Why do many men feel alienated within modern western society? What draws young men in particular to search for male role models beyond the Church? What are the consequences of the Church failing to to reach men within this climate? Sadly, many churches today are so busy apologising for masculinity that they're unable to even define what men (or women) are, let alone show them the best way to be who they are. Andy and Aaron discuss why this is no "fringe" issue but something right at the heart of the Church's mission in this world.  Catch Pod of the Gaps live at Cedarwood Festival: https://cedarwoodfestival.com   Please help support the show: https://www.patreon.com/wkop     Some of the resources we mentioned in this episode ...    Mary Eberstadt, "Primal Screams: How the Sexual Revolution Created Identity Politics" (Templeton Press, 2019) Louise Perry, "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A New Guide to Sex in the 21st Century" (Polity Press, 2022) Wendy Shalit, "A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue" (Free Press, 2014) Gabriella Swerling, "Church of England: There is ‘no official definition’ of a woman", The Telegraph, 10 July 2022, https://bit.ly/3PiYshC

Why do many men feel alienated within modern western society? What draws young men in particular to search for male role models beyond the Church? What are the consequences of the Church failing to to reach men within this climate? Sadly, many churches today are so busy apologising for masculinity that they're unable to even define what men (or women) are, let alone show them the best way to be who they are. Andy and Aaron discuss why this is no "fringe" issue but something right at the heart of the Church's mission in this world. Catch Pod of the Gaps live at Cedarwood Festival: <a href="https://cedarwoodfestival.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://cedarwoodfestival.com</a> Please help support the show: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/wkop</a> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> Some of the resources we mentioned in this episode ... </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> Mary Eberstadt, "Primal Screams: How the Sexual Revolution Created Identity Politics" (Templeton Press, 2019) Louise Perry, "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A New Guide to Sex in the 21st Century" (Polity Press, 2022) Wendy Shalit, "A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue" (Free Press, 2014) Gabriella Swerling, "Church of England: There is ‘no official definition’ of a woman", The Telegraph, 10 July 2022, <a href="https://bit.ly/3PiYshC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3PiYshC</a>

Episode 40 - Men, Masculinity, and Mission

The influence of LGBT+ has grown astronomically in recent times, not least in “Pride Month”. Those refusing to be active allies of the movement are swiftly labelled heteronormative bigots.  Have parts of the LGBT+ movement become effectively a religion? How was such mass opinion-change achieved in so short a time? Was it natural, or the product of a long-term PR strategy? Should Christians speak out against Pride, even if risking accusations of homophobia? What is at stake when we let sexual immorality run riot in culture? In what ways does it seep into the Church? How can the Gospel bring us back to reality? Aaron and Andy discuss, and somehow end up talking a good deal about Nazis and Vikings too!  Don't forget if you live in driving distance to get yourself along to Cedarwood Festival and listen to an episode of Pod of the Gaps being recorded live —https://cedarwoodfestival.com 

The influence of LGBT+ has grown astronomically in recent times, not least in “Pride Month”. Those refusing to be active allies of the movement are swiftly labelled heteronormative bigots. Have parts of the LGBT+ movement become effectively a religion? How was such mass opinion-change achieved in so short a time? Was it natural, or the product of a long-term PR strategy? Should Christians speak out against Pride, even if risking accusations of homophobia? What is at stake when we let sexual immorality run riot in culture? In what ways does it seep into the Church? How can the Gospel bring us back to reality? Aaron and Andy discuss, and somehow end up talking a good deal about Nazis and Vikings too! Don't forget if you live in driving distance to get yourself along to Cedarwood Festival and listen to an episode of Pod of the Gaps being recorded live —<a href="https://cedarwoodfestival.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://cedarwoodfestival.com</a>

Episode 39 - The Religion of Pride

Some people try to be so nice they avoid all confrontation just to keep the peace. Others create quarrels over the tiniest issues with little regard for unity. As Christians, how do we get the balance right? Can we stand up for our convictions without alienating other brothers and sisters unnecessarily? How did disagreements work in the early church? Are there ever times we should part ways with other Christians? What's worth disagreeing about today and how should we go about it?  EXCITING NEWS: POD OF THE GAPS WILL BE LIVE AT THE CEDARWOOD FESTIVAL IN THE UK IN JULY  Find out more here: https://cedarwoodfestival.com It's a brilliant festival so why not get yourself along — and come and hear (and ask questions) at the live episode recording.

Some people try to be so nice they avoid all confrontation just to keep the peace. Others create quarrels over the tiniest issues with little regard for unity. As Christians, how do we get the balance right? Can we stand up for our convictions without alienating other brothers and sisters unnecessarily? How did disagreements work in the early church? Are there ever times we should part ways with other Christians? What's worth disagreeing about today and how should we go about it? EXCITING NEWS: POD OF THE GAPS WILL BE LIVE AT THE CEDARWOOD FESTIVAL IN THE UK IN JULY Find out more here: <a href="https://cedarwoodfestival.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://cedarwoodfestival.com</a> It's a brilliant festival so why not get yourself along — and come and hear (and ask questions) at the live episode recording.

Episode 38 — Have We Forgotten How To Disagree?

It's no surprise to realise that Christians don't always agree on everything they believe. There has always been a wide variety of expression across the global Church on all sorts of issues and doctrines. But at what point does doctrinal "diversity" become a problem? When does a celebration of varied beliefs become unfaithful to God's Word? Should Christians ever consider leaving their church or denomination, and why? Is there ever a basis on which we should stop working with other Christians? How should Christians think about doctrinal division in light of the Biblical call for church unity? And what are the implications of some of the hot topic issues causing tension across the Church today?

Episode 37 — When Christians Divide Over Doctrine

Given that abortion is probably the most significant ethical issue in modern western society, why are so many western Christians so silent about it? Does the political furore often surrounding the issue make us reticent? Or are we too concerned about backlash from those who see it as a matter of "bodily autonomy"?Too often clear, courageous, and compassionate debate on the issue from a Christian perspective is severely lacking and this is a significant problem, especially for those who claim to care about justice.  Aaron and Andy discuss this urgent need to speak loud and clear about abortion both prophetically and pastorally, displaying the power of the Gospel both to victims and perpetrators, whoever they happen to be.

Given that abortion is probably the most significant ethical issue in modern western society, why are so many western Christians so silent about it? Does the political furore often surrounding the issue make us reticent? Or are we too concerned about backlash from those who see it as a matter of "bodily autonomy"? Too often clear, courageous, and compassionate debate on the issue from a Christian perspective is severely lacking and this is a significant problem, especially for those who claim to care about justice. Aaron and Andy discuss this urgent need to speak loud and clear about abortion both prophetically and pastorally, displaying the power of the Gospel both to victims and perpetrators, whoever they happen to be.

Episode 36 - Why We Don’t Talk About Abortion

We don't tend to use the word "heresy" these days. But it could be said that heresy is alive and well today not only within the Church, but in the socio-political climate, where saying the "wrong" thing according to the prevailing Zeitgeist may get you into all sorts of trouble. As Christians, how do we recover the importance of responding to the problem of heresy without resorting to doctrinal nit-picking, suspicion, or cancellation? Many like to think of unorthodox doctrine as merely a difference of opinion, but the reason false teaching was considered such a big issue in church history is precisely because unfaithfulness to the Word of God is unhealthy for the body of Christ, as well as having tremendous pastoral implications.Aaron and Andy (no strangers to being called all sorts of names for what they believe) try to bring this issue into the open without being burned at the stake as a result!Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at www.patreon.com/wkop

We don't tend to use the word "heresy" these days. But it could be said that heresy is alive and well today not only within the Church, but in the socio-political climate, where saying the "wrong" thing according to the prevailing Zeitgeist may get you into all sorts of trouble. As Christians, how do we recover the importance of responding to the problem of heresy without resorting to doctrinal nit-picking, suspicion, or cancellation? Many like to think of unorthodox doctrine as merely a difference of opinion, but the reason false teaching was considered such a big issue in church history is precisely because unfaithfulness to the Word of God is unhealthy for the body of Christ, as well as having tremendous pastoral implications. Aaron and Andy (no strangers to being called all sorts of names for what they believe) try to bring this issue into the open without being burned at the stake as a result! Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at <a href="http://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/wkop</a>

Episode 35 - Do We Have a Heresy Problem?

Are we made of more than mere "stuff"? Despite the prevailing "postmodern" culture where all truths are seen as relative, many non-Christians in the West today remain caught in the modern scientific worldview of materialism: the belief that humans are little more than complex bundles of soulless atoms, whereby only what can be touched, felt, tasted, etc. is "real". At the same time, the very same people often believe the precise opposite on ethical issues such as transgender, where we see a swapping of bodily reality for "transcendent" beliefs about gender identity. How can Christians fight well on both these fronts simultaneously? What does it mean that God is both beyond this world and yet entered into it in physical body? How can we seek to confront the meaninglessness of the materialist worldview with both courage and compassion? Aaron and Andy bat around this important issue with the usual mix of cultural analysis, theology, and banter, including --- among highlights --- Andy's fascinating story about his near-death experience with a coconut!Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at www.patreon.com/wkop

Are we made of more than mere "stuff"? Despite the prevailing "postmodern" culture where all truths are seen as relative, many non-Christians in the West today remain caught in the modern scientific worldview of materialism: the belief that humans are little more than complex bundles of soulless atoms, whereby only what can be touched, felt, tasted, etc. is "real". At the same time, the very same people often believe the precise opposite on ethical issues such as transgender, where we see a swapping of bodily reality for "transcendent" beliefs about gender identity. How can Christians fight well on both these fronts simultaneously? What does it mean that God is both beyond this world and yet entered into it in physical body? How can we seek to confront the meaninglessness of the materialist worldview with both courage and compassion? Aaron and Andy bat around this important issue with the usual mix of cultural analysis, theology, and banter, including --- among highlights --- Andy's fascinating story about his near-death experience with a coconut! Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at <a href="http://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/wkop</a>

Episode 34 - The Meaninglessness of Materialism

During times of great cultural crisis, humour has often been an important means of coping with (and even challenging) oppressive political regimes or social conventions. But Christians have something of a love-hate relationship to comedy. On the one hand, there's the call to not be frivolous about important things, and to be pastorally and culturally sensitive. On the other hand, there are plenty of examples in the Bible (particularly Jesus himself!) where humour is used to great effect in opposing enemies and making a polemical point or two! Yet today, Christians are often the first to take offence with each other, failing to see others with the charity and openness embedded in the Gospel. How can we avoid falling prey to a "cancel culture" mentality and embrace humour as a vital aspect of our mission to engage with the world effectively?Join Aaron and Andy as they dive into all this, with puns in hand.

During times of great cultural crisis, humour has often been an important means of coping with (and even challenging) oppressive political regimes or social conventions. But Christians have something of a love-hate relationship to comedy. On the one hand, there's the call to not be frivolous about important things, and to be pastorally and culturally sensitive. On the other hand, there are plenty of examples in the Bible (particularly Jesus himself!) where humour is used to great effect in opposing enemies and making a polemical point or two! Yet today, Christians are often the first to take offence with each other, failing to see others with the charity and openness embedded in the Gospel. How can we avoid falling prey to a "cancel culture" mentality and embrace humour as a vital aspect of our mission to engage with the world effectively? Join Aaron and Andy as they dive into all this, with puns in hand.

Episode 33 - How to Take Comedy More Seriously

The Russian war on Ukraine brings to light many of the wider social and political issues which have been bubbling away under the surface of western culture for the last decade. Our immersion in dramatic media hype has made many of us accustomed to widespread panic and anxiety over a range of issues. But the reality and severity of the conflict puts many of those concerns under the spotlight. How are we to think about this war within such a climate of fear? What do the initial responses in the West tell us about ourselves, and the things we do (or don't) hold dear? And what theological and missional concerns are raised here? How should the Church be praying within a conflict like this? If we pray for one side to "win", do we really know what we're asking God to "do"? Andy and Aaron discuss all this and more in another packed episode.(Apologies for the minor sound issues in a couple of places in this episode; we were fighting technical gremlins whilst recording!)

The Russian war on Ukraine brings to light many of the wider social and political issues which have been bubbling away under the surface of western culture for the last decade. Our immersion in dramatic media hype has made many of us accustomed to widespread panic and anxiety over a range of issues. But the reality and severity of the conflict puts many of those concerns under the spotlight. How are we to think about this war within such a climate of fear? What do the initial responses in the West tell us about ourselves, and the things we do (or don't) hold dear? And what theological and missional concerns are raised here? How should the Church be praying within a conflict like this? If we pray for one side to "win", do we really know what we're asking God to "do"? Andy and Aaron discuss all this and more in another packed episode. (Apologies for the minor sound issues in a couple of places in this episode; we were fighting technical gremlins whilst recording!)

Episode 32 — War in a Time of Fear

We live in an age where grief is handled in bizarre ways, from sentimental cliches with little basis in reality to cold-hearted approaches that effectively see the passing away of a person as little more than the discarding of litter. Many people are caught in the tension between the implications of their own "secular" worldview and their innate desire for some form of religious hope in the face of death. How can Christians think, feel, and speak into this condition well? How can we offer words of comfort and challenge which don't just affirm the empty sentiments of our culture, but feel the real pain of loss whilst also pointing to the only true hope?

Episode 31 — Grieving with Hope

An occasional podcast featuring Aaron Edwards and Andy Bannister. Each episode sees the two friends take a contemporary issue in culture and explore it from a Christian perspective.Featuring banter, philosophy, culture, theology, bad jokes, apologetics, and more — the podcast aims to help Christians think wisely about the challenges of living in the 21st century.=========================================Theological and Political Disclaimer The content of this podcast does not represent the views of any institutions, colleges, networks, churches, or secret government organisations with which we are affiliated or employed."

A new year often brings with a raft new intentions, motivations, and resolutions. In a secular culture, this always looks suspiciously "religious". What lies behind our continuous need to mark our time on this earth, to plan towards the future, and to make great resolutions for self-improvement (however quickly such resolutions are forgotten...)?What kind of "resolutions" should the Church be making this year? What do we need to be especially aware of in light of the disruptions and/or madness of the last two years within western society? This episode, Andy and Aaron each do a live-reveal of their "top three" (without conferring!) and see if they can put them all together. Sounds like a challenge...Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at www.patreon.com/wkop

A new year often brings with a raft new intentions, motivations, and resolutions. In a secular culture, this always looks suspiciously "religious". What lies behind our continuous need to mark our time on this earth, to plan towards the future, and to make great resolutions for self-improvement (however quickly such resolutions are forgotten...)? What kind of "resolutions" should the Church be making this year? What do we need to be especially aware of in light of the disruptions and/or madness of the last two years within western society? This episode, Andy and Aaron each do a live-reveal of their "top three" (without conferring!) and see if they can put them all together. Sounds like a challenge... Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at <a href="http://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/wkop</a>

Episode 30 — The Six Challenges for the Church in 2022

Climate change has dominated the headlines for a good while, particularly in light of the COP26 summit. There are clearly many serious issues to address on it, but are there also problems in how it's talked about? Secular activists tend to speak of the future of the planet in drastically apocalyptic terms, piling pressure on politicians and other leaders with a religious fervour not unlike that of Old Testament prophets.As with many social issues in recent years, prominent Christian leaders often tend to parrot the perspectives already put forth in the mainstream media and political sphere. But given that we worship a God who is the creator, sustainer, and redeemer of the universe, shouldn't Christians have something a little more distinctive to say? Aaron, Michael, and Andy wade into all this with their usual blend of cultural analysis, theology, and banter, with an environmentally friendly conversation on a topic that so often produces hot air!Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at www.patreon.com/wkop

Climate change has dominated the headlines for a good while, particularly in light of the COP26 summit. There are clearly many serious issues to address on it, but are there also problems in how it's talked about? Secular activists tend to speak of the future of the planet in drastically apocalyptic terms, piling pressure on politicians and other leaders with a religious fervour not unlike that of Old Testament prophets. As with many social issues in recent years, prominent Christian leaders often tend to parrot the perspectives already put forth in the mainstream media and political sphere. But given that we worship a God who is the creator, sustainer, and redeemer of the universe, shouldn't Christians have something a little more distinctive to say? Aaron, Michael, and Andy wade into all this with their usual blend of cultural analysis, theology, and banter, with an environmentally friendly conversation on a topic that so often produces hot air! Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at <a href="http://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/wkop</a>

Episode 29 - What's Gone Wrong With Climate Change?

It is popular today to suggest that men and women are fundamentally the same. Yet while this view may be popular among sociologists it is being challenged by some biologists who suggest there are real differences that cannot be explained simply by societal factors. We consider the arguments for this, ask what those differences might be and ask why it matters.Join Aaron, Andy and Michael as they kickoff a mini series on the issue of gender by asking: how different are men and women?

It is popular today to suggest that men and women are fundamentally the same. Yet while this view may be popular among sociologists it is being challenged by some biologists who suggest there are real differences that cannot be explained simply by societal factors. We consider the arguments for this, ask what those differences might be and ask why it matters. Join Aaron, Andy and Michael as they kickoff a mini series on the issue of gender by asking: how different are men and women?

Episode 28 - How Different Are Men and Women?

How does the dominance of secularism affect how human beings understand death? With little hope beyond the grave, many Westerners often spend much of their lives merely trying to stay alive for as long as possible. Are there better ways to live life in light of death? In what ways might Christians speak into the social awkwardness around death with something beyond cliches and escapism?Join Aaron, Andy, and Michael as they dive into this somewhat macabre topic with their usual candour and good humour.Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at www.patreon.com/wkop

How does the dominance of secularism affect how human beings understand death? With little hope beyond the grave, many Westerners often spend much of their lives merely trying to stay alive for as long as possible. Are there better ways to live life in light of death? In what ways might Christians speak into the social awkwardness around death with something beyond cliches and escapism? Join Aaron, Andy, and Michael as they dive into this somewhat macabre topic with their usual candour and good humour. Enjoying Pod of the Gaps? Please help us keep going and growing (and enjoy some supporter-only-special perks!) at <a href="http://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/wkop</a>

Episode 27 - Do We Have a Death Problem?

Has our culture become too risk-averse? So much of our decision-making today (whether about public health, education, parenting, and virtually everything else) now seems to be filtered through the lens of "safety". What's behind this trend in culture to try to eliminate any chance of risk, no matter how small? And in what ways has risk-averseness infiltrated the Church too? Isn't the Christian faith, at root, an inherently risky enterprise? After all, Jesus asks us to carry our cross, and nowhere suggests we ought to fill out a series of forms before we do so. Andy, Michael, and Aaron take the risk of diving into this crucial topic to explore it in the usual Pod of the Gaps style. Join them for a fast-paced mix of insight, discussion, wit, wisdom, and banter.  Please help us keep Pod of the Gaps going and growing by supporting the show. Visit www.patreon.com/wkop to find out how you can do that, and get some great bonus content as a thank you.  This was the book Andy mentioned about parenting: Lenore Skenazy, "Free Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts With Worry")( San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2010)

Has our culture become too risk-averse? So much of our decision-making today (whether about public health, education, parenting, and virtually everything else) now seems to be filtered through the lens of "safety". What's behind this trend in culture to try to eliminate any chance of risk, no matter how small? And in what ways has risk-averseness infiltrated the Church too? Isn't the Christian faith, at root, an inherently risky enterprise? After all, Jesus asks us to carry our cross, and nowhere suggests we ought to fill out a series of forms before we do so. Andy, Michael, and Aaron take the risk of diving into this crucial topic to explore it in the usual Pod of the Gaps style. Join them for a fast-paced mix of insight, discussion, wit, wisdom, and banter. Please help us keep Pod of the Gaps going and growing by supporting the show. Visit <a href="http://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/wkop</a> to find out how you can do that, and get some great bonus content as a thank you. This was the book Andy mentioned about parenting: Lenore Skenazy, "Free Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts With Worry")( San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2010)

Episode 26 - Have We Become Too Risk-Averse?

The latest James Bond movie, "No Time To Die" has deeply divided audiences given its controversial interpretation of the globe-trotting super spy. Fresh from the cinema, still smelling of popcorn, Andy, Aaron and Michael use the 25th episode of Pod of the Gaps to explore the deeper cultural issues raised by the 25th Bond movie: from toxic masculinity to gender confusion, from nihilism and the absence of hope to the rewriting of history. Join our three intrepid podcasters for the usual mix of culture, theology, banter in a podcast that will leave you shaken and stirred.  Warning: the episode does contain some spoilers about "No Time to Die". You may want to watch it after you've seen the movie; or just put your fingers in your ears and sing the Bond theme at the appropriate point in the episode!  PS, the book that Michael mentioned towards the end of the episode was: Tom Shippey, "J. R. R. Tolkien: Author of the Century" (London: HarperCollins, 2000) ** SPECIAL BONUS *** After we recorded this episode 25 we thought we'd set ourselves a challenge. Could we go through all 25 Bond movie titles and find a link between each of them and some aspect of the Bible? Well, it was 1am, so high on caffeine and sleep deprivation we gave it a go. A special treat for Pod of the Gaps supporters, "The Bible in 25 Bond Movie Titles" (or sign up to support the podcast for as little as £1/$1 a month) is available here: https://www.patreon.com/wkop

The latest James Bond movie, "No Time To Die" has deeply divided audiences given its controversial interpretation of the globe-trotting super spy. Fresh from the cinema, still smelling of popcorn, Andy, Aaron and Michael use the 25th episode of Pod of the Gaps to explore the deeper cultural issues raised by the 25th Bond movie: from toxic masculinity to gender confusion, from nihilism and the absence of hope to the rewriting of history. Join our three intrepid podcasters for the usual mix of culture, theology, banter in a podcast that will leave you shaken and stirred. Warning: the episode does contain some spoilers about "No Time to Die". You may want to watch it after you've seen the movie; or just put your fingers in your ears and sing the Bond theme at the appropriate point in the episode! PS, the book that Michael mentioned towards the end of the episode was: Tom Shippey, "J. R. R. Tolkien: Author of the Century" (London: HarperCollins, 2000) ** SPECIAL BONUS *** After we recorded this episode 25 we thought we'd set ourselves a challenge. Could we go through all 25 Bond movie titles and find a link between each of them and some aspect of the Bible? Well, it was 1am, so high on caffeine and sleep deprivation we gave it a go. A special treat for Pod of the Gaps supporters, "The Bible in 25 Bond Movie Titles" (or sign up to support the podcast for as little as £1/$1 a month) is available here: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/wkop</a>

Episode 25 - James Bond and the Death of Culture

We live in an age of unprecedented access to interesting things to read. Millions of books, blogs, and streaming articles lie a click away. Most people are barely able to sift through the very latest stuff, let alone to read anything from previous generations. The temptation can therefore be to only try to keep up with the latest ideas, cutting us off from the time-tested wisdom from the past. What do we miss by overlooking important books from before our time? How might our reading of authors of different eras help to diagnose the problematic ways of thinking which we find it harder to spot in our own time? Is it possible that reading old books might actually help us to read new books better?As always, Aaron, Michael, and Andy discuss these important issues with their unique blend of cultural, theological, and missional insight, served up with lashings of healthy banter. They also offer up three recommendations each of old books that might be worth a read!Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener supported show — so a big thank you to the small group of folks who've got behind us. If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us — as little as £1 or $1 a month all helps us keep it going. Find out how to help at https://www.patreon.com/wkop=========Here are the book choices mentioned at the end:Boreham, F. W., "Mushrooms on the Moor"Chesterton, G. K., "Orthodoxy"Irenaeus, "Against Heresies"Lewis, C. S., "The Abolition of Man"Luther, Martin, "The Bondage of the Will"Macdonald, George, "The Princess and the Goblin"Orwell, George, "Politics and the English Language"Roseveare, Helen, "Count It All Joy"Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr, "The Gulag Archipelago: 1918-1956"

We live in an age of unprecedented access to interesting things to read. Millions of books, blogs, and streaming articles lie a click away. Most people are barely able to sift through the very latest stuff, let alone to read anything from previous generations. The temptation can therefore be to only try to keep up with the latest ideas, cutting us off from the time-tested wisdom from the past. What do we miss by overlooking important books from before our time? How might our reading of authors of different eras help to diagnose the problematic ways of thinking which we find it harder to spot in our own time? Is it possible that reading old books might actually help us to read new books better? As always, Aaron, Michael, and Andy discuss these important issues with their unique blend of cultural, theological, and missional insight, served up with lashings of healthy banter. They also offer up three recommendations each of old books that might be worth a read! Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener supported show — so a big thank you to the small group of folks who've got behind us. If you love the podcast, please consider supporting us — as little as £1 or $1 a month all helps us keep it going. Find out how to help at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/wkop</a> ========= Here are the book choices mentioned at the end: Boreham, F. W., "Mushrooms on the Moor" Chesterton, G. K., "Orthodoxy" Irenaeus, "Against Heresies" Lewis, C. S., "The Abolition of Man" Luther, Martin, "The Bondage of the Will" Macdonald, George, "The Princess and the Goblin" Orwell, George, "Politics and the English Language" Roseveare, Helen, "Count It All Joy" Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr, "The Gulag Archipelago: 1918-1956"

Episode 24 - Why You Should Read Old Books

Homeschooling is often seen as being more than a little bit weird. Many instinctively object to it as a slightly cultish pastime that results in naive and geeky young people who are sheltered from the real world. For Christians in particular, doesn’t school present a better way for our kids to be missional? And how can families afford to homeschool when both parents have to work? But could there be a case to make for the benefits of choosing homeschooling, especially in the light of how many schools have become hotbeds of political indoctrination?In this episode, Andy, Aaron and Michael re-examine the case for homeschooling and explore why, whatever option we ultimately choose, we need to think more deeply about the educational choices we make for our kids given the challenges of our current culture.Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener supported show — a big thank you to the small group of folks who've got behind us. If you love the show, please do consider joining them and supporting the show — as little as £1 or $1 a month all helps us keep it going. Find out how to help at https://www.patreon.com/wkop

Homeschooling is often seen as being more than a little bit weird. Many instinctively object to it as a slightly cultish pastime that results in naive and geeky young people who are sheltered from the real world. For Christians in particular, doesn’t school present a better way for our kids to be missional? And how can families afford to homeschool when both parents have to work? But could there be a case to make for the benefits of choosing homeschooling, especially in the light of how many schools have become hotbeds of political indoctrination? In this episode, Andy, Aaron and Michael re-examine the case for homeschooling and explore why, whatever option we ultimately choose, we need to think more deeply about the educational choices we make for our kids given the challenges of our current culture. Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener supported show — a big thank you to the small group of folks who've got behind us. If you love the show, please do consider joining them and supporting the show — as little as £1 or $1 a month all helps us keep it going. Find out how to help at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/wkop</a>

Episode 23 - Should You Be Homeschooling Your Kids?

In recent years many have started to see the cracks of decline in Western civilisation. The "Woke Revolution" continues to sweep through education, government, and the arts, undermining confidence in the foundations of key Western ideals, and producing dramatic cultural changes in beliefs, values, and tastes. Simultaneously, geopolitical events and technological advances beyond the West threaten a very uncertain future from the one we thought we might be inheriting. Is the decline of the West a problem for Christians? Should Christians be happy to let Western culture erode? How do we seek to preserve and proclaim cultural values without confusing earthly cultures with the kingdom of God? With Michael away in the wilds of Scotland, Andy and Aaron wrestle through these important issues with theology, cultural insight, and humour, whilst opening and re-opening various rabbit-holes!Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener supported show — a big thank you to the small group of folks who've got behind us. If you love the show, please do consider joining them and supporting the show — as little as £1 or $1 a month all helps us keep it going. Find out how to help at https://www.patreon.com/wkopAmong the many resources we mentioned in the show:Allister Heath, 'Four mega-trends that condemn the West to irreversible decline', The Telegraph, 25 August 2021 — https://bit.ly/3kz4ZXUMeic Pearse, "Why the Rest Hates the West" (SPCK, 2003)Francis Schaeffer, "How Then Should We Live?" (Crossway Books, 2005)Richard Weaver, "Ideas Have Consequences" [Expanded Edition] (University of Chicago Press, 2003)

In recent years many have started to see the cracks of decline in Western civilisation. The "Woke Revolution" continues to sweep through education, government, and the arts, undermining confidence in the foundations of key Western ideals, and producing dramatic cultural changes in beliefs, values, and tastes. Simultaneously, geopolitical events and technological advances beyond the West threaten a very uncertain future from the one we thought we might be inheriting. Is the decline of the West a problem for Christians? Should Christians be happy to let Western culture erode? How do we seek to preserve and proclaim cultural values without confusing earthly cultures with the kingdom of God? With Michael away in the wilds of Scotland, Andy and Aaron wrestle through these important issues with theology, cultural insight, and humour, whilst opening and re-opening various rabbit-holes! Please remember that Pod of the Gaps is a listener supported show — a big thank you to the small group of folks who've got behind us. If you love the show, please do consider joining them and supporting the show — as little as £1 or $1 a month all helps us keep it going. Find out how to help at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/wkop</a> Among the many resources we mentioned in the show: Allister Heath, 'Four mega-trends that condemn the West to irreversible decline', The Telegraph, 25 August 2021 — <a href="https://bit.ly/3kz4ZXU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3kz4ZXU</a> Meic Pearse, "Why the Rest Hates the West" (SPCK, 2003) Francis Schaeffer, "How Then Should We Live?" (Crossway Books, 2005) Richard Weaver, "Ideas Have Consequences" [Expanded Edition] (University of Chicago Press, 2003)

Episode 22 - Is Western Culture Getting Worse?

The catastrophic scenes that followed the Western withdrawal from Afghanistan created many big questions. But could one of the more basic problems be that many in the West fundamentally misunderstand Islam? Do our failed attempts to impose Western style democracy on predominantly Islamic nations show that we understand neither Islam nor where our democracy has come from in the first place?  How should Christians respond to all this? How can we learn to rightly criticise Islam while also loving our Muslim neighbours and pointing them to the one in whom true peace is found? We discuss all the questions and more in this latest episode of Pod of the Gaps.  Please help support Pod of the Gaps: https://www.patreon.com/wkop * Among the resources mentioned in the show were:   Andy Bannister, "Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?" (London: IVP, 2021) [Read or listen to the first chapter for free: https://www.solas-cpc.org/dmacwtsg/]   Nabeel Qureshi, "Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward" (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016)   Open Doors (https://www.opendoorsuk.org)   The Barnabas Fund (https://barnabasfund.org) 

The catastrophic scenes that followed the Western withdrawal from Afghanistan created many big questions. But could one of the more basic problems be that many in the West fundamentally misunderstand Islam? Do our failed attempts to impose Western style democracy on predominantly Islamic nations show that we understand neither Islam nor where our democracy has come from in the first place? How should Christians respond to all this? How can we learn to rightly criticise Islam while also loving our Muslim neighbours and pointing them to the one in whom true peace is found? We discuss all the questions and more in this latest episode of Pod of the Gaps. Please help support Pod of the Gaps: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/wkop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/wkop</a> * Among the resources mentioned in the show were: <ul> <li> Andy Bannister, "Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?" (London: IVP, 2021) [Read or listen to the first chapter for free: <a href="https://www.solas-cpc.org/dmacwtsg/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.solas-cpc.org/dmacwtsg/</a>] </li> <li> Nabeel Qureshi, "Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward" (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016) </li> <li> Open Doors (<a href="https://www.opendoorsuk.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.opendoorsuk.org</a>) </li> <li> The Barnabas Fund (<a href="https://barnabasfund.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://barnabasfund.org</a>) </li></ul>

Episode 21 - What the West Gets Wrong About Islam

An occasional podcast featuring Aaron Edwards and Andy Bannister. Each episode sees the two friends take a contemporary issue in culture and explore it from a Christian perspective. Featuring banter, philosophy, culture, theology, bad jokes, apologetics, and more — the podcast aims to help Christians think wisely about the challenges of living in the 21st century. ========================================= Theological and Political Disclaimer The content of this podcast does not represent the views of any institutions, colleges, networks, churches, or secret government organisations with which we are affiliated or employed."

Pod of the Gaps

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