DiscoverThe Russell Moore ShowNovelist Leif Enger Cheerfully Refuses Despair
Novelist Leif Enger Cheerfully Refuses Despair

Novelist Leif Enger Cheerfully Refuses Despair

Update: 2024-07-102
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“Probably doomed and perplexingly merry.”

That’s how Leif Enger describes one of the characters in his new novel, I Cheerfully Refuse. While the story brings words like dystopian and apocalyptic to mind, it bears witness to a deep sense of hope and even optimism. How and why? That’s the topic of this episode of The Russell Moore Show featuring Enger. 

Moore and Enger talk about what inspired I Cheerfully Refuse, including classic tales like The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. They talk about how Enger explores despair in fiction and the real world, the nuances of suicidal behavior, and how to combat the unbearable overwhelm caused by a 24-hour news cycle. They discuss Enger’s writing process, how religion emerges in his life and books, and where the two differ in their understanding of evangelism.

Tune in for a gracious, rich episode that turns our eyes toward the light that the darkness will not overcome.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:


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“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper

Host: Russell Moore

Producer: Ashley Hales

Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill

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Audio engineering by Dan Phelps

Video producer: Abby Egan

Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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Novelist Leif Enger Cheerfully Refuses Despair

Novelist Leif Enger Cheerfully Refuses Despair

Christianity Today, Russell Moore