Haggai is tiny—two chapters—but it packs a holy gut-check. In Part 1, we set the biblical timeline around the exile, trace why Israel’s priorities crumbled, and ask what it means to “consider your ways” (lebab) before we build. Bring your Bible and a pen; we’re putting God back at the foundation.

Today we kick off a deep-but-doable study through Haggai. Prophetic books can feel intimidating, so I’m giving you the context first—Assyria, Babylon, the deportations, the fall of Jerusalem, Cyrus’ decree, and the return (Ezra/Nehemiah)—so Haggai’s message lands where it should.
Then we read Haggai 1:1–11 and name the tension: God rescued His people, but they rushed to panel their own houses while His temple sat in ruins. We talk priorities, contentment, and what Jesus calls building on the rock (Matthew 7). Throughout, Haggai repeats a phrase—“consider your ways” (lebab)—an invitation to examine motives, not just motions.
Questions we wrestle with:

• Where do I feel “exiled”—handed over to my own way—and how is God inviting me back?

• Am I delaying God’s work while perfecting my own?

• What does it look like to put God at the base so the build actually holds?

Scriptures referenced:
2 Kings 17; Daniel 1:1–6; 2 Kings 24–25; Ezra 1:1–4; Ezra 6:15–18; Lamentations 1; Jeremiah 29:10–14; Haggai 1:1–11; 1 Timothy 6:6–9; Matthew 7:24–27.

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2025

All Rights Reserved

For more of Maya’s writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement :

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, “fair use” is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term “fair use” refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

"What do you see when you look in the mirror?"

Do you see someone beautiful? A masterpiece? Or something that needs fixing? Who told you what was “flawed” in the first place?

In this episode of The Teaology Podcast, we're holding up a mirror to beauty standards, body positivity, and what it truly means to be made in the image of God.

We’ll explore:

• Is beauty and body positivity actually empowering?

• How do faith and the theology of the Imago Dei fit into modern beauty and body movements?

• Has beauty become an idol—or even a form of worship—in our culture?

• How has faith language been co-opted by the makeup and beauty industry?

With 28 million Americans getting Botox or fillers last year (a number that’s doubled in just a decade) and billions being spent worldwide on “aesthetic maintenance,” we have to ask: Are we caring for our bodies as God intended—or chasing a cultural beauty myth?

Pour a cup of tea, pull up a chair, and let’s talk about it.

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2025

All Rights Reserved

For more of Maya’s writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement :

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, “fair use” is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term “fair use” refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

What happens when patriotism becomes religion—and Christianity gets wrapped in red, white, and blue? In this powerful episode, we take a hard look at Christian nationalism, patriotic idolatry, and how the gospel gets distorted when faith merges with empire. From July 4th church tributes to political leaders quoting Scripture while passing oppressive laws, we’re diving into the theology, history, and consequences of America’s “civil religion.”

We explore:

• The rise of Christian nationalism in the U.S.

• The myth of America as God’s “chosen nation”

• The difference between patriotism and idolatry

• The dangers of using Christianity to control culture and policy

• Real vs. perceived Christian persecution

• Why unraveling nationalism is not abandoning faith

Whether you're deconstructing, questioning, or just curious, this episode invites you to rediscover a Jesus who wasn’t campaigning for empire—but preaching a Kingdom not of this world. 🇺🇸✝️

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2025

All Rights Reserved

For more of Maya’s writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement :

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, “fair use” is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term “fair use” refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.