern technology on scripture interpretation and the importance of internalizing the word of God. The conversation also touches on eschatology and the balance between technology and tradition in the church's life. Chapters   00:00 Bible as Technology 04:25 From Performance to Page to Pixels 12:50 The Reformation 20:16 Eschatology 28:16 Steel Man the Tech 36:52 Metabolizing the Word 45:34 The Collective Encounter with Scripture

Derek Rishmawy and Brad East engage in a conversation about the complexities of atonement, particularly focusing on penal substitution. They explore the historical context, personal experiences, and theological implications surrounding the topic, emphasizing the need for clarity and understanding in discussions about God's justice and mercy. Chapter 00:00 Pumped About Atonement 03:35 The Heat of Atonement Debates 10:49 Teaching Badly 17:32 Who's the Real Problem? 24:45 Experiential Perspectives on Atonement 32:28 History and Retrieval 44:53 New Language for Old Ideas 48:59 Calvinist Lightning Round 01:01:17 Walking the Line

When dealing with delicate, nuanced, disputed, or important issues, should Christians primarily rely on their own judgment or the authority of church leaders in their lives? Derek, Alastair, and Matt bring their own experience to bear, as well as a reliance on Scripture and authority, to answer this listener-submitted question.

In this episode of Mere Fidelity, Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, James Wood, and Joseph Minich engage in a deep and sobering discussion about the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, reflecting on the implications of violence in society, the reactions to such events, and the role of social media in shaping narratives. They explore the need for a Christian response to violence, emphasizing the importance of prayer, community engagement, and the teachings of Augustine on justice and retaliation. The conversation highlights the fragility of societal discourse and the necessity of maintaining a Christ-centered perspective amidst chaos.   Chapters 00:00 - Reflections on a Tragic Event 03:57 - Identifying with the Victim 06:35 - Political Assassination 09:06 - Weight of Darkness 14:32 - Shocking Reactions Uncovered 19:44 - Meme Warfare 23:22 - Responsible or Reckless Rhetoric 27:22 - Asymmetrical in Narrative and Victimhood 33:29 - Girard Everywhere 38:09 - Time to Process 42:45 - Do Not Fear or Retaliate 48:

Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, and Brad East explore the theological significance of the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament, discussing their roles as divine dwellings, their relationship to Israel's kingship, and their implications for understanding God's presence among His people. The conversation also looks into the destruction and rebuilding of the temple, the church as the new temple, and the counter-temple polemic in the New Testament, ultimately reflecting on how these themes shape our understanding of God's dwelling with humanity. Chapters 00:00 Theology from the Tabernacle 02:51 Orienting To the Tabernacle 05:49 Tent of Meeting 09:04 The Relationship Between the Tabernacle and the Temple 14:31 Architecture of Kingship 18:07 Nearness and Danger 21:58 The Lord at War 25:45 The Ark of Noah 28:08 Destruction and Rebuilding 36:10 Representation, Punishment, and Vindication 38:21 God's Presence in Exile 41:45 The Church as the New Temple 44:52 Counter-Temple Polemic in the New Testament 48:00 Fi

Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, and Brad East engage in a discussion about the concept of 'holy ambition' within the context of ministry. They explore the balance between ambition and faithfulness, the impact of social media on pastoral ambitions, and the fears associated with ministry today, including the fear of cancellation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of seeking God's approval over personal recognition and the need for pastors to dream big while remaining grounded in their faith. Chapters 00:00 - Exploring Holy Ambition 06:57 - The Tension of Ambition and Faithfulness 13:04 - The Nature of Ambition in Ministry 19:24 - Social Media and the Amplification of Ambition 25:37 - The Fear of Cancellation and Its Impact 31:42 - Finding Justification in God's Approval

This is a rerelease of a previous episode. In response to a listener question, Derek, Matt, and Alastair go deep on the doctrine of creation. They ask and answer questions about whether creation is real, what counts as worship, what makes a doctrine of creation thick or thin, and whether we need to be thinking about God at all times.  Timestamps: On the Excitement Meter [0:00] Wherein Lies the Deepness? [2:13] Reality and Goodness [10:30] Participatory vs. Intrinsic Value [14:12] A Dim Reflection [15:53] Curiositas [18:57] Not Everything Is Worship [22:39] Children of the Earth [40:44]

Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, James Wood, and Joe Minich explore whether modernity deserves our praise or criticism. They examine the goods and challenges of the modern world, from medical advances to technological disruption, asking how Christians should thoughtfully engage rather than simply retreat or embrace uncritically. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setup 02:10 Defining Modernity - What Are We Talking About? 07:54 The Goods of Modernity - Why People Embraced Change 17:13 The Revolutionary Character of Modern Life 25:33 Freedom From vs. Freedom For 30:44 The Problem of Collective Agency 39:05 Rising Risks and Diminished Control 46:00 The Church as Ark - Finding a Third Way 55:33 Critical Engagement vs. Simple Acceptance

Alastair, Joseph, Brad, and Derek explore the themes of enchantment and disenchantment in theology and culture. They reflect on Charles Taylor’s analysis of the “disenchanted” modern age, the loss of a sacramental imagination, and the ways Christians might recover a sense of wonder, mystery, and divine presence in creation. The conversation considers both dangers—superstition, romantic nostalgia—and opportunities for faithful re-enchantment through Scripture, liturgy, and daily discipleship. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: What is enchantment? 04:15 – Charles Taylor and the “disenchanted age” 09:02 – Medieval vs. modern imagination 14:27 – Superstition, magic, and the dangers of false enchantment 19:40 – Re-enchantment and the Christian imagination 26:03 – Sacramentality, symbolism, and divine presence 32:55 – The role of worship in shaping perception 38:21 – Wonder, mystery, and recovering joy in creation 44:10 – Disenchantment as protection against idolatry 49:35 – Faithful ways of living with re-enchanted v

In this episode of Mere Fidelity, Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, Brad East, and James Wood engage in a deep conversation about the complexities of inhabiting and leaving religious traditions. They explore the implications of a recent theological shift by Matthew Barrett from Baptist to Anglican, discussing the personal and theological dimensions of such transitions. The conversation delves into the nature of tradition, the challenges of maintaining ecclesial identity, and the virtues of leaving a tradition with grace and gratitude. The hosts emphasize the importance of honoring those who have shaped their faith journeys while navigating the intricacies of theological retrieval and the fragility of denominational identities in contemporary Christianity.   Chapters   00:00 Ecclesial Location 03:09 The Dynamics of Leaving a Tradition 05:31 Retrieval 10:18 Conscious & Unconscious Choice 17:32 The Nature of Tradition and Confessions 22:03 Engaging Outside One's Tradition 24:13 Different Levels of Accountab

This episode of Mere Fidelity is about the boundaries and controls on theological and typological biblical interpretation - essentially asking "what are the brakes on theological exegesis?" — This month: The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory by Robert Smith - a weighty volume addressing crucial contemporary issues with biblical faithfulness. Get 40% off at lexhampress.com/merefidelity — Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, and Brad East explore the tension between: The Promise: Rediscovering richer, deeper ways of reading Scripture that go beyond simple historical-grammatical methods - finding typological patterns, narrative connections, and symbolic meanings that link Old and New Testament figures and events (like seeing Jesus as the new David, or Joseph as a type of Christ). The Problem: The legitimate concern that once you start reading Scripture typologically or allegorically, where do you stop? What prevents interpretation from becoming purely subjective, limited only by the interpre

In this episode of Mere Fidelity, the hosts engage in a deep discussion about the implications of artificial intelligence on society, the church, and human relationships. They explore the theological and ethical dimensions of AI, emphasizing the importance of human agency and the role of the Word in shaping our understanding of technology. The conversation also addresses the dangers of AI in ministry, the potential for dehumanization, and the need for a critical approach to technology in light of the Christian faith.   Chapters 00:00 Now You're Cooking with AI 02:24 Starting Points & Inevitabilities 05:06 The Real Vehicle of the Word 10:09 AI as an Extension of Human Capacity 14:23 The Dehumanizing Nature of AI 17:14 The Demonic Nature of Technology 24:05 Double Non-Neutrality 26:27 The Point Is the Struggle 33:03 How Reading Works 38:05 Glorified Google Searches and Machine Collaboration 44:35 A Solution to a Problem that Shouldn't Exist 46:52 We Are Living in the Darkest Timeline 50:23 Pornographic Lo

In this episode of Mere Fidelity, the hosts engage in a deep discussion about covenant theology, exploring its significance in scripture and its role in Reformed theology. They debate the load-bearing nature of covenant language, its historical context, and its relationship to other theological concepts. The conversation highlights the complexity of covenant theology and its evolution over time, emphasizing the importance of understanding scripture through multiple lenses while recognizing the unifying role of covenant in redemptive history. Chapters 00:00 Hermeneutics and Biblical Theology 01:57 Load-Bearing Covenant? 04:53 Counting Verses Versus Verses Counting 10:01 As Widespread as TULIP 14:26 It's Literally in the Name (Blankets vs Structure) 19:20 The Concrete Organizing Principle 23:22 Distinguishing Semantics from Substance 25:43 Self-Conscious History 27:45 Covenants and Meta-Covenant (Background vs Framework) 34:43 What Gets Obscured 39:18 Covenant Overload 42:16 Covenant-pilled Sonship 46:00 Non-Hi