Redeeming Reads

In this festive episode of Redeeming Reads, Taylor and Dylan delve into Hans Christian Andersen's timeless tale, "The Fir Tree." Join them as they explore the life of a young fir tree yearning for the grandeur of adulthood, only to discover the true value of the present moment. They discuss the importance of contentment, gratitude, and enjoying the present.

Join Dylan and Taylor as they delve into the world's oldest surviving piece of literature, "The Epic of Gilgamesh." Discover the tale of a powerful king who confronts mortality and seeks eternal life. From epic battles to profound philosophical questions, this ancient epic continues to resonate with today's audience.

Taylor and Dylan discuss a more modern classic, a work which reflects upon mental health issues, manipulation, and control.

In this episode of Redeeming Reads, join Dylan and Taylor as they discuss this classic French adventure novel by Jules Verne. They discuss how it helped originate the science-fiction genre, how it's vivid descriptions reflect the scientific revolution that was occurring in that era, and how the beauty of the hidden realm reflects our desire for something greater than what this world offers.

Taylor and Dylan barely make it to the lighthouse in this episode on the classic work by Virginia Woolf. They discuss stream of consciousness narrative, Virginia's self-projection into her novel, and the importance of parenting and marriage. Taylor finds dark coffee beans he enjoys. Dylan shares a new experience with smoky tea leaves. Grab your own hot beverage and tune in to this episode of Redeeming Reads.

In this episode, Taylor and Dylan read the original Nutcracker story, a Christmas children's classic that is a much darker tale than the popular ballet. They discuss the themes of societal rejection and childlike imagination, as well as the contrast between the beatiful and the grotesque. Taylor discusses anaerobic processed coffee. Dylan experiences deja vu. What does this story have in common with Franz Kafka, Alexandre Dumas, and Belsnickel? Does translation impact an author's meaning? And why are German fairytales always so creepy? Find out on this episode of Redeeming Reads.

As featured in The Office's "Finer Things Club", Taylor and Dylan sit down to talk about Italian vacations, socialism, predictable plot lines, and cheesy Hallmark movies as they discuss A Room With A View, by E. M. Forster. Intro: 00:25 Book Discussion: 4:55 Gospel Reflection: 35:18

Taylor and Dylan jump into the Shakespearean world of medieval Scotland—complete with witches, prophecies, and murder—as they discuss the famous play, Macbeth. They discuss themes of guilt, temptation, and justice. Learn Taylor's thoughts on French press coffee and what Shakespeare and Star Wars have on common in this episode of Redeeming Reads.

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On this episode of the podcast we get trancendental. We discuss simple living, the rhythms of nature and wisdom, and solitude. Taylor is uncultured and nostalgic. Dylan is put off by pretentiousness and learns about tracking people. Consider with us the relationship between the gospel and environmentalism, pantheism, and natural revelation in this classic by Henry David Thoreau. Book Discussion: 1:30 Gospel Reflection: 36:10

Murder! Intrigue! Mystery! This month on the podcast Dylan and Taylor discuss this classic by the Queen of Mystery, Agatha Christie. They discuss the human desire for justice, murder and the story of redemption, and fascination with true crime. Meanwhile, Taylor drinks mediocre coffee and Dylan drinks coffee that tastes of grapes. Intro: 1:04 Book Discussion: 10:38 Gospel Reflection: 37:50

In this episode, Dylan and Taylor discuss the ancient military treatise “The Art of War”. How can logic and strategy help us in our everyday life? Is all war moral or is there an argument to be made for pacifism? Should Christians utilize deceptive tactics under the threat of violence? Dylan and Taylor may have their first theological disagreement on the podcast. Taylor makes fun of Dylan's teacup. Bill Belicheck and the New England Patriots make an appearance. Find out more in this episode of Redeeming Reads. Intro: 00:54 Book Discussion: 6:00 Gospel Reflection: 31:08

Catch-22 is a satire World War II novel that is equally hilarious as it is devastating. Taylor and Dylan discuss wartime ethics, our generation's obsession with postmodern humor (in memes), and the frustrating realities of bureaucratic incompetence. What do Dwight Schrute, Charles Spurgeon, and Wes Anderson have in common? Find out in this month's episode. Intro: 0:43 Book Discussion 6:25 Gospel Reflection 43:30

In this episode, Taylor and Dylan discuss William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury. Though it steals it's title from Shakespeare, it dispenses with almost all standard literary conventions. Faulkner's deliberate rule-breaking of grammar, punctuation, and chronology provide a unique story-telling expierence. How can a confusing and dark story can help us reflect better upon the more uncomfortable or unsavory passages within Scripture? How do we dealing with the failings and corruption in our world and in our own selves? A new coffee tasting note is discovered in Taylor's cup. Dylan tries a different type of brew. Taylor opens up about a childhood sword fight. Find out more in this episode of Redeeming Reads. Intro: 0:55 Book Discussion: 5:35 Gospel Reflection: 42:12

Merry Christmas from Redeeming Reads! We Hope you will join us in celebrating the season with this classic ghost story from Charles Dickens. Taylor and Dylan discuss hope, redemption, and greed through this parabolic story about Ebenezer Scrooge. We also answer questions like--why is A Christmas Carol still so compelling in our culture today? How should we be generous in this season? How should we think about the consequences of our actions? Find out on this episode of Redeeming Reads. Intro: 0:55 Book Discussion: 6:30 Gospel Reflection: 25:33

Dylan and Taylor discuss Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic American novel “The Scarlet Letter” in this episode. They discuss the Hawthorne's fascination and dissagreement with his Puritan heritage and consider various interpretations (and misinterpretations) of this novel. They discuss the themes of sin, guilt, and confession. On one hand, this is a classic work of literary Romanticism, but can it also be —as Dr. Leland Ryken upholds—considered a “Christian” Classic? Find out in November's episode of Redeeming Reads. Intro: 1:25 Book Discussion: 8:55 Gospel Reflection: 42:55

Just in time for spooky season, the guys read a classic 1930's horror novella by HP Lovecraft—At The Mountains of Madness. They discuss this Providence-local's use of multiversal world-building, mythos, and fictional lore. They also discuss Lovecraft's unique ability to create tension and fear of the unknown through the medium of literature. They talk about Lovecraft's concept of “cosmicism” or “cosmic” horror, as well as this story's unsuccessful movie adaptation. Beyond the story itself, the guys wrestle with how to reconcile Christian ethics with horror entertainment. How should Christians reflect on the dark aspects of the Halloween season? Other random topics of discussion (somehow) include Tom Cruise, John Piper, Monster's Inc, and Guillermo del Toro. As a bonus, find out what costumes Dylan and Taylor plan to wear this Halloween, in this episode of Redeeming Reads. Intro: 1:30 Book Discussion: 10:34 Gospel Reflection: 46:47

In this episode, Taylor & Dylan discuss the second nautical novella on the podcast: "The Old Man and the Sea". They discuss the meaning of trials, suffering, and aging. Other such considerations include: What is the benefit of reading a novella? How do we endure in tribulation? Is Ernest Hemingway really just Ron Swanson? What type of fruit is a pomelo? Find out in this episode of Redeeming Reads. Intro: 1:12 Book Discussion: 5:24 Gospel Reflection: 37:15

The guys dive into the prim & proper world of Jane Austen in this episode on the classic “Pride and Prejudice”. Why did Dylan & Taylor choose to read a romance novel? Is it what they expected? Taylor's coffee tree makes an appearance. Enjoy this episode's relaxing summer nighttime ambiance because Dylan forgot to shut his window while recording. Intro: 00:50 Book Discussion: 7:15 Gospel Reflection: 37:50

Travel to late 19th Century Russia in this episode on Dostoyvesky's magnum opus. A murder mystery that dabbles in both theology & philosphy, this classic explores concepts of free will, athiesm, suffering, & human responsibility. The Devil himself makes an appearance. Dylan confesses to shattering his Chemex. Taylor rates Dunkin Donuts' coffee. Also find out the most legendary single origin coffee they've ever had, in this episode of Redeeming Reads. Intro: 01:05 Book Discussion: 07:11 Gospel Reflection: 42:40

What could be redemptive about cyclops, cannibals, sirens, and sea monsters? Taylor & Dylan discuss the oldest classic to yet appear on the podcast—the ancient epic Greek poem, The Odyssey by Homer. They talk translation theory, narrative form, and share how this work stands apart from more modern works of classic literature. Also, Taylor educates Dylan about hard cider. Intro: 00:52 Book Discussion: 06:55 Gospel Reflection: 32:20

This episode, Taylor & Dylan discuss the American classic by John Steinbeck. Topics of discussion include theological deconstruction, transcendentalism, homelessness, Christian nationalism, & civil war battle hymns. Why does God move toward those who are poor? How should Christians approach social justice? Larger questions include - What is an espresso blend? Do people eat coffee cherries? Why does instant coffee even exist? Intro: 00:01:10 Book Discussion: 00:06:55 Gospel Reflection: 00:42:55

On this episode, Taylor & Dylan enter the mind of Kafka with The Castle, exploring his manipulation of time, logic, and consciousness. They talk about God's sovereignty over convoluted and incompetent bureaucratic systems and the purpose behind the frustrations we face in life. Ties are made to Ecclesiastes and Job. Taylor forgets Salvador Dali's name. Dylan fails to summarize the story. What makes something “Kafkaesque”? Are pink starbursts better than yellow? What even is coffee “mouthfeel”? Find out in this episode of Redeeming Reads. Listen to the end for a sneak peak into the book that is next up on the podcast. Intro: 00:00:50 Book Discussion: 00:08:12 Gospel Reflection: 0042:08

Dylan & Taylor read a banned book. But what's with the talking animals? Do biological traits predestine our future? What does Jesus say about totalitarian regimes? Richard Wurmbrand & Bonhoeffer make an appearance. Do Dylan & Taylor spill the beans on their own political views? In this single-part episode the guys discuss George Orwell's novella Animal Farm. Animal Farm by George Orwell Intro: 00:00:45 Book Discussion: 00:04:44 Gospel Reflection: 00:39:48

Dylan & Taylor introduce the next book on the podcast & why it is still applicable in 2022.

The guys go remote this episode. Taylor chooses a tea as a coffee alternative. The guys discuss the finale of the book and draw connections to Pilgrim's Progress. What do Kurtz' dying words mean? What is the role of the women in the novel? Is the story an allegory after all? The guys interpret themes of sight, blindness, and truth unveiled through the light of the gospel. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (Part 3) Intro & Coffee Banter: 00:00:57 Book Discussion: 00:03:42 Gospel Reflection: 00:42:09

This time Dylan brings the coffee for Taylor. They learn the cost of ivory tusks in USD, discuss the literary decision to leave most characters unnamed, & compare the story to ancient Greek epics. Taylor reflects on the Holocaust's impact subsequent to the progress of the Insustrial Revolution. Dylan reflects on implications from the sermon on the mount in the face of corrupt authority. How do we reckon with a story where all characters are morally broken, & what do we do with our own moral failings? More pressing questions include: Are pink pajamas a good look? Is there coffee from the Congo? What flavor is bubble gum, anyway? What do John Calvin & St. Augustine have to do with this book? Taylor chooses the name for the dark roast of his future coffee shop. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (Part 2) Intro & Coffee Banter: 00:01:07 Book Discussion: 00:05:00 Gospel Reflection: 00:56:00

Dylan & Taylor explain their first book selection for the podcast.

Taylor brings the coffee for Dylan to try. They discuss various themes of their long-standing favorite novel, such as existentialism, absurdity, psychological descent, light-dark dualism, hypocrisy, & Marlow's seeming indifference in the face of racial oppression. What do we do with the absurdity in our own lives? Is Heart of Darkness inspired by Ecclesiastes? Does this story represent a de-creation? Even deeper reflections include: What is custard, anyway? Why is most modern Christian music so bad? Is blueberry wine even a thing? Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (Part 1) Intro & Coffee Banter: 00:00:59 Book Discussion: 00:03:13 Gospel Reflection: 01:09:59

Dylan Berridge & Taylor Gilbert introduce the purpose behind Redeeming Reads: a podcast interpreting classic novels in light of the gospel.