The Christ and Pop Culture Podcast Network

Guest Daniel Nayeri joins Jessica to talk about their shared love for Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes. In the discussion, a theory is posited that as we move towards a more and more visual culture (i.e., graphic novels, prestige television, and YouTube), Calvin & Hobbes marks the ascendancy of that visual medium and the decline of the traditional novel. The Theology of Calvin and Hobbes by Richard Beck The Complete Calvin and Hobbes, by Bill Watterson Information on the Host:  Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Daniel Nayeri Daniel was born in Iran and spent some years as a refugee before immigrating to Oklahoma at age eight with his family. He is the author of several books for young readers, including Everything Sad is Untrue (A True Story), winner of the Michael L. Printz Award, the Christopher Medal, and the Middle Eastern Book Award. He lives in the US with his wife and son. Learn more about Daniel Nayeri Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alan Paton's novel is widely regarded as a source of hope and endurance amid pain and significant suffering. As The Scandal of Reading continues season 3's theme about the Fruits of the Spirit, Claude Atcho interviews author S.D. Smith, who arrived in South Africa when Mandela was released from prison and left when he became president. S.D. Smith shares his perspective on Paton's work having firsthand experience of life in South Africa and how the book influenced his formation. Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton Information on Claude Atcho: Claude is the Vicar (Planting Pastor) for the Charlottesville church plant of the Diocese of Christ Our Hope, ACNA.  Previously, Claude lived in Memphis, TN where he served as pastor of a multi-ethnic church, Fellowship Memphis. He's the author of Reading Black Books: How African-American Literature Can Make Our Faith More Whole and Just, forthcoming from Brazos Press in Summer 2022. Information on S.D. Smith: S. D. Smith is the author of The Green Ember Series, a million-selling adventure saga featuring heroic #RabbitsWithSwords. The Green Ember spent time as the number one bestselling audiobook in the world on Audible. He is also the author of the madcap Mooses with Bazookas: And Other Stories Children Should Never Read as well as a fantasy adventure novel co-authored with his son, Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key. Smith’s stories are captivating readers across the globe who are hungry for “new stories with an old soul.” Smith is a founder and owner of Story Warren, a publishing, events, and IP development house based in rural West Virginia. Story Warren exists to serve families as “allies in imagination.”  S. D. Smith lives in Grandview, West Virginia with his wife and four kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The search — what is it and why does it matter? Claude and Austin tackle this important theme from Walker Percy’s The Moviegoer Whether you are reading along with us or simply want to know more about this important novel, join us as journey through this novel. Be sure to check out our Lit Pulpit Facebook group where you can ask questions and share thoughts on the novel: The Lit Pulpit Facebook Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To start this new season of Lit Pulpit, Claude and Austin recap lessons from James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain, look back at important themes in the novel, discuss and interpret John’s conversion experience, and announce the next book for Lit Pulpit. About the Host Claude Atcho: Claude is the Vicar (Planting Pastor) for the Charlottesville church plant of the Diocese of Christ Our Hope, ACNA. Previously, Claude lived in Memphis, TN where he served as pastor of a multi-ethnic church, Fellowship Memphis. He's the author of Reading Black Books: How African-American Literature Can Make Our Faith More Whole and Just. About the Host Austin Carty: Austin holds degrees in literature and divinity from High Point University (B.A.) and Wake Forest University (M.Div.), and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Emory University. He is the author of Christianity Today's Book Award of Merit for Church and Pastoral Leadership, The Pastor's Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's Fruit of the Spirit is Love. This week's guest author is medievalist, Grace Hamman. The two discuss the work of Jesus through Medieval Eyes by Julian of Norwich. Revelations of Divine Love, by Julian of Norwich Jesus through Medieval Eyes, by Grace Hamman Information on the Host:  Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Grace Hamman: Grace is the author of Jesus through Medieval Eyes, host of the Old Books with Grace podcast, as well as a medievalist, and wife and mom of three young kids. Learn more about Grace Hamman at her Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Fruits of the Spirit theme continues for Season 3 with acclaimed author Phillip Yancey. Together host Jennifer, the duo discuss the devotionals of John Donne (1571 - 1631 A.D.), a cleric in the Church of England and the exhibited virtue of patience. Where the Light Fell: A Memoir by Phillip Yancey Information on the Host:  Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Phillip Yancey: Growing up in a strict, fundamentalist church in the southern USA. Ever since, Yancey has explored the most basic questions and deepest mysteries of the Christian faith. Early on he crafted best-selling books such as Disappointment with God and Where is God When it Hurts? while also editing The Student Bible. Yancey worked as a journalist in Chicago for some twenty years, editing the youth magazine Campus Life while also writing for a wide variety of magazines including Reader’s Digest, Saturday Evening Post, National Wildlife, and Christianity Today. Learn more about Phillip Yancey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shemiah Gonzales talks with Jessica to kick off Season 3 of The Scandal of Reading to discuss the edited collection of Joy: 100 Poems. Shemiah is working on her own book called, Undaunted Joy and the pair discuss the constant debate on how to define "joy" that eludes the academic and the lay person.  Joy: 100 Poems, edited by Christian Wiman Information on the Host:  Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Shemaiah Gonzalez: Shemaiah Gonzalez is a writer with degrees in English Literature (BA) , Intercultural Ministry (MAPS) and Creative Non-Fiction Writing (MFA). She thrives in moments where storytelling, art, literature, and faith collide. Her work has appeared in America Magazine, Image Journal’s Good Letters, Ekstasis, The Curator, and Loyola Press, among others. She is currently writing a memoir, in the tradition of St. Augustine’s Confessions, it is written as a prayer. Obsessed with being well-rounded she jumps from Victorian Lit to Kendrick Lamar, from the homeless shelter to the cocktail party. A Los Angeles native, she now lives in Seattle with her husband and their two sons. Learn more about Shemaiah Gonzalez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 5, Claude and Austin continue the discussion of “Gabriel’s Prayer” in James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain. In this discussion they explore the concept and practice of forgiveness and how Gabriel's domineering and toxic character is influenced by forgiveness. Whether you are reading along with us or simply want to know more about this important novel, join us as we journey through this novel. Be sure to check out our Lit Pulpit Facebook group where you can ask questions and share thoughts on the novel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 4, Claude and Austin discuss religious power, toxic faith, and the complications of conversion by looking at “Gabriel’s Prayer” in James Baldwin’s Go Tell in on the Mountain.  Whether you are reading along with us or simply want to know more about this important novel, join us as we journey through this novel. Be sure to check out our Lit Pulpit Facebook group where you can ask questions and share thoughts on the novel: The Lit Pulpit Facebook Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cornelius "Neal" Plantinga Jr. joins Austin to discuss one of the most celebrated novels in American history, The Grapes of Wrath. The pair discuss the ability of John Steinbeck's novel to comment on systemic corruption and evil in the American dream during the Great Depression of the 1930's. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck The Scandal of Reading is sponsored by Brazos Press. Information on the Host:  Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Neal Plantinga: Cornelius "Neal" Plantinga, Jr. is Senior Research Fellow at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and president emeritus of Calvin Theological Seminary. Neal was Dean of the Chapel from 1996 to 2001 at Calvin University and served as professor (1979-1996) and president (2001-2011) at Calvin Theological Seminary. He writes for the Worship Institute and participates in its major events as a speaker or as a host for other speakers. Learn more about Neal Plantiga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alan Noble joins Jessica to discuss the 20th century Elliot's process of looking back into his tradition as the means of of writing poetry. The pair focus on The Four Quartets with an emphasis on the final of the four poems, Little Gidding while setting the stage of T.S. Elliot's life and situation during the writing of what is considered by many, including Elliot, to be his finest work. "For us, there is only the trying. The rest is not our business." - T.S. Elliot Collected Poems of T.S. Elliot, T.S. Elliot You Are Not Your Own, Alan Noble The Scandal of Reading is sponsored by Brazos Press. Information on the Host:  Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Alan Noble: O. Alan Noble, Ph.D., is editor in chief of Christ and Pop Culture and an assistant professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. He received his Ph.D. from Baylor in 2013. He and his family attend City Presbyterian in OKC. You may not follow him on Twitter. Learn more about Alan Noble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Associate Professor of Sociology Angel Adams Parham joins Claude to provide historical context to the life of poet Phillis Wheatley. The pair take a fresh look at Wheatley's most influential work, On Being Brought from Africa to America and discuss why a widely held perception of the poem's meaning may not be as accurate when put into the context of Wheatley's life and other works. On Being Brought from Africa to America A Hymn to the Evening To the Earl of Dartmouth --- The Collected Words of Phillis Wheatley The Age of Phillis by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers Phillis Wheatley Peters: Biography of a Genius in Bondage by Vincent Carretta The Scandal of Reading is sponsored by Brazos Press. Information on the Host:  Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Angel Adams Parham: Angel Adams Parham is Associate Professor of Sociology and senior fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture (IASC) at the University of Virginia. She works in the area of historical sociology, engaging in research and writing that examine the past in order to better understand how to live well in the present and envision wisely for the future. Learn more about Angel Adams Parham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 3, Claude and Austin discuss Part 2 “Florence’s Prayer” and the way that time functions in Baldwin’s novel, drawing out the intergenerational dynamics that move people towards or away from God’s grace.   Whether you are reading along with us or simply want to know more about this important novel, join us as journey through this novel. Be sure to check out our Lit Pulpit Facebook group where you can ask questions and share thoughts on the novel: The Lit Pulpit Facebook Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Writer, Author, and ThD student Kaitlyn Schiess joins Jessica to talk about their love for Dorothy L. Sayers' Zeal of Thy House and her works on human flourishing. Topics the duo discuss within Sayers works include how we relate to our vocations with the labels of "Christian" applied to a brand, the dignity of vocation that is not expressly "ministry", and the value of those who do work in the world that, through their conduct, gives glory to God. Books Referenced: Letters to a Diminished Church , by Dorthy Sayers The Women Are Up To Something, by J.B. Lipscomb Why Work?, by Dorothy Sayers The Zeal of thy House, by Dorothy Sayers The Scandal of Reading is sponsored by Brazos Press. Information on the Host:  Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Kaitlyn Schiess: Kaitlyn is a writer, author, and a ThD student at Duke Divinity School studying political theology, ethics, and biblical interpretation. She graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2021 with a ThM in systematic theology. She the author of The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor, released with InterVarsity Press in September 2020. Her forthcoming book, The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here, will be released with Brazos Press in August 2023. You can also listen to Kaitlyn as a regular guest on The Holy Post podcast. Learn more about Kaitlyn Schiess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Claude and Austin discuss their impressions of the Baldwin’s cast of characters and the critical importance of setting–the world, the church, and streets–in the opening sections of the novel. Is Baldwin’s depiction of a toxic Christianity a fatal critique of the faith or a critical gesture toward true religion? How does place and setting factor into the novel’s message? Whether you are reading along with us or simply want to know more about this important novel, join us as journey through this novel. Be sure to check out our Lit Pulpit Facebook group where you can ask questions and share thoughts on the novel: Lit Pulpit Facebook Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special episode, co-host Claude Atcho turns the tables and interviews Jessica Hooten Wilson regarding her forthcoming book, Reading for the Love of God. Jessica recounts her love and unique way of consuming literature in her formative years while she was attending college for theology and literature and how the two disciplines influenced how she consumed both. In this book Jessica relates her experience and she argues that the simple act of reading can help us learn to pray well, love our neighbor, be contemplative, practice humility, and disentangle ourselves from contemporary idols. Pre-Order Your Copy of Reading for the Love of God The Scandal of Reading is sponsored by Brazos Press. Information on the Host: Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Claude Atcho: Claude serves as the pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Charlottesville, Virginia. He has previously served as a church planter and an adjunct English professor in Boston, Massachusetts, and as a pastor in Memphis, Tennessee. He is the author of Reading Black Books: How African American Literature Can Make Our Faith More Whole and Just. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

D.L. Mayfield joins host Jessica Hooten Wilson to discuss the life and writings of the self proclaimed anarchist writer and social worker who renounced material possessions to live a life of a pacifist activist for the poor along with her opposition to capitalism and communism. Books Referenced: Unruly Saint: Dorothy Day’s Radical Vision and its Challenge for our Times by D.L. Mayfield The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of the Legendary Catholic Social Activist by Dorothy Day Thérèse by Dorothy Day The Scandal of Reading is sponsored by Brazos Press. Information on the Host: Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on D.L. Mayfield:  D.L. Mayfield lives and writes on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon, with her husband and two children. She writes primarily about issues of Christianity, faith, and inequality. She is the author of three books, the most recent of which is a biography of Dorothy Day. Learn more about D.L. Mayfield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Claude start with a quick overview of James Baldwin’s debut novel then dive into its opening paragraph to explore the novel’s religious context and the psychological dynamics of church life. What happens when we come of age in religious spaces that mean well but do damage? Whether you are reading along with us or simply want to know more about this important novel, join us as journey through this novel. Be sure to check out our Lit Pulpit Facebook group where you can ask questions and share thoughts on the novel: Scandal of Reading Facebook Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jessica is joined by Patti Callahan Henry to discuss their shared love for C.S. Lewis and how his relationship with Joy Davidman influenced his last fictional work. Books Referenced: The Paris Wife by Paul McLain Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold by C.S. Lewis Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan The Scandal of Reading is sponsored by Brazos Press. Information on the Host: Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Patti Callahan Henry:  Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times, Globe and Mail, and USA Today bestselling author of sixteen novels, including her newest, The Secret Book of Flora Lea. She’s also a podcast host of original content for her novels, Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis. Learn more about Patti Callahan Henry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jessica is joined by Matthew Mullins to discuss their shared love for poetry and Anne Bradstreet.  Books Referenced:  Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman The Scandal of Reading is sponsored by Brazos Press. Information on the Host: Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O’Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Matthew Mullins:  Matthew Mullins (PhD, University of North Carolina at Greensboro) is Associate Professor of English and History of Ideas at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He teaches classes in literature, literary theory, and writing. His research focuses primarily on American literature and culture and on hermeneutics. His latest book is Enjoying the Bible: Literary Approaches to Loving the Scriptures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices