Here's a replay for Independence Day of an interview with Mark David Hall

Did the United States truly have a Christian founding, or were the Founders simply Deists who desired to create a secular nation?

This question has been hotly debated for generations, and our society increasingly regards the idea of America's Christian heritage as something to be minimized, rejected, or denied.

So what is the truth regarding the faith of the Founders and how it influenced their actions as they fought a revolution and brought forth a new nation?

To answer this question we're speaking with historian Mark David Hall. Hall is one of the most distinguished scholars of early American history. He is a professor, a nationally-recognized expert on religious freedom, and the author of several books, including Did America Have a Christian Founding?

In this conversation we'll discuss how Christianity shaped our nation, how much impact deism actually had on some of the founders, the true meaning of the separation of church and state, and how we can return to the biblical founding principles that made America a great nation.

See the Show Notes at ReasonableTheology.org/Founders

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You may not know this, but in addition to Reasonable Theology I also run a site dedicated to the life and ministry of Charles Spurgeon. I'm excited to share that I just launched a brand new CHSpurgeon.com!

This complete redesign includes:

• 3500+ sermons searchable by volume, topic or Scripture
• Historical context for each sermon volume
• Devotionals, books, articles, interviews, and more
• Spurgeon quote generator
• Interactive timeline of Spurgeon's life and ministry

Explore it here: https://chspurgeon.com

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Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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John's Gospel places Jesus cleansing the Temple at the very beginning of His ministry. Matthew, Mark, and Luke place it at the very end. At first glance, this looks like an irreconcilable contradiction — but is it?

In this episode, I walk through the three most common solutions scholars have proposed: that one of the Gospel writers simply got it wrong, that John rearranged the event for theological reasons, or that Jesus actually cleansed the Temple on two separate occasions.

I'll examine the chronological evidence, the key differences between John's account and the Synoptics, and the objections that have been raised and make the case that Jesus actually cleansed the temple twice — once at the beginning of His earthly ministry and once at the end.

You can read this article to follow along more closely on the website.

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Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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Scripture never pretends that the living for Christ in a fallen world is easy. Rather than comparing the life of faith to a leisurely stroll or a summer picnic, the Bible compares it to toiling, to warfare, to running a race. In Hebrews 12:1-2, the author calls believers to run with endurance the race that is set before them, and gives us two essential keys to doing so: laying aside every weight and sin that slows us down, and fixing our eyes on Jesus Christ.

In this sermon on Hebrews 12:1-2, we look at what it means to lay aside not only the sins that so easily entangle us, but also the good things in life that can become unnecessary weight — the hobbies, habits, and distractions that sap our energy and keep us from pursuing Christ with everything we have. Running this race well requires honest self-examination, intentional community with other believers, and the willingness to hold loosely to anything that doesn't make us more fit for the race ahead.

But the heart of enduring faith is not discipline alone — it's keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and He now reigns at the right hand of the throne of God. Because He began this work in us and He will complete it, we can run with confidence. Whatever mile of the race you find yourself in today, the call is the same: look to Jesus.

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Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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We all have a stack of books that we'd like to read but haven't gotten through yet. So how can we read more books, faster?

Thankfully, the answer isn't found in speed reading or in simply reading shorter books. Instead, these four simple tips will help you read more books in less time.

HELPFUL RESOURCES MENTIONED:
🗎 Book List Spreadsheet Template (Plus recommended books)
[You'll need to make a copy of the spreadsheet in order to edit it]

📖 The 5-Foot Bookshelf: 57 Books Every Christian Should Own:
https://reasonabletheology.org/bookshelf

🎧 Audio Book Options:

• Everand
• Audible (30 Days Free)

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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In this episode of the Reasonable Theology Podcast, I sit down with Brock Starnes, executive producer of The Wingfeather Saga, for a behind-the-scenes look at how Season 3 came together. We talk about the artistry, storytelling, and world-building that make Wingfeather so compelling, as well as the thoughtful way the team approaches faith, imagination, and truth in a fantasy setting.

Brock shares insights into the creative process, the collaboration behind the series, and what families can look forward to as the story continues to unfold. Whether you've followed Wingfeather and the Igiby family from the beginning or you're just passionate about high-quality Christian storytelling, this conversation offers a great window into why the series resonates with so many.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The creative vision and collaborative process behind The Wingfeather Saga
• How the team brings the world of Aerwiar to life visually and emotionally
• The balance of whimsy, danger, humor, and heart that defines the series
• The thoughtful integration of Christian themes within a fantasy story
• What makes Wingfeather stand out from other faith-driven media
• What viewers can look forward to in Season 3—and why now is a great time to start the series

📚 Purchase the Wingfeather Saga book set

▶️ Watch Season 3 of Wingfeather

Get a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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Many believers want to boldly defend their Christian beliefs, but lack the confidence to do so.

What if you could eliminate your anxiety, take control of intimidating conversations, and help others think more clearly about their views and the truth of Scripture?

My guest Greg Koukl has the key: Asking good questions.

In this replay episode, Greg shares how questions can help answer Christianity’s toughest challenges.

Koukl has hosted his call-in radio show Stand to Reason for over 30 years, has written many helpful books including Tactics: A Gameplan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.

His book Street Smarts picks up where Tactics left off, providing model questions and example conversations to effectively discuss your Christian beliefs, even on hot-button issues such as moral relativism, the authenticity of Scripture, the gospel, abortion, marriage, gender, and more.

Pick up a Copy: Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges

Get a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

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Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) was a central figure in the First Great Awakening and is often regarded as America’s greatest preacher and theologian. This episode explores his life, ministry, controversies, and lasting legacy.

From his early years in colonial New England to his role in the Great Awakening, we look at Edwards’ most influential sermons and writings, his dismissal from Northampton, his missionary work in Stockbridge, and his brief presidency at Princeton. Along the way, we consider both his enduring contributions to theology and the challenges he faced, offering a thoughtful look at one of the most important figures in American church history.

Top 5 Jonathan Edwards Biographies:

1. Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden

2. A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards by George Marsden

3. Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain H. Murray

4. The Essential Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to the Life and Teaching of America’s Greatest Theologian by Owen Strachan

5. Edwards on the Christian Life: Alive to the Beauty of God by Dane Ortlund

Get a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos

Support the show

GET THE NEWSLETTER
Each edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS:

• A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly
• A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History
• Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy
• A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library

SUBSCRIBE HERE