Cage Free Theology

Can Christians cuss? Is swearing always a sin, or does it depend on the words we use, our intentions, and the culture we live in? What about substitute words like “gosh,” “dang,” or “nuts”? And does the Bible ever use strong or shocking language?

In this episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon tackle the often-debated question of Christian speech and what the Bible teaches about cursing, swearing, profanity, and vulgarity.

Rather than simply making a list of forbidden words, Clint and Will explore the biblical principles that should shape the way Christians speak. From Jesus’ teaching that the mouth speaks out of the heart (Matthew 12:34–37) to Paul’s command to use words that build others up (Ephesians 4:29), they discuss why our speech reveals more about our hearts than we might realize.

In this episode, we discuss:
    -What the Bible says about cussing, swearing, and profanity.
    -Whether a word is sinful because of its meaning, our intentions, or its cultural context.
    -The connection between the heart, anger, and the words we speak.
    -Whether strong language is ever appropriate in a Christian context.
   -And SO MUCH MORE!

The conversation also considers biblical examples of strong language, the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, and insights from Christian thinkers such as John Piper and Douglas Wilson.

So, can Christians cuss? Join Clint and Will as they work through the biblical principles and practical questions that help us think carefully about how we speak.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Can Christians Cuss? Introduction and Opening Question
00:43 – Cussing vs. Swearing: Does the Difference Matter?
02:37 – Biblical Principles for Christian Speech
04:41 – Is It a Sin to Swear When Nobody Hears You?
06:25 – What Your Words Reveal About Your Heart
07:46 – Jesus’ Warning About Anger, Insults, and Sin
08:58 – What Makes a Word a “Bad Word”?
10:15 – Should Christians Follow Changing Cultural Standards?
12:33 – Is It the Word Itself or the Intention Behind It?
13:48 – Four Categories: Swearing, Cursing, Obscenity, and Vulgarity
19:26 – Is Strong or Profane Language Ever Appropriate?
22:38 – John Piper on Strong Language and Misusing God’s Name
26:04 – Soft Cussing: Are Words Like “Gosh” and “Dang” Sinful?
31:59 – Final Takeaways: Grace, Self-Control, and Christian Speech

What can maps, archaeology, and ancient biblical sites teach us about the Bible?

In this episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon explore what we can learn from the geography and archaeology of the biblical world. Clint recently returned from a trip through Greece and Turkey, visiting places connected to the ministry of Paul, John, and the early church.

From Corinth and Athens to Ephesus, Crete, Rhodes, and Patmos, Clint shares what it was like to stand in places mentioned in Acts and the New Testament—and how seeing these locations firsthand can bring biblical narratives into sharper focus.

The conversation explores:
     -Why biblical geography matters when studying Scripture
     -Whether archaeology actually “proves” the Bible
     -Why Christians shouldn't confuse biblical sites with “holy” places
     -Greece vs. Israel: Which biblical trip is more worthwhile?

This episode is a reminder that Christianity isn't rooted in mythology or a vague spiritual past. The events recorded in Scripture took place in real places, among real people, in real history.

You don't have to travel to Greece or Israel to understand the Bible—but sometimes seeing the geography for yourself adds a whole new layer of color and clarity.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 — What Do We Learn From Maps?
02:26 — Why Visit Biblical Locations?
05:29 — Corinth
06:25 — The Bema Seat 
08:25 — The Erastus Inscription
10:35 — Does Archaeology Prove the Bible?
13:00 — Athens, the Acropolis & Mars Hill 
16:31 — Patmos, John & the Book of Revelation
19:02 — Are Biblical Sites Actually “Holy” Places?
21:39 — Greece or Israel: Which Biblical Trip Should You Take?
24:41 — Why Maps Matter

What does it actually mean to fear the Lord? Is it being afraid of God?

In today's episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon get into the Bible giving us a deeper picture of what the fear of the Lord looks like. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This kind of fear is not simply terror or dread. It is a deep reverence, awe, respect, and recognition of who God is.  

Fearing God does not mean we have to live in constant anxiety that He will reject us. For those who trust in Him, Scripture also speaks about God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, and the confidence we can have in His presence.

They discuss whether Christians should watch horror movies, what Scripture means by “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and why biblical fear of God is more than simply “respect” or “reverence.” They also explore the difference between the fear an unbeliever should have of God's judgment and the holy awe believers should have toward God.

Most importantly, this conversation points to the comfort of the gospel: believers do not need to fear God's wrath because Christ has already borne that judgment on their behalf. The right fear of God doesn't drive Christians away from Him—it drives us toward Him.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 — What does it mean to fear the Lord?
01:19 — Should Christians watch horror movies?
03:18 — Violence, horror, and what we allow into our minds
05:20 — Is the fear of God a good thing?
08:59 — “He is not safe, but He is good”
10:38 — How should believers fear God differently?
11:16 — How does perfect love cast out fear?
17:25 — How fearing God can drive out other fears
18:02 — What if you feel like God is angry with you?
20:05 — “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Fear and anxiety are part of everyday life—but when does normal fear become sinful fear? And how should Christians respond when our minds become consumed by “what ifs,” worst-case scenarios, or the opinions of other people?

In this episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon have a practical, biblical conversation about fear, anxiety, phobias, and the fear of man. They discuss how to distinguish a God-given response to genuine danger from fear that reflects misplaced trust, and they explore how Scripture calls believers to respond.

From alligators and frogs to flying, future uncertainty, and the fear of other people's opinions, this conversation brings biblical truth into very practical situations.

The central question throughout the episode is: What is true, and what does God say?

⏱️ Timestamps
00:36 — How Should We Think About Fear and Anxiety?
01:15 — What Is Fear, and Is Fear Always Sinful?
03:21 — When Does Fear Become a Sin Issue?
04:35 — Diagnosing Fear: What Are You Afraid of Losing?
05:47 — Philippians 4: Responding to Anxiety With Prayer
07:19 — Adam, Fear, and Hiding From God in Genesis 3
13:24 — How Should Christians Approach Fear Differently?
21:35 — Understanding the Fear of Man
And don't forget: fear doesn't have to control you—learn to ask what is true, what God has said, and how you should respond.

Why did God declare some animals “clean” and others “unclean” in the Old Testament—and what does that mean for Christians today?

In this episode of Cage-Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon explore the biblical dietary laws in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, the meaning of kosher, and the major theories behind clean and unclean animals. 

They discuss: 
     -Pigs, shellfish, birds, and other animals
     -They connect these Old Testament laws to Jesus’ teaching in Mark 7, Peter’s vision in Acts   10, and the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15
     -Christian freedom, holiness, and being sensitive to the consciences of others

Ultimately, the Old Testament’s clean and unclean food laws point beyond what is on the plate to God’s call for His people to be holy and set apart. In Christ, those dietary restrictions have been fulfilled, but the call to holiness remains. Join us as we unpack what these ancient laws mean—and why they still matter for Christians today.

⏱️Timestamps:
    00:23 — What are clean and unclean animals?
    00:52 — What does “kosher” mean?
    02:48 — Why should Christians care about kosher laws?
    04:29 — Clean and unclean animals in Leviticus 11
    05:12 — The rules for land animals
    08:04 — Fish, shellfish, and the kosher diet
    11:20 — Four theories behind clean and unclean animals
    19:19 — Is there one explanation for these laws?
    23:38 — Jesus declares all foods clean
    24:19 — Peter, Cornelius, and the vision in Acts 10