Notes from Episode 2: Emotion, prayer and comedy

Michael and Megan disagree about the role emotion plays in theology. Michael edited a book on emotion, which you can find here. In this episode, they argue about whether emotions are a source of theology, why (and if) evangelicals place so much emphasis on reason over emotion and Megan asks whether it might have something to do with the traditional view that men are more rational and women are more emotional.

If you weren’t already uncomfortable, in the Discomfort Zone, Michael challenges Megan to read a section of John Calvin’s Institutes on prayer which he says “transformed” his prayer life … but Megan isn’t too fussed with what she read. Instead, she offers a few books of her own on prayer that had a similar transformational effect on her (Prayer: finding the heart’s true home, Richard Foster and The Transforming Friendship: a guide to prayer, James Houston. She’s also currently reading A Praying Life, Paul Miller)

Then in Marg and Dave Megan suggests they watch Nanette, Australian comedienne Hannah Gadsby’s stand-up performance for Netflix which has been heralded around the world.

Their verdict: it felt like a sermon rather than a comedy routine. And a good sermon, too: one that connects in with the whole person, makes you uncomfortable and unsettled where it needs to and moves you to action.

Want to subscribe? 

Find out more about the hosts of With All Due Respect:

Rev Dr Michael Jensen, rector at St Mark’s Anglican Darling Point, author, public commentator.

Rev Megan Powell du Toit, ordained Baptist minister, Publishing Manager of the Australian College of Theology, editor of the journal Colloquium.

We got the idea of our two header theology and culture podcast from this show: The Movie Show/At the Movies.