Folding Chair Theology artwork

Folding Chair Theology

304 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago -

Theology for everyone. The name Folding Chair Theology carries with it a double meaning. On one hand, it is meant to poke a little fun at those who claim the title "armchair theologian," of which I (Bruce) am guilty. It also points to the fact that most of what I've learned about following Jesus, in meaningful and practical ways, was learned in small groups and circles in homes and coffee shops, most often while sitting on a folding chair. Sometimes the best seminary is a living room full of other Christians. Our goal is to offer an understanding of the bible and the study of God in a way that is accessible to everyone, not just the "educated elite."

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Episodes

#100 - Celebrating Episode 100 | S6E10

February 09, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 53.4 MB

WE DID IT! 100 EPISODES! In this episode, Bruce and Justin recap the last 99 episodes over 5 1/2 seasons! Here's the break... Top 5 S4E2 - #50 - Book Review: The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire, Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach, & Joanna Sawatsky | S4E2 DL: 223 S4E11 - #59 - Let's Talk About Sex, Baby... Well, Christian Sex Anyway: Interview with Sheila Gregorie | S4E11 DL: 138 S5E12 - #77 - Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed Documentary Discussion, Pt. 1 | S5E12 DL: 123 S5E13 - #78 -...

#99 The Christian Case for Violence | S6E9

November 10, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 49.8 MB

In this mid-season finale, Bruce and Justin discuss whether or not there are any actual cases in which a Christian can condone or use violence to advance their political agenda, turning their discussion toward two verses: Luke 22 and Matthew 10

#98 - Unity in the Midst of Division | S6E8

November 03, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 44 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss what real unity in the church could and should look like.

#97 - Practically Bad Theology | S6E7

October 27, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss practically theology and what bad theology looks like. Criteria for Bad Theology - Dr. Leah Robinson Limits Flourishing of Humans Oppressive Doesn't Permit Reflection Creates Us v. Them Mentality Isolates  Does Not Seek or Pursue Justice or Equality Book: Bad Theology Kills: Undoing Toxic Belief & Reclaiming Your Spiritual Authority - Kevin Garcia

A FCT Segment #9 | Justin Time: A Life Update | Ep6

October 24, 2022 15:00 - 12 minutes - 8.46 MB

In this short episode, Justin catches you up on his life.

#96 - On Being God's Own Possession | S6E6

October 13, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 49.1 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss Oswald Chambers's devotional about being God's own possession and what it means for us as disciples. Check out the devotional here: His!, My Utmost for His Highest - Oswald Chambers

On Being God's Own Possession | S6E6

October 13, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 49.1 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss Oswald Chambers's devotional about being God's own possession and what it means for us as disciples. Check out the devotional here: His!, My Utmost for His Highest - Oswald Chambers

#95 - Christian Nationalism Pt. 3 | Sermon on the Mount Wrap Up Repost | S6E5

October 06, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MB

Originally, Bruce and Justin recorded a whole hour's worth of discussion to wrap up this three-part series. Somehow, likely user oversight, the file disappeared or was never recorded.  But, you're in luck, because this final part was intended to describe what living out the kingdom of heaven on earth should look like and we've done two exhaustive series (one on the Sermon on the Mount and the other on the book of James) that details this reality. So, this episode will just be a reposting o...

#94 - Christian Nationalism Pt. 2 | The Folding Man Mashup | S6E4

September 29, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin invite the hosts of The Grey Man Podcast, Mike Sian and Jim Mueller to discuss the geopolitical and theological implications of a Christian nation-state. If you're interested in personal defense and world events" shared from the perspective of a retired counter-terrorism agent and his best friend as they discuss life, exercise, diet, and whatever else they find interesting, check out The Grey Man Podcast.

93 - Christian Nationalism Pt. 1 | The American Redoubt | S6E3

September 22, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MB

In part 1 of this 3 part series on Christian Nationalism, Bruce and Justin break down the history of the American Redoubt, located in the inland PNW, and its connection to Christian Nationalism. Some information was pulled from  The Reader-Redoubt Series

#93 - Christian Nationalism Pt. 1 | The American Redoubt | S6E3

September 22, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MB

In part 1 of this 3 part series on Christian Nationalism, Bruce and Justin break down the history of the American Redoubt, located in the inland PNW, and its connection to Christian Nationalism. Some information was pulled from  The Reader-Redoubt Series

Christian Nationalism Pt. 1 | The American Redoubt | S6E3

September 22, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MB

In part 1 of this 3 part series on Christian Nationalism, Bruce and Justin break down the history of the American Redoubt, located in the inland PNW, and its connection to Christian Nationalism. Some information was pulled from  The Reader-Redoubt Series

6 - A FCT Segment | A Spruce of Bruce: Telling People Who They Are | Ep 6

September 15, 2022 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

In this episode, Bruce breaks down the difference between telling people who they are versus telling people who Jesus is and why it matters.

A FCT Segment #11 | A Spruce of Bruce: Telling People Who They Are | Ep 6

September 15, 2022 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

In this episode, Bruce breaks down the difference between telling people who they are versus telling people who Jesus is and why it matters.

Why Christian Nationalism is Dangerous | S6E2

September 08, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss why Christian Nationalism is anti-Christ and dangerous. This is the introduction to the American Redoubt short series. Articles Global Project Against Hate and Extremism: The Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory Christians Against Christian Nationalism Religious News Network: When will their churches condemn the Christian nationalism of MAGA politicians? Red Letter Christians: Christian Nationalism is Dangerous to Christians

92 - Why Christian Nationalism is Dangerous | S6E2

September 08, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss why Christian Nationalism is anti-Christ and dangerous. This is the introduction to the American Redoubt short series. Articles Global Project Against Hate and Extremism: The Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory Christians Against Christian Nationalism Religious News Network: When will their churches condemn the Christian nationalism of MAGA politicians? Red Letter Christians: Christian Nationalism is Dangerous to Christians

#92 - Why Christian Nationalism is Dangerous | S6E2

September 08, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss why Christian Nationalism is anti-Christ and dangerous. This is the introduction to the American Redoubt short series. Articles Global Project Against Hate and Extremism: The Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory Christians Against Christian Nationalism Religious News Network: When will their churches condemn the Christian nationalism of MAGA politicians? Red Letter Christians: Christian Nationalism is Dangerous to Christians

91 - Season Six Shenanigans Start Now | S6E1

September 01, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

In the opener to season 6, Burce and Justin just catch up and shoot the sh... breeze, while trying to figure out what they're doing this season.

Season Six Shenanigans Start Now | S6E1

September 01, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

In the opener to season 6, Burce and Justin just catch up and shoot the sh... breeze, while trying to figure out what they're doing this season.

#91 - Season Six Shenanigans Start Now | S6E1

September 01, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

In the opener to season 6, Burce and Justin just catch up and shoot the sh... breeze, while trying to figure out what they're doing this season.

#90 - James 5:13-20, Praying and Confessing | S5E25

July 15, 2022 23:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

Bruce and Justin wrap up their series on James with a discussion about faithful prayer and confessing our sins to each other as presented in James 5:13-20. James 5:13-20, The Prayer of Faith 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; th...

90 - James 5:13-20, Praying and Confessing | S5E25

July 15, 2022 23:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

Bruce and Justin wrap up their series on James with a discussion about faithful prayer and confessing our sins to each other as presented in James 5:13-20. James 5:13-20, The Prayer of Faith 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; th...

James 5:13-20, Praying and Confessing | S5E25

July 15, 2022 23:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

Bruce and Justin wrap up their series on James with a discussion about faithful prayer and confessing our sins to each other as presented in James 5:13-20. James 5:13-20, The Prayer of Faith 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; th...

#89 - James 5:7-12, Complaining and Swearing | S5E24

July 07, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 42 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about what it looks like to wait on the Lord, complain about your fellow Christian, and swear oaths as presented in James 5:7-12. James 5:7-12, Waiting for the Lord 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because ...

89 - James 5:7-12, Complaining and Swearing | S5E24

July 07, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 42 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about what it looks like to wait on the Lord, complain about your fellow Christian, and swear oaths as presented in James 5:7-12. James 5:7-12, Waiting for the Lord 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because ...

88 - James 5:1-6, How We Fatten Ourselves | S5E23

June 30, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 44 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about the dangers of wealth as presented in James 5:1-6. James 5:1-6, Warning to the Rich 1 Come now, you rich people, weep and wail over the miseries that are coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted and your clothes are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have stored up treasure in the last days. 4 Look! The pay that you wi...

#88 - James 5:1-6, How We Fatten Ourselves | S5E23

June 30, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 44 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about the dangers of wealth as presented in James 5:1-6. James 5:1-6, Warning to the Rich 1 Come now, you rich people, weep and wail over the miseries that are coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted and your clothes are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have stored up treasure in the last days. 4 Look! The pay that you wi...

87 - James 4:13-17, The Business of Knowing Good | S5E22

June 26, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about God's will and man's will and doing good as presented in James 4:13-17. James 4:13-17, Our Will and God’s Will 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. 15 Instead, you should sa...

#87 - James 4:13-17, The Business of Knowing Good | S5E22

June 26, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about God's will and man's will and doing good as presented in James 4:13-17. James 4:13-17, Our Will and God’s Will 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. 15 Instead, you should sa...

86 - James 4:1-12, BFFs With The World | S5E21

June 16, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about pride, humility, and being friends with the world as presented in James 4:1-12. James 4:1-12, Proud or Humble 4 What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you? 2 You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so...

#86 - James 4:1-12, BFFs With The World | S5E21

June 16, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about pride, humility, and being friends with the world as presented in James 4:1-12. James 4:1-12, Proud or Humble 4 What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you? 2 You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so...

85 - James 3:13-18, Wisdom that Cultivates Peace | S5E20

June 09, 2022 23:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about the wisdom presented in James 3:13-18. James 3:13-18, The Wisdom from Above 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where there ...

#85 - James 3:13-18, Wisdom that Cultivates Peace | S5E20

June 09, 2022 23:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about the wisdom presented in James 3:13-18. James 3:13-18, The Wisdom from Above 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where there ...

James 3:13-18, Wisdom that Cultivates Peace | S5E20

June 09, 2022 23:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their series on James with a discussion about the wisdom presented in James 3:13-18. James 3:13-18, The Wisdom from Above 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where there ...

James 3:1-12, The Tongues of Teachers | S5E19

June 02, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 42 MB

Bruce and Justin continue the series on James with a discussion about controlling the tongue (James 3:1-13). James 3:1-13, Controlling the Tongue 3 Not many should become teachers, my brothers,[a] because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body. 3 Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. 4 And con...

#84 - James 3:1-12, The Tongues of Teachers | S5E19

June 02, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 42 MB

Bruce and Justin continue the series on James with a discussion about controlling the tongue (James 3:1-13). James 3:1-13, Controlling the Tongue 3 Not many should become teachers, my brothers,[a] because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body. 3 Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. 4 And con...

84 - James 3:1-12, The Tongues of Teachers | S5E19

June 02, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 42 MB

Bruce and Justin continue the series on James with a discussion about controlling the tongue (James 3:1-13). James 3:1-13, Controlling the Tongue 3 Not many should become teachers, my brothers,[a] because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body. 3 Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. 4 And con...

#83 - James 2:14-26, Faith That Works | S5E18

May 29, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin continue their series on the book of James with a discussion of James 2:14-26 and what it means when James says faith without works is dead. James 2:14-26, Faith and Works 14 What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give the...

James 2:14-26, Faith That Works | S5E18

May 29, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin continue their series on the book of James with a discussion of James 2:14-26 and what it means when James says faith without works is dead. James 2:14-26, Faith and Works 14 What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give the...

83 - James 2:14-26, Faith That Works | S5E18

May 29, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin continue their series on the book of James with a discussion of James 2:14-26 and what it means when James says faith without works is dead. James 2:14-26, Faith and Works 14 What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give the...

82 - James 2:1-13, Sinning with Favoritism | S5E17

May 19, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 54 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their discussion through the book of James. This week's discussion involves chapter 2, verses 1-13, and deals with the sin of favoritism.

#82 - James 2:1-13, Sinning with Favoritism | S5E17

May 19, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 54 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their discussion through the book of James. This week's discussion involves chapter 2, verses 1-13, and deals with the sin of favoritism.

James 2:1-13, Sinning with Favoritism | S5E17

May 19, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 54 MB

Bruce and Justin continue their discussion through the book of James. This week's discussion involves chapter 2, verses 1-13, and deals with the sin of favoritism.

81 - James 1:12-27, Trials, Words, & Deeds | S5E16

May 12, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 53.1 MB

Bruce and Justin talk through James 1:12-27 and continue their discussion about living as Kingdom citizens.

James 1:12-27, Trials, Words, & Deeds | S5E16

May 12, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 53.1 MB

Bruce and Justin talk through James 1:12-27 and continue their discussion about living as Kingdom citizens.

#81 - James 1:12-27, Trials, Words, & Deeds | S5E16

May 12, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 53.2 MB

Bruce and Justin talk through James 1:12-27 and continue their discussion about living as Kingdom citizens.

James 1:1-11, Wisdom & Riches | S5E15

May 05, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 52 MB

Bruce and Justin start their series on what it looks like to live as Kingdom citizens with a discussion about James 1:1-11.

80 - James 1:1-11, Wisdom & Riches | S5E15

May 05, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 52 MB

Bruce and Justin start their series on what it looks like to live as Kingdom citizens with a discussion about James 1:1-11.

#80 - James 1:1-11, Wisdom & Riches | S5E15

May 05, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 52 MB

Bruce and Justin start their series on what it looks like to live as Kingdom citizens with a discussion about James 1:1-11.

Nephilim: Giants in the Land | S5E14

April 28, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 54.1 MB

In this episode, Bruce and Justin explore and discuss what the Nephilim were and what they represent.

Twitter Mentions

@bpags2 4 Episodes
@jessjmercier 2 Episodes