The hottest Theology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

'Do You Believe Jesus Died for Our Sins?’ Richard Dawkins Confronts Jordan Peterson

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins • 933 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Religion Existentialism Cultural Studies
  1. Richard Dawkins challenges Jordan Peterson about his beliefs on the Bible and whether Jesus died for our sins.
  2. Peterson compares the truths of Christianity to the complexities of quantum physics in a recent conversation.
  3. They discuss how Christianity has influenced human progress and what it means to believe in its truths.

Dear Pastors

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3816 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Church Politics Community Leadership
  1. Pastors should focus on their local congregations and their real needs rather than seeking attention on social media. The people in their communities need spiritual guidance more than viral posts.
  2. It's important for pastors to lead people toward Jesus instead of political idols. Encouraging love and prayer for neighbors and leaders can help foster unity rather than division in challenging times.
  3. While voting is a civic duty, true hope and redemption come from faith in Jesus, not political outcomes. The Kingdom of God is everlasting, and that's what should matter most to Christians.

The Vagabond King

The Abbey of Misrule • 657 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Theology Spirituality Culture Politics
  1. Christianity and modern civilization often clash. Many argue they can't be reconciled because current society prioritizes wealth, power, and politics over Christ's teachings.
  2. Living a Christ-like life means focusing on love, humility, and caring for the poor, rather than seeking worldly power or material success.
  3. True change comes from within communities through genuine faith and action, not through top-down coercive efforts to build a 'Christian civilization'.

Conclave and the Antichrist

Kvetch • 84 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Religion Philosophy Ethics Culture
  1. One possible twist in the story is seeing the humble Cardinal become the ruthless manipulator behind the scenes, raising questions about the hidden ambitions of those in power.
  2. The election of Cardinal Benitez can be viewed as a moment of peace, but it symbolizes a deeper danger, suggesting that even peace can be used to mask destructive intentions.
  3. The film highlights a divided Church, where leaders are more focused on personal ambitions rather than uniting against external threats, showcasing how a lack of common ground can lead to vulnerability.

The War Film That Turned Dietrich Bonhoeffer Away From Nationalism

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 237 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💾 History War Nationalism Theology Cinema
  1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer changed his views on nationalism after watching the antiwar film 'All Quiet on the Western Front.' It made him see the harsh realities of war and question the idea that fighting for one's country is a noble cause.
  2. Alongside a French theologian, Bonhoeffer felt sad and moved by a scene where a German soldier comforts a dying French soldier. This moment helped him understand the deep connections between people, beyond national borders.
  3. Bonhoeffer believed that being a Christian should come before national loyalty. He saw nationalism as a dangerous idea that could harm human values, showing that real bravery means standing up against harmful beliefs, not just fighting in wars.
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Box #7

What Is Called Thinking? • 18 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Theology Mind Ethics Literature
  1. Expertise is not just about having more knowledge; it's about knowing how to organize that knowledge effectively, a skill known as chunking.
  2. As software development becomes easier for AI, university professors need to prove why their teaching is still valuable or risk being replaced by technology.
  3. Finding deeper meaning in life is important; comfort and ease can lead to a lack of purpose, so striving for something greater is crucial.

My Mormon Obsession

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religious history Theology Cultural Studies Personal narrative Community Dynamics
  1. Joseph Smith had unique and complex beliefs about God and spirituality that diverged from the mainstream ideas of his followers. He believed that humans could become like God and that creativity was a path to divinity.
  2. Smith faced opposition and challenges from both within and outside his community, including issues arising from his controversial practices like plural marriage. This led to tensions among his followers and eventually to his downfall.
  3. After Smith's death, the Mormon community experienced a significant shift as leadership changed hands. Brigham Young led the migration to Utah, where the community adopted a more structured approach, moving away from the free-spirited culture that characterized Smith's time.

Gnosticism: Inversions

Secretum Secretorum • 606 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Theology Metaphysics Ethics
  1. Gnosticism focuses on seeking knowledge and self-discovery, rather than blind faith. It believes understanding who we are and where we come from is the key to spiritual liberation.
  2. Gnostics had a very different view of traditional figures, often seeing them in an oppositional light. They believed that the mainstream teachings were a form of deception and celebrated figures like the serpent or Judas as misunderstood heroes, emphasizing personal experience over established doctrine.
  3. Many Gnostic teachings involved breaking away from societal norms and moral restrictions. This led to controversial practices and beliefs about liberation being found through transgressions against established moral codes, although the full reality of these practices is still debated among scholars.

Why I Am A Pagan

Castalia • 1119 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Religious Studies
  1. Paganism views divinity as a connection to nature and different energies in life, rather than just a single god. It's about listening to nature and aligning with its various forces.
  2. In paganism, people can embody different roles like lover, fighter, or craftsman, and their value is based on how they act in each role. This differs from monotheistic views where morality is more binary.
  3. Paganism offers a richer understanding of our experiences and the complexity of human life. It encourages seeing divinity as a form of art that reflects our relationship to the world.

Liminal Religion

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1832 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Religion Spirituality Civilization
  1. The Aenean spirit represents a balance between ambition and awareness of humanity's fragility. It's about seeking progress while understanding the risks involved.
  2. Civilizations have different worldviews shaped by their beliefs and religions, each affecting how they interact with the world and understand their existence.
  3. The idea of an Aenean religion would embrace uncertainty and possibility, encouraging action and engagement rather than complacency or blind ambition.

Friday Q&A: The Mark of the Beast

Tipping Point Prophecy Update by Jimmy Evans • 2908 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality End-times Theology
  1. The post discusses the question of whether receiving the Mark of the Beast is unforgivable or if repentance is possible.
  2. There are two sides to the argument: Some believe that taking the Mark of the Beast means choosing death with no way back, while others think it's possible to repent and still be saved.
  3. To read the full post and explore more about the topic, there is an option for a 7-day free trial for the Tipping Point Prophecy Update subscription.

Restoring the Divine Order

Tessa Fights Robots • 29 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Spiritual growth Human nature Mysticism
  1. We all have a lot of power to create change, but we need to understand our true nature as light. This understanding is key to making a real difference in the world.
  2. The dogmas and strict beliefs pushed by some can distract us from our connection to a higher power. It's important to be aware of how these ideas can keep us stuck and focused on the wrong things.
  3. Real healing and growth come from letting go of past traumas and raising our energy. This process allows us to see ourselves and others as pure light, capable of spreading love and understanding.

On Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religious texts Philosophy Judaism Theology Cultural Practices
  1. Pharaoh's character shows how someone can become too proud to admit they are wrong. Even when faced with power beyond his own, he refuses to truly accept it.
  2. God hardens Pharaoh's heart to illustrate the importance of justice and punishment for past wrongdoings. This story highlights that sometimes, consequences need to be faced fully.
  3. In the end, even a hard-hearted person can show vulnerability. Pharaoh's last request to Moses for a blessing shows a moment of human connection, despite his earlier choices.

Box #6

What Is Called Thinking? • 10 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theology Aesthetics Poetry Literature Religion Creativity
  1. Tyler Cowen and Ross Douthat discuss religion, highlighting the difference between viewing it as psychological vs. recognizing genuine experiences of the divine. They agree that our deeper longing for meaning persists even in a scientific world.
  2. Katherine Boyle mentions that aesthetics in business are important today, as people value intangibles like talent and style over just physical assets. She points out that companies like Apple thrive on a strong aesthetic, unlike others that focus on frugality.
  3. John Ashbery's poetry suggests that creativity comes from making mistakes, not avoiding them. This idea shows that wandering or 'erring' can lead to valuable creative outcomes.

The Man Comes Around

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3597 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Christianity Belief Spiritual growth Theology
  1. Jude 5 is one of the most profound verses in the Bible, emphasizing the human and divine nature of Jesus.
  2. Jesus's brothers, who initially rejected Him, later went to their deaths proclaiming Him the risen Lord. Something significant must have happened.
  3. Believing in the resurrection of Jesus can bring comfort and hope, even in times of struggle and despair.

The West Requires Post-Christian Missional Thinking

DruGroup • 139 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Mission Theology Culture
  1. The Western church needs to adopt a missionary mindset because society has become more secular. This means thinking seriously about how to share faith in a changing culture.
  2. Returning missionaries, like Lesslie Newbigin, pointed out that the church in the West isn't fully embracing its mission. They saw a need for more active and confident evangelism.
  3. It's important to equip church members with tools to engage their communities. If everything is considered mission work, it can lose its meaning, so we need to be clear about what mission really is.

St. Petroc Returns To Devonshire

Daily Dreher • 1670 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Symbols Christianity Theology
  1. St. Petroc, an early medieval missionary saint, returned to Devonshire, spreading the message of God through miracles and missionary work.
  2. Christopher Rufo advocates for a new activism on the Right to challenge prevailing ideologies and institutions, emphasizing the need for meaningful change and principles.
  3. Changes in sacramental practices in the Catholic Church, such as baptizing transsexuals without repentance, can signify deeper shifts in symbolic meanings and belief systems, impacting the faithful.

The Meaning of Christmas (w/ Rev. Munther Isaac) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 122 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Religion Christianity Justice Oppression
  1. The story of Christmas is deeply rooted in struggle and oppression. For those in Palestine, the themes of refugees and tyranny resonate strongly with the Christmas narrative.
  2. Everyone should be seen as a neighbor, and we must show compassion to all, not just those who are like us. The message of the Good Samaritan challenges us to break down the barriers we create.
  3. Christianity calls for solidarity with the oppressed. Faith should inspire action to support human rights and justice rather than maintaining silence or neutrality in the face of conflict.

Pandæmonium

Cosmographia • 678 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Religious texts Cosmology Theology
  1. The post discusses the fall of Lucifer and his rebellion against God in heaven, leading to his ultimate downfall and banishment to a hellish abyss.
  2. It explores the concept of eternal damnation for those who follow in Lucifer's rebellious footsteps.
  3. The post hints at the ominous and hopeless fate that awaits those who enter the described underworld, echoing themes from various religious and literary works.

God And Gödel

Daily Dreher • 904 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy
  1. The post discusses Kurt Gödel, a famous mathematician and logician, and his belief in life after death.
  2. The post raises interesting questions about logic and philosophy through Gödel's perspective.
  3. The author encourages readers to think outside the box and explore unconventional ideas.

From Many, One

Cosmographia • 738 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Theology History Monotheism
  1. The concept of monotheism, the belief in one supreme deity, is a relatively recent development in human history, with many cultures historically believing in multiple gods and spirits.
  2. Monotheism marked a significant shift in theological traditions, particularly when the Israelites proclaimed the existence of only one God, breaking away from millennia of polytheistic beliefs.
  3. The idea of 'From Many, One' reflects the evolution from diverse beliefs in multiple gods to the concept of a singular, all-powerful deity, which has shaped major religious doctrines and scriptures.

My Roman nemesis, bottle episodes, and the Seinfeld synod

The Pillar • 1061 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Catholicism Church Theology
  1. The synod on synodality involves diverse descriptions like ecclesial reform, renewal, and revolution, leading to broad mistrust among Catholics.
  2. About 25% of the voting members at the synod are non-bishops, raising concerns about non-bishop votes deciding resolutions.
  3. The impact of the synod on synodality on the Church's narrative and mission may be limited, with expectations of it being more of a 'bottle episode' and a 'departure episode'.

Church and Mission: A Chicken and Egg Question

DruGroup • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology
  1. The church exists to support God's mission. Instead of the church having its own mission, it is part of God's larger purpose.
  2. All Christians are seen as part of God's mission, whether they realize it or not. This means that every believer has a role in spreading the faith.
  3. Thinking of the church as the egg (the result) rather than the chicken (the source) helps clarify its purpose. The church is there to help fulfill the mission rather than create it.

Perhaps We Expect Too Much of God

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Parenting Expectations Human condition
  1. We often put too many demands on God, expecting Him to handle everything like a superhero. This can create unrealistic expectations that even an all-powerful being might find overwhelming.
  2. Just like a mother needs help at home, we should recognize that God doesn’t have to do everything alone. We should take more responsibility for our own lives and help out where we can.
  3. While it’s okay to hold God in high regard, we should balance our expectations with what is realistic. Understanding this can help us have a healthier relationship with faith.

Putin's Pope

Diane Francis • 1039 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Theology Ethics Morality
  1. Pope Francis has not directly condemned Vladimir Putin or Russia for their actions in Ukraine, which many see as disappointing and unacceptable. His statements have sometimes aligned with Kremlin views, making it hard to see where he stands.
  2. Unlike previous Popes who took strong stands against oppressive regimes, Pope Francis seems to avoid clear condemnation of the aggressors in the Ukraine conflict. This has led to frustration among those who expect moral leadership from him.
  3. The Pope's attempts at peace talks have been criticized as ineffective, especially since they often ignore Ukraine's role as a victim. Many believe that until he openly condemns Russia, he won't be taken seriously.

Habemus Papam!

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 10 implied HN points • 15 May 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Theology Philosophy Social Issues Politics
  1. The recent election of Pope Leo XIV surprised many, showing a blend of progressive and conservative views. He focuses on climate change and immigration but holds traditional views on gender issues.
  2. The Catholic Church represents universal values, but it faces internal disagreements on social issues like LGBT rights and economic policies. Its position appears to be shifting towards more left-leaning economics to regain lost followers.
  3. Right-wing politics seem to increasingly distrust social institutions, while left-leaning politics embrace universal moral values. This shift has the potential to further align organized religion with left-wing ideals in the future.

Is God Off-duty?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 171 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Doubt Belief God Religion
  1. God's presence can feel distant, especially in tough times. Many people struggle to understand why bad things happen when God is supposed to be watching over us.
  2. Faith can be challenging when people see injustice in the world. It leads to doubts about whether God is really in control or even paying attention.
  3. It's okay to question and express doubts about God. Many believers go through phases of uncertainty, which is a normal part of their spiritual journey.

‘Isä Raimo’ - The bishop casting deep in frozen Finland

The Pillar • 314 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Church Prayer Theology
  1. Helsinki experienced extremely cold temperatures but saw a slight increase in the weather.
  2. The Diocese of Helsinki welcomed a new bishop after a period of vacancy, covering all of Finland.
  3. Bishop Raimo Goyarrola is actively involved in various projects to strengthen the Catholic Church in Finland, such as establishing a theological school, Catholic school, and enhancing digital evangelization.

Optimistic Reports on God and the Soul

The Worldview Bulletin Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Dualism Immortality Consciousness
  1. The discussion on consciousness has shifted towards panpsychism as a middle ground between materialism and dualism.
  2. There is a resurgence in interest in dualism and theism as explanatory options for minds and the cosmos.
  3. Recent works defend substance dualism and point to the ongoing decline of interest in physicalism, emphasizing the importance of souls and God in understanding consciousness and the universe.

The Trad Marxism of George Grant, Part 2

From the New World • 10 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Marxism Conservatism Theology Cultural critique
  1. George Grant blended traditionalism with Marxism, believing that while capitalism had improved life in some ways, it left a void in meaning and connection for many people.
  2. He thought that Marx's ideas offered a moral vision that could help explain social and economic issues, but felt that Marxism failed to embrace the spiritual aspect of life.
  3. Grant warned that society was becoming increasingly homogenized, with cultures and individual identities being overshadowed by impersonal economic systems.