
Life and Books and Everything
Life and Books and Everything is a podcast hosted by Kevin DeYoung where discussions center on, well, life and books and everything. As a church pastor and theology professor, Kevin loves to talk about faith, theology, history, current events, and the occasional hot topic. Listen in and we hope you will learn something, laugh a little, and get some good book recommendations along the way.
Latest episodes

Apr 6, 2021 • 1h 4min
Men and Women in the Church
There is much at stake in God making humanity male and female. Created for one another yet distinct from each other, a man and a woman are not interchangeable—they are designed to function according to a divine fittedness. But when this design is misunderstood, ignored, or abused, there are dire consequences.
Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Men andWomen in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction by Kevin DeYoung.
Men and women—in marriage especially, but in the rest of life as well—complement one another. And this biblical truth has enduring, cosmic significance. From start to finish, the biblical storyline—and the design of creation itself—depends upon the distinction between male and female. Men and Women in the Church is about the divinely designed complementarity of men and women as it applies to life in general and especially ministry in the church.
For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.
Timestamps:
Background of the Book in Question [0:00 – 6:01]
We’re more confused than ever. [6:01 – 18:11]
Critiquing the Thin Complementarians [18:11 – 36:21]
Critiquing the Thick Complementarians [36:21 – 48:44]
Stop Cherry-picking Examples [48:44 – 58:20]
The Publishing Conundrum [58:20 – 1:04:24]

Mar 23, 2021 • 58min
Who’s to Blame for the Atlanta Shootings?
Kevin DeYoung podcasts solo this time to help us understand from a Biblical perspective the wickedness of the Atlanta shootings. He picks apart four threads that feed into how we measure culpability for heinous public crimes. And he helps us distinguish what should be condemned from what shouldn’t. And of course, there are books. Learn what books about race and other ideas Kevin has been reading.
Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of PracticingThankfulness: Cultivating a Grateful Heart in All Circumstances by Sam Crabtree.
Pastor Sam Crabtree surveys the Bible’s teaching on gratitude, demonstrating that every moment is an opportunity to observe, embrace, and appreciate with thankfulness the wondrous workings of God in ordinary life. Practicing Thankfulness includes 100 practical suggestions for practicing thankfulnessin daily life.
For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.
Timestamps:
How to Be More Thankful [0:00 – 0:55]
4 Preliminary Comments on the Atlanta Shootings [0:55 – 8:49]
On Culpability [8:49 – 25:28]
Distinguishing the Bad Ideas from the Good [25:28 – 30:57]
Is the church to blame for this man’s bad ideas? [30:57 – 36:25]
Bad Culpability Extrapolations [36:25 – 45:12]
Don’t let the bad outweigh the good. [45:12 – 47:11]
Books [47:11 - 57:33]
Books and Everything:
Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair, by Duke L. Kwon &Gregory Thompson
More than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City, by WilliamJulius Wilson
Race and Covenant: Recovering the Religious Roots for American Reconciliation,by Gerald R McDermott
American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time, byJoshua Mitchell
Slaying Leviathan: Limited Government and Resistance in the Christian Tradition,by Glenn S. Sunshine
A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload,by Cal Newport

Mar 10, 2021 • 1h 4min
COVID-19 a Year Later: Perspectives from Pastor and Doctor Miguel Núñez
Dr. Miguel Núñez, Pastor for Preaching & Vision at IBI and President of Ministerios Integridad & Sabiduría, left his medical practice to follow his passion of preaching the Gospel. When COVID-19 broke out in 2020, he used his medical expertise to assess the situation for The Gospel Coalition. Now, one year later, he again offers his insights to you, along with a conversation about how the preaching of the Gospel is spreading in the Dominican Republic.
Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World by Brett McCracken.
Helping believers navigate today’s media-saturated culture, Brett McCracken presents a biblical case for wisdom. Inspired by the food pyramid model, The Wisdom Pyramid challenges us to increase our intake of enduring, trustworthy sources while moderating our consumption of less reliable sources.
For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.
Timestamps:
The Wisdom Pyramid [0:00 – 1:26]
March Madness & COVID-19 [1:26 – 4:05]
Introducing Dr. Miguel Núñez [4:05 – 6:01]
Revisiting COVID-19 a Year Later [6:01 – 10:59]
Why Developing Countries Handled COVID-19 Better [10:59 – 15:11]
Fear & Surprises [15:11 – 19:27]
What’s coming next? [19:27 – 22:20]
What COVID-19 Reveals About Our Spiritual Condition [22:20 – 27:24]
The Backstory of Dr. Miguel Núñez [27:24 – 33:17]
The Backstory of the Dominican Republic [33:17 – 43:47]
Influences in the Gospel Movement of the Dominican Republic [43:47 – 51:10]
The View of the U.S. Church from Latin America [51:10 – 59:48]
Americanos Hablando Español [59:48 – 1:04:20]

Feb 16, 2021 • 1h 7min
Stephen J. Nichols on R.C. Sproul
Stephen J. Nichols is President of Reformation Bible College, Chief AcademicOfficer for Ligonier, and host of the 5 minutes in Church History podcast. He’s the co-editor of Crossway’s Theologians of the Christian Life series, and the reason he joins us for this episode is his new biography of R.C. Sproul.
Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional by Paul David Tripp.
Best-selling author Paul David Tripp invites us to set aside time from the busyness of our lives to focus on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Each of the short readings in Journey to the Cross encourages us to abide in the abundant joy found in Christ as we encounter the Savior more fully and follow him more faithfully during this Lenten season.
For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.
Timestamps:
Recommended Devotional for Lent [0:00 – 1:17]
Not THAT Stephen Nichols [1:17 – 4:05]
Meeting R.C. Sproul [4:05 – 11:12]
Shaping Influences on R.C.: Pittsburg, Gerstner, Berkouwer, Vesta [11:12 – 16:57]
Gravity and Gladness [16:57 – 23:21]
Ligonier Valley Study Center [23:21 – 30:31]
The Big Break [30:31 – 36:56]
Controversies [36:56 – 39:31]
Jim Boice [39:31 – 42:44]
Evangelicals and Catholics Together [42:44 – 49:04]
Classical Apologetics [49:04 – 53:59]
Favorite Book of R.C. Sproul [53:59 – 56:13]
Quick Questions [56:13 – 1:06:49]
Books and Everything:
Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional, by Paul David Tripp
R.C. Sproul: A Life, by Stephen J. Nichols
The Holiness of God, by R.C. Sproul

5 snips
Feb 1, 2021 • 1h 15min
Tim Keller on Reformed Resurgence
Timothy Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, shares his insights on the Reformed movement. He discusses the importance of evangelism and warns against the pitfalls of Christian celebrity culture. Keller offers impactful book recommendations for aspiring pastors and leaders, emphasizing personal reading's role in theological development. The conversation also touches on the complexities of evangelical identity and the challenges posed by societal changes, highlighting the need for humility and engagement in local churches.

Jan 20, 2021 • 1h 8min
Division, Whataboutism, & Christian Nationalism
Why is it so hard to acknowledge when our opponents get something right? Orto admit when we are wrong? Why do so few people see that BOTH this issue AND that issue can be right or wrong? Collin, Justin, and Kevin discuss these divisions that we experience on this episode. They also ask, “What is Christian Nationalism?” Listen to the end for the book recommendations and scroll down for the links.
Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the ShortStudies in Biblical Theology Series, edited by Dane C. Ortlund and Miles V. Van Pelt.
The Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series is designed to help readers see the whole Bible as a unified story culminating in Jesus Christ. In each volume, a trusted scholar traces an important topic through God’s word and explores its significance for the Christian life.
For 30% off this series and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.
Timestamps:
The Best Person to Disagree With [0:00 – 1:46]
Collin’s Jolly Holiday [1:46 – 4:17]
A Brief Digression on Morally Problematic Television [4:17 – 7:34]
Justin’s COVID Christmas [7:34 – 10:53]
VidAngel & Cobra Kai [10:53 – 12:15]
Kevin’s December Viewing [12:15 – 17:45]
Both/And: Why is it so hard to see both sides of an issue? [17:45 – 25:54]
Both/And: Should we even want this approach? [25:54 – 35:23]
Whataboutism & Selective Policing [35:23 – 40:57]
Christian Nationalism [40:57 – 56:16]
Book Recommendations Featuring Pro-Life and MLK, Jr. Topics [56:16 – 1:08:25]
Books and More Books:
The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture, by ScottKlusendorf
Defending Life, by Francis J. Beckwith
Beyond Racial Gridlock: Embracing Mutual Responsibility, by George Yancey
Letter from a Birmingham Jail, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times, by David S. Reynolds
The Attributes of God: An Introduction, by Gerald Bray
Forty Questions About the End Times, by Eckhard Schnabel
The Bible and the Future, by Anthony A. Hoekema
Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America,by Ismael Hernandez
America in the King Years, by Taylor Branch
Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v. Wade, by Clarke D. Forsythe
Concise Guide to Conservatism, by Russell Kirk

Jan 6, 2021 • 1h 25min
John Piper Talks Books
John Piper sits down with Kevin DeYoung to discuss human purpose, pastoral leadership, the advantages of reading slowly. And of course they discuss books, too. So many books. Reading them; writing them; loving them; but most of all desiring God through them. (See the full list below.) And in this conversation you will get a picture of what will perhaps be John Piper’s magnum opus.
Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp.
New Morning Mercies is great for people looking for a devotional in the new year—featuring 365 gospel-centered devotions. Each reading leads with a compelling, gospel-centered thought, followed by an extended meditation for the day. It equips you with the good news that you need to trust in God’s goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory—day in and day out.
For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.
Timestamps:
An Excellent Book for 2021 [1:11 – 2:37]
What did John Piper do for Christmas during coronavirus? [2:37 – 4:58]
Why Piper doesn’t like the word ‘retirement’ [4:58 – 12:45]
Especially Formative Books for John Piper [12:45 – 19:57]
On the Pros and Cons of Reading Slowly [19:57 – 34:48]
Books to Kickstart Pastoral Ministry [34:48 – 43:54]
Favorite Biographies [43:54 – 46:32]
Books to Return To [46:32 – 51:59]
The Hardest Book John Piper Had to Write and His Favorite [51:59 – 57:38]
Providence: John Piper’s Latest Book [57:38 – 1:03:15]
Enjoying the Process of Writing; Praise for Pastors Who Don’t Write Books[1:03:15 – 1:09:33]
More Questions on Providence and Providence [1:09:33 – 1:20:40]
The Most Important Verse in the Bible [1:20:40 – 1:25:08]
Books and More Books:
New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp (get 30% off)
Thinking God’s Thoughts: The Hermeneutics of Humility, by Daniel P. Fuller
The Unity of the Bible: Unfolding God's Plan for Humanity, by Daniel P.Fuller
Freedom of the Will, by Jonathan Edwards
The End for Which God Created the World, by Jonathan Edwards
The Religious Affections, by Jonathan Edwards

Nov 24, 2020 • 1h 4min
How Did Sexual Identity Politics Win?, with Carl Trueman
In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Carl Trueman joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his latest book, published by Crossway, which analyzes the development of the sexual revolution as a symptom—rather than the cause—of the human search for identity. You’ll also learn the benefit for Christians of reading Nietzsche and Freud, and what you can say to someone when there isn’t time to debate the philosophy of gender.
Timestamps:
Thirty-second long book title [00:55 – 1:25]
If identity is sexual, then sex is political. [1:25 – 7:37]
Behaviors demand toleration; identity demands recognition. [7:37 – 13:39]
Grappling with the history of ideas [13:39 – 22:26]
Intended audience [22:26 – 24:29]
Why Carl wants to be called a bigot [24:29 – 28:32]
Should pastors read these non-Christian authors? [28:32 – 34:18]
Is Protestantism to blame for sexual identity politics? [34:18 – 44:48]
Natural law will help us communicate to younger generations. [44:48 – 50:55]
What can you say to the other side when there isn’t time to debate? [50:55 –56:16]
Against lament? [56:16 – 57:50]
Family shapes theology. [57:50 – 1:03:00]
Books and Everything:
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, ExpressiveIndividualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, by Carl R. Trueman
Civilization & Its Discontents, by Sigmund Freud
The Triumph of the Therapeutic, by Philip Rieff
Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture,by David VanDrunen
Hands Across the Aisle
“The Fury of the Fatherless,” by Mary Eberstadt, First Things

Nov 17, 2020 • 48min
Live Conversation with J. Ligon Duncan, III
In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin DeYoung interviews Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary. This interview was recorded live on stage from the Faithful Conference at Christ Covenant on November 7th. Listen and you’ll learn the books and people and places that made Dr. Duncan who he is. You’ll even find out his DJ name.
Timestamps:
Early Life and Conversion [00:00 – 7:16]
A True South Carolinian [7:16 – 10:17]
Encounters with God in Study [10:17 – 15:20]
Taking the Racial Blinders Off [15:20 – 23:08]
Critical Race Theory [23:08 – 27:47]
Reformed Books [27:47 – 31:57]
Covenant Theology [31:57 – 33:08]
Ligon Unplugged [33:08 – 38:50]
Lightning Round [38:50 – 48:27]
Books and Everything:
Knowing God, by Jim Packer
Search the Scriptures, edited by Alan M. Stibbs
Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Reformed Dogmatics: Theology Proper, by Geerhardus J. Vos
Dr. Duncan’s Class on Covenant Theology in the RTS App (iOS | Android)
Favorite Hymn: “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,” by John Newton
Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof
“Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras,” mvt. 2 from Ein deutsches Requiem, by Johannes Brahms

Nov 10, 2020 • 1h 9min
What the 2020 Election Means
In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, &Justin wrestle with the current state of the 2020 election. Why doesn’t it seemto be a clear victory for the Left or the Right? What does it mean for thechurch? Does your vote have an inherent meaning, or is it entirely dependentupon your intentions? And they do indulge in just the right amount of rankpunditry.
Timestamps:
College Football [1:32 – 5:05]
Talking about the Election [5:05 – 33:11]
Does a vote have an inherent meaning? [33:11 – 48:48]
Alex Trebek [48:48 – 59:06]
What book, movie, or music do you go to when you need to reorient yourself?[59:06 – 1:08:49]
Book & Music Recommendations:
Collin:
The old, red United Methodist Hymnal
Kevin:
The Heidelberg Catechism
The Valley of Vision
Preaching & Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
any systematic theology
The Planets, mvt. 4, “Jupiter” (Thaxted) by Gustav Holst
The Mission: Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture by Ennio Morricone
Justin:
Psalm 131
“God Moves in a Mysterious Way” by William Cowper
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