We’re back! In this episode we talk about where we’ve been this last year: the good and the difficult. We share our thoughts on suffering, the sovereignty of God, and how God’s goodness, provision, and nearness were magnified in the events that transpired in our lives most recently. We discuss the most helpful books we’ve read on the topic (and some of our favorite more light-hearted reads).
Resources Mentioned
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Calvinism and Cancer by Jenna DiPrima
Calvinism is Getting Me Through Cancer by Jenna DiPrima
Psalms by the Day by Alec Motyer
Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot
Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Tim Keller
The Treasury of David by C.H. Spurgeon
Songs of Suffering by Joni Eareckson Tada
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Friendship with God by Mike McKinley
Communion with God by John Owen
Holiness by J.C. Ryle
Remaking the World by Andrew Wilson
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Truemen
The C.S. Lewis Biography Trilogy by Harry Lee Poe
What can we learn from an Irish woman who lived in the 19th century? In this episode we discuss Elisabeth Elliot’s biography of Amy Carmichael, A Chance to Die. We talk about the importance of reading Christian biographies, and various modern topics that Amy Carmichael can help us navigate. We cover self-care and sacrifice, the tension of word and action, and holiness and compassion.
Resources Mentioned
A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot
O, Church Arise by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Amy Carmichael by Iain Murray
If by Amy Carmichael
Mimosa by Amy Carmichael
The Elisabeth Elliot Podcast
C.S. Lewis: A Life by Alister McGrath
A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War by Joseph Laconte
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Fierce Convictions by Karen Swallow Prior
John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitkan
Susie by Ray Rhodes
Theologians on the Christian Life by Crossway
Christians Heroes Then and Now
Do Great Things for God Series by The Good Book Company
How do we grapple with a world that seems, as T.S. Eliot puts it “advances progressively backward.” In his book You Are Not Your Own, Dr. Alan Noble argues that the increasing cultural emphasis on efficiency, and increasing isolation have created an inhuman world. In this episode we talk with Dr. Noble about how our unity with Christ gives us meaning, purpose, and hope as we live in this world. We discuss despair, self-medication and escapism, and the antidotes of gratitude toward God, examining ourselves, death to self, and resting in belonging to Christ, our only hope in life and death.
Resources Mentioned
Disruptive Witness by Alan Noble
You Are Not Your Own by Alan Noble
Strangely Bright by Joe Rigney
Episode 18: Can You Love God and Enjoy This World?
Ethics by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis
Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis
Why is the local church important? In this episode we’re joined by Erin Wheeler to discuss the centrality of the church in the life of the Christian. We discuss how culture has impacted our ecclesiology, the gift the church can be in how we serve one another, and the necessity of our physical presence in the local church. We discuss the purpose of the church, criticisms of the church and how we should think about them, how we can prioritize the local church in various stages of our lives, and the ins and outs of discipleship.
Resources mentioned
The Church: Delighting in the Doctrine of the Church by Erin Wheeler
Episode 16: “How Can Women Thrive in the Local Church” with Guest Keri Folmer
Christ: The Doctrine of Christ, for Every Woman by Jenny Manley
Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus by Mark Dever
Fix Your Eyes by Amy Gannett
Jesus Through the Eyes of Women by Rebecca McLaughlin
Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves
Why do we take the time to introduce ourselves as “confessionally reformed?" In this episode we discuss Carl Trueman’s book The Creedal Imperative. We talk about why we think confessionalism is important and warn against the cultural influence that causes us to approach tradition with suspicion. We discuss authority, tradition, the power of words, and how embracing creeds and confessions can lead to worship and unity.
Resources Mentioned
The Creedal Imperative by Carl Trueman
Rediscovering Conservatism by Yoram Hazony
Episode 20: Expressive Individualism and Strange New World by Carl Trueman
Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
The Apostles Creed for All God’s Children By Ben Myers
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
The Good News We Almost Forgot by Kevin DeYoung
Affirming the Apostles Creed by J.I. Packer
Art and humor can be difficult to define, but we all know it when we see it. But how should Christians think about the arts and humor? Are there boundaries and rules to what Christians produce and consume? In this episode we’re joined by BBC comedy writer, author, and podcaster, James Cary. We discuss the importance of enjoying the arts, how comedy is about truth-telling yet still seems to be at odds with religion. Cary discusses his view that Art is important, life is poetry, the Bible is funny (and that Jesus is too). He answers questions on the risks of reading the Bible without a sense of humor, and the essentially human component of humor.
Resources mentioned
The Sacred Art of Joking by James Cary
How Lightyear is a bit of a Buzzkill by James Cary
Life is Beautiful (movie)
The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
1984 by George Orwell
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Perelandra by C.S. Lewis
The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer by James Cary
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Going to Church in Medieval England by Nicholas Orme
Cynical Discourses by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay
The Real Great Escape by Guy Walters
Stranger Things Season 4
At the heart of the transgender debate is the issue of human dignity. Therefore, it is crucial that Christians should care about current public policy and firmly defend biblical principles that promote truth telling and human flourishing. In this episode we are joined by Dr. Andrew Walker. Together we discuss the overturn of Roe, how to think about current social and political issues from a biblical perspective, and what the average Christian should think of as their duty in the face of ethical issues such as abortion and transgenderism. Dr. Walker gives practical, compassionate advice on how we should think about gender, the call we have all been given for truth-telling, and what the landscape of religious liberty looks like now (and may look like in the future) as we engage with these pressing issues.
Resources
Liberty For All: Defending Everyone’s Religious Freedom in a Pluralistic Age by Andrew Walker
God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew Walker
The Case for Life by Scott Klusendorf
The Transgender Fantasy: What I Wish Every Pastor Knew by Andrew Walker
How should we address the issue of abortion and what should we do in the wake of the recent overturn of Roe? In this special episode we interview Dr. Brent Boles, discussing his book Supremely Wrong: The Injustice of Abortion. He gives a thorough overview of abortion and the issues surrounding it, historically, medically, and legally. He addresses common myths about abortion, what Roe accomplished, and what its overturn means for those of us who value life.
Resources mentioned
Supremely Wrong: The Injustice of Abortion by Brent Boles M.D.
Should I? Things to Consider Before an Abortion by Brent Boles M.D. and Julia Boles MSN
Surrendering the Secret by Pat Layton
American Association of Pro-Life Obstericians and Gynecologists
The Case for Life by Scott Klusendorf
Pro-Life Answers to Pro-Choice Questions by Randy Alcorn
Unplanned by Abby Johnson
What is the “authentic self” and does it have the authority our culture leads us to believe it has? In this episode we discuss Carl Trueman’s latest book, Strange New World; a book we both believe every Christian should read. We talk about expressive individualism, education, the sexual revolution, transgender ideology, personhood, ethics, religious freedom, and how Christians ought to respond.
Resources mentioned
Strange New World by Carl Trueman
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman
The London Lyceum: Karl Marx and Marxism with Carl Trueman
All Things Bright and Beautiful Episode 7: Frankenstein: A Guide to Reading and Reflecting
When Harry Became Sally by Ryan T. Anderson
The Coddling of the American Mind By Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
PresbyGirls Podcast: Rosaria Butterfield: Sin, Side B, and Hospitality
The Compelling Community by Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop
Are emotions good, bad, or neutral? How should Christians think about them? In this episode we discuss Untangling Emotions, by J Alasdair Groves and Winston T Smith. We talk about a theology of feelings, how we should engage our negative emotions—like anger and sorrow, and what God’s role is in our emotional life.
Resources mentioned
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
The Emotional Life of our Lord by BB Warfield
Spiritual Depression by Martyn Lloyd Jones
Emotions Like Christ by Jenna DiPrima
How should Christians think about the things of this world? How do we enjoy God's good gifts without making them idols? In this episode we discuss Joe Rigney's book, Strangely Bright, a helpful treatise on how Christians should interact with God's good gifts to us. We talk about Augustine's "disordered loves", Christian hedonism, the gift of nature and family, and the necessity of Scripture and corporate worship. We discuss how loving God most enables us to have the greatest enjoyment and right ordering of the good things God has made.
Resources Mentioned
Desiring God by John Piper
Spiritual Disciplines by Donald Whitney
Confessions by Augustine of Hippo (regarding Disordered Loves)
Why tackle the confusing world of Shakespeare? In this episode we talk about Shakespeare’s Macbeth using Leland Ryken’s helpful guide. We discuss the importance of the classics, practical tips for how to face the challenge of reading Shakespeare, Shakespeare’s faith, and why we think it’s worth it to read a tragedy like Macbeth. We cover the resounding Christian themes in the play, especially the destructive and escalating nature of sin, guilt and repentance, the disorder of the Macbeth marriage, and the human desire for a virtuous king.
Resources Mentioned:
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Christian Guides to the Classics: Macbeth by Leland Ryken
Realms of Gold by Leland Ryken
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare by Ken Ludwig
In this episode Jenna interviews Keri Folmer on church life and her book How Can Women Thrive in the Local Church? Keri lives in Dubai and her husband John is the senior pastor of the United Christian Church of Dubai. Keri’s passion is encouraging women from all over the world to enjoy the Scriptures. Keri and Jenna discuss why it’s important for women to join their local church, how to serve the church and pursue discipleship. Keri gives helpful advice for how to enter into worship on Sunday, how to prepare our hearts, regardless of what stage of life we’re in; and how to prioritize church life in our busy lives.
Resources Mentioned
How Can Women Thrive in the Local Church? by Keri Folmar
The Good Portion: Scripture by Keri Folmer
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever
Rediscover Church by Jonathan Leeman and Colin Hansen
Instagram @keridianafolmar
How do we engage both charitably and critically with books, ideas, and those with whom we disagree? In this episode we have special guest Jordan Steffaniak, from The London Lyceum Podcast. We discuss Beth Allison Barr’s book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood, and Jordan’s review of this popular book. We talk fallacies, complementarianism, how to be precise in our arguments, and how we can interact with a world of ideas with an eye toward both truth and unity.
Resources Mentioned
The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr
Book Review: The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Jordan Steffaniak
Logic and the Way of Jesus: Thinking Critically and Christianly by Travis Dickinson
Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey (audiobook available for free with Audible membership here)
Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality by Todd Wilson
Men and Women in the Church by Kevin DeYoung
On the Meaning of Sex by J. Budziszewski
One Body: An Essay on Christian Sexual Ethics by Alexander Pruss
The Kindness of God by Janet Soskice
The Metaphysics of Gender by Charlotte Witt
Transcending Gender Ideology: A Philosophy of Sexual Difference by Antonio Malo
The Wrong of Injustice: Dehumanization and its Role in Feminist Philosophy by Mari Mikkola
*Please note: we do not necessarily endorse all of these books or all of the ideas in each of these books. Please listen to the podcast episode for a further description of these resources.
Habits tend to reflect what we truly value and set the course for change in our lives, what does this mean for Christians? In this episode we discuss both Atomic Habits and Spiritual Disciplines, and how current research about how people form and keep habits is consistent with the spiritual disciplines God requires for the sanctification of his people. We talk about how our identity in Christ motivates us, the freedom of self-discipline, how community helps or hinders us, and how reflection and self-assessment keep us from becoming stagnant in our growth.
Resources Mentioned
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear
Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science by Drew Dyck
10 Questions to Ask Yourself at the Start of New Year by Donald Whitney
The Holy Club’s 22 Questions by John Wesley
Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney
Is there a uniquely Christian way to think about the body? In this episode we discuss Sam Allberry’s book What God Has to Say about Our Bodies, and how our view of the body has far reaching implications. We talk about gender, sexuality, technology, body image, and aging; how our culture has influenced us, and how Scripture helps us make sense of our bodies and what they are for.
Resources Mentioned
What God Has to Say about Our Bodies by Sam Allberry
On the Incarnation by Athanasius
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman
Episode 5: Gender Roles and “Men and Women in the Church” by Kevin DeYoung
How should parents cultivate a love of work in their kids? In this episode we chat with Mary Beeke, author of Teach Them to Work: Building a Positive Work Ethic In Our Children. We discuss how Christians should think about work, the tone we set in our home and how to teach our children cheerfulness and diligence in their work. We talk about appropriate expectations, how to balance work and play, and encouragement for the overwhelmed parent or the parent late to training their children.
Resources Mentioned
Teach Them to Work by Mary Beeke
Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr Kevin Leman
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
Parenting: 14 Gospel Truths That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp
The Law of Kindness: Serving with Heart and Hands by Mary Beeke
It’s easy to get caught up in the flurry of the Christmas season and lose sight of what we’re celebrating, but it’s worth taking a moment to meditate on the beautiful truth of the incarnation of Christ. In this episode we discuss Athanasius’ brilliant, yet accessible book, On the Incarnation. It's not a typical Advent read, but a wonderful choice nonetheless. We discuss Christmas traditions, Santa Clause, the importance of reading primary sources and old books, the continuity of Christ in Creation and Redemption, and the problem of sin and the solution found in the Word made flesh.
Resources Mentioned
On the Incarnation by Athanasius
The Story of St. Nicholas: More Than Reindeer and a Red Suit by Cheryl Odden
The Story of St. Patrick: More Than Shamrocks and Leprechauns by Voice of the Martyrs
The Story of St. Valentine: More Than Cards and Candied Hearts by Voice of the Martyrs
Elisabeth Elliot’s life was one marked by a common theme: willing surrender to God. In this episode, special guest, Leah Finn, joins us in discussing Elisabeth Elliot’s life and works. We discuss her influence on purity culture, the timelessness of her writings, the story of history, and the importance of reading Christian biographies.
Resources Mentioned
Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn
Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
Elisabeth Elliot: A Life (Forthcoming from Crossway Publishing)
Devotedly: The Personal Letters and Love Story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot by Valerie Shepard
Elisabeth Elliot: Joyful Surrender by Janet and Geoff Benge
Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot
Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
Lovely War by Julie Berry
Ten Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca Mclaughlin
Confronting Christianity by Rebecca Mclaughlin
The Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe
How does hospitality help us love people? In this episode Jenna and Lydia discuss what biblical hospitality is (and isn't). We discuss the biblical commands to be hospitable, the challenge of making time for it while balancing work and families, what it looks like in different seasons of life, and tricks we’ve found that can make it easier to say yes to warmly welcoming others into our homes and lives.
Resources mentioned
Verses on hospitality
Explicitly mentioned: Leviticus 19:33-34; Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9
Implied: Matthew 10:11-14, 25:35, 38, 43-44; 1 Timothy 5:10; James 2:21, 25; 2 John 5
When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch
The Gospel Comes with a Housekey by Rosaria Butterfield
A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester
The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon
The Simplest Way to Change the World by Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Lifegiving Collection by Sally Clarkson, Clay Clarkson, and Sarah Clarkson
We have heard it said, “do justice”, but what is justice? In this episode Jenna and Lydia discuss Thaddeus Williams’ book, Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth, with special guest Dr. Alex DiPrima. We talk social justice, the mission of the church, the importance of defining terms, and how our investment in the local church is the primary avenue for just ministry and reconciliation. Alex draws from his pastoral experience, educational background, and biblical knowledge, to give helpful, and gracious insight into how we should think about issues of Social Justice, oppression, and Critical Theory.
Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus Williams
Law, Legislation, and Liberty by F.A. Hayek
Race and Racism: A Biblical Perspective (Part A) By Alex DiPrima
One Blood by John Perkins
What is the Mission of the Church by Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert
Biblical Justice vs. Social Justice by E. Calvin Beisner
Discrimination and Disparities By Thomas Sowell
Intellectuals and Race By Thomas Sowell
A Conflict of Visions By Thomas Sowell
Black Rednecks and White Liberals By Thomas Sowell
Evangelicals and Race Theory (article) By Carl Trueman
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman
Books Mentioned (but not endorsed)
How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
White Fragility by Robin D’Angelo
What can a contemporary Christian learn from reading an 18th-century science fiction novel? In this episode Jenna and Lydia discuss Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. We discuss who Mary Shelley was, and how the radical ideals around her shaped her life and writings. We touch on themes of life and death, original sin, and the dangers of isolation and selfish ambition.
Resources Mentioned
Frankenstein: A Guide to Reading and Reflecting by Mary Shelley and Karen Swallow Prior
A Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft
Romantic Outlaws by Charlotte Gordon
Paradise Lost by John Milton
Theogony by Hesiod (regarding Prometheus)
Ozymandias by Percy Bysse Shelley
We are women, how then should we live? In this episode Jenna and Lydia interview Abigail M Dodds, author of "(A)Typical Woman." Dodds shares her wisdom and delight in the Lord as she speaks about the beauty of rooting ourselves in a Scriptural understanding of womanhood. She gives perspective on what it means to be a woman and how it should shape our lives. We also discuss various stereotypes, submission, envy, and vocation.
Books Mentioned
(A)Typical Woman by Abigail Dodds
Resurrection Sunday in the ICU by Abigail Dodds
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
Kristin Lavransdatter Trilogy By Sigrid Undset
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Men and Women in the Church by Kevin DeYoung
Seeing Green by Tilly Dillehay
Abigail’s Podcast with Tilly Dillehay: Home Fires
Personal Blog https://hopeandstay.com/hope-and-stay/
Upcoming book: Bread of Life: Savoring the All-Satisfying Goodness of Jesus through the Art of Bread Making
Our culture has many things to say about gender, but how should Christians think about manhood and womanhood? In this episode Jenna and Lydia discuss Kevin DeYoung’s book, Men and Women in the Church. We talk about rooting our definitions in Scripture, how we should think about distinctions and roles, and how our view of gifts shapes how we serve in the church.
Books Mentioned
Men and Women in the Church By Kevin DeYoung
Women Are Not the Problem By Melissa Kruger
Women in the Church By Andreas Kostenberger and Thomas Schreiner
If we acknowledge the existence of an unseen spiritual battle being waged we can equip ourselves accordingly. In this episode Jenna and Lydia discuss C.S. Lewis’ demon-narrated book, The Screwtape Letters. We discuss the trap of “subtle sins”, the risks of attaching extra ideologies to our “Mere Christianity”, the contrast of God’s love versus Satan’s schemes, the origin and disordering of pleasure, how to understand and live faithfully in time, and how Christians should think about death.
Books Mentioned
The Screwtape Letters By C.S. Lewis
Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia By C.S. Lewis
Desiring God By John Piper
What is Jesus really like? In this episode Jenna and Lydia discuss the book, Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. We consider the puritan writers, the emotional life of God, and ask the question: is it possible to overemphasize the love of Christ?
Books Mentioned
Gentle and Lowly By Dane Ortlund
Untangling Emotions By J. Alasdair Groves and Winston T. Smith
The Heart of Christ By Thomas Goodwin
The Bruised Reed By Richard Sibbes
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment By Jeremiah Burroughs
The Pilgrim’s Progress By John Bunyan
Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God By Jonathan Edwards
Charles Spurgeon made his mark on history, working powerfully for God’s kingdom. His wife, Susannah was not only his helper in his many endeavors, but also contributed greatly to God’s kingdom in her own ministries and writings.
In this episode Jenna and Lydia interview Ray Rhodes Jr., author of Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon. He gives insight into his research for the book, the beautiful relationship between the Spurgeons, the longsuffering, faith, and philanthropy of Susannah, and what we can learn from her legacy.
Books Mentioned
Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon By Ray Rhodes Jr.
Yours Til Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susannah Spurgeon By Ray Rhodes Jr.
Morning and Evening By Charles Spurgeon
Till He Come By Charles Spurgeon
The Chequebook of the Bank of Faith By Charles Spurgeon
The Saint and His Savior By Charles Spurgeon
Ten Years of My Life in the Service of the Book Fund By Susannah Spurgeon
The Pilgrim’s Progress By John Bunyan
The Holy War By John Bunyan
The Interpreter By Charles Spurgeon
Family Worship Bible Guide By Joel Beeke
How should Christians approach the world of reading? In this episode Jenna and Lydia discuss the book, Lit by Tony Reinke. We touch on why Christians should make reading a priority, how we can choose books wisely and get the most from them, and tactics for making time for reading in the midst of our busy lives.
Books mentioned
Lit By Tony Reinke
Amusing Ourselves to Death By Neil Postman
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Idiot By Fyodor Dostoevsky
Surprised by Joy By C.S. Lewis (regarding “chronological snobbery”)
You can find more resources on our website at https://www.allthingspodcast.org/.
