Believe to See

Glenn McCarty is the author of Junction Tales and The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson. He’s also a big believer in middle grade. He joins the table to discuss the importance of giving kids good books, and the influence of classics like Tom Sawyer on his imagination. PS: Glenn’s latest book, Dead-Eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid, is now available. Check it out! http://www.glennmccarty.com

Painter Josh Tiessen joins the table to discuss his new collection, “Streams in the Wasteland.” These paintings are both hyper-realistic and surrealistic. They feature exotic animals, Old Testament motifs, and a message about the human condition and our ecological crisis. Seriously, check these paintings out straight away! Here’s a link to Josh’s website, where you can find more info on Streams in the Wasteland: joshtiessen.com. Artwork by Josh Tiessen

Are the Classics just something for privileged nerds? Dr. Anika Prather doesn’t think so. She joins the table to explain the importance of the Classics in African American thought, the importance of Africa itself in the classical world, and why we could all benefit from studying the Classics. Photo: Terracotta column-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water) depicting an African serving boy, late Classical, ca. 360–350 B.C., Rogers Fund, 1950, Accession no. 50.11.4. Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Why are dragons everywhere in world literature, and why do we still find them so fascinating? Dr. Junius Johnson joins the table to explain. He’s both an Anselm Fellow and a multi-talented scholar—and he happens to be teaching a new online course all about dragons.

Is Disney a force for good in the film world, or a corporate monster destroying everything in its path? Maybe a little of both? Anselm author Hudson Jungck joins the table to discuss the many pros and cons of Disney. And also to debate Matt about the Marvel MCU… Photo by Dave Hogg

Karen Swallow Prior joins the table to discuss her new series for reading and reflecting on classic books, and to explore the importance of reading well. Photo from Karen Swallow Prior

What’s the best way to listen to sacred music? Come to think of it, what even is sacred music? Delvyn Case joins the table to help. He’s both a music professor and the founder of Deus Ex Musica, an ecumenical organization that engages church communities with sacred music. Photo by Steven Miscandlon

Are Godzilla movies just silly fun, or can they tell serious stories? Matt brings his brothers and cousin to the table to find out. They’re all huge fans, and they have strong opinions on who should have won the fight between Godzilla and Kong...

Jonathan Jackson has written an epic poem about the Harrowing of Hell. He joins the table to discuss the doctrine of the Harrowing of Hell, his poetic approach to the subject, and why it’s such a rich source for Christian artists. Image: Christ's Descent into Limbo, woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, c. 1510

You’re bad at prayer too, right? Theologian Kyle Strobel joins the table to help us all out. He’s written a new book about prayer, and the title says it all: “Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul.”