A Teachable Spirit: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone - w/ A. J. Swoboda

Voxology

Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Society & Culture

4.7 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 28 April 2025

⏱️ 65 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Today, Mike and Tim are joined by A.J. Swoboda to discuss his journey in theology, the concept of 'Slow Theology', and the challenges of being teachable in a culture that often shames humility. He explores the tension between emotivism and the life of the mind, emphasizing the importance of learning from diverse perspectives, including those we may disagree with. Swoboda advocates for creating space for differences and encourages Christians to embrace a posture of learning and humility in their faith journey. Further, Mike and A.J. explore the complexities of engaging with culture as Christians, emphasizing the importance of understanding and contextualizing the gospel. They discuss the challenges of navigating truth in a hostile environment, the necessity of self-critique within the faith community, and the vulnerability that comes with learning. A.J. shares a personal story about a moment of realization regarding his lack of knowledge, using it as a metaphor for deeper issues of shame and growth in faith.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

11:30 A.J. Swoboda
14:30 The Genesis of Slow Theology
18:00 Emotivism and the Role of the Mind
20:00 The Challenge of Being Teachable
23:00 Cultural Pressures on Learning
26:30 Learning from Enemies and Non-Christians
49:00 The Role of Self-Critique in Faith Conversations
56:00 Vulnerability and Learning: The Screwdriver Story

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey everybody, welcome to Voxology podcast.
0:10.7	Michael Q. Erie, Timothy K. Stafford.
0:12.8	We are here today, and we are delighted to be with you.
0:17.0	I've got great news for you, Tim.
0:19.2	I've got great news.
0:20.5	This was a big week. I don't know how've got great news. This was a big week.
0:21.3	I don't know how your week was,
0:22.8	but this was a big week in our culture.
0:25.7	Ladies and gentlemen,
0:27.2	no,
0:27.6	not even Easter.
0:29.3	Not even Easter's,
0:30.8	as they said in,
0:32.5	what is it,
0:33.3	Nacho Libre.
0:35.6	Get the cairn on my face.
0:40.2	No, what, Nacho Libre. Get the curn on my face. No.
0:41.2	What is so impressive about this last week is that we now have a task force that is going to stamp out anti-Christian bias.
0:52.9	Holy moly.
0:53.4	And I for one, I for one have been waiting for it to be stamped out.
0:58.1	I have, I have been, as a white Christian male, I have been unbelievably persecuted and biased
1:07.3	against.
	...

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