Paul, a culture and religion enthusiast, joins health coach Nick Diller for an in-depth dialogue. They explore how religion serves as a guiding narrative in lives and the decline of traditional practices in favor of modern spirituality. The conversation draws parallels between fandom and religious community rituals and emphasizes the growing interest in Eastern Orthodoxy as a source of stability. They discuss the significance of storytelling in films, revealing how popular culture mirrors societal values and shapes our understanding of meaning.

Brett McCracken, a senior editor at The Gospel Coalition and author, discusses metamodernism as a hopeful counter to postmodern cynicism. He highlights evolving storytelling in film, blending sincerity and critical awareness. The conversation dives into the intersection of faith and popular culture, emphasizing authenticity and the church's engagement with contemporary longings. They explore how digital overload affects connections and the appeal of traditional practices in a fast-changing society, advocating for meaningful narratives amidst the chaos.

Justin Wells teaches documentary filmmaking at Biola Unversity and is the author of How to Film Truth. He has a Master's in Philosophy from California State University- Long Beach, a Master of Theology and Art from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Master's in Art and Documentary Film from the Art Center College of Design. In today's episode, we discuss the concept of the hero's journey in storytelling & popular film and assess how we can discern whether the stories we consume are universally true.  @justinsmorningcoffee  https://justinwellsfilms.com/ Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deeptalkstheologypodcast    Watch this episode on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5P9esW46w0&ab_channel=DeepTalks

David Bentley Hart, an esteemed author and philosopher recognized for his insights on theology and cultural criticism, discusses core concepts from his book. He challenges materialistic views of consciousness, emphasizing a unified relationship between mind and matter. Hart critiques physicalism and dualism, advocating for a perspective that sees consciousness as transcendent. He also explores the deep connections between language and reality, highlighting its role in rationality and divine communication, ultimately encouraging a reflection on intentionality and communion with God.

David Bentley Hart, a renowned theologian and philosopher known for his insights into religion and culture, delves into his thought-provoking book 'All Things are Full of Gods.' He presents the Socratic dialogue format that makes complex ideas accessible. The conversation navigates ancient myths, linking Greek gods to contemporary Christianity while revealing how these stories resonate with C.S. Lewis's themes of truth and beauty. Hart further explores the philosophical tensions between consciousness and materialism, highlighting love's role in understanding human experience.

This summer, we'll be replaying some of the essential episodes from the past six years of Deep Talks. Here's one of those episodes from December 2020!

This summer, we'll be replaying some of the essential episodes from the past six years of Deep Talks. Here's one of those episodes from December 2020!

Dive into the stages of Joseph Campbell's hero's journey and its universal significance in narratives throughout history. Explore metamodernism in the Spider-Verse films, contrasting traditional archetypes with modern storytelling dynamics. Discover Miles Morales' evolution and mentorship, highlighting themes of heroism and personal struggle. Delve into the influence of father figures on identity in heroic tales. Finally, reflect on how diverse narratives across cultures can illuminate shared human experiences.

Explore the clash between modernism and postmodernism through the lens of the maverick hero archetype in storytelling. The discussion unveils metamodernism as a transformative philosophy that balances innocence and knowingness. Delve into the emotional dynamics of empathy versus apathy in storytelling. Discover how shows like Seinfeld and 'Joe Pera Talks With You' navigate the complexities of irony and sincerity, offering fresh insights into daily life's absurdities and moral ambiguities.

Dive into metamodernism, a fascinating cultural shift that merges irony with sincerity, redefining our approach to storytelling. Discover how films like 'Fight Club' and Wes Anderson's works illustrate this evolution, showcasing the tug-of-war between authenticity and postmodern critique. Explore how narratives can oscillate between humor and emotional depth, as seen in the surprising layers of 'Shrek.' This engaging discussion unpacks how contemporary creators navigate the complexities of meaning-making in today's landscape.