Believe to See

Ever wish we had more classical buildings? Erik Bootsma agrees. He's an architect who specializes in classical architecture. He explains the benefits of classical architecture, the shortcomings of modernist architecture, and what we can do to get more classical buildings.

Ever get frustrated by all the great books that the publishing industry ignores? Are you an author whose book is too Christian for standard publishers, but not Christian enough for Christian publishers? Bandersnatch Books is here to help. The founders of this new publishing house join the table to share their vision for finding and publishing overlooked books. Photo by Sam Churchill

Yeah, Christmas Day is over. But don't worry—we're still in the middle of the 12 days of Christmas. That means it's the perfect time for Matt, Mandy, and Evangeline to debate which film adaptation of A Christmas Carol is the best. Image from The Avocado

Why does The Mandalorian work so much better than the newest Star Wars movies? Michael Morea from the Reel Perspective podcast joins the table to explain. The table also discusses the influence of Western and Samurai films on The Mandalorian series. Photo by Francois Duhamel /Lucasfilm Ltd.

Ever wonder why some children's books are disposable, while others feel like lifelong friends? So has Ben Keiser. He's made a special study of children's books from the early 1900s. He joins the table to discuss how children's literature has changed over the decades, and why the classic works have endured. Photo by Juan Antonio Segal

Ever wonder why there are so many books about the Amish? Author Elizabeth Byler Younts joins the table to help explain. She writes literary and historical fiction books that feature Amish people, but aren't "Amish Fiction." She also grew up in an Amish family, and shares her insights on the people behind the genre. Photo by Ann Barker

Pastor Spencer Sweeting has an English degree and a love of literature. He joins the table to discuss the ways that literature informs his work as a pastor, and how the arts should help shape the Church's ministry. Photo by Benjamin White

Author S.D. Smith joins the table to share the story behind his Green Ember series. He explains his path to becoming a writer, his original idea for the series, and a day in the life now that the Green Ember has found its audience. On a partially-related note, he and Matt also discuss whether the T-rex had feathers...

Ever try to read an epic poem, but didn't know where to start? Anselm poet Jane Scharl is here to help. She explains the history and form of epic poetry, and points us to the best places to start reading. Check out Jane's own (fantastic) poetry at jcscharl.com. Painting: Odysseus and Nausicaa, by Christoph Amberger (c. 1505-1561/2)

Our fourth annual draft extravaganza! Evangeline, Matt, and Mandy take turns drafting the most interesting pub tables in the world. And this year, there's a twist... Photo by Kotomi