Think Christian: A Faith and Pop Culture Podcast

As part of budget cuts, our parent ministry has decided to close its faith and pop culture program, which means the end for the Think Christian podcast. On this short podcast, Josh gives a final farewell and thank you to our readers, listeners, viewers, and supporters.

With its second season finished and the Cold Harbor file complete, how might the Apple TV series Severance resonate with a Christian understanding of money and work? Josh, Joe, and Abby discuss — and also name the Macrodata Refinement team member with whom they most identify. SHOW NOTES Daniel Jung on ‘Severance, Pachinko, and Facing the the Truth of Trauma’ - https://thinkchristian.net/severance-pachinko-and-facing-the-truth-of-trauma Joe on Daredevil: Born Again - https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/daredevil-born-again-episodes-1-2-review/ Abby on Panic Fest 2025 - https://www.thepitchkc.com/panic-fest-2025-hell-of-a-summer-blends-a-teen-comedy-throwback-slasher-to-mostly-satisfying-results/

Bong Joon-Ho’s madcap, sci-fi satire turns the notion of resurrection on its head, depicting it as something of a curse. The movie, starring Robert Pattinson as an “expendable” on an interplanetary mission, also explores ideas related to the imago dei and Ash Wednesday. Sarah 13, JR. 15, and Josh 24 discuss. SHOW NOTES Joe George on ‘The Parable of Parasite’ - https://thinkchristian.net/the-parable-of-parasite Sarah’s book, Becoming Alien - https://wipfandstock.com/9781725283008/becoming-alien/ Abby Olcese on ‘Five Films for Lent’ - https://thinkchristian.net/five-films-to-help-you-observe-lent-at-home Five Films for Lent video - https://youtu.be/BBaByLYHy8U Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty - https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mur-lafferty/six-wakes/9780316389686/ Sarah’s Seeing and Believing newsletter - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/ JR.’s newsletter - https://jrforasteros.substack.com/

Abby and Joe guide Josh through his first watch of Twin Peaks, the landmark mystery series (and soap opera) from the late David Lynch. They discuss its weirdly consoling spirituality, the essential nature of Special Agent Dale Cooper, and if you should ever skip the show’s intro. (Of course not!) SHOW NOTES Joe’s essay: ‘David Lynch Offered a Peace That Passes Understanding’ - https://thinkchristian.net/david-lynch-offered-a-peace-that-passes-understanding Abby on ‘Director David Lynch’s Fascination with Sin and Redemption’ - https://sojo.net/articles/culture/director-david-lynch-s-fascination-sin-and-redemption Joe on ‘Twin Peaks’ Spiritual Warfare’ - https://thinkchristian.net/twin-peaks-spiritual-warfare

From gossipy priests to corrupt cops to . . . whatever Demi Moore becomes in The Substance, Josh, JR., and Roslyn discuss some of their favorite films from last year — two of which have been nominated for Best Picture. SHOW NOTES Zachary Lee on 'Conclave and the Sin of Certainty' - https://thinkchristian.net/conclave-and-the-sin-of-certainty BJ Krug on 'Shrinking and the Sermon on the Mount' - https://thinkchristian.net/shrinking-and-the-sermon-on-the-mount Joe George on David Lynch - https://thinkchristian.net/david-lynch-offered-a-peace-that-passes-understanding

Our favorite music of last year came from established voices reaching new heights — and no, not Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. Sarah, Claude, and Aarik join Josh to discuss Charli XCX, Kendrick Lamar, and Bon Iver. They also sneak in a couple of TV and movie picks. SHOW NOTES Claude on ‘Kendrick Lamar and Wounded Healers’ - https://thinkchristian.net/kendrick-lamar-and-wounded-healers Claude on ‘Kendrick Lamar’s Alright as a Pop Psalm’ - https://thinkchristian.net/pop-psalms-kendrick-lamars-alright Aarik on ‘Signs and Wonder on Bon Iver’s i, i’ - https://thinkchristian.net/signs-and-wonder-on-bon-ivers-i-i Aarik on ‘Bon Iver and the Sounds of Change’ - https://thinkchristian.net/bon-iver-and-the-sounds-of-change Sarah’s Top Ten Movies of 2024 list at Seeing and Believing - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/p/sarahs-favorite-movies-of-2024

Detectives, witches, and robots feature prominently in our favorite television of the year. Kathryn, Joe, and Abby join Josh to share their picks — as well as their favorite snacks for taking in some TV on the couch. SHOW NOTES Roslyn Hernández on ‘COWBOY CARTER as Liturgy’ - https://thinkchristian.net/cowboy-carter-as-liturgy Josh on ‘Seeing Romans 6 in Inside Out 2’ - https://thinkchristian.net/seeing-romans-6-in-inside-out-2 God in the MCU - https://thinkchristian.net/god-in-the-mcu

A new podcast series explores the monumental run of albums released by Stevie Wonder in the 1970s, giving Josh, Aarik, and Kathryn an excuse to celebrate the expansive musicality and spirituality of the pop-culture icon. SHOW NOTES The Wonder of Stevie podcast — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wonder-of-stevie/id1767486783 Send your picks for the best music, movies, and TV of 2024 to [email protected]

To celebrate Abby’s new book, Films for All Seasons, she, Josh, and Claude have a conversation about one of the lesser-observed dates on the church calendar—All Souls Day—and one of the movies that captures its spirit: Pixar’s Coco. SHOW NOTES Abby’s book, Films for All Seasons — https://www.ivpress.com/films-for-all-seasons Claude’s book, Reading Black Books — http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/reading-black-books/408390 Kathryn Freeman on ‘Disney’s Coco and God’s Calling’ — https://thinkchristian.net/disneys-coco-and-gods-calling

Get thee behind me, Satan? That’s been difficult as of late — at least at the movies. From the recent Rosemary’s Baby prequel Apartment 7A to other 2024 titles like Late Night with the Devil, Longlegs, and The Deliverance, satanic cinema has been growing in popularity. What might explain the trend? Josh, Joe, and Roslyn share their theories, as well as thoughts on Apartment 7A, starring Julia Garner. SHOW NOTES Josh’s book, Fear Not! A Christian Appreciation of Horror Movies - https://wipfandstock.com/9781666738520/fear-not/ Joe on Twitter/X - https://x.com/joewriteswords Roslyn’s podcast, Bible Tea - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9sapTJagvFP9c2cG85_L3g Joshua Stevens on ‘Immaculate and Conceiving Our Own Jesus’ - https://thinkchristian.net/immaculate-and-conceiving-our-own-jesus Angelica Jade Bastién’s Substack - https://angelicabastien.substack.com/

The familiar threats of the Alien franchise — namely xenomorphs and the Weyland-Yutani Corporation — take on new forms in Alien: Romulus. Josh, JR., and Sarah discuss how this installment fits with the other films, as well as what it might have to say about sin — both original and chosen. Oh, and JR. defends THAT choice involving a “new” synthetic. SHOW NOTES TC on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/thinkchristian_/ Josh on ‘Playing God in Alien: Covenant’ - https://thinkchristian.net/playing-god-in-alien-covenant Sarah’s book, Becoming Alien - https://wipfandstock.com/9781725283008/becoming-alien/ Josh and Sarah discussing Becoming Alien on the TC podcast - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/biblical-beasts-godzilla-vs-kong-becoming-alien JR.’s book, Empathy for the Devil - https://www.amazon.com/Empathy-Devil-Finding-Ourselves-Villains/dp/0830845143 Josh’s book, Fear Not! - https://wipfandstock.com/9781666738520/fear-not/ Cat Bohannon’s book, Eve - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/227568/eve-by-cat-bohannon/ Sarah’s newsletter - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/ JR.’s newsletter - https://jrforasteros.substack.com/

“Winning isn’t for everyone.” So declares a prominent Nike ad that ran during the 2024 Olympics, suggesting deception and selfishness are qualities required to capture the gold. If that’s true, how should Christians think about athletic competition? With the Olympics as the backdrop, Josh, Aarik, and Kathryn discuss what it means to win as a follower of Christ. They also share some of their own triumphant/humbling sports memories. SHOW NOTES TC podcast on “Winning” — https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/winning-netflixs-the-losers-nba-playoffs Jeff Munroe on “Learning from the Olympics” — https://thinkchristian.net/learning-from-the-olympics Joshua Coldagelli on “The Imperfect Grace of Olympic Gymnasts” — https://thinkchristian.net/the-imperfect-grace-of-olympic-gymnasts Aarik on Twitter/X — https://x.com/aarikdanielsen Kathryn on Twitter/X — https://x.com/KathrynAnnette Kathryn’s Substack — https://www.kathrynafreeman.com/newsletter

In the Star Wars streaming series The Acolyte, the Force is wielded by self-righteous Jedi, a coven of space witches, and a dark, mysterious stranger. Do any of them do so with honor? And what of the twin sisters, played by Amandla Stenberg, caught in the middle? Josh, Joe, and Abby consider what the series has to say about sin and confession, abusive church practices, and a Christian understanding of obedience. SHOW NOTES A Theology of Star Wars ebook - https://thinkchristian.net/starwars Abby’s forthcoming book, Films for All Seasons - https://www.ivpress.com/films-for-all-seasons Joe on Twitter/X - https://x.com/joewriteswords

With a handful of fresh tracks on the eve of a promised mixtape, what is the State of Chance? Josh and Claude consider the trajectory of the artist’s career thus far, as well as the “language of redemption” that can be heard in his new music. SHOW NOTES Xavier Ramey on ‘Coloring Book: A Chance Encounter with Joy’ - https://thinkchristian.net/coloring-book-a-chance-encounter-with-joy Claude on ‘Chance the Rapper’s Wedding Invitation’ - https://thinkchristian.net/chance-the-rappers-wedding-invitation Josh and Kathryn Freeman discussing The Big Day on the TC podcast - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/covenant-chance-the-rappers-big-day-beyonc%C3%A9s-lion-king-album Josh on ‘Chance the Rapper’s Beautiful F Word’ - https://thinkchristian.net/chance-the-rappers-beautiful-f-word Branson Parler on ‘The Biblical Hope of Chance the Rapper’ - https://thinkchristian.net/the-biblical-hope-of-chance-the-rapper Claude’s Substack - https://claudeatcho.substack.com/

Listen in as Josh Larsen and Amber Noel lead a TC Movie Club conversation that centers on the audacious ending of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Do the movie’s final moments — which are rife with religious imagery — leave us in a place of revenge? Redemption? Somewhere in between? SHOW NOTES Amber on ‘Survival, Seeds, and Salvation in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ - https://thinkchristian.net/new-entry-1 Josh’s video essay on ‘The Christian Witness of Mad Max: Fury Road’ - https://youtu.be/NNfR1LC2fKc?si=SWpezm29E2DcXXlN

Did you catch the references to Noah, Melchizedek, and the Aramaic roots of a character’s name in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes? JR. and Roslyn have you covered as they join Josh to talk about the latest Apes installment, set a few generations after the time of Caesar the chimpanzee, who is now regarded as something of a religious figure. SHOW NOTES Josh on ‘Planet of the Apes and the Reason Monkey Movies Fascinate’ - https://thinkchristian.net/planet-of-the-apes-and-the-reason-monkey-movies-fascinate Josh on ‘Imago Dei, Eden, and War for the Planet of the Apes’ - https://thinkchristian.net/imago-dei-eden-and-war-for-the-planet-of-the-apes Join the TC Movie Club to discuss the Mad Max saga on June 19 - https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub Josh’s video essay on ‘The Christian Witness of Mad Max: Fury Road’ - https://youtu.be/NNfR1LC2fKc?si=Xr9OLzuu4On9hO_j JR. on ‘Wonder Woman vs. Biblical Womanhood’ - https://sojo.net/articles/wonder-woman-vs-biblical-womanhood Roslyn on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roslynmhernandez/

Left without their teacher, can the mutant superheroes of X-Men ’97 find their purpose? Josh, Joe, and Sarah discuss the ways the animated series might — and might not — echo the dynamics of the disciples leading up to Pentecost. But first they have to decide which one of them gets to play Nightcrawler. SHOW NOTES TC podcast on Jonathan Hickman’s X-Men comics - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/do-justice-netflixs-unbelievable-jonathan-hickmans-x-men Joe on 10 Must-Read Comics for X-Men ’97 Fans - https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/g60660297/x-men-97-season-1-comics/ Joe on X-Men adaptations failing to do right by Storm - https://wealthofgeeks.com/x-men-97-marvel-best-mutants/ Joe on why Magneto was right - https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/x-men-97-just-proved-why-magneto-was-right/ Sarah’s Seeing & Believing newsletter - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/

Josh, Aarik, and Abby discuss whether any spiritual comfort can be found amidst the sonic agitation of Vampire Weekend’s fifth album, Only God Was Above Us. SHOW NOTES TC podcast on Vampire Weekend’s Father of the Bride - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/resurrection-hope-avengers-endgame-vampire-weekends-father-of-the-bride Joel Mayward on Father of the Bride - https://thinkchristian.net/father-of-the-bride-of-christ John J. Thompson on Vampire Weekend’s Modern Vampires of the City - https://thinkchristian.net/vampire-weekend-can-the-undead-have-spiritual-journeys Roslyn Hernández on ‘Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER as Liturgy’ - https://thinkchristian.net/cowboy-carter-as-liturgy Kate Meyrick on ‘Lizzy McAlpine and Questioning our Worth’ - https://thinkchristian.net/lizzy-mcalpine-and-questioning-our-worth Serena Wang on ‘Good News for Taylor Swift (and Other Tortured Poets)’ - https://thinkchristian.net/good-news-for-taylor-swift-and-other-tortured-poets

Listen in as TC’s Josh Larsen and Fuller Seminary’s Elijah Davidson lead a conversation with Movie Club members about the animated films of Hayao Miyazaki. SHOW NOTES Join the TC Movie Club - https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub Elijah’s book, Hayao Miyazaki: Lifted - https://elijahdavidson.com/books/icons-of-cinema/hayao-miyazaki-lifted-ebook/ Josh’s video essay on ‘What Miyazaki and Christianity Have in Common’ - https://thinkchristian.net/what-miyazaki-and-christianity-have-in-common Josh on ‘Ponyo and the Challenges of Multiculturalism’ - https://thinkchristian.net/ponyo-and-the-challenges-of-multiculturalism Ben Lashar on ‘My Neighbor Totoro and Becoming Like Little Children’ - https://thinkchristian.net/my-neighbor-totoro-and-becoming-like-little-children Victoria Grace Howell on ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’s Cultural Mandate’ - https://thinkchristian.net/nausicaas-cultural-mandate

What can Christians take from a series that is rooted in Eastern spirituality? Josh, Claude, and Roslyn find a lot in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, from the way wisdom is shared across generations to the contrasting of fear with love to an appreciation for the “thin places” where the spiritual realm breaks into ours. SHOW NOTES Sarah Welch-Larson on “Avatar: The Last Airbender and Spiritual Gifts” - https://thinkchristian.net/avatar-the-last-airbender-and-spiritual-gifts TC podcast on Netflix’s One Piece - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/one-piece-come-follow-me Sara Kyoungah White on “One Piece and ‘Straw Hat Christians’” - https://thinkchristian.net/one-piece-and-straw-hat-christians Josh’s video essay on “What Miyazaki and Christianity Have in Common” - https://thinkchristian.net/what-miyazaki-and-christianity-have-in-common Roslyn’s Chasing Justice podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chasing-justice/id1511600139 Roslyn’s FYI on Youth Ministry podcast - https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast Claude’s Substack newsletter - https://claudeatcho.substack.com/

Josh, Kathryn, and Sarah each bring a Best Picture nominee to the table, resulting in conversations about biblical justice in the context of Oppenheimer and personal conviction as it relates to The Zone of Interest. They also spend way more time than they anticipated singing the praises of Lorraine, a supporting character in American Fiction who quietly mirrors the gracious love of God. SHOW NOTES Roslyn Hernández on ‘Barbie and Our Reason for Being’ - https://thinkchristian.net/barbie-and-our-reason-for-being Previous podcast on The Holdovers as an Advent movie - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/five-films-for-advent Robert Hubbard on ‘False Apostles and Deceitful Workers in Killers of the Flower Moon’ - https://thinkchristian.net/false-apostles-and-deceitful-workers-in-killers-of-the-flower-moon D. Marquel on ‘Oppenheimer and Our Appetite for Destruction’ - https://thinkchristian.net/oppenheimer-and-our-appetite-for-destruction Zachary Lee on ‘Presence and Absence in Past Lives’ - https://thinkchristian.net/presence-and-absence-in-past-lives Join the TC Movie Club - https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub Sarah’s Seeing & Believing newsletter - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/

Can JR. and Abby bring Josh around on Fargo Season 5? They discuss the Coen brothers-inspired series — including the theology-soaked season finale. SHOW NOTES Josh Pease on Fargo Season 2 - https://thinkchristian.net/fargos-faith-in-little-green-men David Kern on Fargo Season 3 - https://thinkchristian.net/fargo-seeking-harmony-in-the-face-of-discord Josh’s video essay on 1996’s Fargo - https://youtu.be/qaRRXpfTyfU?si=U3knjwTTNIvpxid9 Abby on ‘Five Films for Lent' - https://thinkchristian.net/five-films-to-help-you-observe-lent-at-home JR.’s Substack newsletter - https://substack.com/@jrforasteros

How do we sense God’s presence? Through voice, touch, mystery? Josh, Claude, and Roslyn each bring a favorite 2023 film for discussion, only to realize their picks all circle around this question in some way. They cover Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, The Boy and the Heron, and All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt - while listener choices bring a handful of other titles to the table. SHOW NOTES A complete list of our favorite 2023 movies, according to Think Christian contributors, listeners, and readers - https://thinkchristian.net/best-movies-of-2023 Isabel Bishop on “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Listening for God’s Still Small Voice” - https://thinkchristian.net/are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret-listening-for-gods-still-small-voice Join the TC Movie Club - https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub Claude’s “Good Things” newsletter - https://claudeatcho.substack.com/ Roslyn’s forthcoming website - https://roslynhernandez.com/

As described by Sarah on this episode, our picks for the best TV shows of 2023 all happened to feature “reluctant justice-doers.” Listen to her, Josh, JR., and Joe discuss Jury Duty, Poker Face, Trigun Stampede, and more. Plus, listener picks too! SHOW NOTES Kate Meyrick on ‘The Crown’s Half-Hearted Confessions’ - https://thinkchristian.net/the-crowns-half-hearted-confessions Julia York on ‘Poker Face and the Power of the Unremarkable Woman’ - https://thinkchristian.net/poker-face-and-power-of-the-unremarkable-woman TC podcast on Netflix’s One Piece - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/one-piece-come-follow-me Rachel Syens on Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS - https://thinkchristian.net/olivia-rodrigo-spills-her-guts-and-we-should-too Daniel Jung on ‘Beef and Belief’ - https://thinkchristian.net/beef-and-belief Daniel on ‘The Scariest Thing About The Last of Us’ - https://thinkchristian.net/the-scariest-thing-about-the-last-of-us Daniel on ‘Succession and Sins of the Father’ https://thinkchristian.net/succession-and-sins-of-the-father

According to Josh, Kathryn, Abby, and Aarik, the best music of the year echoed our anxieties, while also offering eschatologically tinged consolation. They discuss The National, Sufjan Stevens, Cleo Sol, and more. SHOW NOTES: Master list of our favorite 2023 music - https://thinkchristian.net/best-music-of-2023 Joel Mayward on “Sufjan Stevens’ Piercing Javelin” - https://thinkchristian.net/sufjan-stevens-piercing-javelin Aarik’s poem, “Notes On a Concert by The National” - https://feversofthemind.com/2023/09/30/poetry-coming-soon-to-fevers-of-the-mind-print-inspire-me-from-several-poets-artists/

Think of it as an Advent wreath, but with movies on it instead of candles. Josh, Roslyn, and Abby discuss a handful of films that will help you mark the Christmas season, including the recent release The Holdovers, the 2019 documentary For Sama, and the Satoshi Kon anime Tokyo Godfathers.

Josh is clinging onto his MCU fandom with The Marvels, thanks to the chemistry of its three leads and the way it evokes the biblical notion of spiritual gifts. Are Kathryn and Joe on board as well, or have they bailed on the franchise? SHOW NOTES TC landing page: ‘God in the MCU’ - https://thinkchristian.net/god-in-the-mcu Joe on ‘Loki Season 2 and the God of Sacrifice’ - https://thinkchristian.net/loki-and-the-god-of-sacrifice Joe’s book, The Superpowers and the Glory - https://wipfandstock.com/9781666731057/the-superpowers-and-the-glory/

Wilco’s latest album makes ample space for sadness, while also encouraging a beautiful belief in something more. Josh, Aarik, and Sarah discuss the eschatological echoes of the band’s music, delving deeply into tracks like “Pittsburgh,” “Sunlight Ends,” and “Infinite Surprise.” SHOW NOTES Aarik’s TC post on Wilco’s Ode to Joy - https://thinkchristian.net/considering-wilcos-joy John J. Thompson’s TC post on Wilco’s “All Lives You Say” - https://thinkchristian.net/all-lives-you-say-wilco-and-psalm-139 Sarah’s Seeing & Believing newsletter - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/ Aarik’s “Because the Night” series at Fathom - https://www.thediscontent.fathomcolumns.com/post/the-night-is-a-friend-of-mine

Listen in as TC’s Josh Larsen and Fuller Theological Seminary’s Kutter Callaway lead a TC Movie Club conversation considering “Horror — What Is it Good for?” They and club members talk biblical fear, horror subgenres, and the particular brand of scares offered by Jordan Peele. (To join the club, sign up at https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub) SHOW NOTES Kutter’s limited series podcast, Be Afraid - https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/be-afraid/ Josh’s book, Fear Not! A Christian Appreciation of Horror Movies - https://www.amazon.com/Fear-Not-Christian-Appreciation-Spirituality-ebook/dp/B0CB4TT4B6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G4QMAZB8SPG3&keywords=fear+not+larsen&qid=1698262191&sprefix=fear+not+larsen%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1 Josh’s video essay, “Should Christians Watch Horror Movies?” - https://youtu.be/um88HH2DFbc?si=DTX0SnMLGsGr4GYS

As touching and hilarious as it often was, the Hulu series Reservation Dogs was also clear-eyed about the awful, historical realities indigenous people faced (and still contend with) in North America - including a complicated relationship with Christianity. Josh, JR., and Roslyn consider this in light of the series’ finale, while also sharing which of the four teens at the show’s center they’ll continue to think about in the years ahead. SHOW NOTES Christian Reformed Church in North America report on indigenous residential schools - https://www.crcna.org/news-and-events/news/initial-report-us-residential-schools-released Sojourners article by Sandy Ovalle Martínez - https://sojo.net/articles/my-latine-christian-faith-embraces-what-western-faith-demonizes Roslyn’s FYI on Youth Ministry podcast - https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast JR.’s Fascinating podcast - http://www.norvillerogers.com/podcast/fascinating/ JR.’s Sojourners article on “Scary Accurate Monster Stories for Each Enneagram Type” - https://sojo.net/articles/scary-accurate-monster-stories-each-enneagram-type Sign up to join the TC Movie Club - https://thinkchristian.net/movieclub