AJ and Nijay continue their series with Jesus' Beatitude #2. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay discuss the first beatitude (Matt 5:3; Luke 6:20). Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay kick off a **brand new** podcast series on the Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-10). In this first episode they talk about Jesus as teacher and why the Sermon on the Mount in general and the Beatitudes in particular are so important for every Christian to study. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

In this episode, Nijay and A.J. address a great listener question: if God is for the poor, why did God mandate that the temple be decorated with so much gold and high-value materials? Listen in. (Related texts: Exodus 25-28; 35-40; 1 Kings 6-7; 2 Chron 2-4). Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay explore the amazing doctrine of the Incarnation, God coming into a very particular human form at a particular time to a particular place. God becomes like us to know us and love us and save us face-to-face and heart-to-heart. Simply amazing. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

It is clear that we live in an increasing violent and hostile world. AJ and Nijay turn to Scripture and the Christian tradition to bring a "slow theology" mindset and long-obedience lifestyle to peacemaking and reconciliation in our relationships today. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

Are you feeling spiritually dry? Restless? Mercurial? AJ and Nijay talk about how the biblical Psalter has helped steady the spiritual rhythm of the church for centuries. The Psalms were the prayer and worship language of Israel and of Jesus—and we can find renewal in these ancient words as well. Support the show…

There was a recent prediction that the Rapture would happen Sept 23, 2025. It came and went, apparently no Rapture. But every time there is a major Rapture prediction, enthusiasts sell their worldly possessions to prepare themselves for the Great Beyond. In this episode, AJ and Nijay talk about what the Bible teaches about our posture towards the e…

*Check out AJ and Nijay's newly released book, SLOW THEOLOGY: 8 Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World (Brazos Press). In this ep., they talk about the benefits of getting what we want ultrafast, but also how it shapes our spirituality. What are the dangers and drawbacks to "speed privilege"? Support the show…

Today (Sept 23) is the release day for AJ and Nijay's new book entitled SLOW THEOLOGY (Brazos Press). Please check out the book and listen to this launch day conversation about slow theology and the meaning, challenge, and grace in faith-filled wandering in this world as part of the journey of our formation in Christ. Support the show…

AJ and Nijay have a frank and honest conversation about the current difficult moment we are living in. *Warning*: this episode includes brief discussions of violence and murder. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay wrap up their popular Holy Spirit topical series. This episode engages with the matter of balancing our expectations for "new" from the Spirit with how the Spirit reinforces what we already have in Scripture and tradition. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay continue their Holy Spirit series on Slow Theology. This time around they discuss what spiritual warfare is, how to think about it, and some extremes to avoid. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

Nijay and AJ continue their Holy Spirit series with this discussion of whether the Spirit can speak truth outside of the covenant community. Listen in. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay are back, baby! After a bit of an early summer hiatus, they resume their Holy Spirit series with the question: does the Holy Spirit work differently now compared to back then? They use the unusual but important story of Paul and Eutychus (Acts 20) to touch upon the "cessationism/continuationism" debate. Listen in. Support the show…

AJ and Nijay finally get to the Spirit's Gift of Tongues in their Holy Spirit series. This is one where there is a lot of theological discussion and sometimes heated debate. And a lot of confusion about what speaking in tongues is all about. Slow Theology offers an accessible discussion to an often perplexing issue and difficult conversation. Check…

AJ and Nijay talk about AJ's brand new book: A TEACHABLE SPIRIT: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone (Zondervan Reflective, 2025). Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay continue their Holy Spirit series with a frequently asked question from students and church folks: "Can you lose the Holy Spirit"? Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay continue their Holy Spirit series. In this ep. they discuss "Spiritual Gifts," what they are and what they are for. They emphasize that the gifts from the Spirit are not "no strings attached." They come with a calling to serve one another and build up the church. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

Nijay and AJ continue the Holy Spirit series, focusing on the question: What does it mean to walk with the Spirit? You'll have to listen in to answer the questions: (1) Who is the "Speedo Guy" and (2) What does he have to do with walking in the Spirit versus the flesh? Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay kick off a series on the Holy Spirit. Do you find yourself confused by the second person of the Trinity? Can you pray to the Spirit? What do you call the Spirit? What exactly is the Spirit? In this first episode AJ and Nijay introduce the conversation and talk about how we talk about the Spirit, and why it matters. Subscribe to make su…

Does God speak to us through prophets and prophecy today? Or is that a thing of the past? And how can you discern false prophecy from true prophecy? AJ and Nijay have an important conversation. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay talk about Nijay's brand new book: THE AFFECTIONS OF CHRIST JESUS: LOVE AT THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY (Eerdmans): released Feb 20, 2025. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

Nijay and AJ reflect on Scripture's emphasis on attending to the quartet of the vulnerable (orphans, widows, foreigners, the poor; see Zech 7:9-10). Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

Are some parts of the Bible inherently more important than others? AJ and Nijay reflect on this important question. Listen in. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

What can the earthly life of Jesus teach us about healthy relationships? Nijay and AJ explore this important question thinking about Jesus as a prophet sent from God the Father with an urgent mission. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

Nijay and AJ cap off their series on the Ten Commandments with "Do Not Covet." Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay continue their Ten Commandments series: Do Not Bear False Witness/Do Not Lie. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay continue their Ten Commandments series with "Do Not Steal." Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

*Explicit Conversation Warning* AJ and Nijay continue their conversation about the Ten Commandments and practicing Slow Theology. They use the language of sex and lust frequently in this episode, so be mindful of who is listening. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

Nijay and AJ interrupt their Ten Commandments series to offer a one-off discussion of the problem of spiritual pride; Western Christians today need to cultivate a "poverty of spirit," a deep realization and ownership of our personal neediness, incompleteness, and brokenness. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay continue with the sixth commandment, "Do not murder." Now, at first glance that seems like an easy thing, but Scripture and Christian theology have a lot to say, not only about the evil of ending life, but also about the responsibility of protecting and blessing life. Explore this important subject further and listen in. Support the sh…

AJ and Nijay dive into the commandment to "honor your father and your mother." What does this mean? Not just for children, but for adults as well? In a time where there is generational conflict over politics, this could be a very urgent message for healing divides today. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay continue their Ten Commandments series; this time: Remember the Sabbath. Much of their discussion derives from insights from AJs bestselling book SUBVERSIVE SABBATH. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

We often think that not taking the Lord's name in vain means not blurting out "Jesus Christ!" Or "God d*** it!" It's good to respect God's name, but this commandment is far deeper and more pervasively important than watching your tongue when you stub your toe. Check out AJ and Nijay's discussion about what it means to honor God's name in our words …

AJ and Nijay get into the the first set of commandments, which form the fountainhead for the rest: singular allegiance to YHWH and rejection of idols. The Ten Commandments is much more than a list of don'ts, it is a mini-theology, pointing to a rich life within the healthy boundaries God has established for image-bearing creatures. Support the show…

Slow Theology is excited to introduce a new series on the Ten Commandments (10C). Join AJ and Nijay as they process this foundation text in Scripture and how it forms our spirituality, theology, ethics, and life together. In this first episode they introduce the background and context of the 10C, and discuss the prescript statement, "I am YHWH, you…

It's all too easy to doomscroll news about "church evil," the harrowing revelations regarding issues of abuse and corruption in Christian communities. In the past, AJ and Nijay have discussed the theological, moral, and philosophical implications of this dark reality coming to light, but in this new episode they discuss the emotional textures of fa…

Do you have people in your life that you can share your darker struggles with, and confess your sins to? AJ and Nijay talk about being very selective and careful about finding your "confessors" and confidants; people that are not only safe, but also wise and care about your faith and relationship with Jesus. Support the show…

**Possible Trigger Warning** AJ and Nijay discuss the limitations of "righteous suffering" today. Jesus took abuse and harm upon himself from others for the salvation of the world. Is Jesus a model for abuse victims today? Are there areas of life where WWJD doesn't apply—where we shouldn't or can't imitate Jesus? Support the show…

In Philippians 2:12, Paul writes, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling..." This verse has perplexed many readers, because on the surface it appears that Paul is talking about earning salvation, so what happened to justification by grace?? AJ and Nijay love talking about reading the Bible well in context, check it out. UPDATE: Nijay ment…

Jesus is remembered as a great teacher, but he also had many conversations with people he met and he asked a lot of questions (well over 100 questions from the lips of Jesus in the Gospels). What can we learn about Jesus from his questions? What can we learn about the Gospel? What can we learn about our faith? AJ and Nijay reflect on these question…

AJ and Nijay talk about a common question they get in the church and classroom: What's the best Bible translation? If you're curious, listen in on their conversation. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves" (Rom 15:1) Knowledge is good - the more you know the further you'll go (as they say). But it can also lead to pride, arrogance, and judgmentalism. AJ and Nijay chat about the dangers of spiritual pride and how to build up the other and not puff up oneself (1…

What happens when your theological heroes change their mind, let you down, or leave the faith? It can be uncomfortable, sometimes devastating. In keeping with the theme of "slow theology," AJ and Nijay address this struggle and encourage a non-reactive theology. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

In the previous episode, Nijay interviewed AJ about his latest book, The Gift of Thorns (ST44). This time around, AJ and Nijay chat about Nijay's latest, Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling (Brazos Press, 2024). Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ has written an important new book called THE GIFT OF THORNS. Nijay and AJ discuss why AJ wrote this, a bit of his own story, and how unfulfilled wants can lead us into deeper spiritual life with Christ. This is a raw and vulnerable conversation. (WARNING: adult content is briefly discussed) Support the show…

AJ and Nijay finish out their series on the Lord's Prayer and how to process the prayer Jesus taught us and learn how to pray slowly and authentically before God. Can we (smarty-pants moderns) really believe in evil? Should we fear evil? What does deliverance/rescue look like? Listen in—and please give Slow Theology and rating on your preferred lis…

AJ and Nijay continue their series on prayer. They get into theological questions like "what is temptation?" and "Does God influence temptation, if so why?" But they also talk about how this prayer shapes our Christian lives. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

AJ and Nijay continue to journey slowly through the Lord's Prayer. They reckon with the challenge of forgiving one another, and how important this is as a spiritual practice and an act of trust in God. Support the showA.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta