
Stone Choir
Two Lutheran (LCMS) men bring a theological lens to the world, and relate the state of the world back to theology. Topics are timely, challenging, and fearless. We’ll probably make you nervous, sometimes make you angry, but never leave you bored. We are the stones who cry out.
Latest episodes

Jul 2, 2025 • 2h 6min
The Septuagint — Wisdom Literature
The hosts dive into the fascinating differences between the Septuagint and the rabbinic texts, particularly in wisdom literature like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. They highlight how translation nuances can reshape theological understanding and perceptions of divine intervention. Listeners discover themes of humility, wealth, and moral instruction, emphasizing the importance of original text engagement. The discussion encourages reflection on community relations and the complexities of wisdom, urging a deeper exploration of scripture's implications for faith and daily life.

Jun 11, 2025 • 2h 10min
The Septuagint — Christology
Dive into the fascinating world of biblical texts as hosts explore the Christological differences between the Septuagint and the Masoretic text. Discover how translation choices can alter the meaning of pivotal verses, such as Isaiah 7:14 and Psalm 2. The conversation emphasizes the importance of hermeneutics and the integrity of original scriptures in understanding Christ’s role. Along the way, enjoy insights into the theological implications of these ancient writings and their impact on early Christianity. An enlightening discussion awaits!

May 7, 2025 • 3h 18min
The Septuagint — European History
The podcast dives into the rich and complex history of the Septuagint's role in European church history, highlighting key figures who could have defended its importance but largely did not. It examines the contentious translations of Jerome and their lasting impact on biblical interpretation. Listeners are introduced to the intricate relationship between Hebrew scholarship and Christian thought, showcasing figures like Nicholas of Lyra and the political tensions surrounding translations. The critical implications of rejecting the Septuagint, particularly in the context of the Reformation, are thoughtfully explored.

Apr 23, 2025 • 2h 51min
The Septuagint — Near Eastern History
The historical significance of the Septuagint in preserving biblical texts is explored, emphasizing its role in early Christianity. The evolution of the Hebrew language and its impact on scriptural continuity is discussed, as well as the linguistic dynamics during Jesus' time. The podcast critiques the shift from the Septuagint to Hebrew texts, advocating for a return to the Greek version. It also examines the tensions in translation and the intricate relationship between Christians and Jews over scriptural interpretations, urging a deeper understanding of theological contexts.

Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 27min
The Context Window
Dive into the fascinating concept of 'context windows' — our cognitive limits in conversation and understanding history. Explore the complexities of the Septuagint and why reassessing its historical significance matters. Discuss the perils of voting without true insight and the necessity of informed civic engagement. Delve into the challenges of meaningful communication in the age of social media while acknowledging the burden of expertise in democracy. Discover how repetition shapes learning and the importance of historical context in shaping our faith.

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 28min
Addicted to Psychologizing
This discussion dives into the intricate nature of addiction, highlighting its biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. The hosts challenge reductionist views, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior. They explore temptation's role and the idolatry of desire, emphasizing the importance of moral responsibility. Individuality and the diversity of personality types add depth to their conversation, promoting empathy and community support in overcoming struggles. The conversation ultimately champions a holistic approach to healing and understanding.

Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 28min
Confessional Idolatry
Hosts
Corey J. Mahler
coreyjmahler.com
@CoreyJMahler
Woe
aka Eschatologuy
@treblewoe
A true confession is not simply a matter of speaking a truth; rather, it is a matter of speaking the truth that is demanded under the circumstances. In fact, it is entirely possible to lie or to deceive with the truth. To say that it was the Romans who crucified Christ is entirely true, but to advance that particular truth in order to deny the truth that the Jews murdered the Lord Christ would be to lie with a truth. This is a tactic that Satan has employed from the very beginning.
Today, we most often see this playing out with Christians who run to their doctrinal statements or confessions when faced with novel problems. The battles of the Reformation era were important (and remain important), but they are not the things that Satan is attacking today. The man who holds up his confession and denies that he could ever be wrong because he has Abraham (his doctrinal statement) as his father has become a pharisee who follows after Satan’s footsteps in lying with the truth.
Confessions must not become idols, and the battles of centuries ago are not the battles of today. To look upon the bronze serpent because God commanded it is one thing; to worship the bronze serpent because you have distorted what it was is another matter entirely. Satan is rightly called a serpent — do not give him the opening he needs.
Subscribe to the podcast here.
Show Notes
See Also
Further Reading
Parental Warnings
None.
Transcript
The transcript for this episode can be found here
Other transcripts can be found here
Current Sponsor(s)
Coming soon?
Support the Podcast
Recurring Donation
One-Time Donation
Cryptocurrency Donation
Mahler’s Amazon.com Wish List
Woe’s Amazon.com Wish List
The Stone Choir 2024 Challenge Coin
Comments?
Join the discussion on Telegram, visit the feedback form or comment below.

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 37min
Excellence
Hosts
Corey J. Mahler
coreyjmahler.com
@CoreyJMahler
Woe
aka Eschatologuy
@treblewoe
In every endeavor, there is an excellence. A man can be excellent in his field, regardless or what it may be, or excellent at his undertaking, also regardless of what it may be. There are excellent paintings, excellent poems, excellent plays, excellent athletic performances, excellent shoes, and a whole host of other things that one could only begin to list. A part of the Christian life is recognizing the existence of excellence and then aiming for it.
Not all men can achieve the same level of excellence, not even all men engaged in the same field, but every man can recognize excellence and strive toward it. Further, we must recognize, respect, and honor excellence when and where we find it, instead of giving in to the tendency of the modern world to minimize and dismiss it. The man who is excellent in his field has achieved that excellence due both to natural talent (i.e., gifts from God) and hard work (i.e., the acquisition or skill or knowledge); every man, even and often in the mundane, is participating in the same sort of striving toward excellence.
We all see the man who wins some top athletic honor with his excellent performance, but what we do not see is the tens of thousands of hours of practice that went into that performance. Excellence does not fall from the sky (even if the gifts of God essentially do so), but is pursued with motivation and determination — it is a purpose toward which one strives. As Christians, we should recognize that all excellence is a gift from God, and we should honor and respect it when and where we find it, and then we should use it to motivate our own efforts, instead of joining the world in sarcasm or indifference.
Subscribe to the podcast here.
Show Notes
kalos
areté
See Also
Further Reading
Parental Warnings
None.
Transcript
The transcript for this episode can be found here
Other transcripts can be found here
Current Sponsor(s)
Coming soon?
Support the Podcast
Recurring Donation
One-Time Donation
Cryptocurrency Donation
Mahler’s Amazon.com Wish List
Woe’s Amazon.com Wish List
The Stone Choir 2024 Challenge Coin
Comments?
Join the discussion on Telegram, visit the feedback form or comment below.

Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 11min
Purpose and Motivation
The discussion dives into the essential link between purpose, motivation, and duty in life. It emphasizes the need for internal motivation to fulfill responsibilities, warning against overthinking. The hosts explore the moral obligations tied to professions, and how a clear purpose influences identity and relationships. They highlight the importance of community support in nurturing motivation and delve into personal development, showcasing how habits shaped by purpose lead to a more fulfilling existence.

Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 37min
The Magdeburg Confession
Hosts
Corey J. Mahler
coreyjmahler.com
@CoreyJMahler
Woe
aka Eschatologuy
@treblewoe
There is no blanket Christian duty to submit to wrongful authority; in fact, under certain circumstances, the Christian may even have an affirmative duty to resist the tyrant — even the tyrant who may claim to be a Christian himself. The Magdeburg Confession serves as a foundational document (arguably second only to Scripture) on the Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrate and Christian resistance to tyranny. For the Christian, the question is twofold:
When is it moral to resist the higher authority?
When is it wise to resist the higher authority?
It is incumbent on Christian men to consider these matters, for we have duties to those above us and to those below us (if any) in the social and political hierarchy. The Magdeburgers had to work through these issues while watching an imperial army make ready a siege that would eventually last more than a year and claim thousands of lives (mostly on the imperial side); we would do well to think through these matters now, while we yet enjoy relative peace.
Subscribe to the podcast here.
Show Notes
The Magdeburg Confession [Amazon]
Romans 13
See Also
Further Reading
Parental Warnings
None.
Transcript
The transcript for this episode can be found here
Other transcripts can be found here
Current Sponsor(s)
Coming soon?
Support the Podcast
Recurring Donation
One-Time Donation
Cryptocurrency Donation
Mahler’s Amazon.com Wish List
Woe’s Amazon.com Wish List
The Stone Choir 2024 Challenge Coin
Comments?
Join the discussion on Telegram, visit the feedback form or comment below.