196. Overcoming Bad Religion, with Todd Hunter, author of What Jesus Intended

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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Todd Hunter leads Churches for the Sake of Others, a diocese of the Anglican Church in North America, and is the author of What Jesus Intended: Finding True Faith in the Rubble of Bad Religion.
In this episode, Todd Hunter and I discuss “bad religion,” “good religion,” and what it means to be the church God has called us to be.
THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Todd discusses "bad religion," referring to church actions that harm people, including sexual and financial scandals and misuse of power.
• He shares personal experiences of witnessing bullying and manipulation within charismatic and Pentecostal circles.
• The conversation explores the historical existence of bad religion and the pursuit of healthy and faithful religion.
• Todd Hunter emphasizes the importance of listening without compromise and using Jesus as an example of engaging with others while staying true to beliefs.
• Churches need to listen, especially to victims, without giving up on fundamental beliefs, to reshape churches towards goodness.
• Markus Watson contrasts Jesus' engagement with marginalized individuals with the church's perceived engagement.
• Todd discusses the need for the church to engage with unique Christian claims while avoiding a privileged and know-it-all attitude.
• He emphasizes the theological meaning of "end" and God's healing the world through his people.
• Todd believes that God's people will rule and reign with him in a renewed heaven and earth.
• He shares insights from Dallas Willard about engaging in conversations with others.
• Christ followers need to have honest conversations with others while remaining grounded in their own beliefs.
• Todd Hunter discusses the negative impact of fear and anxiety and emphasizes the eschatological nature of faith for pastors living in a post-Christendom world.
• It is important to understand the broader intentions of Jesus beyond just dying for salvation.
• Todd Hunter expresses a desire to reintroduce Jesus to people who are disengaged from traditional church practices.
• Churches need to meet people where they are, tailoring church practices to different communities.
• The conversation acknowledges the value of traditional church forms while emphasizing openness to various expressions of faith beyond traditions like house churches.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Todd Hunter:
  • www.toddhunter.org
  • www.c4so.org
• Center for Justice and Peace
• Books mentioned:
  • What Jesus Intended, by Todd Hunter
  • Jesus and the Victory of God, by N.T. Wright
  • A Church Called Tov, by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer
• Pray as You God
• Fresh Expressions
• Related episodes:
  • Episode 126: A Crisis of Adult Discipleship, with Brian Wallace

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