195. A Tale of Two City Theologies

April 9
50 mins

Episode Description

In this episode, Josh and Stephen explore a noticed growing anti-city sentiment within American Christianity, unpacking how politics, economics, fear, and cultural identity shape a rural-versus-urban divide. We contrast this with the deeply city-centered theology of the New Testament, noting the irony in modern Christian attitudes toward urban spaces. We weave through media narratives, food culture, and even biblical imagery, suggesting that American Christianity may be drifting toward Old Testament “outsider” and conquest frameworks rather than Jesus’ embodied presence among diverse city populations.

Host Recommendations 

  • Stephen: Eat “vitamin carrots”
  • Josh: Make homemade Chipotle-style bowls

Host DE-Recommendations

  • Stephen: Neglecting dryer vent cleaning
  • Josh: Leaving phone text notification sounds on

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Credits:

  • Theme Song: In Full Color by Louie Zong on Spotify and Bandcamp
  • Artwork: Yarn and Ravel by Dixie Lee Henning @dixieleedraws
  • Produced by Stephen Henning, Josh Lieuallen, and Emily Rettinghouse
  • Editing/Audio Engineering by Stephen Henning
  • Certified Organic benediction by Reverend Emily Rettinghouse, MDiv
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