The MAVEN Parent Podcast · Brett and Erin Kunkle

Why Practical Advice Will FAIL You

·53 min·4 clips

Erin challenges parents with five questions to see if they're too theological, starting with quoting the Apostles' Creed.

This episode of the MAVEN Parent Podcast features hosts Aaron and Erin, experienced parents with 28 years of raising children, challenging the common demand for purely practical parenting tips. They recount a conversation with a pastor who asserted parents primarily need practical advice, to which Aaron bluntly disagreed. The hosts argue that effective parenting is undermined by a lack of theological and intellectual foundation within Christian communities. They propose a five-question test to gauge theological knowledge, covering the Apostles' Creed, the Council of Nicaea, defining the Trinity, listing systematic theology categories, and explaining terms like atonement and justification. Aaron and Erin suggest most Christians would score poorly, contrasting this with likely greater knowledge of pop culture or sports trivia. They connect this theological deficiency to parenting struggles, using discipline as an example where misunderstanding human nature leads to failed strategies. The hosts cite author J.P. Moreland's book "Love Your God With All Your Mind" to argue for the mind's essential role in spiritual transformation. They outline four reasons people skip deep thinking for quick fixes: misunderstanding the intellect's role in change, overlooking the parent's own need for transformation, a cultural temptation for immediate results, and simple intellectual laziness. Wendell Berry's essay is quoted, labeling "short-term practicality" as "long-term idiocy." The episode maintains a conversational and encouraging tone, blending personal anecdotes with theological discussion. It directly addresses Christian parents feeling overwhelmed by behavioral challenges and seeking deeper guidance. Listeners solely wanting step-by-step disciplinary techniques might find this episode too theoretical.

As heard by us

A careful case for parenting shaped by theology, reflection, and a clearer view of the human person.

This episode makes a steady case for parenting that goes beyond quick advice and toward a fuller account of the human person at home. It works best when it links theology to ordinary family life and shows why reflection, a biblical view of the mind, and a clearer anthropology…

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Why you'd press play

If your parenting books are all tips, this one asks what you are missing.

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