Out of Oz
83 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 49 ratingsFrom BLDG 28 Church, Out of Oz is a podcast about the intersection of Christianity and culture. Hosts Peter Tragos and Aaron Currin are joined weekly by a rotating panel of guests to examine the fantasies and fallacies of modern Christianity with courage, conviction, and compassion. New episodes drop every Monday.
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Episodes
Is Yoga Demonic?
May 01, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutesYoga has been a popular form of exercise and relaxation for many decades in the United States. While some practice yoga purely for the physical benefits, many have been introduced to the spiritual side of yoga and its origins. The practice of yoga and the poses that are done in classes are connected to Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Because of these origins, many Christians feel as though it is idolatry to participate in yoga, while others see it as nothing more th...
Should Christians Be Concerned With Artistic Beauty?
April 24, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutesWhy are truth and beauty set at odds with each other in the Christian community? It is human nature to be attracted to beautiful things, beautiful places, and beautiful people. It is part of the Imago Dei. As Christians, we know that God has wired us intricately and he has designed us to appreciate and desire beauty for a purpose. In Scripture, we have examples of gazing upon the beauty of the Lord, appreciating the wonder of creation, adoring the beauty of a spouse, and constructing extravag...
What Is Your Advice for Young Christians?
April 17, 2023 07:00 - 39 minutesExperiencing salvation is a moment or period of time that most of us remember vividly. It is usually a time of extreme love for Christ and passion for the Gospel. And yet, this incredible phase can also be filled with crippling doubts and questions regarding beliefs and the practicality of living as a new creation. So today we are taking ourselves back to when we were first redeemed, and unpacking the advice we wish we were given, and our advice for young Christians today. This week, Dani, Aa...
Should Christians Visit the Holy Land?
April 10, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutesThroughout the centuries, Christians from all over the world have made the pilgrimage to Israel to experience the land where Jesus lived on Earth. It has been called an indescribable experience to see the locations of so many landmarks of our faith — the waters Jesus walked, the temple where he taught, and the tomb where he was buried. After returning from a 12-day journey in Israel, we will be sharing our thoughts with you and asking the question, should Christians visit the Holy Land? This ...
What Is Sexually Permissible in Marriage?
April 03, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutesThere are few topics that divide Christian and secular culture more than sex. Mainstream media throws intimacy around casually while the church sits across the metaphorical room in utter, or even awkward, silence. With confusion swirling inside and outside the church, Christians may be wondering, what is sexually permissible in marriage? This week, Aaron, and guest-hosts Adam Powers and Melissa Hale discuss: [03:06] - Why are we having this conversation? [06:55] - How has the church histori...
Is the "He Gets Us" Campaign Worthy or Wicked?
March 27, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutesHe Gets Us is a new buzz-worthy campaign aimed at highlighting the humanity and relatability of Jesus. Right next to the organization's name online, it states, "Radical Forgiveness & Love", and there's no mistake that these are the primary values they are conveying to the world about Jesus and Christianity. Since their recent Super Bowl commercials, the organization has caused immense applause and concern, so today we are asking, is “He Gets Us” worthy or wicked? This week, Dani, Aaron, and g...
Should Christians Redeem or Reject Culture?
March 20, 2023 07:00 - 39 minutesThroughout Scripture we find multiple mandates for Christians to be “set apart” and to “not conform to the world”. Yet as we look throughout church history and compare it to our day, the interpretations of these mandates could not be more different. Some Christians believe there is nothing good to be found in the “secular” world and remove themselves from it, while others live in a way that cannot be distinguished from an unbeliever. And as the pressures of culture become increasingly more ho...
Responding to Rhett’s Spiritual Deconstruction: Part 3
February 13, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutesDeconstruction is on the rise throughout Christianity in our day; people who have started to pick apart beliefs they once held or a relationship with Christ they seemingly once had and now claim to not be Christians anymore. As believers, we need to know how to kindly, compassionately, and thoughtfully answer these questions not only for their souls but for our own as well. In the final episode of this three-part series, Peter and Aaron respond to and discuss Rhett McLaughlin's video Rhett’s...
Responding to Rhett’s Spiritual Deconstruction: Part 2
February 06, 2023 08:00 - 52 minutesDeconstruction is on the rise throughout Christianity in our day; people who have started to pick apart beliefs they once held or a relationship with Christ they seemingly once had and now claim to not be Christians anymore. As believers, we need to know how to kindly, compassionately, and thoughtfully answer these questions not only for their souls but for our own as well. In part two of this three-part series, Peter and Aaron respond to and discuss Rhett McLaughlin's video Rhett’s Spiritua...
Responding to Rhett’s Spiritual Deconstruction: Part 1
January 30, 2023 08:00 - 57 minutesDeconstruction is on the rise throughout Christianity in our day; people who have started to pick apart beliefs they once held or a relationship with Christ they seemingly once had and now claim to not be Christians anymore. As believers, we need to know how to kindly, compassionately, and thoughtfully answer these questions not only for their souls but for our own as well. In this first part of a three-part series, Peter and Aaron respond to and discuss Rhett McLaughlin's video Rhett’s Spir...
Season 03 Q&A
December 12, 2022 08:00 - 54 minutesThis week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-host Adam Powers answer listener questions from Out of Oz Season 03. If you have a question you’d like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. [02:25] - How old is the Earth? And why does it matter? [06:44] - Does the existence or non-existence of aliens affect Christianity? [08:33] - What kind of rewards should believers expect in heaven? [11:07] - Should Christians celebrate Jewish holidays? [12:56] - If everything is truly part of God’s will...
Should Christians Boycott Christmas?
December 05, 2022 08:00 - 33 minutesMariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” starts blaring in the department stores and men and women alike are pushing and shoving one another for the greatest deals. Amazon has been at your doorstep every day this week. Stockings are hung with care and matching pajamas are handed over with a smile. These are the sounds and sights of the Christmas season. For Christians, though, Christmas should be about celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, but is it really about that? What...
Which Is Biblical: Stay at Home Moms or Occupational Moms?
November 28, 2022 08:00 - 54 minutesIn the 19th century, women began working outside their homes in large numbers after centuries of being the primary home caregiver. Fast forward to today, women may receive smug looks from others if they confess they stay at home to home school or care for children, burdened by concerns like, “Don’t you want more for yourself?” and “What about your career?” Within the church, the roles may be reversed. People may question why a mother would prefer to chase a dream or work in her desired field....
Do Aliens Exist And, If So, Does This Affect Christianity?
November 21, 2022 08:00 - 37 minutesThe subject of aliens has lingered in the minds of Americans for many years. The fervor around unexplainable happenings has been reignited at different times due to “new findings” or leaked footage of UFOs. History.com has an interactive map where you can explore possible UFO sightings. And, at one point, the US Government launched a systematic study, Project Blue Book, where they spent time and resources researching the very question at hand today. As Christians, we may grapple with this que...
Does the Bible Support Slavery?
November 14, 2022 08:00 - 37 minutesIt is evident in Scripture that certain activities are dishonorable and off-limits, including adultery, abuse, and murder. Yet, throughout the Bible we see God’s people having multiple wives, and instances of abuse and slavery. This causes skeptics and Christians alike to wonder how God could call something sin, yet still seem to permit it or even engage in it or ordain it himself. Does this show a contradiction or inconsistency? Are polygamy and slavery allowed in the Bible? This week, Aaron...
Am I Really a Christian?
November 07, 2022 08:00 - 38 minutes“Am I really a Christian?” is a thought that can rattle the mind, body, and soul. There are circumstances and sins we engage in which may elicit our soul to ask this question of ourselves or others in our lives who may impose this belief upon us. Having faith is a matter of eternal life or infinite damnation, so we truly must ask ourselves, how can I know for sure I am a Christian? This week, Aaron, and guest-hosts Adam Powers and Dani Van Nortwick discuss: [02:01] - Why are we asking this q...
Is God the Author of Sin?
October 31, 2022 07:00 - 39 minutesIf you were to take a poll of the reasons why unbelievers struggle to grasp the idea of God or a doctrine professing Christians grapple with, one that drives to the forefront would likely be the origin of transgression. Where did sin originate? If God created all things, how can something exist that He didn't construct? God is infinite in wisdom and He did not intend for us to understand all things, but with the capabilities we do have, albeit limited, we can seek to study and uncover the que...
Why Does the Church So Easily Accept Certain Sins?
October 24, 2022 07:00 - 41 minutesWhen you see someone commit sin or hear confession of sin, the degree of said sin can either raise eyebrows or roll eyes. If you hear someone is struggling with gossip, the odds are, you’re not shocked. But if your friend went on an all-night rager and got wasted, the odds are you pass judgment and have a check in your conscience. There are certain sins that are embedded, engrained, and normalized in American culture as we know it: gluttony, pride, and greed. What’s the difference between our...
Should Christians Practice Manifestation?
October 17, 2022 07:00 - 43 minutesManifestation is the idea of bringing something you want into existence through aspirational thought practices. This mind ritual is touted by people like Oprah, prominent wellness publications, and social media influencers. For Christians and non-Christians alike, this idea seems delightful. Who wouldn’t want to gain the desires of their heart by exercising a pattern of thought? But what spiritual implications does this have, if any? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-hosts Adam Powers, Dani...
What Should Christians Stop Doing?
October 10, 2022 07:00 - 1 hourThere are countless things Christians do that they are wasting their time on. Mark 12:30-31 lays out clearly the priorities of the Christian life from the mouth of Jesus—that Christians are to love God and love their neighbor. As Christians, we know what we are supposed to do but we waste our time doing other things. So what should Christians stop doing? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-hosts Adam Powers, Dani Van Nortwick discuss: [03:59] - What’s the difference between universal and pers...
Is Steven Furtick Going to Hell?
October 03, 2022 07:00 - 48 minutesThere are abundant ideas about God in mainstream Christian thought and life—some wildly unbiblical, while others remain anchored to Scripture. Preachers teach Sunday after Sunday and serve as a mouthpiece to explain the Bible to hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Take Steven Furtick for example. Elevation Church, where he teaches, has a weekly attendance of 27,408 people as recorded in 2021. Elevation also has 23 locations. If a pastor fails to explain what the Bible teaches, it can lead ...
Are Christians Allowed a Coping Mechanism?
September 26, 2022 07:00 - 47 minutesA bowl of ice cream or cracking open a cold one at the end of an arduous day sounds like a breath of fresh air to some. To others, it seems to be an irreligious crutch. As Christians, we know that Jesus is the lover of our souls and He satisfies us. But how much does Jesus truly fulfill our earthly bodies? How are we to enjoy the good gifts God has given us? The phrase “coping mechanism” can elicit different responses and reactions. Today we peel back the layers of this question - are Christi...
Can a Christian be Pro-Choice?
September 19, 2022 07:00 - 38 minutesSome of the most substantial and hot-button issues currently raging in our culture are the overturning of Roe V. Wade in June of 2022, the matter of women’s health, and the right to have an abortion. As Christians, we recognize God values life and justice—which begs the question, can a Christian be pro-choice? This week, Aaron, and guest-hosts Adam Powers, Dani Van Nortwick and Adam Clark discuss: [02:58] - What does pro-choice actually mean? Can a Christian be pro-choice but not pro-abortio...
What Does the Bible Say about Gender?
May 09, 2022 07:00 - 52 minutes"I'm a man, trapped in a woman's body" has, in the past decade, become a statement of not only individual preference but of widespread scientific (in some circles) and social acceptance, the denial of which is now labeled by many as bigoted "hate speech." The transgender movement is dominating many spheres from politics, to women's sports, to family dynamics, and beyond. With this issue rapidly building, the question we are faced with is: what does the Bible actually say about gender? This we...
Why Do So Many People Hate Christians?
May 02, 2022 07:00 - 44 minutesAcross the centuries the popularity of Christianity has fluctuated, but it is only in modern times that the reputation of Christianity has so widely fallen under censure and hate. With the kingdom of God rolling forward on the proclamation of the Gospel, yet with the Gospel message increasingly becoming white noise, the critical question before us stands: why do so many people hate Christians? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-host Adam Powers discuss: [02:29] - What is the definition of “h...
How Can We Trust the Bible?
April 25, 2022 07:00 - 50 minutesFor centuries the Bible has come under almost constant assault. Scripture has been called antiquated, outdated, contradictory, irrelevant, harmful, and the accusations roll ever onward. Even within the realm of Christianity the infallibility and the authority of the Bible has been questioned or ridiculed. And all of this leads us to the ever-pressing and critically important question: can we really trust the Bible? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-host Adam Powers discuss: [05:06] - What i...
How Should Christians React to the War?
April 18, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutesFranklin D. Roosevelt famously stated: "War is young men dying and old men talking." But today, with the meteoric rise of social media it seems that people are constantly talking about war, specifically the war that is currently raging in Ukraine. All of this drives us to a very pressing question: how should Christians think about, react to, and talk about war? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-host Adam Powers discuss: [01:52] - What is the historic position of Christianity concerning war...
Should Christians Support the Death Penalty?
April 11, 2022 07:00 - 39 minutesFor many Christians, particularly in the southern United States, the death penalty for certain truly heinous criminal acts is a no-brainer; the thought being “what reasonable person wouldn't support the sanction of erasing murderers, rapists, child molesters, etc.”? But against this position there is a torrent of objections declaring that true Christians love forgiveness and should seek to restore. While the tumult rages on, the question remains: should Christians support or oppose capital pu...
Are Altar Calls Biblical?
April 04, 2022 07:00 - 41 minutesFor close to two centuries, altar calls have been a mainstay across many branches of Christianity. Many people can trace the origins of their faith back to a moment when they heard the call to come forward and pray the sinner’s prayer. But are alter calls a good thing? Are there reasons we should use them or refrain from them? This week, Dashawn, Aaron, and guest-host Adam Powers discuss: [03:57] - What is the history of "the Altar Call in the Christian Church?" [16:24] - Does the fact that...
What Hills Should Christians Die On?
March 28, 2022 07:00 - 58 minutesThroughout the confusion and chaos of much modern Christianity, the dreaded "h" word (heretic) is tossed about with reckless derision toward anyone opposing certain stated "truths." Seemingly, more than ever, the divisions between Christ-followers are widening, and believers are choosing many hills or, by contrast, almost zero hills to "die on." As we survey the Christian landscape, taking in the division while submitting to the truth, the question that stares each of us in the face is: what ...
Should a Christian Speak in Tongues?
March 21, 2022 07:00 - 49 minutesIt is undeniable that in the early Christian church that the gift of tongues was operational and effectual. But since the first century, evidence surrounding the use of tongues is scant, and particularly in recent centuries, there has been a lot of confusion surrounding the use, necessary presence, or continuation of speaking in tongues. So today Christians are left with the extremely pressing and somewhat unsettling question: Should I as a Christian be speaking in tongues? This week, Peter,...
What is Hell?
March 14, 2022 07:00 - 1 hourAn often controversial and almost always unsettling topic is this Biblical concept of hell. Throughout the centuries of Christendom, the doctrine of hell has been maligned, ridiculed, utilized to accomplish fear-driven evangelism, misunderstood, and even denied. But as believers who take seriously the Scriptures, the sincere question that we must answer is: "What is hell?" This week, Dashawn, Aaron, and guest-host Adam Powers discuss: [07:30] - Why is there so much consternation and division...
Is Double Predestination Biblical?
March 07, 2022 08:00 - 53 minutesWhile Scripture is abundantly clear—though there remain humanistic and traditional naysayers—that unconditional election is true, uncertainty still swirls for many around the matter of “double predestination”. Does God actively ordain unrepentant sinners for damnation, or is he more indirect with reprobation? To state it more plainly, does the Lord predestine sinners for damnation in the same way that he predestines Christians for salvation? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-host Adam Powers...
Introducing Out of Oz Season 03!
February 28, 2022 08:00 - 6 minutesWelcome to season 03 of Out of Oz. The goal of this podcast has always been to peel back the layers of society and examine the world around us with the same themes we saw in The Wizard of Oz — courage, conviction, and compassion. Each week, hosts Peter Tragos and Aaron Currin (along with a rotating panel of guests and co-hosts) will discuss issues we face in our everyday lives, and examine how we should deal with them, how we should think about them, and how we should live in light of them. ...
Season 02 Q&A
November 08, 2021 08:00 - 1 hourThis week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-host Adam Powers answer listener questions from Out of Oz Season 02. If you have a question you’d like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Check out the full list of questions from this Q&A on our website: http://outofozpodcast.com. Guest Hosts Adam Powers Links Watch Out of Oz on YouTube SonRise Community Church Out of Oz 0220: How Should Christians React to Vaccine Mandates? The Faith of Christopher Hitchens by Larry Alex Taunton Out o...
Is There a Defense for the Christian Use of the Enneagram?
November 01, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutesOn the rise across much of the Christian landscape is the tool, personality typing system, or some would even say “worldview” known as the Enneagram. But the roots of the Enneagram are sketchy; its design is connected to the New Age movement, and the gospel-denying progressive church has adopted it as a mode of salvation. Therefore, the very legitimate question is posited before us: should Christians use the Enneagram? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-host Mike Trill discuss: [4:19] - Does...
Can a True Christian Commit Suicide?
October 25, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesTragically, suicide has been on the rise for decades. Fallen souls in a broken world, coupled at times with mental illness, delivers to many a devastating hopelessness and a desire for escape. And the world of isolation created by the pandemic has only accelerated this problem. With self-harm and suicidal thoughts in abundance both around the church and inside the church, the question that must be carefully, biblically answered is this: can a true follower of Jesus commit suicide? This week,...
How Should Christians React to Vaccine Mandates?
October 18, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutes“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” ~ Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence These seemingly immortal words are clung to and embraced by most Americans and most Christians in America. Yet, what is life? Are we truly a free people? And is someone mandating an “untested” vaccine upon us or someone refusing to t...
Is Predestination Really Biblical?
October 11, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutesOne of the most-asked questions we get is about predestination. We believe that predestination is an undeniable Biblical doctrine. But we live in a culture that is constantly redefining words and issues, and this tendency has not escaped the church. This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-host Adam Powers discuss what predestination is (and isn’t), why it’s biblical, and why it matters in the first place. “Theology matters. This is not just an ivory-tower debate. This matters. It shapes our worsh...
Is Dating Simply Preparation for Divorce?
October 04, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutesOver the past century, the concept of dating has so saturated our culture that a refusal to date earns a fella or lady adjectives such as outdated, legalistic, hair-brained, or even cultish. But with so many believers entering marriage with regret, shame, and baggage, and with so many marriages seemingly set up to fail through cultural dating norms, the legit question must be asked and answered - should Christians stop with this dating game? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-hosts Maggie Sei...
Should Children Be In the Worship Gatherings?
September 27, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesThere are multiple reasons why parents would desire to keep their children with them during church services. But is this what is best for the church and the children? And most importantly, is this family-integrated worship biblical? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-hosts Adam Powers, Tabi Griffith, and Renee Young discuss whether or not children should be in the worship gathering, what is biblical, and why it matters in the first place. “There needs to be serious consideration by parents an...
Is Divorce and Remarriage Biblically Permitted?
September 20, 2021 07:00 - 52 minutesWe live in a culture that does not value commitment, and is quick to justify almost any action with nothing more than the grounds of personal happiness. We know the Bible states that God hates divorce. But there is ambiguity in the passages that describe under what conditions a divorce is permissible. Is it permitted at all? Is remarriage permitted? What about divorce in the case of ministry leaders? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-hosts Adam Powers and Lisa Preston discuss these questio...
How Should Christians Respond to “The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill”?
September 13, 2021 07:00 - 1 hourThe Rise and Fall of Mars Hill is a podcast published by Christianity Today. While the stated goal of the show is to “explore the inside story of this church, its charismatic leader, and the conflicts and troubles that brought about its end”, the show’s execution has raised a lot of questions — namely, is it a genuine attempt to better the church and glorify God, or is it using the collapse of Mars Hill as a vehicle for delivering a very specific progressive agenda? This week, Peter, Aaron, ...
Am I Ruining My Kids?
September 06, 2021 07:00 - 57 minutesThe weight of parenting can be heavy. Whether they would admit it or not, most parents, at least at times, wonder if they are doing a good job. And in a culture where much is vying for the attention of parents and the affection of their children, how should godly parents engage, disciple, and train their kids? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-hosts Tim Miller and Dashawn Cousins discuss what the Bible has to say about parenting, what parents should be most concerned with, patterns and habit...
Biblically, Can Ladies Be Pastors?
August 30, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutesAcross Christianity, there are few things more hotly contested and vehemently debated than the role of women in pastoral ministry. Yet amidst all the debate and struggle the question sincere Christians must strive to answer is this: what does the Bible have to say on this issue? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-hosts Adam Powers and Maggie Seibert discuss the issue of authority in the church, the differences between egalitarianism and complementarianism, what Scripture has to say about thes...
Are We in the End Times?
August 23, 2021 07:00 - 51 minutesOver the centuries countless well-intentioned Christians have predicted the return of Jesus or prophesied of a rising “Man of Sin” with these themes reaching a feverish crescendo in recent years. So the questions arise: Do we know who the Anti-Christ is? Should we Look for a Rapture of the Church? Are we at the End of Time? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-host Ken Thompson discuss eschatology, the Anti-Christ, the rapture, what is future, what is past, and whether or not we are living in ...
How Should Christians Use Social Media?
August 16, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutesDespite warnings of addiction, depression, and increased anxiety from sociologists and psychologists, Christians, and Americans in general, continue to swarm to social media platforms. Is this a problem? And how should Christians utilize social media? This week, Aaron, and guest-hosts Maggie Seibert and Tim Miller discuss the unique dangers of social media for believers, as well as the ways it can be useful and helpful. “We become like what we like. We’re porous creators, we absorb a lot. A...
Should Christians Embrace or Reject Critical Race Theory?
August 09, 2021 07:00 - 1 hourCritical Race Theory saturates our media and is pressed forward by most within formal educational circles. But Christians seem either uninformed or divided on how CRT should be handled. Therefore, the glaring question remains: should followers of Christ embrace parts or all of the theory or reject and denounce it completely? This week, Aaron, and guest-hosts Dashawn Cousins and Shane Scott discuss what CRT is, what it’s not, what critical thinking and Christian unity actually looks like, and ...
Is It Sinful to Not Raise Hands in Corporate Worship?
August 02, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutesAs followers of Christ gather each weekend across the world, there are varied expressions and postures of worship. Some are stoically reserved while others are brazenly demonstrative. For the conscientious Christian, though, the question that must legitimately be answered is, how should I respond to the Lord in corporate worship? This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-hosts Danie Taylor and Mike Trill discuss how Christians are called to respond to the Lord in corporate worship, how to prepare ou...
Should Christians Own Guns?
July 26, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutesThe decision lies before all Christians and is hotly contested across evangelicalism: should believers wield firearms to protect or refuse firearms to serve? And while Scripture does not address guns specifically, the Bible does have a lot to say about violence and peacemaking, and which we are called to as followers of Christ. This week, Peter, Aaron, and guest-hosts Dashawn Cousins and Joshua Michael discuss the issue of guns and their place in the lives of believers. Guest Hosts Joshua...