Not Safe For Sunday School

Why do bad things happen to good people?In this episode, we wrestle with one of the oldest and hardest questions in faith, philosophy, and human experience. Instead of offering shallow answers or easy clichés, we explore the question from three angles: philosophy, real life, and emotional healing.We discuss:Whether good and evil are objective or subjectiveWhy free will inevitably leads to sufferingWhy God may not be the “author” of painThe parenting analogy that changes how we think about sufferingWhy Christianity uniquely centers on a God who suffers with humanityThe difference between intellectual answers and emotional healingWhy resurrection and restoration matter more than pain itselfThis conversation isn’t about “winning” an argument. It’s about honestly wrestling with suffering while holding onto hope, compassion, and the possibility that pain is not the end of the story.

Why would God place a forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden if he already knew Adam and Eve would eat from it?In this episode, we unpack one of the oldest and hardest questions in the Bible through the lens of ancient Hebrew storytelling, parenthood, free will, innocence, wisdom, and human nature.We explore:Why the “tree of knowledge of good and evil” may be about maturity, not informationWhether God was withholding wisdom or protecting humanityWhy free will matters if love is realThe repeating Eden pattern throughout the entire BibleHow the Genesis story mirrors our own struggle for control, autonomy, and trustWhy the Bible is designed more like a story to wrestle with than a science textbook to decodeThis isn’t about proving Genesis scientifically. It’s about understanding what the story is trying to reveal about humanity, God, and ourselves.

Can you separate worship songs from the churches and artists behind them? In this episode, we talk about Hillsong, Bethel, Elevation, theological baggage, church scandals, and how worship leaders can choose songs with wisdom instead of fear.We also get into why popular songs are not always the best songs for congregational worship, when a lyric becomes a problem, and why the goal is not to cancel every song but to worship with clarity, honesty, and discernment.

Many Christians avoid the Old Testament because it raises uncomfortable questions:Did God actually command genocide?Why does God seem violent in the Old Testament but loving in the New?In this episode, we wrestle with biblical violence, hyperbole, ancient literary styles, translation issues, and how Jesus changes the conversation.

Join Sandy and Becca for Part 3 of The Women of the Bible as they discuss two badass women, Mary (who raised and taught Jesus) and Mary Magdalene (who supported Jesus's Ministry). The fact that these women take a prominent role in the gospels is defying ancient cultural barriers!Part 1: https://shows.acast.com/not-safe-for-sunday-school/episodes/the-women-of-the-bible-exodus-judges-actsPart 2: https://shows.acast.com/not-safe-for-sunday-school/the-women-of-jesuss-lineage-tamar-rahab-ruthMary, the Mother of Jesus: https://youtu.be/SFZEr3YxNbA?si=Rg6RqqyLuIk5fasnNot Safe For Sunday School is a podcast by Matt Ridings (@punpastor) as a part of the ministry of Fremont Community Church (@fremont.church). Our goal is to create Christian content that is true to scripture while also fun and engaging. Don't forget to leave us a review and share with a friend!Music by Bensound.comLicense code: SPFLQA9CT9CLLRNW

Join Sandy and Becca for Part 2 of The Women of the Bible as they discuss some badass women in the lineage of Jesus. From Tamar to Rahab as well as Ruth, there's a lot packed into this episode!Part 1: https://shows.acast.com/not-safe-for-sunday-school/episodes/the-women-of-the-bible-exodus-judges-acts Not Safe For Sunday School is a podcast by Matt Ridings (@punpastor) as a part of the ministry of Fremont Community Church (@fremont.church). Our goal is to create Christian content that is true to scripture while also fun and engaging. Don't forget to leave us a review and share with a friend!Music by Bensound.comLicense code: SPFLQA9CT9CLLRNW

Join Matt and Ty in part 2 of this conversation as they discuss concerns the Church has historically had surrounding Dungeons & Dragons and their reasoning for not only playing D&D, but running games of D&D for others as an opportunity for community and healing.Not Safe For Sunday School is a podcast by Matt Ridings (@punpastor) as a part of the ministry of Fremont Community Church (@fremont.church). Our goal is to create Christian content that is true to scripture while also fun and engaging. Don't forget to leave us a review and share with a friend!Music by Bensound.comLicense code: SPFLQA9CT9CLLRNW

Join Matt and Ty in part 1 of this conversation as they discuss the role pop culture plays in the church. From Star Wars to The Legend of Zelda and Lord of the Rings, there's so much to explore! What's your favorite reference to Christianity in pop culture?Not Safe For Sunday School is a podcast by Matt Ridings (@punpastor) as a part of the ministry of Fremont Community Church (@fremont.church). Our goal is to create Christian content that is true to scripture while also fun and engaging. Don't forget to leave us a review and share with a friend!Music by Bensound.comLicense code: SPFLQA9CT9CLLRNW

Join Matt and Eric as they discuss how the church has negatively stigmatized discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation. Regardless of what your beliefs are on these topics, there is healing to be had through humble conversation.Not Safe For Sunday School is a podcast by Matt Ridings (@punpastor) as a part of the ministry of Fremont Community Church (@fremont.church). Our goal is to create Christian content that is true to scripture while also fun and engaging. Don't forget to leave us a review and share with a friend!Music by Bensound.comLicense code: SPFLQA9CT9CLLRNW