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Articles by Ryan Eras
Ezra Institute | Education, Line-Up Changes, and Why We Exist
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Education A bittersweet start to 2024, as we announce some changes to the hosting of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, but we are also excited to see the founding of a new Christian school in the Niagara region, and the work of cultural reform being implemented in concrete ways. We also take this occasion to look back on the origins and naming of the Ezra Institute, and how the podcast and our broader work will continue and grow moving forward.
Ezra Institute | A Prayer for the New Year
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Prayer In the first episode of 2024, we consider the tradition of New Year’s resolutions, look ahead at some of the newsmaking trends that we anticipate, and conclude with a prayer for a new year.
Ezra Institute | Christmas Replay 2023: Leadership and Character
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Discipleship In this Christmas replay, we discuss several opposing pairs of virtues and vices that shape our Christian character. If you’re considering how you can grow in godliness and holiness this coming year, here are some timeless biblical concepts to consider. Would you help support the work of the Ezra Institute before the year ends? Click to donate, and thank you for all your prayers and support!
Ezra Institute | Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Christianity There is a certain type of attitude or personality that creeps up this time of year that tries to suppress the joy of other believers in celebrating the birth of Christ. It alleges that Christmas was originally pagan, and that we are participating in idolatry.
Ezra Institute | Trans Identities and the Givenness of the World
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Sexuality We live in an age where we are told to define and live our own truth, including the most fundamental truths about our human identity. Over against such self-determination, Scripture gives us a vision for life based on the identity of God as the transcendent Creator, of human beings as image-bearing creatures, and the fundamental givenness of the world. Would you prayerfully consider supporting the Ezra Institute this year? Donate here.
Ezra Institute | Interest Rates, ESG, and Godly Investments w/ Jonathan Wellum
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Economics Jonathan Wellum joins us once more on the podcast to reflect on the economic year 2023, and to discuss ESG, ethical investing, and the worldview difference between a godly and ungodly approach to economics. Learn more about Jonathan’s work. Get tickets for Mission of God West, happening this weekend!
Ezra Institute | Thinking Christianly about International Law w/ Dan Ogden
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Law Ezra Institute Fellow Dan Ogden makes his podcast debut to discuss the difference between international law, which is based on common consent, and supranational law, a coercive and unaccountable system. He explains some of the strategic and economic benefits of a globally connected world, as well as the complications that arise from it, and how to think in a principled, Christian way about a tangled and high-stakes context.
Ezra Institute | Electioneering and Demoralization
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Culture We interact with a classic interview with Yuri Bezmenov, a KGB agent who defected from the USSR in the 1980s. He explains the strategy of cultural infiltration that has been active since the 1950s, and the work of demoralization that has been accomplished in the West.
Ezra Institute | Christian Nationalism, Christian Pietism, or Christian Culture w/ Andrew Sandlin
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Culture Ezra Institute Fellow Andrew Sandlin joins us to discuss the strange bedfellows of Marxism and Nationalism that have been keeping company lately, as well as antisemitism and the recent rise of nationalism of several stripes, including Christian nationalism, and how a reformational perspective guards against the excesses and reactionism of both progressive and conservative ideologies that are not based in Christ Jesus.
Ezra Institute | Veterans Day, Protests, and Christ's Armistice
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Culture As governments and law enforcement deal with planned demonstrations for this upcoming Remembrance Day, Joe Boot considers the Islamic worldview commitments that are fundamentally at odds with Christian religious worldview commitments, and discuss the true and lasting peace that was accomplished through the cross of Christ. All month of November, save on the family advent guide Behold Your King at Ezra Press.
Ezra Institute | Our Present Culture of Death
/ On this Reformation Day, Tobias Riemenschneider joins us from Germany to discuss the West’s death-loving culture, expressed in the horror of abortion. He explains how the wide-scale support for state-sponsored abortion is upstream from so many other forms of murder, euthanasia, the harm that it causes to women, and the folly of referring to abortion as a human right.
Ezra Institute | Racism, Christianity, and Antisemitism
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Culture Scripture has always acknowledged one single human race, and God has always dealt with His people covenantally, rather than on the basis of bloodlines. Babel was a divine act of segregation because the people were unified in wickedness and disobedience, but it is no longer normative because of Christ’s reconciling work, making the two one.
Ezra Institute | Israel, Islam, and the Kingdom of God
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Eschatology In the wake of the recent attack on Israel by Hamas, and the Israeli response, we consider the religious roots of anti-Semitism and conflict with Israel. We also discuss the eschatological goal of Islam to conquer the earth, and the difference between a reformational approach and the historic doctrinal assumptions and commitments towards Israel from dispensational theology.
Ezra Institute | Censorship and the War of the Gods
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Worship The Canadian government’s passage of legislation such as Bills C-11, C-18, and C-36 is beginning to bear fruit, in the form of increasingly invasive censorship policies levied on content platforms. All civilizations practice censorship, making decisions for the type of material that is suitable for public viewing; the difference is in the standard of judging and how it is applied.
Ezra Institute | All the Updates You've Been Waiting For
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Apologetics We’ve seen a lot of new listeners to the show in the past few months, and a warm welcome to all of you! In this episode, Joe Boot, Ryan Eras, and Nate Wright discuss how and why the Ezra Institute began, the issues and activities that we engage in, and what we’re doing next. Get tickets to our upcoming Mission of God Canada conferences in Windsor, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta.
Ezra Institute | Deep Discipleship for Dark Days w/ Paul Dirks
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Discipleship Pastor and author Paul Dirks discusses his forthcoming book, Deep Discipleship for Dark Days, and explains why the time is ripe for Christians to embark on building healthy, godly families, churches, schools, and communities.
Ezra Institute | Church and State Updates in Alberta w/ Mike Thiessen
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic The Church Michael Thiessen discusses the recent Crown decision to withdraw charges against Alberta pastors James Coates and Tim Stephens, as well as some other pending legal cases on the question of the relation of church and state. The cases represent victories, but Mike explains why much more advocacy needs to be done at the constitutional level to bring a truly meaningful level of legal protection for religious freedom in Canada.
Ezra Institute | Christian Care w/ Ted Fenske
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Science, Sexuality Ezra Institute Fellow Ted Fenske joins us to talk about the role of the Christian in medicine. As a veteran cardiologist, Dr. Fenske recalls his medical internship during the 1980s AIDS epidemic, and offers wisdom based on hard experience in ministering faithfully to LGBT patients. Get Ted’s book, Keeping Faith in Medicine. Ted will be a speaker at the upcoming Mission of God conference. Get tickets.
Ezra Institute | Christian Character, Continued
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Christianity We conclude the conversation begun last week about Christian character, and examine biblical figures to discuss several more dichotomies of virtuous versus vicious character traits that Christians must be actively developing. If you like the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, do us a quick favour and subscribe, share, like, or review the show from your podcast platform. It’s quick and easy to do, and helps us reach more listeners!
Ezra Institute | Christian Character
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Christianity In this episode Joe Boot draws examples from contemporary life on the importance of Christian character, and what happens when this is neglected by those in leadership. Joe touches on his time working with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, Justin Trudeau’s separation from his wife and begins to look at opposing pairs of virtues and vices that are exhibited by biblical figures given for our example.
Ezra Institute | Christian Courage and Gospel Witness w/ Cory McKenna
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Evangelism/Mission In this episode, we speak with equipping evangelist Cory McKenna of The Cross Current, to review how the last three years of lockdowns and isolation have affected the work of relational ministry, the centrality of the local church, the work of discipling those who have not grown up in the church, and the spiritual hunger that people have felt in a season where we have been told to fear and avoid our neighbour.
Ezra Institute | Christian Compromise: Theistic Evolution
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Science In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, we’re joined by Richard Fangrad of Creation Ministries International as we continue our series on issues facing the church. This week’s issue is theistic evolution. Richard explains what the theory is, where it came from, and what is at stake in the evolutionary debate.
Ezra Institute | Live Audience Q&A at Worldview Leadership Academy
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Culture In this episode, faculty answer questions from students at the Worldview Leadership Academy. We deal with the charge of Christianity’s closed-mindedness, whether you can idolize the Bible, apologetics and evangelism, lying to the Nazis, whether you can lose your salvation, and more. Audio quality improves around the 15-minute mark! Get Joe Boot’s classic work of apologetics, A Time to Search, on sale all month at Ezra Press.
Ezra Institute | Christian Combat w/Michael Thiessen
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Sexuality Michael Thiessen of Liberty Coalition Canada joins us to discuss the latest developments in the ongoing saga of the church’s relationship to LGBT issues, and the further complication of what happens when the state gets involved. We deal with the proper use of legal process as Christians, news stories, citizenship, charity law, and the prophetic calling of the church. We rely on your support to continue with all of our work.
Ezra Institute | Christian Cowardice w/ Aaron Edwards
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Culture This week’s podcast guest is Dr. Aaron Edwards. Dr. Edwards was forced out of his teaching position for supporting biblical sexuality on social media. He describes his experience, and examines the failure amongst evangelicalism to speak prophetically and biblically on key cultural issues. Read more from Aaron Edwards.
Ezra Institute | Christian Socialism? w/ Graeme Leach
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Economics Ezra Institute Fellow for Biblical Economics, Graeme Leach, joins us on this week’s podcast episode to discuss the phenomenon of Christians advocating for historically socialist and Marxist economic policies.
Ezra Institute | The Postmillennial Hope w/Andrew Sandlin
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Eschatology Ezra Institute Fellow Andrew Sandlin discusses his book, A Postmillennial Primer. In this episode, Andrew and Joe Boot outline the biblical case for an optimistic eschatology and the historical and ideological events that led to this doctrine’s present position as a minority perspective in evangelicalism.
Ezra Institute | Wrapping up Q&A on the Ten Commandments
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Law Joe Boot and Nate Wright are back again to answer a few lingering questions resulting from the Ten Commandments podcast series. In this episode we consider how the earliest humans married and reproduced, compared with later Mosaic incest laws. We also tackle questions on how the church and the individual ought to think and act with regard to charitable status, tax exemption, and the administration of tithes and offerings.
Ezra Institute | Death and Taxes: More Q&A on the Ten Commandments
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Law In this episode we answer some more questions that emerged out of the Ten Commandments series, dealing with issues of what happens to believers after they die, and responding to the claim that the state only stepped in to provide welfare benefits because the church failed in this job. Plus, scholarships are available for the Worldview Leadership Academy, Calgary gets a Mission of God conference, and a staffing announcement that we’re pumped for.
Ezra Institute | Ten Commandments Q&A
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Law & Gospel Thanks to our listeners, we have some terrific questions emerging out of the Ten Commandments series. In this episode Joe Boot answers questions about Paul and Christ and their relationship to the law, what it means to ‘fulfill’ the law, and how believers kept the law before Christ and the giving of the Holy Spirit. More space is now available for the Worldview Leadership Academy.
Ezra Institute | CBC Discovers Top Secret Fundamentalist Plot
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Culture Joe Boot is joined this week by Ezra Institute Fellows Aaron Rock and Michael Thiessen to discuss the recent CBC investigation which identifies our churches and ministries, as well as those of several others, as leading efforts at godly cultural reformation in Canada. Come and study with Joe, Michael, and other Fellows at the Worldview Leadership Academy. Get the June book of the month deal, Whose Rainbow.
Ezra Institute | Systemic Covetousness
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Law Joe Boot closes our series on the Ten Commandments with some observations on the tenth commandment against covetousness, including how it works with the first commandment to encapsulate and summarize the whole Decalogue, how a covetous heart influences every other action, and how covetousness is manifest in the world not just at the individual, but also the systemic level.
Ezra Institute | Resisting Tyranny w/ Tobias Riemenschneider
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic The Church Pastor Tobias Riemenschneider discusses the church’s responsibility to its people and to the state, explains why he was prompted to draft the Frankfurt Declaration of Church and Civil Liberties, and how our response to Covid-related restrictions is training us for the next cultural and worldview crisis related to trans gender identity. Get Tobias’ book, Resisting Tyranny. Get the German version, Gegen die Tyrannie.
Ezra Institute | False Witness, Nazis, and Trudeau's Crown
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Law In this episode Joe Boot discusses the Ninth Commandment about bearing false witness, times where it is godly to withold the truth, and draws out the implications for law and society, as well as the ever-present question of who is my neighbour. We also look at the move by the Trudeau government to replace the crown on Canada’s coat of arms with a new version bereft of Christian symbols.
Ezra Institute | Coronation Oaths and the Millennial Hope
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Covenant In this episode Joe Boot reflects on the recent coronation of King Charles III, focusing on the nature of national oaths and covenants, and the proper place of the monarch in a role of delegated authority, living under God’s law. It’s a heavy responsibility and Scripture enjoins us to pray for our civil rulers. Get your tickets to the Mission of God conference in Bonaire, Georgia, May 20. Apply to the Worldview Leadership Academy USA.
Ezra Institute | Theft, Taxation, and Dominion w/ Nate Wright
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Law P Nate of the Rebel Podcast joins us this week as we resume our series in the Ten Commandments. Nate explains how the commandment “you shall not steal” enjoins the opposite, positive principle to protect your neighbour’s property, not to mention the presupposition of private property. Contra Klaus Schwab and Karl Marx, owning nothing is not a formula for human happiness. Scholarships are available for the USA Worldview Leadership Academy.
Ezra Institute | Slavery, Law, Crime and Punishment
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic justice Joe Boot explains the biblical understanding of penology – the study and practice of punishing crime. Despite modern objections about the harshness of biblical justice, the penology outlined in God’s law is in fact true justice, and its practice leads to a more just and free society. Apply for the Worldview Leadership Academy USA Get Joe’s newest book, For Reformational Thinking American supporters – tax-deductible giving is now available!
Ezra Institute | Martyrdom at Covenant School
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Hope This week we pause our series in the Ten Commandments to reflect on the shooting at Covenant School in Nashville. In a de-christening culture, those who worship the true and living God should expect to suffer hatred and violence, even unto death, from those who worship the false god of self. But the Christian’s hope is the promise of light and life dispelling darkness and death.
Ezra Institute | The 7th Commandment: You Shall Not Commit Adultery
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Sexuality In this episode Joe Boot discusses the narrow and broad definitions of adultery in light of both Moses and Christ, explaining how sexuality is much more than the modern notion of consent. Contrary to contemporary thinking, sexual activity outside of the blessed structure of covenant marriage has drastic personal and social consequences.
Ezra Institute | The Sixth Commandment: Defending the Image of God w/Kyle Thompson
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic justice Kyle Thompson of the Undaunted Life podcast joins us for a discussion of the commandment “You shall not murder.” We talk about war, self-defense, and the failure of the state to properly prosecute justice on murderers, as well as the responsibility of the individual to defend his family and neighbor. Kyle speaks at length on related issues here and here. Get The Mission of God on sale as the March book of the month.
Ezra Institute | The Sixth Commandment: Thou Shall Not Murder
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Abortion We begin this episode by examining the biblical definition of murder, and looking at cases where the taking of life is prohibited, where it is permitted, and the single situation where it is required by God. We also consider how our society’s rejection of God is evident in legalized murder in the form of abortion and euthanasia, as well as Jesus’ teaching about murderous talk and attitudes that break this commandment.
Ezra Institute | State of the Nation, 2023
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Culture We take a short recess from the Ten Commandments series to talk about drag queen story hour protests, global Anglicanism, and other important news from around the world. And is the Ezra Institute going to be on the CBC? Register for 2023 training programs: Runner Academy; Worldview Leadership Academy; and the Christianity and Culture Colloquium. Get The Mission of God as the March Book of the Month on sale now
Ezra Institute | The Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Father and Mother
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Family In this episode Joe Boot and special guest, pastor Joel Webbon, discuss the fifth commandment, how it applies not only to young children, but to everyone, and how a worldly mindset has led us to neglect this commandment when it becomes uncomfortable or burdensome. This March, the book of the month is The Mission of God. Get it on sale now at Ezra Press. Hear more from Joel at Right Response Ministries. Apply for this year’s Runner Academy.
Ezra Institute | The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Worship Sabbath rest is a biblical principle that seems to invite a level of controversy: how often, when, who, and in what ways are is the Sabbath to be observed. Joe Boot discusses the connection between work, rest, and worship, why Sabbath-breaking was a capital offense in ancient Israel, and the difference that Christ makes to the form of our observance.
Ezra Institute | The Third Commandment: You Shall Not take the Name of the Lord in Vain
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic The Bible In this episode Ezra Institute Fellow Michael Thiessen discusses what it means to take the name of the Lord, both rightly and wrongly, in the church, in politics, and in any other sphere. We also talk about the nature of oaths and authority, the Sermon on the Mount, what it means for something to be damned by God, and door-to-door sales.
Ezra Institute | The Second Commandment: Idolatry Kills
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic The Church Idolatry takes any number of forms at the individual, church, and national levels, but its temptation is always the same: you shall be as God. And the results always lead to death. As churches capitulate to antichristian cultural pressures, they often keep their outward form, but lose the power and vitality that ought to sustain and animate them.
Ezra Institute | The Second Commandment: You Shall Not Make An Idol
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Art, Christianity We continue our series in the Ten Commandments with the command against idolatry. In this episode, Joe Boot discusses the root of idolatry in the heart, and deals with some listener questions about the possibility of making work or family into an object of worship. We conclude by examining idolatry within the church itself. Register today for our spring training programs in the USA. Get the February Book of the Month, .
Ezra Institute | The First Commandment: The Voice of God Himself
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Law We’re officially underway with our series on the Ten Commandments. In this first episode, Joe Boot explains why this section of Scripture begins with the Lord declaring who He is, and why the commandments are ordered in the way that they are. If you’ve never thought about what our worship has to do with law, don’t miss this one. Applications for the Runner Academy are now open. Registration for the Christianity & Culture Colloquium are open.
Ezra Institute | Writing His Law on Our Hearts
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Law & Gospel, Lawlessness In this episode, Joe Boot explains how the opposite of law is not grace, nor love, but lawlessness, which often masquerades as love. Joe pulls illustrations from throughout Scripture to demonstrate the enduring validity of God’s law in the era of Christ’s resurrection. If Christ took the law seriously, and if we are to be imitators of Him, then it behooves us to take the law seriously as well.
Ezra Institute | The Beauty of the Ethical Life
/ Series Podcast for Cultural Reformation Topic Law We’re kicking off the new year with a new series, dealing with ethics and law generally, and the Ten Commandments specifically. In this episode, Joe Boot talks about the distinction between laws and norms, the fact that we live in a universe designed by God that is made to work according to His instruction, and what love has to do with fulfilling the law. Get our BOOK OF THE MONTH, The Heidelberg Diary, on sale all of January.
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