The Pugcast

The Pugs engage a fun piece by Malcolm Guite entitled: In Defense of Pints and Pipes. Here they delve into the fashionable cultural obsession with physical health and wellness which has led ironically to all sorts of psychological unhealthiness. Could the issue be a loss of a proper view of the human, especially a view that has no place for the human soul?   Article: https://www.plough.com/en/topics/life/health/in-defense-of-pint-and-pipe   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

There is a new biopic about the founder of the Shakers entitled, The Testament of Ann Lee. If you've heard of the Shakers it is probably because of their furniture. This week the Pugs respond to a critical review of the new film in The Spectator World by Damian Thompson, entitled, Testament to Ignorance. Chris is quoted in the review because of an article he wrote on the Shakers. He has mixed feelings about them, as he explains in the show. But he suspects there is something going on with liberalism in the US and an attempt by liberals to recover their own version of American Christianity and that the biopic is part of a larger effort. Tune in to see if you agree.   Spectator Article: https://spectator.com/article/the-problem-with-the-new-shakers-biopic/?edition=us&fbclid=IwY2xjawQVh6FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAEwAAEeqwHZmAt6XJKBJkvbQdfROjImhSiQ2wHHwAmsHTqWX2Lq3wToNKoL8jkb4GY_aem_QRjZgbJghxePthAtHKkYew   C.R. Wiley Article: https://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=24-04-017-v&fbclid=IwY2xjawQVh65leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAEwAAEeSZAAqidPifGEMM67DdHsMUyHSX1J3lmxe6U6qezgNCwHCBs_meovZETbduE_aem_H1EU9hYLJVYqfkOVEJDhgw   Ken Burn’s Shakers Documentary: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-shakers/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQViLRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAEwAAEe4iQ0JzupT0tqAEgJW7Rwrw4D7P2ut1bHCDS6nHbdEjYmdGsDxT5NdWvjsp8_aem_fZUmGSCxslbsxJAMUZUIKQ   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

Glenn introduces the Pugsters to David Engels, a conservative Belgian historian and philosopher who focuses on a revival of Western civilization. Using one of his articles as a jumping off point, the guys discuss the marriage of ancient pagan virtues with Christian ideas of the Good, a combination which produced the chivalric ideal embraced by Tolkien in Middle Earth. But as usual, they cover a wide range of topics ranging from history to philosophy, to theology, to story, and others besides. It’s a fascinating discussion of the good in ancient paganism and the failure of neo-paganism to uncover what they think they are looking for.   Article: https://davidengels.substack.com/p/jrr-tolkien-the-christian-west-and   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

In this episode, the pugs discuss a recent article by Christian Bioethicist and Psychiatrist Aaron Kheriaty in First Things concerning disturbing trends in the field of medicine where the production of living human bodies without consciousness are developed for scientific experimenting and use, especially organ harvesting. Drawing on Kheriaty's insights (and work elsewhere), the pugs unpack the radical implications of new medicine as it moves away from Hippocratic commitments.   First Things Article: https://firstthings.com/zombie-bioethics/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQKpotleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAEwAAEeIEAeie6tJ1Lx-yY74Iy1gJUHZWqTO944x2Zg5IpA4YLGP2HEI8R-1YHybtY_aem_4nipo3kkaADILuYFWExd8w   MIT Article: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/03/25/1113611/ethically-sourced-spare-human-bodies-could-revolutionize-medicine/amp/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQKp2lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAEwAAEeGmqimTl34lvudX46-tes97dv-_2No8xOiTFh1dW8JK0CAzNHsE-d4jS9u3k_aem_sp-LecNbwjCqNbn7K1PycQ   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

The Pugsters welcome Dr. Timothy Padgett, Theologian in Residence and Glenn’s colleague at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, for a conversation on constructive ecumenism. Working across denominational and theological lines raises a range of questions: how do you do it without compromising things you believe are true? Can evangelical and Reformed Christians work with Catholics? How about Mormons? What is the difference between ecumenism and co-belligerency? As usual, the guys have a wide-ranging conversation about these and other (mostly) related topics.   Links mentioned on the show:   What Would You Say: Are Mormons Christians: https://breakpoint.org/are-mormons-christians/   What Would you Say: What is Christian Nationalism?: https://breakpoint.org/what-is-christian-nationalism-exactly/   You can find Dr. Padgett’s work at https://breakpoint.org/   To learn more about the Colson Center, visit https://colsoncenter.org/   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

Today the guys reflect on an essay in the February 2026 edition of First Things by Liel Leibovitz entitled, AI as Liberation. Mr. Leibovitz strikes an optimistic note in the dirge preceding the triumph of AI over all things human. While the Pugs give him points for looking on the bright side, they're skeptical. Tune in and find out why AI is probably more likely to increase drug addiction than a revival of singing around the piano.   Article: https://firstthings.com/ai-as-liberation/   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

In this episode, the Pugsters discuss the relationship between nature and grace. In theology, this usually deals with how the two work in human life, and that’s where the guys start. But the topic can be bigger than that, so Glenn leads the discussion into whether grace can be conveyed through the physical world, such as the elements in the Lord’s Supper, and whether places can become sanctified or the opposite. It’s a wide-ranging conversation around topics that Reformed guys don’t often talk about.   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

Today the pugs look at recent events in culture where the 'woke warriors' appear to be at it again, especially in the recent march by immigration activists into an evangelical church worship service. The pugs analyze and speculate a bit about what appears to be going on with the most recent forms woke activism is taking culturally.   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

Today the Pugs discuss whether it matters or not if Francis Bacon was a sincere Christian. His ideas had consequences. In scholarly circles it is a matter of intense debate, but where the rest of us live, it doesn't matter--we're living in the world he helped to create. The Pugs discuss the consequences of "knowledge is power."   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

An article in Tablet magazine discussing the segment of the Gen Z population that is turning to conservative and demanding forms of religious practice provides the jumping off point for this episode. The article suggests that the turn toward rigorous religions comes from a reaction to the chaos of a rootless culture more than from a turn to faith. The guys discuss this idea and its implications for worship and for ministry to Gen Z.   Article: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/belief/articles/gen-z-religious-awakening?fbclid=IwY2xjawPU68FicmlkETFwT0VSR3JLRGFtTnBaSU1qc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhYGocf3wl0nQ0rVeyaRZ0UZmoU_qiDjJcgT2fXaSc1YIB79rxn0lj0HZJnZ&brid=lWLmG5JSQ5QY8SI1aRYC1w     Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

Today the Pugs welcome Dr. Scott Masson of Tyndale University onto the show. Scott is an Associate Professor of English and an authority on Romanticism. He also is known for his commitment to a recovery of classical learning. Today Scott reflects on the broken relationship between the humanities and theology and the disastrous consequences for higher education. He notes that this strikes right at the heart of the Christian faith because it separates the divine and human natures of the Son of God. He compares this to the broken sword Aduril from The Lord of the Rings and notes that the right ordering of our loves and the restoration of culture won't occur until the sword is reforged in the West. Join us for a great conversation.     The Anduril Moment - A Call to Return to Christian Humanism: Dr. Scott Masson’s lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2IWBJcN5kk   Dr. Masson’s Substack: https://drscottmasson.substack.com/   Paideia Today:  https://www.paideiatoday.com/     Recommended videos from Dr. Masson’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/DrScottMasson   i) How the Ideology of the French Revolution Destroyed Human Nature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEYyIHiA0kE   ii) The History of Literary Theory (An overview): https://youtu.be/0QsnNzFq9cs?si=yw06YOzRR1R6H0LN   iii) The Legacy of Romanticism: https://youtu.be/2-ethRyqhzQ?si=K5KEkrlN0E77izN6   iv) The History of Cultural Marxism:  https://youtu.be/lC7q26ddu2k?si=m1R03Cu3fYdDqzDk www.paideiatoday.com       Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

In this episode the Pugs engage some of the theological roots that gave rise and shape to Western empiricism, especially in the Scottish Tradition of David Hume. In particular, they engage how the pessimistic view of fallen human reason take on a distorted shape when severed from the rich theological setting of Augustine's theology, and then lead to secular reappropriations by secular thinkers like Hume and others.   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

Today the Pugs reflect on an essay by Matthew B. Crawford (author of Shop Class as Soulcraft) from his Substack entitled: Craftsmanship in the culture industry. The event that prompted the essay is the bid by Netflix to buy Warner Brothers (the film studio). What particularly interests Crawford is something broader, the decay of craftsmanship in our world, and what "managerialism" has to do with that. If you care about film, or just craftsmanship generally speaking we think you will enjoy the conversation.   Article: https://open.substack.com/pub/mcrawford/p/craftsmanship-in-the-culture-industry?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

C.S. Lewis came to faith once he realized that the Gospel was both myth, appealing to his heart, and fact, appealing to his mind. The Pugs discuss what he meant by myth and apply the idea to the Christmas story—how it embodies archetypes found in myth and legend throughout history.   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

On today's show the Pugs engage the rapidly growing turn to AI chatbots for mental health needs by teenagers. In what realistic ways can the church step into the situation? What hurdles and limits do we encounter as we set out ways to address this growing crisis, especially among the disadvantaged? The Pugs wrestle through these complex matters in this episode.   Article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/09/teenagers-ai-chatbots-mental-health-support   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

In today's Pugcast Chris shares a little from his experience attending Peter Thiel's Antichrist lectures. Those in attendance promised not to divulge what they heard, but the contents of the lectures are now widely known since the contents have either been leaked to the press, or discussed in interviews Thiel has given. With those things in mind, Chris limits his reflections to what can be learned in a simple Google search: "Peter Thiel and Antichrist." Even with those limitations there is a lot to talk about, for instance, which should we fear more: Armageddon or the Antichrist? Thiel's answer is "Antichrist!"--tune in and find out why.     Related Links: https://firstthings.com/voyages-to-the-end-of-the-world/ https://firstthings.com/where-is-the-antichrist-ft-peter-thiel/ https://unherd.com/2025/07/who-is-peter-thiels-antichrist/     Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

In this episode, Tom and Glenn welcome Eugene Terekhin, a Russian translator and the man behind the Substack “The Philosophy of Language.” The conversation ranges over Heideger’s ideas about language and their connection to the Inklings, the idea of primordial language and its connection to poetry, and a variety of other nerdy language-related topics.   The Philosophy of Language Substack: https://substack.com/@eugeneterekhin   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

When we look at the conditions in Weimar Germany, we see a lot of economic turmoil, hyperinflation, and declining expectations. Zoomers today are facing similar challenges, though not as extreme, which helps explain the appeal of white nationalism, antisemitism, and the “woke right.” The Pugsters discuss the parallels between America today and Weimar Germany and talk about how to respond to the problems facing young white men.   Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

Today the Pugs are joined by Josh Herring, author of a forthcoming book entitled, "Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve." If that title sounds familiar it is probably because you're a fan of the Chronicles of Narnia and of C. S. Lewis. In his book Josh explores Lewis's writing on sex and gender and finds a few things that might come as a surprise. Lewis was a defender of the traditional understanding of the relationship of the sexes, of course--but he dug deeper than most people who have written on the subject, and consequently he has richer insights to share. Join the Pugs as they discuss the value of Lewis's thoughts with Josh Herring!     Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

On today's show the pugs converse and reflect upon the various ways in which modern and technological formation shape us, often in ways that counter our overall good. Reflecting on the fact that there are no ‘meaningless’ practices, the pugs reflect on ways our Christian faith, especially catechesis, help us wean from vices and dispositions that cloud our ability to see reality clearly and help us relate to it in healthy and properly ordered ways.     Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8   Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/   Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/