The Eikon Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
About
Please consider supporting this podcast by going to: https://www.patreon.com/eikonpodcastJoin Michael Burns (biblical teacher, author, and speaker), Jason Alexander (pastor, speaker), and Gianna Hearn (journalist, host of "The Weekly G" video news magazine of the NBA G-League) for a fun, lively, and relevant examination of biblical texts, emphasizing their historical and cultural context with an eye on applying those principles into the mess of modern life. To submit questions, or suggestions, or give feedback contact us at eikonpodcast@gmail.com. If you're a new listener. Welcome and thank you. We recommend that you start listening to season 4, episode 93. After you're caught up to the present, we suggest that you then go back and explore the first 3 seasons when the podcast was still called "All Things to All People with Michael Burns."
Episodes
- S8E261 - The Church's Idol of Certainty
Michael, Gianna, and Jeff begin a conversation about the need for certainty in faith. They explore how the desire for certainty can become an idol, referencing biblical stories and modern faith practices. They discuss the appeal of idolatr…
- S8E260 - Hidden Chapters: Did We Land on the Moon?
The Hidden Chapters Team is going to the moon. What is it? Have we been there? What does Scripture say about the moon? They explore the idea that the moon might not be a natural satellite but a hollow fortress or even a machine placed by a…
- S8E259 - Gettin' & Sittin' or Livin' & Givin'
The Eikon team engages in a deep discussion about the difference between being admirers and followers of Jesus. They explore the concept of consumer worship versus sacrificial following, emphasizing the importance of embodying the teaching…
- S8E258 - Reasons to Leave
Gianna, Michael, and Jeff discuss the appropriate reasons for leaving a church. They delve into topics like scriptural authority, toxic leadership, and the importance of shared service in the church, all framed through real-life examples a…
- S8E257 - Hidden Chapters: The Shadow People of Mt. Shasta and The Watchers
Discover the mysterious legends, spiritual symbolism, and paranormal phenomena associated with Mount Shasta, from ancient cosmic mountain symbolism to modern UFO and cryptid sightings. Join us as we explore the intriguing intersections of…
- S8E256 - Is Easter a Pagan Holiday? w/BK Apologist
In this episode, Alfredo, the BK Apologist, dives into the history and origins of Easter, debunking myths and explaining the cultural and religious significance behind symbols like eggs and rabbits. He emphasizes the importance of source-b…
- S8E255 - When to Agree or Disagree with My Church
In today’s world, many individuals find themselves grappling with their relationship with their church. Whether it's due to doctrinal disagreements or frustrations about how certain issues are addressed, these feelings can lead to crucial…
- S8E254 - The Prophetic Community of Lament - w/ Dr. Soong-Chan Rah
Dr. Soon Chan Rah explores the biblical and practical importance of lament in the life of faith, addressing misconceptions, systemic injustice, and how lament can transform church and community life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introducti…
- S8E253 - Obstacles to Life Together
The Eikon team explores the challenges and responsibilities of building authentic community within the church. From leadership roles to individual actions, the hosts discuss practical ways to identify and overcome obstacles to a close comm…
- S8E252 - Hidden Chapters: Noah's Box
Exploring the historical, archaeological, and cultural perspectives on Noah's Ark, including theories, sightings, and the challenges of verification. Chapters 00:00 The Dark Imagery of the Flood 02:24 The Search for Noah's Ark 05:19 Person…
- S8E251 - The Church: Life Together or Religious Organization?
The Eikon team explores the nature of church as a community versus an organization, emphasizing relational depth, shared purpose, and the importance of doing life together. Michael, Jeff, and Gianna discuss biblical models, practical chall…
- S8E250 - Marty Solomon: The Gospel of Being Human
Marty Solomon joins the Eikon team to discuss his new book with Reed Dent, 'The Gospel of Being Human'. The conversation explores the importance of asking better questions of the Bible, understanding our humanity, and the nature of God's l…
- S8E249 - How Can the Church Be a Family if I Don't Like You?
- S8E248 - The Hidden Chapters: The Mystery of the Ark of the Covenant
Michael, Jason, and Elijah discuss the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in Scripture, and then break down some of the more mysterious theories and explanations of what the Ark was and what happened to it.
- S8E247 - The Church: Coming to Church
In this episode of The Icon Podcast, hosts Gianna Hearn, Michael Burns, and Jeff Hickman reflect on their personal journeys of faith, the evolution of the podcast, and the significance of the church in their lives.
- S7E246 - Eikon Throwback - What is Worship (originally aired 8/26/24)
- S7E245 - Special New Episode - A Tiger in the House, part 7 - The Puritans: Prophets of America's Myths
To hear the entire series, A Tiger in the House, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter of the Eikon podcast at www.patreon.com/eikonpodcast
- S7E244 - Eikon Throwback - Inventing the Rapture, pt 2 (Originally aired, Oct. 30, 2023)
- S7E243 - Eikon Throwback - Songs We Shouldn't Sing: Away in a Manger (Dec. 22, 2022)
- S7E242 - Eikon Throwback - Inventing the Rapture (originally aired October 23, 2023)
The Eikon team examines the dispensational approach to interpreting Revelation and the claims that the end times are imminent.
- S7E241 - Eikon Throwback - When God Calls for Justice (Originally aired: April 3, 2023)
The battle against the forces of darkness often looks much different than we might think or expect.
- S7E240 - Eikon Throwback - Songs We Shouldn't Sing (Dec. 9, 2022)
Join us for this Eikon throwback episode from 2022, where Michael and Jason discuss the theological problems with the song, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."
- S7E239 - Eikon Throwback - Reading the Revelation: Eat the Children?
Original Air Date: June 26th, 2023
- S7E238 - Season Finale: Is Cussing Always a Sin
The Eikon Team, The Hidden Chapters Team, and their spouses all join the episode for a mostly lighthearted discussion about whether it's always a sin to curse.
- S7E237 - What Does a Centered Set Church Look Like?
The Eikon team explores the concept of the gospel as more than just a set of beliefs, emphasizing the importance of practices and community in the Christian faith. They discuss how centered set and bounded belief churches can share similar…
- S7E236 - Rising Racism and a Christian Response, w/Tim & Sam Blake, Pierre & Shara Saget, & Jeff Hickman
Tim & Samenthur Blake and Pierre & Shara Saget join Eikon to discuss the concerning rise of racist ideologies and rhetoric from circles that claim to represent Christ. They also reflect on the challenges of ministering in environments that…
- S7E235 Hidden Chapters: Does Halloween Have Pagan Origins?
Summary Join Hidden Chapters as we delve into the origins and evolution of Halloween, exploring its connections to ancient traditions, particularly Samhain and Druidic practices. They discuss the myths surrounding Halloween, including the…
- S7E234 - The Challenge of Loving Enemies, w/Jon Sherwood
Summary Jeff, Gianna, and Michael, along with guest Jon Sherwood, engage in a deep discussion about the themes of peace, love, and nonviolence in the context of Jesus' teachings. They explore the challenges of loving one's enemies, the imp…
- S7E233 - Can We Talk About It? Is Your Church Ready to Discuss Charlie Kirk?
Michael and Gianna welcome Evangelist, Pierre Saget, to discuss recent controversies in the national news and how and when churches should address such events. They emphasize the need for churches to prepare and form their congregations fo…
- S7E132 - Hidden Chapters - Annabelle, Amityville, and Endor: Talking to the Dead
This conversation delves into the lives and claims of Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned paranormal investigators. It explores their most famous cases, including the Annabelle doll and the Amityville Horror, while questioning the authenticit…
- S7E231 - They Not Like Us w/Jay Schmidt
Gianna, Michael, and Jeff welcome guest Jay Schmidt to discuss various themes surrounding Christianity, community, and acceptance. The conversation explores the differences between a bounded and centered gospel, the importance of community…
- S7E230 - Transformation and Shame
Michael and Jeff explore the themes of spiritual formation, the dynamics of bounded and centered sets in the gospel, and the importance of community in transformation. They reflect on personal experiences, the role of scripture, and the me…
- S7E229 - Hidden Chapters: Can We Live Forever?
Hidden Chapters looks at the fascinating legend of the Count of Saint Germain, a mysterious figure from the 18th century known for his alleged immortality and remarkable talents. The team explores the historical context of his life, the ru…
- S7E228 - Liberty v. Freedom
The Eikon team examines the distinction between the freedom afforded by the gospel to those in Christ and the cultural concept of liberty. They reflect on the challenges of living out this freedom in a culture that often prioritizes indivi…
- S7E227 - Why the Resurrection Matters
Michael and Jeff examine the importance of living in the light of resurrection, addressing both personal and systemic issues in society. The conversation highlights the contrast between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset, urging l…
- S7E226 - Will We Fly Away One Day?
Was the great hope of the first Christians to fly away one day, or was it something far more rooted in the biblical story of creation? The Eikon team discusses this important question as they examine the pivotal passages of 1 Thessalonians…
- S7E225 - Gospel Hope: Heaven Is Not the End of the World
Michael, Jeff, and Gianna continue the discussion of resurrection and its implications within Christian faith. They explore the differences between cultural views of the afterlife and early Christian teachings, emphasizing the importance o…
- S7E224 - Hidden Chapters: Can You Sell Your Soul to the Devil?
This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Robert Johnson, the legendary blues musician, and the myth surrounding his supposed deal with the devil at the crossroads. The discussion explores the origins of this myth, its implicati…
- S7E223 - The Gospel in the Wrong Direction
Michael and Jeff explore the themes of the gospel, focusing on the direction of hope and restoration. They discuss the misconception of the gospel as an evacuation to heaven versus God's intention to restore and renew creation. The convers…
- S7E222 - Afterlife: The End of the Gospel Story
Michael and Jeff discuss the significance of heaven, resurrection, and the early church's teachings, contrasting them with contemporary beliefs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel's beginning and end, th…
- S7E221 - Hidden Chapters: Time Travel and the Bible
In our monthly expedition in the strange side of the Bible, Hidden Chapters (previously: The Other Realm), Michael, Jason, and Elijah explore the intriguing concept of time travel, both in popular culture and within biblical narratives. Th…
- S7E220 - A Gospel Created Family
Michael and Jeff explore the theme of how the gospel creates a sense of family within the church. They discuss the importance of community, shared honor, and identity, and how Jesus redefined what it means to be part of God's family. The c…
- S7E219 - Centered Gospel: Blood, Ink, and Pencil
The Eikon team introduces a framework for understanding beliefs categorized as blood, ink, and pencil, emphasizing the need for clarity in what constitutes essential Christian doctrine. They discuss the importance of accepting differences…
- S7E218 - Centered Gospel: Why Do We Believe What We Believe?
Michael and Jeff explore the complexities of interpreting scripture in modern contexts, the role of tradition in understanding faith, and the evolution of Christian doctrine. They discuss the impact of individualism on Christianity and the…
- S7E217 - Centered Gospel: Should We Tell Him to Stop?
Summary The conversation in this episode highlights the need for flexibility in understanding doctrine, the importance of community and cooperation among different faith groups, and the ongoing struggle to navigate boundaries in faith with…
- S7E216 - The Other Realm: Zombie Apocalypse and the Bible
The Other Realm Team delves into the fascinating world of zombies, exploring their cultural significance, the evolution of zombie movies, and the science (or lack thereof) behind the undead. They discuss iconic films and TV shows, share pe…
- S7E215 - Centered Gospel: Lifting Your Robe
The Eikon Team delves into a deeper exploration of the centered and bounded gospels, particularly through the lens of table fellowship as illustrated in Luke 14 and 15. They reflect on the implications of social status in biblical times an…
- S7E214 - Centered Gospel: Sidewalks, not Fences
Summary Michael and Jeff discuss the challenges of measuring spiritual maturity and the need for a deeper understanding of faith that goes beyond mere rule-following. 00:00 Opening 09:04 Exploring Centered Set Church Concepts 30:57 Bounded…
- S7E213 - The Gospel of Exclusion
The Eikon team explores the differences between bounded and centered gospels, discussing the implications of church dynamics on inclusion and exclusion. They delve into the nature of bounded churches, the judgmentalism that can arise, and…
- S7E212 - The Exilic Gospel: That They May Glorify God
Michael and Jeff explore the themes of living as Christians in a world that often feels like an empire. They discuss the importance of community, the call to live honorably, and the challenge of embodying the way of the cross. The conversa…