The Anxiety Disorder of the Modern Age & the Call to Rest

In this episode of Abounding Grace Radio, Rev. Chris Gordon is joined by Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan to explore the pervasive issue of anxiety in our modern age. They discuss how constant access to global news, the isolation of recent lockdowns, and the "gut-brain axis" contribute to a heightened state of fear. Rather than offering mere platitudes, they delve into how historical context—such as the Bubonic Plague—and the heavier hand of God's providence help us understand our current struggles.

Chapters:
00:02:00 - Pastoral Needs and the Goal of the Local Church
00:03:00 - Historical Context: The Plague vs. Modern Convenience
00:04:30 - The Rise of Medication and Common Grace
00:05:30 - Digital Inundation: Why the Internet Fuels Fear
00:06:45 - Algorithms of Division and the "Click" Economy
00:07:30 - The Physical Toll: Gut Health and Anxiety
00:08:45 - The Importance of Human Interaction and Church
00:10:30 - Fear of the Future vs. The Sovereignty of God
00:15:20 - God is Bigger: Finding Rest in Divine Promises

Guest Information:
Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is the pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. He earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Historical Theology from Westminster Seminary California, where his research focused on Faustus Socinus.
X: @danborvan
Website: christreformed.org

Mentions:
Daniel Defoe (A Journal of the Plague Year), C.S. Lewis, Bubonic Plague, Faustus Socinus, Westminster Seminary California, common grace, providence, gut-brain axis, eschatology.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. As a student at Westminster Seminary he learned that all study of Scripture, theology, and church history is put into practice in the worship and work of the church. The goal is to glorify Christ by serving His church. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.

Daniel is chairman of the Heidelberg Reformation Association. Some of his published articles are on the Heidelblog website. Daniel was installed as pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church, September 29, 2023. Daniel is married to Marcy and they have two daughters and a son.

x: danborvan