The Theology Pugcast

A thought-provoking exploration unfolds around the revival of Gnosticism in today's world. The discussion spans from historical roots with the Cathars to modern interpretations like 'Scientific' and 'Luxury Gnosticism.' There's an intriguing link drawn between feminist ideologies and ancient myths, highlighting generational shifts in attitudes toward childbirth. Delving into the impacts of science on societal beliefs, they critique 'woke science' and the chaos it breeds. The interplay between Nietzsche's concepts and the need to engage with the physical world adds a captivating layer to the conversation.

Dive into the fascinating world of magic in fantasy literature! Discuss how traditional myths differ from modern structured magic systems. Examine the moral implications of magic and its ties to characters. Contrast classic authors like C.S. Lewis and Tolkien with contemporary works. Explore the duality of truth and desire within magic, and the interplay between magic and reality. Delve into the ethical dimensions of magic in today's society, drawing parallels with technology and politics. Unpack how historical perspectives shape our understanding of magic.

Dive into the profound mystery of the Incarnation and its implications for humanity's understanding of divinity. Explore the historical significance of Christmas and the role of church tradition in shaping core beliefs. Discover how modern hedonism challenges notions of bodily dignity and the importance of moderation. Rediscover the rich history of Advent and personal traditions that enrich the holiday season. Finally, celebrate the transformative power of poetry in reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.

Explore the decline of art and entertainment shaped by technology and the 'dopamine loop' of social media. The discussion emphasizes challenges to genuine creative expression and the dangers of AI in human interactions. The hosts critique the rise of distractions and superficial engagement, while advocating for spiritual disciplines to counteract these societal changes. With a humorous touch, they navigate the complexities of modern addiction and the struggle to find meaningful pleasure amid relentless digital noise.

Rory Groves, author of 'Durable Trades' and 'The Family Economy,' left a tech career to build a family-based economy with his wife and children. He shares his transformative journey from corporate isolation to farming, emphasizing the importance of continuous parental involvement. The discussion highlights practical challenges and the significance of instilling skills in children for self-sufficiency. Groves also emphasizes community collaboration and the value of prioritizing relationships over material success, showcasing how family bonds can create a sustainable economy.

Today the Pugs are joined by writer and editorialist, Bethel McGrew to discuss Paul Kingsnorth’s Erasmus Lecture for First Things. The Pugs found themselves both barking when they found disagreement as well as agreement, with a slight weight given to disagreement. We hope that you enjoy the show.  Paul Kingsnorth’s Erasmus Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3hMSZqatHI Bethel’s Substack: https://www.furtherup.net/ Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

Working off a Breakpoint article on a Montana man serving time for cloning a Central Asian bighorn sheep and crossbreeding it with American bighorns to produce 300 plus pound sheep for hunting preserves (yes, it really happened), the guys get into a discussion about cloning, designer babies, life extension and attempts at human immortality, transhumanism, and other issues in bioethics. Article: https://breakpoint.org/bioethics-and-big-sheep/ Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

In this episode, Glenn and honorary Pug John West of the Discovery Institute interview Indian Christian philosopher Vishal Mangalwadi about his life, his proposals for recovering the role of the church in higher education, and his analysis of where Western culture epistemology went wrong. This last point generated a lively discussion about general and special revelation between Vishal and John. Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

Today Chris shares some thoughts on techno-utopianism--namely, what characterizes it? He proffers six distinctives and asks the guys to reflect with him on them. He suggests that while very few people would say they're on board with all six, most people seem to at least think that technology inevitably makes the world a better place. But is that necessarily so, or are we presented with a set of tradeoffs when it comes to technology? Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA Connect with Trinity Chattanooga: https://www.trinitychattanooga.com/ The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts

Today the Pugs welcome Rhys Laverty (all the way from the UK!) to discuss a new collection of essays on C. S. Lewis's Ransom Trilogy (sometimes misleadingly known as the Space Trilogy). The collection is being published under the title 'Life on the Silent Planet' by the Davenant Trust. Contributors include many friends of the Pugcast, including Michael Ward, of Planet Narnia fame. The Pugs enjoy a free-ranging discussion about everything from whether or not Lewis believed in intelligent life on other worlds to whether or not we're living in the world Lewis described in, That Hideous Strength. Join the fun! Order Life on the Silent Planet: https://davenantinstitute.org/life-on-the-silent-planet Connect with the Davenant Institute: https://davenantinstitute.org/ Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts