Cage Stage

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss classical education. They dive into why Becky left public education to jump onboard with a private school. Specifically, they work through the deficiencies of public education and the merits of the classical model. Along the way, they mention Charlotte Mason, Shakespeare, and classical music.If you have questions or would like to reach out to recommend a topic, please email the duo at cagestagepodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss three phases of western philosophy: pre-modernism, modernism, and post-modernism. Painting in very broad brush strokes, they outline some of the basic philosophical trends that the western world has gone through. 

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the importance of confessions in the church. They talk about what they are, how they developed, and how they are still important for the church today. They also handle some of the common objections against them.If you have questions or would like to reach out to recommend a topic, please email the duo at cagestagepodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Brian and Becky talk about the definition of "high church," and the differences between high church and low church liturgies. They discuss some of the reasons behind high church practices as well as the reasons behind the modern movement towards "informality." They also mention architecture, symbolism, and stain glass windows.If you would like to reach out with questions or if you have a topic that you would like addressed, please email the duo at cagestagepodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Becky and Brian discuss the topic of typology. Their conversation ranges from language theory and allegorical interpretation to Thomas Aquinas and King David.  Buckle up for another exciting and hopefully informative episode!

In this episode, Brian and Becky talk about what doctrines people should begin learning  when they first approach Reformed theology. They focus on three important ones: The Church, God's sovereignty, and covenant theology. At the end of the episode, they also discuss a number of different resources that will help get newbies started on their Reformed theological journey. Buckle up for another fun episode of Cage Stage!

The duo is back with another episode about the end times or eschatology. They revisit the big three eschatological positions, namely, premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism. And they spend particular time on the rise of postmillennialism in America. Buckle up for another fun episode!If you have questions or ideas for future topics, please email the duo at cagestagepodcast@gmail.com. 

In this episode, Becky and Brian discuss the topic of truth. They talk about it in the broad, philosophical context mentioning pragmatism (again), experientialism, and other modern methods for obtaining truth. They also discuss truth in context of the church where relativism and modernism have infiltrated. 

In this episode, Brian and Becky talk about discipline. They get into the issue of the general absence of discipline in western society and in the church. Along the way, they mention St. Augustine, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and reality TV. In the interest of accurate citation, Brian misquotes Rousseau's book "Confessions" when he talks about the incident of fruit theft. Rousseau did not steal food for a hungry friend, but for himself. This notwithstanding, Brian's central point remains intact, namely, that Rousseau identified the cause of theft as something external rather than internal.If you have questions or ideas for future topics, please email the duo at cagestagepodcast@gmail.com. 

In this episode, Becky and Brian vent about several of their peeves including logical fallacies. The conversation ranges from health and nutrition to the family and marriage. Buckle up for another episode of Cage Stage.

In this episode, Brian and Becky use  C. S. Lewis's book, "The Abolition of Man," as a springboard for discussion about what it means to be human. They cover a broad range of topics including Plato's tripartite soul, rightly ordered emotion, knights, Samurais, courtesy, school uniforms, and much more. 

In this episode, Becky and Brian finish discussing the last two chapters of G. K. Chesterton's book, "Orthodoxy." They give special attention to three ideas. First, they examine the idea that the we cannot keep the trappings of Christianity, such as its morality, while rejecting its dogmas, such as the incarnation. Second, they return to the idea that the doctrines of Christianity encourage human flourishing, both of the mind and the body. And third, they discuss how joy is at the center of Christianity. Enjoy.

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the Church. They talk about why it is vital to the Christian life and how God uses it to grow and sanctify His people. They also examine the metaphor of the Church as the "Body of Christ," and Augustine's controversial statement: "Anyone who will not have the Church for his mother cannot have God for his father." 

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the seventh chapter of Chesterton's book Orthodoxy. They get into the next phase of his argument where Chesterton discovers that Christianity, contra the popular philosophies of his day, offers a fixed ideal towards which mankind can chart a course. Chesterton has already decided that he is a patriot of this world. Now Christianity offers him another world, or a divine pattern, that he can change his into.

In this episode, Brian and Becky take on one of the most controversial components of Reformed theology: Infant Baptism. Need we say more?

In this episode, Becky and Brian dive into chapter 6 of Chesterton's book, Orthodoxy. They discuss how Christianity is just the right shape, like a key, to fit the lock of the world. Where the world is logical, Christianity is logical; but where the world is illogical, so to speak, so too is Christianity.  Thus, maybe the reason people hate Christianity is not because it is the wrong shape, but because it is precisely the perfect shape. Enjoy Chesterton's brilliant recognition of the paradoxes of Christianity.

In this episode, Becky and Brian discuss the topic of authority particularly as it relates to education. They discuss different spheres of authority and how it is important that they do not overstep their bounds. They also talk about the innate goodness of authority when it is used properly.

In this episode, Brian and Becky delve into chapter 5 of G. K. Chesterton's book Orthodoxy: The Flag of the World. The duo dives into optimism and pessimism and the uniqueness of the Christian religion.

In this episode, Brian and Becky dive into the fourth chapter of Chesterton's book: The Ethics of Elfland. The team discusses the connection between democracy and tradition, the spiritual realm, materialism, and the difference between necessity and possibility. 

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the third chapter in Chesterton's book: The Suicide of Thought. At this point in his argument, Chesterton explains how modern systems of thought ultimately end up destroying themselves and leading to the denial of reason itself. He also discusses the cult of will, established by Nietzsche, which, due to its insistence on the equality of all pursuits, ends up pursuing nothing. The duo teams up to try and tackle the many insights set forward in this momentous chapter.

In this episode, Becky and Brian discuss G. K. Chesterton's book "Orthodoxy." It is a wonderful apologetic work written in 1908. Chesterton is exceeding clever, and his book is full of wit and humor But he also has incredible insight. He sheds light on the fundamentals of the Christian faith and shreds modern, secular philosophies with pithy quips. All Chesterton's books can be read and reread and each time yield new treasures, but Orthodoxy is by far his best known work and one of the best.

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the topics of conversion and assurance. They compare and contrast the common, evangelical conception of conversion with a Reformed one which emphasizes the sovereign hand of God in changing hearts and the slow, gradual process of growing in godliness. Buckle up for another controversial episode!

In a world where taking responsibility is a concept from a bygone era, Brian and Becky think about how Christians are to live in light of the consequences of their decisions. They discuss how believers should handle the negative situations they end up in due to missteps taken in their lives. Moreover, they pick up the question of how to encourage those who are struggling to make peace with the circumstances that the Lord has given them.

In this episode, Becky and Brian discuss the troubling philosophy of pragmatism. They talk about how our pragmatic culture intersects with education, ecology, authority, 18th century philosophy and much more.

In this episode, Brian and Becky wrap up their conversation about covenant theology. They discuss the two final covenants in scripture: the Davidic Covenant and the New Covenant. Tune in to hear them complete the Bible storyline with its emphasis on Jesus Christ.

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss a conversation that Becky had with a "Christian," however, it's one who doesn't believe in the truth of scripture or the importance of the church. They address what it means to be a Christian, and also topics such as evangelism, apologetics, and much more.

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the topic of law and gospel. In particular, they talk about the twin dangers of legalism and antinomianism and about the ways in which the distinction between law and gospel plays out in sermons and christian  life.

In this episode, Brian and Becky continue their conversation about one of their favorite topics: covenant theology.  In particular, they discuss the infamous Mosaic Covenant. They talk about its location along the storyline of scripture, its nature, and its practical implications.

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the mass exodus of Californians moving to other states. They talk about why people are leaving, good reasons to leave, and reasons to go down with the ship. In short, they address the question made famous by The Clash, "Should I stay or should I go?" 

In this episode, Brian and Becky continue their conversation about covenant theology.  This time, they discuss the covenants made with Noah and Abraham making connections with the New Testament and considering why these things matter for believers today.

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss Covenant Theology.  They talk about the meaning of the term "covenant," the differences are between Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism, and some of the practical implications of Covenant Theology.  

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the topic of marriage and how it fits into the overarching storyline of the Bible.  The listener will also discover Becky's true thoughts about date nights (spoiler alert: she doesn't like them). 

In this episode, Brian and Becky open a big can of worms and talk about Dispensationalism.  They discuss the major tenets of Dispensationalism and some of their practical applications.  They also get into the main reasons why they are no longer adherents.

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the infamous doctrine of eschatology.  From the Mark of the Beast and the Secret Rapture to the Antichrist and Millennialism, the duo tackles some of the most controversial topics from a Reformed perspective.  

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the inherent goodness of created things.  They also talk about spiritual vs. physical existence, the nature of heaven, and much more.

In this episode, the team gets together to discuss the adage, "once saved, always saved." They talk about the Reformed doctrine of perseverance of the saints and also hit on things like election, good works, God's sovereignty, and man's responsibility.

From golden confetti and interpretive dance to a cappella, there is much controversy over what should happen in a church service.  In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the ins and outs of worship from a Reformed perspective.  

In this episode, Brian and Becky discuss the controversial topic of Biblical interpretation.  They address some of the problems in contemporary evangelical circles, ways in which their interpretive method has changed over the years, and why it matters.

In this episode, Becky and Brian discuss the name of the show, "Cage Stage." They also dive into why they started the podcast and what topics they are hoping to cover in future episodes.

In this episode, Becky and Brian chat about Reformed Theology.  What does it mean exactly when Christians identify themselves as "Reformed"? How is it different than other kinds of theology? Are there unhelpful ways of defining this term? 

In this episode, Becky and Brian discuss the Lord's Supper.  They dive into the nature, practice, and importance of the Lord's Supper in the life of the believer.