
The PloughCast
How can we live well together? What gives life purpose? What about technology, education, faith, capitalism, work, family? Is another life possible? Plough editor Peter Mommsen and senior editor Susannah Black Roberts dig deeper into perspectives from a wide variety of writers and thinkers appearing in the pages of Plough.
Latest episodes

Aug 14, 2024 • 23min
The PloughRead: Tech Cities of the Bible by Alastair Roberts
Alastair Roberts, a scholar delving into technology's impact on biblical texts, discusses humanity's complex relationship with technology, starting from Genesis. He highlights how self-serving motivations can clash with divine intentions. The conversation dives into stories of Cain and Nimrod, showcasing their ambition and defiance in creating cities. This serves as a cautionary reminder about the dangers of technological hubris and the quest for power, urging listeners to reflect on modern society's own challenges in aligning with God's purpose.

Aug 7, 2024 • 27min
The PloughRead: Will There Be an AI Apocalypse? by Peter Berkman
Matthew Loftus reminds Western donors not to send junk to his Kenyan hospital while stressing that they do depend on Western excess.

Jul 31, 2024 • 18min
The PloughRead: Toward a Gift Economy by Simon Oliver
Simon Oliver argues that some goods and services have value beyond their market price.

Jul 24, 2024 • 35min
The PloughRead: Computers Can’t Do Math by David Schaengold
David Schaengold argues that computers can’t do math and the human mind is a marvel that no machine has matched.

Jul 17, 2024 • 9min
The PloughRead: Give Me a Place by Brian Miller
Brian Miller, an East Tennessee farmer, praises a simple piece of technology.

7 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 27min
The PloughRead: The Artificial Pancreas by Peter Mommsen
Peter Mommsen discusses living well with technology in relation to the artificial pancreas system for diabetes, exploring the challenges in glucose control and insulin access. Additionally, the podcast delves into the impact of technology on mental health, adolescent behavior, isolation in society, and balancing risks and benefits in the medical field.

Jul 3, 2024 • 26min
The PloughRead: ChatGPT Goes to Church by Arlie Coles
Arlie Coles asks if large language models should write sermons and prayers.

Jun 26, 2024 • 17min
The PloughRead: Taming Tech in Community by Andrew Zimmerman
Andrew Zimmerman tells how the Bruderhof community tries to be intentional about personal technology.

Jun 19, 2024 • 16min
The PloughRead: Send Us Your Surplus by Matthew Loftus
Matthew Loftus reminds Western donors not to send junk to his Kenyan hospital while stressing that they do depend on Western excess.

Jun 12, 2024 • 21min
The PloughRead: From Scrolls to Scrolling in Synagogue by J. L. Wall
J. L. Wall describes how the way we read scripture has changed and the way that it has remained the same.
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