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
Sermon on the Mount: Jesus Fulfills the Law | S3E6
February 11, 2021 12:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBIn this episode, we're short one Justin, so Bruce walks us through what it means that Jesus came to fulfill the law. Mentioned in this Episode: Coffee, Theology, & Jesus Podcast: Ben Cremer Interview The Vox Podcast: Light and Heavy Episode Three Commands: Jesus Fulfillment of the Law Through Love by Bruce Pagano II Tim Whitaker, New Evangelicals Instagram Ben Cremer, Instagram
2 - A FCT Segment | Justin Time: Justice for the Oppressed | Ep2
February 09, 2021 23:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBIn this episode, Justin shares his thoughts and heart around justice and oppressed peoples.
A FCT Segment | Justin Time: Justice for the Oppressed | Ep2
February 09, 2021 23:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBIn this episode, Justin shares his thoughts and heart around justice and oppressed peoples.
Sermon on the Mount: Salt & Light | S3E5
February 04, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBBruce and Justin talk through what Jesus meant when he called us salt and light. It's important to understand that this, and all the rest of the sermon, was intended to be built on the characteristics that Jesus blesses at the beginning of the sermon (the beatitudes). Matthew 5:13-16 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. 14 “You are the light of the wo...
30 - Sermon on the Mount: Salt & Light | S3E5
February 04, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBBruce and Justin talk through what Jesus meant when he called us salt and light. It's important to understand that this, and all the rest of the sermon, was intended to be built on the characteristics that Jesus blesses at the beginning of the sermon (the beatitudes). Matthew 5:13-16 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. 14 “You are the light of the wo...
29 - Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes | S3E4
January 28, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBBruce and Justin begin their series on the Sermon of the Mount. The SOTM is Jesus's declaration of what it means and looks like to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. The SOTM starts in Matthew 5 and this episode is dedicated to the first 12 verses that are often referred to as The Beatitudes. Matthew 5:1-12 1 When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He began to teach them, saying: The Beatitudes 3 “The poor in s...
Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes | S3E4
January 28, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBBruce and Justin begin their series on the Sermon of the Mount. The SOTM is Jesus's declaration of what it means and looks like to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. The SOTM starts in Matthew 5 and this episode is dedicated to the first 12 verses that are often referred to as The Beatitudes. Matthew 5:1-12 1 When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He began to teach them, saying: The Beatitudes 3 “The poor in s...
A FCT Segment | Sidenote with Bruce: Counsel versus Counseling | Ep1
January 26, 2021 12:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBBruce takes a moment to discuss the difference between biblical counsel and mental health counseling.
A FCT Segment | A Spruce of Bruce: Counsel versus Counseling | Ep1
January 26, 2021 12:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBBruce takes a moment to discuss the difference between biblical counsel and mental health counseling.
1 - A FCT Segment | A Spruce of Bruce: Counsel versus Counseling | Ep1
January 26, 2021 12:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBBruce takes a moment to discuss the difference between biblical counsel and mental health counseling.
28 - An Insurrection & A Season Pivot | S3E3
January 21, 2021 12:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBI (Bruce) wanted to address this from a personal point of view. It’s been two weeks since the violent insurrection that took place on January 6. I spent this time praying, reflecting, and thinking deeply on an appropriate response to those events. After the insurrection, I made the intentional decision to wait to publish an episode in which we talked about it. This decision was based on the hope that any response we had would be thoughtful. This event is personal for me for two reasons. The...
An Insurrection & A Season Pivot | S3E3
January 21, 2021 12:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBI (Bruce) wanted to address this from a personal point of view. It’s been two weeks since the violent insurrection that took place on January 6. I spent this time praying, reflecting, and thinking deeply on an appropriate response to those events. After the insurrection, I made the intentional decision to wait to publish an episode in which we talked about it. This decision was based on the hope that any response we had would be thoughtful. This event is personal for me for two reasons. The...
What About Hell | S3E2
January 14, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 48 MBBruce and Justin tackle the topic of Hell. They talk through the Idea of eternal conscious torment (ECT) and annihilationism (aka conditional immortality, terminal immortality). Resources: Preston Sprinkle Article: Biblical Support for Annihilation Preston Sprinkle Podcast Episode Rethinking Hell Podcast Mentioned In Episode: Erasing Hell, Francis Chan & Preston Sprinkle Love Wins, Rob Bell
27 - What About Hell | S3E2
January 14, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 48 MBBruce and Justin tackle the topic of Hell. They talk through the Idea of eternal conscious torment (ECT) and annihilationism (aka conditional immortality, terminal immortality). Resources: Preston Sprinkle Article: Biblical Support for Annihilation Preston Sprinkle Podcast Episode Rethinking Hell Podcast Mentioned In Episode: Erasing Hell, Francis Chan & Preston Sprinkle Love Wins, Rob Bell
1 - A FCT Segment | Justin Time: Refugees | Ep1
January 12, 2021 12:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBIn this new segment, Justin talks about his experience with the refugee process while on a mission trip.
A FCT Segment | Justin Time: Refugees | Ep1
January 12, 2021 12:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBIn this new segment, Justin talks about his experience with the refugee process while on a mission trip.
26 - The Church and the Oppressed | S3E1
January 07, 2021 12:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss what it means to follow Jesus with those who are oppressed and marginalized in view. They also talk through the church's role in undoing it.
The Church and the Oppressed | S3E1
January 07, 2021 12:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss what it means to follow Jesus with those who are oppressed and marginalized in view. They also talk through the church's role in undoing it.
25 - Mental Health & the Church w/Jessica Mercier | S2E13
December 10, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBThis week Bruce and Justin invite Justin's wife, Jessica Mercier, onto the show to talk about the often tumultuous relationship between the Church and mental health. You can connect with Jessica at the following links: Twitter: @jessjmercier Instagram: @mrsjessicamercier Blog: jessjmercier.blogspot.com If you're struggling and having thoughts of suicide, please reach out. Here are a couple of numbers you can call to find human connection and help: Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: (208) ...
Mental Health & the Church w/Jessica Mercier | S2E13
December 10, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBThis week Bruce and Justin invite Justin's wife, Jessica Mercier, onto the show to talk about the often tumultuous relationship between the Church and mental health. You can connect with Jessica at the following links: Twitter: @jessjmercier Instagram: @mrsjessicamercier Blog: jessjmercier.blogspot.com If you're struggling and having thoughts of suicide, please reach out. Here are a couple of numbers you can call to find human connection and help: Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: (208) ...
24 - Deconstruction & Reconstruction w/Tim Whitaker (Coffee, Theology, & Jesus Podcast) | S2E12
December 03, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 47.8 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin welcome their very first guest, ever, to the podcast. We are excited to welcome Tim Whitiker, co-host of Coffee, Theology, & Jesus Podcast, to talk through the process of deconstruction his Christian faith and what it looks like to reconstruct it.
Deconstruction & Reconstruction w/Tim Whitaker (Coffee, Theology, & Jesus Podcast) | S2E12
December 03, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 47.8 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin welcome their very first guest, ever, to the podcast. We are excited to welcome Tim Whitiker, co-host of Coffee, Theology, & Jesus Podcast, to talk through the process of deconstruction his Christian faith and what it looks like to reconstruct it.
What If Sin Isn't What You Think it Is?
November 26, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 47.6 MBBruce and Justin dive into the super simple and totally easy topic of sin. Maybe most of what we think about sin isn't what it means. John Walton - Wheaton College Mike Erre - Vox Podcast
23 - What If Sin Isn't What You Think it Is? | S2E11
November 26, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 47.6 MBBruce and Justin dive into the super simple and totally easy topic of sin. Maybe most of what we think about sin isn't what it means. John Walton - Wheaton College Mike Erre - Vox Podcast
What If Sin Isn't What You Think it Is? | S2E11
November 26, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 47.6 MBBruce and Justin dive into the super simple and totally easy topic of sin. Maybe most of what we think about sin isn't what it means. John Walton - Wheaton College Mike Erre - Vox Podcast
22 - Trails, Tribulation, & Suffering | S2E10
November 19, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 49 MBBruce and Justin dive into what It means to walk through trials as a Christian and share in the suffering of Jesus.
Trails, Tribulation, & Suffering | S2E10
November 19, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 49 MBBruce and Justin dive into what It means to walk through trials as a Christian and share in the suffering of Jesus.
Hosea in the Highest... Wait, that's not it | S2E9
November 12, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBBruce and Justin talk through the themes of the book of Hosea. Book of Hosea (Bible Link) (Bible Project Video) Bruce's Book Three Commands: Jesus' Fulfillment of the Law Through Love (Ink Publishing) (Amazon)
21 - Hosea in the Highest... Wait, that's not it | S2E9
November 12, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBBruce and Justin talk through the themes of the book of Hosea. Book of Hosea (Bible Link) (Bible Project Video) Bruce's Book Three Commands: Jesus' Fulfillment of the Law Through Love (Ink Publishing) (Amazon)
We Went to a Marriage Seminar | S2E8
November 05, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBJustin Is back and a reigning flag football champ. Him and Bruce finally get to discuss the marriage seminar they attended and talk through some not so helpful historical Christian assumptions and views about marriage. In this episode: The Grey Man (Mike Sian & Producer Jim) Colkegan Whiskey Kanye West Andy Stanley Preston Sprinkle (Podcast: Theology in the Raw, Books: Fight and People to Be Loved)
20 - We Went to a Marriage Seminar | S2E8
November 05, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBJustin Is back and a reigning flag football champ. Him and Bruce finally get to discuss the marriage seminar they attended and talk through some not so helpful historical Christian assumptions and views about marriage. In this episode: The Grey Man (Mike Sian & Producer Jim) Colkegan Whiskey Kanye West Andy Stanley Preston Sprinkle (Podcast: Theology in the Raw, Books: Fight and People to Be Loved)
19 - Mercy Comes Running: A Father, a Samaritan, and a Shepherd | S2E7
October 29, 2020 11:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBJustin is out being a football champion, go local football team! So, Bruce decided to share what he was invited to share with our church's young adult group. Bruce shares a different view of mercy, not as a withholding of God's punishment, but rather as Jesus communicated it, which was the compassionate care of someone In distress. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, Bryan Stevenson (Book) Just Mercy (Movie)
Mercy Comes Running: A Father, a Samaritan, and a Shepherd | S2E7
October 29, 2020 11:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBJustin is out being a football champion, go local football team! So, Bruce decided to share what he was invited to share with our church's young adult group. Bruce shares a different view of mercy, not as a withholding of God's punishment, but rather as Jesus communicated it, which was the compassionate care of someone In distress. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, Bryan Stevenson (Book) Just Mercy (Movie)
18 - Bruce's Ranting Plea to Fellow Christians | S2E6
October 22, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBJustin had a football scheduling conflict, so Bruce took the opportunity to plead with his fellow Christians to play nice during this election season. It might have turned Into a little rant. Holy Post Podcast Video: Why do White Christians Vote Republican, and Black Christians Vote Democrat?
Bruce's Ranting Plea to Fellow Christians | S2E6
October 22, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBJustin had a football scheduling conflict, so Bruce took the opportunity to plead with his fellow Christians to play nice during this election season. It might have turned Into a little rant. Holy Post Podcast Video: Why do White Christians Vote Republican, and Black Christians Vote Democrat?
The Christian Life: Fact or Fiction | S2E5
October 15, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBBruce and Justin compare and discuss the differences between the presented Christian life and the reality of what It means to follow Jesus. Contrary to popular belief It Isn't all blessing or persecution. It's more In the middle; suffering and glory.
17 - The Christian Life: Fact or Fiction | S2E5
October 15, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBBruce and Justin compare and discuss the differences between the presented Christian life and the reality of what It means to follow Jesus. Contrary to popular belief It Isn't all blessing or persecution. It's more In the middle; suffering and glory.
17 - The Christian Life: Fact or Fiction, S2.6
October 15, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBBruce and Justin compare and discuss the differences between the presented Christian life and the reality of what It means to follow Jesus. Contrary to popular belief It Isn't all blessing or persecution. It's more In the middle; suffering and glory.
17 - The Christian Life: Fact or Fiction, S2.5
October 15, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBBruce and Justin compare and discuss the differences between the presented Christian life and the reality of what It means to follow Jesus. Contrary to popular belief It Isn't all blessing or persecution. It's more In the middle; suffering and glory.
16 - The Church: A FCT Abridged History | S2E4
October 08, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBBruce and Justin talk through a very loose and scattered history of the Christian Church In an attempt to figure out how we got to what we see as church today.
The Church: A FCT Abridged History | S2E4
October 08, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBBruce and Justin talk through a very loose and scattered history of the Christian Church In an attempt to figure out how we got to what we see as church today.
The Church: A FCT Abridged History, Season 2.4
October 08, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBBruce and Justin talk through a very loose and scattered history of the Christian Church In an attempt to figure out how we got to what we see as church today.
16 - The Church: A FCT Abridged History, Season 2.4
October 08, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBBruce and Justin talk through a very loose and scattered history of the Christian Church In an attempt to figure out how we got to what we see as church today.
15 - The Helpfulness of Christian Clichés | S2E3
October 01, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss popular Christian cliches and why they're not helpful or biblical. Cliches like, "God will never give you more than you can handle" are not only damaging but also have no grounding in biblical truth.
15 - The Helpfulness of Christian Cliches, Season 2.3
October 01, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss popular Christian cliches and why they're not helpful or biblical. Cliches like, "God will never give you more than you can handle" are not only damaging but also have no grounding in biblical truth.
The Helpfulness of Christian Clichés | S2E3
October 01, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss popular Christian cliches and why they're not helpful or biblical. Cliches like, "God will never give you more than you can handle" are not only damaging but also have no grounding in biblical truth.
15 - The Helpfulness of Christian Cliches, Season 2
October 01, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss popular Christian cliches and why they're not helpful or biblical. Cliches like, "God will never give you more than you can handle" are not only damaging but also have no grounding in biblical truth.
14 - How Can We Know the Will of God | S2E2
September 24, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 53.4 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss what It means to know the will of God and what that looks like In a person's calling Drink of the night: Buffalo Trace Bourbon Teremana Tequilla (Blanco)
14 - How Can We Know the Will of God | Season 2.2
September 24, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 53.4 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss what It means to know the will of God and what that looks like In a person's calling Drink of the night: Buffalo Trace Bourbon Teremana Tequilla (Blanco)
14 - How Can We Know the Will of God | Season 2
September 24, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 53.4 MBIn this episode, Bruce and Justin discuss what It means to know the will of God and what that looks like In a person's calling Drink of the night: Buffalo Trace Bourbon Teremana Tequilla (Blanco)