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Upstream

302 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago -

There are no ordinary things. We can meet God in the most surprising places…if we only know how to look. Go Upstream, discover a world charged with the grandeur of God—and learn to live in that bigger world.

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Episodes

Defy the Elites, Get Married | Brad Wilcox

March 19, 2024 08:00 - 58 minutes - 80.4 MB

Whether from pop culture or politicians, corporate executives or mainstream journalists, Americans are bombarded with the message that marriage is outdated, inconvenient, and joyless. But statistics tell a very different story. Shane welcomes sociologist Brad Wilcox, author of the new book Get Married, to share the truth.

The Hope and Joy of the Colson Fellows | Michael Craven

March 05, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 83.5 MB

Something happens to Christians who join the largest worldview fellowship in existence. Confusion turns to confidence, fear turns to hope, and they discover how their lives fit into God’s grand story. This week Shane welcomes Michael Craven, dean of the Colson Fellows, to cast a vision for this remarkable and growing program.

How Pro-Life Can Win | Scott Klusendorf

February 20, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 89.6 MB

The overturning of Roe v. Wade was the beginning of a new phase in the fight for life. But every time abortion has been on the ballot, pro-lifers have lost. Shane welcomes Scott Klusendorf, who thinks most Americans have never truly been confronted with the powerful case for life. __________________________________ Fifteen years ago, when Roe v. Wade was still the law of the land, Scott Klusendorf’s landmark book The Case for Life helped state the case for the right to life of preborn ba...

How Is A Human Like a Tree? | Joy Clarkson

February 07, 2024 17:03 - 57 minutes - 79.2 MB

Some of our go-to figures of speech are mechanistic. We compare ourselves to computers that need to “recharge,” “process,” and “update.” But what if the Bible (and nature) offer better metaphors? To make that case, Shane welcomes Dr. Joy Clarkson, author of You Are A Tree: And Other Metaphors to Nourish Life, Thought, and Prayer. _____________________________ Fifteen years ago, when Roe v. Wade was still the law of the land, Scott Klusendorf’s landmark book The Case for Life helped state...

Does My Job Fulfill the Great Commission? | Jordan Raynor

January 30, 2024 13:16 - 58 minutes - 80.9 MB

Our divide between “ordinary jobs” and “ministry” and “mission” reveals a hidden assumption about the size of the gospel, and what Christ expects His people to do on this earth. Shane welcomes Jordan Raynor, author of The Sacredness of Secular Work to challenge that assumption.

How Feminism Unleashed Gender Chaos | Abigail Favale

January 23, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 90.4 MB

What is a woman? In this best-of episode from 2023, Shane welcomes Dr. Abigail Favale, author of The Genesis of Gender, to discuss how feminism, postmodernism, and bad philosophy made that question impossible to answer, and to show how the Christian vision of embodiment dignifies our differences. __________________________________________________________ Claim your free copy of Don't Follow Your Heart for a gift of any amount to the Colson Center this month at colsoncenter.org/upwillia...

Worshiping Yourself Will Make You Miserable | Thaddeus Williams

January 16, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 88.4 MB

You are basically good, and meaning comes from looking within and conforming reality to your feelings. This is the message shouted at us from every direction, but it leads to confusion and despair. Shane welcomes Dr. Thaddeus Williams to point us back to the truth using his new book, Don’t Follow Your Heart: Boldly Breaking the Ten Commandments of Self-Worship. __________________________________________________________ Claim your free copy of Don't Follow Your Heart for a gift of any am...

The Year That Made Us Modern | Andrew Wilson

January 09, 2024 13:00 - 53 minutes - 74.2 MB

In 1776, America became an independent nation. But that year also saw the beginning of trends that would de-Christianize the West. Shane welcomes Dr. Andrew Wilson to tell the story of how this transformation took place, and to prepare Christians to outlast our secular age.

The ‘Aha’ Moment: Christianity Matters for All of Life | Christopher Talbot

January 02, 2024 13:00 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MB

The concept of “engaging the culture” from a “Christian worldview” has been talked about for decades. But what does it mean, exactly, and how do we teach it? What are the benefits and potential pitfalls of “worldview talk?” Shane welcomes Christopher Talbot, co-editor of the new book, Christians in Culture: Cultivating a Christian Worldview for All of Life.

Finding Jesus in All of Scripture | Alastair Roberts

December 26, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 94.5 MB

On the road to Emmaus, the risen Jesus explained how the whole Bible foreshadows Him. As we celebrate Christmas, Shane welcomes Dr. Alastair Roberts to help us see how the birth of Christ fulfilled all of God’s promises to Israel—and to us.

The Neglected Theology of Food | Andrew Brumme

December 19, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 82.8 MB

From the tilled earth to the family table, every step of growing and preparing food was intended by God to teach us spiritual truths. Yet many of us have forgotten how to taste and see. Shane welcomes documentary filmmaker Andrew Brumme to reintroduce us to the sacredness of mealtime using Robert Farrar Capon’s classic, The Supper of the Lamb.

How Handel’s Messiah Brings God’s Promises to Life | Joel Clarkson & Gabriela Morris

December 12, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 84.8 MB

A German composer’s 1742 oratorio about the life and work of Christ has captivated audiences for centuries. But what makes Handel’s Messiah so powerful and unforgettable? Shane welcomes composer and writer Dr. Joel Clarkson, plus a special guest, to explore one of classical music’s greatest masterpieces.

What If We Truly Prayed Without Ceasing? | Douglas McKelvey

December 05, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 91.6 MB

Christ is sovereign over every square inch of human existence, but what about every moment of time? What would it change if we dedicated everything we do to Him in prayer? Shane welcomes Douglas McKelvey, author of the Every Moment Holy series, to introduce his latest book and explore the power of addressing God, together, as His people.

Is Theology Boring? | Trevin Wax

November 28, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 88.9 MB

The creeds of Christianity summarize the most paradoxical and surprising story the world has ever known. So why do so many find them boring? In this best-of episode, Shane welcomes Trevin Wax to explain why the core truths of our faith are an invitation to adventure, using his book, The Thrill of Orthodoxy.

Thanking God Without Idolizing His Gifts | Joe Rigney

November 21, 2023 13:00 - 57 minutes - 78.6 MB

We gather at Thanksgiving to enjoy food, to count our blessings (including family and friends), and to express our gratitude to the Giver. But is it possible to love God’s gifts too much? Shane welcomes Dr. Joe Rigney, author of The Things of Earth, to explain how we should treasure God by enjoying our blessings.

Christ’s Presence in Our Pain | Joni Eareckson Tada

November 14, 2023 12:59 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MB

What is the secret of contentment in all circumstances? The Apostle Paul knew it, and so can Christians who acknowledge God’s presence and seek His face. Shane welcomes Joni Eareckson Tada, herself no stranger to suffering, to share insights from her latest devotional book, The Practice of the Presence of Jesus.

Do We Treat the Holy Spirit Like God? | Costi Hinn

November 07, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 83.9 MB

He’s been described like a genie in a bottle, treated like The Force from Star Wars, and is sometimes simply forgotten. But the Holy Spirit is God, and learning to worship Him and recognize His work is central to Christianity. Shane welcomes Costi Hinn to sort truth from error using his new book, Knowing the Spirit.

A Jerusalem Pastor on the War in Gaza | David Pileggi

October 31, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 94 MB

The world is still reeling from the events of October 7, when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel and slaughtered over a thousand civilians. As war rages, confusion reigns in academia and politics over who is to blame and what should be done. This week, Shane welcomes David Pileggi, Rector of Christ Church Anglican in Jerusalem, to offer the wisdom of over forty years of pastoring a church in the thick of it. 

Should Christians Tell Haunting Stories? | Ben Garrett and Brian Sauvé

October 24, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 96.3 MB

The world is filled with tales of ghosts, vampires, sea serpents, and all manner of mythological monsters. The secular mind dismisses these as superstitions, but should Christians? This week Shane welcomes Ben Garrett and Brian Sauvé, hosts of The Haunted Cosmos podcast, to explain how speculation about the spooky can glorify God.

Are We Souls? | Joshua Farris

October 17, 2023 12:00 - 59 minutes - 82 MB

For most of history, nearly everybody has agreed that human beings survive the deaths of our bodies. But somewhere along the way, materialism rose to dominance, and we became nothing but bodies. What’s the truth? Shane welcomes Dr. Joshua Farris, author of The Creation of Self, to make a robust case for the soul. Show Notes: The critical theories that dominate our cultural vocabulary aren't “just” theories. They form an entire worldview that fundamentally contradicts the good, true, and ...

What is it About Music? | Various Guests

October 10, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 93.5 MB

Music has been a favorite theme on Upstream. Guests like Andrew Peterson, Jeremy Begbie, The Arcadian Wild, and David Radford of The Gray Havens have explored the mystery of music from artistic and academic perspectives. This week, we bring you the best of those episodes with Shane’s thoughts how they connect, and how God uses music in our lives.

What Critical Theory Gets Wrong—and Right | Neil Shenvi & Pat Sawyer

October 03, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 86.2 MB

Between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and the modern social justice movement, the definition of "justice" changed. But critical social theories are based on important truths, even if they mix them with lies. Shane welcomes Drs. Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer to identify those truths and lies using their new book, Critical Dilemma. 

Why Are Churches Dying? | Michael Graham

September 26, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MB

We're in the mist of the most significant religious shift in American history. Millions are abandoning organized Christianity, but there is little clarity about why they're leaving, or how to stem the exodus. Shane welcomes Michael Graham, co-author of The Great Dechurching, to offer data-driven answers and surprising hope.

Why Does Believing in God Feel Like Work? | Joseph Minich

September 19, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 87.9 MB

Atheists like to tell a story in which religion declined because of scientific evidence and arguments. But what if unbelief became a plausible option because of the way modern people work, live, and relate to the world, and the way these changes make us feel? Shane welcomes Dr. Joseph Minich to discuss his book, Bulwarks of Unbelief.

The Five Lies Coming for Your Church and Your Children | Rosaria Butterfield

September 12, 2023 12:00 - 59 minutes - 81.4 MB

Homosexuality, “spirituality,” feminism, transgenderism, and more; an alternative creed is making inroads into Christianity and false claims on young lives. Shane welcomes Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, someone who once believed and lived those lies, to explain how God set her free and can do the same for anyone.

What Has the Internet Done to Our Brains ... and Souls? | Samuel James

September 05, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 91 MB

Christians often think of technology as morally neutral, but a closer examination shows that assumptions about the world and humanity are built into inventions like the internet. These “liturgies,” or repeated patterns of formative behavior, shape us mentally and spiritually in ways that contradict God’s design for us. Shane welcomes Samuel James to discuss his new book, Digital Liturgies: Recovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age.   

God Is Speaking ... If We Will Listen | Os Guinness

August 29, 2023 12:00 - 58 minutes - 80 MB

A dandelion, a song, a mother’s love, even the reality of evil; God has used all of these to pierce the godless worldviews of real men and women. In this Upstream re-air, Shane welcomes Dr. Os Guinness to tell their stories using his book, Signals of Transcendence.

When Girls Decide They’re Boys | Katie McCoy

August 22, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 85.6 MB

We’re witnessing an unprecedented epidemic of teenage girls who want to change their gender and think transition will make them happy. What’s really going on, and how can Christians respond? Shane welcomes Dr. Katie McCoy to answer these hard questions using her new book, To Be a Woman.

The Whole Bible Is a Creation Story | Edward Klink

August 15, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 84.3 MB

When we hear pastors or theologians refer to “creation,” we assume they’re talking about the beginning of the world. But what if the whole story of Scripture is about the purpose, function, and glorious destiny of God’s handiwork—including us? Shane welcomes Dr. Edward Klink to discuss his book, The Beginning and End of All Things: A Biblical Theology of Creation and New Creation.

You Were Created to Create! | Brian Brown

August 08, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 84.3 MB

When God created humans in His image, He gave us a mandate: to imitate His work by bringing beauty, order, art, and culture into the world. This has implications for our relationship with time, space, matter, language, each other, and God. To explain, Shane welcomes Brian Brown, co-editor of an eye-opening new book called Why We Create.

Mistakes We Make When We 'Engage the Culture' | Justin Bailey

August 01, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 90.7 MB

Christians easily fall into the habit of treating culture as something “out there,” distinct from us and potentially corrupting or dangerous. But what if we are a part of that culture, and what if conflict isn’t the only or best way to understand our role in shaping culture? Shane welcomes Dr. Justin Bailey to discuss his latest book, Interpreting Your World: Five Lenses for Engaging Theology and Culture.

World-Changing Christians You’ve Never Heard Of | Glenn Sunshine

July 25, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 85.5 MB

A Viking who sailed to America, a prisoner who transformed an African kingdom, the daughter-in-law of Genghis Khan—what do all of these people have in common? Surprisingly, belief in Christ. Shane welcomes Dr. Glenn Sunshine to talk about his new book, 32 Christians Who Changed Their World.

How Sex Unlocks the Meaning of the Universe | Joshua Butler

July 18, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 82.9 MB

Creation is bursting with Divine symbolism, especially where opposites unite—and nowhere do we find a more profound, sacred, or fruitful symbolism than in sex. Shane welcomes Joshua Butler, author of Beautiful Union, to explore how God’s vision for the one flesh relationship displays deep mysteries about creation and its Creator.  

Why Is the Cosmos Comprehensible? | Melissa Cain Travis

July 11, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 84 MB

Contrary to secular mythology, the pioneers of modern astronomy believed they were “thinking God’s thoughts after Him.” In fact, this belief was essential to their discoveries! Shane welcomes Dr. Melissa Cain Travis to explain why Christian convictions led to the scientific revolution and can help us see the stars as they truly are.

Further Upstream - How Do Westerners Give Their Lives for Christ?

July 07, 2023 12:00 - 37 minutes - 51.7 MB

Most of us will never have to choose between death and denying Jesus. So what does martyrdom mean for us? Shane welcomes Kasey Leander to reflect on the conversation with Jerry Pattengale about The New Book of Christian Martyrs.

How the Martyrs Can Prepare Us for Persecution | Jerry Pattengale

July 04, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 89.7 MB

Four-hundred and fifty years ago, John Foxe published his famous Book of Martyrs. But more Christians died for their faith in the last century than in the previous nineteen combined. Shane welcomes Dr. Jerry Pattengale to tell the stories of those who’ve confessed Christ to the end, using his The New Book of Christian Martyrs.

A Christian Exodus from Public Schools? | Larry Taylor

June 27, 2023 12:00 - 49 minutes - 67.6 MB

We’re witnessing a groundswell of demand to create viable, Christian alternatives to the American public school system, but is there room for everyone? Shane welcomes Dr. Larry Taylor, president of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to sketch an exciting future for education.

Further Upstream - Why Tim Keller Caught Skeptics Off Guard

June 23, 2023 11:26 - 43 minutes - 60.2 MB

Shane welcomes Tim Padgett to explore the distinctive approach to apologetics and evangelism that set Tim Keller apart and sometimes made him controversial. He subverted expectations, but how do we balance winsomeness toward outsiders with fidelity to our countercultural Christian convictions?

The Beliefs that Made Tim Keller | Collin Hansen

June 20, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 89.5 MB

Last month, pastor-theologian Timothy Keller went home to the Lord. His ministry was filled with incredible successes and unexpected controversies, and raises questions about how Christians should engage our post-Christian culture. Shane welcomes Collin Hansen, author of Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation.

Further Upstream - Good Creation Theology Can Save Your Faith

June 16, 2023 12:00 - 41 minutes - 56.4 MB

In his latest songs, Josh Bales meditates on doubt, deconstruction, and the glory we were created for. Shane welcomes Tim Padgett to discuss how understanding our high calling as humans can direct our search for God and truth.  

Singing the Weight of Glory | Josh Bales

June 13, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 83.1 MB

Human beings are fallen, sinful, and broken, but that’s not where the story began. Shane welcomes singer-songwriter, priest, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Josh Bales to explain the importance of telling the full story of redemption, using his new EP, The Weight of Glory.

Does Creation Reveal a Creator? | Stephen Meyer

June 06, 2023 15:22 - 49 minutes - 67.4 MB

Christians have long taught that God’s existence and power are evident in the world He has made. Yet secular, materialistic science says the universe looks exactly as we would expect if God didn’t exist. Shane welcomes philosopher of science Dr. Stephen Meyer at the 2023 Colson Center National Conference to explain why “the God hypothesis” is making a comeback.

Further Upstream - A Christian View of Nature

June 02, 2023 12:00 - 37 minutes - 52.6 MB

Progressive environmentalists seem to worship nature and treat human beings like vermin. But conservative Christians often fall into the opposite trap of downplaying human responsibility to care for God’s world. Shane welcomes Tim Padgett to talk more about Christianity and the environment.

Does God Care About the Environment? | Xandra Carroll

May 30, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 93 MB

Many Christians view concern for nature as a secular, left-wing obsession. But if God loves the world He made and cares about its wellbeing, shouldn’t we care, too? Shane welcomes author and apologist Xandra Carroll to make the case for Christian environmentalism.

Further Upstream - Is Western Music Best?

May 26, 2023 12:03 - 46 minutes - 64.7 MB

Music as we know it is surprisingly young. What influence did Christianity have on the rise of this art form, and does that mean there are no universal truths about music? Shane welcomes Kasey Leander to reflect on the conversation with Dr. Jeremy Begbie.

The Mystery of Music | Jeremy Begbie

May 23, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 84.2 MB

Few art forms have the power music has to move us and enrich our lives. But what gives it that power? Shane welcomes theologian and musician Dr. Jeremy Begbie to reveal how music can voice deep theological truths in a way words can’t. Special thanks to Duke University for allowing us to use clips from Dr. Begbie's musical illustrations. The original clips can be found here: Clip 1, Tension and Resolution. Clip 2, Appoggiaturas.

What the Sexual Revolution Stole from Children | Katy Faust

May 16, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 89.7 MB

At every stage of the battle for sexual liberation, adults have assured themselves that kids will be alright. But the kids tell a different story. Shane welcomes Katy Faust to explain why the quest to fulfill adult desires has steamrolled children’s needs.

Further Upstream - How the Psalms Shape Our Faith

May 12, 2023 12:00 - 37 minutes - 53 MB

Praise, lament, righteous anger, celebration, and wonder—the book of Psalms contains the full range of human experience expressed in Divine words. Singing those words changes us in a way words alone can’t. Shane welcome Tim Padgett to reflect on the conversation with Brian Sauvé.

Singing the Psalms—Even the Ones About Dragons | Brian Sauvé

May 09, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 99 MB

In the center of the Bible is a giant, divinely inspired song book. What would happen if we sang it? Shane welcomes pastor and musician Brian Sauvé to talk about his new album of psalms set to original music: "Even Dragons Shall Him Praise."

Further Upstream - Keeping Faith When God Is Silent

May 05, 2023 12:00 - 51 minutes - 72.1 MB

The theological problem of suffering is distinct from the lived experience of suffering. But remembering God’s character can change everything. Shane welcomes Kasey Leander to reflect on the conversation with Adam Mabry about his book, When God Seems Gone.

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