Written by St. Athanasius in the 4th century, 'On the Incarnation' is an apologetic treatise that defends the incarnation of Christ against non-believers. Athanasius explains that the Word of God became incarnate to save fallen humanity, arguing that this act was necessary to undo the corruption of sin and restore humanity to its original state in the image of God. The book relies heavily on Scripture and the teachings of the early Church, addressing various objections to the incarnation and emphasizing the divine and human natures of Christ[2][4][5].
In 'Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow', Yuval Noah Harari examines the future of humanity, predicting that in the 21st century, humans will strive for happiness, immortality, and god-like powers. The book discusses how technological developments, such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, will shape human society. Harari speculates on the possibilities of overcoming death, creating artificial life, and the potential risks and philosophical implications of these advancements. He also explores the impact of humanism, individualism, and transhumanism on our future and questions the continued dominance of humans in a world increasingly driven by data and algorithms.
In 'Deep Discipleship,' J.T. English argues that the local church is the primary platform for making and growing disciples of Jesus. He addresses the issue of biblical illiteracy and the neglect of discipleship by churches, proposing a model that includes three indispensable elements: learning to participate in the biblical story, growing in the confession of who God is and who we are (theology), and regularly participating in private and corporate intentional action (spiritual disciplines). English emphasizes that true discipleship must be grounded in the local church, highlighting its unique role in providing a place, people, purpose, and God's presence for holistic discipleship.
In 'Be Ready When the Luck Happens,' Ina Garten shares her life story, from a challenging childhood to her marriage with Jeffrey and her journey to becoming the Barefoot Contessa. The memoir details her transition from a job in the White House to owning a specialty food store in the Hamptons, and eventually becoming a bestselling cookbook author and celebrated television host. Garten's story is filled with advice on relationships, business partnerships, and pursuing one's dreams, emphasizing the importance of hard work, tenacity, and doing what you love[1][2][3].
The Thursday Murder Club follows four friends—Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron—living in the Coopers Chase retirement village. They meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes. When a local developer, Ian Ventham, is found dead, the club becomes involved in their first live case. As more bodies are discovered, the group works with the police, particularly PC Donna de Freitas and DCI Chris Hudson, to solve the murders. The novel blends humor, wit, and suspense, highlighting the unique skills and backgrounds of the elderly sleuths, including Joyce's nursing experience, Elizabeth's mysterious past, Ibrahim's psychiatric expertise, and Ron's trade union leadership. The story is told through a mix of Joyce's diary entries and third-person narratives, reflecting Osman's television production style[2][3][5].
The Bomber Mafia delves into the story of a group of American military officers who developed a doctrine of daylight strategic bombing aimed at minimizing casualties through precision high-altitude aerial bombardment. The book contrasts the idealistic strategies of the 'Bomber Mafia,' led by General Haywood Hansell, with the brutal pragmatism of General Curtis LeMay, who implemented scorched-earth tactics in Japan using napalm. Gladwell examines the moral challenges and consequences of these strategies, including the devastating firebombing of Tokyo and the broader implications for modern warfare. The book also explores the technological and historical context of these events and poses questions about the morality and effectiveness of different military approaches[1][3][4].
Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley answer questions submitted by their Patreon supporters!
Questions Covered in This Episode:
- Why is God referred to as three “persons”?
- I heard someone say that Adam would be in heaven. What are your thoughts on this?
- What are some great books to listen to?
- While studying Revelation, our group is leaving more fearful than encouraged. How do we read and understand this book correctly?
- How important is it to take a stance on the views of Revelation (millenium, tribulation)? Does the view you take change the way you should act today?
- What is the doctrine of incarnation? What are some resources to study this doctrine?
- Can you explain the eternal subordination of the son?
- How do we come to such vastly different theological undertandings with the same Scirpture?
Helpful Definitions:
- Incarnation: The doctrine where the son of God assumes a human nature in his birth.
- Hypostatic Union: The human nature and divine nature of Christ being in union in one person.
- Eternal Subordination of the Son: The son of God, prior to assuming a human nature, for eternity past, submits His will to the Father.
- Tritheism: Three gods.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
- Hebrews 11, Genesis 3, John 1, John 13-17, Luke 22:42
- “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman
- “Remaking the World” by Andrew Wilson
- “Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten
- “The Bomber Mafia” by Malcolm Gladwell
- “On the Incarnation” by Saint Athanasius
- “Cur Deus Homo: Why the God-Man?” by Anselm of Canterbury
- “God the Son Incarnate” by Stephen J Wellum and John S Feinberg
- Matthew Barrett
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