Is Critical Thinking Dead?
Is critical thinking dead? It doesn't have to be! In this episode of Life Repurposed, we're diving into the world of critical thinking and its profound impact on life, culture, Bible study, faith, and spirituality. Host Michelle Rayburn unpacks the importance of engaging with scripture in a discerning way, exploring diverse perspectives, and understanding historical and cultural contexts to avoid misinterpretation. But the conversation doesn't stop there. We'll also explore the surprising link between critical thinking and resilience to doubt and uncertainty, as well as the misconception that it challenges deeply held beliefs. Join us as we embrace the complexity of faith and reason, and discover the power of curiosity, the joy of discovery, and the diverse perspectives that enrich our understanding of scripture. Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcast host who helps others find hope in the trashy stuff of life. She has an MA in ministry leadership and writes Christian living books, humor, and Bible studies. Together with her husband, they've raised two sons and gained two daughters-in-law—plus three granddaughters (go estrogen team!) and a grandson. Dark chocolate, an iced coffee, and a good book in the hammock top Michelle's favorites list. Show Notes In the latest episode of Life Repurposed, host Michelle Rayburn discusses critical thinking in Bible study and its broader implications for faith, personal growth, and society as a whole. Crucially, critical thinking goes beyond merely accepting the words on a page and instead involves engaging with the text in a discerning way, questioning assumptions, and evaluating diverse interpretations and translations. One of the key takeaways from the episode is the importance of examining personal biases and being open to diverse perspectives to deepen our understanding of scripture. By understanding historical and cultural contexts, listeners are encouraged to avoid misinterpretation and embrace new ideas Read more
Challenging Gender Roles in the Church: Empowering Women in Leadership and Ministry
As we journey through life, our perspectives and beliefs undergo a transformation, often challenging long-held traditions and assumptions. In Episode 197 of "Life Repurposed," host Michelle Rayburn shares her personal journey of challenging traditional beliefs about biblical manhood and womanhood. Reflecting on her own evolving perspective and the influence of influential books, she explores the need for open dialogue and understanding within faith communities, particularly regarding women's leadership in the church. Michelle offers practical steps for empowering women and emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse gifts for shared leadership. Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcast host who helps others find hope in the trashy stuff of life. She has an MA in ministry leadership and writes Christian living books, humor, and Bible studies. Together with her husband, they've raised two sons and gained two daughters-in-law—plus three granddaughters (go estrogen team!) and a grandson. Dark chocolate, an iced coffee, and a good book in the hammock top Michelle's favorites list. Show Notes This week, host Michelle Rayburn explores the deeply personal and evolving journey of challenging traditional gender roles and beliefs within the context of biblical teachings. Through introspection and scholarly exploration, she reflects on her own journey of growth, influenced by various books and authors who have questioned and challenged the prevailing notions of biblical manhood and womanhood. Michelle shares her initial influence by the Danvers Statement on biblical manhood and womanhood and how it impacted her views as a newlywed in the late eighties. She discusses the transformative impact of books like "Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" by John Piper and Wayne Grudem, "Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" by Aimee Bird, "On Purpose" by Julie Zine Coleman, and "The Making of Biblical Womanhood" by Beth Allison Barr. These readings challenged her long-held beliefs, instigating a profound period Read more
A Candid Chat on Planning Ahead for an Empty Nest
Join Michelle and guests Amber Cullum (Grace Enough Podcast) and Amy Fritz (Untangled Faith Podcast) in a candid and emotional conversation about planning for an empty nest. As midlife moms with kids at various stages, they share their thoughts, fears, and hopes about their children growing up and leaving home. From navigating the transition to preparing for empty nesting, this episode offers relatable insights and genuine conversations about the next chapter in parenting. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt discussion on Life Repurposed. Then hop over to liferepurposed.me to have a conversation about your questions and fears. Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcast host who helps others find hope in the trashy stuff of life. She has an MA in ministry leadership and writes Christian living books, humor, and Bible studies. Together with her husband, they've raised two sons and gained two daughters-in-law—plus three granddaughters (go estrogen team!) and a grandson. Dark chocolate, an iced coffee, and a good book in the hammock top Michelle's favorites list. Show Notes In the latest episode of "Life Repurposed," Michelle Rayburn and guests Amy Fritz and Amber Cullum engage in a candid and emotional conversation about the prospect of empty nesting. This discussion provides diverse perspectives on preparing for the eventual departure of children from the home, offering valuable insights and relatable experiences. Amid laughter and shared vulnerability, the friends explore their thoughts and emotions about the upcoming empty nest phase, acknowledging the difficulty of envisioning life without their children at home. Amber, a mother of younger children, expresses her struggle with change, while Amy, whose oldest child is in college, grapples with mixed feelings and the challenges of this transition. The conversation dives deep into the emotional complexities of preparing for an empty nest, shedding light on the fears, Read more
