The Theology Pugcast Dr. Scott Masson and Reforging The Sword of Anduril!
Jan 12, 2026
Dr. Scott Masson, an expert on Romanticism and classical learning at Tyndale University, discusses the troubling rift between humanities and theology since the 18th century. He argues this separation damages the understanding of Christ's dual nature. Using Anduril as a metaphor, Masson calls for a cultural and theological rebirth. He critiques modern 'self-made' myths found in literature, highlighting their implications on identity. Listeners are encouraged to embrace a return to Christian humanism to restore cultural integrity and personhood.
01:00:51
Humanities Became Human Sciences
- The humanities shifted into human sciences during the Long Enlightenment, severing theology from studies of human nature.
- Dr. Scott Masson argues this divorce expelled theology from the university and warped our understanding of the human person.
Christology Mirrors Educational Schism
- Separating theology from anthropology fractures the unity of Christ's divine and human natures.
- Masson uses the broken sword of Anduril as an image for the need to reunite theological and human studies.
The Orphan Hero Reflects Modern Selfhood
- Modern literature's orphan-hero trope reflects and promotes an autonomous, self-creating ideal.
- Masson links this literary pattern to cultural moves that sever individuals from family, tradition, and authority.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Scott Masson: background and focus
01:40 • 50sec
The divorce of theology and humanities
02:30 • 60sec
Romanticism, hermeneutics, and Schleiermacher
03:30 • 1min
Seminaries, universities, and the broken bond
04:52 • 50sec
Christ's two natures and educational consequences
05:41 • 31sec
The Anduril moment: reforging Christology and culture
06:12 • 3min
Orphan heroes and the modern self
08:48 • 1min
Examples: from Frodo to superheroes
10:12 • 2min
The self-made myth and cultural effects
12:04 • 2min
Barth, Bonhoeffer, and attempts to correct the split
14:01 • 32sec
Romantic origins vs. Augustinian anthropology
14:34 • 4min
Cultural Marxism and the lecture context
18:17 • 10min
Lewis and Tolkien as corrective storytellers
28:43 • 1min
Augustine's influence on Lewis and Tolkien
30:11 • 4min
Retrieval: recovering personhood and human dignity
34:11 • 2min
Practical steps: Paideia, Christian Halls, and renewal
36:21 • 12min
Rebuilding education outside mass research model
48:46 • 7min
Hopeful projects and collaboration
56:03 • 4min
Outro
01:00:10 • 39sec
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C.S. Lewis and J.R Tolkien, The Defenders of Freedom and Dignity
Dr. Scott Masson
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Sacred Lectures on the Hebrews
Robert Louth
#6523
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Beyond Freedom and Dignity
Burrhus Frederic Skinner
In this book, B.F.
Skinner argues that the entrenched belief in free will and the moral autonomy of the individual (referred to as 'dignity') hinders the prospect of using scientific methods to modify behavior.
Skinner advocates for a radically behaviorist approach, suggesting that instead of promoting freedom and dignity as personal attributes, we should focus on changing the physical and social environments in which people live.
He rejects traditional explanations of behavior in favor of explanations based on the interaction between genetic endowment and personal history, and argues against punishment as an ineffective measure of controlling behavior.
#6199
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
What is Enlightenment?
Immanuel Kant
Immanuel Kant's "What is Enlightenment?
" is a concise but influential essay that addresses the nature of enlightenment and its relationship to reason and freedom.
Kant defines enlightenment as humanity's emergence from self-imposed immaturity, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and the courage to use one's own reason.
The essay is known for its clear and powerful articulation of the ideals of the Enlightenment.
It remains a significant text for understanding the historical context of the Enlightenment and its enduring relevance for contemporary discussions about reason, freedom, and autonomy.
It's a cornerstone of Enlightenment thought.
#27075
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Household and the War for the Cosmos
C. R. Wiley
#69467
A Voyage to Arcturus
David Lindsay
A Voyage to Arcturus is a philosophical science fiction novel by David Lindsay, published in 1920.
It follows the journey of a man named Maskull to the planet Arcturus, where he encounters strange and mystical beings.
The novel explores themes of existence, consciousness, and the nature of reality.
Lindsay's unique blend of science fiction and philosophical inquiry makes it a highly influential work.
The novel's enduring appeal lies in its imaginative world-building, thought-provoking themes, and evocative prose.
A Voyage to Arcturus has influenced many subsequent science fiction writers and continues to be read and appreciated by those interested in philosophical science fiction.
#300
• Mentioned in 78 episodes
The Great Divorce
C.S. Lewis
In 'The Great Divorce', C.S.
Lewis presents an allegorical narrative where souls from a gray, dreary town (representing hell) are given the opportunity to visit heaven.
The story follows the narrator and various ghosts as they encounter spirits in heaven, engaging in dialogues that reveal the nature of their choices and the reasons they remain in hell.
The book emphasizes that hell is a self-imposed state, and individuals choose to remain there due to their inability to let go of their earthly attachments and sins.
Through these encounters, Lewis explores themes of redemption, the afterlife, and the importance of spiritual choices, underscoring that true joy and salvation are available to those who seek them sincerely.
#306
• Mentioned in 76 episodes
The abolition of man
C.S. Lewis
In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S.
Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943.
Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'.
He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason.
The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.
#1253
• Mentioned in 28 episodes
Out of the Silent Planet
C.S. Lewis
In 'Out of the Silent Planet', Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist, is kidnapped by his old school acquaintance Dick Devine and the scientist Edward Weston.
They take him aboard a spaceship bound for Malacandra (Mars).
Upon landing, Ransom escapes and encounters the planet's inhabitants, including the humanoid hrossa and the angelic eldil.
He learns that Earth is isolated from the rest of the solar system and eventually meets Oyarsa, the ruler of Malacandra.
After a series of adventures and interactions with the planet's diverse species, Ransom is directed to return to Earth along with his captors, who are ordered to leave Malacandra immediately.
#119
• Mentioned in 141 episodes
Confessions
Augustine
Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible.
The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism.
He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden.
The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis.
The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.
#131
• Mentioned in 134 episodes
Paradise Lost
John Milton
Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden.
The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.
#1925
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
The Discarded Image
Stratford Caldecott
#6
• Mentioned in 470 episodes
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.
#42
• Mentioned in 243 episodes
Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis
In 'Mere Christianity', C.S.
Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology.
The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity.
Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage.
The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style.
#15399
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Allegory of Love
C.S. Lewis
#811
• Mentioned in 38 episodes
Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen
Published in 1811, 'Sense and Sensibility' is Jane Austen's first published novel.
It tells the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who, along with their mother and younger sister Margaret, are forced to leave their family estate after their father's death.
The novel explores the contrast between Elinor's practical sense and Marianne's emotional sensibility as they experience romantic relationships and heartbreak.
Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, who is secretly engaged to another woman, while Marianne becomes infatuated with the unscrupulous John Willoughby.
Through their experiences, Austen delves into themes of love, social class, and the balance between reason and emotion necessary for personal happiness.
#11583
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Hero of a Thousand Faces
Joseph Campbell
Joseph Campbell's "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" is a seminal work in comparative mythology that explores the common narrative structure found in myths and stories across cultures.
Campbell introduces the concept of the "monomyth," or hero's journey, a cyclical pattern of departure, initiation, and return.
The book analyzes various myths and legends, demonstrating how these seemingly disparate narratives share underlying themes and structures.
Campbell's work has had a profound influence on literature, film, and popular culture, inspiring countless stories and interpretations of the hero's journey.
His insights into the power of myth and archetype continue to resonate with readers and creators alike.
#1146
• Mentioned in 30 episodes
Aeneid
Virgil
James Howard Mantinband
Today the Pugs welcome Dr. Scott Masson of Tyndale University onto the show. Scott is an Associate Professor of English and an authority on Romanticism. He also is known for his commitment to a recovery of classical learning. Today Scott reflects on the broken relationship between the humanities and theology and the disastrous consequences for higher education. He notes that this strikes right at the heart of the Christian faith because it separates the divine and human natures of the Son of God. He compares this to the broken sword Aduril from The Lord of the Rings and notes that the right ordering of our loves and the restoration of culture won't occur until the sword is reforged in the West. Join us for a great conversation.
The Anduril Moment - A Call to Return to Christian Humanism: Dr. Scott Masson’s lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2IWBJcN5kk
Dr. Masson’s Substack: https://drscottmasson.substack.com/
Paideia Today: https://www.paideiatoday.com/
Recommended videos from Dr. Masson’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/DrScottMasson
i) How the Ideology of the French Revolution Destroyed Human Nature:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEYyIHiA0kE
ii) The History of Literary Theory (An overview):
https://youtu.be/0QsnNzFq9cs?si=yw06YOzRR1R6H0LN
iii) The Legacy of Romanticism:
https://youtu.be/2-ethRyqhzQ?si=K5KEkrlN0E77izN6
iv) The History of Cultural Marxism: https://youtu.be/lC7q26ddu2k?si=m1R03Cu3fYdDqzDk
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Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/
Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/