Mere Fidelity

What makes good summer reading? If anyone would know, it's the Mere Fi bookworms. This isn't a book recommendation episode. Matt, Andrew, and Alastair ask the questions to figure out what actually drives each of them to read the books they do, and why they are so different. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: The Glue Guy [0:00] A Lack of Resonance [1:41] Finding Resonance [7:28] Malaise & Wonder [10:54] Read Your Greens [16:35] To Each His Own [18:34] The Questions that Animate You [23:06] Sexy Thinker Books [27:25] First-Order Encounters with the Text [32:55] Be Selective [37:10] Think Lewisly [42:34]

Ewan Goligher has written a book making a clear and strong argument against euthanasia and for the intrinsic value of human life. He joins Matt and Alastair to discuss many fine points of this complex and knotty issue, including the history of the legality of euthanasia in Canada, the ethical implications of suicide, the good of death, and the intrinsic value of a human's existence. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Keep Us Going [0:00] A Sudden Change in Canada [1:48] A Reaction from the Church [6:48] Autonomy of Physicians [9:56] Whose Prima Facie? [14:34] Intrinsic Value [18:42] Suicide qua Suicide [21:06] Existence [27:47] Death as a Witness [32:28] Death as a Mercy [35:44] Creatures in Time [44:51]

Professor Oliver O’Donovan discusses the relationship between Christian belief and politics. Topics include scripture in political judgment, reading Genesis, Carl Schmitt's polarity, common objects of love, pro- and post-liberalism, and the role of reason in politics.

Renowned Professor Oliver O'Donovan delves into Christian ethics, discussing the nuances between nature and creation, balancing familial duties with divine commitments, exploring constructive newness in God's order, and unifying biblical ethics under the love commandment. The conversation sheds light on moral formation, the closure of the canon, and the intersection of Jewish tradition with contemporary Christian ethics.

Delve into casuistry, a complex method for ethical reasoning. Explore its historical significance in Catholic and Protestant traditions. Discuss the practical application in pastoral situations within the church. Contrast casuistry with legalism and emphasize the importance of improving reasoning skills for pastors. Highlight the need for specialized training in moral distinctions and the role of moral theology in counseling within churches.

Taking up a difficult passage of Scripture, Alastair, Andrew, and Matt consider the incident in which Jacob deceives Isaac into giving him the blessing. Multiple respected theologians bring solid principles to bear on the interpretation of this reading, and come to very different conclusions. What is to be done? Is lying always and everywhere wrong? Was Jacob justified in his ruse? And in the process Alastair reveals some striking parallels between this story and that of King David. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: Tempus Fugit [0:00] Misreading the Preposition [2:12] The Setup [3:34] The Dispute [7:16] The Anderson School [14:43] Davidic Parallels [23:38] Urgency in Lying [30:09] "I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." [36:19] Rogues Gallery or Rogues Mirror? [38:35]

Exploring the balance between personal judgment and church authority in Christianity. Emphasizing responsible belief and growth in understanding. Nurturing critical thinking skills and independence. Importance of embracing diverse perspectives within the church community.

Andrew, Matt, and Alastair discuss the controversial passage in First Timothy on women's authority in the church. They explore historical contexts, gender roles in teaching, and the theological implications of women being saved through childbearing. The conversation challenges traditional interpretations and highlights the evolving roles of men and women in early Christianity.

Dive into the unique elements of the Resurrection account in the Gospel of John, including Jesus' interactions with Mary Magdalene and Thomas, the significance of the 153 fish, and the symbolism throughout the narrative. Explore the deep connections between John and Ezekiel, the portrayal of characters like Peter and John, and the impact of the Resurrection on the church's mission.

As we approach Palm Sunday, Alastair, Matt, and Derek meditate—and ask incisive questions—upon the Cross, the Resurrection, the Triumphal Entry, the Transfiguration, and the true center of our faith. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: All Glory, Laud, and Honor [1:09] The Bible's Third Day Problem [2:14] The Crucial Tension [3:12] Holy Saturday [6:13] Resurrection Art [8:42] Satellite Events [13:59] Watershed [17:05] Crossbearing [19:43] Triumphal Entry [22:08] Glorious Defeat [28:25]