Wade Center

How can we trust a God that let's bad things happen to us? How can we worship in the ordinary and in the difficult times in life, even when we are suffering? In this week's episode, co-hosts Dr. Jim Beitler and Aaron Hill sit down with author and Anglican priest, Tish Harrison Warren, to discuss her recent books and her newest forthcoming book "What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience" about how can we continue to worship and pray when we are weary and our spiritual lives feel arid. Books/Talks by Tish Harrison Warren Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life Wade Center Lecture: "Waiting on the Slow Work of God: How the Habit of Hope Transforms Us" Songs/Artists Mentioned "Show the Way" by David Wilcox "Your Labor is not in Vain" by Wendell Kimbrough Jon Guerra

Would J.R.R. Tolkien have approved of the recent Rings of Power series or Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy? We couldn't resist asking Dr. Holly Ordway her opinion on Tolkien's films and how she thinks Tolkien would have reacted. Don't forget to check out out main episode this week with Dr. Holly Ordway about her recent book on Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography (2023) and the truth about whether the friendship between Tolkien and C.S. Lewis fell apart (or not) at the end of their lives.

Millions explore and live inside of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novels on a regular basis, but few study and examine his faith. Join co-hosts Dr. Jim Beitler and Aaron Hill as they discuss sit down with Dr. Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography (2023), to discuss Tolkien's faith, his friendship with C.S. Lewis, his opinion of The Chronicles of Narnia, why his novels weren't more spiritually explicit with their content and themes, and how Tolkien read Scripture—including his work on translating the book of Jonah.

Crystal L. and David C. Downing, former co-hosts of the podcast, return to discuss Crystal's latest book, The Wages of Cinema (IVP, 2025). Join Dr. Jim Beitler and Aaron Hill as they sit down to discuss the intersection of film theory with Dorothy L. Sayers and Christian theology. If you want to dig in more make sure to watch Crystal's lecture at The Wade Center on YouTube this past summer and grab a copy of her book over at InterVarsity Press.

Simon Horobin, a Professor of English Language & Literature at Magdalen College, dives deep into the life of C.S. Lewis at Oxford. He shares insights about Lewis's struggles and triumphs during the vibrant 1920s, detailing friendships formed in chilly rooms and lively gatherings with the Inklings. Listeners will explore key literary landmarks, including the Eagle and Child pub, and discover how wartime chaos inspired Lewis's children's storytelling. Horobin also discusses the bittersweet nature of Lewis's academic journey and his lasting influence on Oxford.

Did C.S. Lewis believe in evolution or not? Join co-hosts Dr. Jim Beitler and Aaron Hill for a bonus episode where we ask this question of Dr. John H. Walton, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College. Dr. Walton is widely known for his Lost World Series books as well as his commentaries and teaching on the creation account in Scripture. Make sure to check out our main episode with Dr. Walton where we discuss how Lewis frame creation in his writings, particularly in Perelandra and The Magician's Nephew.

C.S. Lewis fictionalized the creation account in several of his novels, most notably in Perelandra and The Magician's Nephew. Join co-hosts Dr. Jim Beitler and Aaron Hill as they explore Lewis's imaginative and expansive creation narratives with Dr. John H. Walton, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College. Dr. Walton is widely known for his Lost World Series books as well as his own interpretations of the creation account in Scripture. You won't want to miss this week's discussion as we explore how Lewis's writings compare to the biblical account on a host of topics from sacred space, to the Fall, to creation ex nihilo, to the serpent, and so much more.

Dive into the world of beloved books that transform our understanding of characters and narratives! The hosts share listener favorites while exploring how rereading can reshape personal growth. Discover the profound themes of compassion and redemption in works by Marilynne Robinson and Nouwen. Unpack the philosophical debates between Freud and C.S. Lewis, and delve into Chesterton's intriguing tale that challenges perspectives on life and motivation. This lively discussion reveals the timeless magic of literature.

Millions know him as a novelist and an Oxford Don, but C.S. Lewis's most lasting impact may be his role model as a Christian witness and evangelist. President of Wheaton College, Dr. Philip Ryken joins co-hosts Dr. Jim Beitler and Aaron Hill to explore C.S. Lewis's views about the witness of Scripture and what he can teach us about our own approach to Christian witness. How did Lewis approach Scripture, doctrine, and evangelism and how might that inform our own efforts to bear witness to the truth?

Dive into a celebration of beloved books, starting with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, as the hosts reflect on their profound impact on personal growth and worldview. Explore themes like creation, faith, and environmental stewardship, while also delving into how literature can facilitate healing and resilience. The discussion uncovers the interconnectedness of forgiveness and community responsibility, highlighted by insights from iconic texts such as 'The Great Divorce.' Listeners are encouraged to share their own transformative literary experiences.