The New Asceticism

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 […]
The New Asceticism

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 […]
The Art of the Inimitable Jack Baumgartner

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 […]
Varieties of Atheism

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 […]
Tolkien and Mythology

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 […]
Tolkien and Mythology

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 […]
Knowledge Is Power—But Is That All?

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 […]
Knowledge Is Power—But Is That All?

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 […]
Incarnation, Joy Incarnate, the Opening of Heaven to Earth, and Music

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 […]
Incarnation, Joy Incarnate, the Opening of Heaven to Earth, and Music

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 […]
C.S. Lewis on the Tao

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 […]
Up the Hierarchy!–Hans Boresma & Dionysius the Areopagite on Why We Have Hierarchy All Wrong

Today the Pugcast welcomes Dr. Hans Boresma, author of Heavenly Participation and many other edifying books onto the show. In this episode Dr. Boresma 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. […]
Up the Hierarchy!–Hans Boresma & Dionysius the Areopagite on Why We Have Hierarchy All Wrong

Today the Pugcast welcomes Dr. Hans Boresma, author of Heavenly Participation and many other edifying books onto the show. In this episode Dr. Boresma 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. […]
Up the Hierarchy!–Hans Boersma & Dionysius the Areopagite on Why We Have Hierarchy All Wrong

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. […]
The Roots of Nihilistic Politics

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 […]
The Roots of Nihilistic Politics

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 […]
The Case for Kids with Kevin DeYoung

What happened to fertility around the world? The numbers have dropped dramatically. Once we talked about the “Population Bomb.” Now people talk about the “Birth Dearth.” It seems counterintuitive that we have fewer kids the more we can afford them. Kevin DeYoung recently discussed the Case for Kids in an important essay published in First […]
The Case for Kids with Kevin DeYoung

What happened to fertility around the world? The numbers have dropped dramatically. Once we talked about the “Population Bomb.” Now people talk about the “Birth Dearth.” It seems counterintuitive that we have fewer kids the more we can afford them. Kevin DeYoung recently discussed the Case for Kids in an important essay published in First […]
Discovering the Discovery Institute

Today on the Pugcast Glenn and Chris interview Dr. John West of the Discovery Institute of Seattle, Washington. Glenn and Chris had the privilege of speaking alongside Dr. West at the Slaying Leviathan conference sponsored by Evangelical Reformed Church in Tacoma. The interview covers a wide range of topics including: intelligent design, Darwinism and its […]
Discovering the Discovery Institute

Today on the Pugcast Glenn and Chris interview Dr. John West of the Discovery Institute of Seattle, Washington. Glenn and Chris had the privilege of speaking alongside Dr. West at the Slaying Leviathan conference sponsored by Evangelical Reformed Church in Tacoma. The interview covers a wide range of topics including: intelligent design, Darwinism and its […]