Banned Books
Religion & Spirituality
About
Welcome to Banned Books, where we read and converse with the rebel children, the holy mischief-makers of God, who fight against the kind of useless religious, spiritual, and moral methods of life improvement that seeks to smother the glory of God in Jesus Christ. We want to introduce you to those who forgot everything except Jesus Christ and him crucified. We all struggle with fear of being last, lost, least, littlest, and dead, and so we are here to encourage, challenge, provoke, and maybe even offend you by introducing you to theologians who at one time or another were banned by their church, declared dangerous, or simply vilified for daring to confess that Christ alone is the way, truth, and life. Welcome rebel children, holy mischief makers, and fools for Christ. This podcast is for you.
Episodes
- 438: Debrief - Answering Listener Questions
This episode of Banned Books addresses listener emails concerning the Christian perspective on money and pornography addiction. It explores historical church views on wealth, the impact of the Industrial Revolution and therapy-speak, and d…
- 437: John of Damascus - Apologia Against Those Who Decry Holy Images
Episode 437 of Banned Books features John of Damascus discussing the veneration of icons. The discussion covers the meaning of icons, points of dispute, scriptural distinctions between graven images and icons, and the relationship between…
- 436: Schuldheisz - Luther and the Lion
On episode 436 of Banned Books, Pastor Sam Schuldheisz discusses his book 'Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism,' exploring how C.S. Lewis's Narnia can aid in catechizing children and adults. The episode delves into the connection betw…
- 435: Andersen - Ritual as the Whole Way of Life
This episode features David Andersen discussing Christian ritual, exploring its purpose, goals, and how it differs from other religious rituals. The conversation also touches upon the presence of ritual and ceremony outside of formal relig…
- 434: Guite - The Music of Creation
Episode 434 of Banned Books features Malcolm Guite's Lenten meditation on creation and music, linking it to J.R.R. Tolkien's works. It also includes an Easter message from church leaders in Jerusalem.
- 433: Von Schenk - The Crucifixion
Episode 433 of Banned Books features a reading and discussion of Berthold von Schenk's The Presence. The episode delves into topics such as sacrifice, sacrament, human will, anthropology, the cross, Lent, Easter, and love, examining the co…
- 432: Ælfric - Homily for Midlent Sunday
This episode of Banned Books features a reading and discussion of Ælfric of York's Homily for Midlent Sunday. The discussion focuses on the symbolic and historical interpretations of Jesus feeding the five thousand, and its connection to t…
- 431: Kleinig - The Mystery of Christ and Cosmic Restoration
This episode of Banned Books features Dr. John Kleinig discussing Christ and cosmic restoration. It explores the Christian concepts of mystery versus secrets, the role of mystagogues, and how Christ's presence and the restoration of creati…
- 430: Tolkien - The Journey Through the Desert: The Lenten Quest
Episode 430 of Banned Books discusses the Lenten subtext in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Return of the King." The episode examines what Christians can learn from authors like Tolkien regarding faith, devotional reading, and perceiving reality thr…
- 429: Lewis - "'Nature gives most of her evidence in answer to the questions we ask her"
This episode of Banned Books discusses C.S. Lewis's "The Discarded Image," examining the medieval worldview concerning the cosmos, God's order, and humanity. It explores how this perspective can inform contemporary churches and touches on…
- 428: Postman - A great narrative... has sufficient credibility, complexity, and symbolic power to enable one to organize one's life around it
In this episode of Banned Books, the hosts delve into Neal Postman's "The End of Education." They discuss the mechanisms of public education, religious catechesis, and how contemporary learning is influenced by the Enlightenment and psycho…
- 427: Wulfstan - Sermon of the Wolf to the English
In episode 427 of Banned Books, titled 'Wulfstan - Sermon of the Wolf to the English,' the hosts discuss an 11th-century sermon by Bishop Wulfstan. The sermon addresses themes of corruption and sin among the English people, warning of divi…
- 426: Thielicke - The Alluring Miracle of Display
This episode features theologian Helmut Thielecke exploring themes of worship, divine encounter, and the effects of technology. It examines Satan's temptations as a lens to understand Jesus, scripture, piety, and mystery, questioning if Ch…
- 425: Lewis - Myth Became Fact
This episode of Banned Books features an excerpt from G.K. Chesterton's "The Maniac" and C.S. Lewis' "Myth Became Fact." The discussion centers on the necessity of myth and higher truth for a healthy life and examines the impact on modern…
- 424: Kleinig - The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Divine Service
In this episode, Dr. John Kleinig explains the Holy Spirit's involvement in the Divine Service. The discussion covers how Christ delivers the Spirit to the church via His word and empowers worship, and how the church receives this Spirit t…
- 423: Graff - Rationalism's war on everything "magical."
In episode 423 of Banned Books, host Gillespie explores tradition, liturgy, and worship styles within churches. The episode questions the purpose of the Divine Service, the meaning of Christian life, and whether mystery has been sacrificed…
- 422: Post-Christmas and Post-New Year Debrief
This episode features a post-holiday debrief discussing symbols, meaning, and how culture has marginalized Christ from Christmas. It delves into the arbitrary nature of timekeeping, the human tendency to build meaning through effort, and t…
- 421: Chesterton - Mankind would have a much worse time if there were no such thing as Christmas or Christmas dinners
Episode 421 of Banned Books reads G.K. Chesterton's essay "On Christmas." Chesterton discusses celebrating Christmas too early, vivisection, vegetarianism, and the poor at Christmas.
- 420: C.S. Lewis - Christmas is unfortunately everyone's business
This episode of Banned Books features C.S. Lewis discussing Christmas. Topics include the early church fathers, worship, symbolism, mystery, the influence of Freud and Jung on modern Christians, consumerism, and gift-giving.
- 419: C.S. Lewis - All that Christianity adds to Paganism is the cure
This episode of Banned Books examines C.S. Lewis's "A Christmas Sermon for Pagans." It questions why a post-Christian individual might need to return to paganism to accept the gospel and discusses the consequences of secularizing nature an…
- 418: Luther - God will not deal with us except through his external Word and sacrament
This episode concludes a study of Martin Luther's Smalcald Articles, discussing the office of the keys and confession. It summarizes previous episodes and delves into the function and power of the forgiveness of sins, its origins, and who…
- 417: Luther - A deep, evil corruption of nature that reason does not comprehend
This episode of Banned Books delves into Martin Luther's Smalcald Articles, examining the concepts of sin and the law. It discusses the nature of sin, its effects on individuals, and its relationship with the law, questioning if the law ca…
- 416: Luther - To this office of the law, however, the New Testament immediately adds the consoling promise of grace through the gospel
This episode of Banned Books delves into Martin Luther's Smalcald Articles, examining concepts such as contrition, repentance, and freedom. It questions the purpose of the law in creating hopelessness and the consequences of self-focused r…
- 415: Luther - The Mass is a dangerous thing, fabricated and invented without God's Word and will
Episode 415 of Banned Books focuses on Martin Luther's Smalcald Articles, specifically his critique of the Roman Mass and its implications for Christian life. The discussion covers mimetic desire, sacrificial religion, and the exclusive wo…
- 414: Luther - God is extravagantly rich in His grace
This episode of Banned Books discusses Martin Luther's Smalcald Articles on the gospel, baptism, and the Lord's Supper. It explores why Luther was hesitant to write them and examines their significance for the church and Christian life, ev…
- 413: Debrief on the Bondage of the Will
This episode concludes the series on the Bondage of the Will and recaps the Here We Still Stand Conference 2025. It explores theological questions about salvation, the Gospel, and the Church's role, as well as the implications of a will bo…
- 412: Forde - The gospel, and only the gospel, spells the end of the hidden God
Episode 412 of Banned Books concludes the reading of Gerhard Forde's "Captivation of the Will." The discussion centers on Luther's views on the bound will, Christ, and election, contrasting them with Erasmus's perspective.
- 411: Forde - Are we puppets, being jerked around against our wills by a malevolent puppeteer?
Episode 411 of Banned Books discusses Gerhard Forde's "The Captivation of the Will," examining the nature of the human will, the illusion of free choice, and the theological implications of divine grace versus morality. The episode also to…
- 410: Forde - Better not to let the "common herd" in on such lofty and dangerous academic secrets
This episode delves into Gerhard O. Forde's "The Captivation of the Will," examining the nature of God, the state of morality, and the concepts of sin and freedom. It also touches upon the specific calling of Christ's preachers.
- 409: Forde - Take away assertions and you take away Christianity
Episode 409 of Banned Books features a discussion of Gerhard Forde's work on Luther's The Bondage of the Will. The episode explores scriptural exegesis, how modern readers interpret biblical texts, and the inherent energy within Scripture,…
- 408: Nestigen - Luther and Erasmus on the Bondage of the Will
Episode 408 of Banned Books features Dr. James Nestingen's introduction to Martin Luther's "The Bondage of the Will." The episode explores the differing interpretations of scripture and Christian doctrine between Luther and Erasmus, influe…
- 407: Paulson - The free will is demonstrably not Jesus Christ
This episode begins a series on Martin Luther's "The Bondage of the Will," featuring Dr. Steven Paulson's analysis of the treatise's theological importance and its relevance to contemporary churches.
- 406: Giertz - The Parish Church
Episode 406 of Banned Books features a discussion of Bo Giertz's "Christ's Church." The episode delves into the church's biblical origins, historical progression, and future presence.
- 405: Barfield - Myth is the Ghost of Concrete Meaning
In episode 405, "Barfield - Myth is the Ghost of Concrete Meaning," the podcast explores Owen Barfield's arguments for the significance of older forms of expression. Barfield defends the use of traditional language, stories, and values in…
- 404: Auden - A Litany and the Horae Cononicae
This episode features W.H. Auden's poems "A Litany" and "The Horae Canonicae," exploring themes of pulp fiction, mythology, conversion, and the influence of industrialization on religious structures.
- 403: Morales - Remembering Your Baptism
In this episode of Banned Books, author Kathryn Morales joins the discussion about her new book, "Remembering Your Baptism." They delve into questions surrounding baptism, including who it is for, its necessity, and the implications of dou…
- 402: Tolkien - Certainly there was an Eden on this very unhappy earth
Episode 402 features J.R.R. Tolkien's letter to his son about Genesis, Eden, and the impact of the "machine" on humanity. The discussion covers Tolkien's views on faith, beauty, and the concept of Eden.
- 401: Q&A on Christian Success
Episode 401 of Banned Books addresses listener questions regarding success within the Christian faith. It explores how success is measured, the significance of failure, and the theological implications of the cross in defining Christian su…
- 400: Paulson - The Hidden Life of Christians
In episode 400, "The Hidden Life of Christians," the podcast discusses Steven Paulson's "Outlaw God" and examines Christian perspectives on the living Word, Christ's crucifixion, and vocations within a culture of death.
- 399: More Questions Answered - Myth and Taylor Swift
This episode of Banned Books addresses a listener question about Taylor Swift, expanding the discussion to include symbols, meaning, religious iconography, and how sacraments influence our perception of reality.
- 398: Paulson - A Preacher like Jonah
This episode of Banned Books features Steven Paulson's Outlaw God, exploring themes such as the abstract appeal of the Law, the illusion of free will, the Ninevite Conundrum, and the comparison of therapy to Christ as a means of grace.
- 397: Q&A Episode - Civil Disobedience
In episode 397 of Banned Books, a listener question about civil disobedience is answered, exploring its connection to the two kingdoms doctrine and touching upon themes of conspiracies, immigration, war, and colonialism.
- 396: Paulson - God's Law, God's Gospel
In episode 396 of Banned Books, the discussion centers on Steven Paulson's work, The Outlaw God. Key topics include the concepts of law and Gospel, the purpose of a preacher, human resistance to Christ's message, and the psychological stat…
- 395: Questions Answered
This episode of Banned Books, titled "Questions Answered," addresses listener inquiries on theological concepts like active and passive righteousness, election, and the bondage of the will. It also touches upon addiction, the effectiveness…
- 394: Paulson - The Battle of Words
Episode 394 of Banned Books features Steven Paulson's The Outlaw God. The discussion covers preaching, using strong language to address spiritual matters, and condemning negative forces.
- 393: Table Talk
In episode 393, "Table Talk," the podcast Banned Books discusses how various historical and cultural factors, including pre-modern church history, the Industrial Revolution, and the flight of heretics, have impacted modern Western churches.
- 392: Keller - What Is the Church?
The podcast episode "392: Keller - What Is the Church?" discusses a sermon by Tim Keller that explores the definition of the church, its connection to culture, the location of faith, and whether Christian faith influences values.
- 391: The gracious will and good pleasure of God in Christ Jesus
Episode 391 of Banned Books, "The gracious will and good pleasure of God in Christ Jesus," delves into the theological concepts of election. The discussion covers the certainty of election, the process of being chosen, the human capacity f…
- 390: Concerning the Eternal Predestination and Election of God
Episode 390 of Banned Books reads from the Book of Concord on election. The hosts discuss why God forgives, why some reject the gospel, and the Lutheran rejection of double predestination.
- 389: The Power and Primacy of the Pope
Episode 389 of Banned Books reads Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope. The hosts discuss the papacy, Lutheran and Protestant responses to the Pope, loving one's neighbor, and the difference between heterodoxy and heresy.