The Staseos Podcast
By Staseos.Net
The Staseos PodcastJun 01, 2020
Responding to a Short Mike Winger Video
Carmen loves Mike Winger and watches his videos. He posted a short video speculating about why authoritarian governments target Christians since Christians are called to "be submissive" and "obey the government," and Carmen made a comment on the vid that got a lot of attention.
You can watch Mike's video here: (Mike's words, you can watch the video here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5Ozp-MKcLl/) Carmen's comment: "Christians are a threat to authoritarian governments because Christ commands his followers to pursue goodness and justice and those governments work to undermine both of those things. Sadly, most governments expand and become authoritarian over time, so Christians almost always find themselves in the difficult position of having to make significant relational/political sacrifices in the short-term or be persecuted in the long-term." In a longer video (dropping tonight!) Carmen and Ian discuss why authoritarian governments hate Christianity, as well as why Romans 13 needs to be better understood by modern Christians. Never miss an update by subscribing to https://www.staseos.net
Don't Read the Bible Cover to Cover in 2024
It is common for new Christians, or newly serious Christians, who want to deepen their relationship with scripture to set out to “read the whole Bible cover-to-cover.” This practice, while well-intentioned, can lead to one of two problems.
First, many Christians make it through the exciting, narrative story of Genesis and Exodus before losing interest somewhere in the legal sections of the Pentateuch.
This is unsurprising. As a lawyer familiar with legal treatises and codes, Ian can tell you that even the best jurist usually does not intend his treatise to be a pleasant cover-to-cover reading experience even for other lawyers, let alone the lay reader. A legal treatise is designed to be consulted, not read like a novel.
Because all legal treatises are boring to read, Christians at first riveted by the generational drama of Jacob, Joseph, and Moses usually founder in discouragement when they collide with Mosaic dietary and agricultural laws. Sadly, this prevents many Christians from ever truly discovering biblical narratives that are as compelling and rich as Genesis-Exodus—including Judges and the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles.
Secondly, some Christians who do succeed in making it through the Bible cover-to-cover do not seem to profit much by the experience. I’m reminded here of the Christian musician Shannon Low, who—as I recall the story, at least—publicly repudiated his faith after a skeptic directed him to read the story of Elisha killing 42 young boys in 2 Kings 2. Low recalled that he was shocked to read the story despite having previously “read the whole Bible.” “How did I miss this?,” he asked himself. I’d wager that Low was a “cover-to-cover” Bible reader.
The fundamental problem is that some Christians—informed by a naïve oversimplification of sola scriptura—implicitly assume that the various books of the Bible were directly ordered by God into a coherent structure, that all components of the Bible are intended to be understood by the ordinary person with no external assistance, and that the Bible as a whole is meant to be read in a sequential narrative form.
These assumptions have no basis in the Bible itself and little basis in church history. They instead seem to reflect the creeping, unconscious influence of Islam’s theology of the Quran. Unlike Christians, Muslims have historically held that their central text was dictated verbatim by an angel and existed as a coherent, single text from eternity past.
In contrast, Christians since before the time of Jerome have understood the Bible as a library of individual books, in different genres, created in a variety of ways and in different historical circumstances. The precise scope of the canon has always been considered an appropriate subject for inspired councilor deliberation and/or scholarly debate.
Read the full article here.
Joshua Rasmussen Book Review: How Reason Can Lead to God
Carmen Schober and Ian Huyett discuss How Reason Can Lead to God by Philosopher Joshua Rasmussen. Book Summary: Do you value reason, science, and independent thinking? Are you skeptical of beliefs that people maintain merely "on faith," yet you remain interested in the big questions of life? Do you hope there could be a greater purpose to the universe, if only that were realistic? If so, then philosopher Joshua Rasmussen can encourage you in your journey. Beginning with his own story of losing faith and the belief in any ultimate purpose in life, he then builds a bridge to a series of universal truths about ultimate reality. Using only the instruments of reason and common experience, Rasmussen constructs a pathway—step by step, brick by brick—that he argues can lead to meaning and, ultimately, a vision of God. Purchase the book here: https://amzn.to/3Hc32MB Read our full review at https://www.staseos.net/ Follow Staseos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Staseos/
Andrew Huberman's Faith in God
Carmen and Ian discuss Andrew Huberman's recent interview about his belief in God on the Cameron Hanes Show, as well as the growing trend towards theism among western intellectuals in Ian's latest essay, Deus Ex Machina. You can also watch the discussion on the Staseos YouTube Channel. Please subscribe and like our videos.
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Is Christianity Against the Enlightenment?
At the zenith of the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, a totalitarian party remembered as the “Jacobins” forged a powerful centralized state, launched the Reign of Terror, implemented a “Cult of Reason” as the official state religion, publicly beheaded and drowned countless Christians as part of a national program of “dechristianization,” and committed the first modern genocide—targeting the intransigent Catholic population of the Vendee. Despite its anti-Christian character, the Enlightenment has been so influential that present-day Christians themselves often operate within an unconscious framework of Enlightenment assumptions. Carmen and Ian discuss a few examples.
What Everyone Should Know About Romance Novels
Staseos Founders Ian Huyett and Carmen Schober discuss Carmen's latest book, Pretty Little Pieces. Carmen shares what inspired her to become a writer, how Christianity intersects with romance in her novels, and why young Christian professionals should be active and uncompromising about sharing their faith rather than passive and people-pleasing.
Carmen's books are available everywhere, but we recommend purchasing them from Baker Book House, an independent Christian bookstore. Use the code SCHOBER50 at check out to get them both for $20 plus free shipping.
After She Falls: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/277355
Pretty Little Pieces: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/405423
An Economist Explains Why the Economy is Crap
Carmen chats with Dr. Levi Russell, a Kansas-based economist, about the reasons behind our record inflation and rising gas prices. Russell explains how these issues could be addressed but likely won't be due to political reasons, but he also offers Americans some hope for the future.
The Legal Loophole that Saved the Texas Heartbeat Bill
Lawyer Ian Huyett discusses the legal realities regarding Roe vs. Wade and how the controversial Texas Heartbeat Law utilized an unexpected loophole. He also explains what we should expect to happen next.
If you enjoy No Apologies, please leave us a review.
Dealing with Disappointment with Peter Anderson
Peter (a Christian therapist) joins Carmen for another candid chat. This time, they discuss how Christians can honestly and effectively face disappointments on a personal and national scale. Peter offers a much more nuanced approach than the usual suggestion to simply "be more positive," so we think you'll find this conversation interesting and helpful!
Redeeming Bookstagram with Haleigh DeRocher
In this episode of No Apologies, Carmen Schober chats with artist Haleigh DeRocher about her experience as a Bookstagram influencer. Haleigh owns Sweet Sequels, a popular shop that specializes in literary-themed art and novelty goods. Recently, she made the decision to share pro-life content on her popular Instagram account and angry progressives tried to "cancel" her. However, her decision to boldly stand by her convictions actually made her shop even more popular, and she's been a growing Christian influence in the Bookstagram world ever since.
Please share this encouraging conversation with fellow Christian artists and creators! There are many blessings awaiting those who are willing to be bold in their defense of the truth.
If you enjoy No Apologies, please leave us a review!
Building the Benedict Option with Roger Tindall
In this episode, Carmen chats with the Executive Director of the Winthrop House--a budding Christian Community located in eastern New Hampshire. Roger Tindall shares some helpful background on the Intentional Christian Community movement, as well as resources for those who want to dig deeper. Most importantly, he shares his own personal insights into building a community after years of trial and error.
Additional Resources:
By Rod Dreher
Crunchy Cons: How Birkenstocked Burkeans, gun-loving organic gardeners, evangelical free-range farmers, hip homeschooling mamas, and their diverse tribe of countercultural conservatives plan to save America (or at least the Republican Party) Includes a discussion of conservative counterculturalism with some initial thoughts on the "Benedict Option" concept at the end of the book
The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation A discussion of why we lost the culture war and why intentional community is the best answer for our current situation.
Live Not By Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents His latest book deals with current events and the rise of "soft totalitarianism," which he compares with the "hard totalitarianism" of communist regimes, and shares some thoughts for countercultural Christians in a hostile environment
Other Works/Resources:
Building the Benedict Option by Leah Libresco. Offers insights on one group of millennials' attempt to build intentional community in an urban environment follow the principles of The Benedict Option
Front Porch Republic: A hub for conservative localist intellectuals from different confessional backgrounds, including much discussion of intentional community
Plough Magazine : A quarterly journal associated with the communal Bruderhof Movement that features articles from across confessional lines dealing with many topics related to intentional community
Irresistible Revolution and other works by Shane Claiborne. A theologically orthodox but politically progressive take on the "New Monasticism" movement among Protestants, Claiborne nevertheless offers insights on the spiritual aspect of intentional community that more politically conservative Christians could learn from.
The Twelve Tribes communities offer a working model of a more strictly communal type of community living for those who don't share their particular theological convictions, and are very open to visitors: https://twelvetribes.org/
A WSJ feature on the Clear Creek community: https://www.wsj.com/articles/communities-built-on-faith-1487349471
A NYT feature on Doug Wilson and New Saint Andrew's: https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/magazine/30Christian-t.html
An NPR feature on the Hyattsville, MD community: https://www.npr.org/2017/04/10/522714982/catholics-build-intentional-community-of-like-minded-believers
The Winthrop House website, which they hope to expand as we develop programming for the coming year: www.winthrophouse.org
Election Night is Over: Now What?
Lawyer Ian Huyett discusses the Trump campaign's litigation efforts and explains how one law firm's cowardice has irreparably damaged the fact-finding process. He also revisits the looming danger of court packing and shares a few different ways to prepare for a Biden presidency if Trump doesn't prevail.
If you enjoy No Apologies, please leave us a review and help others find our work!
Court-Packing Will Kill the Constitution
In this episode of No Apologies, Carmen and Ian discuss the Democrats' openly endorsed court-packing strategy and why it would effectively eliminate Americans' constitutional rights.
Ian originally wrote about court-packing at length in an essay for The Stream.
If you enjoy No Apologies, please leave us a review so others can find our much-needed cultural commentary from an informed Christian perspective.
Kim Borchers vs. The (Topeka) Swamp
In this episode Carmen chats with Family Advocate Kim Borchers about a slanderous article that was recently published by the Kansas Reflector. A Kansas politician got caught in her own mess of misinformation, so a liberal journalist raced to cover for her. His solution? Make Kim the boogeyman.
We hope you enjoy this conversation about police reform, ethical journalism, and deconstructing leftist rhetoric. Listen here or wherever podcasts are found.
If you enjoy No Apologies, please leave us a review!
Talking Music, Romance Novels, and MMA with Abbey Sitterley
In this episode, Carmen makes a new friend. Abbey Sitterley writes great essays (like this one), writes great music (like this song), and (wait for it...) appreciates the glory of mixed martial arts! She and Carmen discuss what it's like being bold, creative Christians in a confusing culture--both in and out of the church.
If you enjoy No Apologies, please leave us a review!
Intro song: "Love Somebody" by The Local Hangups
Defining "Justice" with AD Robles
Carmen Schober discusses the Christian version of the social justice movement with OG cultural commentator/YouTuber AD Robles. We cover questions about equity, God's justice, racism, Tim Keller's level of wokeness, and more. We also discover that we have the same favorite Disney song.
You can find AD's work here.
If you enjoy No Apologies, please leave us a review!
Critical Race Theory Explained
A few weeks ago Tim Dukeman gave listeners an overview of Marxism, and that conversation became our most popular episode ever! Today, Tim and I dug into a specific kind of Marxism known as Critical Race Theory that explains most of the confusion and hostility surrounding our culture's ideas about race, oppression, and power.
If you enjoy no apologies, please leave us a review.
Intro Song "Commies are Coming" by Shane Simonsen
Loving Others in a Woke World
Carmen enjoys a much-needed conversation with Therapist Peter Anderson about how to deal with emotional manipulation and blame in today's woke world.
COVID Continued
In this episode, Carmen chats with Dr. Melissa Macaraeg about her experience fighting COVID-19 in New York during its peak. Public figures and the media have spread many contradictory messages about the virus, but one thing is still certain: there will be serious repercussions in the form of emotional and economic devastation for months and years to come. Melissa offers insights into how Christians can serve in the midst of so much suffering.
Listen here or wherever podcasts are found. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a review.
Marxism Explained
In this episode, Carmen chats with Tim Dukeman about Marxism in culture and the Church. We define it, discuss how it applies to just about everything in mainstream American discourse, and explain why Christians should destroy it.
The Great Meme War
Carmen talks with Meme War Veteran Ronald Johnson (AKA Publitarian) about the wonderful world of memes, warfare strategies for 2020, Trump tweets, and much more. We also answer one of the internet's most burning questions: Why can't the all-powerful Left meme?
If you enjoy No Apologies, please leave us a review to help others find our content. Visit www.staseos.net for more bold cultural content.
Don't Stand So Close to Me
This week Carmen interviews ER Doctor Matt Rogers about COVID-19. They discuss the nature of the virus, why it's so serious, how people should respond, and a few silver linings.
Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform. Please leave us a review if you enjoy the podcast!
Note: The following questions were submitted by listeners that we didn't have time to discuss on the podcast, but Matt kindly answered them via email:
1. Are you seeing a difference in severity of COVID-19 between those immunized with the flu vaccine and those that didn't receive the vaccine?
Not personally, no. I would not expect there to be any significant difference, since the flu vaccine is pathogen-specific. That being said it's still a good idea to get the flu vaccine every year. It can prevent you from getting the flu, and even if you do still get the flu your symptoms are likely to be milder than they otherwise would have. It's also possible to contract both COVID-19 and influenza simultaneously. 2. There's a lot of speculation that the accurate number of COVID deaths is being skewed by faulty classifications. Any insights on this?
I'm not personally involved in that process, so I can't speak to it directly. I'm doubtful, though, that the fatality numbers are being meaningfully skewed. At least as of now, we're not going around testing large numbers of asymptomatic people.
There may be some people who die while infected with COVID-19 (but not necessarily BECAUSE of COVID-19). But there are also going to be people who die from COVID-19 and never get tested for COVID-19. There are reports from Italy, for example, of significant percentages of patients dying in nursing homes who were never tested for COVID-19 or added to the tally.
The New Theists Respond
In this week's episode, Carmen chats with Dr. Liz Jackson about her contribution to an exciting new book titled A New Theist Response to the New Atheists. They discuss why conversations surrounding philosophy and religion are often so polarizing, the most compelling arguments on both sides, and a handy academic life hack.
You can order A New Theist Response here. You can also read a short summary of Liz's chapter here and find more resources at her public philosophy page.
Donald Trump is Not a Christian
In today’s episode of No Apologies, Carmen and Ian discuss why the editors at Christianity Today are wrong about impeaching Donald Trump. We also discuss the Democratic agenda, pelagianism, Trump’s "faith,” and why Christians should still vote for him in 2020.
If you enjoy No Apologies, please leave us a review. You can also find Ian's podcast, Books of Kings, here.
Episode Notes:
The Christianity Today Editorial, Subsequent Defense, and a Response
1. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/december-web-only/trump-should-be-removed-from-office.html
3. https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-christian-case-for-trump-11578441391
Enter Nick Sandmann
For this week's episode, Carmen chats with lawyer Ian Huyett about an exciting new development in the Covington Case (among other topics). Nick Sandmann is getting a second chance to take down The Washington Post!
We discuss:
- WaPo's fraudulent reporting (it's worse than you thought)
- Can Sandmann and his lawyers win this time?
- Why cultural progressivism encourages lying
- Hope for the future
- And much more!
The Most Hated Words of Jesus
In this episode of No Apologies, Carmen discusses what might be the most off-putting words Jesus ever said.
Find more at www.staseos.net.
Real Quick...
The quickest rant you've ever heard about all the abortion hysteria.
A God Problem?
This week Carmen chats with philosophy phenom Dr. Liz Jackson about Peter Atterton's startlingly lame article in the New York Times. Liz covers the problem of evil, omnisubjectivity, Blaise Pascal, and more. Listen here or wherever podcasts are found.
Progressive Methodists vs. Everyone Else
In this episode, former Methodist Carmen Schober covers the United Methodist Church vote on Christian sexual ethics. She'll discuss how the Global South saved the day, Adam Hamilton's temper tantrum, and what happens when progressive values collide. Listen here or wherever podcasts are found.
Jordan Peterson is not a Secret Christian
Ian caused some controversy last week when he dared to criticize Marxist-Slayer Jordan Peterson for saying people shouldn't say they believe in God. You can read the full column here.
In this week's podcast, we discuss the various criticisms Ian received, why Peterson is still wrong, and Taylor Swift weighs in.
Listen here or wherever podcasts are found.
A Time to Be Bold
In this week's podcast, I chat with my brilliant friend and Staseos Co-Founder Ian Huyett (once upon a time a militantly anti-Christian atheist) about why modern Christian culture is currently so weak sauce. We tackle:
-America's favorite Jesus: One-dimensional and socially convenient
-The big lie that most academics and liberals believe about Christians
-Progressive SJW shenanigans in the church
-and more!
A Chance for Life
I make fun of some terrible abortion arguments and point all the misinformation people are spreading about the new infanticide laws.