S10: E9 Bridging the Divide: How to Have Transformative Conversations with Dan White Jr.

01/27/25 • 46 min

What if the way forward in our polarized world begins at the table?

In this compelling episode, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with Dan White Jr., author of Love Over Fear, to discuss the art of engaging in difficult conversations. They explore how compassion, curiosity, and a theology of the table can heal divisions in our churches, neighborhoods, and beyond.

🎙️ In This Episode:

Dan White Jr. shares how the Kineo Center equips weary leaders to find healing.
The four transformative practices for depolarized conversations.
Stories of profound breakthroughs during “depolarization dinners.”
How Jesus’ table practices challenge the powers of polarization and invite kingdom living.

📌 Highlights:

[00:05:00] Dan introduces the Kineo Center as a space for healing weary leaders.
[00:12:34] The Power of Conversation in Polarized Times
[00:17:00] The origins of Love Over Fear: lessons from a politically divided church.
[00:29:00] Four practices for depolarized conversations, including compassionate curiosity and subversive stories.
[00:29:33] Techniques for Depolarization
[00:41:00] A theology of the table: how Jesus confounds the powers of polarization.

💡 Takeaway:

The practice of kingdom living starts at the table, where power shifts from winning arguments to mutual transformation. In a polarized world, Christians are called to disrupt division and embody Christ's love through listening, storytelling, and trust in God’s presence.

📖 Additional Reflection:

How can you use the table as a space for transformation and reconciliation in your community?

What if the way forward in our polarized world begins at the table?

🎙️ In This Episode:

Dan White Jr. shares how the Kineo Center equips weary leaders to find healing.
The four transformative practices for depolarized conversations.
Stories of profound breakthroughs during “depolarization dinners.”
How Jesus’ table practices challenge the powers of polarization and invite kingdom living.

📌 Highlights:

[00:05:00] Dan introduces the Kineo Center as a space for healing weary leaders.
[00:12:34] The Power of Conversation in Polarized Times
[00:17:00] The origins of Love Over Fear: lessons from a politically divided church.
[00:29:00] Four practices for depolarized conversations, including compassionate curiosity and subversive stories.
[00:29:33] Techniques for Depolarization
[00:41:00] A theology of the table: how Jesus confounds the powers of polarization.

💡 Takeaway:

📖 Additional Reflection:

How can you use the table as a space for transformation and reconciliation in your community?

Previous Episode

S10: E8 The Violent Take It by Force with Matthew Taylor

What happens when revivalist faith meets political power?

In this episode of Theology on Mission, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with scholar Matthew D. Taylor to uncover the startling rise of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—a movement reshaping the landscape of evangelical Christianity and American politics.

Taylor reveals how this influential network of apostles and prophets has grown from obscure beginnings to a force wielding colossal sway, intertwining charismatic zeal with far-right rhetoric. From the Seven Mountains Mandate to the dramatic spiritual warfare on January 6, this conversation peels back the layers on how NAR’s vision of Christian supremacy is impacting both the church and democracy.

Brace yourself for a deep dive into the movement's roots, its rapid ascent, and what it means for the future of faith and public life.

Timestamps:

01:49 Introducing Northern Seminary's New President

04:17 Meet Our Esteemed Guest: Dr. Matthew Taylor

05:49 The Violent Take It By Force: Book Overview

07:50 The New Apostolic Reformation and January 6th

09:24 C. Peter Wagner: The Man Behind the Movement

12:23 Signs, Wonders, and Church Growth

17:51 Strategic Level Spiritual Warfare

20:19 Theological Implications and Controversies

23:11 The Rise of Pragmatic Theology

24:11 From Fringe to Mainstream: The Evolution of NAR

26:16 The Seven Mountain Mandate

27:32 Sarah Palin and the NAR's Political Ambitions

28:10 Donald Trump: The Anointed One

30:57 The Theology of Christian Trumpism

32:02 The January 6th Insurrection

34:35 Theological Reflections and Critiques

38:11 Christian Supremacy vs. Democracy

44:44 Cultural Resentment and Conservative Christians

48:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Next Episode

S10: E10 Beyond The Salvation Wars: Rethinking Salvation with Matthew Bates

Is our understanding of salvation too small?

In this thought-provoking episode, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with Matthew Bates, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and author of Beyond the Salvation Wars, to challenge long-held assumptions about the gospel. From the pitfalls of individualistic salvation to the deeper call of allegiance to King Jesus, they explore what it truly means to be saved—and why both Protestants and Catholics need to rethink their approach.

🎙️ In This Episode:

Why reducing the gospel to “justification by faith” misses the bigger picture.
How allegiance to Jesus reshapes our understanding of salvation.
The problem with both evangelical and progressive approaches to discipleship.
Why the Gospel Coalition and the Catholic Church might have more in common than we think.
How pastors can cultivate a Gospel Allegiance Culture in their churches.

📌 Highlights:

[00:04:00] The problem with how Protestants and Catholics frame salvation.
[00:12:00] Justification as a benefit of the gospel, not the gospel itself.
[00:19:00] Rethinking righteousness: Imputed, imparted, or incorporated?
[00:27:00] Why spiritual disciplines should be allegiance opportunities.
[00:32:00] The danger of reducing faith to “try harder and do better.”

💡 Takeaway:

The gospel isn’t just about avoiding hell or doing justice—it’s about swearing allegiance to King Jesus and being swept up in his mission for the world. When we move beyond an individualistic, works-based mindset, we discover a deeper, more holistic understanding of salvation.