Pod of the Gaps

Ho! Ho! Ho! In our secular and pluralistic society, the debate rages each year about de-Christianising Christmas to make it more "inclusive". What's at stake when Christians stop fighting for Christian Christmas? Can you strip away the Christian virtues behind Christmas without losing the light, love, joy, peace, and goodwill at its heart? Are there even ways to "re-Christianise" some of the cultural elements around Christmas traditions which many still enjoy? And what are the unique evangelistic opportunities Christmas still offers, even to those who've long forgotten its Christian origins? Andy and Aaron discuss all these questions and more in our festive special episode! RESOURCES: * Douglas Wilson, God Rest Ye Merry: Why Christmas is the Foundation for Everything (Canon Press, 2012) * G. K. Chesterton, The Spirit of Christmas (Xanadu, 1984) * C.S. 'Xmas and Christmas: A Lost chapter from Herodotus' (1954)

Recent census data from England and Wales found that, for the first time ever, less than half of British people identify as "Christian". This correlates with a large statistical rise both the Muslim population in Britain as well as in people who identify as "non-religious". What do these trends tell us? What are the long-term implications of the erosion of Christian influence within western society? Is "Christian nationalism" an inherently bad idea, or are there better or worse ways to think about it? Aaron and Andy explore all these issues (and more) with the usual mix of wit and wisdom, the Bible and banter.

A spate of evangelicals have been leaving their churches in recent years. Some do so after experiences of hurt by leaders or institutions. Some end up deconstructing their faith and calling others to follow them. Others who remain in their churches can end up confused and distrustful of their leaders and beliefs. How can Christians ask honest questions without falling down rabbit-holes of unbelief or despair? Are there better ways to live out our faith authentically without undermining the foundations? Aaron and Andy — no strangers to arguing about belief — discuss this challenging topic in the hope of bringing some clarity to the fog. === HELP SUPPORT POD OF THE GAPS === We're planning to make Pod of the Gaps a weekly show from 2023 but we need your help to make this happen. If you already support the show, thank you! If you don't, please consider a small monthly donation to help us with our production costs: patreon.com/wkop

With some Anglican bishops publicly changing their stance on same-sex marriage, the Church faces fresh calls to realign itself with contemporary society on LGBT+ issues. Some point to the urgent need for same-sex blessings because of the experiences of gay people who feel hurt by the Church. How should our "experience" shape our reading of Scripture? How do we keep it from essentially replacing Scriptural authority? What are the wider implications here on societal pressures for the Church to conform to the culture? Andy and Aaron explore all these questions and more in this packed episode. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: - Helen Collins, "Reordering Theological Education: Starting with Scripture" (SCM, 2020) - Steven Croft, "Together in Love and Faith Personal Reflections and Next Steps for the Church (Diocese of Oxford, 2022) - Ian Paul, 'What is the bishop of Oxford thinking?' (2022) https://www.psephizo.com/sexuality-2/what-is-the-bishop-of-oxford-thinking/ - Vaughan Roberts, "Together in Love and Faith?: Should the Church Bless Same-Sex Partnerships? A Response to the Bishop of Oxford" (Latimer Trust, 2022) (Free download @ https://www.latimertrust.org) - The Living Out website (https://www.livingout.org)

Despite frequent doom projections about "overpopulation", most developed societies today are experiencing a growing crisis of low birth rates, with many prominent nations facing the prospect of being unable to replace their populations long-term. This problem is due not only to rising infertility rates but also to the preference of many modern couples to remain "child-free" by choice or to severely limit the number of children they think they could have. What do such attitudes tell us about the deeper roots of individualism and consumerism within our culture? What should Christians be thinking and saying about this problem? Sadly, instead of speaking up, many churches have swallowed the worldly notion that children are to be seen more as a burden than a blessing. How do we uphold the Biblical significance of child-rearing without making an idol out of parenting? How do we bear witness to godly notions of family at a time when the very concept of Christian family is being eroded? Join Andy and Aaron as (dad jokes in hand) they dive into this contentious, topical, and crucial issue with a mixture of wit and wisdom. RESOURCES: - Carle C. Zimmerman, Family and Civilization (1947) - Kevin De Young, 'The Case for Kids', First Things (Oct 2022) https://www.firstthings.com/article/2022/11/the-case-for-kids - Rosa Silverman, 'Child-free by choice: The birth rate crisis gripping the West', The Telegraph (2022) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/parenting/child-free-choice-birth-rate-crisis-gripping-west/?fbclid=IwAR2fgK-W1R_gLy7vjannBFPkCQxYlGbeLia00CssBlqVgPLGRh_T3AF4V5g - Tom Woodman, 'Having a Child is the Grandest act of Climate Destruction', The Spectator (2021) https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/having-a-child-is-the-grandest-act-of-climate-destruction

Why does the work of the English author, J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) resonate so well with the modern imagination? Why are there often so many "battles" over his legacy and how his ideas are interpreted or depicted today? What is the significance of Tolkien's Christianity to what he wrote? How important might his work be today for how we think about contemporary issues like race, nationalism, multiculturalism and more. Aaron and Andy discuss all this and more, connecting the dots between different aspects of Tolkien's life and work, and showing why he remains as relevant as ever. === HELP SUPPORT POD OF THE GAPS === We're planning to make Pod of the Gaps a weekly show from 2023 but we need your help to make this happen. If you already support the show, thank you! If you don't, please consider a small monthly donation to help us with our production costs: http://patreon.com/wkop === BOOKS/RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE === * Bannister, Andy, "Have You Ever Wondered Why the Best Stories Are About Good and Evil?" (Solas Website) https://www.solas-cpc.org/have-you-ever-wondered-why-the-best-stories-are-about-good-and-evil/ * Carpenter, Humphrey, "The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien" (New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2000) * Carpenter, Humphrey, "J. R. R. Tolkien: A Biography" (London: HarperCollins, 2016 [1977]) * Loconte, Joseph, "A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918" (Nashville: Nelson, 2015) * Shippey, Tom, "J. R. R. Tolkien: Author of the Century" (London: HarperCollins, 2000)

A defining feature of early 21st-century society was the rise of the "New Atheism" movement, led by Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, et al. This had a huge impact on western attitudes to religion at the time, often inspiring an ironically "religious" faith in its followers. But where did it all end up? Why has it lost appeal today? And what are its ongoing "fruits" in today's culture? Andy and Aaron share their experiences of interacting with atheists and discuss how we might think and respond well to the ongoing "afterlife" of the New Atheism in our own time. *** Pod of the Gaps is a listener-supported show — a big thank you to all those who help us keep making these episodes, by donating a small monthly amount. If you'd like to help us then visit https://www.patreon.com/wkop and for as little as £1 a month, you can help Pod of the Gaps keep going and growing! *** RESOURCES: - https://thecritic.co.uk/the-strange-afterlife-of-new-atheism/ - Andy Bannister, "The Atheist Who Didn't Exist" [Andy's best selling and very funny book debunking the new atheism] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Atheist-Who-Didnt-Exist-consequences/dp/0857216104) - Collision: Christopher Hitchens vs. Douglas Wilson (https://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=EB90FCNU) - Larry Taunton, The Faith of Christopher Hitchens (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Faith-Christopher-Hitchens-Larry-Taunton/dp/0718091493)

The death of Queen Elizabeth II catalysed worldwide mourning and reflection, with tributes pouring in from people from all walks of life right across the globe. Yet in individualistic western nations like Britain, some may have surprised themselves by realising with a shock how much the Queen actually meant to them. What does this tell us about the yearning for nobility and virtue in our times? How should Christians think about the monarchy? Are there ways we can honour its virtues without falling prey to political idolatry? In this special episode, Aaron and Andy explore these questions, and more. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Servant-Queen-King-serves-Paperback/dp/0957559828 - https://spckpublishing.co.uk/the-evolution-of-the-west - https://thecritic.co.uk/god-save-the-queen/ - https://thatgoodfight.com/the-death-of-a-queen-and-the-death-of-a-culture/

We live in an age where it's never been easier to be a writer! Resources, opportunities, and platforms now abound for people to make an impact through the written word. How might creative writing offer fresh and interesting approaches to mission in our time? What can we learn from previous writers about the use of story? And how can we embrace these approaches whilst staying faithful to the Gospel? In this episode, Aaron and Andy, who both recently published books, discuss what inspires them to write, what tips they've picked up along the way, and how you too might begin to influence others through your use of words, whether or not you'd call yourself a writer. ** Please consider supporting Pod of the Gaps: http://patreon.com/wkop ** RESOURCES: - Anne Lammott, 'Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life' (Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1995) - Andrew Peterson, 'Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making' (B and H Books, 2019) - Douglas Wilson, 'Wordsmithy: Hot Tips for the Writing Life' (Canon Press, 2011) - https://www.cliffcollege.ac.uk/courses/pathway/literature-theology-culture-ltc

Why is family worship less prominent than it used to be? Are we somehow more mature than previous generations? Has digital technology replaced the need to come together regularly in prayer, song, and Scripture? The absence of these important practices is more significant than many realise, within and beyond the Church. Biblically, it is clear that parents (especially fathers) have a key role to play in seeing their children raised in the training and instruction of the Lord. But there are many ways this can happen, and also many ways it can go wrong. In this episode we discuss some of the the pitfalls and the joys of family worship. We also recommend some key resources which have helped us along the way. ** Please consider supporting Pod of the Gaps: http://patreon.com/wkop ** RESOURCES: - Randall Goodgame, 'Sing the Bible', https://slugsandbugs.com/ - Marty Machowski, 'Old Story New: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God' (New Growth Press, 2012) - Michael J. Tinker, 'The Greatest Rescue Ever' https://michaeljtinker.com/ - Jamie Soles, https://solmusic.ca/ - "Devotional Dippers" (5 minute Bible discussion starters for kids): https://www.10ofthose.com/uk/products/24362/devotional-dippers-3-pack - https://www.opendoorsuk.org/resources/families/ - Tim Hawkins on Noah's ark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVxRddVYYig

Why is Christianity seen as irrelevant in the modern world? How did our message get so diluted that it now appears bland? What are the causes of our compromise with culture? How can we recover the radical implications of the Gospel? And are we ready to pay the price of persecution for doing so? Our first ever LIVE recording of Pod of the Gaps sees us team up with entrepreneur, David Stretton-Downes at Cedarwood Festival. We discuss this vital theme on the mission of the Church, appropriately enough, in the presence of an aeroplane! We also take questions from the audience, and discuss the number one thing that excites us about the challenges that lie ahead. ** PLEASE HELP SUPPORT POD OF THE GAPS ** 1. Tell your friends 2. Leave us a review/rating 3. Sign up to support us @ https://www.patreon.com/wkop — you'll get access to additional content, including the video version of this episode! ====== Here are some of the resources and other things mentioned in the episode: - https://cedarwoodfestival.com/ - https://www.bobbiesbrownies.com/collections/brownies - https://www.mission24.co.uk/ - https://thatgoodfight.com/fighting-with-lions/ - https://www.ywampublishing.com/p-470-christian-heroes-then-nowbrcomplete-set-books-1-50.aspx - https://www.solas-cpc.org/category/video/shortanswers/

Why has the Church failed to find a place for men? What can we do to bring them back? This episode further unpacks the issue of men, masculinity, and mission, discussing Jordan Peterson's controversial "Message to the Christian Churches". We talk about what it means, what it doesn't mean, and what we should do about it. This also feeds into another theme from a previous episode, on the need for men to take a courageous stand on issues like abortion, particularly in the UK where there is set to be a backlash against the overturning of Roe vs Wade. RESOURCES: - Douglas Wilson, Future Men: Raising Boys to Fight Giants (Canon Press, 2016) - Dave Murrow, Why Men Hate Going to Church (Thomas Nelson, 2011) - https://thatgoodfight.com/masculinity-the-church-and-jordan-peterson/ - Save the Storks :https://savethestorks.com

Why do many men feel alienated within modern western society? What draws young men in particular to search for male role models beyond the Church? What are the consequences of the Church failing to to reach men within this climate? Sadly, many churches today are so busy apologising for masculinity that they're unable to even define what men (or women) are, let alone show them the best way to be who they are. Andy and Aaron discuss why this is no "fringe" issue but something right at the heart of the Church's mission in this world. ** Catch Pod of the Gaps live at Cedarwood Festival: https://cedarwoodfestival.com ** ** Please help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/wkop ** >>> Some of the resources we mentioned in this episode ... Mary Eberstadt, "Primal Screams: How the Sexual Revolution Created Identity Politics" (Templeton Press, 2019) Louise Perry, "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A New Guide to Sex in the 21st Century" (Polity Press, 2022) Wendy Shalit, "A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue" (Free Press, 2014) Gabriella Swerling, "Church of England: There is ‘no official definition’ of a woman", The Telegraph, 10 July 2022, https://bit.ly/3PiYshC

The influence of LGBT+ has grown astronomically in recent times, not least in “Pride Month”. Those refusing to be active allies of the movement are swiftly labelled heteronormative bigots. Have parts of the LGBT+ movement become effectively a religion? How was such mass opinion-change achieved in so short a time? Was it natural, or the product of a long-term PR strategy? Should Christians speak out against Pride, even if risking accusations of homophobia? What is at stake when we let sexual immorality run riot in culture? In what ways does it seep into the Church? How can the Gospel bring us back to reality? Aaron and Andy discuss, and somehow end up talking a good deal about Nazis and Vikings too! *** Don't forget if you live in driving distance to get yourself along to Cedarwood Festival and listen to an episode of Pod of the Gaps being recorded live —https://cedarwoodfestival.com ***

Some people try to be so nice they avoid all confrontation just to keep the peace. Others create quarrels over the tiniest issues with little regard for unity. As Christians, how do we get the balance right? Can we stand up for our convictions without alienating other brothers and sisters unnecessarily? How did disagreements work in the early church? Are there ever times we should part ways with other Christians? What's worth disagreeing about today and how should we go about it? *** EXCITING NEWS: POD OF THE GAPS WILL BE LIVE AT THE CEDARWOOD FESTIVAL IN THE UK IN JULY *** Find out more here: https://cedarwoodfestival.com It's a brilliant festival so why not get yourself along — and come and hear (and ask questions) at the live episode recording.

It's no surprise to realise that Christians don't always agree on everything they believe. There has always been a wide variety of expression across the global Church on all sorts of issues and doctrines. But at what point does doctrinal "diversity" become a problem? When does a celebration of varied beliefs become unfaithful to God's Word? Should Christians ever consider leaving their church or denomination, and why? Is there ever a basis on which we should stop working with other Christians? How should Christians think about doctrinal division in light of the Biblical call for church unity? And what are the implications of some of the hot topic issues causing tension across the Church today?

Given that abortion is probably the most significant ethical issue in modern western society, why are so many western Christians so silent about it? Does the political furore often surrounding the issue make us reticent? Or are we too concerned about backlash from those who see it as a matter of "bodily autonomy"? Too often clear, courageous, and compassionate debate on the issue from a Christian perspective is severely lacking and this is a significant problem, especially for those who claim to care about justice. Aaron and Andy discuss this urgent need to speak loud and clear about abortion both prophetically and pastorally, displaying the power of the Gospel both to victims and perpetrators, whoever they happen to be.

We don't tend to use the word "heresy" these days. But it could be said that heresy is alive and well today not only within the Church, but in the socio-political climate, where saying the "wrong" thing according to the prevailing Zeitgeist may get you into all sorts of trouble. As Christians, how do we recover the importance of responding to the problem of heresy without resorting to doctrinal nit-picking, suspicion, or cancellation? Many like to think of unorthodox doctrine as merely a difference of opinion, but the reason false teaching was considered such a big issue in church history is precisely because unfaithfulness to the Word of God is unhealthy for the body of Christ, as well as having tremendous pastoral implications. Aaron and Andy (no strangers to being called all sorts of names for what they believe) try to bring this issue into the open without being burned at the stake as a result! Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at www.patreon.com/wkop

Are we made of more than mere "stuff"? Despite the prevailing "postmodern" culture where all truths are seen as relative, many non-Christians in the West today remain caught in the modern scientific worldview of materialism: the belief that humans are little more than complex bundles of soulless atoms, whereby only what can be touched, felt, tasted, etc. is "real". At the same time, the very same people often believe the precise opposite on ethical issues such as transgender, where we see a swapping of bodily reality for "transcendent" beliefs about gender identity. How can Christians fight well on both these fronts simultaneously? What does it mean that God is both beyond this world and yet entered into it in physical body? How can we seek to confront the meaninglessness of the materialist worldview with both courage and compassion? Aaron and Andy bat around this important issue with the usual mix of cultural analysis, theology, and banter, including --- among highlights --- Andy's fascinating story about his near-death experience with a coconut! Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at www.patreon.com/wkop

During times of great cultural crisis, humour has often been an important means of coping with (and even challenging) oppressive political regimes or social conventions. But Christians have something of a love-hate relationship to comedy. On the one hand, there's the call to not be frivolous about important things, and to be pastorally and culturally sensitive. On the other hand, there are plenty of examples in the Bible (particularly Jesus himself!) where humour is used to great effect in opposing enemies and making a polemical point or two! Yet today, Christians are often the first to take offence with each other, failing to see others with the charity and openness embedded in the Gospel. How can we avoid falling prey to a "cancel culture" mentality and embrace humour as a vital aspect of our mission to engage with the world effectively? Join Aaron and Andy as they dive into all this, with puns in hand.

The Russian war on Ukraine brings to light many of the wider social and political issues which have been bubbling away under the surface of western culture for the last decade. Our immersion in dramatic media hype has made many of us accustomed to widespread panic and anxiety over a range of issues. But the reality and severity of the conflict puts many of those concerns under the spotlight. How are we to think about this war within such a climate of fear? What do the initial responses in the West tell us about ourselves, and the things we do (or don't) hold dear? And what theological and missional concerns are raised here? How should the Church be praying within a conflict like this? If we pray for one side to "win", do we really know what we're asking God to "do"? Andy and Aaron discuss all this and more in another packed episode. (Apologies for the minor sound issues in a couple of places in this episode; we were fighting technical gremlins whilst recording!)

We live in an age where grief is handled in bizarre ways, from sentimental cliches with little basis in reality to cold-hearted approaches that effectively see the passing away of a person as little more than the discarding of litter. Many people are caught in the tension between the implications of their own "secular" worldview and their innate desire for some form of religious hope in the face of death. How can Christians think, feel, and speak into this condition well? How can we offer words of comfort and challenge which don't just affirm the empty sentiments of our culture, but feel the real pain of loss whilst also pointing to the only true hope?

A new year often brings with a raft new intentions, motivations, and resolutions. In a secular culture, this always looks suspiciously "religious". What lies behind our continuous need to mark our time on this earth, to plan towards the future, and to make great resolutions for self-improvement (however quickly such resolutions are forgotten...)? What kind of "resolutions" should the Church be making this year? What do we need to be especially aware of in light of the disruptions and/or madness of the last two years within western society? This episode, Andy and Aaron each do a live-reveal of their "top three" (without conferring!) and see if they can put them all together. Sounds like a challenge... Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at www.patreon.com/wkop

Climate change has dominated the headlines for a good while, particularly in light of the COP26 summit. There are clearly many serious issues to address on it, but are there also problems in how it's talked about? Secular activists tend to speak of the future of the planet in drastically apocalyptic terms, piling pressure on politicians and other leaders with a religious fervour not unlike that of Old Testament prophets. As with many social issues in recent years, prominent Christian leaders often tend to parrot the perspectives already put forth in the mainstream media and political sphere. But given that we worship a God who is the creator, sustainer, and redeemer of the universe, shouldn't Christians have something a little more distinctive to say? Aaron, Michael, and Andy wade into all this with their usual blend of cultural analysis, theology, and banter, with an environmentally friendly conversation on a topic that so often produces hot air! Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at www.patreon.com/wkop

It is popular today to suggest that men and women are fundamentally the same. Yet while this view may be popular among sociologists it is being challenged by some biologists who suggest there are real differences that cannot be explained simply by societal factors. We consider the arguments for this, ask what those differences might be and ask why it matters. Join Aaron, Andy and Michael as they kickoff a mini series on the issue of gender by asking: how different are men and women?

How does the dominance of secularism affect how human beings understand death? With little hope beyond the grave, many Westerners often spend much of their lives merely trying to stay alive for as long as possible. Are there better ways to live life in light of death? In what ways might Christians speak into the social awkwardness around death with something beyond cliches and escapism? Join Aaron, Andy, and Michael as they dive into this somewhat macabre topic with their usual candour and good humour. Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at www.patreon.com/wkop

Has our culture become too risk-averse? So much of our decision-making today (whether about public health, education, parenting, and virtually everything else) now seems to be filtered through the lens of "safety". What's behind this trend in culture to try to eliminate any chance of risk, no matter how small? And in what ways has risk-averseness infiltrated the Church too? Isn't the Christian faith, at root, an inherently risky enterprise? After all, Jesus asks us to carry our cross, and nowhere suggests we ought to fill out a series of forms before we do so. Andy, Michael, and Aaron take the risk of diving into this crucial topic to explore it in the usual Pod of the Gaps style. Join them for a fast-paced mix of insight, discussion, wit, wisdom, and banter. *** Please help us keep Pod of the Gaps going and growing by supporting the show. Visit www.patreon.com/wkop to find out how you can do that, and get some great bonus content as a thank you. *** This was the book Andy mentioned about parenting: Lenore Skenazy, "Free Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts With Worry")( San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2010)

The latest James Bond movie, "No Time To Die" has deeply divided audiences given its controversial interpretation of the globe-trotting super spy. Fresh from the cinema, still smelling of popcorn, Andy, Aaron and Michael use the 25th episode of Pod of the Gaps to explore the deeper cultural issues raised by the 25th Bond movie: from toxic masculinity to gender confusion, from nihilism and the absence of hope to the rewriting of history. Join our three intrepid podcasters for the usual mix of culture, theology, banter in a podcast that will leave you shaken *and* stirred. ** Warning: the episode does contain some spoilers about "No Time to Die". You may want to watch it after you've seen the movie; or just put your fingers in your ears and sing the Bond theme at the appropriate point in the episode! ** PS, the book that Michael mentioned towards the end of the episode was: Tom Shippey, "J. R. R. Tolkien: Author of the Century" (London: HarperCollins, 2000) ****** SPECIAL BONUS ***** After we recorded this episode 25 we thought we'd set ourselves a challenge. Could we go through all 25 Bond movie titles and find a link between each of them and some aspect of the Bible? Well, it was 1am, so high on caffeine and sleep deprivation we gave it a go. A special treat for Pod of the Gaps supporters, "The Bible in 25 Bond Movie Titles" (or sign up to support the podcast for as little as £1/$1 a month) is available here: https://www.patreon.com/wkop

We live in an age of unprecedented access to interesting things to read. Millions of books, blogs, and streaming articles lie a click away. Most people are barely able to sift through the very latest stuff, let alone to read anything from previous generations. The temptation can therefore be to only try to keep up with the latest ideas, cutting us off from the time-tested wisdom from the past. What do we miss by overlooking important books from before our time? How might our reading of authors of different eras help to diagnose the problematic ways of thinking which we find it harder to spot in our own time? Is it possible that reading old books might actually help us to read new books better? As always, Aaron, Michael, and Andy discuss these important issues with their unique blend of cultural, theological, and missional insight, served up with lashings of healthy banter. They also offer up three recommendations each of old books that might be worth a read! Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener supported show — so a big thank you to the small group of folks who've got behind us. If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us — as little as £1 or $1 a month all helps us keep it going. Find out how to help at https://www.patreon.com/wkop ========= Here are the book choices mentioned at the end: Boreham, F. W., "Mushrooms on the Moor" Chesterton, G. K., "Orthodoxy" Irenaeus, "Against Heresies" Lewis, C. S., "The Abolition of Man" Luther, Martin, "The Bondage of the Will" Macdonald, George, "The Princess and the Goblin" Orwell, George, "Politics and the English Language" Roseveare, Helen, "Count It All Joy" Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr, "The Gulag Archipelago: 1918-1956"

Homeschooling is often seen as being more than a little bit weird. Many instinctively object to it as a slightly cultish pastime that results in naive and geeky young people who are sheltered from the real world. For Christians in particular, doesn’t school present a better way for our kids to be missional? And how can families afford to homeschool when both parents have to work? But could there be a case to make for the benefits of choosing homeschooling, especially in the light of how many schools have become hotbeds of political indoctrination? In this episode, Andy, Aaron and Michael re-examine the case for homeschooling and explore why, whatever option we ultimately choose, we need to think more deeply about the educational choices we make for our kids given the challenges of our current culture. Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener supported show — a big thank you to the small group of folks who've got behind us. If you love the show, please do consider joining them and supporting the show — as little as £1 or $1 a month all helps us keep it going. Find out how to help at https://www.patreon.com/wkop

In recent years many have started to see the cracks of decline in Western civilisation. The "Woke Revolution" continues to sweep through education, government, and the arts, undermining confidence in the foundations of key Western ideals, and producing dramatic cultural changes in beliefs, values, and tastes. Simultaneously, geopolitical events and technological advances beyond the West threaten a very uncertain future from the one we thought we might be inheriting. Is the decline of the West a problem for Christians? Should Christians be happy to let Western culture erode? How do we seek to preserve and proclaim cultural values without confusing earthly cultures with the kingdom of God? With Michael away in the wilds of Scotland, Andy and Aaron wrestle through these important issues with theology, cultural insight, and humour, whilst opening and re-opening various rabbit-holes! Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener supported show — a big thank you to the small group of folks who've got behind us. If you love the show, please do consider joining them and supporting the show — as little as £1 or $1 a month all helps us keep it going. Find out how to help at https://www.patreon.com/wkop Among the many resources we mentioned in the show: Allister Heath, 'Four mega-trends that condemn the West to irreversible decline', The Telegraph, 25 August 2021 — https://bit.ly/3kz4ZXU Meic Pearse, "Why the Rest Hates the West" (SPCK, 2003) Francis Schaeffer, "How Then Should We Live?" (Crossway Books, 2005) Richard Weaver, "Ideas Have Consequences" [Expanded Edition] (University of Chicago Press, 2003)

The catastrophic scenes that followed the Western withdrawal from Afghanistan created many big questions. But could one of the more basic problems be that many in the West fundamentally misunderstand Islam? Do our failed attempts to impose Western style democracy on predominantly Islamic nations show that we understand neither Islam nor where our democracy has come from in the first place? How should Christians respond to all this? How can we learn to rightly criticise Islam while also loving our Muslim neighbours and pointing them to the one in whom true peace is found? We discuss all the questions and more in this latest episode of Pod of the Gaps. ** Please help support Pod of the Gaps: https://www.patreon.com/wkop *** Among the resources mentioned in the show were: * Andy Bannister, "Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?" (London: IVP, 2021) [Read or listen to the first chapter for free: https://www.solas-cpc.org/dmacwtsg/] * Nabeel Qureshi, "Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward" (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016) * Open Doors (https://www.opendoorsuk.org) * The Barnabas Fund (https://barnabasfund.org)

It's been a common theme in recent decades for some evangelical leaders in the UK and the US to make a doctrinal "progressive slide". Often this involves the embrace of a more culture-friendly or seeker-sensitive message, or the gravitation to social issues over and above the Gospel or the authority of Scripture. Sometimes these shifts happen subtly, almost without the person or their followers realising before it's too late. The effects can be deadening to the faithfulness and missional potency of the Church, as the leader becomes virtually indistinguishable from the world around them. What are the telltale signs of this problem, and how can we mitigate against it? What's at stake when leaders choose social affirmation over and above the God they claim to serve and glorify? Join Aaron, Andy, and Michael as they dive into this crucial topic with their usual mix of wit, wisdom, and insight.

Increasing numbers of people in our society are starting to become aware of the real dangers of pornography – not just for the users of it, but also for the women who are often enslaved within the industry. Yet why are so few speaking up about it? In culture that is often passionate about justice issues why does this not get the attention it should? In this episode of Pod of the Gaps, Aaron, Andy and Michael seek to address that gap by taking an honest look at this issue. How can Christians speak out without sounding prudish or anti-sex? And how can we best help those enslaved by it (the ‘users’ and the ‘used’)? As ever, we explore this pressing cultural issue with the usual mix of theology, wit, and wisdom. Some of the resources mentioned on the show: Nicholas Kristof, 'The Children of Pornhub', New York Times (4 December 2020) — online at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/04/opinion/sunday/pornhub-rape-trafficking.html Abigail Shrier, "Irreversible Damage: Teenage Girls and the Transgender Craze" (London: Swift Press, 2021 [2020]) William Struthers,"Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain" (London: IVP, 2009)

Issues of race seem to be everywhere. On campuses, on social media, in supermarket queues, major issues in society and politics are now viewed through the lens of race. Accusations of systemic racism are levelled at groups in various ways, leaving many increasingly worried about what they're allowed to say, do, or even think. The result of all this is that it makes it even more difficult for different groups to actually hear one another. How should Christians respond to all this? How can we balance compassion and honesty, truth and justice? And what insights does the Gospel have to offer reconciliation in the face of seemingly insurmountable racial tensions and divisions? These are not easy questions, but as ever, Aaron, Michael and Andy attempt to tackle them with their usual blend of wit and wisdom. Whether you agree with our conclusions or not, we hope the conversation proves thought-provoking, insightful, and Jesus-centred.

In recent times there have been staggering societal shifts in the practice and definition of marriage, with some noting that marriage has changed more in the last few decades than in the last few thousand years. These radical shifts have not been limited to society but also within the Church too, with a number of major historic denominations now debating or even accepting the validity of same-sex marriage. This raises all sorts of questions around what marriage is, who gets to define it, and how Christians ought to respond. Is same-sex marriage easily comparable to traditional heterosexual marriage? Is there actually something about male and female that makes marriage unique? And what other expressions of marriage might now be opened up as a result of same-sex marriage? Andy Bannister, Michael Ots, and Aaron Edwards wade into this forest of thorns with their usual blend of theology, cultural analysis, and banter, in the hopes of bringing further clarity and insight. Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener-supported-podcast. We really, really need your help to keep these episodes coming: please consider supporting us with a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/wkop In the show, we mentioned a couple of resources: Eberstadt, Mary, "Primal Screams: How the Sexual Revolution Created Identity Politics" (West Conshohocken, PA: Templeton Press, 2019) Shaw, Ed, "Purposeful Sexuality" (London: IVP, 2021) And as a bonus, if you thought we were making up "Woman Marries Bridge", sometimes real life beats satire: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jodi-rose-marries-bridge-_n_3542775 https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/9125439/woman-celebrates-wedding-anniversary-to-french-bridge-six-years-after-marrying-the-handsome-stone-structure/

Over the last few years, a growing number of mainstream Christian denominations have begun to depart from the historic Christian understanding of sex and marriage. While this may have been done in an effort to make gospel more appealing to the wider culture, could it actually have the opposite effect? If denominations are destroying themselves then who is to blame? Is it the liberal progressives pushing for a redefinition of the Bible’s teaching or the evangelicals who are not willing to let this go as a secondary issue? And what are we to make of the vast number of Christians in the majority world who don’t support these changes? Do they need to get with the program or are we in danger of ignoring the voices of Christians outside of the West? As ever, Andy, Aaron and Michael discuss all these meaty questions and more in this provocative and thought provoking episode. Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener-supported-podcast. We really, really need your help to keep these episodes coming: please consider supporting us with a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/wkop In the show, we mentioned a couple of resources: Douglas Murray's conversation with Tom Wright: https://www.thebigconversation.show/mythmiraclesandidentity Research on which churches are growing: Haskell, D.M., Flatt, K., Burgoyne, S. (2016). "Theology Matters: Comparing the Traits of Growing and Declining Mainline Protestant Church Attendees and Clergy". Review of Religious Research, 58(4) pp. 515-541 — online @ http://rdcu.be/nyf5

The transgender issue is everywhere. Hardly a day goes by without some new transgender related story in the news, whether it's former men competing in women's sports, somebody being fired for daring to suggest that biology really matters, or hospitals replacing words like "mother" and "breast-feeding" with gender neutral alternatives. For all the talk of LGBT, it seems that "T" is rapidly eating up every other letter of the alphabet. This episode of Pod of the Gaps wades into this hugely contested territory and tries to shed some light. What is driving the transgender agenda in culture? What are some of the bigger questions that aren't often asked? What should Christians think of transgender — and how should we respond to those caught up in the movement with both honesty and grace, truth and love? Join Andy Bannister (self-identifies as a tea drinker), Michael Ots (self-identifies as a baker), and Aaron Edwards (self-identifies as a lover of long theological words) as they explore this important issue with their usual mix of wit, wisdom, and insight. ============ We mentioned several important books in the episode. Here are the details of each of them; they're all available from any good online or real-world bookstore: Abigail Shrier,"Irreversible Damage: Teenage Girls and the Transgender Craze" (London: Swift Press, 2021) Douglas Murray, "The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity" (London: Bloomsbury, 2019) Helen Pluckrose & James Lindsay, "Cynical Theories: How Universities Made Everything about Race, Gender, and Identity - and Why This Harms Everybody" (London: Swift Press, 2020) Preston Sprinkle, "Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say" (Colorado Springs: David. C. Cook, 2021) ============ *** Pod of the Gaps is a listener-supported podcast. Please help us keep going and growing by giving a small donation at www.patreon.com/wkop — thank you! *** ============

Human society has always been gripped by a love of sport. This is never more obvious than at major international tournaments, where the carnival atmosphere of supporting your country seems to grow to epic levels. But what, really, is the point of all that investment of time, money, and emotion into something that ultimately comes to nothing in the end? This seems to become a bigger deal within secular society, which often leans on the "meaning" of sport as a replacement for religion. As Christians, how should we think about these things? Do we tend to enjoy sport "guiltily", or are there better ways to think theologically and missionally about it? How can Christians enjoy sport whilst also critiquing idolatry? And is our love of sport purely idolatrous, or might it be connected to the God who created us? Might we even learn to love God in and through our love of sport? As always, Aaron, Andy, and Michael discuss these important questions with their usual blend of cultural insight, missional zeal, and hopelessly British humour.

The topic of gay conversion therapy divides opinion today. But what actually is it? Are there different kinds? Should they all be illegal? Are they all as offensive as LGBT+ lobby-groups would have us believe? The term itself covers an extraordinary range of practices, from the outright abusive and homophobic to the genuinely pastoral, such as offering consensual prayer. Should the Church be condemning or defending these things? Should a pastor be arrested for responding to a prayer request? This issue raises all sorts of other concerns beyond homosexuality too, such as discrimination against personal and religious freedoms, and even issues of backdoor racism via the marginalisation of West African Pentecostal churches in the West. Aaron, Andy, and Michael dive into this hugely controversial topic, hoping to offer some insight on this issue, all whilst attempting to avoid getting cancelled themselves.

Christians are in a tricky situation on social media today. On the one hand, they risk getting into trouble for sharing views which are now deemed out of step with contemporary society. As anyone who's been "beaten up" by a Twitter mob knows, controversial debates not only waste lots of time, but might also put your reputation, or even your livelihood, on the line as a result. Yet on the other hand, retreating from speaking up on controversial issues may gives away more ground in the public sphere. If Christians don't put up some kind of a fight on certain issues, it may come back to haunt them in more ways than they know. Aaron, Andy, and Michael dive into this topic, asking: How can we fight well on social media? What are the issues worth fighting over, and which ones should we leave alone? How could we support other Christians in their online skirmishes, and how can we guard our own hearts along the way? *** Pod of the Gaps is a listener-supported podcast. Please help us keep going and growing by giving a small donation at www.patreon.com/wkop — thank you! ***

Nationalism seems to be on the rise, whether it's in America, Europe, or in Scotland. How should Christians respond to this worrying political trend? Can a Christian ever be a "nationalist", or is nationalism inherently dangerous, divisive, and idolatrous? Is there a difference between 'nationalism' and 'patriotism'? And if the gospel is intended to break down barriers between peoples, how should Christians respond to those who want to use racial, geographic, or other identities to turn people against one other? Join Andy Bannister, Aaron Edwards, and Michael Ots for another packed episode of insightful commentary, groan-inducing puns, fast moving banter, and entirely non-controversial discussion of another hot cultural potato. *** Pod of the Gaps is a listener-supported podcast. Please help us keep going and growing by giving a small donation at www.patreon.com/wkop — thank you! ***

Are we heading for totalitarianism in the West? Many today already fear the creeping pressures of "soft totalitarian" upon everyday life. Whether it's the requirement to fly a flag, bend a knee, speak up for certain groups, or stay silent on unpopular thoughts, people are starting to realise how ordinary freedoms have begun to ebb away, at a time in which technology is able to "observe" our behaviour like never before. This episode tackles these vital issues through discussing Rod Dreher's important book, "Live Not By Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents". How should Christians respond to societal pressures about what they believe? Which battles should we be fighting? And how can we show solidarity with others, to face this uncertain future without fear but with hope and courage? As always, Michael Ots, Andy Bannister, and Aaron Edwards discuss all these things with their usual brand of wisdom, British humour, semi-professional gaffes, and Christian insights. Find out more or buy a copy of Rod Dreher's book from Eden Christian books: https://bit.ly/3eNWR2z

A growing number of influential public figures have raised concerns about threats to our freedom of speech. In an age of ‘no platforming’ and ‘cancel culture’, is freedom of speech a thing of the past? Where does the idea of freedom of speech come from? Why are more and more people opposed to it? Why is it so important? Aaron, Andy and Michael discuss these timely and important questions with the usual blend of theology, apologetics and cultural insight. All of this with a sense of humour that’s a cheesy as a fromagerie. *** Pod of the Gaps is a listener-supported podcast. Please help us keep going and growing by giving a small donation at www.patreon.com/wkop — thank you! ***

We live in a world in which the reading of books is simultaneously more possible and more threatened than ever before. Books are readily accessible in a variety of formats to billions of people, and yet trends like "Cancel Culture" are subtly reintroducing new forms of "book burning". In this episode, Aaron, Michael, and Andy consider this tension, asking: Why does reading matter? How can we be challenged by what (and how) we read? Are there situations where we should encourage people not to read some authors? And how does technology shape our reading in helpful (or not-so-helpful) ways? We consider these things with the usual mix of theology and cultural engagement, all whilst hearing about such things as Michael's new experiment in homemade pork pies, Andy's newfound love of wood-chopping, and other things that may or may not change the world.

In a world of 24/7 news, endless information, multiple channels, fake news, sponsored news, competing voices, and little space for reflection, how should we think about the news media? How can we be informed but not overwhelmed? How do we discern what is true, what is right, and what is helpful? To what extent does the news shape us — and how we can make sure we're shaped by the right thing? Join the entirely newsworthy and totally media-unsavvy Andy Bannister, Aaron Edwards, and Michael Ots as they explore all these questions and more, with the usual mix of wit and wisdom. The book that Andy mentions in the show a few times is Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business". First published in 1985 and reprinted many times since, it's an incredibly sobering (and prophetic) look at what the media is doing to our minds and souls. You can find it at any good bookseller. *** Pod of the Gaps is a listener-supported podcast. Please help us keep going and growing by giving a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/wkop — thank you! *** Find links to Apple iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast providers on our home page at http://bit.ly/podofthegaps

In this episode Aaron, Andy and Michael discuss the challenges of using social media. Over the last decade a growing number of people have started to raise awareness of the dangers of social media usage, including some who were the pioneers of these platforms. These concerns have been given more prominence through the recent Netflix documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’. As well as discussing these concerns, we think about how we can respond to them. Should we simply delete our accounts? Or is there another way to engage constructively and positively so that we can stay ‘users’ without being ‘used’? And how does the Christian faith equip us to engage differently in this world? We discuss all these questions with the usual mixture of cultural comment, theological insight, apologetic reflection and banter. *** Pod of the Gaps is a listener-supported podcast. Please help us keep going and keep growing by giving a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/wkop — thank you *** Find links to Apple iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast providers on our home page at http://bit.ly/podofthegaps

We live in a celebrity-obsessed culture, the age of the influencer, where "being famous" has become the aspiration of over 50% of teens. How can Christians respond to the shallowness that often goes along with celebrity culture? Are Christians equally guilty of uncritically putting people on pedestals? How should Christians think and act wisely in terms of the need to build 'platform'? And can we use the cult of celebrity as a bridge to the deeper truths of the gospel? Join the entirely non-famous (indeed possibly infamous) and definitely at least Z-list celebrities, Aaron Edwards, Andy Bannister, and Michael Ots as they explore all these issues and more alongside the usual heady mix of banter, theology, and comedy. This is a listener-supported podcast. If you enjoy the show and would like us to keep making these episodes, please consider supporting us @ www.patreon.com/wkop And for more info on Andy's new book, mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.solas-cpc.org/new-book/ Find links to Apple iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast providers on our home page at http://bit.ly/podofthegaps

Our fourth episode tackles the thorny issue of what we do when Christian leaders fail. We consider, in particular, the fallout of the Ravi Zacharias scandal, what our responses have been, and what we can learn from it more broadly. In light of the many cases of prominent Christian leaders going awry in recent years, how do we continue to encourage strong, accountable, Christian leadership today? What do we do with the legacy of a fallen leader? Should we get rid of all their books? If so, are we being consistent in how we do that with the legacies of other leaders, within and beyond the Church? Aaron, Andy, and Michael consider these various cans of worms alongside the usual healthy diet of banter, theology, and perpetual speculation about the as-yet-decided name of the podcast. This is a listener-supported podcast. If you enjoy the show and would like us to keep making these episodes, please consider supporting us @ https://www.patreon.com/wkop Find links to Apple iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast providers on our home page at http://bit.ly/podofthegaps

In this third episode we discuss the relationship between church and culture. How can we avoid the two opposite pitfalls of simply being shaped by the culture around us or, on the other hand, ignoring it all together? How can the Church be truth and light in our culture and offer a unique and distinct voice into some of today’s culture wars? Aaron, Andy, and Michael dig into these questions with the usual mix of theology, apologetics, banter, and bad jokes. This is a listener-supported podcast: if you'd like to help us to continue recording these shows, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/wkop. Find links to Apple iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast providers on our home page at http://bit.ly/podofthegaps