Host Cody Cook engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dr. Steven R. Haines, professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Rhodes College and author of the critically acclaimed book, The Battle for Bonhoeffer: Debating Discipleship in the Age of Trump.

The conversation covers Bonhoeffer's complex writings, produced under the existential strains of Nazi Germany, and explores how his steadfast opposition to Nazism has been invoked in contemporary political landscapes--particularly by politically conservative evangelicals like Eric Metaxas. Haines and Cook examine the varied political utilizations of Bonhoeffer’s work and the potential misconceptions that come with his broad appeal.

Listeners will gain insights into Bonhoeffer’s controversial involvement in the assassination plot against Hitler, his concept of "religionless Christianity," and his nuanced peace ethic that challenges both pacifism and violence. They also discuss how Bonhoeffer's commitment to social justice exemplifies the intersection of the Gospel and aiding those oppressed by state actions.

Join us for this insightful episode as we unpack the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and explore what it means to be a disciple in challenging times.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Host Doug Stuart sits down with renowned film critic and author Abby Olcese to explore the intricate intersections of film, faith, and the liturgical calendar. Abby's new book, Film for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies, forms the crux of this stimulating discussion, inviting listeners to see movies as more than mere entertainment but as avenues for spiritual and cultural introspection.

The conversation begins with a delightful nod to the upcoming Paddington 3, encouraging listeners to revisit the first two charming installments. Abby then introduces Joyeux Noel, bringing a poignant cinematic portrayal of the World War I Christmas truce into the fold. This sets the stage for a deeper dive into the themes of Lent, where Abby explains her thoughtful selection of films like "Annihilation" and "Groundhog Day" to navigate through themes of mortality, repentance, and self-awareness.

As Doug shares his fascination with liturgical rhythms and their underappreciation in American low church traditions, Abby enriches the dialogue with insights from her church background, reflecting influences from her time as an Episcopal ministry intern. They bond over the transformative power of films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Fast and Furious 6 in embodying ecclesiastical themes of diversity and unity, particularly resonating with the spirit of Pentecost.

Exploring the evolving landscape of film criticism, Abby passionately argues for the importance of historical context in understanding movies. A robust discussion unfolds around how classic films like Top Gun and Night of the Hunter reflect societal attitudes of their times, paralleling her views on the lasting influence of well-crafted narratives.

The show takes an intriguing turn as Doug and Abby delve into contemporary television's shift towards streaming, critiquing the impact of immediate performance metrics on long-form storytelling. They appreciate the quality and richness of limited series on platforms like Apple TV, using Blackbird and Bad Monkey as exemplary cases.

Abby’s narratives come full circle as she illustrates how films can serve as spiritual reflections for themes churches might miss, inspiring hope, love, and inclusivity. This episode is a treasure trove for listeners, whether cinephiles, faith-seekers, or both, offering unique perspectives on how movies like Paddington, The Last Jedi, and The Bishop's Wife can enrich one's spiritual journey.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

In this special holiday episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Doug Stuart is joined by guests Cody Cook and Alex Bernardo to discuss the must-read books to add to your shopping list this season. Whether you're looking for fiction, theology, or social commentary, we’ve got you covered!

Doug's Selections:

• Faithful Politics, by Miranda Zapor Cruz
• Letters to my Palestinian Neighbor, by Yossi Klein Halevi
• The Ferryman, by Justin Cronin
• Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, by Peter Attia

Cody's Selections:

• By Water: The Felix Manz Story, by Jason Landsel, Sankha Banerjee, et al
• Losing Our Religion, by Russell Moore
• How to Be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi (not recommended)
• The End of Race Politics, by Coleman Hughes
• Hutterite Confession of Faith, by Peter Riedemann
• Sin and Its Remedy in Paul, edited by Nijay Gupta & John K. Goodrich
• Paul and the Language of Faith, by Nijay Gupta

Alex's Selections:

• Jesus and his Promised Second Coming, by Tucker Ferda
• The Ethics of Money Production, by Guido Hülsmann
• A Theory of Capitalism and Socialism, by Hans-Hermann Hoppe

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com