#200 A Christmas Special - Tom answers your questions about his life and work (Replay)
Dec 28, 2023
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Tom, Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall Oxford, answers listener questions about his work, research methods, and his love of classical music. Topics include the mystery of Mary and Joseph's gifts, research techniques, responsibilities as a Senior Research Fellow, and the intersection of classical music and Christian faith.
The podcast explores the speculation surrounding what Mary and Joseph did with the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh received for Jesus, highlighting the lack of a definitive answer and encouraging curiosity and creativity in considering various possibilities.
Nt. Write, a prolific writer and senior research fellow, shares his research methods and habits, including his preference for handwritten notes and mind maps, demonstrating his continuous desire for learning and exploring new topics.
Deep dives
Mary and Joseph's Use of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
The podcast discusses the question of what Mary and Joseph did with the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that they received for Jesus. The speaker notes that the Bible does not provide a clear answer to this question, leaving room for speculation. They mention that some people argue the gifts were purely symbolic, while others consider practical possibilities, such as taking the gifts with them during the flight to Egypt or depositing them with relatives. Despite the lack of a definitive answer, the speaker encourages curiosity and seeks input from family and friends to generate creative possibilities.
Research Methods and Habits of Nt. Write
The podcast explores the research methods and habits of Nt. Write, a prolific writer and senior research fellow. Nt. Write shares that he tends to accumulate piles of books and papers, often living with a sense of imminent chaos. He keeps track of information using handwritten notebooks, where he scribbles notes for his various projects, relying on his memory and occasional review of the notebooks to follow up on specific topics. Nt. Write acknowledges the existence of software programs for organizing electronic notes but admits preference for handwritten notes and mind maps. He also shares an example of how he once wallpapered a room with large post-its to visualize and develop a book project. While acknowledging the imperfections of his methods, Nt. Write finds joy and excitement in the next project, possessing a continuous desire for learning and exploring new topics.
Classical Music, Faith, and Meaning
The podcast delves into the intersection of classical music and the Christian worldview. Nt. Write expresses enthusiasm for a wide range of classical composers and pieces, mentioning Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Sibelius, and more. He highlights the profound impact of choral music, particularly early choral compositions that evoke a sense of heaven on earth. Nt. Write shares his appreciation for how music, like the sacraments, can transcend words and communicate directly to the soul. He suggests exploring the work of Jeremy Begbie, an academic known for his writings on the relationship between music and faith. Nt. Write acknowledges the transcendent and transformative power of music, encouraging pianist Melissa, who posed the question, to continue pursuing her Christian faith in her music career.
In this replay from the podcast archives, Tom answers listener questions about his role as Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall Oxford, his work habits and his love of classical music... plus a Christmas question or two.
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