What happens when secular culture does a better job of shaping our desires and beliefs than the church?
Trinity Anglican Seminary theology professor Dr. Alex Fogelman joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the decline of discipleship and how modern culture invisibly catechizes us.
Dr. Fogelman explores the historical roots of foundational instruction and his book Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice. They examine why pragmatic approaches to church growth fail and how a comprehensive introduction to the faith can deeply root believers against the shifting winds of the modern age.
In this conversation they explore:
- Why the "learning of faith" is essential, even though faith is a divine gift, to help form a new humanity.
- How the endless scroll of social media, pop culture, and shopping malls act as powerful forms of "cultural catechesis" that shape our vision of the good life.
- The flaws of imitating cultural forms, like "Christian Pokémon" or "Christian AI," and why simply swapping out the content ignores how the medium shapes the message.
- How the "TikTok age" exacerbates a sense of ephemeral rootlessness that prevents true human flourishing.
- The danger of church pragmatism and why sustainable ministry must integrate theology, history, and practice together.
- Practical strategies for making catechesis the "front porch" of the church, where the faith is passed on person-to-person rather than through an automated screen.
This is a conversation for anyone interested in theology, cultural analysis, and discipleship who wants to understand the hidden liturgies shaping our minds and how to build a more grounded faith.
Make sure to check out Dr. Fogleman's book: Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802883850#
Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com
Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud.
These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.
Timestamps
0:00 - Episode Introducing Dr. Alex Fogleman
0:19 - Defining "Catechesis"
4:57 - The Decline of Discipleship and the Influence of J.I. Packer
11:16 - "Cultural Catechesis" vs. Christian Instruction
15:34 - Real-World Examples of Cultural Catechesis
20:44 - Competing Rites of Passage
23:38 - Understanding the "Learning of Faith"
30:57 - Why History, Theology, and Practice Must Go Together
35:51 - Moving Past Pragmatism
41:17 - Building a Catechetical "Front Porch"
