It’s true when they sing that “One is the Loneliest Number.” Jeff starts this podcast alone, thanks to the flakiness of his co-host Bill. Fortunately, Bill stumbles through the door about seven minutes into this episode — in plenty of time to invigorate the show, but too late to choose the topic. This week, the topic is selected by a former Worldview Academy student who wants to know more about Jeff’s Christianity and the Arts lecture. Given that creating art requires a level of skill and requires reflecting God’s beauty, how do we define “skill” and “beauty”? Is it even possible for humans to judge in these areas, since God has not revealed His standard for skill or beauty? Or has he? A fruitful discussion ensues, in spite of Bill’s best efforts to sabotage the show.
Monthly archives for March, 2011
The Randy Sims Tribute
Although Jeff hates the new segment, this episode opens with “What’s the Best Thing You Ever Ate?” After Bill and Jeff discuss fish tacos, they settle into discussing a listener’s question about Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. After Enger, they move on to a new book that they both read last month, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Hillenbrand is a capable author (she is best known for Seabiscuit), but what makes this book special is the subject, Louie Zamperini. Why, you might ask, is this show called a Randy Sims Tribute? Because Worldview Academy executive director Randy Sims read Unbroken first, and recommended it to Bill and Jeff. And now we highly recommend it to you!
The Sacred/Secular Dichotomy in the Pulpit
Is it wrong to preach about public policy from the pulpit? Should pastors abjure providing political guidance to their flock? Not if God is relevant to the realm of politics — which is precisely what your hosts Bill and Jeff argue for in this episode. In addition, Bill tries to get a new segment about candy bars off the ground, Jeff talks about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Bill recounts his adventures in “rational discussion” with pro-union protesters at the state capitol.