Fresh Ground Theology

  • St. Nick: Punch Heresy in the Face (Metaphorically)

    Beyond the mall Santa is Nicholas of Myra—a fourth-century bishop remembered for hidden generosity, bold justice, answered-prayer miracles, and a fierce defense of Christ’s divinity. Nate and David sip goldenrod tea and Mystic Monk coffee, then trace Nicholas’ story: born to wealthy Christian parents in Lycia; orphaned and generous; elected… Listen ⇢

    St. Nick: Punch Heresy in the Face (Metaphorically)

  • Advent: Waiting for the Coming King

    Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas—it’s the Church’s way of ordering time around Christ. Nate and David trace how Advent holds a double horizon: He came in humility, comes into hearts by grace, and will come again in glory. Along the way, they swap mug updates (coffee vs. very… Listen ⇢

    Advent: Waiting for the Coming King

  • When the Silence Speaks: Egoic Striving, Spiritual Stillness, and the Dark Night of the Soul

    Welcome to The Distracted Christian Podcast, hosted by Nate Labadorf. In this deeply contemplative episode, we enter the quiet terrain of Chapter 10 of The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross—a chapter with no clear steps, no triumphant answers, just a profound invitation: to surrender.… Listen ⇢

    When the Silence Speaks: Egoic Striving, Spiritual Stillness, and the Dark Night of the Soul

  • Depression, Anxiety, and Hope in the Church — An Interview with Pastor Ken Kirkley

    Episode Summary Today David and Nate pause their normal topical series to welcome Pastor Ken Kirkley for a candid, pastoral conversation about depression, anxiety, OCD, and mental health in the Christian life. Ken opens up about a life-altering season that began in 2002—what it felt like, how he sought help,… Listen ⇢

    Depression, Anxiety, and Hope in the Church — An Interview with Pastor Ken Kirkley

  • Into the Abyss: The Dark Night and the Death of Comfort

    Episode SummaryIn Episode 10 of The Distracted Christian Podcast, we explore one of the most profound and unsettling experiences in the Christian spiritual journey: the Dark Night of the Soul. Rooted in the writings of St. John of the Cross, this episode unpacks the painful silence of God, the stripping… Listen ⇢

    Into the Abyss: The Dark Night and the Death of Comfort

  • Sacred Communion & Spiritual Allegiance: The Eucharist vs. Pagan Sacrifice

    Episode Summary:In this rich and far-ranging conversation, Nate and David dive deeper into the spiritual mystery of the Eucharist by comparing Christian communion with both ancient and modern pagan sacrifices. What begins as a discussion of 1 Corinthians 10 becomes a theological and philosophical journey through time, space, sacrament, and… Listen ⇢

    Sacred Communion & Spiritual Allegiance: The Eucharist vs. Pagan Sacrifice

  • The Twin Shadows—Spiritual Envy and Sloth

    Introduction: Envy at the Edge of EdenThere’s a moment in Paradise Lost when Satan stands at the edge of paradise, peering into its perfect order—not with longing or admiration, but with something darker. He doesn’t desire goodness; he resents it. He sees beauty, harmony, and divine love, and snarls, “Better… Listen ⇢

    The Twin Shadows—Spiritual Envy and Sloth

  • The Sacred Table, the Pagan Circle: Exploring Eucharist and Modern Pagan Rituals

    Episode Summary:In Episode 9 of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate and David continue their thoughtful and reverent exploration of the Eucharist—this time by drawing unexpected comparisons between Christian communion and modern pagan ritual practices. But this isn’t a takedown—it’s a dialogue. With clarity, humility, and grace, the hosts examine how Wiccan… Listen ⇢

    The Sacred Table, the Pagan Circle: Exploring Eucharist and Modern Pagan Rituals

  • Spiritual Gluttony – When Hunger for God Becomes a Distraction

    Episode SummaryWhat happens when our appetite for spiritual experiences outweighs our hunger for God Himself? In this episode, Nate Labadorf takes listeners on a surprising and convicting journey through the concept of spiritual gluttony—a term borrowed from St. John of the Cross’s Dark Night of the Soul, but one that… Listen ⇢

    Spiritual Gluttony – When Hunger for God Becomes a Distraction

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