In this episode, I talked about the best books I've read through over the past year. Rediscovering Holiness - J.I. PackerBiblical Typology - Vern S. Poythress | https://youtu.be/fw-8OXzmHVY?si=avlsGh1idmC0livIFive Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age - Rosaria Butterfield | https://open.spotify.com/episode/32jdwlaJG9lAhfpjDu3x03?si=bb114dfb4c624fadThe Justice and Goodness of God - Thomas R. Schreiner | https://youtu.be/WBMrfTCsLz0?si=BAONcW5tBbARUkZEChronicles of Narnia: The Horse and His Boy, The Silver Chair, The Last Battle - C.S. Lewis |The Pilgrims Regress - C.S. Lewis | https://youtu.be/KIqA5A4Ugbo?si=OA3PXS0YMSB6n3OdKeeping In Step With The Spirit - J.I. PackerCrisis of Confidence - Carl TruemanHonorable Mentions:Tolkien Dogmatics - Austin Freeman | https://youtu.be/LF5f6pKRmgE?si=SvGCt_hqZuMlFQhcThe Complete Works of John Owen: Apostasy From the Gospel, The Church, the Scriptures, and the Sacraments Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://optivnetwork.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

In this episode, I got to talk with a Professor of Politics from the University of Virginia, John M. Owen. John is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture and the Miller Center for Public Affairs. He is the author of Confronting Political Islam: Six Lessons from the West’s Past, The Clash of Ideas in World Politics: Transnational Networks, States, and Regime Change, 1510 - 2010, Liberal Peace, Liberal War: American Politics and International Security, and his new book, The Ecology of Nations: American Democracy in a Fragile World Order. Owens has published in the European Journal of International Affairs, International Security, New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and many others. He received his Masters of Public Policy from Princeton University and his Ph.D. from Harvard University. He has held visiting positions at Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Oxford, the Free University of Berlin, and the University of British Columbia.In our conversation, we talked about his book, The Ecology of Nations, and how different countries in the world interact with each other on the geopolitical landscape. We also discussed his article on First Things on the four stages of liberalism. We talked about the younger generations moving toward authoritarian regime and away from democracy. And finally, we discussed how one’s theology must connect to their political philosophy. I hope you enjoy! Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://optivnetwork.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

In this episode, I got to talk with WORLD Magazine Correspondent, Jill Nelson. Jill has focused a large portion of her reporting of the past several years on the Ukraine/Russia war and the Israel/Hamas war in the Middle East. Our conversation covers the history of these conflicts, the reason for the war, and how Christians should think through these sorts of geopolitical issues. UKRAINE/RUSSIA March 10, 2022: “Far From Family”Interviews: Cyndee Knight, Ambassador of Father’s House Luis Ruiz, and adoptive parents Jennifer Russ and Phil Graveshttps://wng.org/articles/far-from-family-1646881083 “Ukrainians seek justice for war crimes” (3-26-22)https://wng.org/roundups/ukrainians-seek-justice-for-war-crimes-1648315482Interviews: Serhiy Perebyinis (wife killed in Irpin) and Tatyana Kobzar (nephew killed in same attack)  ***“Russia’s Rapid Decline” (May 5, 2022)https://wng.org/articles/russias-rapid-decline-1651633867(Interviews: Pastor Andre Furmanov, Pastor Andrew Berdishev, Baptist Pastor Yuri Sipko, Bishop Albert Ratkin, David Satter)   ***“Quest for Justice” (Sept. 10, 2022)https://wng.org/articles/quest-for-justice-1661313430Interviews: Ludmyla Savchenko, Oleksandra Matviichuk (Nobel Peace Prize 2022), Sergey Rakhuba (Mission Eurasia) ***“Encountering Tribulation” (Dec. 8, 2022)https://wng.org/articles/encountering-tribulation-1670453390Interview: Mikhail Britsyn Pastoral perspectives: “United in Faith, Divided by War” (4-12-22) https://wng.org/podcasts/united-in-faith-divided-by-war-1649734795Andre Furmanov, Oleg Magdych, Oleg VasilevskyWar Crimes: “Cracking Down on the Kremlin” (5-23-22)https://wng.org/podcasts/school-choice-in-maine-1655960967?fbclid=IwAR3N5raQZdKgyzvLtnxaJRQd6WpfXxqsf8UfNSXBeFXPw4NxJYpotj9pfM8Ludmyla Savchanko and Rachel Kerr (law professor at King’s College London and co-director of the War Crimes Research Group) ***A 2014 story that unpacks why some Christians support Putinhttps://wng.org/articles/putins-playbook-1617325335 First invasion: ***https://wng.org/articles/cold-realities-1617329918 https://wng.org/articles/winter-at-the-barricades-1618235450ISRAELDecember Reporting trip: ***“Seed of Hope” (Israel Trip) (1-25-24)Interviews: David Pileggi (Rector of Christ Church in Old City), Pastor Michael Beener, Ran Ferdman, Israel Iluzhttps://wng.org/articles/seeds-of-hope-1705899552 ***I really enjoyed talking with David: “Christians in the Holy Land” (Q&A with David Pileggi-Christ Church Jerusalem) (1-26-24)https://wng.org/articles/christians-and-the-holy-land-1706119688 “Remembering their faces” (Hostages Square in Tel Aviv) (1-23-24)Interviews: Michael Levy, Liad Gross, and others)https://wng.org/podcasts/remembering-their-faces-1705961515“Daily Bread in a War Zone” (feeding troops fighting Hezbollah) (1-25-24)Interview: Pastor Israel Iluzhttps://wng.org/podcasts/daily-bread-in-a-war-zone-1706130658 ***“Neighbors at War” (Settler violence in the West Bank) (2-7-24)Interviews: Mustafa Al Kabeyta, "Joshua Pex"https://wng.org/podcasts/neighbors-at-war-1707243200Myths and Miracles about Israel on its 70th anniversary https://wng.org/articles/miracles-and-myths-1620595714“A history of violence: Hamas’ attack on Israel is only the latest in a 75-year war” (Timeline) (10-19-23)https://wng.org/articles/a-history-of-violence-1697674996?_gl=1*i505qe*_ga*MTc4NzMzMTg4OS4xNjYzMzY0Mjgx*_ga_QH42Y1N34C*MTcwNTQ1MTU5NS42My4xLjE3MDU0NTMyOTAuNjAuMC4w “Mass murder gambit: Hamas has the world’s attention. But Can it reignite Arab sympathies?”(12-21-23)Interviews: Pastor Israel Pochtar (WhatsApp), Daniel Pipes, and Haisam Hassanein (FDD)https://wng.org/articles/mass-murder-gambit-1702953880?_gl=1*1jypt5a*_ga*MTc4NzMzMTg4OS4xNjYzMzY0Mjgx*_ga_QH42Y1N34C*MTcwNTQ1MTU5NS42My4xLjE3MDU0NTM0NjEuMTQuMC4w***An older story about pro-Hamas elements on U.S. campuses (2009)https://wng.org/articles/pro-palestinian-junta-1620659027 ISOLATIONISM “Exit Stage Right: American conservatives are urging Uncle Sam to bow out of world affairs” (1-11-23)Interviews: AEI’s Matthew Continetti. Sen. John Thune, and Oleg Magdych)https://wng.org/articles/exit-stage-right-1704860393 ISLAM and ISLAMISM***https://wng.org/podcasts/fighting-radicalization-in-the-west-1618322328  https://wng.org/articles/too-cozy-for-comfort-1617303645  ***https://wng.org/articles/northern-migration-1617305085  And I'm including this one because it seems as Christians, we have to also be careful not to shun our Muslim neighbors. God is at work:  ***Muslim Background Believers “Seeking a Savior” (3-9-23)  Interviews: Georges Houssney (Horizons International), Fouad Masri (Crescent Project), Farah Marvil Saada (Hope for Ishmael), Hamid Hatami (MEHR Ministries), Mike Westerfield (convert) , Abdu Murray (Embrace the Truth) https://wng.org/articles/seeking-a-savior-1678156456 Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://optivnetwork.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

Just an update: Optiv Theology Podcast is no more! The new name is Orthodoxy. Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://optivnetwork.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

In this episode, I break down the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump this past weekend. I talk about the ideology and manipulation that leads toward these types of outbreaks, why young people are saying that they wish the bullet hit him, and how Christians should respond to this type of news. Assassination attempt video:https://youtu.be/LAk6dXEzIUoFull ABC clip:https://youtu.be/XPmpKXy_3P8Secret Service Director About Page: https://www.secretservice.gov/about/leadership/directorKimberly Cheatle on making the Secret Service 30% woman: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jul/14/secret-service-director-dei-hiring-under-scrutiny-/ Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://optivnetwork.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

This episode is a bit different. I am giving an update to all our listeners on Optiv Network, why Nic Gibson is no longer on this podcast, and what the podcast will look like moving forward.Links in the podcast:Sheila Stubbs on transgenderism: https://x.com/RepStubbs/status/1509541799521624069Planned Parenthood endorsement of Sheila Stubbs:ppawisconsinA post shared by @ppawisconsinSheila Stubbs response to reinstating abortion laws in Wisconsin: https://www.fox6now.com/news/planned-parenthood-abortions-in-wisconsin-resume-next-weekWisconsin State Journal articles on Sheila Stubbs:https://madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/a-unanimous-no-shelia-stubbs-dane-county-human-services-bid-gets-rejected-in-1st-vote/article_18c6e134-d8ba-5842-96b3-99ecc567c5dd.htmlhttps://madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/why-shelia-stubbs-nomination-to-lead-dane-county-human-services-is-facing-controversy/article_25b68950-7731-5c3c-9761-b855f96beea9.html Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://optivnetwork.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

Dr. Ryan McGraw, a Professor of Systematic Theology, delves into Covenant Theology, discussing God's promises, the Holy Spirit, and sacraments. He highlights the significance of covenant theology as a framework, exploring topics like excommunication, individualistic faith, and the roles of the Trinity in salvation. The conversation also covers the Covenant of Works, Covenant of Grace, sacraments, and growing closer to the triune God through Jesus Christ.

In this episode, I got to talk with Michael Ward. Ward is an English literary critic and theologian at the University of Oxford where he serves as an associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion. He is the author of many books including Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis and After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man. Dr. Ward is also a Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University in Texas. Most notably, Ward was in The World Is Not Enough, a James Bond movie from 1999. Michael and I discuss his book, Planet Narnia in this episode. We talk about the Ward’s finding of the secret hidden continuity between the seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia and how each book aligns with a medieval cosmological planet (it sounds crazy but it’s not!). Planet Narnia is one of the most significant books on Lewis and children’s fantasy of this past century, I hope you enjoy learning about it in this conversation. Enjoy! Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://optivnetwork.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

In this episode, I got to talk with Thomas Schreiner. Dr. Schreiner is the Associate Dean for the School of Theology and the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written many books and commentaries including The Joy of Hearing, Hebrews: An Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary, and The New American Commentary: 1,2 Peter and Jude. Dr. Schreiner also was the New Testament Editor for the English Standard Version Study Bible (ESV).We talked about his newest book, The Justice and Goodness of God. He discussed why Christians sometimes don’t want to talk about God’s judgment and wrath and why non-believers are so reluctant to listen to the truth of God’s judgment. We also talked about the comprehensive nature of God’s love and why one must believe in the wrath and judgment of God to have a full understanding of His love. Finally, we talked about how we should think about Hell and the eternal consequences of sin. I hope you enjoy! Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://optivnetwork.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

In this episode, I got to talk with Austin Freeman. Freeman is the Chair of the Department of Apologetics and Assistant Professor at Houston Christian University. He recently wrote a book, Tolkien Dogmatics, that reveals the systematic theology found in Middle Earth through The Lord of the Rings books. Austin has also written for many publications including Desiring God.We discussed his book, Tolkien Dogmatics, and how he started on this endeavor to write a systematic theology based on a fantasy series. We also talked about the key theological themes in Tolkien’s books related to God, Sin, Angels, and Creation. Finally, we discussed how Tolkien came to believe that his Lord of the Rings books could have been “inspired”. I hope you enjoy! Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://optivnetwork.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)