In this episode, the guys discuss a very big topic within religion, which is prayer. They tackle questions such as what is the science behind prayer neurologically, psychologically and socially? Does prayer like intercessory prayer actually work? Darian and Simon tackle these questions with open arms and also discuss why wrestling with faith is one of the most important parts of your spirtiual experience.

Just as the title says...would Jesus be welcome in churches today? Simon and Darian take a deep dive into this topic and discuss the teachings of Jesus and how this might be in conflict with various denominations of churches across the US. What do you think?

In part two of this conversation, Dr. Darian Parker and Simon explore the complex relationship between slavery and religion, particularly focusing on the Bible's stance on slavery. They discuss the multiple traditions of the Bible, the authorship and context of biblical texts, and the implications of Jordan Peterson's interpretations. The conversation also delves into the power dynamics present in religious narratives, the future of organized religion, and the radical teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of altruism and skepticism in understanding faith.

Takeaways

The Bible's stance on slavery is complex and often contradictory.

Different traditions interpret the Bible in various ways, affecting their views on slavery.

Jordan Peterson's interpretations of the Bible can be seen as misleading.

The Exodus story is often misinterpreted as anti-slavery, despite its context.

Religious narratives often reflect power dynamics rather than pure moral teachings.

Skepticism is a valuable approach to understanding religious texts and teachings.

Altruism should be a core principle in religious practice, as exemplified by Jesus.

The future of organized religion may involve decentralization and personalization.

Understanding the historical context of biblical stories is crucial for interpretation.

Religious institutions often prioritize financial stability over altruistic actions.

Chapters

01:33 Exploring Slavery and Religion

05:11 Traditions of the Bible

10:05 The Role of Authors in the Bible

14:47 Jordan Peterson's Perspective on the Bible

19:40 The Exodus Story and Its Implications

24:12 God's Power and the Message of Exodus

26:08 The Plagues and Pharaoh's Resistance

27:54 Israel's Historical Grudge Against Egypt

30:03 Myth, Legend, and Historical Context

31:47 Complexity of Biblical Interpretation

33:05 Absurdity in Religious Narratives

36:53 The Nature of God's Plan

42:12 Human Sacrifice and Biblical Morality

47:55 Prophecy and Free Will

48:02 The Complexity of Faith and Skepticism

51:01 Jesus and the Call to Care for the Less Fortunate

54:07 Embracing the Absurdity of Life

56:04 The Power Dynamics in Religion

01:01:10 The Future of Organized Religion

01:05:25 Financial Ethics in Religious Institutions