26 Letters

We're back! Join Sam and David as they give their first impressions and breakdown of episode 1 of the Amazon Prime docu-series "Shiny Happy People" covering the life and secrets of the Duggar family. 

All good things must come to an end, and this is the end for 26 Letters. Don't worry, Sam and David leave you with a rapid-fire episode spanning many topics they didn't get to cover during the show. Listen until the end for the last top 5; it's spicy! 

Hey friend! Look up in here! It's preaching time! On this episode, David and Sam are honored to be joined by fellow alumnus Pastor Jason Riddle to talk about preaching! The IFB world has all sorts of takes on preaching, but what can we glean from it? What should we adopt, and what should we reject? Tune in to find out!

This week Sam and David - mostly David - review a book titled The Forgotten Preface by Joshua Barzon. This books talks about the preface that was in the front of KJV Bibles when they were first printed and it answers the question: What did the original KJV translator think about their own work?    Book Link:  The Forgotten Preface

Welcome to B is for Baptist Distinctives, a Distinctively Baptist Episode! This week Sam and David discuss the irony of the IFB movement being so dogmatic on denominational titles, yet very few would be able to give any insight on their own Baptist history, core beliefs, and identity.  Can you name the distinctives? 

Ooooo, Flannelgraph! You know that flannelgraph is the go-to visual for all good fundies, but did you know they were also used in both world wars? Join David and Sam as they jump back in time to the beginning of the flannelgraph.    Sources:  https://bydesignvisuals.org/our-history/ https://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4374&context=theses#:~:text=The%20first%20time%20the%20flannelgraph,Marjorie%20East%20and%20Edgar%20Dale. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flannelgraph  

Just when you think nothing good could come out of Vegas, you learn about Southern Hills Church. This week Sam and David interview the pastor of Southern Hills - Josh Teis. Discipleship in the IFB doesn't really exist, so Sam and David bring in an expert to give some good insight. 

One day you're growing up in the church youth group with activities all the time, then the next thing you know you're stranded and left with nothing to do as a "College and Career" aged individual. Why is it that the church neglects this group of people that could add valuable insight and resources to their local church? This week, Sam and David are joined by their friends Jacob and Sage Bouvier  who work with the young adults in their church and local college to make sure these individuals feel a sense of belonging and value in the body of believers. 

Whether you like 'sharing from a chair' or pre-gaming the sermon with another sermon. this episode will accommodate all sorts of preferences! This week, join Sam and David as they compare the modern new fangled "small group" to the oldie but a goodie "Sunday school."

According to the Bible, the will of God is for us to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God; but in the IFB, the will of God isn't as straightforward. Join Sam and David as they discuss how the will of God can be sometimes scary and crippling.    Source Notes  Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach To Finding God's Will by Kevin DeYoung 

Prep those prophets' chambers and take up that love offering! It is time to welcome the MOG. Join David and Sam as they discuss the nuanced interpretation of a man of God. It's not quite what you would think.      Sources  The Baptist Story: From English Sect to Global Movement  The Biblical, Historical, and Practical Implications of Plural Eldership Within Congregational Polity Within Souther Baptist Congregations - by Jeremy Butler  https://www.stufffundieslike.com/?s=man+of+god  http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Great%20Men%20of%20God/dr_jack_hyles_man_of_god.htm https://africa.thegospelcoalition.org/video/why-you-dont-need-the-man-of-god/    

No, we're not actually going away. We just had some trouble finding a word for the letter Z. What didn't have trouble finding was a fun conversation around the podcast and this first season of 26 Letters. Thank you to all you dear sweet listeners who have stuck with us thus far. We look forward to many more episodes to come!

If you have ever left a movement, there is a phrase you are sure to have heard a time or two from people. "You're just bitter!" But at you? Can there possibly be more to it than that? 

This is not one of those bonfires you attend for fun. At this bonfire, we mean BUSINESS. Join David and Samantha as they jump into the history of burning things you don't agree with and how the IFB uses it for revival.    Show Notes:  https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/brief-history-book-burning-printing-press-internet-archives-180964697/ https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/goebbels-burnings/ 

Merry Christmas Eve from 26 Letters Pod. Thanks to the fantastic listeners who gave Sam and David some of their Fundie Christmas stories to share. Stay til the end for a very special rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas! 

Get your Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays outta here! Just kidding actually, this week Sam and David explore the history of 'Xmas' and then the history of the evangelical world hating on 'Xmas'. Is Xmas against your religion?      Show Sources  https://aleteia.org/2017/07/28/the-miraculous-story-behind-the-chi-rho-symbol/ https://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2012/12/xmas-the-ancient-and-grand-abbreviation/ https://www.vox.com/2014/12/14/7374401/jesus-xmas-christmas https://www.catholicresearch.org/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year=2018&month=12&day=19&id=147:when-did-american-catholics-start-asking-to-keep-christ-in-christmas- https://books.google.com/books?id=XOcpWpY0YQ8C&pg=PA11139&lpg=PA11139&dq=when+was+the+phrase+%22keep+Christ+in+Christmas%22+first+used&source=bl&ots=qH2K30lFw8&sig=ACfU3U0j5oLC9qROecVg6m2WrNUnomPfsg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjklaWcs-T0AhWAl3IEHfxECPw4FBDoAXoECCgQAw#v=onepage&q=when%20was%20the%20phrase%20%22keep%20Christ%20in%20Christmas%22%20first%20used&f=false  

Rounding out their series on women, David and Sam interview Patricia, David's mom. Patricia tells about her time in the IFB movement as a Hispanic woman - not entirely different but not entirely the same either. 

If being a wife is one of the core values of the IFB, what happens when you are widowed? This week Sam and David have a chance to sit down with Sam's mother Suzanne who takes us through her unique story as a widowed woman in the IFB. 

In alignment with the normal content of this podcast, Sam and David discuss what they are thankful for from the IFB and not from the IFB. Which list is longer? You might be surprised. Happy day after Thanksgiving!

Women may have one extra bone in their body, but men are still the superior beings. This week, join David and Samantha as they try to navigate the complicated minefield of being a woman in the IFB.      Sources  The Lady the Lord is Looking For - Cathy Corle  The Hidden Helpmeet - Debby Pearl  What in the World should I Wear? - Cathy Corle  The Christian Lady's Handbook - George and Alba Alquist 

You could also say the Roloff chorus is a very long song. See what they did there? Join Sam and David as they do a little digging into the IFB's favorite chorus.   Show Notes  https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/remember-the-christian-alamo/  

In this episode, Sam and David discuss their time across the pond and the impact this semester at the Crown College of the Bible had in shaping their view of God, ministry, and the value of English desserts. Think of this like a peak under the hood of their hearts.    *This episode is best enjoyed with a hot cuppa tea. Yorkshire Gold to be precise!

What's more IFB than handing out Chick Tracts on Halloween? Doing a dramatic reading of one instead, of course! This week Sam and David invite you to sit back, relax, pour yourself a warm cup of cider (or hot chocolate) and enjoy this wonderful dramatization of the Chick Tract cult classic, Boo!   Also Darth Maul makes a little appearance at the end so make sure you stick around for that. Happy Halloween!   Shownotes: Link to Chick Tract -  https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=58&gclid=CjwKCAjwq9mLBhB2EiwAuYdMtezsY3Xdf0qaR6zkdocgX4DIpZHyXTjECNwONqxUbZtfCo_1sLE7IRoCvpwQAvD_BwE          

Join David and Sam for week one of the Petrifying Podcast Palooza. This week they discuss everything from the potato famine to the Satanic Panic of the 80's. Find out the first year that Sam celebrated Halloween, and be sure to send in your stories!    Sources  The Dark Side of Halloween by Dr. David L. Brown  You're Wrong About Podcast - episode Satanic Panic  https://www.vox.com/culture/22358153/satanic-panic-ritual-abuse-history-conspiracy-theories-explained    

There is nothing wrong with being a patriotic individual, but sometimes our patriotism can interfere with our Christianity. This week David and Sam address how IFB churches toe the line between patriotism and idolatry.    Sources:  Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez Ten Shekels and a Shirt sermon https://providencemag.com/2019/01/millennial-christians-wrong-patriotism/ https://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/articles/spiritualformation/patriotismchristian.html https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opinion-lenz-billy-graham_n_5a8ef291e4b005bb0fef46ec https://unlockingthebible.org/2016/06/a-biblical-view-of-patriotism/    

Who knew that David's favorite hobby and the IFB could actually collide. Join David and Sam as they interview one of the top board gamers in the nation, and listen til the end for a list of board games that you can play with your current IFB friends.      Show Links: Check out The Dice Tower here! - https://www.youtube.com/user/thedicetower

Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night be sure to be in your place with a smile on your face. In this week's episode, Sam and David discuss the history of the popular IFB saying about church services. It seems as if pastors love to focus on these three services while ignoring the Biblical example of fellowshipping and breaking bread daily.    Show Notes:  https://joshuateis.com/2019/09/three-to-thrive-no-longer-2/ https://ministry127.com/christian-living/10-ways-to-help-your-pastor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Roberson  

Just because they can, David and Sam bring you another bonus episode for the letter "S." Out of all 31,102 verses in the Bible, the IFB only needs three to prove the Bible is a scientific book. Do you know all three?    Source Notes:  https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Scientific-Proof-of-Bible.php https://answersingenesis.org/creation-scientists/profiles/matthew-maurys-search-for-the-secret-of-the-seas/ https://divediscover.whoi.edu/history-of-oceanography/mapping-current-patterns-in-the-oceans/ https://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question54.html

This week, Sam and David are closing out the summer season with memories of the beloved summer camp. If you plan on working camp any time soon, be sure to stick around to the end when Sam and David break down the five types of campers you will definitely encounter.    Source Notes: https://dailyhistory.org/What_is_the_history_of_summer_camps_in_the_United_States%3F https://daily.jstor.org/history-summer-camp/  

This week Sam and David are joined by 26Letters' OG fan - Suzanne. Listen in as they discuss a brief history and then personal experiences with special music. Be sure to catch the Top 6 list of special music stereotypes!    Show Notes  https://worshipmatters.com/2007/09/14/what-about-vocal-solos-on-sunday-mornings/ https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1163/j.ctt1w76wv6.11?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents https://barbaraleeharper.com/2015/03/17/special-music-in-the-church/    

Racism is a part of American history. It is a part of American evangelical history. It should then come to no surprise that it was and in some cases still is a part of the history of the IFB movement. This week, Sam and David discuss this history, how it pertains to us today and God's heart for all people.   Show notes: Sermon from Kenny Baldwin's message "There is No Room for Prejudice in the Church" -  https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=723171936554   Article on John R Rice: https://medium.com/the-radical-center/the-open-racism-of-christian-fundamentalism-a24c34e71c15   Scripture used to justify slavery and racism: http://cdcma.org/blog/2020/7/16/false-interpretations-of-scripture-used-to-justify-racism-in-americanbsp City Baptist School of Hammond, IN FB page -  https://www.facebook.com/CityBaptistSchool/       

Hoopin, and hollerin; Shoutin and singin; Altar Cryin and Testifyin. It's all in the package of a revival meeting. This week Sam and David examine the history of revivals, how we've gone from sudden stirrings of God to scheduled professional meetings, and of course, wrap up the conversation with their tips on how to run a successful revival.      Show notes: Elon News coverage of Burlington Revival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kWiUI1rRRA&ab_channel=ElonNewsNetwork   History of Revival in NA: https://churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/257668-brief-history-spiritual-revival-awakening-america.html    

Questions are a natural part of human existence...unless you're talking about the pastor of your church and your religious traditions. Even though it was a rare occasion to hear that asking questions was wrong, it was still treated in a way that we all knew asking was taboo. You just don't do it. Why? Listen to find out!    Show Notes:  https://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/kjvterms.htm https://spiritualsoundingboard.com/2012/12/21/spiritual-abuse-verses-pastors-twist-and-misuse-to-control/  

This swashbuckling adventurer is without doubt the greatest part of the IFB movement. Join Sam and David as they wax nostalgic about their Patch memories and sing with his crew. There are definitely many "Pros" in our list this week!    Source Notes:  https://www.independentmail.com/story/life/faith/2017/12/21/ron-hamilton-music-legend-patch-pirate/967956001/ https://investedwithyou.com/trials-blessings-patch-the-pirate/ https://www.audiotheatrecentral.com/2019/11/patch-pirates-40th-adventure-final-voyage.html https://www.wayoflife.org/database/patch_the_pirate_warnings_hold_true.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mnq096XedJs&ab_channel=MajestyMusic 

This week Sam and David close out their discussion on purity culture with their personal experiences. Tune in to hear about deans crossing the line with personal life, a ruined Christmas present, and even a purity wolf.    Sources  Talking Back to Purity Culture by Rachel Joy Welcher 

Purity is a topic that often comes up in IFB circles, especially for teens. With its primetime in the 90s and early 2000s, purity culture taught women their value came from their virginity and men that they were wild beasts that only wanted one thing in this world...sex. This week, Sam and David dissect some of the myths of purity culture and where they all started.    Sources:  Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot  Talking Back to Purity Culture by Rachel Joy Welcher https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-07-30-9407300023-story.html https://drcamden.com/2019/05/30/myths-purity-culture/ https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-purity.html  

We interrupt our normal broadcasting to bring you some commentary on this intriguing find we discovered while packing for our move. All of the content in this episode is brought to you by Dr. Jim Phillips' notebook which teaches young pastors how to effectively run a church and counsel the members. We quickly burned our copy after recording.    Show Notes: A Manual for Young Pastor by Dr. Jim Phillips 

Hold up, we aren't talking about door-to-door again, but that is something the IFB confuses with outreach. In this episode Sam and David discuss some of the outreach they participated in during their time in the IFB....or lack of outreach they experienced.    Show notes:  https://cedesports.org/outreach-vs-evangelism/ https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/history-of-the-salvation-army/ https://www.challies.com/articles/evangelism-the-sovereignty-of-god/  

Just how far back do we have to go when asking someone to "Gimme that Old Time Religion"? Not that far back, and the time period the IFB uses "Old Time Religion" to refer to is even more recent than the song. Join Sam and David as they discuss their view on and experience with the "Old Paths."    Show Notes:  https://home.nps.gov/biso/learn/historyculture/upload/BISO-Study-Old-Time-Religion.pdf http://folkslingers.com/give-me-that-old-time-religion/ https://library.si.edu/digital-library/book/jubileesingersth00pike  

This week's episode is sure to grab you by the neck! Join Sam and David as they take you on the journey of the La Cravat, or as you might know it the necktie. You'll even hear about Sam's emo days, much to her chagrin. 

Although this isn't the most common topic within IFB churches, those of you that have experienced this method know it can get real crazy real fast. This week Sam and David take you all the way back to ancient Egypt, the hay-day of the fifties, and the not-so-fifties modern America.     Show Notes   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerology   https://www.newswire.com/the-link-between-13-and-bad-luck/113766    

Grab your popcorn and extra large soda because this week Sam and David are taking you to the movies! Tune in to hear John R. Rice's thoughts about the devilish Thomas Edison, and some helpful tips about to go to the movies without getting caught.    Show Notes:  https://www.rarechristianbooks.com/product/5897/WHAT-IS-WRONG-WITH-THE-MOVIES-Rice-John-R https://brucegerencser.net/2019/01/is-it-a-sin-to-go-to-the-movie-theater/ https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/movie-theaters-and-cinema-through-the-decades.html/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/may/17/danbrown.film https://www.reuters.com/article/us-film-beautyandthebeast/beauty-and-beast-gay-character-sparks-christian-boycott-calls-idUSKBN16A2IO  

Music has existed longer than man, and the IFB will only let you listen to one small section of it. Join Sam and David as they dissect the different categories of music, tell their own stories with music in the IFB, and even create the seven levels of a listener in the IFB.      Show Notes:  https://www.liveabout.com/music-history-101-2455857 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_music_in_the_biblical_period#:~:text=The%20Bible%20mentions%20many%20uses,which%20prevailed%20for%20a%20period. https://www.gotquestions.org/contemporary-Christian-music.html https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-rap-music.html  

Do you know what a shepherd does to a lost sheep once he finds it? If you are working hard to come up with an answer, you probably didn't grow up too IFB. This week, Sam and David break down one of the most common illustrations used in an IFB pulpit that turns out to be completely false.    Show Notes:  https://pulpitandpen.org/2014/06/27/the-shepherd-breaking-his-sheeps-legs-myths-thatll-preach/ https://medium.com/nobody-left-out/a-message-to-the-99-good-sheep-jesus-left-behind-5f93bc88dc2 https://www.woolovers.com/blog/the-5-most-famous-sheep-of-all-time-242    

Have no fear, this is not a political topic! Tune in this week to find out how the IFB uses the term liberal. Your favorite liberals, Sam and David, delve into the history that surrounds this triggering word. 

We are back for week two of our KJVO series. The songs make a strong come back in this episode. Be sure to listen with your trusty King James so that you can wave it in the air when necessary.    Episode Sources:  Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible by Mark Ward  https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1611-Bible/1611-King-James-Bible-Introduction.php https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_James_Version https://www.britannica.com/topic/King-James-Version  

There is only one valued version of the Bible in the IFB - the King James Version. AKA the 1611, the Authorized version, or the "right" Bible. In this episode, Sam and David are joined by a former teacher of an IFB Bible college who shares his story and research about the KJV.  DISCLAIMER: We do not hate the King James Version; we do, in fact, love this translation and still use it frequently. :) 

This episode isn't really about Jack Chick, but we just wanted another excuse to do a Chick Tract reading! In this episode, Sam and David are joined by their good friends Brady and Tara, experts in D&D, to read the Chick tract "Dark Dungeons"     Resource: https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=0046&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvYSEBhDjARIsAJMn0linqgYmfniCykm388b2svXckKEVs0ucgoD3ZffGz0GfzE9jXNnmgM8aAnl-EALw_wcB  

Jean skirts are one of the staples of an IFB wardrobe - if you're a woman, of course. In this week's episode, Sam walks David down memory lane as she relives some of her "best" jean skirt moments.      Episode Sources:  https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/g31810732/jean-skirt-evolution-over-time/#:~:text=Jean%20skirts%20were%20first%20introduced,soon%20the%20trend%20took%20off.&text=The%20jean%20skirt%20proved%20to,especially%20distressed%20denim%20with%20patchwork. http://www.historyofjeans.com/  

There is one juice that tops them all in the IFB church, and it isn't orange juice. How do we even get juice? How did grape juice come to be the superior of the juices? Can you have a personal experience with juice? Join Sam and David as they dig into the history and, yes, even the experiences of juice.    Episode Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8st-f1kwSjI&ab_channel=WashingtonGrown https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juice#History https://www.cooksinfo.com/juice/

July 4, 1776. America gained her independence, but join us today as Sam and David head back to the 1920s and talk about independent baptists. Where did they gain their independence? Some say they were first called IFB at Antioch!    Sources for research:  http://www.biblesupport.com/e-sword-downloads/file/11751-moser-m-l-the-case-for-independent-baptist-churches/ The Shooting Salvationist by David R. Stokes https://www.gotquestions.org/Independent-Baptists.html