"You can sin with food in many ways -- by not sharing it, by eating way too much of it, by throwing it across the restaurant table... But you do not sin with food by bowing your head over it, saying grace with true gratitude in your heart, and tucking in."

These words come from a book written by today's guest - Doug Wilson. His sharp-edged but humorous title Confessions of a Food Catholic addresses the unscriptural approach to food that many Christians have developed in recent years (by the way, a "food catholic" is somebody who accepts all eaters of all foods, even if he or she doesn't actually eat quinoa).

Specifically, the book addresses divisive threats to Christian table fellowship, the know-it-all pride of newfangled "health food" rules, and the dislocated moralism that makes "organic" and "natural" the signs of righteousness while disdaining the brethren who buy their beef at Stuffmart.

In today's podcast, Doug and I get into his approach to how Christianity mingles with food choices, and much more - including longevity and anti-aging, nutrition, diets fitness and the ultimate source of the joy and happiness so many of us turn to these type of activities to fulfill. We also discuss Doug's take on Joel Salatin, the true cost of food, and how we care for the planet.

Doug Wilson is an old family friend of mine, the minister of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, which is a member of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC) and church I attended all throughout my childhood and during college. After his stint in the submarine service of the U.S. Navy, he attended the University of Idaho, where he obtained an MA in philosophy.

As one of its founders, Doug has served on the board of Logos School, a classical and Christian school (K-12), since its inception. He is also a Senior Fellow of theology at New St. Andrews College, which I consider to be one of the better liberal arts institutions in the country.

He is the author of numerous books, including Reforming Marriage, The Case for Classical Christian Education, Letter from a Christian Citizen, and Blackthorn Winter. Doug is also the general editor for the Omnibus textbook series. His blog can be found at www.dougwils.com and his metric ton of grandkids can be found spread across the planet with rapidly increasing frequency.

During this discussion, you'll discover: -What is a "food catholic?"...9:15

-How to identify what Doug calls "phood pharisees"...12:35

-How people use diets as a substitute for true righteousness...16:50

-How to use food to assist in the pursuit of holiness...22:15

-How food as an anti-aging tactic can enhance or detract from your spirituality...26:25

-Advice for social situations where you're offered food you personally find objectionable... 36:50

-How to view food with respect to the humane treatment of God's creation...41:50

-Balancing rigorous physical and spiritual disciplines...52:00

-The one thing fitness buffs need to hear the most...1:00:15

bengreenfieldfitness.com/dougwilson

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12th Sunday in Ordinary Time - June 25, 2023