#15 – Playing God with Andy Crouch

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by Andy Crouch, author of “The Tech-Wise Family” and “Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling,” to talk about culture, power and institutions and what implications those things have on the Church and believers.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• The church, like all institutions, has to think seriously about stewarding its authority and influence. What are the key Christian beliefs that anchor or provide ballast for the stewardship of influence and power? 
• What does it look like for the church to forsake or lose these anchors? 
• It seems like churches that fancy themselves as theologically sophisticated can have some of the most pronounced struggles with stewarding authority faithfully. Why does it seem like an emphasis on theological clarity leads to abuse of power? 
• Is there a need for recovering the role and value of institutions in an age of anti-institutional bias?
• What is the biblical basis for believing in the influence/good of institutions in the world?
• What is a practical step to be a part of an institution?

Helpful Definitions:

• Cataphatic Theology: Declaring something is true.
• Apophatic Theology: Refraining from speaking because you can’t possibly give words to the reality you are trying to approach.
• Institution: Is a cultural pattern that can last over time and can spread through space, the world. 

Guest Bio:

Andy Crouch is partner for theology and culture at Praxis an organization that works as a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship. He is also the author of many books including: The Tech-wise Family, Strong and Weak, and Culture Making.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Genesis 1, Luke 1:34, Philippians 2:4-11, John 13:1-17
• Praxis

Sponsored by HOPE International:

Christ calls us to care for those living in poverty. The question is, how? Download your free copy of Created to Flourish: How Employment-Based Solutions Help Eradicate Poverty, written by HOPE International President and CEO Peter Greer. HOPE International focuses on alleviating physical and spiritual poverty in 16 countries through Christ-centered microenterprise development.

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Show Notes:

Abuse of Power, Sexual Misconduct and #MeToo (ep. 61 of Culture Matters)

The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place

Sponsored by HOPE International:
 

Christ calls us to care for those living in poverty. The question is, how? Download your free copy of Created to Flourish: How Employment-Based Solutions Help Eradicate Poverty, written by HOPE International President and CEO Peter Greer. HOPE International focuses on alleviating physical and spiritual poverty in 16 countries through Christ-centered microenterprise development.