212: Tocqueville - Religion Considered as a Political Institution
In this episode, we read and discuss Alexis de Tocqueville’s apology for religion’s relevance to politics in Democracy in America. What happens when the two kingdoms are divided or collapsed into each other?
211: Tocqueville - Life is neither a pleasure nor a sorrow
Faith in What? Faith in Who? In this episode, we read Robert J. Delahunty’s article about Alex de Tocqueville’s faith. Tocqueville is a remarkable study in Enlightenment faith because he straddles the line between Christianity and the Enlightenment: Law and…
210b: Hitchens - Eschatology is inseparable from religious faith
“Religion is predicated on the idea that our time here is short and should be shorter, that our job is to bring on the end of days. This is just a veil of tears and guilt and shame. This, the…
210a: Hitchens - Religion is the first chance to explain human nature and the natural order
“We were baffled by climatic and cataclysmic events: earthquakes, tidal waves, storms, lightning. All of this was to us terrifying. Religion works as an attempt, then, to make sense of things. We are pattern-seeking mammals, after all. It’s a good…
209b: Hitchens - Religion abolishes obligation to live in truth
Christians Aren’t Good, or Moral. In this episode, we continue to read and discuss Christopher Hitchens’ speech on religion and morality. Does religion delete our need to confront reality?
209a: Hitchens - Is it moral to tell anybody that their sins can be forgiven?
God is Good… or Not.In this episode, we read and discuss Christopher Hitchins’ speech about religion and morality. What’s the point of attaching the forgiveness of sins to morality?
208b: Nietzsche - Seeing the alternative between Dionysus and the “Crucified”
The God that won’t stay dead. In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of God, Nietzsche, and how Jesus fights against our attempts at self-atonement.
208a: Nietzsche - Human history is built upon sacrifice
God is Dead again, because of us. In this episode, we discuss whether Friedrich Nietzsche was closer to the kingdom of God than most modern Christians, and how we can learn from him.
207: A Prayer for Memorial Day
Gracious Lord, heavenly Father, on this day we pause to remember the sacrifices made for freedom throughout the past centuries. We do indeed owe a debt of gratitude to those who have paid dearly for the liberty we enjoy.
206a: Eagleton - Everyone knows that Nietzsche said "God is dead"
Nietzsche is Dead. In this episode, learning from Friedrich Nietzsche how to repent and believe in Christ Jesus as Savior.
205b: Pastor Debrief on ministry, vocation, and how we learn
This, That, and Another Thing.In this episode, we do a pastoral debrief, discussing vocation, doctrine, and the daily struggles and afflictions of Christians.
205a: Scott Keith - Debrief on Two Kingdoms, Social Media, and Local Vocation
Three Men Enter, One Man Leaves. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Scott Keith about Christian doctrine and vocation. How do we live faithfully in Christ while simultaneously living in our vocations in a sinful, evil world?
204: Luther - Difference between tolerating injustice and violence, and remaining silent
A Seditious Gospel. In this episode, Martin Luther preaches when Christians must rebuke sinful rulers, and when the Gospel becomes a seditious doctrine.
203: Robert Farrar Capon - A Free Gift Already Given, Without Condition, To Everybody
Guilty, Until Proven Gospeled. In this episode, we conclude our reading and discussion of Robert Capon’s, The Mystery of Christ & Why We Don’t Get It. How does the Gospel of Jesus Christ free us from wallowing in guilt and…
202b: Robert Farrar Capon - Be Authentic and Authoritative Proclaimers of the Gospel
You Know, The Next Thing. In this episode, we continue reading Robert Capon’s The Mystery of Christ, and Why We Don’t Get It. We further discuss pastoral care, exegesis, the purpose of theology, and where Christian preaching points us…
202a: Robert Farrar Capon - The Mystery and Guilt
You Know, The Thing. In this episode, Robert Capon on The Mystery of Christ, and Why We Don’t Get It. We discuss exegesis, pastoral care, preaching, and the task of a theologian.
201b: Weil - The false god changes suffering into violence
Turning Inward to Attack Evil.In this episode, we continue to discuss Simone Weil on Evil. The importance of Jesus’ sacrificial death as expiation and redemption and what happens when we try to make good apart from God.
201a: Weil - It is the innocent victim who can feel hell
Am I Evil? In this episode, we continue to read and discuss Simone Weil on Evil. Violence, suffering, and justice. What part does human evil play in Jesus’ sacrificial death?
200b: Weil - It is Not Good Which Evil Violates, For Good is Inviolate
Oh goodness, it’s so evil. In this episode, we continue reading and discussing Simone Weil on evil. If God alone is good what does that mean for our understanding of ourselves and the world?
200a: Weil - Evil is License and That is Why it Is Monotonous
Am I Evil? In this episode, Simone Weil on evil. What is evil, and how is it distinct from what is good? How does our understanding of evil, or our ignorance of it, affect the churches?
199: Weil - We Humiliate Ourselves Before False Gods
Idol Talk. In this episode, we return to Simone Weil’s book, Gravity and Grace. Idolatry is the topic of conversation. What is an idol? In what ways does idolatry infiltrate our churches, and what are the consequences? How do we…
198: Simone Weil - The Cross
Into The Mystic. In this episode, we read and discuss the crucifixion as interpreted by Simone Weil, an anarchist, philosopher, and mystic.
197b: Leo the Great - Use Lent for general improvement in the whole round of Christian duties
The Right Man for The Job. In this episode, we finish reading and discussing Leo the Great’s Lenten sermon about Christ’s two natures. What happens when the old Adam adds to Scripture’s witness to Jesus’ two natures?
197a: Leo the Great - All the actions of Christ reveal the presence of the twofold nature
God Really Bodies Our Salvation. In this episode, we read and discuss a Lenten sermon from Leo the Great. What happens when the two natures of Christ are divided?
196b: Luther - Paul cuts out all merit and gives glory only to God
Grace Means Never Having to Try Harder. In this episode, Martin Luther’s comments on the letter to the Galatians regarding God’s mercy and predestination.
