In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.
Written in 1959, 'Life and Fate' is a monumental novel that narrates the story of the Shaposhnikov family during the Great Patriotic War. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Battle of Stalingrad and delves into the lives of numerous characters, including Soviet physicist Viktor Shtrum, who grapples with anti-Semitism and moral dilemmas in a totalitarian state. The book juxtaposes the horrors of war and the Gulag with the intimate lives of its characters, exploring profound philosophical and moral questions. Despite its initial suppression by the KGB, the novel was eventually smuggled out of the Soviet Union and has since been recognized as one of the greatest Russian novels of the 20th century.
Set in 19th-century Russia, 'The Brothers Karamazov' is a novel that delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the three brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their complex relationships with their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov. The novel is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry, faith, doubt, and reason. It examines the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with suffering and uncertainty. The story revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, accused of the crime, while exploring deeper themes of Russian life, social and spiritual striving, and the clash between faith and reason[2][5][4].
In this book, Timothy Keller addresses the age-old question of why God allows pain and suffering. He uses biblical wisdom and personal stories to provide a fresh and multidimensional approach to understanding and enduring suffering. The book is divided into sections that explain the character of suffering, the biblical doctrines related to it, and practical steps for walking with God through painful times. Keller emphasizes the importance of trusting God's wisdom and love, and encourages readers to be honest about their pain and sorrow while drawing near to God through prayer, worship, and obedience.
In 'Night', Elie Wiesel narrates his harrowing experiences as a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust. The book follows Eliezer, a slightly fictionalized version of Wiesel, from his hometown of Sighet in Hungarian Transylvania to various concentration camps, including Auschwitz, Buna, Gleiwitz, and Buchenwald. It chronicles his struggles with faith, the inhuman conditions of the camps, and the tragic events that unfolded, including the death of his father. The memoir is a poignant and personal account of the Holocaust, highlighting themes of faith, silence, inhumanity, and the importance of human bonds.
In 'Talking to Strangers', Malcolm Gladwell delves into the challenges and misunderstandings that occur when we interact with people we do not know. The book explores various high-profile cases, such as the death of Sandra Bland, the deceptions of Bernie Madoff, and the interactions between Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler. Gladwell argues that our default assumption to trust strangers until proven otherwise often leads to disastrous outcomes. He discusses the 'default to truth' theory and how our perceptions of strangers can be skewed by preconceived notions and stereotypes. The book provides insights into human psychology and communication, highlighting the importance of being aware of our assumptions when dealing with strangers.
In 'The Denial of Death', Ernest Becker discusses the psychological and philosophical implications of how people and cultures react to the concept of death. He argues that human civilization is a defense mechanism against the knowledge of our mortality, and that this denial is a necessary component of functioning in the world. Becker's work challenges traditional Freudian thought by positing that the primary repression is not sexuality, but rather the awareness of death. He also explores how this fear of death leads to the creation of 'hero systems' and symbols that help individuals transcend their mortality, and how this can result in violence and conflict when different immortality projects clash[2][5][4].
On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the tension between hope and despair in the face of evil with guest Collin Hansen, vice president and editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition. We tackle one of Christianity's most challenging questions: Where is God in a world of suffering?
Collin shares insights from his forthcoming book and his years of wrestling with difficult questions of faith. We discuss practical ways to cultivate resilient hope and challenge common misconceptions Christians have when responding to suffering. Together, we explore how technology and media affect our perception of evil, the role of lament in corporate worship, and the importance of building genuine hope rather than shallow optimism in our churches.
Through examining biblical examples and modern challenges, we discover how to maintain hope without minimizing the reality of suffering, and why the physical gathering of God's people remains irreplaceable in cultivating lasting hope.
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We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.
In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.
To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Have you ever experienced the pain of church hurt? Whether it's disappointment caused by leaders, hurtful actions from fellow members, or wounds from the larger church community, these experiences can leave us wondering why we should stay. Join us for Finding Purpose and the Pain of Church Hurt, an auxiliary event at the Gospel Coalition Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.
This special session will take place on Wednesday, April 23rd from 4:45 to 6 p. m. hosted by Anchored Virtual. Join Rebekah Hannah, Dr. Michael Keller, and Dr. Michael Kruger, as they explore how God can transform even the deepest wounds into growth, resilience, and renewed faith.
Whether you're in the pew or the pulpit, this session will speak to anyone navigating the hard realities of church hurt. Join us online or in person. You can register now at anchoredvirtual.com/tgc
This vs. That 
