The Theology Pugcast

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

Recently James K. A. Smith said Calvin University should sue for divorce from the denomination that sponsors it because the governing body of that denomination says the university should enforce the biblical sexual teachings of that denomination. While this is the latest challenge to ecclesial authority at a ostensibly Christian college, it's definitely not the first. Across the church world similar battles between denominations and their colleges are being fought. But why does it happen in the first place? Today the Pugs--who've seen these fights from the inside many times--give their takes on how these colleges drift from the doctrinal standards of their sponsoring churches and what those churches can do about it.Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Today the Pugs are pleased to welcome Ryan Lauterio of The Maker Institute of Richmond, Virginia onto the show! Ryan is an academic and artist who taught at Virginia Commonwealth University and is now the Chief Executive Officer of The Maker Institute. The mission of the Institute is to develop Gospel-gripped, theologically minded, adept culture makers who faithfully seek to glorify Christ in all things. The Pugs enjoyed a free ranging conversation about the arts generally speaking and the current state of arts education.Learn more about The Maker Institute: https://themakerinstitute.org/The Builder documentary referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z74o1Ld5eUESupport the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Malcolm Guite, an Anglican priest, poet, and theologian, dives deep into the intertwining realms of theology and literature. The discussion highlights his biography of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, underscoring faith's pivotal role in creativity. Guite critiques contemporary interpretations of Coleridge while advocating for a spiritual understanding of literature. They explore the unique human capacity for imagination, contrasting it with artificial intelligence's limitations, and emphasize the importance of integrating reason and imagination for a fuller grasp of reality.

After the last episode on Anselm didn’t get to his theory of the atonement, our resident historian Glenn decided we needed to go back and take another look at Anselm. But along with Anselm’s satisfaction theory, the guys look at a wide range of other ways Christians have understood the atonement over the past two millennia. Particularly at the beginning of Holy Week, this is a good time to broaden our thinking about the atonement and come to a deeper appreciation of what Christ has done for us.Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Discover the profound impact of Saint Anselm, a pivotal figure in Western Christianity, as the discussion unfolds on his life, faith, and reason. Delve into the era of medieval scholars and the cultural shifts that shaped theological thought. Explore the complex intersections of Platonism and Christian doctrine, as well as participatory metaphysics that highlights the divine's role in creation. The podcast also contrasts the philosophical methods of Anselm and Aquinas, offering insights into historical and contemporary faith challenges.