The Soul of Christianity

For season 3 of The Soul of Christianity, Dan and Debi are joined by some thoughtful and gracious friends to discuss the Lord's prayer. In the fifth episode, Dr. Steven Paulson talks about how God answers our prayer for forgiveness with the proclamation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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The Outlaw God Podcast with Steve Paulson

For season 3 of The Soul of Christianity, Dan and Debi are joined by some thoughtful and gracious friends to discuss the Lord's prayer. In the fourth episode, Dan and Debi sit down with Gretchen Ronnevik to ask what all is wrapped up in “daily bread.”

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Freely Given wit Gretchen Ronnevik

For season 3 of The Soul of Christianity, Dan and Debi are joined by some thoughtful and gracious friends to discuss the Lord's prayer. In the third episode, the reverend Paul Walker outlines why we ask God "thy Kingdom come."

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For season 3 of The Soul of Christianity, Dan and Debi are joined by some thoughtful and gracious friends to discuss the Lord's prayer. In the second episode, Ken Jones explains the first petition. 

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For season 3 of The Soul of Christianity, Dan and Debi are joined by some thoughtful and gracious friends to "Say A Little Prayer." In episode 1, Dan and Debi talk with Donavon Riley about Luther's exposition of the Lord's Prayer.

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Banned BooksPodcast with Donavon

On this episode of the Soul of Christianity, Debi and Dan chat with author and speaker Cameron McAllister of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. Their discussion revolves around Cameron’s story of leaving the church and coming back. From Swedish Death metal to philosophy and parenting, this conversation is sure to help those dealing with kids who have left the church.

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

On this episode of the Soul of Christianity, Debi and Dan chat with Paul Ralph of “the ideas cafe” based in Holland Landing, Ontario, Canada. Paul has a way with words and has a story of faith and personal struggles that you don’t want to miss.

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

On this episode of the Soul of Christianity, Debi and Dan chat with friend and pastor Chris Gallagher. Chris is the pastor of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Oceanside, California, and has known Debi and Dan for over a decade. Pastor Chris’ story is one that you don’t want to miss (he was even once featured on Oprah!)

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

On this episode of the Soul of Christianity, Debi and Dan chat with Michael Ramsden, President of Ravi Zacharias Ministries. Michael is a treasure trove of anecdotes from his own life as a non-believer turned banker turned apologist.

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

On this episode of the Soul of Christianity Debi and Dan chat with David Zahl of Mockingbird Ministries. Dave, Debi, and Dan talk about life in quarantine, Dave’s faith journey, and the good news of the Gospel for our time. 

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

In this chapter's "bonus" episode, both Debi and Producer Dan talk with a guest from Chapter One of this Season, R. J. Grunewald. R.J. is writing a book about those who have left the church for one reason or another, and are, as he puts it, "left for dead." We discuss R.J.'s research and how we might talk about the faith and the church for those who think they've had enough.

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

In this episode, you hear one of the more dramatic and exciting stories we found. Michael is someone who has indeed left the church, but only for a season, and now is the pastor of a church in Louisiana that is especially sensitive to the plight of those who think they have nowhere left to go. Despite a ministry and church that is flourishing, sometimes Michael feels as if the message might be "too good to be true" and other times feels the loneliness of one trying to stand up for the lost. Our good friend, Pastor Ed Killian of "You Are Forgiven" radio joins Debi to talk about the reality of the Gospel for those feeling lost, confused, and sometimes undeserving of forgiveness.

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

In this episode, Debi talks to Jason in New Jersey—a man who grew up with some kind of faith, seemed to lose whatever he had, and now has questions as to whether any of it is with it at all.

After talking to Jason, Debi talks with Pastor Bruce Hillman, also from New Jersey, about Jason's plight. Pastor Hillman is an exceptionally well-read and fun conversation, and he and Debi discuss reasons for leaving, for doubting, but ultimately resting in Christ Alone.

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

In this episode, Debi talks to Brian, a young man who has had experiences with megachurches and a celebrity pastor- he had a conversion experience and seemed to be doing everything right, and then the wheels fall off.

After listening to this interview, Debi discusses Brian's situation (and those many who have similar stories) with the Reverend Bob Hiller of 1517's own the "Craft of Preaching" and "You Are Forgiven."

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

On this special bonus episode, Debi (and producer Dan) talk with Nickolas Butler. Nik is the best selling author whose recent book "Little Faith" deals with faith, church, family, and loss. Both Debi and Dan read the book and wondered, "What kind of relationship Butler has with the church?" And so Debi contacted him, and he was willing to come on the show and talk about the book and his complicated faith.

Check out Butler's Little Faith here: https://amzn.to/31n83uB

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

In this episode, Debi talks with our new friend Matt about his troubled relationship with the church. She then talks with RJ Grunewald (www.rjgrune.com).

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

This episode is with our new friend Jake who has left the church, Debi talks with Donavon Riley.

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

In this episode, we talk with our new friend Dana who has had issues with the church. After Debi talks with Dana, she talks with author Chad Bird from 1517.

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Welcome to season two of the Soul Of Christianity: Stop, In The Name Of Love (Before You Leave the Church).

In this season, Debi talks with people who have a troubled relationship with the church- maybe they have left the church altogether, or stopped going for any number of reasons. Debi talks with them and them one of her gracious theological friends about how we might think through the issues.

We’re proud to be part of 1517 Podcasts, a network of shows dedicated to delivering Christ-centered content. Our podcasts cover a multitude of content, from Christian doctrine, apologetics, cultural engagement, and powerful preaching.

Support the work of 1517 today.

On this episode we wrap up season 1 with the Rev. Sarah Condon who is coming to us from Houston (right after Hurricane Harvey in 2017) by way of the American South.  Condon talks about some dark times, a hopeful doctrine, and has plenty of stories to illustrate this last doctrine of the Creed.  Debi and Dan spend a little bit of time in this episode reflecting on the first season of the show. 

On episode 6 we heard from Dr. Mike Horton on the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it gives us.  On this episode, our good friend from Mockingbird ministries, Dave Zahl, helped us think through the final resurrection, our human flesh and the Gospel truths that this clause has to teach us.  Enjoy the show, and make sure to share an episode and check out the the free Bible study at www.thesoulofchristianity.com

All of these episodes should be personal, to some extent.  After all, these aren't static, other-worldly doctrines but we are dealing with the message of life itself.  But there is something especially personal about taking the whole theological enterprise and focusing it on your own particular problem: sin.  And not abstract sin, but the real stuff.  And so, Debi has brought her very own pastor on to talk about this clause in the creed form a pastoral perspective and how it is one of the central themes in the Bible.  Enjoy the show, and make sure to share an episode and check out the the free Bible study at www.thesoulofchristianity.com

You say "Catholic" church, I say "Christian" church.  This clause of the creed is sometimes changed in Protestant churches to keep people from being confused, but we think you can handle the original, rich meaning of the term instead of a sectarian interpretation.  The Rev. Del Campbell, who could have filled two episodes with stories and anecdotes, joined the show to discuss the gospel hope found in this clause. Enjoy the show, and make sure to share an episode and check out the the free Bible study at www.thesoulofchristianity.com

On this episode, pastor and author Jared Wilson brings his exuberance for life and the gospel to bear on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.  Wilson helps us navigate between some of the craziness associated with the "work of the spirit" and the real Gospel hope we find in this doctrine. Enjoy the show, and make sure to share an episode and check out the the free Bible study at www.thesoulofchristianity.com

Judgement is not a fun topic to talk about, usually.  Fortunately we have the Rev Bill Cwirla who was not only a lot of fun, but actually turned judgement into a hopeful doctrine!  Enjoy the show, and make sure to share an episode and check out the the free Bible study at www.thesoulofchristianity.com

On this show we discuss a clause in the creed that is sometimes overlooked.  Being seated at the Right Hand of the Father might seem like an abstract theological idea, but Rev Donovan Riley centers the doctrine in the history of the church and the Gospel.  Enjoy the show, and make sure to share an episode and check out the the free Bible study at www.thesoulofchristianity.com

On this episode we were excited to talk with Dr. Mike Horton, known to many of us through his work on the White Horse Inn.  Dr. Horton has written so broadly on so many theological topics, we thought he might be helpful in taking that central doctrine, the Easter morning doctrine, and talk about it in light of the creeds, our faith, and the good news. Enjoy the show, and make sure to share an episode and check out the the free Bible study at www.thesoulofchristianity.com

On this episode, we talk with a dude that has seen plenty, in the academic world, in military service, and in the church.  Rev. Dr. Bombaro has spent time studying and teaching on this aspect of the passion of Jesus for years, and he brings us a packed episode- you may want to get a pen out, or listen twice!  Enjoy the show, and make sure to share an episode and check out the the free Bible study at

Bible Study

On this episode, we discuss a somewhat "tricky" clause of the Apostle's Creed with the Reverend Aaron Zimmerman.  As you will hear, the Rev. Zimmerman has both personal and theological reasons for wanting to talk about this clause.  Enjoy the show, and make sure to share an episode and check out the the free Bible study at www.thesoulofchristianity.com

Bible Study

 On the very first episode of The Soul of Christianity we have welcomed one of our favorite authors from mbird.com and the vicar of Grace Anglican Mission in Louisville, KY,  Nick Lannon. The Rev. Lannon walks us through the very first clause of the Apostles Creed: "I Believe in God The Father..." and helps us think through issues of creation, our Creator and what it means in light of the Gospel.  Check us out on thesoulofchristianity.com for more info and a free Bible study!

What is the Soul of Christianity?

Soul (noun) 1. the emotional part of human nature; the seat of the feelings or sentiments 2. the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans 3. the animating principle; the essential element or part of something

On this podcast we get to the essential element of Christianity as Debi Winrich has sought out a few of her friends and acquaintances to help her get to the “soul” of Christianity in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and also accessible. Some podcasts can cater to the academic crowd and leave the layperson scratching their head, or they can hold long held traditions in contempt for lack of understanding. Rather than play to either the professional or lay crowd, we decided we would bring them together. Debi brought her many talents to the show, chief among them, to call out the professor, theologian or pastor who obfuscates, uses big words, and sometimes seems to miss the point. And to keep us focused, we chose the original creed of the early church: the Apostles Creed. Debi has interviewed 12 professors, pastors and theologians, and interspersed her conversations with her producer, Dr. Daniel van Voorhis (of the Virtue in the Wasteland podcast) as they help us get to the Soul of Christianity.