The Theology Pugcast

What if everything you've heard about Christopher Columbus is wrong? Well, the Pug's good friend, George Grant comes onto the show to explain why. By the time he's done, you'll not only have a better understanding of Christopher Columbus, you'll se why he's still very relevant to the crises of our time. As usually, George is a fountain of information and we really enjoyed the conversation. We think you will too.Order ‘The Last Crusader: The Untold Story of Christopher Columbus’ by George Grant at https://canonpress.com/products/the-last-crusader-the-untold-story-of-christopher-columbus?srsltid=AfmBOoqXCOuSbPAIOfv4LYCSqfdm316gztUVD4zB7xSnSwdPkGEti9pSConnect with SHM Architects at https://www.shmarchitects.com/Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Join Zach Garris, a pastor and author known for his insights into masculinity and Christianity, as he discusses the profound topics of gender roles in Reformed theology. He shares compelling contrasts between traditional male headship and modern perspectives, highlighting the importance of scriptural foundations in family dynamics. The conversation touches on the challenges of contemporary views on singleness, the evolving roles of parents, and how societal pressures reshape faith. Garris provides a hopeful call to reclaim traditional values within Christian communities.

In this engaging discussion, Aaron Renn, a writer and consultant known for his insights on Christianity and men's issues, shares his perspective on the challenges evangelicals face in cultivating elites. Amid the vibrant PCA General Assembly, he explores the decline of evangelical influence through his Three Worlds Model, contrasting evangelicals with the cultural prominence enjoyed by Roman Catholics. Renn emphasizes the need for personal journeys to foster leadership in evangelical circles, critiquing the misconception linking faith with clerical success.

Jake Dell, pastor of the historic First Congregational Church in Woodbury, Connecticut, shares his vision for reclaiming mainline congregations for orthodox Christianity. He discusses the challenges historic churches face, including financial instability and cultural shifts, while proposing innovative strategies for revitalization. Dell also highlights the growing interest in traditional Christian practices among younger demographics and warns against the repurposing of churches for different denominations, calling for a protective movement to preserve these vital cultural landmarks.

Unable to meet this week, the Pugcast decided to share an episode from the 2019 archives. Tune in for this blast from the past!Perhaps the most controversial character in all of Tolkien's writing is Tom Bombadil. People seem to either love him or hate him.  But regardless how you feel about him, most people can't figure out why he's even in the Lord of the Rings. What's the point of the man in the blue jacket and the yellow boots? Certainly Peter Jackson thought he was expendable. He isn't even in the film version of the story. Was he inserted to make Tolkien's children happy? Was Tolkien providing a little filler to buy time because he was still working out the plot? Chris thinks that Tolkien was up to far more than people give him credit for when it comes to Bombadil. Chris actually thinks that you don't really understand Tolkien, or the Lord of the Rings, until you receive Bombadil into your heart. Listen in as Chris, Tom, and Glenn discuss the meaning of the mysterious Tom Bombadil!Order In the House of Tom Bombadil by CR Wiley, released 2021: https://canonpress.com/products/in-the-house-of-tom-bombadil?srsltid=AfmBOooq7248sFOcSr4AN7DXIDcAH0efflvAA8EcY6WSJcm3K-Ulg-zGSupport the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Today the Pugs discuss a provocative essay in the English publication, AirMail by Tara Isabella Burton. In this article she explores a new and very self-conscious religious disposition that is taking hold among tech elites in Silicon Valley. While there has been some buzz about a revival of interest in Christianity there, this is something very different, somewhat Gnostic, and very neopagan. Join the pugs as they reflect on it.Article Referenced: https://airmail.news/issues/2025-5-24/the-view-from-herefbclid=IwY2xjawKsh8NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyVnZXc29rSGpwaEFsQjRsAR5DHSu0LY04GYS7rDcYlDWzeZXQYiZ7OxvHCNAxLWdcqmfN05x5VHG8P2U6Ww_aem_Oj0e41ftR3pRfMQGqMQrhASupport the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Today the Pugs welcome Fr. Mark Perkins of St. Dunstan's Academy in Virginia onto the show! St. Dunstan's brings together Christian formation in the Anglican tradition alongside an education in the classics, skilled trades, and agriculture. Its vision is to help boys grow into mature Christian manhood through rites of passage and through a deep engagement with embodied reality. It’s a wonderful vision for the education of boys. We hope you enjoy the show!Learn more about St. Dunstan's Academy: https://stdunstansacademy.org/Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

In this engaging discussion, clinical mental health counselor Dr. Natalie Atwell shares her expertise and insights into the intersection of spirituality and mental health. She highlights a troubling rise in uncommon mental health cases tied to occult practices, emphasizing the need to discern spiritual warfare from psychological issues. Dr. Atwell explores faith's role in navigating mental health challenges, critiques the church's approach, and calls for a nuanced understanding of mental health that integrates both psychological and spiritual dimensions.

This week, Glenn brings up a dangerous idea that is growing in some Reformed circles: the idea of racial essentialism, that is, that different races have immutable characteristics that affect their worth. The guys talk about the image of God, the origins of the modern idea of race, and the challenges of working and ministering in a multicultural context.Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Is the human capacity for language something that should be overcome? Some tech-gurus think so. Today’s show explores that topic by delving into the Christian understanding of human language as a core aspect of being made in the image of a God who is eternal Logos. Is the war on language ultimately a war on God? Join the Pugs in this rich conversation.Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8