The Theology Pugcast

Is the human capacity for language something that should be overcome? Some tech-gurus think so. Today’s show explores that topic by delving into the Christian understanding of human language as a core aspect of being made in the image of a God who is eternal Logos. Is the war on language ultimately a war on God? Join the Pugs in this rich conversation. Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Recently James K. A. Smith said Calvin University should sue for divorce from the denomination that sponsors it because the governing body of that denomination says the university should enforce the biblical sexual teachings of that denomination. While this is the latest challenge to ecclesial authority at a ostensibly Christian college, it's definitely not the first. Across the church world similar battles between denominations and their colleges are being fought. But why does it happen in the first place? Today the Pugs--who've seen these fights from the inside many times--give their takes on how these colleges drift from the doctrinal standards of their sponsoring churches and what those churches can do about it. Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Today the Pugs are pleased to welcome Ryan Lauterio of The Maker Institute of Richmond, Virginia onto the show! Ryan is an academic and artist who taught at Virginia Commonwealth University and is now the Chief Executive Officer of The Maker Institute. The mission of the Institute is to develop Gospel-gripped, theologically minded, adept culture makers who faithfully seek to glorify Christ in all things. The Pugs enjoyed a free ranging conversation about the arts generally speaking and the current state of arts education. Learn more about The Maker Institute: https://themakerinstitute.org/ The Builder documentary referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z74o1Ld5eUE Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

This week, the Pugsters are excited to welcome poet, priest, and theologian Malcolm Guite to the show. Chris leads off the conversation with Mariner, Guite’s biography of Samuel Taylor Coleridge which uniquely among studies of Coleridge brings out the importance of his return to Trinitarian Christianity to his life. The conversation uses Coleridge’s life and work as a jumping off point to move on to other topics, including Lewis’s concept of joy and the nature and importance of imagination. It’s a fascinating discussion with a fascinating individual, and we think you’ll find it as stimulating as we did. Follow Malcolm Guite on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MalcolmGuitespell Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

After the last episode on Anselm didn’t get to his theory of the atonement, our resident historian Glenn decided we needed to go back and take another look at Anselm. But along with Anselm’s satisfaction theory, the guys look at a wide range of other ways Christians have understood the atonement over the past two millennia. Particularly at the beginning of Holy Week, this is a good time to broaden our thinking about the atonement and come to a deeper appreciation of what Christ has done for us. Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

On today's episode Tom introduces Saint Anselm, one of the most influential Western theologians whose impact remains significant on Western Christianity in particular. The pugs discussion of this founding teacher of scholastic Christianity lead into some of the riches of Christian history and theology, as well as into such fascinating territories of faith and reason, the ontological proof of God in particular, and the nature of the atonement. The relevance of the Saint for engaging our times is also discussed from many important angles. Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Today Chris presents Rusty Reno's thesis from his book, Return of the Strong Gods: Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West. Reno's thesis is that since WW2 western leaders and intellectuals have worked to weaken natural affections that call for loyalty and sacrifice. The weak gods used to promote the program have been weakening and we now live in a world in which the old affections are growing stronger. The Pugs reflect on this development--both in hope, but also with a little caution. Order Return of the Strong Gods: Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West: https://www.regnery.com/9781684512690/return-of-the-strong-gods/ Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

The Pugsters take a walk on the weird side with a conversation on UFOs (or, as they are now called, UAPs), AI, and quantum computing as interrelated parts of a new, emerging religion that Glenn calls Technopaganism. There's a whole lot going on in these areas and a lot of it is very strange. Join us as Glenn takes us through a survey of some of the terrain using the work of professor of religion Diana Pasulka as a jumping off point. But be prepared for a lot of things that don't fit the way we've been taught to see the world! Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

On today's show Tom, Glenn, and Chris trace the theological heritage of historic Christian and Reformed moral theology as it drew upon and developed natural law thinking as one resource for moral wisdom and engagement with culture. As we address moral challenges of our age, we have a rich heritage in our faith, from the early Church through various Protestant and Reformed lines, to draw upon as we aim to unpack biblical ethical wisdom in our time. The natural law tradition is one such line which the Reformed line classically embraced and developed in light of its core theological insights. The pugs enjoy a lively conversation around this important contribution to moral theology. The Right Use of Moral Philosophy by Pierre de La Place: https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Sources-Modern-Economics-Ethics/dp/1949011062 Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Today the Pugs are pleased to interview Brian Suave' and Benjamin Garrett about their new book, Haunted Cosmos. It's a fun and free-ranging interview about a cosmos that is more than just "stuff." During the conversation the question, "Why are Reformed believers seemingly less willing to entertain the ongoing activity of angels and demons in our world?" is considered, along with many other fascinating questions. Tune in and prepare to hear a discussion that discusses fairies, cryptids, and aliens and what we should make of them. Fun! Order Haunted Cosomo: Doing Your Duty in a World that’s Not Just Stuff: https://www.newchristendompress.com/cosmos Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

Today Chris shares some of his work on artificial intelligence and the prospects for a wholesome humanism. The question he's attempting to answer is, "Is it possible to preserve permanent things such as traditional family life when the technology we have developed can easily tears wholesome life to shreds?" In other words, is dystopia inevitable, or can we have an apple pie American wholesomeness and still have rocket ships? Join us for a little science fiction fun! Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ at https://youtu.be/7OYYuK2Y7d0

Today the Pugs interview Jeff Shafer about the brave new world of children without biological parents. What happens when children become products that we assemble from the gene pool and sell to the highest bidder? We don't have to wonder, it's already here. Jeff is a lawyer and the director of the Hale Institute. His recent lecture, "Machine Anithumanism and the Inversion of Family Law" was published on a couple of prominent Substacks and came to the attention of Tom and Chris at a recent Hale Institute event they both participated in. Tune in a learn about the talk that has Matthew B. Crawford and N. S. Lyons buzzing. Our scientists are up to some disturbing antihuman stuff. Read Machine Antihumanism and the Inversion of Family Law at https://theupheaval.substack.com/p/machine-antihumanism-and-the-inversion Learn more about the Hale Institute: https://www.haleinstitute.org/ Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ at https://youtu.be/7OYYuK2Y7d0

In this episode, the Pugsters take a look at Mariology from a Protestant perspective. While they don’t agree with a number of elements of the Catholic doctrines of Mary, the guys agree that Protestants don’t pay enough attention to her and that there are many valuable things she can teach us. As usual, the conversation ranges over a variety of topics, including the term “Mother of God” vs. Theotokos, prayer to saints, what virginity meant in the ancient world, and relics. Support the Pugcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ athttps://youtu.be/7OYYuK2Y7d0

Today the Pugs are pleased to welcome to the show Tilly Dillehay, author of My Dear Hemlock. Tilly has taken Lewis's ingenious book, The Screwtape Letters as inspiration for her book in which Madame Hoaxrot (a female Screwtape) instructs a junior temptress named Hemlock (her Wormwood) in the fine art of leading a young woman astray. It's a fun episode, and one with many reflections on the spiritual hazards that women find tempting. We hope you enjoy the show--if "fun" and "enjoy" can be thought of as the right words for such a diabolical subject. Order My Dear Hemlock at Canon Press:https://canonpress.com/products/my-dear-hemlock Find Tilly on the Home Fires Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/home-fires/id1530704128 Support the Pugcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ athttps://youtu.be/7OYYuK2Y7d0

Today the Pugcast is pleased to welcome Anthony Esolen on the show! Tony is a prolific author and translator. Perhaps his best known work is his translation of Dante's Divine Comedy. Today the pugs ask Tony for his thoughts on Artificial Intelligence, particularly Chatbots and Large Language Models (LLMs). As you might infer from the title of the show, he is less than impressed. The conversation is free-flowing and we think Tony's thoughts are always erudite and fascinating. We hope you agree! Follow Dr. Esolen on Substack: https://anthonyesolen.substack.com/ Order his translation of Augustine’s Confession: https://a.co/d/290ikNB Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ at https://youtu.be/7OYYuK2Y7d0

The Pugcast is pleased to welcome Brad Littlejohn back on the show to discuss his latest book, Called to Freedom. If there's one thing western culture seems to celebrate, it's freedom. But just what are we talking about when we speak of it? Does freedom mean doing anything you want, just so long as no one gets hurt? If so, is that even possible? That seems to imply freedom is either amoral or even immoral, and that can't be right. Fortunately we have rich wells to draw from in scripture and western philosophy on the matter and Brad is a faithful guide to those riches. Join the show and learn what it means to be free--spiritually, morally, politically, and even corporately. Order ‘Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License (Christ in Everything)’ https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/called-to-freedom-P005841102 Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ at https://youtu.be/7OYYuK2Y7d0

While we don’t have a full podcast episode for you today, we do have something even better! A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age (Our Pugcast Documentary filmed Spring 2024) is now publicly available on Youtube. Thank you again to all our Indiegogo supporters who made this possible! Follow this link to find it: https://youtu.be/7OYYuK2Y7d0 Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8

If men would only read more, especially more fiction, would not political nightmares, such as our current presidential turn, be avoided? The feminized cultural commentators continue to think so. The pugs engage a recent Vox article that takes seriously such a claim, and while the article finds the claim to be built on a questionable statistic, it nevertheless promotes the idea that reading more fiction could save men from their attraction to toxic masculinity. Tom, Chris, and Glenn have a bit of fun with the articles’ working assumptions and key claims, all while noting the detachment from reality needed to take them seriously. Article: https://www.vox.com/culture/392971/men-reading-fiction-statistics-fact-checked Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA

Today the Pugs reflect on a Substack article by N. S. Lyons entitled, The Reality War. This insightful piece notes that we are living through a revival of the most pernicious of all heresies--Gnosticism. The bitter irony of our time is it is occurring in what many people have wrongly assumed is the triumph of materialism. Lyons begins with recounting the bloody Crusade the Medieval Church waged against the Cathars, then he explores three manifestations of Gnosticism in our time: "Scientific Gnosticism," "Luxury Gnosticism," and finally, and counter-intuitively, "Reactionary Gnosticism." The Pugs consider each and wonder how we can fight them in our time. Article: https://theupheaval.substack.com/p/the-reality-war?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA

A recent post at Screen Rant complained that C.S. Lewis never explained Narnia’s magic system. This is an example of completely missing the point, as myth and legend never explain magic, though in recent fantasy lit, detailed out magic systems are almost an essential. For his part, Tolkien believed that fantasy had to make rational sense for it to work. The guys get go from these observations into a wide-ranging discussion of magic in fantasy, including Chris talking about the logic of magic in his fantasy series. They also get into a difference between the “magic” of the Elves and the magic of the Enemy in Middle Earth in light of Tokien’s essay “On Faerie Stories.” Screenrant Article: https://screenrant.com/narnia-questions-greta-gerwig-netflix-reboot-answer/ Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Catch our new documentary ‘A Pugcast Pilgrimage: Lewis, Oxford, and Our Postmodern Age’ on Canon+: https://canonplus.com/tabs/discover/videos/34865?fbclid=IwY2xjawF-J-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqj6CIhUs6mTwkMc-AHhKiP1E4dPAtOm60rgu69RZ2LfhqYLJg2JHx4uQ_aem_LV-nOWc1vnhV6scW9cGZpA The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/media-podcasts