Ezra Institute Podcast for Cultural Reformation

Think Christianly About Advent: Part 3

In this Advent episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Dr. Joe Boot and Dr. Michael Thiessen continue the Think Christianly series by asking a world-shaping question: Who is the child in the manger? Marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, they explore the Arian heresy, the church’s defense of Christ’s full divinity, and why the Nicene confession—“begotten, not made”—is essential to Christian worship, salvation, and culture. The discussion also shows how Arianism persists today wherever Jesus is reduced to a moral teacher rather than confessed as Lord. This episode calls Christians, especially during Advent, to stand with the historic church and boldly confess Christ as fully God and fully man—the Word made flesh, for the life of the world.

Think Christianly About Advent: Part 2

In this Advent episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Dr. Joe Boot, Dr. Michael Thiessen, and Pastor Nate Wright continue their discussion of Think Christianly by examining why the divinity of Jesus Christ is essential to the Christian faith and the gospel itself. Drawing on John 1, the early church fathers, and the historic battles against heresies such as Gnosticism and Arianism, the hosts explain why Christ must be fully God and fully man to accomplish salvation. They explore the significance of the incarnation, the Council of Nicaea, and why reducing Jesus to a moral teacher undermines Scripture, creation, and redemption. This episode calls Christians to recover both the awe and the doctrinal clarity needed to confess Christ as the eternal Word made flesh—God with us, for our salvation.

Bill C-9 and the Future of ‘Hate Speech’

We’re briefly pausing our Advent series to address the urgent news surrounding Canada’s proposed Bill C-9. Pastor Nate Wright and Dr. Michael Thiessen break down what this anti-hate legislation really means for free speech, public Christianity, and the future of law in the West. They explain how new “hate propaganda” provisions, vague definitions, and sentence enhancements threaten to criminalize biblical teaching, blur the line between sin and crime, and empower the state to police beliefs rather than actions. Framed through a Christian worldview, they explore why every society enforces a moral vision—and why the question isn’t whether, but which worldview will shape law. They also consider how Bill C-9 could impact churches, Christian schools, and open disagreement with other religions, while calling believers to bold proclamation of the gospel even in the face of mounting legal pressure. Get Dr. Boot’s latest book, Think Christianly: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind Buy our new Foundations curriculum: https://ezramedia.tv/foundations/ Stay up to date with Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/

Think Christianly About Advent: Part 1

In this first episode of our Advent series, “Think Christianly About Advent,” Nate Wright, Dr. Joe Boot, and Dr. Michael Thiessen explore what it truly means to think Christianly about Christ as we enter the Christmas season. Starting from family and church traditions, they move into the deeper significance of the incarnation as the moment when the eternal God steps into history, confronting both ancient pagan hopes and modern political idols. Drawing on Joe’s chapter “Think Christianly About Christ” and his article "The New Political Community", they unpack the profoundly political nature of Advent—the coming of the true Priest-King whose kingdom challenges every rival rule. This episode sets the stage for the series by reminding us that Christmas is not just about nostalgia, but about the Kingdom of God breaking into the world. Get Dr. Boot's latest book, Think Christianly: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind Learn more about our soon-to-be-released small group curriculum, Foundations: https://ezramedia.tv/foundations/ Stay up to date with Ezra Event: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/ Read Joe's article mentioned in the episode here: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/the-new-political-community/

Think Christianly: Recovering the Christian Mind

In this episode, Dr. Michael Thiessen, Dr. Joe Boot, and Pastor Nate Wright continue their discussion on Think Christianly, focusing on how the church can recover a truly Christian mind. They examine how secular philosophies, pop psychology, and emotionalism have shaped much of modern Christian thinking, leading to widespread syncretism and cultural confusion. The hosts explore the need for a reformational worldview—one that applies God’s Word to every sphere of life—and why theology alone can’t stand apart from Christian philosophy, education, law, or politics. They unpack how dualism has separated “spiritual” things from “real life,” and why faithful Christian action requires a renewed, biblical way of thinking about the whole of creation. A foundational conversation for anyone who wants to understand what it means to think Christianly about everything. Get Dr. Boot's latest book, Think Christianly: Developing an Undivided Mind, today!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind Learn more about our soon-to-be-released small group curriculum, Foundations: https://ezramedia.tv/foundations/ Stay up to date with Ezra Event: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/