
The Theology Pugcast
The Theology Pugcast is three over-educated Reformed guys grumbling about what bugs them, and sometimes even barking about what they like. The show usually is recorded in a pub--that's why there is some background noise on occasion. The topics can vary widely seeing as the Pugsters have different spheres of knowledge and interest, but common themes which appear regularly include the transcendence of God and the meaningfulness of His creation.
Latest episodes

Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 5min
Is STEM Beautiful? An Interview with Mitch Stokes
The podcast delves into bridging the gap between STEM and humanities through the concept of beauty. Topics include the synergy between STEM fields and philosophy, the historical connections between mathematics and philosophy, the mysteries of quantum physics, the relationship between music, math, and physics, elegance in scientific progress, and the limits of human understanding in quantum mechanics.

Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 8min
Tolkien and Thomism: An Interview with Jonathan McIntosh
Just how deep a dive is possible when it comes to Tolkien and metaphysics? About as deep as Thomas Aquinas goes, according the New Saint Andrews Fellow, Jonathan McIntosh. In this free ranging discussion the Pugs dive into the creation story of the Silmarillion, the nature of power and language, G. K. Chesterton, and dozens of other things. Tolkien nerds will now be able to nerd out in a whole new way!
Order The Flame Imperishable: Tolkien, St. Thomas, and the Metaphysics of Faerie: https://a.co/d/ivZ1YJO
Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8
Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 3min
Chestertonian Calvinism? with Douglas Wilson
Douglas Wilson, expert on all things Chesterton and Reformed, discusses the relationship between Chesterton and Calvinism, the attitude of freedom among early Protestants and Puritans, salvation by grace, the value of reading old books and appreciating differing theological views, the detachment of a word-centered faith, and reflections on writing styles and the apologetic value of beauty.

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 6min
Identity Politics & Original Sin: An Interview with Dr. Joshua Mitchell
Dr. Joshua Mitchell, a political philosopher at Georgetown University, joins the Pugs to discuss identity politics and its connection to Christianity. They explore the impact of identity politics on society, address issues of guilt and atonement, and emphasize the importance of face-to-face relationships. The chapter also discusses the threat of identity politics, the need to empower intact families and mediating institutions in the black community, and the long-term consequences of turning away from generative practices. Finally, they delve into the brokenness of human history and how the gospel provides a solution.

Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 6min
Is Our ‘Conscience’ Final in Matters of Truth and Goodness?
Today’s show looks at the theological ramifications of deformed versions of Christian teaching about ‘liberty of conscience’. Tom introduces the topic with some recent examples of Liberty of conscience gone awry. Glenn and Chris move the conversation along with a wealth of insight and perspective.
Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8
Check out The Good Life Podcast with Matt Carpenter: https://mattcarpenter.podbean.com/

7 snips
Aug 7, 2023 • 1h 1min
The Shattered Image of the Thirteenth Century
Delve into the intriguing shift from a medieval worldview to a shattered image during the 13th century. Explore how pivotal events like the Black Death and the Renaissance reshaped belief systems and knowledge. The discussion highlights the inadequacies of modern materialism while examining morality, beauty, and consciousness. Historical figures like Robert Grotest and Roger Bacon are celebrated for their innovative ideas, encouraging listeners to appreciate the rich tapestry of intellectual contributions from the Middle Ages.

Jul 31, 2023 • 1h 5min
The Over Administered Life
Today the Pugs respond to an article by Matthew B. Crawford--the author of Shop Class as Soulcraft--entitled: What is Vitalism? After distinguishing what Crawford is talking about from the vitalism of earlier thinkers, the Pugs sympathetically reflect on his main argument--namely, that the over-management of life by the professional managerial class infantilizes people and makes them weak and incompetent. His solution is a return to the real world and manual and mental competence. Tune in and see if you agree!
Read the article on Matthew Crawford’s Substack: https://mcrawford.substack.com/p/what-is-vitalism?r=3mqy0&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post&fbclid=IwAR20QRIS_sScRMtVs-r9LfHcbEnA29RONe3obeHunV6pAOKgw3jMrQdexpg
Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8
Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Jul 24, 2023 • 1h 3min
Fashionable Euthanasia?
An increasing trend has sprung up in the West, the Netherlands and Canada most recently, where assisted suicide and euthanasia have become fashionable options for people not merely suffering interminable diseases during the latter days of their lives but for young and old who are just tired of living for one reason or the other, whether its recurrent depression, an eating disorder, or a bad break-up. Tom introduces this disturbing trend, and the guys engage it from many angles, offering theological and ethical analysis on the one side, but also ministerial and sound counsel on the other.
Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8
Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb

Jul 18, 2023 • 19min
Bonus Q&A: Atheists Advocating Christianity
In this Q&A session, the hosts discuss topics like code names and the evangelical culture aligning with figures like Jordan Peterson. They highlight the importance of recognizing the doctrine of creation in cultural issues and the role of reason for Christians. They explore the concept of reason and its relationship to the mind of God, emphasizing the loss of metaphysical thinking in modern society.

Jul 17, 2023 • 1h 10min
Atheists Advocating Christianity
The Pugcast discusses an article that encourages atheists and agnostics to see the Religious Right as allies in the fight against the Woke. They explore the role of Christianity in society and its ability to create culture, while critiquing atheism's limitations. They also discuss atheists aligning with the Christian Right, demographic shifts in churches, living counter-culturally, Christianity as a defense against left-leaning culture, and trusting God's sovereignty in the cultural moment.