The Theology Pugcast

An Interview with Vishal Mangalwadi Nov 18, 2024

In this episode, Glenn and honorary Pug John West of the Discovery Institute interview Indian Christian philosopher Vishal Mangalwadi about his life, his proposals for recovering the role of the church in higher education, and his analysis of where Western culture epistemology went wrong. This last point generated a lively discussion about general and special revelation between Vishal and John.

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Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

Who Are the Techno-Utopians? Nov 11, 2024

Today Chris shares some thoughts on techno-utopianism--namely, what characterizes it? He proffers six distinctives and asks the guys to reflect with him on them. He suggests that while very few people would say they're on board with all six, most people seem to at least think that technology inevitably makes the world a better place. But is that necessarily so, or are we presented with a set of tradeoffs when it comes to technology?

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA

Connect with Trinity Chattanooga: https://www.trinitychattanooga.com/

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

Life on the Silent Planet! Nov 04, 2024

Today the Pugs welcome Rhys Laverty (all the way from the UK!) to discuss a new collection of essays on C. S. Lewis's Ransom Trilogy (sometimes misleadingly known as the Space Trilogy). The collection is being published under the title 'Life on the Silent Planet' by the Davenant Trust. Contributors include many friends of the Pugcast, including Michael Ward, of Planet Narnia fame. The Pugs enjoy a free-ranging discussion about everything from whether or not Lewis believed in intelligent life on other worlds to whether or not we're living in the world Lewis described in, That Hideous Strength. Join the fun!

Order Life on the Silent Planet: https://davenantinstitute.org/life-on-the-silent-planet

Connect with the Davenant Institute: https://davenantinstitute.org/

Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

Are Russell Brand and Jordan Peterson Idolatrous Pseudo-Christians? Purist Conversions, In a Liberal Key! Oct 28, 2024

This week's episode engages an article by moral theologian, Luke Bretherton of Oxford, who suggests that the recent swath of conversions by public intellectuals like Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Paul Kingsnorth, and flirtations with Christianity by figures like Jordan Peterson, Douglas Murray and Luise Perry are best understood as idolatrous pseudo-conversions which are more about preserving Western Culture than his brand of genuine Christianity, which is anti-fascist, anti-racist, and working tirelessly for democracy. The pugs are not convinced. And they show a host of reasons why.

Article: https://comment.org/the-conversion-of-public-intellectuals/

Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

What Do We Do with the Body? Oct 21, 2024

Unconfirmed reports coming out of North Carolina of the government simply bulldozing areas affected by Hurricane Helene without searching for bodies prompted Glenn to raise the question of how we think of and treat the bodies of the dead. Historically, Christians have always believed that we belong, body and soul, to the Lord, and thus even after death the body was treated with respect and buried, not burned, in token of the resurrection. How do we treat bodies today, and with that, how do we view death? The guys explore these and related topics in a show that deals with uncomfortable and personal realities that we will all need to come to grips with sooner or later.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

A Talk with Allan C. Carlson : October 25-26 Fatherhood Intensive : TRAD DAD 2024 Oct 18, 2024

Trad Dad is back (Oct 25-26) in Battle Ground, Washington for our Second Annual Fatherhood Intensive. This year we will hear from Scott Yenor, Allan C. Carlson, and C.R. Wiley on Pro-Natal Fatherhood and the recovery of a proper philosophical, political, and most importantly, Biblical perspective on children.

Today’s conversation features CR Wiley and Allan C. Carlson, Professor of History at Hillsdale College, Founder of the World Congress of Families.

Register for the conference at https://www.solochristo.org/traddad

October 25-26 Fatherhood Intensive: A Short Conversation with Scott Yenor : TRAD DAD 2024 Oct 16, 2024

Trad Dad is back (Oct 25-26) in Battle Ground, Washington for our Second Annual Fatherhood Intensive. This year we will hear from Scott Yenor, Allan C. Carlson, and C.R. Wiley on Pro-Natal Fatherhood and the recovery of a proper philosophical, political, and most importantly, Biblical perspective on children.

Today’s conversation features CR Wiley and Scott Yenor, Professor of Political Science at Boise State University, Washington Fellow at Claremont Institute.

Register for the conference at https://www.solochristo.org/traddad

Dark Enchantment Oct 14, 2024

On today's show Chris leads the Pugs in a reflection on the story of Jonah--not the Biblical prophet, but the seminary student Rod Dreher interviewed for his book, Living in Wonder. Jonah was raised in an evangelical home, and was even homeschooled, yet fell into a spell of dark enchantment that included visions of demons and the use of psychedelic drugs. Eventually he was delivered through exorcism. What happened, and why does Jonah now say his evangelical upbringing did almost nothing to prepare him for any of this? Tune in and learn what the Pugs think.

Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age, by Rod Dreher: https://a.co/d/1EIlSua

Knowledge is Power (Icon Science): How Magic, the Government and an Apocalyptic Vision Helped Francis Bacon to Create Modern Science, by John Henry: https://a.co/d/3RNoQym

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

Are We Really Becoming Pagans Again? Oct 07, 2024

On today's show Tom brings along Paul Kingsnorth’s article, The Illusion of a Pagan West, for the Pugs to engage. Topics delved into range from why we still talk about Roman Civilization to the theatrics of subversive woke culture. Most interesting is Kingsnorth’s claim that we are not returning to paganism but are locked into to a shallow culture which subverts Christianity all the while being indebted to its ethical legacy, ending with nothing really worth living or dying for.

Article: https://unherd.com/2024/09/the-illusion-of-a-pagan-west/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

Ideological History Sep 30, 2024

In this episode, Glenn the History Pug gets into revisionist histories on the left and the right that both argue that history has been distorted to favor elites, and that they have the real story about what happened. Oddly, they both identify people like Churchill as villains, though for different reasons, and functionally try to at least soften our view of the people traditionally seen as the bad guys. This opens up discussions with Chris and Tom on a whole set of related issues.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

Take Your Pick--Agency or Autonomy? Sep 23, 2024

Today the Pugs revisit Matthew B. Crawford's book, Shop Class as Soulcraft. Among the many fascinating things discussed in it is the essential difference between autonomy and agency. Ironically, we live in a world of manufactured illusions of autonomy. We're led to make choices between options presented to us by parties that profit no matter what choice is made. On the other hand, there are people who possess true agency. Those are the people who get things done, and consequently are people we respect. And yet most people chose the illusion of autonomy over agency. Why is that? Join the Pugs as they discuss why.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Whatever Became of Methodism? Sep 16, 2024

Today the Pugs are shorthanded because Tom is in great demand. Never fear, Glenn and Chris are joined by Tim Adams, erstwhile conservative Methodist Minister. I know what you’re thinking, isn’t that an oxymoron? Sadly it seems so, but Methodism has a remarkable history and once was the fastest growing Protestant denomination in the United States. So, what happened? That’s what the show is about today. Join us for the cautionary tale of Methodism.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

The Delusion of Having a Meaningful Job Sep 09, 2024

Can we really have a ‘meaningful job’? Is such a notion delusional? Tom initiates discussion with the other Pugs around the topic of whether the very notion of a ‘meaningful job’ in the contemporary understanding is delusional. Introducing the topic by way of Stuart Whately’s recent article in Unherd, the Pugs unpack rich threads of conversation sparked by the article as it engages the contrast between the excessively practical-oriented lives of those pursing individual satisfaction within their career ambitions and those who pursue something altogether ‘useless’ by today’s standards.

Article: https://unherd.com/2024/05/the-delusion-of-having-a-meaningful-job/?=newsroomindexfrmemail

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

The Artistic and Intellectual Temperaments Sep 02, 2024

In this episode, the Pugs use an article from The Imaginative Conservative called “The Artistic and Intellectual Temperaments” by Michael De Sapio as a jumping off point to discuss art, intellectual life, and the connections and disconnections between the two. The guys discuss medieval and Renaissance art, modern art, Romanticism, poetry, intellectual life and academia, and roller skating down the Gugenheim.

Article: https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2024/07/artistic-intellectual-temperaments-michael-de-sapio.html

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

The Grizzly Truth about the West Aug 26, 2024

Today the Pugs discuss a fascinating article by Jacob Howland that was published in the always interesting online journal, "Unherd." The article reflects on the sad story of Timothy Treadwell documented by film maker Werner Herzog in his 2005 documentary, Grizzly Man. But that's just the occasion for reflecting on the even sadder story of the crisis of the west--a crisis with an ending prophesied in Euripides ancient tragedy, Bacchae. Tune in and learn why things might get even weirder in the days ahead, and why we can know what's coming.

Article: https://unherd.com/2024/07/the-grizzly-truth-about-the-west/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Who Counts as a Theologian? Reflections on Lewis with Dr. Jahdiel Perez Aug 19, 2024

Who counts as a theologian? Who gets to address the deep things of God and creation? Tom is at the helm this week and he is joined by a special guest, Dr. Jahdiel Perez of Villanova University. Dr. Perez is a C. S. Lewis scholar, writing the first doctoral dissertation in ‘theology’ at the University of Oxford on C. S. Lewis. Wrapping up our Lewis theme, Tom and Jahdiel discusses many of the rich ‘theological’ insights of C. S. Lewis, from questions of evil and suffering in light of God’s goodness to questions of Christian enjoyment of created goods in contrast to Nietzsche’s criticism of Christian faith as wholly joy denying. The highlight of the conversation centers around C. S. Lewis as a theologian, not merely as apologist or academic.

Special appearance by Glenn Sunshine, whose personal computer may have been hacked by the ghost of Rousseau during the show.

Dr. Perez’s latest Open Access article on Lewis: https://doi.org/10.1111/heyj.14306

Dr. Perez’s Faculty Page: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/liberal-arts-sciences/programs/humanities/faculty/biodetail.html?mail=jahdiel.perez@villanova.edu&xsl=bio_long

Dr. Perez on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jahdielnperez?igsh=MXJ3bjJwMGQ1MW5xZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Thank God for Bitcoin? Aug 12, 2024

On today's show Glenn and Chris interview Jordan Bush--the man behind the "Thank God for Bitcoin Conference." If this sounds a bit odd to you, here's something else to consider--Glenn and Chris both spoke at this year's conference in Nashville. So, what is this Bitcoin thing, and why should Christians be grateful for it? Tune in and hear why and judge for yourself whether or not you should be grateful for Bitcoin!

Order Thank God for Bitcoin: The Creation, Corruption, and Redemption of Money: https://a.co/d/6lO35ZP

Learn more about Thank God For Bitcoin Media: https://tgfb.com/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Oxford Wrap Up Aug 05, 2024

On today's show the Pugs look back on their trip to Oxford and talk about some of the things they learned and enjoyed from the trip. Glenn leads off with three things he got a deeper appreciation for about C. S. Lewis, each of which brings in further discussion, ideas, and tangents from Chris and Tom. Throughout the conversation, all of the Pugs share experiences, ideas, and appreciation for Oxford and their time there.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Oxford and Architecture Jul 29, 2024

After a week at Oxford, surrounded by some of the best buildings to be found anywhere in the world when it comes to higher education, the Pugs discuss architecture on today's brief episode. "Why does beauty matter?" and “Why are all the science buildings ugly?” are among a host of questions addressed. Tune in as the guys long for a world that builds things the way they used to.

Today’s episode is sponsored in part by David Stocker and SHM Architects: https://www.shmarchitects.com/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

C. S. Lewis, Oxford Don: An Interview with Dr. Simon Horobin Jul 22, 2024

The Pugs continue their adventure in Oxford with an interview with Dr. Simon Horobin, the man behind the recently released book ‘C. S. Lewis's Oxford’. Dr. Horobin is an authority in medieval literature and teaches at Magdalen College. The Pugs joined Dr. Horobin in his room at Magdalen, not for from the rooms where Lewis taught and met with the Inklings. The conversation was rich and covers a lot of ground. Enjoy!

Order C. S. Lewis's Oxford: https://a.co/d/05QZ0wdj

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Post-Mortem for Christian Colleges? An Interview with Dr. Phil LaFountain Jul 15, 2024

Another Christian college has closed its doors. This time, one of Chris's alma maters, Eastern Nazarene College, aka, ENC. ENC was a small Christian college on the south shore of Massachusetts, not far from Boston. The usual things were cited by the Trustees of the college as reasons for its demise--declining enrollment, financial challenges, etc. What the announcement didn't mention was the growth of liberalism, or in contemporary parlance, "wokeism" among the faculty and administration, and how that undermined the support of the school among its constituency. Today the Pugs are joined by Dr. Phil LaFountain, an old friend and classmate of Chris's. Phil was a professor of theology at ENC for 20 years, and at the end, one of the few conservatives still there. Listen in as the guys discuss what happened at ENC, and what might be happening at a Christian college you might be connected to.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Science and Beauty: A Conversation with Ken Boa Jul 08, 2024

The Pugsters welcome back Dr. Ken Boa to talk about the importance of beauty for the Christian. Ken talks about seeing the beauty of the natural world and how we can use it as a force multiplier for our faith. This connects into a discussion of science and how it reveals the beauty in the world. The guys also talk with Ken about his upcoming events at the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC, and his Museum of Created Beauty app, both of which are designed to help Christians see and appreciate the wonders of creation and through that to enhance our worship.

Learn more about Reflections Ministries and Ken Boa at https://reflections.org

Find the Museum of Created Beauty app in your App Store or online at https://museumofcreatedbeauty.org/

Learn more about the Encountering Beauty event: https://encounteringbeauty.com/

Tune in to the Encountering Beauty Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/cXHIL0D9Ffo?feature=share

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

C. S. Lewis, Writer and Philosopher: An Interview with Dr. Michael Ward Jul 01, 2024

The Pugs are still in Oxford, and today they're at the Kilns (Lewis's home) with their friend, Dr. Michael Ward, author of Planet Narnia and After Humanity: A Guide to C. S. Lewis's Abolition of Man. The conversation naturally cover's Dr. Ward's books. Join us for a conversation over tea at the Kilns as the Pugs speak with him about Narnia and the post-human dystopia Lewis predicted would follow a loss of objective value.

Connect with Dr. Ward and find his books at michaelward.net

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Bonus Q&A with Dr. Alister McGrath Jun 25, 2024

Listen in for a short Q&A session at the Lamb and Flag pub in Oxford following the full episode ‘C. S. Lewis Apologist: An Interview with Dr. Alister McGrath.’

Order Christian Apologetics: An Introduction by Dr. McGrath: https://a.co/d/05lejP2B

Order C. S. Lewis -- A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet by Dr. McGrath: https://a.co/d/0g8DyDzG

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

C. S. Lewis Apologist: An Interview with Dr. Alister McGrath Jun 24, 2024

The Pugs are still enjoying themselves at Oxford, and today they are joined by the venerable Alister McGrath at the Lamb and Flag, a pub known to have been frequented by C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and the other Inklings. (The famed Eagle and Child pub is just across the street and hopefully soon to reopen follow a Covid shutdown and change in ownership.) The crew is also joined by a live audience of loyal Pugcast fans at the end of an entertaining pub crawl across the city! The conversation with Dr. McGrath is rich, ranging widely over both Lewis's work in apologetics and Dr. McGrath's.

Order Christian Apologetics: An Introduction by Dr. McGrath: https://a.co/d/05lejP2B

Order C. S. Lewis -- A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet by Dr. McGrath: https://a.co/d/0g8DyDzG

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

At the Bodleian Library Jun 17, 2024

While in Oxford, the guys had the opportunity to visit the Duke Humfrey's Room at the Bodleian Library. This houses part of the library’s collection of rare books as well as some more recent sets. The conversation ranges over volumes in the collection that caught the attention of one or the other of the Pugsters, the architecture and decorations of the room, and the importance of the atmosphere and the sense of place in rooms like this for scholarly work. This is an episode you’ll want to see!

Learn more about Duke Humfrey’s Library: https://www.oxfordvisit.com/university-and-colleges/old-library-duke-humfreys/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Ben Merkle, Tom Price, and What They Learned about Learning at Oxford Jun 10, 2024

Today begins the first of the shows recorded in Oxford! Tom and Chris are joined by Dr. Ben Merkle, President of New Saint Andrews College. Ben was visiting Oxford at the same time as the Pugs, and this afforded an opportunity to discuss with Tom and Chris what Ben learned at Oxford about post-secondary education and how those lessons are being applied at New Saint Andrews College half a world away.

Learn more about New Saint Andrews at https://nsa.edu/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

A Look at the Sacraments Jun 03, 2024

On today's show the Pugsters consider the definitions of sacraments vs. ordinances before taking a closer look at baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They spend some time on the less discussed images of baptism in the New Testament (the Flood and the Exodus) and the use of the Greek word baptizo in the Septuagint. They then talk about the Lord’s Supper, noting the use of the phrase “body of Christ” in 1 Corinthians and both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the Supper.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

If We're Not Saved by Our Works Why Work at All? A Conversation with Steve Jeffery May 27, 2024

Today the Pugs interview Dr. Steve Jeffery, one of the minds behind The Works Based Conference being held in the Dallas/Fort Worth area June 28-29. The guys not only discuss the nature of the conference, the conversation addresses a theology of work, and even how our works will have a more enduring character than we generally appreciate. Included in the discussion is nature of our vocations in this creation, and the one to come. Enjoy!

Learn more about the Works/Based Conference June 28/29 in Dallas/Fortworth: https://www.worksbased.com/

Buy Tickets: https://www.worksbased.com/tickets

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Academic Herd-Minds and Twitter Mobs May 20, 2024

Today the Pugs react to an article in New Oxford Review entitled, "How Cowardice, the Herd Mind & Twitter Mobs Threaten Academia by Jason M. Morgan and Mark Ramseyer. If you're still under the impression that higher education is a disinterested pursuit of truth, think again. It has been reduced to political advocacy and ressentiment. (Yes, that's spelled correctly--https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ressentiment.) Morgan and Ramseyer had the temerity to correct conventional wisdom on something known as "the Comfort Women" of World War 2. There's no space here to treat this fully, but suffice it to say their scholarship was not received warmly by academic feminists. This resulted in a campaign to get them both cancelled. We're happy to report the cancelation failed. But the whole sorry episode has at least given the Pugs something to reflect upon.

Article Referenced: https://www.newoxfordreview.org/documents/how-cowardice-the-herd-mind-twitter-mobs-threaten-academia/

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Boredom, Nihilism, and Endless Entertainment May 13, 2024

On today's show Tom introduces the topic of boredom and its relation to a world that finds no meaning apart from the endless choices we draw from to gratify and distract ourselves. Glenn and Chris help unpack this timely topic, with its spiritual and historical roots and its impact upon the contemporary church.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

The Pugs Answer Your Questions! May 06, 2024

Today the Pugs answer questions prosed by supporters of the show on Patreon. Listen in to learn (among other things), where the guys first met and became friends, what they think about Annihilationism, why it really might come down to choosing between Aristotle and Nietzsche, why getting dressed up for church is a good thing--even though your salvation can't be boiled down to that, and a whole lot more!

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

The 4B Movement, Misandry, and Anti-Natalism Apr 29, 2024

In this episode, the guys talk about the 4B movement that originated in Korea and is getting some buzz in America. The 4Bs (in Korean) are no dating, no sex, no marriage, and no children. It’s partly responsible for the collapsing birthrate in Korea. The guys discuss the roots and implications of the movement with a tangent into ecology and forest management, though how they got there is anybody’s guess.

Article link: https://www.thefp.com/p/south-korea-america-having-kids

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Men & Social Status, Women & College Debt, Hypergamy, and More! Apr 22, 2024

Today Chris takes the Pugs into the dark recesses of social status and asks questions few are willing to ask. For example: Why do so many women who apply to rent Chris's apartments have so much student loan debt, and such low credit scores? Why do young men in the trades with no debt and good income still lose out to flashy guys with tons of debt who flash shiny objects? And, can contemporary culture change its ways of measuring worth to reflect reality and not the image-generated fantasies of people on the make in higher education, corporate America, and left-wing ideologues? Tune in for these questions and many more!

Leon Podles on the Aaron Renn Show Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leon-podles-the-deep-roots-of-mens-alienation-from-church/id1530654244?i=1000651785160

Leon Podles Interview Transcript on Aaron’s Substack: https://www.aaronrenn.com/p/leon-podles-the-deep-roots-of-mens?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Creation, Theophany, and Transcendence Apr 15, 2024

Today’s show builds on the conversation about imagination and C. S. Lewis last week. Tom and the guys continue the interaction with Lewis’ rich sacramental vision and its implications for how our human created natures are enriched and helped to come into their own principally by the vertical, our relation to God, but secondarily by the good gift of others that God has supplied for us to transcend and yet become ourselves in the rich fabric of created reality. Listen in!

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Imagination and Meaning Apr 08, 2024

C.S. Lewis said, “Reason is the natural organ of understanding, but imagination is the organ of meaning.” "Working off Holly Ordway's book "Apologetics and the Christian Imagination," the guys discuss what imagination is, how it connects to meaning, and how it is foundational to reason. They also discuss the role of imagination in Lewis’s conversion, the “good dreams” of paganism, and how these things can help lead people to Christ.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Bonus Q&A: Anthony of the Desert and Defeating the Demons of Our Time Apr 02, 2024

Listen in for a short Q&A session following our previous episode.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Anthony of the Desert and Defeating the Demons of Our Time Apr 01, 2024

It's Chris's show today and he returns to a theme he's addressed a number of times--how can we resist the inhuman forces of the new totalitarianism? We're up against a Borg-like globalist cabal that uses artificial intelligence, surveillance technology, and psyops to manipulate us. Surprisingly, Chris suggests Saint Anthony of the Desert as a guide. Chris maintains there are a number of things he can teach us about resistance--in particular, getting the hook out, and discerning spirits. Chris and Glenn are joined by Larson Hicks and the show was recorded in front of a live audience in Huntsville, AL. Tune in and join the fun!

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Immodesty and the Image of God Mar 25, 2024

As new forms of immodesty become fashionable and impact our everyday wolds in innumerable ways, dimensions of what is broken in us often remain what is 'hidden' or ignored. Tom and the guys engage this topic, especially from the insight that as image bearers we are imitative by nature, and when this is broken in us, we imitate badly, and also want to be imitated in our broken image.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

How Civilizations Collapse Mar 18, 2024

In this episode, Glenn talks about four causes of civilizational collapse: mass migration combined with corrupt and ineffectual government; sexual license; loss of belief in society and its values, and massive deficit spending. The guys talk about each of these, and, given that they are all are in place in America right now, discuss how we should be responding in our families and churches.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

The ‘C. S. Lewis Option’ for Renewing Christendom Mar 11, 2024

Today we are joined by Annie Crawford, a cultural apologist, a classical educationalist, and home-school mom. Today we discuss the incredible C. S. Lewis, a Pugcast favorite, and the wealth of his contribution to preserving ancient wisdom as it was received and refashioned in accordance with the Christian faith, especially its sacramental vision of reality in Christ. We cover a wide range of topics, including home-school education, classical Christian education, and how Lewis has been and should continue to be a key resource for directing us towards those rich resources in our Christian heritage which help us navigate our way during these confused and disoriented times.

Find more from Annie: http://anniecrawford.net/writing/

Join Annie at the Houston Christian University Apologetics Day: https://hc.edu/school-of-christian-thought/events-in-the-college/hcu-apologetics-day/#:~:text=Saturday%2C%20March%2023%2C%202024%20at%20Houston%20Chinese%20Church

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Begging the Question of Christ and Culture Mar 04, 2024

Richard Niebuhr's classic, Christ and Culture has shaped the way we understand the relationship of the church and culture by assuming that what we mean by "Christ" when we discuss Christ and culture is Christian ethics. But is that the right place to start? Shouldn't ontology be the starting place since all things were created by Christ and for him? (Col. 1:15-17) If we take this as our starting point, what becomes of Niebuhr's famous archetypes of Christ and Culture? Join the Pugs today as they ruminate on the theme!

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

The Diseased Defects and Effects of Popular Culture Feb 26, 2024

On today's episode Tom introduces a theological analysis of Contemporary Popular Culture, especially its charged symbolism. After unpacking insights from church fathers like Tertullian and Augustine, in their Christian critiques of Public Spectacle Events, the gang enters into important discussion about the impact, function, and role of current Celebrity, Popular Culture, and Spectacles like the Super Bowl, and ponder Christian ways of reading, relating to, going to war with the spiritual character in which these are cloaked.

Article about ‘Adult AI’ mentioned by CR: https://www.digitalliturgies.net/p/christians-are-not-ready-for-the

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Antisemitism in the Church Feb 19, 2024

Today’s episode was prompted by responses to an admittedly provocative post Glenn put up on Facebook that generated some virulently antisemitic remarks from Christians. The guys explore the problem of antisemitism, the common ground between the far right and the progressive left, group identity, and a range of related topics.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Political Theology with Timon Cline! Feb 12, 2024

Today the Pugs are joined by the Executive Editor of American Reformer, Timon Cline. Timon is a lawyer, and a writer, and a deep thinker about the political implications of the Christian faith. Political theology might be a new term for you, and if you had a public school education--and even a certain form of Christian education--the term might even seem sinister to you. But hopefully by the time the conversation is done you'll see that Christianity is public truth and that necessarily means it has political applications.

Follow American Reformer: https://americanreformer.org/

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

The Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age: An Interview with Rosaria Butterfield Feb 05, 2024

Today the Pugs are a little short-handed--Tom isn't feeling well. But we do have Rosaria Butterfield with us to discuss her new book, Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age. It was a wonderful and free-ranging discussion that touched on many things, among them the subject of what time it is. And while it was a sober assessment on the sorry state of Big Eva and the heretical trends in that world, it was hopeful because of the invincible Christ of the Gospel. Tune in and enjoy the show!

Order Rosaria’s book, Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age: https://rosariabutterfield.com/five-lies

Check out Rosaria’s recent Convocation talk at Liberty University: https://www.youtube.com/live/iEtQ-z9o9_I?si=coYfh8GAAB6sFHYS&t=2021

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Everything You Know about Plato is Wrong! (An Interview with David Talcott) Jan 29, 2024

Today the Pugcast welcomes Dr. David Talcott, professor of philosophy at New Saint Andrews College and all around good guy to the show. David has a new book on Plato published by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing. Today on the show we ask David to clear up a number of falsehoods people believe about Plato. It was an enjoyable conversation and we welcome you to listen in!

Order Dr. Talcott’s Book: https://www.prpbooks.com/book/plato

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Forbidden Knowledge! Jan 22, 2024

Today Chris shares some fascinating passages from a book entitled: Intellectual Appetite--A Theological Grammar by Paul J. Griffiths. In the book Griffiths contrasts two forms of intellectual appetite: "curiositas" and "studiositas" and why one form of knowledge enriches the soul while the other degrades it. Join us as we discuss forbidden knowledge!

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

The Golden Age of Islam? Jan 15, 2024

In this episode, Glenn gives a quick history of Islam’s Golden Age in Spain and its role in spreading Greek thought into Europe. The guys talk about the impact of Aristotelian texts coming out of Spain, the roots of nominalism and voluntarism in Islamic thought, and the end of the Hellenistic Islam of the Golden Age due to a resurgence of conservative Islam.

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

The Betrayal of the Evangelical Elites Jan 08, 2024

Have you ever wondered why evangelical elites when they get a platform in The New York Times, or The Atlantic Monthly never have anything good to say about their fellow evangelicals? We have too. Turns out Andrew T. Walker, Opinions Page Editor at World Magazine is wondering why too. So, he wrote about it in National Review. Andrew is one of the editors that Chris works with regularly, and Andrew has asked him to write about it as well. So these two things led the Pugs to think aloud about it. Join them as they do.

Some audio issues on this episode. Still worth a listen!

National Review Article: https://www.nationalreview.com/2023/12/can-evangelical-journalists-say-anything-good-about-evangelicals/

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The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/

Contrasting Visions of Glory and Suffering: Augustinian Reflections Jan 01, 2024

Today’s show looks at the topic of ‘glory’ and suffering in light of the Incarnation of Christ. Tom introduces the topic and draws upon Augustine’s early chapters of the City of God, where Augustine engages the topic of suffering and glory as he contrasts the Christian vision with Pagan (especially Roman) notions. Glenn and Chris help unpack this important topic as the gang draws out a wealth of wisdom and insight form Augustine from his encounters with various challenges to the Christian vision.

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Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Christmas Paradoxes Dec 26, 2023

In this episode, the Pugsters talk about the Christmas sermons preached by St. Augustine, focusing particularly on his descriptions of all of the paradoxes of the Incarnation. Christ’s Incarnation combines the infinite and the finite, the transcendent and the immanent, and so provides lots of fodder for discussion and especially for wonder. Merry Christmas!

Sermons referenced by Glenn: https://wesleyscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Augustine-Sermons-184-229.pdf

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Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

That Hideous Strength, the Most Accurate Dystopia of Them All? Dec 18, 2023

The 20th century might go down as the most horrific century of them all with hundreds of millions killed by their own governments. But there were authors who predicted that things would get even worse. There was George Orwell, of course, and 1984, and Aldous Huxley, and Brave New World, and even Ray Bradbury, and Fahrenheit 451. But each of those visions has a blind spot. But the most prescient may well be C. S. Lewis's, That Hideous Strength. There was so much Lewis had right, and best of all, it has a happy ending. And Lewis saw deeply, more deeply than even Bradbury. Ironically, this is because Lewis discerned demonic activity behind the superficial materialism--and post-humanism--that was sweeping the world. But is it truly dystopian literature then? Chris believes so, and he makes the case on today's show.

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Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Christmas Realism: Fully Supernatural, Partially Apocalyptic, Not Utopian Dec 11, 2023

On today's show Tom introduces a timely topic about the birth of Christ and some of its historical consequences. Chris and Glenn jump in with a host of insights and reflections. What exactly did the angelic announcement of 'peace on earth and goodwill towards men' mean now that the Prince of Peace has arrived? What does it mean for us? Also, how are we encouraged by the biblical imagery to revamp our reality vision and recognize that the Peace of Christ and His triumph over evil does not imply pacifism or utopia but spiritual warfare and battle until all things are brought into subjection to Him who is truly Peace itself?

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Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Biblical Cryptids Dec 04, 2023

Kemper Crabb joins the Pugsters once again for a conversation about mysterious creatures mentioned in the Bible, including particularly satyrs (Hebrew sa’iyr) and dragons (Hebrew taninim or leviathan), with cameos by behemoth and Lilith. The conversation then turns to how Christians can recover a supernatural worldview and the necessity to do so, given that much of the culture is already moving in that direction.

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Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Techno-Realism and Bioengineered Babies Nov 27, 2023

Today Chris reflects on an OpEd he wrote for World Magazine responding to an article in the Wall Street Journal: "What if Men Could Make Their Own Egg Cells?" While the title seemed entirely speculative the article revealed that some scientists are actually making "progress" when it comes to this. Why is it that so many people--including some Christians--can't see the down side to technological developments? And if there are down sides, how can Christians help their neighbors see them? Are we heading to a future in which Christians who actually believe in intelligent design become the new Amish?

Read C.R.’s article: https://wng.org/opinions/begotten-not-made-1699295019

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Away with Humanity! The Rising Embrace of Anti-Humanism Nov 20, 2023

On today's show Tom introduces the topic through a few articles written in response to Adam Kirsch's new book: The Revolt Against Humanity, where Kirsch unpacks and positively promotes the case for welcoming 'the end of humanity's reign'. Two writers from a symposium respond to this disturbing trend: Noel Gertz and Gilbert Meilaender. The guys interact with the content and engage the trend from a variety of their own insights. At the core: reject the true God, the bearer of the 'image of God' becomes a problem too.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Where Did Evangelicalism Go Wrong? Part 2—An Interview with Garrett Craw Nov 13, 2023

Two themes swept through evangelicalism in the 1980s and 90s--they were "Church Growth" and "Contextualization." Both were the promoted by Fuller Theological Seminary. The Church Growth faculty at Fuller drew on social science, and research on what was successful in foreign mission fields. What they failed to incorporate into their theories is the intellectual tradition of the post Christian west. Church growth turned against ecclesiology in favor of marketing, confusing that with evangelism. But there have been successful church planters who have not betrayed sound theology in the name of reaching people. One of them is Garrett Craw.

Unfortunately, we had a technical issue with the audio this time around, so forgive the poor quality there. Still worth a listen!

Learn more about King’s Cross in Buda, TX: https://www.kingscrossatx.org/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Where Did Evangelicalism Go Wrong? Part 1—An Interview with Michael Clary Nov 06, 2023

Do you have the feeling that something has gone terribly wrong with evangelicalism? Today the Pugs talk with Michael Clary author of, God’s Good Design. The topic is the drift into approval of sexual sin by a growing number of Pastors and Christians throughout the western world. What happened, and what can be done? Michael and the pugs discuss the prospects for evangelicalism.

Order God’s Good Design: https://a.co/d/ildHolk

Contact Private Family Banking at banking@privatefamilybanking.com

For a free e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown" go to https://protectyourmoneynow.net/

To set up a FREE 30-Minute Consultation, use the link below:

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Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

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Israel, Hamas, and the Laws of War Oct 30, 2023

Working off a Breakpoint article written by Glenn, the guys discuss the situation in Israel and Gaza. Glenn begins with a brief overview of Zionism and the history of modern Israel before the discussion moves to the conduct of war, terrorism, and the worldview ideas that connect the woke left and Hamas.

Read Glenn’s Article:https://breakpoint.org/barbaric-norms-hamas-israel-and-just-war/

Conversation with Rev David Paleggi, rector of Christ Church, Jerusalem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaVp7IJxtYc

Contact Private Family Banking at banking@privatefamilybanking.com

For a free e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown" go to https://protectyourmoneynow.net/

To set up a FREE 30-Minute Consultation, use the link below:

https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Regime Change! Patrick Deneen on the Post-Liberal Future Oct 23, 2023

Increasingly many people think the world we live in is unsustainable. When that is said in some circles climate change comes to mind. But at a social level, with the continued erosion of social life, healthy families, and a loss of local control at a community level, social conservatives say the same thing. What's happening? Today the Pugcast is joined by political philosopher, Patrick Deneen, author of, Why Liberalism Failed, and his most recent book, Regime Change. Tune in an find out what a post-liberal future might look like.

Find Patricks’ work at https://www.postliberalorder.com/

Contact Private Family Banking at banking@privatefamilybanking.com

For a free e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown" go to https://protectyourmoneynow.net/

To set up a FREE 30-Minute Consultation, use the link below:

https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Joel Salatin and Rogue Food are coming to WPC in Vancouver, Washington! Oct 17, 2023

Here’s a little sample of what’s in store for the Rogue Food Conference at WPC, November 3-4.

Grab your tickets to Joel Goes Rogue: the Bible and Food Freedom on November 3rd:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joel-salatin-goes-rogue-tickets-716483149387?aff=oddtdtcreator

Grab your tickets to The Rogue Food Conference on November 4th:

The Rogue Food Conference is a separate one-day event (not sponsored by Westminster Presbyterian Church). https://roguefoodconference.com/

Check out these books by Joel and John:

Folks, This Ain't Normal: A Farmer's Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World

https://a.co/d/6iPSbdD

The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs: Respecting and Caring for All God's Creation

https://a.co/d/fQuYSHt

The Frugal Homesteader: Living the Good Life on Less

https://a.co/d/0kgfAqF

The Elderberry Book: Forage, Cultivate, Prepare, Preserve

https://a.co/d/00QUMQ5

The New Technology of Entertainment--Opportunities for Christian Film Makers and Writers: An Interview with Jason Farley of Loor TV Oct 16, 2023

We live in interesting times. One of the more interesting features of it has to do with arts and entertainment and how new technologies are upsetting the applecart of established media. With streaming services little guys can now compete with the big guys. Today the Pugs interview Jason Farley of Loor TV about these opportunities and how Christians who happen to be film-makers and writers are taking advantage of them at Loor TV.

Check out Loor TV at https://www.loor.tv/

Contact Private Family Banking at banking@privatefamilybanking.com

For a free e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown" go to https://protectyourmoneynow.net/

To set up a FREE 30-Minute Consultation, use the link below:

https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Your Pugs on Everything from Eschatology to the Nature of Rationality Oct 09, 2023

Have you ever wanted to ask the Pugcast a question? Today Glenn, Tom, and Chris respond to questions from supporters of the Pugcast on Patreon. The conversation covers a great span of matters--tune in and find out if they discuss something you've wondered about! And if you'd like them to answer one of your questions you can join their Patreon and ask!

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Contact Private Family Banking at banking@privatefamilybanking.com

For a free e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown" go to https://protectyourmoneynow.net/

To set up a FREE 30-Minute Consultation, use the link below:

https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

The Cluster B Society Oct 02, 2023

Cluster B is a recognized set of psychological disorders. In this episode, the Pugsters discuss an article by Christopher Rufo that argues that our culture, government, and educational system has promoted these as virtues, with the result that society is being driven by Cluster B personalities. Along with looking at the problem, the guys discuss ideas about what to do about it.

Twitter Video Referenced: https://twitter.com/realchrisrufo/status/1704521862888444022?fbclid=IwAR1rRSSAZW_CO5K2kVGk8aJanmmkxeQ1rfjEvGfBnjAStJosX6b2iAlbeS0

Contact Private Family Banking at banking@privatefamilybanking.com

For a free e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown" go to https://protectyourmoneynow.net/

To set up a FREE 30-Minute Consultation, use the link below:

https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Christian Stockholm Syndrome? A Conversation with Dr. John West Sep 25, 2023

Today the Pugcast is live at Evangelical Reformed Church in Tacoma, Washington and Chris and Glenn are joined by Dr. John West of the Discovery Institute. Together they discuss the strange and disconcerting tendency of evangelical intellectuals to prefer the company and approval of secular elites to fellow Christians. Tune in and learn about Christian Stockholm Syndrome!

Connect with the Discovery Institute: https://www.discovery.org/

Contact Private Family Banking at banking@privatefamilybanking.com

For a free e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown" go to https://protectyourmoneynow.net/

To set up a FREE 30-Minute Consultation, use the link below:

https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Apostle Paul’s School For Tentmaking: Conference Teaser with Dylan Stinson Sep 22, 2023

Register for the conference:

https://trinityreformedkirk.com/tentmaking/

The Apostle Paul was not only the best-educated apostle, and one of the most influential intellectuals in the history of the world, he was a tradesman. He made tents for a living. It was the perfect trade for a man on the road.

In 1 Corinthians 9 he made the case for making a living from the gospel, yet he didn’t take advantage of his right to do so. He even said, “But I have made no use of (my) rights, nor am I writing these things to you to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.” (1 Cor. 9:15) Could you say that? Would you like to be able to?

Because Paul was able to support himself financially he enjoyed the sort of freedom that many pastors today can only dream of. But not all pastors. There are a few who even today enjoy the sort of freedom Paul boasted of. And they’ve done it while seeing their ministries actually prosper because of it. Would you like to learn how? Join us, October 17th in Huntsville, Alabama to hear more.

Order and Liberty--Will They Ever Be Seen Together Again? Sep 18, 2023

Today the Pugs reflect on a short essay by Patrick Deneen published in the Post-Liberal Substack, entitled, In Defense of Order. In the essay Deneen reflects on a book, originally published in 1974 by Russell Kirk, The Roots of American Order. The call to order is hardly heard today over the cacophony of voices praising, and demanding liberty. Yet according to classical thinkers, liberty without order ultimately leads to tyranny. And more and more that seems to be the case in our time. Join the Pugs today as they ruminate on the nature of ordered liberty.

In Defense of Order - Part 1, by Patrick J. Deneen: https://www.postliberalorder.com/p/in-defense-of-order-part-1?fbclid=IwAR182VsBMRYAgHaTk1PB5_G_FAsUuPo8GeDvoZjnQmdwVD1tc2jIKLQ2gGI

Contact Private Family Banking Partners (The Pugcast’s first sponsor!) at www.protectyourmoneynow.net and download a free copy of their latest e-book entitled "Protect Your Money Now! How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown" or email them directly at Banking@privatefamilybanking.com To set up a free 30 Minute Consultation, click the link below to make an appointment for a day and time the works best for you: https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min

Register for The Apostle Paul’s School For Tentmaking Conference on October 17, 2023:https://trinityreformedkirk.com/tentmaking/

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Apostle Paul’s School For Tentmaking: Conference Teaser with Troy Albee Sep 15, 2023

Register for the conference:

https://trinityreformedkirk.com/tentmaking/

The Apostle Paul was not only the best-educated apostle, and one of the most influential intellectuals in the history of the world, he was a tradesman. He made tents for a living. It was the perfect trade for a man on the road.

In 1 Corinthians 9 he made the case for making a living from the gospel, yet he didn’t take advantage of his right to do so. He even said, “But I have made no use of (my) rights, nor am I writing these things to you to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.” (1 Cor. 9:15) Could you say that? Would you like to be able to?

Because Paul was able to support himself financially he enjoyed the sort of freedom that many pastors today can only dream of. But not all pastors. There are a few who even today enjoy the sort of freedom Paul boasted of. And they’ve done it while seeing their ministries actually prosper because of it. Would you like to learn how? Join us, October 17th in Huntsville, Alabama to hear more.

Is STEM Beautiful? An Interview with Mitch Stokes Sep 11, 2023

Since C. P. Snow's landmark book, The Two Cultures intellectuals have wondered whether or not it is possible to bridge the divide between the sciences (or STEM), and the humanities. Another way of putting it is, "What's the connection between facts and values?" Today on the Pugcast the guys welcome philosopher and engineer, Mitch Stokes of New Saint Andrews College. Mitch was recently awarded a grant to explore this very question. And Mitch's intriguing thesis is beauty is the bridge. Join us for a free-flowing conversation!

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Tolkien and Thomism: An Interview with Jonathan McIntosh Sep 04, 2023

Just how deep a dive is possible when it comes to Tolkien and metaphysics? About as deep as Thomas Aquinas goes, according the New Saint Andrews Fellow, Jonathan McIntosh. In this free ranging discussion the Pugs dive into the creation story of the Silmarillion, the nature of power and language, G. K. Chesterton, and dozens of other things. Tolkien nerds will now be able to nerd out in a whole new way!

Order The Flame Imperishable: Tolkien, St. Thomas, and the Metaphysics of Faerie: https://a.co/d/ivZ1YJO

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Chestertonian Calvinism? with Douglas Wilson Aug 28, 2023

Are you a Calvinist who has a weakness for G. K. Chesterton? Join the club! What attracts readers to Chesterton is the combination of artful prose, joyous gratitude, and serious attention to perennial truths. Wouldn't it be great if more Calvinists were like him? Well, according to Douglas Wilson we once were and we can be again. Join us for a wide-ranging conversation with Doug on all things Chesterton and Reformed. And check out his informative book for yourself.

Order Chestertonian Calvinism: https://a.co/d/8uLWdy4

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Identity Politics & Original Sin: An Interview with Dr. Joshua Mitchell Aug 21, 2023

Today the Pugs are joined by political philosopher, Dr. Joshua Mitchell of Georgetown University. Dr. Mitchell is the author of American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time. Unlike many thinkers who blame cultural marxism for the slide of the Left into identity politics, Dr. Mitchell believes the true source of the problem is a Christian heresy. The Left has turned doctrines like sin and atonement into a framework for a political program of purgation. Certain groups are scapegoated in the interest of cleaning the stain of social sins such as racism. The problem, of course, is this doesn't truly atone for anything. Our only hope for atonement is found in Christianity. Without a revival of genuine Christian faith the American experiment will end in failure.

Order American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time: https://a.co/d/fNuvOxd

Watch Dr. Mitchell's video essay for First Things: https://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2023/01/identity-politics-guilt-and-the-scapegoat?fbclid=IwAR3mZsPqD3aaPMthXDx3TlCKggFy1uImr6gMexnNwg_mZcPp8h1itSyoGZ0

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Is Our ‘Conscience’ Final in Matters of Truth and Goodness? Aug 14, 2023

Today’s show looks at the theological ramifications of deformed versions of Christian teaching about ‘liberty of conscience’. Tom introduces the topic with some recent examples of Liberty of conscience gone awry. Glenn and Chris move the conversation along with a wealth of insight and perspective.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

The Shattered Image of the Thirteenth Century Aug 07, 2023

The Pugsters return to Glenn’s turf this week, discussing the introduction of an article by John Mark Reynolds which modifies Lewis’s idea of a “discarded image” in the loss of the medieval worldview, to a “shattered image,” in which elements of the medieval worldview survive, but in fragmented form. The conversation ranges from plague (another of Glenn’s favorite topics), to the nature of the Renaissance, to the development of science, to the idea of progress, and a host of other related topics.

Article: https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2023/05/shattered-image-thirteenth-century-john-mark-reynolds.html

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

The Over Administered Life Jul 31, 2023

Today the Pugs respond to an article by Matthew B. Crawford--the author of Shop Class as Soulcraft--entitled: What is Vitalism? After distinguishing what Crawford is talking about from the vitalism of earlier thinkers, the Pugs sympathetically reflect on his main argument--namely, that the over-management of life by the professional managerial class infantilizes people and makes them weak and incompetent. His solution is a return to the real world and manual and mental competence. Tune in and see if you agree!

Read the article on Matthew Crawford’s Substack: https://mcrawford.substack.com/p/what-is-vitalism?r=3mqy0&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post&fbclid=IwAR20QRIS_sScRMtVs-r9LfHcbEnA29RONe3obeHunV6pAOKgw3jMrQdexpg

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Fashionable Euthanasia? Jul 24, 2023

An increasing trend has sprung up in the West, the Netherlands and Canada most recently, where assisted suicide and euthanasia have become fashionable options for people not merely suffering interminable diseases during the latter days of their lives but for young and old who are just tired of living for one reason or the other, whether its recurrent depression, an eating disorder, or a bad break-up. Tom introduces this disturbing trend, and the guys engage it from many angles, offering theological and ethical analysis on the one side, but also ministerial and sound counsel on the other.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Bonus Q&A: Atheists Advocating Christianity Jul 18, 2023

Listen in for a short Q&A session following our previous episode.

Article Referenced: https://europeanconservative.com/articles/commentary/believe-in-believers/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Atheists Advocating Christianity Jul 17, 2023

The Pugsters were together live again this week, meeting at the Preservation Company in Huntsville, Alabama. The guys talked about an article called “Believe in Believers,” an appeal by a conservative English secularist to his fellow atheists and agnostics not to view the “Religious Right” as their enemies, but to see them as essential to the battle against the Woke. The Pugsters talked about the practical and theoretical parts of the article’s ideas.

Article Referenced: https://europeanconservative.com/articles/commentary/believe-in-believers/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

The Glory God Is and the Beauty We Make Jul 10, 2023

On today’s episode Tom and Glenn are joined by two guests, Architect David Stocker and Philosopher Doug Groothuis, while Chris is tending denominational business at the PCA General Assembly. The conversation surrounds aesthetics, beauty, and its connection to divine glory. David’s insights from the world of architecture are fascinating and richly practical in helping us get started bringing beauty into our homes and lives. Doug’s insights from philosophy likewise help us shape a larger vision of beauty as we embody divine glory.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Bonus Q&A: Pursuing Beauty, Goodness, and Truth with George Grant Jul 04, 2023

Listen in for a short Q&A session following our previous episode. Also--learn what E. M. Bounds has to do with George and his preaching ministry!

Keep up with George at https://georgegrant.net/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Pursuing Beauty, Goodness, and Truth with George Grant Jul 03, 2023

On today's show the gang is recording in Memphis again, and this time they're joined by George Grant. George has many writing projects, but one of his recent ones addresses the life and ministry of Thomas Chalmers. George Grant is a remarkable pastor and scholar, and if he's impressed with Thomas Chalmers, that's saying something. Listen in as George waxes grandio-eloquent about this important 19th century Scots churchman, encourages us to read deeply, and reminds us of the hope a joyful church gives to our broken world. Enjoy!

Keep up with George at https://georgegrant.net/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out the Got a Minute? Podcast with Rich Lusk and Larson Hicks: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

An Introduction to The American Reformer: A Short Interview with Ben Dunson Jun 30, 2023

While at the PCA General Assembly in Memphis the Pugcast caught up with Dr. Ben Dunson, the editor of The American Reformer. This short interview is an introduction to a young, but increasingly influential journal that has been recently cited by the New York Times as playing a role in the conservative resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention.

Follow The American Reformer: https://americanreformer.org/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Fire in the Streets: Bonus Q&A Jun 27, 2023

Listen in for a short Q&A session following our previous episode, Fire in the Streets.

Order Dr. Groothuis’s book: https://a.co/d/bOpecl7

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Fire in the Streets Jun 26, 2023

The Pugsters recorded in Memphis this week, where Chris was attending the PCA General Assembly. In this show, the guys have another conversation with Doug Groothuis, Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics at Denver Seminary, about his latest book, Fire in the Streets. The book and the discussion focus on Critical Race Theory and Critical Theory more broadly. The guys talk about the various ideas that make up CRT and critique them from the perspective of a biblical worldview.

Order Dr. Groothuis’s book: https://a.co/d/bOpecl7

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Jonathan Edwards on Preaching, Praying, and Publishing Jun 19, 2023

The Pugs are down one member today--Glenn couldn't make it. But don't panic, they are joined by another historian, Christian Cuthbert, authority on Jonathan Edwards and all around good guy. Jonathan shares the content of a paper he is presenting at the Jonathan Edwards conference in Belgium in July of 2023. Chris and Tom have fun interacting with Christian as the show is recorded in person at the beautiful Blake Center for Faith and Freedom of Hillsdale College, located in Somers, CT. It's a short show this week, but a rich one. Enjoy!

The Wartime Sermons of Jonathan Edwards: https://wipfandstock.com/9781725287877/the-wartime-sermons-of-jonathan-edwards/

Learn about the Blake Center: https://blakecenter.hillsdale.edu/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

God and Axiology--or, Why We Value the Things We Do Jun 12, 2023

On today's show Chris introduces the discipline of Axiology to listeners. Axiology is a division of philosophy--like metaphysics, ethics, or epistemology, but with the focus on the concept of value. Chris uses his recent talk at the Thank God for Bitcoin Conference as the starting point for this discussion. Before the end the Pugs discuss the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic value, value and its relationship to the Real, and what the classic film, Casablanca can teach us about value in a world that is falling apart. Enjoy!

CR’s article in American Reformer: https://americanreformer.org/2023/06/bitcoin/

Join us in Memphis on June 14th for 2 live show recordings, conversation, and refreshments. 3pm-7pm at the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Memphis at 75 Jefferson Ave.

Join us in Huntsville Alabama June 16th for a live show recording at Fractal Brewing at 7pm.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Converting the Vikings Jun 05, 2023

Working off an article about the inability of modern writers on the Vikings to understand their conversion to Christianity, the guys discuss the weaknesses of Norse religion and the answers Christianity offered them. Glenn tells a number of stories about Vikings and explains how Norse Christianity saw itself as the fulfillment of pagan mythology. To round out the discussion, the guys talk about Lewis and Tolkien’s love of “Northerness,” the real virtues of Norse culture in the midst of its vices, and the need to recapture those virtues purged of its pagan vices.

Article link: https://mereorthodoxy.com/the-end-of-viking-vitalism/

Join us in Memphis on June 14th for 2 live show recordings, conversation, and refreshments. 3pm-7pm at the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Memphis at 75 Jefferson Ave. No RSVP needed!

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Teaser: Pugcast Live In Memphis with George Grant! May 31, 2023

Here’s a teaser of the inimitable George Grant giving us a little sample of what he will talk about with the pugs at one of our live Pugcasts in Memphis —John Witherspoon, educator, Founding Father, and Presbyterian minister. Join us at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Memphis, Wednesday, June 14th for two live recordings of the Theology Pugcast from 3:00-7:00pm. Food, fellowship, and fun with Tom, Glenn, Chris, and George Grant!

Woo in the Silicon Valley? May 29, 2023

On today’s show Tom and the guys look at how technocratic rationalists are increasingly longing for something deeper and fuller even though their search mostly remains within the bounds of modernist assumptions and relativism. The guys look at Tara Burton’s article Rational Magic: Why a Silicon Valley culture that was once obsessed with reason is going woo in the New Atlantis. The range of topics this episode engages is rich and timely.

Article Referenced: https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/rational-magic?fbclid=IwAR0d4vZwY914UGnjbzXve4EA8otCxvtVu7d25ZEhKSZBEYYjpVtolvmpsmY

Join us in Memphis on June 14th for 2 live show recordings, conversation, and refreshments. 3pm-7pm at the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Memphis at 75 Jefferson Ave. No RSVP needed!

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Magnanimity: A Forgotten Virtue May 22, 2023

In this week’s episode, the Pugsters riff off a Twitter thread and article contrasting the way Aragorn is portrayed in the movies and in the books. But Aragorn isn’t really the point. His character in the books but not in the movies displays magnanimity, or great-souledness (if that’s a word). The guys talk about the ideas roots in Aristotle, how the concept was Christianized in the Middle Ages, and why we should recover it.

Twitter thread referenced: https://twitter.com/ChivalryGuild/status/1648463680735162372?fbclid=IwAR1fP4SrOko6DNHtn2Wb-ep0y0Ji3t5BWU-1AZjRFSr0v5aSLVGsVKuCTFo

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Can Public Education Be Saved? May 15, 2023

On today's show the Pugs respond to an article published in First Things entitled: Don't Spare the Rod, by Daniel Buck. Buck is a public school teacher and in the article he describes the break down of the order that had once at least partly been kept in public school classrooms. The guys reflect on their own educations in public schools and wonder aloud, "What should Christians do about public education?"

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Away With God, Away With Humanity May 08, 2023

On this week's episode Tom engages insights from Vigen Goroian's article (and book chapter) on Chesterton, Rallying the Really Human Things. The guys join Tom in discussing things human and the humane and the requisite theological and trascendent frame which grounds such things. For example, Christian virtues ripped from their theological mooring become barbaric and inhumane once unleashed on a civiliazation apart from God in Christ.

Article Referenced:

https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2013/04/chesterton-rallying-really-human-things-vigen-guroian.html?fbclid=IwAR0spJ2dKXeE2y0qjQIctjRiTkIsY6RqVHRkagDJJVzotGIoP1t_7PEQS-s

Thank God For Bitcoin Conference in Miami FL: https://tgfb.com/

You can get 15% off any of the TGFB23 tickets (including the livestream for those who can't make it in person) with promo code PUGCAST

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

The Role of the Imagination May 01, 2023

Malcolm Guite’s book, Lifting the Veil: Imagination and the Kingdom of God, provides the Pugster’s with the starting point for this week’s episode. After a summary of some of Guite’s ideas about imagination as the means by which reason and intuition are united, making the imagination an essential tool for understanding reality, the guys engage in their usual wide-ranging discussion taking Guite’s ideas in new directions and ending with some suggestions on how to grow and stretch our imaginations.

Thank God For Bitcoin Conference in Miami FL: https://tgfb.com/

You can get 15% off any of the TGFB23 tickets (including the livestream for those who can't make it in person) with promo code PUGCAST

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

An Interview with Kemper Crabb Apr 24, 2023

Kemper Crabb is a musician who was involved in the “Jesus Music” of the late ‘70s and ‘80s that later turned into CCM, an Anglican priest working in a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, and a scholar of medieval literature and history, among other things. On today’s episode the Pugsters have a wide ranging conversation with Kemper, including an inside look at the history of Christian and popular music, the influence of medieval music and instruments in Kemper’s work, Tolkien, and things we need to recover from the medieval mind.

Find more more Kemper: https://www.kempercrabb.net/

Connect with Kemper’s church in Katy TX: https://newchurch.love/

Thank God For Bitcoin Conference in Miami FL: https://tgfb.com/

You can get 15% off any of the TGFB23 tickets (including the livestream for those who can't make it in person) with promo code PUGCAST

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Theology, the Queen of the Sciences? Apr 17, 2023

Once upon a time Thomas Aquinas referred to theology as the "Queen of the Sciences"--but what was he referring to? Today the Pugsters take up the crisis of knowledge. The tendency today is to reduce everything to material and efficient causes--in other words, to a material basis. Whole dimensions of human life are now considered too subjective to warrant referring to them as knowledge. Nevertheless, into the void ideology has inserted itself, and now, not only is every discipline aping the material sciences, everything is now politics--especially leftist politics. But once theology held things together to the glory of God. Today the Pugsters express their longings for a return of theology to its royal calling.

Thank God For Bitcoin Conference in Miami FL: https://tgfb2022.com/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order Glenn’s most recent book, 32 Christians Who Changed Their World: https://a.co/d/fooO3B9

Order Jason Cherry’s The Making of Evangelical Spirituality: https://a.co/d/5LdNXiu

Angels, Demons, and Christus Victor Apr 10, 2023

A timely discussion of the biblical reality of the spiritual realm, the angelic, the demonic, and Christ’s victory over Satan, death, hell, and the grave. Tom introduces the problematic placement of the place of angels and demons in contemporary theology and the need to retrieve the rich biblical vision which shaped classic Christian orthodoxy. Chris and Glenn chime in with a wealth of insight and perspective as the guys unpack this theme. Further, Tom brings into the discussion the biblical atonement theme of Christus Victor, Christ’s triumph over Satan and the bondage he has held creation under until Christ’s triumph over evil on the Cross. The guys each contribute to the import of such a biblical emphasis in having a full understanding of the work of Christ over evil and our confidence in Him.

Thank God For Bitcoin Conference in Miami FL: https://tgfb2022.com/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order Jason Cherry’s The Making of Evangelical Spirituality: https://a.co/d/5LdNXiu

The Return of the Old Gods Apr 03, 2023

Today’s Pugcast is a discussion of Naomi Wolfe’s Substack piece, “Have the Old Gods Returned?” which is a reflection and development of the ideas in Jonathan Cahn’s The Return of the Gods. The premise is that with the rejection of Christianity, God’s protection over the Western world has been withdrawn and the old gods—demonic entities that were pushed to the margins by Christianity—have now returned. The guys discuss some specifics of the pieces and reflect on the biblical and historic Christian ideas of the demonic and its influence on culture. A resurgence of demonic activity may be the best explanation for the unprecedentedly rapid spread of cultural and social chaos and the way governments, education, media, and big tech are marching in lockstep across the globe to promote these destructive ideologies and practices.

Naomi Wolfe's Substack article: https://naomiwolf.substack.com/p/have-the-ancient-gods-returned

Traditional Fatherhood Intensive in Vancouver WA: https://www.solochristo.org/fatherhood-conf

Thank God For Bitcoin Conference in Miami FL: https://tgfb2022.com/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order Jason Cherry’s The Making of Evangelical Spirituality: https://a.co/d/5LdNXiu

An Interview with Nathan Spearing about a Theology of Violence—and more! Mar 28, 2023

Today Chris interviews another speaker from The Traditional Fatherhood Intensive--Nathan Spearing, retired Army Ranger and host of The Life on Target Podcast. Nate shares briefly on a theology of violence, as well as on how to become more dangerous. If you'd like to hear more, sign up for the Traditional Fatherhood Intensive which will be May 5-6 in Vancouver, Washington. Here's a link to the Eventbright page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/traditional-fatherhood-intensive-purpose-provision-protection-tickets-559053583317?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

And here's a link to The Life on Target Podcast: https://www.spearing.co/content_type/podcasts/life-on-target

And All that Jazz Mar 27, 2023

The Pugsters welcome apologist and philosopher Doug Groothuis to the show this week to talk about neither apologetics nor philosophy but music. Doug is a jazz fan who has published articles and concert reviews for “All About Jazz.” We talk about the elements that make jazz what it is, jazz performers and standards, and how jazz points to an approach to other activities beside music, including Pugcasts and teaching.

Find more from Doug:

https://www.douglasgroothuis.com/

https://www.lifeaudio.com/truth-tribe-with-douglas-groothuis/

https://www.allaboutjazz.com/articles-by-douglas-groothuis

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order Jason Cherry’s The Making of Evangelical Spirituality: https://a.co/d/5LdNXiu

Interview with Rory Groves about The Traditional Fatherhood Intensive Mar 22, 2023

In this brief bonus show C. R. Wiley interviews Rory Groves, author of Durable Trades, about what he will be speaking about at The Traditional Fatherhood Intensive. TFI is a two-day conference being held in Vancouver, Washington, May 5-6, 2023 and will feature C. R. Wiley, Rory Groves, and Nate Spearing. To learn more and to register simply follow this link--

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/traditional-fatherhood-intensive-purpose-provision-protection-tickets-559053583317?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

BTW, he's a link to Rory's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Durable-Trades-Family-Centered-Economies-Stood/dp/1725274140/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=rory+groves+durable+trades&qid=1678921876&sprefix=rory+gr%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1

Why the Mental Health of Liberal Girls Sank First and Fastest Mar 20, 2023

Today the Pugs reflect on a remarkable essay by Jon Haidt in which he correlates the mental health of young people since 2013 and their sex and political outlook. The mental health of all young people has been getting worse, but it is worst for liberal girls and it is best for conservative boys. Why 2013? And why does sex and political outlook make a difference? These are the questions that the Pugs ponder. Please join us for the conversation. Here's a link to the article if you'd like to read it yourself: https://www.thefp.com/p/why-the-mental-health-of-liberal

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order Jason Cherry’s The Making of Evangelical Spirituality: https://a.co/d/5LdNXiu

Civilizational Madness Mar 13, 2023

Today's show looks at Jacques Ellul's 'Those whom God wishes to destroy He first Makes Mad' from his book The Betrayal of the West. Tom introduces the topic by looking at how civilizational self-contempt became a defining orientation of Western cultures once it took a nihilistic and idolatrous turn from the Christian vision. Once culture lost its ground and aims in true transcendence the meaning and purpose at the heart of things was eclipsed and everything become seen as limiting and oppressing the only cultural value left: absolute autonomy. The guys join the discussion with fascinating insights into how irrationality and madness now largely define the times.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order Jason Cherry’s The Making of Evangelical Spirituality: https://a.co/d/5LdNXiu

The Man Who Was Thursday Mar 06, 2023

The Man Who Was Thursday is considered by many critics to be G.K. Chesterton’s masterpiece. Published in 1908, it has never gone out of print. It’s simultaneously a comedy, a mystery, a philosophical action-thriller, a spoof on anarchism and German philosophy, and a serial romp from the real into the surreal and back. The guys talk about the book, its themes, and its relevance for today. Spoiler alert: you can’t deal with the book without giving away some of the plot, but hopefully not too much. And even with the spoilers, the book has a lot more going on than just the plotline.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order Jason Cherry’s The Making of Evangelical Spirituality: https://a.co/d/5LdNXiu

Are You a Plastic Pleasure Monkey? Feb 27, 2023

Today the Pugsters take up the notorious Klaus Schawb's prediction for an ideal future: "You will own nothing and you will be happy." Just what sort of human being would you need to be in order for this to be appealing, or even make sense. Chris proposes--you would need to be a plastic pleasure monkey. But is that so? Or are there other truer ways to think about human beings? If so, what are they? On today's show the guys turn to Christian metaphysics, Aristotle, and the US Declaration of Independence to find out!

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order Jason Cherry’s The Making of Evangelical Spirituality: https://a.co/d/5LdNXiu

Artificial Society and Technological Culture Feb 20, 2023

This week’s show engages one dimension of our current identity crisis in the West by attending the increasing loss of our ability to discern, define, and acknowledge the distinction between created natures and purposes and the artificial and constructed. Tom, Chris and Glenn unpack the topic by looking at the history of this loss and some of its core ingredients: theological and philosophical errors about divinity, creation, humanity and the increased use of scientific technique in bending nature to our will and wishes. In looking at the character and consequences of this shift in Western thought and culture, the guys discuss some of the rich analysis of Oliver O’Donovan in his classic work: Begotten or Made? and Mathias Desmit’s work: The Psychology of Totalitarianism.

Order Begotten of Made? from the Davenant Institute: https://davenantinstitute.org/begotten-or-made

Order The Psychology of Totalitarianism: https://a.co/d/5m2mK54

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Order Jason Cherry’s The Making of Evangelical Spirituality: https://a.co/d/5LdNXiu

The Blake Center for Faith and Freedom Feb 13, 2023

This week’s Pugcast has another special guest. While Glenn is still away, Tom and Chris are joined by Labin Duke, the Executive Director of the Blake Center for Faith and Freedom of Hillsdale College in Somers, Connecticut. Labin introduces our audience to the fascinating history, mission, and vision of the Center. Extending the reach of the Hillsdale vision of faith and freedom into the spiritual and political barrenness of New England is bold yet opportune. The gentleman unpack the challenges as well as opportunities of such a venture as Mr. Duke further gives details about the upcoming programs offered by the Center. You’ll not want to miss this rich interview.

Learn more about the Blake Center at https://blakecenter.hillsdale.edu/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Like The Theology Pugcast? Check out another show sponsored by Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville AL: ‘Got a Minute?’

Theology, Philosophy, Economics, Politics (and more) for normal people. Featuring Rich Lusk, Larson Hicks, and the occasional special guest!

https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

The Reactionary Mind with Michael Warren Davis Feb 06, 2023

On today’s show Chris and Tom host the show without Glenn, but they are joined by Michael Warren Davis, author of the entertaining and informative book, The Reactionary Mind. Mike helps the pugs understand the differences between conservatives and reactionaries, and why genuine conservatives are actually the latter. Along the way the conversation ambles from Savonarola (a good guy) to Nom Chomsky (a very bad one). Tune in and see why you might actually be a reactionary and why that’s a good thing.

Find Michael at https://commonman.substack.com/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Like The Theology Pugcast? Check out another show sponsored by Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville AL: ‘Got a Minute?’

Theology, Philosophy, Economics, Politics (and more) for normal people. Featuring Rich Lusk, Larson Hicks, and the occasional special guest!

https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Sabine Baring Gould: A Way of Life Lost to Modern Specialization Jan 30, 2023

Few people today know about the remarkable career of Sabine Baring Gould. Anglican priest, father of fifteen, archaeologist, anthropologist, author of novels, short stories, hymns, biographies, and travelogues, amateur painter and ironworker, translator, preserver of folk music, the list goes on and on. Tony Esolen commented that he could only have lived in the nineteenth century. Using Baring Gould’s life as a starting point, the guys discuss Tony’s comment, examining why the nineteenth century produced such a wide-ranging genius, where we might find them today, and what we can do to begin recovering similar capacities today.

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Like The Theology Pugcast? Check out another show sponsored by Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville AL: ‘Got a Minute?’

Theology, Philosophy, Economics, Politics (and more) for normal people. Featuring Rich Lusk, Larson Hicks, and the occasional special guest!

https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

Bonus Q&A: The New Asceticism Jan 24, 2023

Listen in for a quick Q&A following yesterday’s episode: The New Asceticism

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Like The Theology Pugcast? Check out another show sponsored by Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville AL: ‘Got a Minute?’

Theology, Philosophy, Economics, Politics (and more) for normal people. Featuring Rich Lusk, Larson Hicks, and the occasional special guest!

https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

The New Asceticism Jan 23, 2023

In some pockets of the Protestant world ‘asceticism’ is a dirty word. It brings works righteousness and unbiblical acts of self-abuse to mind. But is that the whole story? Jesus said, ‘When you fast’ not ‘If you fast.’ In other words, it’s expected, and there’s a right way to do it. So, perhaps it comes as a surprise that self-denial is actually growing in popularity, and it’s doing so outside the church. Why is it happening, and what should we think about it. Tune in for the conversation!

Article by Matthew Crawford: https://unherd.com/2022/12/the-politics-of-masturbation/

Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Like The Theology Pugcast? Check out another show sponsored by Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville AL: ‘Got a Minute?’

Theology, Philosophy, Economics, Politics (and more) for normal people. Featuring Rich Lusk, Larson Hicks, and the occasional special guest!

https://open.spotify.com/show/4fswVZmNEfSXA1JLZzgPhj

The Art of the Inimitable Jack Baumgartner Jan 16, 2023

Today the Pugcast welcomes the versatile artist Jack Baumgartner. Jack is a farmer living with his wife and six children outside of Wichita, Kansas. Jack is a musician (the banjo you hear on this episode is Jack), a painter, printmaker, woodworker, furniture maker, and puppeteer. He’s also a thoughtful Christian whose faith is reflected in all of his work. Chris has collected Jack’s work for years. By the end of the show you’ll probably want to too.

Find Jack at https://baumwerkshop.com/, https://theschoolofthetransferofenergy.com/, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/baumwerkj/

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Varieties of Atheism Jan 09, 2023

On today’s show Tom introduces the topic of atheism and its various types. Drawing from John Gray’s book: Seven Types of Atheism, the conversation unpacks and engages each type mentioned by Gray. Noting how not all atheisms are the same, the guys critically interact with each, showing the various kinds of challenges each bring to the cultural context. The result is a rich conversation around unbelief and it’s weaker and more challenging forms which require a more substantive theological critique.

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Tolkien and Mythology Jan 02, 2023

In this episode, the guys discuss mythology and its significance for Tolkien. Glenn presents several theories about myths and their roles in cultures as a doorway into understanding Tolkien’s goal of creating a mythology for England. In the process, the guys explore some of our current cultural mythologies and the lessons and deeper meaning of myth in general and Tolkien in particular.

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Knowledge Is Power—But Is That All? Dec 26, 2022

Today Chris responds to the truism attributed to Francis Bacon, "Knowledge is power." The question he raises is, "If that is all there is to it, what does that imply--that forms of knowledge that don't lead to power are worthless, do they fail the test of knowledge then?" Chris warns, this is the road to totalitarianism. It isn't a fast road, necessarily--but it certainly gets you there eventually. Tune in to see what the Pugsters have to say about why the old truism isn't entirely true.

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Incarnation, Joy Incarnate, the Opening of Heaven to Earth, and Music Dec 19, 2022

Christmas is around the corner and the guys reflect on the Incarnation and some of its implications. Reflecting upon Luke 2:8-20, Shepherds and Angels, Tom introduces the topic of what is implied by the heavens being open upon the Incarnation. The guys take the topic in many fascinating directions, including the issue of joy and beatitude, and music in light of Christ.

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C.S. Lewis on the Tao Dec 12, 2022

As suggested by a Grumbler on Facebook, the Pugsters discuss C.S. Lewis’s ideas on the Tao from The Abolition of Man. For Lewis, the Tao is a kind of natural law that is the foundation for human knowledge, ethics, etc. The guys tease out some of the implications of the idea of the Tao in the Abolition of Man as well as pursuing some of their own thoughts on the topic.

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Up the Hierarchy!--Hans Boersma & Dionysius the Areopagite on Why We Have Hierarchy All Wrong Dec 05, 2022

Today the Pugcast welcomes Dr. Hans Boersma, author of Heavenly Participation and many other edifying books onto the show. In this episode Dr. Boersma reflects on a talk he gave recently at the Touchstone Conference in Chicago. In the talk he up-ended many misconceptions concerning hierarchy in the Christian understanding of God and his creation. He does this by reflecting on the work of the man who coined the term, "hierarchy"--Dionysius the Areopagite. Tune in and have your thinking turned upside down!

Find Dr. Boersma’s work: https://www.hansboersma.org/

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The Roots of Nihilistic Politics Nov 28, 2022

This week’s Pugcast presents a rich conversation with Dr. Michael Hanby, Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy of Science at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America. Dr. Hanby has been at the forefront of cultural analysis with works critically engaging modern science and sociology, unmasking their problematic theological and philosophical underpinnings, unpacking the cultural havoc such underpinnings have resulted in. In view of his recent talk at the Touchstone Conference, The Politics of Nothingness, where Dr. Hanby digs deeply into the flood of causes which have led to the present crises in our culture, the Pugsters have a deep conversation with Dr. Hanby, especially about the important work of Augusto Del Noce on the Problem of Atheism. This conversation is a real treat!

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The Case for Kids with Kevin DeYoung Nov 21, 2022

What happened to fertility around the world? The numbers have dropped dramatically. Once we talked about the "Population Bomb.” Now people talk about the "Birth Dearth.” It seems counterintuitive that we have fewer kids the more we can afford them. Kevin DeYoung recently discussed the Case for Kids in an important essay published in First Things in the November 2022 issue. The Pugsters talk to Kevin about this important subject and why he thinks that it is a spiritual malaise that is at the root of it.

Connect with Kevin’s work at https://kevindeyoung.org/

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Discovering the Discovery Institute Nov 14, 2022

Today on the Pugcast Glenn and Chris interview Dr. John West of the Discovery Institute of Seattle, Washington. Glenn and Chris had the privilege of speaking alongside Dr. West at the Slaying Leviathan conference sponsored by Evangelical Reformed Church in Tacoma. The interview covers a wide range of topics including: intelligent design, Darwinism and its weaknesses, and why there is a drift in Christian higher education into liberalism. Enjoy!

Find more about the Discovery Institute at https://www.discovery.org/

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What Is Protestant Social Teaching? Nov 07, 2022

Today the Pugcast is joined by Brad Littlejohn and Steven Wedgeworth of The Davenant Institute to discuss a new book entitled, Protestant Social Teaching. The Pugsters have long admired the work of the Davenant Institute and are impressed with their new book. Please join us as we think about social issues in light of the Christian faith and the contributions Protestants have made to the teachings of the Church.

Learn more about The Davenant Institute: https://davenantinstitute.org/

Order Protestant Social Teaching: https://davenantinstitute.org/protestant-social-teaching

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Mere Christianity is Merely Great Oct 31, 2022

Mere Christianity might be the most important work of apologetics in the last 100 years or more. Copies sold are in the millions. But it is not only a popular success, it is a profoundly insightful and deep work--C. S. Lewis understood the Christian faith better than any other writer in living memory, with the possible exception of G. K. Chesterton. Today the Pugsters reflect on the riches of Lewis's greatest apologetic work.

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Bonus Q&A: The Elites vs. Humanity Oct 25, 2022

Listen in for a quick question and answer session following yesterday's episode: The Elites vs. Humanity.

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The Elites vs. Humanity Oct 24, 2022

On today’s ‘live’ episode Tom unpacks insights from John Rist's book: What is a Person? After noting the rich conception of the human person which arose out of classical realist and Christian theological sources, which supplied a robust view of the unique gift and dignity of each human made in the image of God, called by the Gospel to eternal communion with God, Rist then notes the rise of philosophical and political elites who rejected the transcendent vision of Christianity, and embraced philosophies which undercut the personhood of human beings, to the point that apart from themselves, elites began to promote visions which saw the bulk of human beings as inferiors and dependent on their lies for their own safety and survival. Glenn and Chris bring into the discussion many fascinating insights, and all three recognize the elitist agenda continues today, often out in the open.

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Witches Then and Now Oct 17, 2022

Since we’re getting close to Halloween, Glenn brings the topic of witchcraft to the table today. The guys begin by discussing historic ideas of witchcraft and the witch trials of Renaissance and early modern period. Note that some of these beliefs get us into PG-13 territory. The Pugsters then turn to witchcraft in the modern world, discussing Wicca and witchcraft around the world as well as the growing belief in the supernatural among college students. Although the kinds of witches described in witch hunting manuals only existed in the minds of the people of the day, the guys agree that demonic manifestations are very real even if only obvious in some parts of the world today.

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"Dirty Harry" is a Christian Film? Are You Crazy? (Maybe.) Oct 10, 2022

Dirty Harry is one of Clint Eastwood's best known films. It is also violent, full of profanity, and sprinkled with gratuitous nudity. How could anyone possibly mistake it for a Christian film? Today Chris makes a case for just that--he's not saying you should watch it as a family--or even that you should watch it. He makes the argument instead that it is a film that only makes sense within a Christian worldview--within a Christian framework of meaning. It is filled with subtle allusions to Christ--but the Jesus hinted at in Dirty Harry is not meek or mild. He's angry--and for good reason.

Today's episode was inspired by an essay published in Law and Liberty by Titus Techera--you can find it here: https://lawliberty.org/dirty-harrys-justice/

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The Thomist Tolkien (an interview with Yannick Imbert) Oct 03, 2022

Today the Pugcast welcomes French Reformed theologian Yannick Imbert onto the show! Yannick is the author of a new book on J. R. R. Tolkien, "From Imagination to Faerie: Tolkien's Thomist Fantasy". The book is a scholarly treatment of Tolkien's theological outlook and how it shaped Tolkien's understanding of language, myth and imagination. The Pugsters focus in primarily on Tolkien's views on language and how those conflict with contemporary understandings which are largely based on a set of assumptions informed by materialism. Enjoy!

Purchase From Imagination to Faerie: Tolkien's Thomist Fantasy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Imagination-Faerie-Tolkiens-Thomist-Fantasy/dp/1666710458

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What if Christians Had Their Own Version of NPR? (We Do.) Sep 26, 2022

Today the Pugcast is joined by Ken Myers, the man behind Mars Hill Audio. Mars Hill Audio was founded by Ken in 1993 after working for National Public Radio and serving as editor of Eternity Magazine. Among conservative Christian intellectuals Mars Hill Audio is an important resource for keeping up with the intersection of Christian thought and cultural trends in the western world. Ken is a long time friend of Chris, but all the Pugsters are big supporters of Ken's work. By the time the interview is over you'll probably want to download the Mars Hill Audio app to your phone. Unfortunately there were some technical glitches during the recording of the interview--but we think this is a pretty great episode nonetheless. We hope you enjoy it!

Visit https://marshillaudio.org/ to find Ken’s work with Mars Hill Audio.

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Christ All in All: Christology and Reality Sep 19, 2022

On today’s show Tom unpacks insights from Rhys Laverty's article: A Theory of Everything: Christology as a Hope for Evangelical Metaphysical Revival. The guys delve into fascinating topics of how the early theologians of the Church redefined the philosophical as they put its tools and insights into the service of unpacking the Biblical doctrines of Trinity and Christology. The guys look into the question of how Christology in particular gave a set of categories which can help us today in clarifying the biblical understanding of human nature and ethics by supplying it with resources to spell out these core claims in fuller and richer ways, helping us engage the philosophical and metaphysical claims of today's pagan alternatives with a robust Christian vision of completeness in Christ.

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Technology and the Return of the Old Gods Sep 12, 2022

Today’s show returns to the subject of the disenchantment and reenchantment of the world. The Pugsters discuss an article arguing that technology in the form of the bots and algorithms that control so much of online life function today much like the angels and demons of the premodern world, with the tech gurus who are behind it all functioning like priest-kings with data analysts as their prophets. A lively conversation around techno-paganism, techno-gnosticism, and the implications of online life in general follows.

Article: https://thesymbolicworld.com/articles/technology-and-the-return-of-the-old-gods/

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Where Totalitarians Come From Sep 05, 2022

There is something new under the sun—totalitarianism. Often confused with authoritarianism or tyranny, totalitarianism is a modern phenomenon, only possible in modernity. It is also uniquely deadly in its implications. So, what is it about modernity that makes totalitarianism feasible, and what makes it different from earlier forms of political oppression? The pugsters explore the modern character of totalitarianism on today’s Pugcast.

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All Things G. K. Chesterton—Especially Distributism Aug 29, 2022

Today the Pugcast welcomes Dr. David Deavel on to the show to discuss G. K. Chesterton in all of his enormity. Perhaps best known among evangelicals for his book Orthodoxy, Chesterton also wrote detective fiction about a priest named, Father Brown, as well as longer works of fiction such as the remarkable, The Man Who Was Thursday, biographies about Francis of Assisi and Thomas Aquinas. He’s also known for a “Third Way” economic theory known as Distributism. Today’s show ranges over all the large legacy of this larger than life man. Enjoy!

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After the Virus: Tyranny Rising Aug 22, 2022

On today’s show Tom unpacks Hans Boersma’s short article: Viral Submission: on the Emerging Totalitarianism of the New Biopolitics. The guys define and engage biopolitics and how the recent pandemic exposed how it’s encroachment into the sacred territories of our life, health, work, and community relationships are becoming claimed by governing and global political agendas at fundamental odds with true human flourishing and our higher spiritual ends.

Article (Available to Touchstone Subscribers) : https://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=35-03-021-v

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Register for the Welcome to Negative World conference: https://www.negworldconference.com/

Our recording platform has been dealing with some bugs lately, so please excuse the bit of glitchiness at points.

Cyberpunk and the Metaverse Aug 15, 2022

Today’s Pugcast walks through a blog post by Jason Ananda Josephson Storm, an important secular philosopher who, among other things, is engaged in a systematic critique of Postmodernism and where things should go from there. This post deals with Zuckerberg’s Metaverse and assesses it from the perspective of 1990s Cyberpunk, where the term originated. Hint: Cyberpunk always presented a dystopian vision of the future; Zuck and others missed the point and have turned it utopian. The Pugsters walk through the blog post and riff on ideas of cultural despair, escapism, consumerism vs. capitalism, and transhumanism, among other things.

Article: https://absolute-disruption.com/2021/11/04/hack-the-metaverse/

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Is Sweat Really Necessary? Aug 08, 2022

In today's show the Pugs discuss a recent article in First Things by Joshua Mitchell, By the Sweat of Our Brow. It's a free ranging, yet profound treatment of the erosion of competence in daily life, among other things. Mitchell makes the argument that citizenship requires "mediating institutions" (families, small businesses, churches, neighborhoods, and the like), because without them people lack the environments in which their actions have any meaningful difference in the world. And it is only when our actions matter that we learn competence. And competence is necessary for citizenship.

Article: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2022/08/by-the-sweat-of-our-brow?fbclid=IwAR3xPk1N9oE9KgRnH3aVgZ4G2Els149nFpJfS9MQ7nGDM-gFmpYyFvMpH8A

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James Wood and Welcome to Negative World! Aug 02, 2022

Join us for a mini-episode of the Pugcast in which Chris talks to James Wood about the talks he will be delivering in September at the Welcome to Negative World Conference, September 9-10 in Battle Ground, Washington!

To learn more about the conference: https://www.negworldconference.com/

Apocalyptic AI: Cyber Theosis? Aug 01, 2022

On today’s show Tom brings into discussion themes from Robert Geraci’s book: Apocalyptic AI: Visions of Heaven in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality. The conversation focuses on ways in which the Western Christian Apocalyptic emphasis gets changed and rethought by several key figures in the Robotics and AI research fields and promoted as a new form of salvation and immortality. Glenn and Chris add a wellspring of insight and drive the topic into fascinating places.

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Why Everyone Should Believe in Fairies Jul 25, 2022

That’s the provocative title of a series of articles that the guys discuss today. Belief in nature spirits was universal around the world, including among the church fathers and Christian theologians, until the 17th century, when Enlightenment rationalism consigned them to the realm of superstition. Even today, though, there are people who talk about encountering them. So what are we to make of this? Is it possible that God created intelligent beings invisible to us in most circumstances but part of the natural world? The Pugsters discuss the possibilities suggested in the articles.

Articles Referenced:

https://classicalu.com/why-everyone-should-believe-in-fairies/

https://classicalu.com/why-everyone-should-believe-in-fairies-part-two/

https://classicalu.com/why-everyone-should-believe-in-fairies-part-three/

https://classicalu.com/why-everyone-should-believe-in-fairies-part-four/

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Register for the Welcome to Negative World Conference: https://www.negworldconference.com/

Joe Rigney and Welcome to Negative World! Jul 21, 2022

Join us for a mini-episode of the Pugcast in which Chris talks to Joe Rigney about the talks he will be delivering in September at the Welcome to Negative World Conference, September 9-10 in Battle Ground, Washington!

To learn more about the conference: www.negworldconference.com

To learn more about Bethlehem College and Seminary: https://bcsmn.edu/

Justice and Reality Jul 18, 2022

On today’s show Chris guides a conversation on the nature of justice and its relationship to the given order of nature. For many intellectuals “justice” is an ideal that is imposed on society. Innate differences between people should be either compensated for, denied, or surgically removed. But is this really just? Perhaps the differences we see between individuals, or the sexes, are actually givens to be received with gladness and were intended to enrich our lives by making us mutually dependent on each other. Join the Pugcast as the guys discuss the limits of justice and the gifts of creation.

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Register for the Welcome To Negative World Conference: https://www.negworldconference.com/

Aaron Renn and Welcome to Negative World! Jul 14, 2022

Join us for a mini-episode of the Pugcast in which Chris talks to Aaron Renn about the talks he will be delivering in September at the Welcome to Negative World Conference, September 9-10 in Battle Ground, Washington!

To learn more, follow this link: www.negworldconference.com

Christian Wayfaring Jul 11, 2022

The trials and triumphs of Christian life as pilgrims in the world but not of the world. Tom introduces the topic by way of David Elliot’s article: Passing through the Sirens, the Trials of the Christian Wayfarer in the World. The conversation discusses the various biblical senses of ‘world’ and engages the biblical call to live a life resisting and renouncing the fallen world and its lingering impact while journeying deeper into the joy of Christ in Union with God. Chris and Glenn enrich the conversation, especially noting many of ways in which the contemporary church embraces much of the fallen world to its detriment.

Article Referenced:https://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=25-04-034-f&readcode=&readtherest=true&fbclid=IwAR2Jc9XELqbBzsCCNlZSZkHkEPZs3ACvSdiCS-DrCvBR7QrgCdWLCHLLlUA#therest

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Bonus Q&A: The Most Reluctant Convert Jul 05, 2022

Listen in for a quick question and answer session following yesterday's episode: The Most Reluctant Convert.

The Most Reluctant Convert Jul 04, 2022

This week, the Pug has a special guest, Max McLean, the founder of the Fellowship for the Performing Arts. Max has brought to the stage “The Screwtape Letters,” “The Great Divorce,” and “The Most Reluctant Convert,” the story of C.S. Lewis’s conversion; most recently staring in a film adaptation of the last of these. For the first half hour of the show the pugsters spoke with Max about his work and C.S. Lewis, but continued the conversation after Max left for another interview.

C. S. Lewis and Miracles Jun 27, 2022

We wouldn’t have Christianity without miracles, and one miracle in particular—the resurrection and ascension of Jesus of Nazareth. Odd then, isn’t it, that not so long ago, there were some people who said that we could? C. S. Lewis knew that was nonsense, and he set out in his great book, “Miracles,” to set down a case for miracles in general, and specifically, the miracles that gave us Christianity. Join the Pugcast in this episode as they discuss C. S. Lewis and Miracles.

Medieval Courtesy Books Jun 20, 2022

In this episode, the Pugsters look at the idea of courtesy and manners through the lens of medieval courtesy books. These were instructions to children on how to behave derived from chivalry and from instructions to novices in monasteries. Their goal was to inculcate virtue in children before they had a chance to develop vices. The guys discuss how manners reflect how we think about other people and note that William Wilberforce’s decades-long campaign to abolish the slave trade in England was accompanied by a “reformation of manners” to change how people thought about each other as a necessary preliminary to abolition. The need to recover courtesy in our day is obvious, especially given online interactions.

Article Referenced:

https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2021/08/time-return-medieval-courtesy-books-john-horvat.html?fbclid=IwAR0WKjJ3ZOFdDTYoSOuwnNuEF4RIAZRUfAGga4hq9z3OQzlfvCJCnGro710

Secular and Nihilistic Eschatologies and Political Theologies Jun 13, 2022

In today’s show Tom introduces the topic: how contemporary secular and nihilistic thinking owes its form to material deviations from the classical Christian understanding of God and final things. Once set in play, such altered understandings about God and final things led to the wide host of competing secular and nihilistic views about the end game of our actions and lives. Glenn and Chris bring into the talk angles and insights which show the many ways such secular and nihilistic thinking creeps into the church.

God and History in Acts and The Academy Jun 06, 2022

Is writing objective history impossible? Many today believe so. To these folks everything is "text,” meaning something we can interpret however we please, the implication being facts must be interpreted, and since we're the only interpreters "history" is nothing more than one person, or group's tendentious interpretation of things. (You have your interpretation and I have mine, in other words, and who's to say who is right?) This presupposes that facts don't have an author. But if there is a creator, and if he makes his purposes known, then history truly is possible, and is worth the effort. Today we explore these ideas in relation to the Book of Acts (among other things). There we get a glimpse of the end of history and what it all is leading to. Join the Pugsters as they discuss God and history in Acts and the academy.

Bonus Q&A: Hopeless Romantics May 31, 2022

Listen in for a quick question and answer session following yesterday's episode on Romanticism.

Hopeless Romantics May 30, 2022

In this semi-live episode, the Pugsters return to Romanticism, a topic we’ve touched on in a number of other Pugcasts. After a quick explanation of Romanticism as a response to cultural stress, the guys discuss some of the pathologies that have entered Western society as a result of the Romantic movement, including Expressive Individualism. But it turns out that not everything about Romanticism was a negative. Both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were influenced by a positive version of Romanticism that rejected elements of modernity in favor of a more traditionalist vision of society.

Truth and Falsehood In a Lying Age May 23, 2022

On today’s show the guys unpack aspects of contemporary culture and its move away from ontological truth. Language, once it’s detached from referencing the real, becomes a field of competing power plays and conflict. How are Christians to enact truthfulness, avoid falsehood in their discernment of truth, and speak the truth as it become increasingly costly to do so? The Pugsters consider such questions and various ways forward.

Will the Real Conservative Intellectuals Please Stand Up? : An Interview with Dr. Luke Sheahan May 16, 2022

Today the Pugsters are joined by Dr. Luke Sheahan, President of The Academy of Philosophy and Letters, and Editor of The University Bookman. Among other things, Luke is an authority on the intellectual history of conservatism in the United States. The conversation includes a discussion of some of the more important luminaries in American Conservatism, the nature of "freedom of association" and why traditionalist conservatives from a range of theological traditions often have more in common with each other than with people in their own communions.

Why Associations Matter: The Case for First Amendment Pluralism

Amazon; Kansas

Academy of Philosophy and Letters (APL)

www.philosophyandletters.org

Conference in College Park, MD, June 2-4

Conference Schedule

Register for the Conference (Put C.R. Wiley or Luke Sheahan as sponsor)

The University Bookman

https://kirkcenter.org/bookman/

Russell Kirk

The Conservative Mind (1953)

Robert Nisbet

The Quest for Community (1953)

Edmund Burke

Robert P. George, Princeton University

History of the Postwar Conservative Movement

The Importance of Story: A Conversation with Moira Greyland Peat and Rachel Fulton Brown May 09, 2022

In this episode, Moira Greyland Peat and Rachel Fulton Brown return for the first time together as Pugcast guests to explore the importance of story and imaginative fiction as a vehicle for communicating truth in ways that can transcend nonfiction. Along the way, Moira, Rachel, and the Pugsters talk about what makes stories fail, the impact of substituting ideology for truth in pop culture, the relevance of these ideas to music, and a host of related ideas.

Moria’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Closet-Dark-Side-Avalon-ebook/dp/B0787XLK4H?fbclid=IwAR2Q0CTcN3yBO_dtI682Pk8TsycvpXYAgBgLWX_mpp4Njk--gcvC3JyxBGs

Moria’s Music: https://soundcloud.com/moira-greyland?fbclid=IwAR3zoziXcVJZBQvR7D-Buolej162FLLBO_RMWVhjCLhaktXnYjVFMroetlE

Rachel’s Poetry: https://www.dragoncommonroom.com/?fbclid=IwAR0NjL42V6WBsw-6fquyvUpeAcgO5dkRwOfPe_GXl902TsyY3gL3pxrsA10

The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis May 02, 2022

Today the Pugsters are happy to welcome Jason Baxter on the show! Jason is the author of a new book on C. S. Lewis entitled: The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis: How Great Books Shaped a Great Mind. Have you ever wondered why no one seems to come close to C. S. Lewis when it comes to apologetics and fiction (except J. R. R. Tolkien, of course). Jason Baxter knows why--C. S. Lewis had a medieval mind and all of his admirers have think like modern people. So, what does it mean to think like a Medieval man? Well, for one thing, you need to read old books, really old books. But that's just a start. Listen in and find out what else is involved. We hope you like the show!

Find more from Jason at jasonmbaxter.com

Here Comes Transhumanism, Ready or Not! Apr 25, 2022

Ever feel like an upgraded body would be good to have? You're not alone, and there are people who are ready to help--for a price. How about an extra 10 years of life, wouldn't that be nice? Why stop there? Why not an extra 20, or 100, or 10,000? Believe it or not, there are people who think that mortality is an engineering problem. Now here's another wrinkle, there are theologians that agree. What should we think about all of this? Today the Pugsters take up the topic of H+ (or Humanity 2.0).

The Dumbest Generation Grows Up! : An Interview with Mark Bauerlein Apr 18, 2022

Today the Pugcast is joined by Mark Bauerlein, professor emeritus of English at Emory University and an editor at First Things. Mark made waves back in 2008 with his book, The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future (Or, Don’t Trust Anyone under 30). He was accused of being a luddite, and an alarmist in those halcyon days of Web 2.0. Unfortunately for us all, he turned out to be right in many of his predictions. It wasn't so much that the millennials he describes were incorrigible so much as they were betrayed by their so-called educators and technophile utopians. Tune in and find out how bad things are and what can be done about it!

Pagan Easter? Apr 11, 2022

This is the time of year when we get a lot of memes about how Easter is a warmed-over pagan holiday. Everything from the name “Easter” to the use of eggs and rabbits is a claimed to be connected to a pagan fertility goddess. Our resident historian Glenn takes great delight in debunking these kinds of myths, and in this episode he and the guys talk about the historical and linguistic facts about Easter and how it is celebrated along with the implications of C.S. Lewis’s idea of the “good dreams” of the pagans and why Christians buy into these misrepresentations of their own history.

Varieties of Relativism Apr 04, 2022

Tom introduces one of the driving assumptions that is underwriting the flux and chaos of current social trends: the assumption that truth is relative, perspectival, unable to be attained apart from our individual or group filters. The guys join in with many historical and contemporary insights into some key figures and ideas which have played into the rise and dominance of contemporary relativism and they set forth some initial steps in engaging it from a rich Christian vision.

Relativism (New Problems of Philosophy) by Maria Baghramian and Annalisa Coliva:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T3DQ4Y5/ref=KC_GS_GB_US_nodl#

In Defense of Mysticism Mar 28, 2022

Many Christians today reject altogether the idea of Christian mysticism, but it has a long history in the church going back to the first centuries. The early church recognized three different types of mysticism: scriptural, which involved looking for symbolic or allegorical meanings in Scripture; liturgical, focused usually on the Eucharist; and contemplative. The guys discuss each of these, arguing that although excesses have occurred, mysticism in these senses can be a legitimate expression of the faith. So if you’re skeptical about Christian mysticism, tune in to see if your misconceptions are valid!

Duck Season! Rabbit Season! The Notorious Duck/Rabbit Problem! Mar 21, 2022

Well, which is it, a duck or a rabbit? Today the Pugsters examine the notorious duck/rabbit problem. You probably have seen the drawing, look at it one way, and you see a duck, look at it another way and you see a rabbit. Often the drawing is used to illustrate the ambiguity of signs, and the inevitably subjective character of interpretation. But are we doing justice to the signs, or the world we live in? What if the world at large represents something larger and more real than itself? Perhaps it's not interpretation all the way down so much as it is signs pointing to the source of all meaning. Join the Pugsters as they discuss the problem.

Duck Season! Rabbit Season!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17ocaZb-bGg

Überhobbits: Engaging the Will To Power with Tolkien and Nietzsche Mar 14, 2022

Tom unpacks themes from David Blount's essay on Hobbits, Tolkien and Nietzsche in relation to the differing way power and is understood and related to. Blount compares the Hobbits rejection of becoming Überhobbits in contrast to Nietzsche's dark vision of embracing the will to power. The guys engage in a variety of matters related to power, the will to power, the ring of power, and the counter vision which Christianity offers, especially as it’s expressed in the rich form of Tolkien's stories and characters.

Article: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Wq99TP7RjV5mozlB_hgnUa20Tc991OF/view?usp=sharing

Welcome to Negative World: An Interview with Aaron Renn Mar 07, 2022

Aaron Renn joins the show once again, this time to discuss an article he wrote for First Things entitled, The Three Worlds of Evangelicalism. It’s hard to miss that the social climate in which Christian ministry is conducted in the western world has become more antagonistic towards the Christian faith. What social and political developments have contributed to that, and how should Christians respond? Tune in and see what Aaron and the Pugsters think!

Find more from Aaron at aaronrenn.substack.com

Ukraine and Russia: History and the Theology of Nationalism Feb 28, 2022

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Glenn thought it a good time for a history lesson on Ukraine and Russia. As you might expect, he started over 1000 years ago, but noted especially more recent history and why the Ukrainians want to get out from under Russian domination. Along the way, he noted some genuine problems with Ukraine and their treatment of Russian minorities, part and parcel of the messy way borders work in Central and Eastern Europe. The guys finish with a discussion of the theological significance of nations, noting that they seem to survive in a purified form into eternity.

Philip Rieff and His Life Among the Deathworks Feb 21, 2022

Philip Rieff was one of the most incisive critics of the postmodern turn in western culture of the last 50 years. A secular Jew, he longed for a world that reflected a sacred order. His insights were as penetrating as those of Charles Taylor, but with this important difference—while Taylor described our secular age, Rieff wanted to destroy it. Tune in as Chris describes his own process of incorporating Rieff’s insights into his own thinking and writing. Naturally, Tom and Glenn have plenty to add.

Fine Art and Cancel Culture: An Interview with Award-Winning Painter Arthur Kwon Lee Feb 14, 2022

What does it take to make it in the highly competitive world of New York City art? Arthur Kwon Lee knows, he’s a young painter who won awards and was featured in prestigious galleries. He worked hard and developed his skills, but led a secret life as a conservative and a Christian. Then, everything changed when he came out of the closet. Soon he was blacklisted. Join the Pugcast today as we talk about the creative process, aesthetics, and beauty—as well as what sticking to what you know to be true can cost you.

Find more about Arthur Kwon Lee at arthurkwonlee.com

Find more about the Genesis Council at genesiscouncil.com

Talking About God Improperly Feb 07, 2022

Tom adds to his previous topic of speaking properly about God and takes it into the other direction. He notes that shifts in ideas of God led to shifts in ideas about Creation, the Human, and language in particular. By making God part of the same chain of 'being', language become 'capable' of referencing God without radical qualification. This leads to two idolatrous ways of referencing God: Univocally and Equivocally. The guys introduce what this means and add many insights into the significance of such a change in language for our reference to God and all else.

Sacred Architecture and the New Urbanism Jan 31, 2022

Today the Pugcast is joined by David Stocker, architect, and one of the principals of SHM Architects in Dallas, Texas. David is a great friend of the show, and a long-time friend of Chris. Today David will help the Pugsters reflect on the ways in which architecture speaks to us theologically--especially sacred architecture and the larger lived-in spaces known as neighborhoods, towns, and even cities.

Bonus Q&A: The Fairy Tale Wars Jan 25, 2022

What about science fiction? Why do many cultures share similar myths? Listen in for a question and answer session following yesterday's episode on The Fairy Tale Wars.

The Fairy Tale Wars Jan 24, 2022

This weeks Pugcast was recorded live (for Chris) at Fractal Brewing in Huntsville, Alabama, with Glenn and Tom coming in virtually. The topic, “The Fairy Tale Wars,” was based on an article from Touchstone by Vigen Guroian (see the link below). Glenn walked the guys through some of the key ideas in the article, particularly how modern scholars of fairy tales don’t like them much, and modern retellings of fairy tales twist them to support contemporary agendas and sensibilities. Chris and Tom talk about the philosophical ideas and assumptions that lead to this kind of distortion of fairy tales, including particularly the rejection of traditional wisdom in favor of current fashionable interests.

https://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=33-02-045-f

Talking About God Properly Jan 17, 2022

Analogous talk of God and its importance is the topic of the day. Christians have a reality vision that allows us to use creaturely ways of talking about God. But today many talk of God in fundamentally idolatrous ways. The guys address reality issues as they pertain to God-talk and it’s significance for worship, doctrine, and life.

Stoics, and Epicureans, and Cynics, Oh, My! Jan 10, 2022

Who were the philosophers that Paul addressed at Mars Hill in Acts 17? Today the Pugsters examine the outlooks of two schools of philosophy in antiquity--stoicism and epicureanism. And they look at how these schools of thought are making a come back today.

Shooting Rousseau Twice … and Clubbing Him with the Gun Jan 03, 2022

Glenn has been the subject of memes about his attitude toward Rousseau. In this episode, he explains why, focused on three areas: Rousseau as the root of Carl Trueman’s Psychological Man; his attitudes toward education and women; and his political theory, its influence on Marx, and the death toll that came from implementing it. Tom and Chris add their own observations and analysis along the way.

Incarnation and Its Significance For Understanding All Things Dec 27, 2021

Tom delves into many of the often taken for granted reality implications of the Christian teaching about the Incarnation of God the Son. He explores the riches of wisdom such biblical teaching has for a true understanding of divinity, humanity, creation and its relation to God. Chris and Glenn bring into the conversation many fascinating insights, angles, and draw out further some of the deep implications of the riches we’ve been given in Christ.

Christmas and Paganism Dec 20, 2021

Returning to a topic the Pugsters have done before, the guys discuss the annual attacks on Christmas as a rip off of pagan myths and legends. Along with discussing things like the Jesus myth and the date of Christmas, the guys turn to a lot of areas that they didn’t cover the last time around on the topic.

A Requiem for the Church Growth Movement Dec 13, 2021

Welcome to a funeral for the Church Growth Movement, Pugsters! In today's show Chris explains what the Church Growth Movement was, how it changed the character of evangelicalism and helped to destroy it, and why the movement has been killed by Covid-19, and the Woke-world that has followed. Church Growth was supposed to save the church--so why is it a good thing that it is dead? Join the Pugcast crew as they reflect on what's next for Christianity in the west now that Church Growth is dead.

Bonus Q&A: Plato's Revenge! Dec 07, 2021

Listen in for a question and answer session following yesterday's episode on Plato's Revenge.

Plato's Revenge! Dec 06, 2021

The Pugcast finishes its Pacific Northwest Tour in Moscow, Idaho at the Nuart Theater! The theme for the show is Plato--and why he just won't go away. It is something of a cottage industry in certain pockets of the Reformed world to write off one of the most important figures in the history of western thought. Paradoxically, this puts these people on the same page with many secular thinkers--like Nietzsche for example. He didn't like Plato either. But are these folks right in their blanket condemnations of the father of classical philosophy? Augustine didn't think so--and the Pugsters agree with him. Tune in and find out why!

Culture and Worldview: What's the Difference? Nov 29, 2021

In today's show the Pugsters continue their Pacific Northwest Tour--this time from a boatyard in Everett, Washington! The crew is being hosted by Trinitas Presbyterian Church and the guys are addressing a question put to them by the leadership of the church--"What's the difference between 'worldview' and 'culture'? How does a worldview relate to culture, and what implications does this have for Christian ministry?"

The Prohibitive Cost of a Seminary Education Nov 22, 2021

Has inflation made a ministerial education unaffordable? It seems like it. Today a Master of Divinity degree—something that most Reformed denominations require for ordination—can leave the typical ministerial student tens of thousands of dollars in debt. This might be forgivable if pastors were paid like medical doctors, but they’re not. But we need an educated clergy, so what can be done? Join the Pugcast today for a short episode on the subject as they talk about the problem with a couple of men in Oregon City, Oregon who are trying to address the problem.

Learn more about Reformation Bible Institute at rbioc.org

Bonus Q&A: Reformation 21 – Build, Defend, Repeat Nov 16, 2021

Listen in for a question and answer session following yesterday's live Reformation 21 – Build, Defend, Repeat episode.

Reformation 21 – Build, Defend, Repeat Nov 15, 2021

The Pugcast Pacific Northwest Tour continues in Vancouver, Washington! In today’s show the Pugcast crew address the cultural crisis the church finds itself in. It seems like the proverbial curse, “May you live in interesting times!” applies to Reformed Christians today. To meet the challenges of our time the guys look to the resources of the Reformation and the broader Christian tradition. Enjoy!

Bonus Q&A: Owen Barfield’s ‘Saving the Appearances’ Nov 09, 2021

Listen in for a short question and answer session following yesterday's live episode on Owen Barfield’s ‘Saving the Appearances.’

Owen Barfield’s ‘Saving the Appearances’ Nov 08, 2021

This week, the Pugsters turn to another Touchstone article by Louis Markos, this one on Owen Barfield. Barfield was one of the Inklings along with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and helped nudge Lewis toward Christianity. He also was heavily influenced by Rudolph Steiner’s esoteric thought and tried to Christianize it. In this episode, the Pugsters discuss Barfield’s ideas about the relationship of human beings and the natural world, which argued that in the past people had a simple, spiritual relationship with the natural world but lost it with the Scientific Revolution. The goal, according to Barfield, is to bring the two together. On the way, the guys talk about Francis Bacon, Galileo, and whether you can keep the benefits of science and technology while losing their downsides.

Article Referenced: https://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=34-06-027-f

A Monk Without a Monastery Nov 01, 2021

Tom introduces an article by Louis Markos entitled: Detectives of Significance. This article addresses an earlier time in Christian history which had a much deeper and wider view of reality and meaning. Part of the task of theology was to interpret such deeper meanings guided by the richly layered meanings communicated in the Bible and in creation. Markos then turns to detective stories, Sherlock Holmes and The Name of the Rose, to show how even rationalist characters desire something more than a narrow reading of reality. Chris and Glenn jump in with many insights into the rich web of meaning Christianity offers when seen in light of its engagement with truth, beauty, and goodness.

Article Referenced: https://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=25-05-030-f

Tolkien’s “On Fairy Stories:” Escape Oct 25, 2021

In this episode the Pugsters return to Tolkien’s essay “On Fairy Stories,” focusing particularly on the legitimacy of escape as a function of fantasy literature. Tolkien pointed out that “escape” is a positive term in all contexts except literary criticism, which points to a problem with the critics’ use of the word. The guys also get into discussions of the metaphysics of fantasy building off of Tolkien’s comments in the essay.

The Slavery Show Oct 18, 2021

Evidence indicates that slavery was a universal institution. It was practiced on every inhabited continent. It isn’t a particularly western institution at all. What has been peculiar to the West is the effort to abolish it. That effort has been largely successful when it comes to legislation—nevertheless slavery is still with us. Why is that? What are the conditions in which slavery spontaneously emerges, and how can a culture address those? And what is it about Christianity that got the effort to abolish slavery underway? Tune in to learn what the Pugcast guys think.

Technology, Wisdom, and Virtue Oct 11, 2021

Tom returns to the big topic of technology and addresses the rapid changes to our conceptions and interactions with its impingement upon reality. Glenn and Chris jump into the topic with Tom by supplying various insights into how the riches of Christian wisdom and virtue provide a path through the thickets of changes which allows us to use and relate wisely to the increasing impingement of technology in all aspects of our lives.

Pilgrimage Oct 04, 2021

This week, the guys discuss pilgrimage. Glenn summarizes the early history of pilgrimage, noting both the practice and the arguments against it even in the early church. From there, the guys discuss more of the history of pilgrimage and talk about whether there are “thin places” made somehow holy by long centuries of prayer, or alternatively, made evil by great evil done in them in the past.

The Soul of Man Under Socialism Sep 27, 2021

Today Chris introduces the guys to Christopher Lasch and a chapter in his book, The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy. The chapter is, The Soul of Man Under Secularism. In the chapter Lasch riffs on Oscar Wilde’s, The Soul of Man Under Socialism. Wilde believed that Socialism would free people from the responsibilities of property and manual labor so that they could pursue the development of “personality”. If that sounds self-indulgent and unrealistic, that’s because it is. But that is remarkably similar to the way so many young people and tech gurus think in our time. The pugsters use Lasch and Wilde as a basis for reflection on the loony character of our time. Tune in and join the conversation!

Magic, Enchantment, and Worldview Sep 20, 2021

In today’s show Tom introduces themes from Paul Tyson’s book - 7 Brief Lessons in Magic. In the book, Paul defines classical ways of seeing reality beyond the reductive naturalism of our modern way of thinking. Unpacking these classical ways, Paul engages magic and enchantment, and the ways in which they related to meaning, value, and other realities which modern reductionism cannot make intelligible within the narrow confines of its worldview. Glenn and Chris join in with various aspects of the classical vision and the distinct Christian worldview.

The Philosophy of the Vampire Sep 13, 2021

With Halloween merch already showing up in stores, it’s a good time to do a Pug take on vampires, so this week, the Pugsters riff off an article by John Schuler looking at the implicit philosophical ideas in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. They start off with a discussion of the difference between modernity and the “old centuries” before moving on to scientism, the nature of evil, natural and artificial symbols (in Schuler’s terms), meaning, natural law and the supernatural, and a bunch of other rabbit trails suggested by the article.

Article Referenced:

https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2013/09/philosophy-vampire-john-s-schuler.html

Learn more about Davenant Hall’s online courses:

https://davenantinstitute.org/davenant-hall

Welcome to the Metaverse! Sep 06, 2021

Today Chris introduces the "Metaverse"--what's that? you may ask. According to Wikipedia it is: "...the sum of all virtual worlds, augmented reality, and the Internet." Or as Robin Phillips in a recent blog post at Salvo put it, "Imagine that the relationship between the real world and the internet becomes so porous that it is impossible to tell which is which." Regardless of whether or not the masters of the universe in Silicon Valley can pull it off, the very idea that something that further blurs the distinction between Reality and virtual reality would be a good thing says a lot about the people who make the technology that we rely on everyday. It also says something about our society as well, and the philosophical undercurrents that are moving beneath it. As you can imagine the guys have a lot to say about it--and their big concern is idolatry.

Article Referenced:

https://salvomag.com/post/from-augmented-reality-to-metaverse?fbclid=IwAR1n9I6QEr3m5Wzaudn46BI5uVCiDhmKS8IZ5pp-zQ_XB9XRGQaw3m2kI4w

Learn more about Davenant Hall’s online courses:

https://davenantinstitute.org/davenant-hall

Sophistry Past and Present Aug 30, 2021

Tom introduces a classic debate between Truth, reality, and language and the removal of language from truth and reality (sophistry). He engages the ancient debate and sees similarities between it and today's deconstructive tendencies and political use of language to manipulate people. Chris and Glenn bring into the conversation many insights which help illuminate the sinister aspects of sophistry and their ever present danger in undermining the relation of truth and language.

Learn more about Davenant Hall’s online courses:

https://davenantinstitute.org/davenant-hall

The Rise and Fall of Heroes Aug 23, 2021

This week, the guys look at the idea of heroes. Back in Homer’s day, “hero” was almost synonymous with the heavily armed and armored warriors that were the subjects of the Iliad, and not just the big names like Odysseus, Achilles, or Ajax. They exemplified the warrior virtues: prowess, toughness, courage, loyalty, and honor, understood as recognition and deference by others. The Middle Ages saw a major change in this largely under the influence of Christianity: humility, generosity, protection of the weak, and the like became part of chivalry, the warrior code. Today, in films ranging from The Lord of the Rings to Game of Thrones and The Green Knight, these virtues are ignored, inverted, or deliberately downplayed or distorted as unrealistic and untrustworthy. The guys reflect on what this means about our culture and the loss of nobility of character even as an ideal in our cultural imagination.

Learn more about Davenant Hall’s online courses:

https://davenantinstitute.org/davenant-hall

Darwinian Conservatism? Aug 16, 2021

In today's show Chris presents an article that was published by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), entitled, Darwinian Conservatism Versus Metaphysical Conservatism. The article is something of a departure for ISI, but it addresses a significant debate within conservative circles--can Darwin's evolutionary theories be used to support conservative social ethics, and conservative politics. The author, Larry Arnhart, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Northern Illinois University says yes--the Pugsters--as you probably can imagine--say, No! Chris, Tom, and Glenn are strong advocates of Metaphysical Conservatism, and they endeavor to defend it during the course of the show.

Find the article here:

https://isi.org/intercollegiate-review/darwinian-conservatism-versus-metaphysical-conservatism/?utm_source=Intercollegiate%20Studies%20Institute%20Subscribers&utm_campaign=af99c54e01-Intercollegiate-Review-8-5-2021&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ab42370fb-af99c54e01-93106761&goal=0_3ab42370fb-af99c54e01-93106761&fbclid=IwAR2pm1GhBc64zVkJndR_Pf0Jft0nl6Jho9Tg0ydcRReEXlfuGCOOD0P2ymY

Meaning in History: Part Three Aug 09, 2021

How emancipatory views of history draw upon yet distort Christian views of teleology in history. The guys discuss Hegel, Marx, Wokeness, liberation theology and more.

The Rise of Biblical Criticism Aug 02, 2021

The guys are back in the seventeenth century again, looking at the beginnings of challenges to biblical authority. Progressive thinkers of the day starting with the Jewish philosopher Spinoza attacked Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch as a way of undermining orthodox Christianity: since Jesus referred to Moses as the human author of the Law, if Moses didn’t write it, then either Jesus lied or he didn’t know. Either answer would challenge the idea that he was God incarnate. After discussing Spinoza, the guys turned to a debate on Mosaic authorship between French Catholic scholar Richard Simon and Remonstrant scholar Jean LeClerc. This debate, largely forgotten today, triggered a sharp movement away from historic Christian theology into liberal Christianity by thinkers such as John Locke.

Is Politics Everything? Jul 26, 2021

You may have heard feminists say, “The personal is political”—but are they right? Is the relationship between a mother and her child really a political relationship—or is it something else? In today’s show the guys discuss what else relationships like this could be. The term that they use is “pre-political”. Along the way the guys discuss the Kuyperian doctrine of “sphere sovereignty” as well as the Roman Catholic social doctrine of “subsidiarity” among other things. Enjoy!

Meaning in History: Part Two Jul 19, 2021

In this episode Tom returns to the topic of Meaning in History (a three show aim) by looking at ways Modernity rejected classical Christian understanding of history and meaning and developed alternatives which borrowed from Christianity while introducing radical alternative notions which still impact us today, often unwittingly. This show has the guys discussing Vico and Herder, along with many other important themes.

Guilds, Craftsmanship, and Excellence Jul 12, 2021

Jumping off another suggested topic from our faithful listeners, the Pugsters talk about the medieval guild system. The guilds were a way to protect customers and, with export goods, the reputation of the city by guaranteeing the quality of products. They also guaranteed a level playing field for producers. Along with their economic role, the guilds performed social and spiritual functions, with the process of mastering your craft seen as a metaphor for the process of spiritual growth. Glenn clears up a lot of misconceptions about the guilds and the Middle Ages in general, and the guys talk about the quality of medieval craftsmanship vs. the disposable world created by industrialization and consumerism.

Ideologies That Are Out to Get Your Family Jul 05, 2021

Today Chris introduces listeners to Political Scientist, Scott Yenor’s new book, The Recovery of Family Life: Exposing the Limits of Modern Ideologies. Just what is an ideology anyway? Is it merely a philosophy in different clothes? Listen in and find out why it isn’t.

Meaning in History Jun 28, 2021

This week the guys discuss how many contemporary views of history assume or draw upon aspects of Christian historical understanding, inadvertently borrowing its teleological character, even when they undermine other essential aspects of it. Christian faith altered conceptions of history and brought to the fore a notion of history as being meaningful and being directed towards culminating purposes. Secular emancipatory views which see history as progressing toward justice, or utopia, are examples that the guys get into in this important discussion.

Aesthetics: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Jun 21, 2021

Working from the articles in the link, the Pugsters talk about aesthetics—the philosophical field focused on questions of beauty and taste. Rather than beauty being purely in the eye of the beholder, the guys agree that beauty is objective and rooted in the transcendence of God. And that means that there is a right and wrong way to respond to beauty or the lack thereof. In this way, aesthetics is a moral issue. From there, the Pugsters explore a variety of ways that beauty is defiled, whether from viewing art as a means to shock or to produce intentional ugliness, or from kitsch, commercialism or utilitarianism, or from twisting it to support ideologies. The last is on full display in the program for the Tolkien Society’s Summer seminar this year, also linked below.

https://hedgehogreview.com/blog/thr/posts/more-than-a-matter-of-taste?fbclid=IwAR3iV1ACuKg2Yv05RFI-DuLQa2jKseLYrmW3bn0OYVx_Iq1AAiSkeJpI8ck

You're Special, Just Like Everyone Else! Jun 14, 2021

In our time everyone is obligated to create an identity for himself. We're supposed to "self-create"--making ourselves into works of art that are utterly original, you know, like snow flakes. So why is it that people increasingly think alike and are so fearful of disapproval? In today's show the guys discuss the paradoxical relationship between mimesis (mimicry) and poesis (creation, or making). They arrive at the conclusion that only people who have mastered skills through mimesis are capable of making something new--i.e. original. Until then everyone is finger painting.

Restoring the Transcendent Frame Jun 07, 2021

In this episode, the guys engage with fresh insights the contemporary vision of reality, human nature and purposes as they are understood from a radically immanent, materialist frame. After noting how Christian themes are often ripped from their transcendent frame and redefined with an immanent one, the pugsters evaluate not only the problems and limits of such a move but also ways in which the rich transcendental vision of Christianity has become almost foreign in this over familiar materialist setting. The conversation then turns to ways in which the classic Christian vision, especially its eschatological and teleological riches, supplies the necessary resources for restoring to Christian life a truly transcendent vision but also provide the only means for up-ending the anthropocentric turn of the contemporary vision of things.

The Critical Theory lectures Glenn mentions in the episode will be at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12, at the Christian Reformed Church, 3275 Washington Ave., St. Joseph, Michigan.

Revelation, Reason, and Romanticism May 31, 2021

The Pugsters return to a topic they’ve touched on before: the problems with the Enlightenment. Glenn starts off with a summary of changing ideas of authority, focusing on the transition from Reason and Revelation to Reason over Revelation to Reason without Revelation. That gets the guys into the Enlightenment, autonomous reason, and some of the problems associated with it. Glenn then looks at Romanticism as a reaction against the Enlightenment and other stress points in the period, noting both the problems with Romanticism and some of the things the Romantics got right. The conclusion points out that both the Enlightenment and Romanticism have problems, but each of them also gets things right. It’s only in the Gospel that the different strengths of each can be united and the problems avoided.

It's a Mystery! Can Every Mystery be Solved? May 24, 2021

In today's episode Chris introduces the subject of mystery and the ways modern people and ancient people used the term--surprise, surprise, they didn't mean the same thing--at times, they even mean things that contradict each other.

Chris also delves into the way in the modern outlook in general can mystify people and keep them from seeing the truth of things; he uses Carl Trueman's new book as a good use of reason to demystify modern ways of thinking.

Soul Sickness and Society: Plato and Christ: Part Two May 17, 2021

The guys finish unpacking the discussion of Plato from Ed Feser's article Woke Ideology is a Psychological Disorder. After noting how Plato understands the sick society, where democracy as a social disorder leads to tyranny, the guys engage Plato's insights, noting positives and yet critiquing the limits of Plato's vision in light of the the riches of the Christian understanding of the virtue. The aim is to retrieve the riches of Christian moral reflection as it engaged classic visions of morality and carved out a fully salvic vision which also has insights for addressing the maladies of our time.

Soul Sickness and Society: Plato and Christ: Part One May 10, 2021

In today’s episode the guys unpack Plato's understanding of human psychology and social order. They note his positive insights as well as limits as they set forth fuller Christian insights into the ways in which improper ordering of our desires tends toward destructive political orderings.

Warriors in the Garden: Martial Virtues and the Christian Man May 03, 2021

Today the Pugcast is joined by Nate Spearing, highly decorated combat veteran with 14 years and 12 deployments in Army Special Operations. Nathan has a broad range of experiences domestically and overseas and has spent his entire professional life walking out a theology of violence as a Christian in war.

Nate was homeschooled, and today is the father of five children. Along with his wife, they are educating their children at home.

Since leaving the military in 2016, Nathan has started several successful small businesses in real estate and construction. In the wake of the Covid crisis, Nathan launched www.Spearing.co to inspire and train people to live boldly — especially during times of crisis — through a variety of courses on business, self defense, and family resilience. https://spearing.co

Heiser’s Unseen Realm Apr 26, 2021

This week, the Pugsters look at some of the themes in Michael Heiser’s books dealing with the worldview of the biblical authors. Glenn leads the discussion, which revolves around two big ideas: the idea of a heavenly court, with angelic beings having authority over areas such as nations; and the account of the Nephilim in Genesis. For the latter, Heiser uses 1 Enoch, a document that shaped much of the Jewish worldview at the time of the New Testament and had a direct influence on 2 Peter and Jude. 1 Enoch claims that the “sons of God” were angelic beings (“Watchers”) and that the Nephilim were thus half angelic, half human hybrids. Their disembodied spirits were the demons and evil spirits of the New Testament and were responsible for much of the evil in the world. The guys discuss these and other matters, including whether we need to adopt all elements of the worldview of the biblical authors, especially when they are using non-canonical sources.

The Hermeneutic of Suspicion Apr 19, 2021

In today’s show Chris introduces a term coined by the French intellectual, Paul Ricouer—the hermeneutic of suspicion. In the 19th century, theorists including Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud promoted the idea that rationality was nothing more than rationalization. Beneath the surface of any argument was something selfish and irrational. They believed that interpretation should begin with suspicion. One of the bitter fruits of this approach is the shift from persuasion through argument to identify politics. The Pugsters discuss what this means for the church.

The Return of the Metanarrative?! Apr 12, 2021

Early postmodern promoters argued that the end of metanarratives like Christianity and the Enlightenment would lead to a peaceful plurality of group narratives, without the aim of any to dominate. This would lead to an end of oppressive worldviews with totalitarian aims. But mutations in postmodern thinking, those connected with Critical Theory, have taken a totalitarian turn, positing new absolutes along with a dominating aim. Tom leads the topic and Chris and Glenn contribute much to the discussion.

The Irish Saints: Redeemed Paganism Apr 05, 2021

In an earlier episode, the Pugsters talked about Tolkien’s ideas of the value of pagan myth and the need to Christianize it. In this episode, Glenn picks up on that and applies it not to mythology but to culture, specifically, the religion of pre-Christian Ireland and what happened when it was Christianized. In pagan Ireland, the Druids were walking encyclopedias of everything related to the culture—religion, rituals, magic, law, history, music, …. When Ireland converted to Christianity, they assumed that religious leaders similarly had to learn everything there was to know about Christianity and culture. Along with tangents on the history of monasticism and martyrdom, the guys talked about a number of saints’ lives and the contributions of Irish Christianity to civilization.

Individualisms: Which Sort of Individual are You? Mar 29, 2021

In today's show, Chris introduces an important study of individualism that was published back in 1985 by Robert Bellah and a team of sociologists, entitled: Habits of the Heart--Individualism and Commitment in American Life". A best-seller at the time, the book is almost forgotten today, which is a shame since the world we live in is the world they warned us about and hoped we'd avoid. The team, through field research identified four forms individualism can take in the American tradition--two of which support healthy community life, and two which undermine it. The healthy forms of individualism were in decline in 1985, and the situation is worse today. Of course, the subject gives Tom and Glenn a lot to talk about. Join the discussion and see what sort of individual you are!

Christianity’s Favorite Beverage?! Mar 22, 2021

Celebratory fun highlights this Pugcast. As the gang records on St Patrick’s day, Tom thought it would be great to share in the celebrations by highlighting some fun-filled facts from Stephen Mansfield’s book In Search for God and Guinness. The book is far more than a story of the relation of Christianity and the Guinness family and beer. It also covers the long history of beer and the divine, and the way in which Christianity transformed and renewed the relation, as can be seen by the devout Guinness family and business and the beer sharing their name. Especially insightful is the way in which the Guinness family treated its employees. Glenn and Chris share in the discussion with wide-ranging facts and insights. This allows the conversation to lead where it may (one of the great aspects of the Pugcast), ending with Glenn sharing some rich insights on St. Patrick, Christianity in Ireland, and the Celtic Circle Cross.

Sanctifying Myth Mar 15, 2021

Working off the introduction to Bradley Birzer’s J.R.R. Tolkien’s Sanctifying Myth, the Pugsters talk about Tolkien, Lewis, and Chesterton and their ideas about myth and faerie. Tolkien believed that just like pagan philosophers grasped truths that were most perfectly expressed in the Gospel, the stories of myth and faerie were bits of “splintered light” that pointed beyond themselves to deeper reality. For Tolkien, pagan myths presented an almost sacramental vision of the world, though the myths need to be “sanctified” by Christian truth to avoid the dangers of paganism. The guys bring their own unique perspectives to these and related themes about the value of myth to us today.

Esoteric and Exoteric Teachings Mar 08, 2021

Today the guys discuss the vexed topic of esoteric teaching and interpretation. Esoteric teaching is teaching intended to sort people into two groups--those who understand and those who do not. Why would anyone want to do that? Isn't that elitist? Isn't it undemocratic? Well, yes, it is those things--and Jesus undeniably spoke esoterically when he told parables--he said so in Matthew 13:10-17. The problem of esoteric teaching leads to a free-ranging conversation in which the guys get into what bugs them about contemporary approaches to interpretation as well as the subject of metaphysics (surprise, surprise).

Why Have So Many In the World Gone Seemingly Mad? Mar 01, 2021

In this show, Tom addresses a listeners question with reflections from past shows as well as recent insights. Tom looks at various realities, forces, and trends that have led culture to the present moment of sweeping madness. Chris and Glenn penetrate the topic with perspicacity and wisdom. René Girard shows up in the conversation, adding a fascinating gloss to the topic.

Barometers and Worldview Feb 22, 2021

Glenn introduces concepts from medieval epistemology (i.e. the branch of philosophy dealing with knowledge and truth) and how these got challenged in the sixteenth and seventeenth century, particularly through the recovery of the ideas of the ancient Greek skeptic Pyrrho. After a foray into Descartes, who tried to answer Pyrrho, we look at Blaise Pascal, the father of probability theory. Pascal used a barometer to short-circuit Pyrrho’s approach and in the process laid the foundation for a new approach to knowledge based on probability. This new epistemology has shaped thinking in the West ever since and largely created the modern world.

Morgoth's Ring! Feb 15, 2021

Little by little, the notes and reflections of J. R. R. Tolkien have been published posthumously by his son, Christopher. Among the many volumes is the Tenth Volume in The History of Middle-Earth, entitled Morgoth's Ring. The book contains many of Tolkien's reflections on the nature of evil, mortality, and the eschatology of Middle-Earth. Among the gems is the publication of the conversation between Finrod (an Elf-Lord, the Eldar) and Andreth (a wise-woman from among the Edain--aka men). The Pugsters enjoy a free-range conversation that not only touches on the nature of evil in Middle-Earth, but also reaches our own--primary--world.

Jonathan Edwards and War Feb 08, 2021

This week the Pugsters are joined by Jonathan Edwards scholar Dr. Christian Cuthbert to discuss his research at Yale on the preaching of Jonathan Edwards on the subject of warfare. In the 18th century the Connecticut River Valley was on the frontier. It wasn't unusual for Native American warrior bands to attack colonial villages--add to this the rival claims of the French and English powers in the New World and war wasn't merely a matter of debate regarding the justness of a conflict half-way around the world--it was a matter of survival, and the conflict could be 20 miles away--or right next store. The discussion is illuminating--and in some ways surprising. This is new ground in Edwards studies and Dr. Cuthbert is right at the forefront of it.

Contrasting Cultures: One Which Affirms and Celebrates Life, One That Centralizes Death Feb 01, 2021

Tom introduces two contrasting cultures by talking about the Gospel and its role in shaping a culture of life. He then draws off of Benjamin Wiker's book 'Architects of the Culture of Death'. The leads into one of the core figures discussed in the book, the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer and his contribution to nihilism and pessimism. Chris and Glenn add substantive insights and reflections throughout the discussion.

Science, Art, and Worldview Jan 25, 2021

Glenn, our intrepid historian, takes us back to the twelfth century to show how a new worldview developed that shaped how we study the natural world (i.e. what we call “science” but they called “natural philosophy” or “natural theology”) and changed the aesthetics of the era, leading both to early empiricism and to realism in art. Chris and Tom move the conversation into the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and the undoing of the medieval ideas Glenn had explained. The nineteenth century saw the rise of modern science that changed how we think about both the material world and knowledge, which resulted not only in materialistic worldviews that denied meaning in the world but also led to a deconstruction of art and a rejection of beauty.

Social Darwinism: The Legacy of Darwinism for Culture and Politics Jan 18, 2021

When the legacy of Charles Darwin is considered discussion generally focuses on the his account of human origins and whether or not evolution is a "blind watchmaker". But Darwin's influence has bled over into ethics, politics, philosophy, and other facets of human culture. Today the Pugsters discuss his broader legacy and how that influence can be resisted.

As an added bonus, Chris recommends Thomas Hooker Brewing Company! https://hookerbeer.com/

Athens and Jerusalem Jan 11, 2021

In today’s show the Pugsters explore Christianity’s relationship with Classical Culture and Tom explains the impact of von Harnack’s incorrect thesis, which placed the two in opposition. The guys then explore contemporary examples of the problematic application of von Harnack in theology and the Christian life.

The Via Positiva and the Via Negativa: The Positive and Negative Ways of Doing Theology Jan 04, 2021

Glenn introduces us to the medieval distinction between the Via Positiva, an approach to thinking about God that emphasizes the things we can affirm about God, and the Via Negativa, an approach that focuses on the limitations of finite creatures to understand the infinite Creator. In general, Western Christianity has put more emphasis on the Via Positiva, also known as Kataphatic theology, while Eastern Orthodox Christianity has emphasized the Via Negativa, or Apophatic theology. Chris points out that the Via Negativa is necessary to prevent us from falling into idolatry by thinking we’ve got God all worked out. Tom brings in the transcendence of God, leading into a discussion of God’s holiness and what that means. The guys also discuss different approaches to spirituality based on a grid with Apophatic and Kataphatic on the horizontal axis, and Mind and Heart on the vertical.

Ecology and the Libel of Christianity: The Legacy of Lynn White Jr. Dec 28, 2020

While many apologists for the Christian faith have focused on defending the intellectual integrity of Christianity's factual claims, for example historicity of the resurrection of Jesus, over the last 100 years opponents of the faith have criticized the moral legacy of the faith. One of the most potent has been that Christianity has contributed to the degradation of the ecosystem. Perhaps the most significant article published in the last 50 years or so has been Lynn White, Jr.'s The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis from the March 10, 1967 edition of the journal, Science. Today the Pugsters respond to White's article and, hopefully refute his charges, and set the record straight.

Here's a link to the article: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/155/3767/1203

Imperturbable Joy Dec 21, 2020

Tom engages the timely topic of Christian Joy in the light of Christmas. Beginning with the Good News of great joy announced to the shepherds from the heavenly hosts, Tom turns to discuss the Christian notion of Joy. What is it? What is its significant to life and flourishing? What is its place in Christian existence? Chris and Glenn bring fascinating reflections into the discussion. C. S. Lewis shows up in the conversation with his rich and penetrating contemplations on the topic. Overall, it’s a great addition to the Christmas celebration of the gift of joy we’ve been given in Christ.

Reading Old Books: Athanasius, “On the Incarnation” Dec 14, 2020

In this episode, Glenn walks us through a work by the early church father Athanasius about the reasons for the Incarnation. The introduction to the book by C. S. Lewis explains that we need to read old books to get around the blind spots of our own era, and Athanasius certainly helps reframe how we think about the incarnation. Tom points out that he starts with Creation, which is the foundation for the rest of his argument. He goes from there to the Fall and what that meant for Creation, and the Incarnation as the only way to restore Creation. Athanasius’s focus is primarily on God and his purposes. He doesn’t ignore our need and God’s love for us, but he takes a much bigger perspective beyond personal salvation. He also talks about why Christ had to die by crucifixion, the impact of the resurrection on the world, and a host of other topics. As usual each Pugcaster brought in his own angle on the issues Athanasius raised. Since we could do little more than give an introduction to the piece and hit a few of the places where it gives us a different perspective on the Incarnation than we usually see, we encourage you to read it for yourself.

It’s available as a downloadable PDF with Lewis’s introduction here: http://www.onthewing.org/user/Athanasius%20-%20On%20the%20Incarnation.pdf

Human Scale: What It Is, & Why It Matters Dec 07, 2020

Can the things we make get too big, conversely, can they be too small? If so, what standard should we use to judge the size of things? The ancients answered these questions by using human limitations. It’s easy to see how this works in architecture, but it equally applies to other things: nations, cities, and even local churches. Today on the Pugcast the guys consider Aristotle’s thoughts on the subject, and Chris introduces a modern theorist—Leopold Kohr, and his book, The Breakdown of Nations.

Let Us Keep the Feasts Nov 30, 2020

The roots of festivity in the gifts of creation and new creation. Tom introduces the topic of festivity by drawing insights from Joseph Pieper’s work, exploring the true nature of and purposes of festivity in the Christian vision of things. As we enter the festive season of Thanksgiving and Advent, this topic is timely. As usual, the gang (Chris and Glenn) add to this topic, providing layers of fascinating insight into the nature of Creation, Sabbath, Worship, Joy and Celebration.

Kill the Dragon, Get the Girl Nov 23, 2020

This episode begins with a brief follow up on last week’s episode on the Great Reset, focused on how we should respond and where our hope lies. From there, Glenn segues into a discussion of some elements of Tolkien’s essay “On Fairy Stories” and its connection to Doug Wilson’s summary of the Bible, “Kill the Dragon, Get the Girl.” Chris brings in the idea of archetypical stories, some of which at least are reflections or shadows of the Great Story, the story of the Gospel of the Kingdom. Tom then points out the theological implications of some of the topics from the discussion, and Glenn connects it into a sacramental vision of life and the connection between our lives, fairy stories, and the Great Story.

Against the Great Reset, or Why Property Is Freedom Nov 16, 2020

A proposal has been circulated among global elites and it goes by the name, ‘The Great Reset’. The values undergirding it are the standard cant—‘inclusion’, ‘fairness’, ‘equality’. It also includes promises of debt forgiveness and universal basic income. Alarmingly, the people behind it are some of the wealthiest and influential in the world. And wouldn’t you know it, their plan just so happens to include the abolition of property and the investiture of power in a global authority of some kind. Today on the Pug the guys grumble and bark back in defense of property rights as the most basic of human rights

The Vice of Curiosity Nov 09, 2020

This week Tom introduces the topic about our intellectual appetites in relation to classical Christian insight. He looks into the virtue of proper studiousness as part of our intellectual vocation and its sinful distortion by the vice of curiosity. Glenn and Chris bring in plenty of additional insight and reflective comments to move the topic along.

In Living Memory Nov 02, 2020

Glenn and the guys share thoughts on the liturgical year and the ways that holidays and sacraments guide us both in remembering the past and finding our place in God’s story.

Postconstitutional America & the Cult of Expertise Oct 26, 2020

In today's show Chris presents a book review published in First Things. The title of the review is "Postconstitutional America" and the book being reviewed is "The Stakes: America at the Point of No Return" by Michael Anton. The review can serve as an introduction to Leo Stauss and his followers, particularly the west coast Straussians of the Claremont Institute. These thinkers contend that America is experiencing a crisis of two constitutions--the original constitution of 1787 and what has been overlaid on it--the unwritten progressive constitution of expertise. These two constitutions emerge from two different philosophies and understandings of history and the nature of freedom and rights. If you've listened to the show before, you know that the Pugsters had plenty to grumble about--especially about the rise of the cult of expertise.

The Boniface Option Oct 19, 2020

As Christians dwell in societies given over to nihilism, and as they encounter nihilism’s dreadful impact on institutions that once propped classical intellectual, spiritual, and moral virtues, they are left with limited options in preserving and protecting those virtues which sustain creaturely flourishing and aim towards their fulfillment in God. Tom, Glenn, and Chris consider ‘The Boniface Option’, a designation which Chris and Glenn bring out in relation to our friends in Idaho.

God, Guns, and Government: An Interview About the 2nd Amendment with John Zmirak, Senior Editor of The Stream Oct 12, 2020

The Pugcast is pleased to welcome to the show another one of Chris's dangerous friends--John Zmirak, Senior editor of The Stream. Chris describes John as "Don Rickles meets Pope Benedict"--when you listen, you'll see why. John is a frequent contributor to the Eric Metaxas Show, and was the editor Chris's book, Man of the House. Join the gang for an at times hilarious and rambling discussion--and learn, among other things, John's nickname for David French!

Article Referenced: https://stream.org/secondamendment/

John's Bio: https://stream.org/author/johnzmirak/

John on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/John-Zmirak/e/B001JS5XJU?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1602456384&sr=8-1

The Forge of Tolkien: An Interview with Rachel Fulton Brown (Plus a bonus feature! Learn about Milo Yiannopolous!) Oct 05, 2020

In today's show the Pug is proud to welcome Professor Rachel Fulton Brown! Rachel is a professor of medieval history at the University of Chicago and has begun a new video series entitled The Forge of Tolkien in which she examines Tolkien's creative process and sources of inspiration. She's also a friend of Milo Yiannopolous and has written a book about their friendship. Chris met both Rachel and Milo a couple of years ago when Rachel and Chris both spoke at the annual Touchstone conference in Chicago. The show is the typical Pugcast--it rambles all over the place, investigating all sorts of fascinating terrain. Join us! And here are some links for Rachel's work:

Fencing Bear at Prayer (blog): https://fencingbearatprayer.blogspot.com/

The Forge of Tolkien (episode guide, with instructions on how to subscribe): https://fencingbearatprayer.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-forge-of-tolkien.html

The Poetry Project: https://fencingbearatprayer.blogspot.com/2020/06/up-drakes-its-time-for-teaand-prosody.html

Milo Chronicles: Devotions 2016-2019 (Castalia House, 2019): https://shop.aer.io/castalia/p/Milo_Chronicles_Devotions_2016__2019/9789527303573-1875

Academic homepage: http://home.uchicago.edu/~rfulton/index.html

Music and the Liberal Arts Sep 28, 2020

Glenn starts this episode with an overview of the medieval understanding of the liberal arts, then focuses in on music. Music was part of the quadrivium, the mathematical arts that described objective reality. Why is that? Why is music so significant for medieval thinkers? How does music relate to the human body or to the proper functioning of the universe? Glenn explores these questions, aided and abetted by Tom and Chris. We also get into more modern ideas about music, including its role in Christian thought and practice.

Leaf by Niggle, a Consolation for Artists Sep 21, 2020

"Life is short, but art is long"--so the saying goes. And anyone who has undertaken any significant task would probably say, "Amen". But when it comes to works of art there can be a sense of loneliness and futility that is singular. That was the case for J R R Tolkien. He had labored for decades on his great work--his legendarium of Middle-earth. It included histories, and languages, and mythical heroes. It was the world that The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were situated in. It's all been published now, most of it posthumously. But when Tolkien wrote Leaf by Niggle the only thing he had to show for all of his work was The Hobbit. So Tolkien wrote a little allegorical short story of great profundity--Leaf by Niggle. And in it he proffers a consoling thought--our works will follow us. Join the Pugcast guys as they attempt to plumb the depths of Leaf by Niggle.

Discipleship in the Times of Heightened Propaganda Sep 14, 2020

Tom engages the theme of how technology is increasingly being used in ever advancing ways to promote propaganda and cultivate people without many being aware of it. He reflects on how theologian Karl Barth was able to resist similar forces during the rise of National Socialism because of his deep immersion in Scripture, Reformed tradition, and Classical Christian teaching. Chris and Glenn join the conversation with fascinating insights and details related to the topic at hand.

Please excuse some of the bumps and rumbles as we get used to using our new mics!

Geneva: City of Refuge Sep 07, 2020

In today’s show Glenn describes the way that Geneva served as a city of refuge for Protestants during the Reformation. Not only did Geneva serve as a refuge, it became a training center, and a center of influence for Protestantism throughout Europe. With the growing hostility to the faith around the world, the guys wonder aloud if something similar might emerge today. Do we have a city of refuge?

The Mere Christianity of Touchstone Magazine, an Interview with S. M. Hutchens Aug 31, 2020

In today's show Chris introduces listeners to his favorite magazine, and to one its Senior Editors, S. M. Hutchens (Steve to his friends). The magazine is a unique project which includes contributions from Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox writers. Chris has written for the journal a few times and has spoken at one of their conferences.

Tom and Glenn join in and the foursome not only discuss what makes Touchstone unique, but also why orthodox Christians (which is to say, in part, socially conservative ones) will find themselves banding together more and more as the larger culture of the West grows ever more hostile to the Christian faith.

If you would like to learn more about Touchstone, or subscribe, follow this link: https://touchstonemag.com/

More on Films and Theology Aug 24, 2020

Tom reconnects with Thomas Hibb's book Shows About Nothing to engage topics like the Romantic alternative to Nihilism, Horror films and their critique of American Modernism, and other films- which show how the Enlightenment was too weak a framework to carry the Christian virtue system. Chris and Glenn bring fascinating reflections into the conversation, making for an illuminating conversation about the formative impact of film on contemporary life and places in which the Christian vision can speak with redemptive profundity.

Creational Theology Aug 17, 2020

Glenn reflects on the idea that the Creation is sacramental, that is, that it points beyond itself to spiritual realities. He takes his cue from passages in Scripture that point to the Creation as pictures of truths about God and humanity. As always, Chris and Tom chime in with their own insights on nature, philosophy, and theology.

The End of Science? Cancel Culture and the Sciences Aug 10, 2020

In today's show Chris reads from an essay by Colin Wright the Managing Editor of Quillette, the online journal and podcast. He describes his own experience as a liberal scientist with cancel culture. The experience has alarmed him and he despairs for the future of the sciences. Chris, Tom, and Glenn then reflect on the history of science and how materialists have unwittingly set themselves up for this. They then urge the recovery of transcendent sources of meaning and authority because without them science is doomed.

Article Referenced:

https://quillette.com/2020/07/30/think-cancel-culture-doesnt-exist-my-own-lived-experience-says-otherwise/?fbclid=IwAR3S_GITrSSg5owt1kVIQ1XLQ51NUu7J3NKb4u7xkbzu9leYMhTPyWojs0U&v=322b26af01d5

Movies and Shows in a Nihilist Key: How Nihilistic Trends Have Impacted the Movie and Television Industry Aug 03, 2020

Tom introduces the topic by engaging Thomas Hibb’s book: Shows about Nothing. Chris and Glenn join in with many insights and rich analysis.

A Tale of Two Revolutions Jul 27, 2020

In this episode, Glenn contrasts the secular, Enlightenment-inspired French Revolution with the spiritual revolution that transformed England at roughly the same time. The French Enlightenment was an anti-Christian project that provided a radical critique of society and theorized about how to fix it. Once the French internalized Enlightenment ideas, the Revolution became inevitable, though it took a government debt crisis to trigger it. The elite’s theories didn’t solve the problem, resulting in chaos and the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of French citizens. In contrast, the spiritual revolution in England from the Evangelical Revivals reached deep into the lower classes and prevented England from degenerating into the violence of the French Revolution. It also led to Wilberforce and the Clapham sect and the spiritual and moral transformation of English society. Chris and Tom chime in about the philosophical ideas of the Enlightenment and the parallels with America today.

Why Should Christians Care about Self-Driving Cars? Jul 20, 2020

In today’s show Chris introduces the Pugcast crew to Matthew B. Crawford and his book, Why We Drive. Crawford is known for his writing on moral agency and how the manual arts help to develop it. Self-driving cars have the potential for undermining competence and promoting greater dependency on distant institutions. If passivity is already a problem, self-driving cars will only make things worse.

On Weeds and Fairy Tales Jul 13, 2020

Glenn starts off the discussion with “On Weeds and Fairy Tales,” an article in Touchstone by Vigen Guroian. Guroian argues that reason and imagination work together to help us make sense of the world, but only imagination lets us get beyond facts into the realm of meaning and helping us develop a moral sense. This was one of the functions of fairy tales traditionally. But Guroian notes a number of weeds that can choke out the moral imagination which he labels the Idyllic Imagination, the Idolatrous Imagination, and the Diabolic Imagination. As usual, Tom and Chris join in the exploration of all these ideas and more.

From Impiety to Totalitarianism Jul 06, 2020

In today's show Chris reads portions of Leon R. Kass's, The Beginning of Wisdom. The book contains Kass's reflections on the book of Genesis. Kass is Jewish, and a conservative scholar teaching at the University of Chicago. His reflections on the impiety of Noah's son Ham, and how Ham's descendant Nimrod, the political leader behind the Bible's first political dystopia--Babel--are quite profound. His thoughts on the connection between impiety and totalitarianism provide the basis for discussion for Chris, Tom, and Glenn.

How the Current Cultural Trend Came to Absolutize the Present in Opposition to the Past Jun 29, 2020

This week Tom follows up his topic last week on Presentism. He introduces the topic of 'historicism' and looks at its role in setting the conditions for the current trend of turning against the past in the name of the present. Historicism comes about when the doctrine of providence gets ripped from the doctrine of creation, making human meaning and purpose merely what it is in terms of historical processes. Glenn and Chris add a plenitude of insights as the topic unfolds.

The New Iconoclasm: Presentism and Its Trendy Enemies Jun 22, 2020

In this episode Tom introduces the topic of the intellectual fashion of making ‘present’ experience that which has utmost significance. He further shows how this idea has been wedded to the notion that the past has little significance other than being an outmoded relic of evil and oppression. This has contributed to current strands of moral zealotry unleashed against symbols and monuments from the past as well as an all out war on civilization. Chris and Glenn add further insights which shed light on this fashion from a variety of angles, making for a fascinating conversation on the topic.

Culture to Language or Language to Culture? Jun 15, 2020

Glenn starts off by talking about Tolkien and philology, the study of language to understand culture, and looks at its role in creating Middle Earth. He then notes that this idea has largely been reversed in the modern world, where we belief language shapes thought and culture. This leads to Political Correctness and the use of language as a form of thought control. Tom and Chris discuss theological and philosophical ideas surrounding this change and some of the practical effects of it in culture today.

Friendship According to: Aristotle, Aquinas, C. S. Lewis, and the Bible Jun 08, 2020

In today’s episode Chris raises the subject of friendship for consideration. What is it? How many forms of friendship are there? What’s the relationship of friendship to citizenship? Can we have too many friends? What’s a bigger threat to friendship, good fortune or bad? These, and many other considerations are discussed while drawing on classical, medieval, and biblical sources.

The Disturbing Embrace of Therapeutic Culture by the Church Jun 01, 2020

Tom introduces the theme of ‘the Psychological Captivity of the Church’, setting the topic in relation to Evangelical Christian practice. Chris and Glenn chime in with a host of supportive details that highlight aspects of how the Church has gotten to this place and describing ways in which current teachings and practices have been impacted by this captivity. The group then offer insights from classic Christianity which demonstrate how far many evangelicals have strayed from the historic Christian vision.

Chivalry, Howard Finster, and Other Musings May 25, 2020

What is Chivalry and why is it important? Glenn starts out with a history of the concept and its key elements. The group then reflects on the loss and even inversion of those elements within our culture before moving into a discussion of folk artist Howard Finster.

The Necessity of Chivalry by C.S. Lewis: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBT9LasyC3E&t=3s&fbclid=IwAR1xQgB0t5Kl3deTB_-knygHrP6-4LVx_Qmb6_SW_pDfdycZc830BYdS3n4

Goldberry & the Art of Redeeming Faerie May 18, 2020

Who is the mysterious River-daughter, and how did Tom Bombadil make such a catch? Chris once thought that Goldberry was an afterthought in the story of Tom Bombadil, but after writing a chapter on her for his book on Bombadil, he’s pretty sure that she’s at the heart of his story in more ways than one. Join the conversation as Chris, Glenn, and Tom delve into philosophy of language, metaphysics, and the value of pagan stories.

Origen’s Revenge: Contempt for Sex Differences Returns to the Church May 11, 2020

This week the Pugsters interview Brian Patrick Mitchell, Eastern Orthodox theologian, and friend of C. R. Wiley. Dr. Mitchell discusses the role of a peculiar strand of Platonism championed by Origen and later by Maximus the Confessor, and how it contradicted the Hebraic understanding of Male and Female within the Alexandrian school of Christianity. Dr. Mitchell believes that this particularly pernicious strand of Platonism is back, and is growing more influential in all branches of the Church.

The Last Closet: An Interview with Moira Greyland Peat May 04, 2020

Moira Greyland Peat is the author of THE LAST CLOSET, a story of survival. She was the only daughter of Marion Zimmer Bradley and convicted child molester Walter Breen.

Her mother was a bestselling science fiction author, a feminist icon, and the winner of the World Fantasy Award for lifetime achievement. She was best known for the Arthurian fiction novel THE MISTS OF AVALON and for her very popular Darkover series. She was also a monster.
In this episode of the Pugcast the crew talk freely with Moira about growing up in the home of famous, high-minded, liberal, child abusers. She shares her memories of pagan rituals, the pressure she felt to become a lesbian, and horrors of child-molestation. She also shares how she came to Christ and the difference that he made in her life.

Moira has three grown sons, and she is an accomplished opera vocalist and harpist.

Find Moira's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Closet-Moira-Greyland/dp/9527065208/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1588445563&sr=1-1

Good and Bad Kinds of Reality Splitting Apr 27, 2020

Join the Pugcast crew today as they discuss how Christians should think about the relationship between various kinds of reality.

NeoPagan and Heathen Movements Apr 20, 2020

In today's show, Glenn raises the subject of neopagan and heathen movements in the western world. Just what is going on with these movements, are they genuine revivals, or are they merely role-playing diversions? And what does any of this have to do with the alt-right, and Norse-myths in particular? Tune in for a lively discussion as usual!

The Green Tolkien (and C. S. Lewis, too!) The Inklings and Environmentalism Apr 13, 2020

Today the Pug is joined by Dr. Matthew T. Dickerson, professor at Middlebury College, in Vermont, and author of many books, among them: Ents, Elves, and Eriador: The Environmental Vision of J. R. R. Tolkien. The conversation did get around to Ents (a fascinating part of the discussion), and it even included the environment, but it also wandered into many other matters--some far afield. (Surprise, surprise.) If you like the Inklings, you'll enjoy this episode.

Whistling in the Dark: Christian Hope as God's Creature Apr 06, 2020

In today's show Tom talks about how God's saving presence enters into the full range of our creaturely reality (finite, limited, fallen, with even death) and creates life and hope, not by denying or escaping reality, but by transcending it, in a way only the Christian God is able to.

As usual Glenn and Chris chime in from time to time.

If you'd like to see the Pugsters, a Zoom edition of the show has been posted to the Facebook Pugcast fanpage!

Christianity & How to Live through Plague Mar 30, 2020

In today's show the Pugsters are in lock-down, like the rest of the world. But because of the wonders of modern technology that's not held them back from recording a show! They've dialed in remotely from various undisclosed locations in North America to discuss the history of Christian witness during times of plague.

Glenn leads the discussion, making sure that Tom and Chris keep the historical facts in mind during the discussion. They discuss the Christian origin of hospitals, the advances in medicine that we now enjoy, the martyrdom of early Christians who ministered to the dying, and they even reflect on the good uses of technology that we ought to be grateful for.

As an added bonus we actually have video available of the three mugs of the pugs. That video will be posted to the Theology Pugcast Facebook page.

Adiaphora: What's Indifferent? Less Than You May Suppose Mar 23, 2020

Today Chris introduces the subject of "Adiaphora"--a term which means "things indifferent". He notes that it is a fine term, so long as you use it correctly. He addresses its use by the Cynics, and then Glenn discusses briefly how it was used by some of the Reformers in a very narrow sense.

The trouble with it according to the gang is it has become a catchall for anyone who wants to shut down discussion on the meaning of certain things--reducing them to matters of taste. It is a favorite category for the Utilitarians in the church who wish to dismiss the promotion of Beauty entirely, and even narrow the application of Truth and Goodness to a very small set of concerns.

If, as Abraham Kuyper said, ‘There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!’--then how can we say something is indifferent? Everything matters to the Christian because everything belongs to Christ.

It's the Magic Episode! Mar 16, 2020

Feeling the need for some magic in your life now that you're stuck at home because of COVID-19? Well, we've got the show for you!

Today Glenn (aka "The Magic Man") provides a little history lesson on magic. One of the things that you'll learn is that magic as it was practiced in the antiquity--and the Renaissance (yes, the Renaissance)--wasn't as irrational as is often supposed. There were reasons it was believed to work. Understanding those reasons won't make you a practitioner of magic--but it will help you see that our ancestors could be wrong about certain things without being unintelligent. By the way, the same is true for other things in our time.

Divine Simplicity Mar 09, 2020

In today's show Tom introduces the doctrine of "divine simplicity". The doctrine itself is simple enough, understanding its implications for theology and the work of the Church and salvation takes a bit of work.

Contemporary theologies have turned away from this classical doctrine and it is beginning to show--everything is devolving down to imminent-frame. Relevance, pragmatism, church-growth guruism--you name it--all in a breathless race to keep up with God the moving target. Whatever became of the God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever?

This show is a call back to the God in whom we live and move and have our being.

The Intersectionality Episode Mar 02, 2020

You've probably heard of "Intersectionality". How could you miss it? It is the new magical formula for social justice that promises to make the world a better place.

The Pugcast crew are doubtful. In fact, they're more than doubtful, they don't like it at all. Today on the show they discuss its premise and the deleterious consequences for those institutions that try to enforce it.

The Black Death! Feb 24, 2020

Drawing inspiration from the Coronavirus, Glenn decided to talk about one of his favorite subjects: The Black Death.

He even brought some things for show and tell. There's a map that looks remarkably like Tolkien's map of Middle Earth, but the one Glenn brought is covered with arrows and dates which tell the tale of the spread of Plague throughout Europe. He also brought a cute little plush-toy of the deadly germ. If you'd like to see those just visit the Theology Pugcast Facebook page. And while you're there, like the page so that you can stay in touch!

Ken Boa: Life in the Presence of God Feb 17, 2020

The Pug-crew continue their conversation with Ken Boa. In today's show the discussion surrounds the theme of Ken's book, Life in the Presence of God.

Talking to Ken is like trying to take a sip from a fire hydrant--you may need to listen to the interview a couple of times to get the gist of what Ken is getting at--but it will be worth the effort. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

Here's a link to Ken's book.

Ken Boa: Shaped by Suffering Feb 10, 2020

The Pugsters are pleased to be joined by Ken Boa for today's show.

Ken is the author of many books, and his most recent book is published by IVP. He's also a long-time friend of Glenn. Ken was in town for Glenn's ordination service at First Church of Christ Wethersfield, (a historic congregational church that was once attended by Jonathan Edwards). Ken also earned one of his doctorates at Oxford University--which gives him something to talk about with Tom. (Not that they needed any help talking.)

The conversation with Ken took place with a "live audience" and while it centered on the theme of Ken's new book, it was a free ranging one.

Here's a link to First Church in Wethersfield (https://www.firstchurch.org/) and here's a link to Ken's latest book at Amazon: Shaped by Suffering Finally, here is a link to Ken's webpage. kenboa.org

Vampires of New England! Feb 03, 2020

In today's show Glenn takes the Pugcast gang into the folklore and reported sightings of vampires in New England! As Glenn shows, you don't need to visit Transylvania for vampire legends--we have plenty of material to work with in the good ol' USA.

Tom and Chris reflect on the vampire stories from both theological and pastoral perspectives. Glenn informs them that he also has werewolf and witch sightings to share in future episodes of the Pugcast!

An Introduction to Robert Nisbet and Paleo-conservatism Jan 27, 2020

In today's show Chris introduces Glenn and Tom to the work of sociologist and paleo-conservative Robert Nisbet.

Nisbet was a sociologist and professor at Columbia, and his work reflects a time when sociologists were liberally educated and could draw on the thinking of the likes of Alexis de Tocqueville and Edmund Burke as well as classical philosophy and theology. Nisbet's best known work, The Quest for Community had a strong influence on Chris's thinking. It is particularly evident in Chris's book, Man of the House.

During the course of the conversation the Pugsters discuss the various schools of thought that are often thrown together under the label "conservatism": libertarianism, classical liberalism, and paleo-conservatism. Seeing as most listeners are unfamiliar with the last of these labels, and that it is also the school of thought Chris, Tom, and Glenn most strongly identify with, they spend some time defining each while explaining why paleo-conservatism is actually genuine conservatism.

Here are some helpful links for further study: https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Community-Background-Essential-Conservative/dp/1935191500 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleoconservatism

Roger Scruton and Beauty Jan 20, 2020

In today's show the guys join in the lament for the passing of conservative philosopher Sir Roger Scruton.

Tom selects a few passages on the nature of beauty from the voluminous body of work that Scruton left with us and the guys spend time reflecting not only on them, but also upon the sorry state of the world we find ourselves in. It's clear that the world needs a phalanx of Scrutons to replace him.

Tolkien the Realist Jan 13, 2020

Glenn is back! And today he brings us the topic of the day--Tolkien and literary realism.

Literary realism is one of those question begging movements which advance an argument by assuming the correctness of a particular answer to an unspoken question. Literary realism assumes that the level of the mundane, the prosaic, is what is truly Real, and everything else is just fancy which exists solely in our heads.

If that's your understanding of Reality then you are a modern person--and you're also a rather flat and wooden person too. You probably don't get Tolkien, or you think he's just a teller of adventure stories.

But is that what's truly Real? If Reality is something more--what is it, and how can Tolkien help us see it? Those are the questions addressed in today's show.

The Movies and Transcendence Jan 06, 2020

Glenn is still on the road, so Tom and Chris invited their friend Tom Plotkin to talk with them about cinema, or film, or the movies--or whatever you want to call the art form.

Tom is a former screen-writer and he worked on Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well as other Hollywood productions. Today Tom is a lawyer and a novelist living and working in Hartford, Connecticut.

Join a freewheeling conversation that takes us into Tom's childhood in Manhattan as a child a Jewish atheists to his conversion to Christianity through a remarkable supernatural event in his life. Along the way you'll learn a lot about the rarified world of "art-films"--we know that we did. Enjoy!

Bonus Mystery Episode! Dec 30, 2019

Tom, Glenn, and Chris have the week off this week--but never fear, the Pugcast hasn't let you down!

The Pugsters actually have a show that was recorded months ago and had been believed to be lost. But it's been found! The guys can't remember what was about though.

The one thing that they do remember is it was Tom's day for the topic of the day. So, listen in a long with three Pugsters who suffer from memory loss! Enjoy!

What Conservatives Have to Do to Survive in Liberal Academia Dec 23, 2019

Today's show comes to you from deep in the Pugcast bunker. This episode is about the illiberal hostility of liberals directed towards conservatives in higher education.

Glenn is away with family for Christmas, so Tom and Chris invited Racer X to join them. (He's named Racer X because of Chris's nostalgia for Speed Racer--a cartoon he watched as a kid in the early 70s.)

Racer X is a conservative and a graduate student currently studying in at an undisclosed secular university. Tom, Chris, and Racer X discuss their experiences as conservatives in academe, and all three agree that things are worse today than when Tom and Chris were in graduate school.

BTW, Racer X's voice is distorted for the show. (Yes, things are so bad that we resorted to witness protection techniques to disguise X's identity.)

In Defense of Christmas Dec 16, 2019

Today Glenn rises to defend a holiday that some pagans and certain Christians love to hate: Christmas.

Who could hate Christmas? It is puzzling. There are the folks who claim that there is no justification for December 25th--or January 6th for that matter--so it must have been some sort of appropriation of a pagan holiday. Then there are the folks who just don't think any Christian holidays can be justified, period.

Glenn challenges these conceits and more. You can depend on Tom and Chris to egg him on.

Aaron Renn of the Masculinist Returns! Dec 09, 2019

In today's show Tom, Glenn, and Chris are joined by Aaron Renn, former (but perhaps not), publisher of the newsletter for men with over 5,000 subscribers, The Masculinist.

The guys met in New Haven, Connecticut, right down the street from Yale, at Modern Apizza--one of the top rated pizzarias in America. The conversation was free-flowing and somewhat rambling, but there are a number of gems for you to take away.

Durning the conversation a waitress spills some beer on Chris's laptop, but never fear!--the top was closed and the machine escaped unharmed. (But you'll hear the cry of dismay from the waitress.)

Sound is much better than in recent episodes. The Pugsters hope you enjoy the show!

The Demise of the Shakers & the Dangers of an Over-realized Eschatology Dec 02, 2019

Today Chris introduces Tom and Glenn to the Shakers--America's favorite utopian sect. If you know anything about them you probably associate them with furniture, oval nesting boxes, and the song Simple Gifts.

At their height during the Second Great Awakening there were 6,000 of them living in nearly 20 communities scattered from Maine to Kentucky. Today they are the darlings of liberalism because they renounced the household-economy, private property, and even marriage.

Naturally, this meant that they also renounced procreation. They believe heaven had come to earth with the second advent of Christ--this time as a woman--in the person of their founder Mother Ann. They believed that God had male and female natures and that the Fall of Adam and Eve in Eden had something to do with sex. Weird stuff, Gnostic too.

You can learn more about them in the many museums that now preserve their artifacts. If you want to speak with real Shakers, you better hurry, there are only 2 left and they're elderly.

In some ways the themes that characterized Shakerism are still with us, and some of them even seem to be growing more popular among the young in evangelicalism.

The show was recorded at Elicit Brewing, a new brewpub in Manchester, CT that the guys have wanted to try out. They found a quiet corner and everything was going swimmingly until about 3/4 of the way through when someone at the pub decided it would be a good idea to blast the music. The guys are sorry for yet another noisy show--they won't go back there again.

Machiavelli & Politics in a World without Virtue Nov 25, 2019

In today's show Glenn proposes a controversial thesis: Machiavelli's The Prince wasn't promoting amoral political opportunism--in it Machiavelli was actually....

Well, it wouldn't be right to include a spoiler in the show notes, would it? Why not listen and find out what Glenn thinks for yourself?

Once again, there is a noisy pub to deal with, but we hope the show will provide enough tasty food for thought that you can look past that.

The "Greening" of the Church (and we don't mean for Advent) Nov 18, 2019

In today's show Tom begins an exploration of the ideology of environmentalism and the ways that the monism underlying it is infiltrating churches and theologies that wish to be seen as "relevant".

Glenn and Chris push the discussion into the works of Tolkien as a faithful alternative for those who wish to cherish the created order as a gift in contrast to popular environmental ideologies.

The show is a bit noisy and a little choppy because it was recorded in the main part of the pub (we were exiled from the backroom by paying customers!), and Chris received a call that he couldn't ignore late in the show.

Niceness: Stupid as it Ever Was Nov 11, 2019

In today's show Chris and the guys put "niceness" into the Aristotle Virtue Analyzer to see if it makes the grade. They determined that it depends on the political economy you find yourself in. If it is a consumerist global fantasy-land--well, it's a virtue.

But is that a place that human beings really want to live--it means no history, no transcendence, and no depth. It's all here and now and on the surface.

But can such an inhuman and false community even last? Perhaps "niceness" still means what it meant in 12th century, "Stupid". https://www.etymonline.com/word/nice

Today's show features new music by Chris's oldest son, Caleb!

Deconstructing Critical Theory Nov 04, 2019

In today's show Glenn explains how some evangelicals have managed to climb onto the critical theory bandwagon.

He begins with a quick overview of the modernist-fundamentalist controversy of the late 19th and early 20th century, he then shows how this created a void that critical theory has recently filled.

Tom and Chris along with Glenn point out the Marxist roots of critical theory, underscoring its materialism and its agonism--i.e. "progress through violence". (That's why there's no reasoning with critical theory--words, even reason itself--are merely other means for getting your way.)

Can "progressive evangelicals" find their way out of this morass? The Lord knows and time will tell--but the Pugcasters are not hopeful.

Intellectual Faithfulness Oct 29, 2019

In today's show Tom returns to the theme of intellectual faithfulness in a church that has lost any sense of what that means.

Glenn and Chris jump in with their thoughts.

An Education with Class: An Introduction to Classical Education w/ Dr. Ben Merkle Oct 21, 2019

In today's show the Pugsters interview Dr. Benjamin Merkle, President of New Saint Andrews College.

The show was recorded before an enthusiastic audience and at a different venue than the venerable Corner Pug. In this show the Pugcast invades the renowned Willimantic Brewing Company--one of the best brewpubs in Connecticut.

Dr. Merkle provides great insight into the philosophy and methods of classical learning, and Tom and Ben even get to reminisce about their days at Oxford. It was a lot of fun. We hope that you enjoy it.

Leisure Suits the Basis of Culture? (An Introduction to J. Pieper) Oct 14, 2019

Jokes about the uselessness of a liberal arts education are cliche--they also evidence the absence of a liberal arts education.

The whole point of a liberal arts education is the study of things that are good in themselves, not good as a means to enjoying something else. Arts of that sort are servile--they serve a higher good.

Today Chris introduces listeners to the book, Leisure: The Basis of Culture by the late German philosopher Joseph Pieper.

Of course Tom and Glenn have a lot to add. The conversation gets into the parallel between Sabbath observance and leisure, social class and freedom, and many other matters.

Enjoy!

Here's a link to the book on Amazon.

Disciple-Making Movements & the Contest w/ Islam in West Africa Oct 07, 2019

Today we welcome to the show a friend of Glenn Sunshine: Francis Jabba, Disciple Making Coordinator for New Harvest Global Ministries in 16 African countries.

Reports of the spectacular growth of Christianity in Africa are well known. What is less known is how it is happening. Glenn has visited Africa and has reported on the growth of the church in the book he co-wrote with Jerry Trousdale, The Kingdom Unleashed. In today's show the Pugcasters interview one of the leaders of this phenomenal movement. There were many remarkable things that they learned in the course of the interview--an important one being how Islam is growing in Africa through a combination of biological growth, conversion through marriage, business dealings with strings attached, and the building of mosques.

The show is a bit of a departure from the standard Pugcast fare--but that shouldn't surprise our listeners, the range of conversation on the show is pretty broad.

Here is a link to Glenn's book on Amazon.

If you would like to donate to this important work in West Africa here is the contact information: New Harvest Global Ministries, P.O. Box 681691, Franklin TN. 37068. New Harvest's website is www.newharvestglobal.org

If you want to give a donation for Francis’s building, put “Francis Jabba building fund” in the Memo.

Evangelical Humanism Vs. Humanistic Evangelicalism Sep 30, 2019

In today's episode Tom asks the rhetorical question, "Who sets the agenda for the Christian faith?"

Winsome market-oriented church growth types demonstrate through their methods that they believe people should do that. But maybe people don't actually know what is in their best interests. Tom traces out how autonomy and "authenticity" have come to shape much of evangelicalism in our time. Chris notes that this is what underlies the call to be "relevant". Tom labels this "Humanistic Evangelicalism".

But isn't this a case of tail wags dog?

By contrast Tom describes something he calls "Evangelical Humanism" and he says this is what constitutes a good Christian anthropology.

Who Is Tom Bombadil? Sep 23, 2019

Perhaps the most controversial character in all of Tolkien's writing is Tom Bombadil. People seem to either love him or hate him. But regardless how you feel about him, most people can't figure out why he's even in the Lord of the Rings. What's the point of the man in the blue jacket and the yellow boots? Certainly Peter Jackson thought he was expendable. He isn't even in the film version of the story. Was he inserted to make Tolkien's children happy? Was Tolkien providing a little filler to buy time because he was still working out the plot? Chris thinks that Tolkien was up to far more than people give him credit for when it comes to Bombadil. Chris actually thinks that you don't really understand Tolkien, or the Lord of the Rings, until you receive Bombadil into your heart. Listen in as Chris, Tom, and Glenn discuss the meaning of the mysterious Tom Bombadil!

Consumerism as Worldview Sep 16, 2019

Glenn introduces consumer-choice as a kind of worldview in today's show.

Consumer choice is a fine thing when it comes to fast-food and designer clothing, but where does it end? Should we get to choose everything? Is consumer choice the apogee of freedom, or in some paradoxical way its denial and a form of slavery?

Glenn dares to say that people shouldn't get to chose certain things--their family members for instance, or their religion. When it comes to the most important things we are choosers, we're receivers. And that entails an entirely different logic.

Theology: From Queen of the Disciplines to Wallflower Sep 09, 2019

In today's show, Tom outlines the coup against theology in academe.

Believe it or not, once upon a time theology ran the show. We can still see that in the pomp and circumstance at many college graduations--the theology faculty lead the way, followed by philosophy, then the other disciplines. Here's another fact--those disciplines back in the day were actually branches of theology, working out theological truths within various branches of study.

What happened?

Listen in as Tom, Glenn, and Chris talk about the demise of theology and its relegation to matters pertaining to the inner lives of religious people.

Are Angels Out of Work? Sep 02, 2019

In some theologies it seems like God is so sovereign there is nothing left for anyone else to do. Secondary causation and creaturely agency appear to be defined right out of existence.

While this leaves people wondering about their agency, it also leaves angels with nothing to do.

So, in today's show Chris raises the question, what are angels for?

In the course of the conversation things gravitate toward the subject of the "principalities and powers" the Apostle Paul mentions in Ephesians and Chris recounts some disturbing personal experiences he's had with palpable evil, as well as one experience he had of a different nature when one of his parishioners lay dying in an Emergency Room because he had been cut open by a snow plow during a blizzard.

Glenn and Chris are joined once again by Dr. Ray Pennoyer, professor of philosophy.

Plato Can Be Your Friend Aug 26, 2019

Just because someone is wrong about one thing, doesn't mean he's wrong about everything. And just because someone is right about many things, doesn't mean he's right about everything.

Since the days of the Church Fathers Christians have had mixed feelings when it comes to Plato. It today's show Glenn returns to the theme of Platonism and what is indispensable in it. Perhaps we can even think about philosophical truth in the same way we think about truths that scientists discover concerning the workings of the physical world, philosophy may be able to tell us about immaterial structures and their workings--especially as they pertain to intrinsic meaning and the power of language to convey truth.

Glenn is joined by Chris and by special guest, Dr. Ray Pennoyer, professor of philosophy.

Propaganda Fills the Void Truth Left Behind Aug 19, 2019

In today's show Tom raises the specter of propaganda--the form of communication seen in books like 1984 and totalitarian states, and increasingly the contemporary western world.

It was inevitable considering the fact that our elites no longer believe in metaphysics. Something must be said, but what if truth isn't an option? Propaganda is what you get in the name of truth. One of the thinkers that Tom refers to in the Jacques Ellul, the famous French thinker and aurhor of the book, Propaganda.

Glenn Sunshine is away on business, but Dr. Joseph Leake, Beowulf scholar and authority on Old English and Old Norse sits in for Glenn.

Productive Property: What It Is & Why It Is Essential for Liberty Aug 12, 2019

In today's show Chris introduces a subject that he's written a lot about: productive property.

Sometimes it is called "real property"--but whatever the name, we're not talking about your tooth brush here. Where talking about what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they limited the franchise to holders of property. They believed that productive property is essential for liberty.

It still is.

Chris is joined by Glenn and Tom for another wide-ranging discussion.

Transhumanism: Frankenstein Returns Aug 05, 2019

In today's episode Glenn introduces listeners to "transhumanism"--a philosophy and engineering project concerned with transcending the given limits of human nature. Transhumanists view the body solely as a machine, and the mind is somehow both dependent upon it, yet utterly distinct. (This should remind listeners a little of Descartes.) But what transhumanism actually is--for all its mechanistic notions--is just one more manifestation of the ancient hydra that has plagued western culture from the start: Gnosticism. The Pugcast audience continues to grow--Glenn, Tom, and Chris are both pleased and a little surprised. They're grateful. Also, the show has a growing number of financial supporters on the FLF Network. Thanks are in order for those folks, too. If you would like to join this merry band and financially support The Theology Pugcast you can do so through the Fight, Laugh, Feast Network.

Life After the Welfare State Jul 29, 2019

In today's episode Chris begins with a simple truth: since modern welfare states are not the Kingdom of God they will end someday. This leads to a discussion of disincentives for having children in welfare states and why that spells their demise in the long run. Naturally debt is used to keep the state going in the near term, but this only make the eventual collapse that much more devastating.

Since we can see evidence of the final failure of the welfare state all around it is a good idea to "short" the welfare state.

Whenever you short an asset you're betting that its value will go down. The bet allocates resources into assets that will go up in value in the event of the loss of value in the shorted asset. So, what should we invest ourselves in instead of the welfare state? Chris turns to the book of Ruth in the Old Testament for clues.

Sound quality continues to improve--the Pug has discovered the source of the mysterious background noise that plagued earlier podcasts and it has been addressed. We hope you can enjoy the show better now!

Liberty or License: What Does it Mean to Be Free? Jul 25, 2019

In today's episode Glenn discusses an important distinction that is lost on most people today--the difference between liberty and license. The Founding Fathers of the United States understood the difference, and they did their best to structure American government in order to preserve liberty and inhibit license. We've come a long way, baby. Is there any hope for responsible freedom, or are we doomed to live in the Servile State, as the Distributists put it?

The Barmen Declaration & Saying "No!" to Cultural Accommodation Jul 15, 2019

In today's show, Tom introduces listeners to the Barmen Declaration of 1934. He then helps listeners understand what genuine resistance to the Nazis looked like at the time, and how many German churches had been coopted by cultural trends.

In our ideological age, cut off from both nature and nature's God, totalitarianisms emerge to fill in the empty spaces in our heads and hearts. Classical Christian theism is what we need today, but most evangelicals don't know what that is.

Here's the wiki page for the Barmen Declaration--https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barmen_Declaration

Once again, the show is recorded on our new sound equipment! We're getting the hang of it.

Underground LGBT Networks in Evangelical Institutions Jul 08, 2019

Today's show begins with Chris's memories of three LGBT networks that existed in evangelical institutions. These are not hearsay stories, the people involved remain nameless, but Chris knew them personally. Most troubling was the way these networks recruited new members and initiated them. In each case theology was twisted to provide justification for what was occurring.

The stories provide a basis for considering what is known as the "Lavender Mafia" in the Roman Catholic Church. For those unfamiliar with the term, "Lavender Mafia" is the name used by socially conservative Roman Catholics for a network of homosexual priests that many people believe exists in the Roman Catholic Church.

Chris then wonders aloud, "Is it unreasonable to suspect that something similar may exist in some places among evangelical clergy?"

This is a free-ranging discussion that includes reflections on some of the theological trends within evangelicalism and how those trends may serve these networks.

As a bonus--this show is the first one recorded on the new recording equipment. The guys are still learning how to use it, so hopefully the sound quality will improve with each episode going forward.

A Conversation with Aaron Renn Jul 01, 2019

Chris is in Dallas, and Glenn is on the road, and Tom feels too lonely to record a show. So, we dig into Chris's personal vault of recorded stuff this week for a conversation with Aaron Renn, publisher of the Masculinist.

Chris and Aaron are joined by David Talcott, professor of philosophy at King's College in New York City, Sam Perez, a pastor in Jersey City, and Nate Towers of Fellowship Deaconry.

This is a free-range conversation about men, masculinity, the church, women, Jason Peterson, and a host of other things. Enjoy!

Fighting Back: Protestant Resistance Theory Jun 24, 2019

In today's show Glenn provides an introduction to Protestant Resistance Theory. You may have wondered, are Christians the doormats of human history? Do we always turn the other cheek? Do you ever run out of cheeks? Is punching back ever justified, not just in self-defense, but in armed resistance against tyranny?

Well, you're not the first person to wonder. Glenn provides an overview of how Christians in general, and Protestants in particular, have come to say, "Enough! Now I'm fighting back!"

Naturally, Tom and Chris have things to share--and you may have guessed, they agree that there is a time to fight back.

Blue Collar Intellectuals Jun 17, 2019

In today's show Chris introduces listeners to two of his favorite writers--Matthew Crawford, author of Shop Class as Soulcraft, and Eric Hoffer, author of The True Believer. Both men could be described as "blue collar intellectuals" because they actually are (or were) blue collar men. Crawford is a motorcycle mechanic and Hoffer was a stevedore (a dockworker). But even though they're blue collar, their thinking is first class, not low class.

Chris has been a blue collar guy over the years--having actually been a carpenter and a home improvement contractor. Chris uses his experience and the writing of these authors to raise the question, "Is one of the reasons that academe is so crazy these days because most academics have no real acquaintance with working with the physical world?" Tom and Glenn chime in with excellent commentary as usual.

Unfortunately the guys don't know how to use their new recording equipment yet--so the sound quality is not what it will soon be. Nonetheless, here is some very worthwhile content for anyone who'd like to know what it means to be a blue collar intellectual.

Can Enchantment Come with Air-Conditioning? Jun 11, 2019

In today's show Tom returns to the theme on technology but this time with an eye toward responding to Glenn's thoughts on enchantment. Is it possible to have the best of both--or must we choose between a world of creature comforts made possible by technology, or an uncomfortable but meaningful world? Fittingly, the guys had to choose between air-conditioning and optimal conditions for recording the show. (Sounds like the wrong choice was made--when you listen to the show you'll know what that means. Sorry.)

But there is some good news to share: this is our last episode with our old recording equipment. When the show was recorded the new equipment had been ordered. By the time the show was uploaded on the internet--the equipment had arrived! So, if all goes well, you'll never have to endure another poorly recored episode of The Pug!)

Content correction: Chris calls "the Death Star" from Star Wars "the Battle Star" (Heresy! He mixed up his franchises)--but at least he got the Marshwiggle's name from The Silver Chair right. It's "Puddleglum".

True Enchantment and the Consequences of Disenchantment Jun 03, 2019

In today's show Glenn begins with a marvelous series of word studies ranging all the way from "enchantment" to "cosmology". His point is that our language is full of words that reflect a time when the world was full of meaning and words were spells that drew on those meanings. Undoubtedly, the very fact that we've lost the original meanings of words like "spell" and "magic" just reinforces the point that we now live in a disenchanted world.

Or do we? Tom points out in the conversation that what we actually have now is black magic. Our words now bend and twist things as we seek to dominate our world and other people. We've lost the "good magic" of Aslan and all we're left with is the "black magic" of the White Witch.

In today's episode Elizabeth Sunshine joins us again. We also inform listeners about exciting developments related to the Pugcast and it's future with the Fight, Laugh, Feast Network!

C. S. Lewis, Christian Platonist (and that's a good thing) May 27, 2019

In today's show Chris raises the subject of C. S. Lewis and metaphysics. The evidence is overwhelming that C. S. Lewis was a Platonist--there are passages throughout his fiction in particular that demonstrate it. Tom and Glenn note that it shouldn't surprise us since Lewis was steeped in the classical sources, as well as Medieval and Renaissance works--think of Augustine, or Boethius--both fountainheads for the West, and both explicitly Platonist. There is an allergic reaction to Platonism is some Reformed circles today, and this is odd for no other reason than Calvin himself provides plenty of evidence in his work that he was shaped by Platonism. So today's episode may challenge the presuppositions of some listeners. Joining the Pugcast guys today is Glenn's daughter, Elizabeth, a doctoral candidate at Notre Dame.

Technology: What Are We Really Making? May 20, 2019

Tom continues his reflection on the theological implications of technology. Are there any lines here? If it can be done, must it be done? What happened at Babel? And what about Cain's sons? They're identified in the Bible as the fathers of the arts. As usual, Glenn and Chris join in and try to throw Tom an occasional curveball to see if he can hit it. (He always does.) Plus a couple of announcements are mentioned in today's show. The Kickstarter has successfully ended and the crew are waiting for the funds to be distributed so that new recording equipment can be purchased. And on top of that, The Pugcast is joining the FLF Podcast Network in June! (FLF stands for: Fight, Laugh, Feast.) This should dramatically increase our listening audience.

Are Evangelicals Crypto-Secularists? May 13, 2019

The best kept secrets are the ones that you are keep from yourself. In today's show Glenn shares his thoughts on evangelical secularism--in other words, there are assumptions and biases that many evangelicals have that actually have their origins in a secular outlook. The paradox of this state of mind is evangelicals can unwittingly undermine the Christian faith even as they seek to promote it. Chris and Tom add their thoughts. And as a bonus--the show is recorded in a back room of The Corner Pug, making a marked improvement in the sound. Once the new recording equipment arrives the audio quality should be even better.

The Case for Recovering Two Classical Virtues: Pietas & Gravitas May 06, 2019

In today's show Chris introduces two virtues that he has written about elsewhere--pietas and gravitas. These virtues are at one and the same time alien to the contemporary world, yet longed for. What's more, there is a sense of recognition when people see them in practice, yet because we've lost the old ways of thinking about them and speaking about them, we no longer know how to promote them. This show is a small attempt to change that. As always, Glenn and Tom enrich the conversation.

Although it isn't mentioned in the podcast, the Pugcast team is pleased to announce that we will be joining the CrossPolitic network of podcasts beginning on June of 2019!

Technology: The Promise and the Peril Apr 29, 2019

In today's show Tom introduces the subject of technology and its uses and abuses. While technology is an expression of God's image in human beings, it also can be used to deconstruct that image--or at least deface it in some way. So, do we use technology to shape the world, or does technology shape us--or is it both? Glenn and Chris join in, reflecting on the "cultural mandate", the Fall, the Tower of Babel, and more!

Meaning in a Cathedral Apr 22, 2019

In this episode Glenn Sunshine shares his memories of Notre Dame from his time in Paris, as well as his thoughts on the art of interpreting the meaning embedded in the structure of a cathedral. Following the recent fire at Notre Dame there were disturbing remarks by some Protestants and secularists dismissing the significance and meaning of church buildings. (This is not a coincidence.) In today's show Tom and Chris add their "Amen" to Glenn's assertion that cathedrals matter. The title of today's show is a play on the verse drama, Murder in the Cathedral by T. S. Elliot.

C. S. Lewis, H. P. Lovecraft, and Aliens Apr 15, 2019

Today the guys get into a little literary criticism as they discuss an article that Chris wrote for Touchstone Magazine years ago comparing C. S. Lewis and H. P Lovecraft. Most listeners to The Theology Pugcast are likely to be familiar with C. S. Lewis and his fiction--particularly the Chronicles of Narnia and the space trilogy. Fewer are likely to know about Lovecraft and his Cthulhu mythos, nevertheless it is hard to miss Lovecraft's influence on popular culture which can be felt in everything from a film like Alien to the writing of Stephen King. It is Chris's belief that Lewis may have even read Lovecraft for himself (they were near contemporaries and Lewis not only read for pulp magazines, he wrote for them.) This may seem like a far country from recent discussions on the podcast, but as Chris, Tom, and Glenn talk, you'll see that it is not. Just a couple of corrections, first, Chris erroneously refers to Ark House as the posthumous publisher of Lovecraft's stories--the correct name is Arkham House. (Chris knew that, but you know it goes--aging and all.) And in response to Glenn's question concerning the founders of Arkham House, the publishers were: August Derleth and Donald Wandrei.

Here's a link to the article at Touchstone: https://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=26-01-038-f

More On Sins of the Tongue Apr 08, 2019

Tom continues his reflections on his Oxford mentor's essay on sins of speech. Glenn and Chris speak up when they have something to say, all the while hoping that they are telling the truth.

Sins of the Tongue Apr 01, 2019

In our time of campus speech codes and hectoring for "misgendering" someone, it is tempting to downplay the fact that you really can do harm with your speech. Two of the Ten Commandments prohibit forms of speech--blasphemy and false witness. A case could be made that those are the same thing--just applied to God and man respectively. Today Tom Price shares his reflections on another essay by his mentor at Oxford.

The Image of God: Male and Female Mar 25, 2019

Today Glenn shares some of his reflections on how the image of God is reflected in creation by the respective roles of men and women. Using the pattern of "forming and filling" from Genesis chapter one, Glenn notes that these correspond to the respective tasks of men and women as God's regents. Naturally this leads to a wide-ranging discussion as Tom and Chris comment on Glenn's thoughts.

Welcome to Babel: Evangelicals and the Pragmatic De-construction of Language Mar 17, 2019

In today's show C. R Wiley raises the question, "Can Christians be Pragmatists?" Quotations from William James and Richard Rorty, two of the 20th centuries greatest pragmatists, show how pragmatism is hostile to the classical Christian understanding of the relationship between words and the world. Words are tools for pragmatists, not windows--they create meaning and can be used to manipulate people. (No wonder people are offended by pronouns! Welcome to Babel.) The problem is most of the popular figures in the evangelical world today are pragmatists.

Nature and Names - Does Anything Mean Anything? Mar 10, 2019

Today Tom Price shares an article by the English theologian Oliver O'Donovan entitled, The Natural Ethic. The discussion gets into late medieval developments in philosophy--specifically voluntarism and nominalism. Glenn raises some historical qualifications, but all are agreed that we live in a time when things are falling apart because we've lost the ability to see meaning in nature.

Undressing Transgenderism Mar 04, 2019

In today's show, Glenn analyzes the phenomenon of transgenderism and its meteoric rise to cause celebre'. Using "cultural marxism" to understand the phenomenon Glenn discusses both its appeal and its use of intimidation to force normalization. Tom looks at the phenomenon through the lens of the relationship of the transcendent God with his creation--particularly as that doctrine has been misconstrued by modernity, and Chris shares some anecdotes and his own nascent perspective that transgenderism is one more way that the world is at war with the Logos of God.

The End of Complementarianism? Aaron Renn and the Masculinist #30 Feb 25, 2019

Chris gives an overview of the newsletter The Masculinist, and its creator Aaron Renn. Then he introduces the controversial claim made in the latest edition that "Complementarianism" (the belief that men and women have different roles in the household and the church but not in wider society) is doomed. Glen and Tom ask for a better account of complementarianism, but all three agree that version of "thin biblicism" is going to die. They do not think egalitarianism offers anything as an alternative. So what's next? They agree, the Church needs to recover its old metaphysic, and then the Christian doctrine of creation will come back.

Creation from Nothing Means Something Feb 19, 2019

In today's show, Dr. Thomas Price shares an article written by his old mentor at Oxford, Dr. John Webster. The article is entitled: "Love is Also a Lover of Life: creatio ex nihilo and Creaturely Goodness." After Tom explains the importance of transcendence and the doctrine of creation from nothing, then Chris, Glenn, and Tom venture to "comb out" the implications for worldview, ethics, salvation, and the place of the church in the world.

"Cultural Marxism": An Emerging Worldview Feb 13, 2019

Dr. Glenn Sunshine speaks with Dr. Thomas Price and C. R. Wiley about his recent article at BreakPoint entitled: An Emerging Worldview." Although none of the Theology Pugcast team like the term "Cultural Marxism," it is useful for understanding at least one aspect of this phenomenon.

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