The Pugcast

Just how deep a dive is possible when it comes to Tolkien and metaphysics? About as deep as Thomas Acquinas 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/

Just how deep a dive is possible when it comes to Tolkien and metaphysics? About as deep as Thomas Acquinas 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/

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/

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/

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.

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  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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!

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/

In 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/

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/

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/

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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