Banned Books

Son of a Preacher Man. In this episode, we sit with Rev. Klemet Preus' essay, The Sermon as Absolution. What is the purpose of proclamation? What is the content of a sermon supposed to be? What is vicarious satisfaction and how does it preach? We discuss bondage, absolution, liberation, and resurrection in this week's episode, and much, much more!

SHOW NOTES:

The Sermon as Absolution https://logia.org/logia-online/555

Fire and the Staff: Lutheran Theology in Practice https://link.amazon/B0ed3loxX

More from 1517:

The Long and Winding Road. In this episode, we sit with the Holy Spirit to discuss moral law, free will, Christ crucified, and one of the longest rabbit trails we've ever been on; tracking two medieval scholastics to God's bathroom window. We ask questions of those who edit Jesus' words, question the benefits of not declaring the forgiveness of sin, and look at what happens when the Holy Spirit is sent into exile. All this and much, much more on this week's episode of the podcast.

SHOW NOTES:

Spiritus creator - Regin Prenter https://link...

I Long to Tell the Story of… Bondage and Grace.

In this episode, we hold a pastoral debrief where we discuss the 2026 "Here We Still Stand conference," the preaching method of Rev. Dr. James Nestingen, how the stories we tell confess our bondage to sin, and what is being done by Christ to break us free. Lots of stories, exegesis, and pastoral discussion on this episode of the podcast.

More from 1517:

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough! In this episode, we continue our conversation about repentance, reading Rev. Dr. James Nestingen's article on the Gospel and Repentance. We discuss Luther's view of the Gospel's relationship to repentance, preaching a doable law, and what awaits those who leave the Church in a state of unrepentance. This and much, much more on this week's episode of the podcast.

SHOW NOTES:

The Essential Nestingen https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419121-the-essential-nestingen

More from 1517:

In this episode, we sit with Rev. Dr. James Nestingen's writing on the gospel and repentance. We talk at length not only about law and repentance, but also about the consequences of therapeutic culture for the preaching and reception of calls to repent in the churches. If the law is known by its uses, who is the user? What is it to have a God? What do you have if you have one? How does it work? How does the law summarize the non-negotiables of creaturely life? Can the devil use the law? What is the preacher's use of...

Let's Stay Together.

In this episode, we sit with Werner Elert's study of Eucharist & Church Fellowship in the First Four Centuries. We discuss ecumenism, fellowship, communion, church polity, and what constitutes "koinonia" in the New Testament and the early church. This and much, much more on this week's episode of the podcast.

SHOW NOTES:

Werner Elert - Eucharist & Church Fellowship in the First Four Centuries https://amzn.to/46CbotJ

More from 1517:

The Cost of Discipline.

In this episode, we sit with St. Athanasius and his writings on the life of St. Antony. How did Christians in the 4th century view spiritual warfare and affliction? What is the relation of discipline to prayer, piety, and resisting temptation? What did 4th century Christians think about virtues and vices, and whether they were (or weren't) related to the Christian life? Is it better for Christians to seek a place of solitude or community when focusing on heavenly things versus worldly things? How does Mammon factor into this? What does Scripture teach...

Are You More Spiritual Than a Medieval Peasant?

In this episode, we sit with The Book of the Craft of Dying to discuss how medieval spiritual warfare was explained in the 1415 text Ars Moriendi. What temptations do Christians experience in the midst of death? How do temptations to desperation, impatience, complacency, and concern about worldly matters seduce Christians? How do we distinguish between divine actions and nefarious powers at work? How many times can Gillespie interrupt and contradict Riley before he goes apoplectic? Are there patterns Christians can look for to recognize when temptations are approaching? Is...

All Apologies.

In this episode, we respond to another listener question. What does it mean to "sit with a text" and yet be prepared at all times to give an apology for the hope that is in us? How does the Holy Spirit work in and through believers to testify to the truth about Jesus? Does the Spirit work through non-Christians, and if so, how and to what purpose? How has modern Christian evangelism differed from pre-modern evangelism and apologetics? What do the gospels teach us about the character of evangelism? This and much, much more in...

Suicide Solution. In this episode, we sit with Martin Luther and C.S. Lewis to discuss the topic of self-murder ("suicide"). We talk about focusing on higher truth, how individualism leads to harmful consequences, and how Christians and churches may discuss this with others.

This episode discusses suicide directly. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) — and reach out to a pastor, a friend, or family, not just a stranger on the internet.

SHOW NOTES:

As Alive As You Need Me to Be… Again. In this episode, we continue our wandering through church history and doctrine, conversing with Kurt Marquart as he explains justification, sanctification, and theosis. Inside this is a layer of cultural criticism, and beneath that, a layer of pastoral debriefing — and a stained-glass viewing of Scripture, art, music, worship, and much, much more.

SHOW NOTES:

Luther and Theosis by Kurt E. Marquart https://www.ctsfw.net/media/pdfs/marquartlutherandtheosis.pdf

More from 1517:

As Alive As You Need Me to Be.

In this episode, we sit with Rev. Dr. Kurt Marquardt and listen as he teaches us about theosis, deification, justification, Christology, myth and ethics, materialism and rationalism, sacramentality, vocation, relational versus philosophical exegesis, sanctification, glorification, and much, much more.

SHOW NOTES:

Luther and Theosis by Kurt E. Marquart https://www.ctsfw.net/media/pdfs/marquartlutherandtheosis.pdf

More from 1517:

Ride On…

In this episode, we engage a listener question — is Lutheran teaching double predestination within his debate with Erasmus? How are we to understand arguments for the bound will, such as: "Man's will is like a beast standing between two riders. If God rides, it wills and goes where God wills… If Satan rides, it wills and goes where Satan wills. Nor may it choose to which rider it will run, or which it will seek; but the riders themselves fight to decide who shall have and hold it"?

And so, we discuss God's will...

Talk of the Town

In this episode, we discuss Christian conversation — cultural, institutional, and in our encounters with the living God. Our guide is Prof. Robert Kolb, who wrote about the 'Art of Christian Conversation' in his book, "Speaking the Gospel Today." What is Christian conversation, and what is its purpose? On the other side of the table, what is a worldly conversation, and what is its ultimate purpose? Is there any difference between pre-modern and post-modern Christian conversations and secular talks? Is there anything we can learn from "Christian conversations" that can be applied and/or he...

Run for the Hills! On this episode, we sit with Eugene Peterson and Jonah, listening to what they have to teach about God's grace, death and resurrection, threshold experiences, believing Jesus is God versus encountering him, and much, much more! What does pastoral ministry look like in Jonah's disobedience and obedience to God's call? What would a "Church of St Jonah" look and sound like? What is it about God's love for sinners that drives us away from God? When will this episode description end?

SHOW NOTES:

Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational...

Featured text: "Prescription against Heretics" — Tertullian

The Times They Are A-Changin'. In this episode, we sit with Tertullian's writing on "Prescription against Heretics." What is "the rule of faith"? What constitutes a proper seeking after divine knowledge? What does Tertullian mean by "Heretics Encourage and Perpetuate Thought Independent of Christ's Teaching"? What does he mean by "Restless Curiosity, the Feature of Heresy"? Should heretics not to be allowed to argue out of the Scriptures?

SHOW NOTES:

"Prescription against Heretics" - Tertullian https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0311.htm

Tertullian https://bannedbooks1517.org/au...

Featured text: "Introduction to A Memoir of Mary Ann" — Flannery O'Connor

Pretty Girls Make Graves. In this episode, we sit with Flannery O'Connor's introduction to A Memoir of Mary Ann, a memoir of a little girl who lived for 12 years at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cancer Home in Atlanta, Georgia. Written by the nuns at the home, with a substantial introduction by Flannery O'Connor. This is a deeply moving meditation on pain, suffering, loss, and why the good hides himself behind the grotesque.

SHOW NOTES:

"Introduction to A Memoir of Mary An...

Featured text: "A Shepherd's Letter" — Bo Giertz

We're in This Together. In this episode, we sit with Bo Giertz and read his open letter to the churches -- A Shepherd's Letter. As translator, Bror Erickson says of the opening section (we read on the show), Crises and Sources of Strength: crises in the church, sources of strength in Christ, and the living hope that endures every age of the evil world.

SHOW NOTES:

Bo Giertz - A Shepherd's Letter https://shop.1517.org/products/9781948969987-a-shepherds-letter

More from 1517:

Featured text: "The Value and Role of Creeds and Confessions" — Carl Trueman

With Arms Wide Open! In this episode, on the eve of Trinity Sunday, we sit with Carl Trueman's essay, 'The Value and Role of Creeds and Confession.' Is there any usefulness of Creeds and Confessions at present? Are they important as historic documents? Are they authoritative for the churches? What are the biblical origins of the ecumenical creeds, and are they the rule of faith for contemporary Christians? What about contemporary churches that write their own creeds, confessions, or statements of faith — do they part...

Featured text: "The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible" — Michael Heiser

The Mosaic Word. In this episode, we sit with Michael Heiser's book, The Unseen Realm, on reading the Bible. What are the rules of engagement when one reads Scripture? What filters do we apply to the biblical texts, and are they helpful or do they blind us? What, then, are the obstacles that prevent us from enjoying the biblical narratives? What do we assume about the Bible that is true, and what is not? Have moderns been desensitized to the vitality and theological im...

Featured text: "Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future" — Seraphim Rose

UFOs are Rebel Angels. In this episode, we read Father Seraphim Rose's classic text, Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future, about the true nature of UFOs and the nefarious origins of modern narratives about extraterrestrials, spaceships, what's out there in the universe, and so on. What do Christians have to say to a culture that is awash with UFO sightings and prolifically promises to reveal the truth about UFOs?

SHOW NOTES:

Fr. Seraphim Rose - Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Fu...

Money, Porn, and Godly Relationships. In this episode, we answer emails from listeners that ask us to discuss the godly use of money and pornography addiction. How should Christians view the usage of money and possessions? What is the godly response to pornography addiction for both the husband and the wife? These and more listener questions answered on this week's episode.

SHOW NOTES:

Using Your Money To Be Happier https://youtu.be/S9InNdQhFwc

More from 1517:

Featured text: "Apologia Against Those Who Decry Holy Images" — John of Damascus

Every Picture Tells a Story. In this episode, we sit with John of Damascus to listen to him teach us about the veneration of icons — what that means, why it's a subject of dispute, how scripture distinguishes between graven images and god- pleasing icons, and how this all ties into worship and vocation. This and much, much more on this week's episode.

SHOW NOTES:

John of Damascus Apologia https://archive.org/details/isbn_2900881412450/page/19/mode/1up

Rohlin tweet https://x.co...

Featured text: "Luther and the Lion" — Sam Schuldheisz

The Lutherans, the Lion, and the gifts of Narnia. In this episode, we talk with Pastor Sam Schuldheisz about his forthcoming book, Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism. We discuss how Lewis (and other Inklings) can help us catechize children and adults, how stories lead us deeper into the biblical narratives, and vice versa. How can great myths and stories be employed in Christian apologetics when seen through Christian liturgy and sacraments? Now is the best time to reintroduce great Christian authors, great myths, and great stories, and th...

Featured text: "In Defense of Christian Ritual" — David Andersen

The Power of Ritual! In this episode, we learn from David Andersen about Christian ritual. What's the purpose and goal of ritual? How does Christian ritual differ from other religious rituals? Where do we find ritual and ceremony outside "religious" observances? When we forget or ignore ritual and ceremony, what is the effect on individuals, groups, and societies? That and much, much more in this episode of the podcast.

SHOW NOTES:

In Defense of Christian Ritual https://shop.1517.org/products/9781948969642-in-defense-of-christian-ritual?_pos=1&_sid=ce681aa...

Featured text: "The Music of Creation" — Malcolm Guite

Where do the Children Play? In this episode, we read an Easter message from the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem. Then we read Malcom Guite's Lenten meditation on creation, the embodiment of heavenly music, and why J.R.R. Tolkien expressed a profound, deep truth through not-so-fictional fiction stories. This and much, much more in this episode of the Banned Books podcast.

SHOW NOTES:

Wardrobes and Rings: Through Lenten Lands with the Inklings https://amzn.to/4bE3yTS

Malcolm Guite ht...

Featured text: "The Presence" — Berthold von Schenk

What's Love Got to do With It? In this episode, we read Berthold von Schenk's The Presence, discussing sacrifice, sacrament, human will, anthropology, the cross, Lent, Easter, Love, and the consequences of the crucifixion for worship, faith, and Christian living. Why does our focus determine how we view these things? What is the "telos" of the Lord's Supper, and where does it lead us? How does it change us?

SHOW NOTES:

B. von Schenk Bio https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berthold_von_Schenk

The Pr...

Featured text: "The Homilies of the Anglo-Saxon Church" — Ælfric

Went to a Garden Party. In this episode, we read a homily by St. Aelfric of York for Midlent Sunday. Aelfric sermonizes about the earthly and heavenly meaning of Jesus' feeding of the five thousand — its symbolism, historical import, and how loaves and fishes exegete the Old Testament books themselves. This and many, many wilderness wanderings in this episode of the podcast.

SHOW NOTES:

The Homilies of the Anglo-Saxon Church https://www.gutenberg.org/files/38334/38334-h/38334-h.htm#page180

More from...

Featured text: "The Mystery of Christ and Cosmic Restoration" — John Kleinig

Cosmic Debris. In this episode, we read Dr. John Kleinig on Christ and cosmic restoration. We then discuss how and why Christians confuse mysteries with secrets, what happened to the mystagogues, and why the mystery of the Christian faith has to do with the hidden presence of Christ with us here on earth and our restoration by his restoration of all creation. This episode, as Kleinig himself writes, is about how we can best commend the Christian faith to post-modern people, which is when we ourselves ar...

Featured text: "Tolkien's Liturgical Imagination" — J.R.R. Tolkien

Lent in Middle-earth. In this episode, we discuss the Lenten subtext, language, and images in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Return of the King." What can Christians learn from fiction authors about the faith, devotional reading, understanding the world outside the churches through the view of the cross, and how all of reality is bent towards Easter at all times, in all places, by all people?

SHOW NOTES:

Wardrobes and Rings: Through Lenten Lands with the Inklings https://a.co/d/0bjsTwnn

Ma...

Featured text: "The Discarded Image" — C.S. Lewis

A Church as Big as the Cosmos! In this episode, we enter into Lent with a reading from C.S. Lewis' The Discarded Image. We discuss the medieval understanding of life, the universe, and everything— how it can help the churches today deepen their "vision" of how God orders the universe, the church, and the human being. We converse about the Grail legend, how God's Word encounters and changes people, being lost in the Garden, how Christ ministers through others, and being annoyed by death. This and much, much more...

Featured text: "The End of Education" — Neil Postman

We Don't Need No Education. In this episode, we read The End of Education by Neal Postman, discussing the mechanisms of public education, religious catechesis, the influence of the Enlightenment and psychoanalysis on contemporary learning, and what happens when fiction replaces truth as the basis of meaning. This and much, much more on today's show!

SHOW NOTES:

The End of Education https://amzn.to/4qGylnd

More from 1517:

Featured text: "Sermon of the Wolf to the English" — Wulfstan

Hungry Like The Wolf. In this episode, we read a sermon from 11th-century bishop Wulfstan. The main themes in the Sermon of the Wolf to the English (also often referred to by its Latin title, Sermo Lupi ad Anglos) are corruption and sin. These themes are apparent as Wulfstan chastises the English people for their corruption and warns of God's anger and wrath, which is sure to come: "Understand also well that the Devil has now led this nation astray for very many years." He sees that th...

Featured text: "Between God and Satan: The Temptation of Jesus and the Temptability of Man" — Helmut Thielicke

Fight the Power! In this episode, we learn from pastor and theologian Helmut Thielecke about the gods we worship, the God that encounters us, and what technology actually does to us. What do Satan's temptations teach us about Jesus, God's Word, piety, and making sense of mystery? Is Christianity supposed to be a sensible religion? What kind of "opium" does the evil one offer us to lead us away from the Truth? What is distinctive about the worshippers of the Go...

Featured text: "God in the Dock" — C.S. Lewis

The Hangman's Nous. In this episode, we read an excerpt from The Maniac, by G.K. Chesterton, followed by Myth Became Fact, from C.S. Lewis' book of essays, "God in the Dock." The primary question we discuss, then, is whether men and women can live a healthy and sane life with mystery, without myth, and without higher truth. What has happened to modern churches that exorcised mystery from preaching, teaching, evangelism, and worship? What anchors the Body of Christ when it's unmoored from Church history and tradition? Wh...

Featured text: "The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Divine Service" — John Kleinig

In this episode, we learn about the Holy Spirit and the Divine Service from Dr. John Kleinig. In particular, we discuss how Christ gives the Spirit to the church through his word, how Christ institutes the divine service and empowers it with God's Spirit, and how the church receives the Holy Spirit by faith in God's word as it is proclaimed and enacted in the divine service. The conversation revolves around the central question: How then can we be sure that the Spirit is...

Featured text: "History of the Dissolution of the Old Liturgical Forms in the Evangelical Church of Germany" — Paul Graff

Who Made Who. In this episode, Gillespie takes the wheel and steers us into tradition, liturgy, worship styles, and the various "-isms" that have sprung up within the churches over the centuries. What's the purpose of the Divine Service? What is the fundamental meaning of Christian meaning? Have we jettisoned mystery for sensible explanations that find no seat pulled out for them in God's house? Is Christian worship, polity, and piety about what we know, experience, feel, or co...

What's the Frequency, Kenneth? In this episode, we gather for a post-Christmas, post-New Year pastoral debrief. We talk about symbols and meaning, Christmas and holidays, signs and seasons, and how modern churches quietly cleared the path for culture to push Christ out of Christmas without much resistance. We explore the strange and largely arbitrary ways the world measures time, along with the old Adam's never-ending pyramid project. That is, his need to build meaning upward by effort, progress, and control rather than receive it as a gift. From there, we return to symbol and meaning. We ask why ancient...

Featured text: "On Christmas" — G.K. Chesterton

Going Cold Turkey at Christmas? In this episode, we read G.K. Chesterton's essay, On Christmas, wherein he discusses celebrating Christmas too early, vivisection, vegetarians versus turkeys, and what to do about the poor at Christmas. It's another curmudgeonly Christmas episode with one of our favorite British apologists and satirists.

SHOW NOTES:

"On Christmas" by G. K. Chesterton https://www.english-culture.com/on-christmas/

A Christmas Message for Contemporary Pagans https://www.1517.org/articles/a-christmas-message-for-contemporary-pagans

More from 1517:

Featured text: "What Christmas Means to Me" — C.S. Lewis

I'm Wasted, and I Can't Find My Way Home. In this episode, we again invite C.S. Lewis to teach us about Christmas. We also discuss the early church fathers, worship, symbolism, mystery, Freud and Jung's influence on modern Christians, consumerism and gift-giving, and, of course, Christmas: all this and much, much more on this episode of the podcast.

SHOW NOTES:

What CHRISTMAS means to me... https://www.pas.rochester.edu/~tim/study/CSLewis.pdf

Xmas and Christmas: A Lost Chapter fr...