The Trouble With Galatians: Part 1

·39 min·3 clips

Jay Bakker reveals how Christian influencers are promoting racism, exposing a deep division within modern faith.

Jay Bakker opens the episode with a casual, stream-of-consciousness introduction, wishing listeners a happy new year and acknowledging the chaotic state of the world. He mentions being on new medication and thanks supporters of Revolution Church. Bakker explains that he goes through Galatians every year, this time titling it 'The Trouble With Galatians' because the issues Paul addressed—division, identity, and grace—are still prevalent. He observes how Christianity has become just another identifier, like astrology signs, and criticizes the rise of identity politics within religious circles. Bakker points out the irony of Christians who condemn 'woke' identity politics while engaging in their own divisive behavior. He reflects on the limited knowledge in biblical scholarship and the tendency for people to claim absolute truth without deep study. The host then shifts to personal anecdotes, discussing his friend Gary's stroke and the death of Don Polk, a father figure who took him in as a teenager. Bakker ties these experiences to the broader theme of human suffering and the need for grace. He provides background on Galatians: written by Paul around AD 48-50, set in modern-day Turkey, and influential in Martin Luther's Reformation. Bakker notes it's the earliest development of justification by faith, not works, and was written 10-25 years before the Gospel of Mark. He emphasizes that Galatians is about equality through grace, but humans continually find new ways to divide—first Jews and Gentiles, then other groups. Bakker reads from Galatians 1, highlighting Paul's defensive tone as he asserts his apostleship and condemns those preaching a 'different gospel.' He connects this to modern examples, like Christians justifying sin or prioritizing politics over compassion. Bakker argues that grace is unfair and anarchic, accepting everyone including enemies, which challenges human desires for fairness. He shares how he was accused of being a 'people pleaser' for inclusive views, even though it cost him financial support. The episode concludes with Bakker summarizing key points: Paul's humanity and insecurities, the evil age of division, and the call to live together without destroying each other. He invites listener feedback, requests donations and an accountant for the church, and teases future topics like hell and Martin Luther King Jr.

As heard by us

A rough, personal Galatians study turns Paul's contested authority into a plea for patience amid division.

Galatians returns as part of the yearly rhythm, but this episode starts in a more unsettled place. The host is candid about new medication leaving him on edge, the world feeling mad, turning 50, and finding a bright spot in a weekend with his children.

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Why you'd press play

You want Galatians, frayed church trust, and a little New Year's existential wobble? Press play.

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