The Brothers Zahl

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Christianity
**The Brothers Zahl**

Welcome to The Brothers Zahl podcast, a collaboration between John, David and Simeon Zahl, three siblings engaged in “the God business”–one as a writer, one as a professor, one as a priest. Each episode is devoted to a single topic of spiritual or religious interest in the hopes of sketching an overarching picture of grace and everyday life. The music is pretty good, too. Brought to you by Mockingbird Ministries.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 23: Culture Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

In the finale of season four, the brothers talk about that "complex whole" known as culture--high, low and in between.

You can respond to the opening appeal by clicking here.

Recommended and referenced resources include:

Books: A Mess of Help by David Zahl, The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman, The Dyer's Hand by WH Auden, Art as Therapy by Alain de Botton, Feel Free _by Zadie Smith, _The Pale King by David Foster Wallace, Mockingbird at the Movies, Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh, The Gospel According to Peanuts by Robert Short, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism by TS Eliot
Essays: "E Unibus Pluram" by David Foster Wallace
Movies: Anything directed by Michael Mann (starting with Heat, Manhunter, and Thief, including DVD commentaries
Talks: Exploring the Oddball World of Christian Disco by John Zahl
Music: JAZ's Choice Italo Essentials, JAZ's Greatest Hits
Songs: "Adventure" by Marzio Dance, "A Summer Night" by Liza Mancini, "We've Been Had" by The Walkmen, "Hustlin' Time" by American Steel, "Nowhere Is My Home" by The Replacements, "Destination: Anywhere" by The Marvelettes, "The Nightingale" by Julee Cruise, "On The Mountain" by Jonathan David, "You Must Engage" by The Keene Brothers, "Preach the Gospel" by DJ JAZ, "Expert In a Dying Field" by The Beths, "One Wish" by Phil Lynott, "Airport of Love" by Love International, "Add Some Music To Your Day" by The Beach Boys

Click here to listen to a playlist of all the songs featured in season 4 (that are available on Spotify).

Episode 22: The Bible Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

John, David, and Simeon take a wide-ranging and highly entertaining tour of the Good Book. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Albums: Jesus by Jon Guerra, Pslams by Sandra McCracken

Books: The Book of Homilies by Thomas Cranmer, Confessions by Augustine, Kingdom Grace and Judgment _by Robert Farrar Capon, _The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones, The Manga Bible, The Mockingbird Devotional Vols 1 & 2, The Almost Daily Devotional by Paul Walker, An Easy Stroll Through a Short Gospel: Meditations on Mark by Larry Parsley, The Living Color of Luke's Gospel by Larry Parsley, Eden and Afterward by William McDavid, Genesis by Marilynne Robinson, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling, Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

Movies:_ Alien, The Book of Eli, Alien: Resurrection_, The Gospel According to St. Matthew

Podcasts: Same Old Song

Poetry: "The Holy Scriptures" by George Herbert

Songs: "I Read the Bible" by Jimmy Mamou, "Good Book" by The 8th Day, "Psalm 40:2" by The Mountain Goats, "These Are the Words" by Pastor TL Barrett, "Bible Break" by Stephen Wiley, "Rivers of Babylon" by Boney M, "It Is Written" by Barry Ryan, "Act of the Apostle" by Belle and Sebastian, "My Favourite Book" by Stars, "Morning Prayer" by Venus, "Who Is Greatest?" by Jon Guerra, "We Will Feast in the House of Zion" by Sandra McCracken, "Songs of Praise" by Roy Wood, "Have Mercy" by Mighty Diamonds

Episode 21: The Theology of the Cross Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

The brothers deliver their most counterintuitive episode yet with a conversation about divine foolishness and the crucified God. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Books: On Being a Theologian of the Cross by Gerhard Forde, Kingdom Grace and Judgment by Robert Farrar Capon, The Crucified God by Juergen Moltmann, Leonard Cohen: The Man Who Saw the Angels Fall by Christophe Lebold, The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
Movies: Green Light, The Darjeeling Limited, Red Beard, Rome Open City, The Battle of Algiers, Flight
Paintings: The Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthais Gruenewald
Plays: The Family Reunion by TS Eliot
Poetry: "The Four Quartets" (especially East Coker) and "Journey of the Magi" by TS Eliot
Songs: "Flyin Like an Eagle"by Tony Loeffler, "Waterloo" by ABBA, "War on War" by Wilco, "Over at the Frankenstein Place" from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, "Bring It On" by Nick Cave, "Can't Be Serious" by Ginny, "Mission Impossible" by Freestyle, "Bob Lind (The Only Way Is Down" by Pulp, "Wall of Death" by REM, "Empty Me Out" by Liz Vice, "Cruel To Be Kind" by Nick Lowe, "Tough" by Martin Vogel, "Doctor Wu" by Steely Dan, "Mountain of Transfiguration" by Andy Squyres, "Anthem" by Sandra McCracken

Episode 20: The Law Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

The wait is over! After a two year layoff, John, David, and Simeon open season four with a jumbo-sized episode on The Law. Thou shalt listen (or else). Recommended and referenced resources include:

Books: Law & Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints) 10th Anniversary Edition by William McDavid, Ethan Richardson and David Zahl; Les Miserables by Victor Hugo; Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan; Grace in Practice by Paul Zahl, Augustine's "On the Spirit and the Letter"; The Antinomian Disputation by Martin Luther, Lectures on Galatians by Martin Luther, The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience by Simeon Zahl (Chapter 4)
Movies: Dead Poets Society, Chocolat
Documentaries: Buck, The Last Dance, Free Solo, The Turnaround, King of Kong, Listers
Television: Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Jim Gaffigan Show ("The Trial" and "He Said She Said" in particular)
Songs: "Thou Shalt Not Steal" by Glenda Collins, "Numbers" by Weezer, "I Ain't Into That" by The Rappin Rev, "I Fought the Law" by The Bobby Fuller Four, "Condemnation" by Depeche Mode, "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror" by Elvis Costello, "Pick Me Tonight" by Tina Turner, "Love Is the Law" by The Seahorses, "What You Won't Do" by Bobby Caldwell, "Feel the Pressure" by The Charlatans, "You Could Be More As You Are" by Saada Bonaire, "Perfection as a Hipster" by God Help the Girl, "You Should Never" by My Bloody Valentine, "The Straight and Narrow" by Spiritualized, "Innocent Til Proven Guilty" by Honey Cone, "Stars" from Les Miserables, "Surface Pressure" from Encanto

Episode 19: Parenting Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

For the bonus-length finale of season three, the brothers delve into the monumental topic of parenting, exploring how they were raised as well as how they're trying to raise their own kids. Thankfully, a very special guest is on hand to help them.

To respond to the opening appeal and support the work of Mockingbird, please click here.

Recommended and referenced resources include:

Books: Grace in Practice by Paul Zahl, Listening by Anne Long, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist, Augustine's Confessions
Articles: "Me, My Father, and Russell Wilson" by Mina Kimes
Television: Bluey, Parenthood (2010-2015), Love on the Spectrum, Lonesome Dove
Movies: Parenthood (1989), The Ice Storm (1997), Forrest Gump (1994), Friendly Persuasion (1956)
Talks: Grace in Family Relationships by Mary Zahl
Songs: "Mr. T's Commandment" by Mr T, "Mama Say" by Kwame, "Son of Your Father" by Elton John, "Problem Child" by The Beach Boys, "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" by The Breeders, "Rebel Without a Clue" by Bonnie Tyler, "Shine Jesus Shine" by Graham Kendrick, "Rubberneckin" by Elvis Presley, "Listen to the Band" by The Monkees, "Phone Home" by Johnny Chingas, "God's Children" by The Kinks, "Save Me" by Nanette Workman, "Suedehead" by Morrissey, "Come Back Home" by Tom Hooker, "No Matter What" by Badfinger, "Love Will Never Die" by Paul Lowe featuring Peace Train

Episode 18: Easter Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Time to talk about the biggest day in the Christian year! Resurrection is the theme of this episode--physical, spiritual, metaphorical, ecclesial, musical, you name it. Note: this one was recorded live, so the sound is a little less sharp.

Recommended and referenced resources include:

Poetry: "Seven Stanzas at Easter" by John Updike, "Descending Theology: The Resurrection" by Mary Karr, "Easter" by George Herbert
Art: "Resurrection" by Piero della Francesca (1463), "The Resurrection" by Otto Dix (1949), "Easter Morning" by Caspar David Friedrich (1835), "The Resurrection, Cookham" by Stanley Spencer (1924-7), "Travoys Arriving with Wounded at a Dressing-Station at Smol, Macedonia, September, 1916" by Stanley Spencer (1919), "Risen Christ and Soldiers" by Germain Pilon (1572), "Isenheim Altarpiece" by Matthias Gruenewald (1516)
Television and Movies: Rev Season 3 Episodes 5&6, The Passion of the Christ
Articles: "Finitude and Death" by Katherine Sonderegger in The T&T Clark Companion to the Doctrine of Sin
Songs: "Love Is Stronger Than Death" by The The, "Sunrise" by Pulp, "How a Resurrection Really Feels" by The Hold Steady, "He's Alive" by Dolly Parton, "Resurrection Shuffle" by Tom Jones, "Photograph" by Ringo Starr, "Candy" by 1910 Fruitgum Company, "Don't Worry About Death" by Melon, "Back to Heaven" by Number One Ensemble, "I Don't Wanna Be a Solider Mama" by John Lennon, "I Am the Resurrection" by The Stone Roses, "Dance or Die" by Kool Rock Steady, "Get Up and Boogie" by Silver Convention, "Revenge" by The Eurythmics, "Death Is Not the End" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, "Sing Hallelujah" by Bob & Karin

Episode 17: The Holy Spirit Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

John, David, and (mainly) Simeon do their best to bring the third person of the Trinity into view. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Movies: Red Beard, Rising Son, Rize, 10 Things I Hate About You, She’s All That, Pride and Prejudice
Books: The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience by Simeon Zahl, The Holy Ghost: A Spirited Comic by John Hendrix, Make Way for the Spirit by Christoph Blumhardt, Theophilus North by Thornton Wilder, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Poetry: "Whitsunday" by George Herbert
Paintings: "The Pentecost" by El Greco, "Pentecost" by Jean Restout, Duccio's Maesta
Music: A Love Supreme by John Coltrane, "Let the Wind Blow" by The Beach Boys, "Wind Chimes" by The Beach Boys, "Cool, Cool Water" by The Beach Boys, "Feel Flows" by The Beach Boys, "Tears in the Morning" by The Beach Boys, "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys, "Handle with Care" by The Traveling Wilburys, "Holy Ghost" by The Bar-Kays, "Faith and Fire" by Vivian Reed, "Strange Changes" by Lyndsey Paul, "Revival Day" by Savage Rose, "Yahweh" by U2, "Somebody Tell Me Where's the Beef?" by Britten, "Unchained" by Van Halen, "Touched by the Hand of God" by New Order, "Full of Fire" by Al Green, "Holy Spirit" by Limousine

Episode 16: Imputation Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

The brothers talk about "the how of love," also known as imputation. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Movies: Toy Story, Hoosiers, The Best Years of Our Lives, Lilo and Stitch
Books: The Cross and Christian Confidence by Joanna McGrath & Alister McGrath, Coach by Michael Lewis, The Freedom of a Christian by Martin Luther, The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience by Simeon Zahl, Grace in Practice by Paul Zahl, Justitia Dei by Alister McGrath, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, Articles 4 and 21 of The Augsburg Confession, Theophilus North by Thornton Wilder
TV: Season 2 finale of Stranger Things
Podcasts: "Don't be Good -- Be Great" episode of Against the Rules
Songs: "No Matter" by Lowell, "Crazy the Lord" by Nick the Record, "Gettin' Back on the Good Side of Love" by Don Black and the Breakaways, "Brass in Pocket" by The Pretenders, "Strange Currencies" by REM, "Why Do I Keep Counting?" by The Killers, "Transformer Man" by Neil Young, "Superbowl Shuffle" by the 1985 Chicago Bears, "I Just Started" by Jackie Moore, "Automatic Amore" by Patrizia Pellegrino, "Love Is a Natural Magical Thing" by Laurie Miller, "The Old Account" by Johnny Cash, "I've Been Surprised" by Josh White

Episode 15: Free Will? Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

In their most controversial episode to date, the brothers explore the nature of willpower, choice, and control--and how those factors shape our relationships above and below. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Books: The Captivation of the Will by Gerhard Forde, The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther, The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt, You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney, Low Anthropology by David Zahl, On the Spirit and the Letter by Augustine, On Nature and Grace by Augustine, Confessions by Augustine, City of God _(Books 11-14) by Augustine, _The Emperor’s New Clothes (“The Brahmin in the Bahamas”) by William Kilpatrick, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Grace in Addiction by John Z
Movies: Walk the Line, Unguarded (30 for 30), and Dave Chappelle on The Secret
Songs: “Can’t Let Go” by Bryan Ferry, “Do It All Over Again” by Spiritualized, “Free Will” by Rush, “I Can’t Let Maggie Go” by Honeybus, “Wise Up” by Aimee Mann, “Last Train to London” by ELO, “Left to My Own Devices” by The Pet Shop Boys, “I Can’t Stop” by The Honeycombs, “Set Me Free” by Karen Silver, “Right Where You Left Me” by Taylor Swift, “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables, “None of Us Are Free” by Solomon Burke, “Set Me Free” by Kinks, “Truth Will Come Out” by Honey Cone, “Cry Freedom” by Romie Singh, “Play in the Sunshine” by Prince, “I Need Thee Every Hour” by Ella Fitzgerald, “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash & Bob Dylan, “Mercy” by Ohio Express, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by UB40

Episode 14: Faith Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

The long-awaited third season kicks off with an episode about Faith. Recommended and referenced resources include:

Quotations: Philip Melanchton, Capon, and Cave
Books: Faith, Hope and Carnage by Nick Cave and Sean O'Hagan, Lancelot by Walker Percy, The Family Reunion by T.S. Eliot, The book of Genesis
Movies: Leon Morin, Priest (1961), Prometheus (2012), The Rescue (2021), Field of Dreams (1989), The Book of Eli (2010), Wings of Desire (1987), Friendly Persuasion (1956), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Songs: "Believe" by DMAs, "Do You Believe" by Poolside, "Faith" by The 8th Day, "I Trust" by The Byrds, "Someday" by Glass Tiger, "Faith in Something Bigger" by The Who, "It's Unbelievable (How You Control My Soul)" by Jeanne & The Darlings, "Lay All Your Love on Me" by ABBA, "Letting Go" by Wings, "No Doubt About It" by Hot Chocolate, "Happy Birthday" By Stevie Wonder, "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" by ABBA, "I Went to Sleep" by The Beach Boys, "Do You Believe?" by Swamp Dogg, "I've Got Confidence" by Elvis Presley, "I Came to Believe" by Johnny Cash, "I Believe In You" by Bob Dylan

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