Think Christian: A Faith and Pop Culture Podcast

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How might your pop culture fandom resonate with your faith? Josh Larsen, editor of Think Christian, talks with TC writers about the latest in TV, movies, music, and more, exploring the ways popular culture and its cultivators interact with God’s story.

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    • May 7, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 164 EPISODES

    4.8 from 100 ratings Listeners of Think Christian: A Faith and Pop Culture Podcast that love the show mention: josh larsen, josh and his guests, filmspotting, christian worldview, secular, insightful podcast, christians, pop culture, video games, philosophy, faith, movies, thoughtful, books, perspective, etc, looking forward, conversations, friends, great work.


    Ivy Insights

    The Think Christian: A Faith and Pop Culture Podcast is a fantastic podcast that seamlessly combines contemporary culture with the teachings of Christianity. The hosts, Josh and his team, do an excellent job of showing how Jesus can be found in our real world through relatable examples and discussions on movies, TV shows, music, and more. The podcast is filled with honesty, humor, love, and freedom that truly resonates with listeners.

    The best aspect of this podcast is how it pushes listeners to consider new perspectives on pop culture. Each episode provides thought-provoking conversations on various topics that range from movies and TV shows to music and books. The discussions are lively and friendly, making it a delight to listen to. Additionally, the podcast introduces listeners to new forms of media that they might not have discovered otherwise.

    On the other hand, there don't appear to be any notable negative aspects of this podcast. It consistently delivers insightful content with a Christian perspective without being preachy or judgmental. It engages listeners in meaningful conversation without alienating those who may not identify as Christians.

    In conclusion, The Think Christian: A Faith and Pop Culture Podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the intersection between faith and contemporary culture. The hosts provide valuable insights into various forms of media through a Christian lens while maintaining an inclusive and open-minded approach. This podcast has something for everyone and has the potential to foster meaningful conversations among people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs.



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    Latest episodes from Think Christian: A Faith and Pop Culture Podcast

    Farewell from Think Christian

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 3:30


    As part of budget cuts, our parent ministry has decided to close its faith and pop culture program, which means the end for the Think Christian podcast. On this short podcast, Josh gives a final farewell and thank you to our readers, listeners, viewers, and supporters.

    Severance and Serving Two Masters

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 35:46


    With its second season finished and the Cold Harbor file complete, how might the Apple TV series Severance resonate with a Christian understanding of money and work? Josh, Joe, and Abby discuss — and also name the Macrodata Refinement team member with whom they most identify. SHOW NOTES Daniel Jung on ‘Severance, Pachinko, and Facing the the Truth of Trauma' - https://thinkchristian.net/severance-pachinko-and-facing-the-truth-of-trauma Joe on Daredevil: Born Again - https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/daredevil-born-again-episodes-1-2-review/ Abby on Panic Fest 2025 - https://www.thepitchkc.com/panic-fest-2025-hell-of-a-summer-blends-a-teen-comedy-throwback-slasher-to-mostly-satisfying-results/

    Mickey 17's Wretched Resurrections

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 35:14


    Bong Joon-Ho's madcap, sci-fi satire turns the notion of resurrection on its head, depicting it as something of a curse. The movie, starring Robert Pattinson as an “expendable” on an interplanetary mission, also explores ideas related to the imago dei and Ash Wednesday. Sarah 13, JR. 15, and Josh 24 discuss. SHOW NOTES Joe George on ‘The Parable of Parasite' - https://thinkchristian.net/the-parable-of-parasite Sarah's book, Becoming Alien - https://wipfandstock.com/9781725283008/becoming-alien/ Abby Olcese on ‘Five Films for Lent' - https://thinkchristian.net/five-films-to-help-you-observe-lent-at-home Five Films for Lent video - https://youtu.be/BBaByLYHy8U Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty - https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mur-lafferty/six-wakes/9780316389686/ Sarah's Seeing and Believing newsletter - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/ JR.'s newsletter - https://jrforasteros.substack.com/

    Twin Peaks' Sincere Spirituality

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 30:13


    Abby and Joe guide Josh through his first watch of Twin Peaks, the landmark mystery series (and soap opera) from the late David Lynch. They discuss its weirdly consoling spirituality, the essential nature of Special Agent Dale Cooper, and if you should ever skip the show's intro. (Of course not!) SHOW NOTES Joe's essay: ‘David Lynch Offered a Peace That Passes Understanding' - https://thinkchristian.net/david-lynch-offered-a-peace-that-passes-understanding Abby on ‘Director David Lynch's Fascination with Sin and Redemption' - https://sojo.net/articles/culture/director-david-lynch-s-fascination-sin-and-redemption Joe on ‘Twin Peaks' Spiritual Warfare' - https://thinkchristian.net/twin-peaks-spiritual-warfare

    Best Movies of 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 42:00


    From gossipy priests to corrupt cops to . . . whatever Demi Moore becomes in The Substance, Josh, JR., and Roslyn discuss some of their favorite films from last year — two of which have been nominated for Best Picture. SHOW NOTES Zachary Lee on 'Conclave and the Sin of Certainty' - https://thinkchristian.net/conclave-and-the-sin-of-certainty BJ Krug on 'Shrinking and the Sermon on the Mount' - https://thinkchristian.net/shrinking-and-the-sermon-on-the-mount Joe George on David Lynch - https://thinkchristian.net/david-lynch-offered-a-peace-that-passes-understanding

    Best Music of 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 35:16


    Our favorite music of last year came from established voices reaching new heights — and no, not Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. Sarah, Claude, and Aarik join Josh to discuss Charli XCX, Kendrick Lamar, and Bon Iver. They also sneak in a couple of TV and movie picks. SHOW NOTES Claude on ‘Kendrick Lamar and Wounded Healers' - https://thinkchristian.net/kendrick-lamar-and-wounded-healers Claude on ‘Kendrick Lamar's Alright as a Pop Psalm' - https://thinkchristian.net/pop-psalms-kendrick-lamars-alright Aarik on ‘Signs and Wonder on Bon Iver's i, i' - https://thinkchristian.net/signs-and-wonder-on-bon-ivers-i-i Aarik on ‘Bon Iver and the Sounds of Change' - https://thinkchristian.net/bon-iver-and-the-sounds-of-change Sarah's Top Ten Movies of 2024 list at Seeing and Believing - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/p/sarahs-favorite-movies-of-2024

    Best TV of 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 30:24


    Detectives, witches, and robots feature prominently in our favorite television of the year. Kathryn, Joe, and Abby join Josh to share their picks — as well as their favorite snacks for taking in some TV on the couch. SHOW NOTES Roslyn Hernández on ‘COWBOY CARTER as Liturgy' - https://thinkchristian.net/cowboy-carter-as-liturgy Josh on ‘Seeing Romans 6 in Inside Out 2' - https://thinkchristian.net/seeing-romans-6-in-inside-out-2 God in the MCU - https://thinkchristian.net/god-in-the-mcu

    Stevie Wonder and the Wonder of Stevie

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 27:23


    A new podcast series explores the monumental run of albums released by Stevie Wonder in the 1970s, giving Josh, Aarik, and Kathryn an excuse to celebrate the expansive musicality and spirituality of the pop-culture icon. SHOW NOTES The Wonder of Stevie podcast — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wonder-of-stevie/id1767486783 Send your picks for the best music, movies, and TV of 2024 to tcpodcast@thinkchristian.net

    Coco and Movies For All Souls Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 26:57


    To celebrate Abby's new book, Films for All Seasons, she, Josh, and Claude have a conversation about one of the lesser-observed dates on the church calendar—All Souls Day—and one of the movies that captures its spirit: Pixar's Coco. SHOW NOTES Abby's book, Films for All Seasons — https://www.ivpress.com/films-for-all-seasons Claude's book, Reading Black Books — http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/reading-black-books/408390 Kathryn Freeman on ‘Disney's Coco and God's Calling' — https://thinkchristian.net/disneys-coco-and-gods-calling

    The Resurgence of Devil Movies (A Christian Defense of Horror Part VI)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 32:14


    Get behind thee, Satan? That's been difficult as of late — at least at the movies. From the recent Rosemary's Baby prequel Apartment 7A to other 2024 titles like Late Night with the Devil, Longlegs, and The Deliverance, satanic cinema has been growing in popularity. What might explain the trend? Josh, Joe, and Roslyn share their theories, as well as thoughts on Apartment 7A, starring Julia Garner. SHOW NOTES Josh's book, Fear Not! A Christian Appreciation of Horror Movies - https://wipfandstock.com/9781666738520/fear-not/ Joe on Twitter/X - https://x.com/joewriteswords Roslyn's podcast, Bible Tea - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9sapTJagvFP9c2cG85_L3g Joshua Stevens on ‘Immaculate and Conceiving Our Own Jesus' - https://thinkchristian.net/immaculate-and-conceiving-our-own-jesus Angelica Jade Bastién's Substack - https://angelicabastien.substack.com/

    Alien: Romulus' Evolving Evil

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 44:33


    The familiar threats of the Alien franchise — namely xenomorphs and the Weyland-Yutani Corporation — take on new forms in Alien: Romulus. Josh, JR., and Sarah discuss how this installment fits with the other films, as well as what it might have to say about sin — both original and chosen. Oh, and JR. defends THAT choice involving a “new” synthetic. SHOW NOTES TC on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/thinkchristian_/ Josh on ‘Playing God in Alien: Covenant' - https://thinkchristian.net/playing-god-in-alien-covenant Sarah's book, Becoming Alien - https://wipfandstock.com/9781725283008/becoming-alien/ Josh and Sarah discussing Becoming Alien on the TC podcast - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/biblical-beasts-godzilla-vs-kong-becoming-alien JR.'s book, Empathy for the Devil - https://www.amazon.com/Empathy-Devil-Finding-Ourselves-Villains/dp/0830845143 Josh's book, Fear Not! - https://wipfandstock.com/9781666738520/fear-not/ Cat Bohannon's book, Eve - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/227568/eve-by-cat-bohannon/ Sarah's newsletter - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/ JR.'s newsletter - https://jrforasteros.substack.com/

    Olympics: Is Winning for Christians?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 31:43


    “Winning isn't for everyone.” So declares a prominent Nike ad that ran during the 2024 Olympics, suggesting deception and selfishness are qualities required to capture the gold. If that's true, how should Christians think about athletic competition? With the Olympics as the backdrop, Josh, Aarik, and Kathryn discuss what it means to win as a follower of Christ. They also share some of their own triumphant/humbling sports memories. SHOW NOTES TC podcast on “Winning” — https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/winning-netflixs-the-losers-nba-playoffs Jeff Munroe on “Learning from the Olympics” — https://thinkchristian.net/learning-from-the-olympics Joshua Coldagelli on “The Imperfect Grace of Olympic Gymnasts” — https://thinkchristian.net/the-imperfect-grace-of-olympic-gymnasts Aarik on Twitter/X — https://x.com/aarikdanielsen Kathryn on Twitter/X — https://x.com/KathrynAnnette Kathryn's Substack — https://www.kathrynafreeman.com/newsletter

    The Acolyte's Religious Orders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 31:27


    In the Star Wars streaming series The Acolyte, the Force is wielded by self-righteous Jedi, a coven of space witches, and a dark, mysterious stranger. Do any of them do so with honor? And what of the twin sisters, played by Amandla Stenberg, caught in the middle? Josh, Joe, and Abby consider what the series has to say about sin and confession, abusive church practices, and a Christian understanding of obedience. SHOW NOTES A Theology of Star Wars ebook - https://thinkchristian.net/starwars Abby's forthcoming book, Films for All Seasons - https://www.ivpress.com/films-for-all-seasons Joe on Twitter/X - https://x.com/joewriteswords

    Cheering for Chance the Rapper's Comeback

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 29:35


    With a handful of fresh tracks on the eve of a promised mixtape, what is the State of Chance? Josh and Claude consider the trajectory of the artist's career thus far, as well as the “language of redemption” that can be heard in his new music. Xavier Ramey on ‘Coloring Book: A Chance Encounter with Joy' - https://thinkchristian.net/coloring-book-a-chance-encounter-with-joy Claude on ‘Chance the Rapper's Wedding Invitation' - https://thinkchristian.net/chance-the-rappers-wedding-invitation Josh and Kathryn Freeman discussing The Big Day on the TC podcast - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/covenant-chance-the-rappers-big-day-beyonc%C3%A9s-lion-king-album Josh on ‘Chance the Rapper's Beautiful F Word' - https://thinkchristian.net/chance-the-rappers-beautiful-f-word Branson Parler on ‘The Biblical Hope of Chance the Rapper' - https://thinkchristian.net/the-biblical-hope-of-chance-the-rapper Claude's Substack - https://claudeatcho.substack.com/

    Furiosa Spoiler Saga

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 59:18


    Listen in as Josh Larsen and Amber Noel lead a TC Movie Club conversation that centers on the audacious ending of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Do the movie's final moments — which are rife with religious imagery — leave us in a place of revenge? Redemption? Somewhere in between? SHOW NOTES Amber on ‘Survival, Seeds, and Salvation in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' - https://thinkchristian.net/new-entry-1 Josh's video essay on ‘The Christian Witness of Mad Max: Fury Road' - https://youtu.be/NNfR1LC2fKc?si=SWpezm29E2DcXXlN

    Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and the Gospel of Caesar

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 42:24


    Did you catch the references to Noah, Melchizedek, and the Aramaic roots of a character's name in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes? JR. and Roslyn have you covered as they join Josh to talk about the latest Apes installment, set a few generations after the time of Caesar the chimpanzee, who is now regarded as something of a religious figure. SHOW NOTES Josh on ‘Planet of the Apes and the Reason Monkey Movies Fascinate' - https://thinkchristian.net/planet-of-the-apes-and-the-reason-monkey-movies-fascinate Josh on ‘Imago Dei, Eden, and War for the Planet of the Apes' - https://thinkchristian.net/imago-dei-eden-and-war-for-the-planet-of-the-apes Join the TC Movie Club to discuss the Mad Max saga on June 19 - https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub Josh's video essay on ‘The Christian Witness of Mad Max: Fury Road' - https://youtu.be/NNfR1LC2fKc?si=Xr9OLzuu4On9hO_j JR. on ‘Wonder Woman vs. Biblical Womanhood' - https://sojo.net/articles/wonder-woman-vs-biblical-womanhood Roslyn on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roslynmhernandez/

    X-Men '97 as Pentecost Parable

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 26:41


    Left without their teacher, can the mutant superheroes of X-Men '97 find their purpose? Josh, Joe, and Sarah discuss the ways the animated series might — and might not — echo the dynamics of the disciples leading up to Pentecost. But first they have to decide which one of them gets to play Nightcrawler. SHOW NOTES TC podcast on Jonathan Hickman's X-Men comics - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/do-justice-netflixs-unbelievable-jonathan-hickmans-x-men Joe on 10 Must-Read Comics for X-Men '97 Fans - https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/g60660297/x-men-97-season-1-comics/ Joe on X-Men adaptations failing to do right by Storm - https://wealthofgeeks.com/x-men-97-marvel-best-mutants/ Joe on why Magneto was right - https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/x-men-97-just-proved-why-magneto-was-right/ Sarah's Seeing & Believing newsletter - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/

    Does Vampire Weekend's ‘Only God Was Above Us' Preach Resignation or Rest?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 25:56


    Josh, Aarik, and Abby discuss whether any spiritual comfort can be found amidst the sonic agitation of Vampire Weekend's fifth album, Only God Was Above Us. SHOW NOTES TC podcast on Vampire Weekend's Father of the Bride - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/resurrection-hope-avengers-endgame-vampire-weekends-father-of-the-bride Joel Mayward on Father of the Bride - https://thinkchristian.net/father-of-the-bride-of-christ John J. Thompson on Vampire Weekend's Modern Vampires of the City - https://thinkchristian.net/vampire-weekend-can-the-undead-have-spiritual-journeys Roslyn Hernández on ‘Beyoncé's COWBOY CARTER as Liturgy' - https://thinkchristian.net/cowboy-carter-as-liturgy Kate Meyrick on ‘Lizzy McAlpine and Questioning our Worth' - https://thinkchristian.net/lizzy-mcalpine-and-questioning-our-worth Serena Wang on ‘Good News for Taylor Swift (and Other Tortured Poets)' - https://thinkchristian.net/good-news-for-taylor-swift-and-other-tortured-poets

    Creation Care Through the Lens of Hayao Miyazaki (TC Movie Club)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 52:15


    Listen in as TC's Josh Larsen and Fuller Seminary's Elijah Davidson lead a conversation with Movie Club members about the animated films of Hayao Miyazaki. SHOW NOTES Join the TC Movie Club - https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub Elijah's book, Hayao Miyazaki: Lifted - https://elijahdavidson.com/books/icons-of-cinema/hayao-miyazaki-lifted-ebook/ Josh's video essay on ‘What Miyazaki and Christianity Have in Common' - https://thinkchristian.net/what-miyazaki-and-christianity-have-in-common Josh on ‘Ponyo and the Challenges of Multiculturalism' - https://thinkchristian.net/ponyo-and-the-challenges-of-multiculturalism Ben Lashar on ‘My Neighbor Totoro and Becoming Like Little Children' - https://thinkchristian.net/my-neighbor-totoro-and-becoming-like-little-children Victoria Grace Howell on ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind's Cultural Mandate' - https://thinkchristian.net/nausicaas-cultural-mandate

    Avatar: The Last Airbender and Common Spiritual Ground

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 35:59


    What can Christians take from a series that is rooted in Eastern spirituality? Josh, Claude, and Roslyn find a lot in Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, from the way wisdom is shared across generations to the contrasting of fear with love to an appreciation for the “thin places” where the spiritual realm breaks into ours. SHOW NOTES Sarah Welch-Larson on “Avatar: The Last Airbender and Spiritual Gifts” - https://thinkchristian.net/avatar-the-last-airbender-and-spiritual-gifts TC podcast on Netflix's One Piece - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/one-piece-come-follow-me Sara Kyoungah White on “One Piece and ‘Straw Hat Christians'” - https://thinkchristian.net/one-piece-and-straw-hat-christians Josh's video essay on “What Miyazaki and Christianity Have in Common” - https://thinkchristian.net/what-miyazaki-and-christianity-have-in-common Roslyn's Chasing Justice podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chasing-justice/id1511600139 Roslyn's FYI on Youth Ministry podcast - https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast Claude's Substack newsletter - https://claudeatcho.substack.com/

    Oscars 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 48:38


    Josh, Kathryn, and Sarah each bring a Best Picture nominee to the table, resulting in conversations about biblical justice in the context of Oppenheimer and personal conviction as it relates to The Zone of Interest. They also spend way more time than they anticipated singing the praises of Lorraine, a supporting character in American Fiction who quietly mirrors the gracious love of God. SHOW NOTES Roslyn Hernández on ‘Barbie and Our Reason for Being' - https://thinkchristian.net/barbie-and-our-reason-for-being Previous podcast on The Holdovers as an Advent movie - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/five-films-for-advent Robert Hubbard on ‘False Apostles and Deceitful Workers in Killers of the Flower Moon' - https://thinkchristian.net/false-apostles-and-deceitful-workers-in-killers-of-the-flower-moon D. Marquel on ‘Oppenheimer and Our Appetite for Destruction' - https://thinkchristian.net/oppenheimer-and-our-appetite-for-destruction Zachary Lee on ‘Presence and Absence in Past Lives' - https://thinkchristian.net/presence-and-absence-in-past-lives Join the TC Movie Club - https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub Sarah's Seeing & Believing newsletter - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/

    Sin, Debt, and Forgiveness in Fargo Season 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 44:23


    Can JR. and Abby bring Josh around on Fargo Season 5? They discuss the Coen brothers-inspired series — including the theology-soaked season finale. SHOW NOTES Josh Pease on Fargo Season 2 - https://thinkchristian.net/fargos-faith-in-little-green-men David Kern on Fargo Season 3 - https://thinkchristian.net/fargo-seeking-harmony-in-the-face-of-discord Josh's video essay on 1996's Fargo - https://youtu.be/qaRRXpfTyfU?si=U3knjwTTNIvpxid9 Abby on ‘Five Films for Lent' - https://thinkchristian.net/five-films-to-help-you-observe-lent-at-home JR.'s Substack newsletter - https://substack.com/@jrforasteros

    Best Movies of 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 44:30


    How do we sense God's presence? Through voice, touch, mystery? Josh, Claude, and Roslyn each bring a favorite 2023 film for discussion, only to realize their picks all circle around this question in some way. They cover Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, The Boy and the Heron, and All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt - while listener choices bring a handful of other titles to the table. SHOW NOTES A complete list of our favorite 2023 movies, according to Think Christian contributors, listeners, and readers - https://thinkchristian.net/best-movies-of-2023 Isabel Bishop on “Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret and Listening for God's Still Small Voice” - https://thinkchristian.net/are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret-listening-for-gods-still-small-voice Join the TC Movie Club - https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub Claude's “Good Things” newsletter - https://claudeatcho.substack.com/ Roslyn's forthcoming website - https://roslynhernandez.com/

    Best TV of 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 45:28


    As described by Sarah on this episode, our picks for the best TV shows of 2023 all happened to feature “reluctant justice-doers.” Listen to her, Josh, JR., and Joe discuss Jury Duty, Poker Face, Trigun Stampede, and more. Plus, listener picks too! SHOW NOTES Kate Meyrick on ‘The Crown's Half-Hearted Confessions' - https://thinkchristian.net/the-crowns-half-hearted-confessions Julia York on ‘Poker Face and the Power of the Unremarkable Woman' - https://thinkchristian.net/poker-face-and-power-of-the-unremarkable-woman TC podcast on Netflix's One Piece - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/one-piece-come-follow-me Rachel Syens on Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS - https://thinkchristian.net/olivia-rodrigo-spills-her-guts-and-we-should-too Daniel Jung on ‘Beef and Belief' - https://thinkchristian.net/beef-and-belief Daniel on ‘The Scariest Thing About The Last of Us' - https://thinkchristian.net/the-scariest-thing-about-the-last-of-us Daniel on ‘Succession and Sins of the Father' https://thinkchristian.net/succession-and-sins-of-the-father

    Best Music of 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2024 33:49


    According to Josh, Kathryn, Abby, and Aarik, the best music of the year echoed our anxieties, while also offering eschatologically tinged consolation. They discuss The National, Sufjan Stevens, Cleo Sol, and more. SHOW NOTES: Master list of our favorite 2023 music - https://thinkchristian.net/best-music-of-2023 Joel Mayward on “Sufjan Stevens' Piercing Javelin” - https://thinkchristian.net/sufjan-stevens-piercing-javelin Aarik's poem, “Notes On a Concert by The National” - https://feversofthemind.com/2023/09/30/poetry-coming-soon-to-fevers-of-the-mind-print-inspire-me-from-several-poets-artists/

    Five Films for Advent

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 37:33


    Think of it as an Advent wreath, but with movies on it instead of candles. Josh, Roslyn, and Abby discuss a handful of films that will help you mark the Christmas season, including the recent release The Holdovers, the 2019 documentary For Sama, and the Satoshi Kon anime Tokyo Godfathers.

    The Marvels and Getting Our Spiritual Gifts in Sync

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 30:34


    Josh is clinging onto his MCU fandom with The Marvels, thanks to the chemistry of its three leads and the way it evokes the biblical notion of spiritual gifts. Are Kathryn and Joe on board as well, or have they bailed on the franchise? SHOW NOTES TC landing page: ‘God in the MCU' - https://thinkchristian.net/god-in-the-mcu Joe on ‘Loki Season 2 and the God of Sacrifice' - https://thinkchristian.net/loki-and-the-god-of-sacrifice Joe's book, The Superpowers and the Glory - https://wipfandstock.com/9781666731057/the-superpowers-and-the-glory/

    Wilco's Cousin: Ballads of Brokenness and Beauty

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 31:22


    Wilco's latest album makes ample space for sadness, while also encouraging a beautiful belief in something more. Josh, Aarik, and Sarah discuss the eschatological echoes of the band's music, delving deeply into tracks like “Pittsburgh,” “Sunlight Ends,” and “Infinite Surprise.” SHOW NOTES Aarik's TC post on Wilco's Ode to Joy - https://thinkchristian.net/considering-wilcos-joy John J. Thompson's TC post on Wilco's “All Lives You Say” - https://thinkchristian.net/all-lives-you-say-wilco-and-psalm-139 Sarah's Seeing & Believing newsletter - https://seeingandbelieving.substack.com/ Aarik's “Because the Night” series at Fathom - https://www.thediscontent.fathomcolumns.com/post/the-night-is-a-friend-of-mine

    A Christian Defense of Horror Part V (TC Movie Club)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2023 55:50


    Listen in as TC's Josh Larsen and Fuller Theological Seminary's Kutter Callaway lead a TC Movie Club conversation considering “Horror — What Is it Good for?” They and club members talk biblical fear, horror subgenres, and the particular brand of scares offered by Jordan Peele. (To join the club, sign up at https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub) SHOW NOTES Kutter's limited series podcast, Be Afraid - https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/be-afraid/ Josh's book, Fear Not! A Christian Appreciation of Horror Movies - https://www.amazon.com/Fear-Not-Christian-Appreciation-Spirituality-ebook/dp/B0CB4TT4B6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G4QMAZB8SPG3&keywords=fear+not+larsen&qid=1698262191&sprefix=fear+not+larsen%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1 Josh's video essay, “Should Christians Watch Horror Movies?” - https://youtu.be/um88HH2DFbc?si=DTX0SnMLGsGr4GYS

    Reservation Dogs and Indigenized Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2023 45:06


    As touching and hilarious as it often was, the Hulu series Reservation Dogs was also clear-eyed about the awful, historical realities indigenous people faced (and still contend with) in North America - including a complicated relationship with Christianity. Josh, JR., and Roslyn consider this in light of the series' finale, while also sharing which of the four teens at the show's center they'll continue to think about in the years ahead. SHOW NOTES Christian Reformed Church in North America report on indigenous residential schools - https://www.crcna.org/news-and-events/news/initial-report-us-residential-schools-released Sojourners article by Sandy Ovalle Martínez - https://sojo.net/articles/my-latine-christian-faith-embraces-what-western-faith-demonizes Roslyn's FYI on Youth Ministry podcast - https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast JR.'s Fascinating podcast - http://www.norvillerogers.com/podcast/fascinating/ JR.'s Sojourners article on “Scary Accurate Monster Stories for Each Enneagram Type” - https://sojo.net/articles/scary-accurate-monster-stories-each-enneagram-type Sign up to join the TC Movie Club - https://thinkchristian.net/movieclub

    One Piece: ‘Come, follow me.'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 31:40


    Netflix's live-action adaptation of the popular anime series offers a mismatched batch of outcasts who are united by a warm, encouraging leader and directed toward a singular purpose. Sound familiar? Aside from those New Testament echoes, the show also delivers pirates, sea creatures, and snail phones. Josh Larsen and Abby Olcese are joined by One Piece expert Claude Atcho to discuss. SHOW NOTES Sara Kyoungah White on ‘One Piece and Straw Hat Christians' - https://thinkchristian.net/one-piece-and-straw-hat-christians Sign up to join the TC Movie Club - https://thinkchristian.net/movieclub

    Karen Swallow Prior on Barbie and Cultural Imagination

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 24:41


    Karen Swallow Prior - TC's Greta Gerwig correspondent - joins Josh to discuss the hilarity, profundity, and theological resonance of Gerwig's summer blockbuster, Barbie, which is now available via video on demand. SHOW NOTES Karen's book, The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis - http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-evangelical-imagination/412270 Roslyn Hernández on ‘Barbie and Our Reason for Being' - https://thinkchristian.net/barbie-and-our-reason-for-being Alissa Wilkinson: ‘In the Beginning, There was Barbie' - https://www.vox.com/culture/23800753/barbie-review-bible-eden Sign up to join the TC Movie Club - https://thinkchristian.net/movieclub

    The Little Mermaid and Christian Obedience

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 33:52


    Does King Triton have a point? Or is Ariel's rebellion a leading of the Spirit? Josh, Kathryn, and Sarah discuss Disney live-action remakes and how 2023's The Little Mermaid compares and contrasts with a Christian understanding of obedience. SHOW NOTES Sign up to join the TC Movie Club - https://thinkchristian.net/movieclub Josh's book, Fear Not! A Christian Appreciation of Horror Movies - https://bit.ly/3YZGPJF Sarah's podcast, Seeing & Believing - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeing-and-believing/id965678468

    The Bear's Burden of Perfection

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 39:21


    The streaming series about a high-end chef struggling to revive his family's Chicago beef joint turns out to be the perfect opportunity for Josh, JR., and Joe to discuss the difference between perfection and excellence, ways of welcoming all to the table, and the persistent gift of grace. Plus, JR. shares a pastor's perspective on how The Beef's journey toward becoming The Bear mirrors the challenge and promise of the contemporary church. SHOW NOTES Julia York on ‘The Bear's Inheritance of Shame' - https://thinkchristian.net/the-bears-inheritance-of-shame JR. Forasteros on ‘What Dying Churches Can Learn From The Bear' - https://sojo.net/articles/what-dying-churches-can-learn-bear Joe George's book, The Superpowers and the Glory - https://wipfandstock.com/9781666731057/the-superpowers-and-the-glory/ Joe on Christopher Nolan's sound design - https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/christopher-nolan-sound-design-dialogue-is-great-actually/

    Wes Anderson's Restoration Cinema (TC Movie Club)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 60:36


    Listen in as TC's Josh Larsen and Julia York lead a conversation with Movie Club members about Asteroid City and Anderson's other films, placing them within the Christian context of creation-fall-redemption-restoration. SHOW NOTES Join the TC Movie Club - https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub Asteroid City's Preaching Tip - https://thinkchristian.net/asteroid-citys-preaching-tip Rushmore: Heaven and Hell and Heaven Again - https://youtu.be/lzTvH14xw9Q

    Indiana Jones' Profession of Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2023 36:14


    “I've come to believe it's not so much about what you believe, it's how hard you believe it.” In his farewell outing, Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones offers this testimony after a lifetime of adventures and supernatural experiences. Is his statement a profound revelation, a cop-out, or just bad theology? Josh, Aarik, and Abby discuss this and more, as they consider Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. SHOW NOTES Josh's Dial of Destiny addendum to his post about Indy's whip in the Indiana Jones films - https://thinkchristian.net/give-me-the-whip-prop-as-icon-in-the-indiana-jones-films/discussion Join the TC Movie Club here - https://thinkchristian.net/movieclub Josh's video essay on Wes Anderson's Rushmore - https://youtu.be/lzTvH14xw9Q

    Spider-Verse Spirituality

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 30:56


    Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse tops its already-impressive predecessor in terms of animated artistry, thematic depth, and theological resonance. At least that's the shared opinion of Josh and first-time guest Emanuel Padilla. SHOW NOTES Joe George on ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse's Great Commission' - https://thinkchristian.net/spider-verses-great-commission Emanuel Padilla on Twitter: https://twitter.com/emanuelwos TC's Into the Spider-Verse Watch Party discussion audio: https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/spider-verse-watch-party TC's Into the Spider-Verse commentary audio: https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/bonus-spider-verse-commentary Josh on ‘Prop as Icon in the Indiana Jones Films' - https://thinkchristian.net/give-me-the-whip-prop-as-icon-in-the-indiana-jones-films

    What Do We Do With Paul Schrader? (TC Movie Club)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2023 60:19


    Listen in as TC's Josh Larsen and guest Jeff Munroe lead a conversation with Movie Club members about First Reformed, Hardcore, and other films from writer-director Paul Schrader. (To join the club, sign up at https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub) Show Notes: Josh's video essay on First Reformed: https://youtu.be/WDNMo83_y6w Josh's 2018 interview with Paul Schrader: https://thinkchristian.net/first-reformed-and-holy-art-an-interview-with-paul-schrader Jeff's TC post on First Reformed's ending: https://thinkchristian.net/a-reformed-pastor-on-first-reformed Micah Rickard on The Card Counter: https://thinkchristian.net/the-card-counter-and-flannery-oconnor

    Abbott Elementary's Amazing Grace

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 29:44


    With Season 2 complete, Josh, Kathryn, and Roslyn discuss all things Abbott Elementary: the way iron is sharpening iron, relationally and professionally; Ava as a child in the kingdom of God; and the school's communal importance as a place of grace, acceptance, and belonging. Oh, and what we think about the whole Janine-Gregory thing. Show Notes Brian Howell on ‘Saint Abbott Elementary' - https://thinkchristian.net/saint-abbott-elementary Josh, Kathryn, and Joe George discussing Abbott Elementary on the Best TV of 2022 episode - https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/best-tv-of-2022 Join the TC Movie Club - https://connect.reframeministries.org/en-us/tc-movie-club

    Boygenius and Being Known

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 32:25


    Teaming up for their first full-length album as supergroup boygenius, Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus seamlessly blend their talents to share what they yearn for most of all: “to be known so well.” Josh, Abby, and Sarah discuss the music, the universality of that longing, and a story about being known that's found in the Gospel of John. Show Notes Micah Rickard's TC post on Julien Baker's Little Oblivions: https://thinkchristian.net/the-apostle-pauls-little-oblivions Chad Ashby's TC post on Phoebe Bridgers' Punisher: https://thinkchristian.net/phoebe-bridgerss-blip-of-faith Josh and Aarik discussing Lucy Dacus' Home Video on the TC podcast: https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/nostalgia-in-the-heights-lucy-dacus-home-video Carl Wilson's Slate review of the record: https://slate.com/culture/2023/03/boygenius-record-phoebe-bridgers-album-review.html boygenius music video directed by Kristen Stewart: https://youtu.be/XbOQMaJ1r-0 Sarah on Skinamarink and the rapture: https://www.tor.com/2023/04/13/skinamarink-the-rapture-slow-cinema-and-horror/ Join the TC Movie Club: https://connect.reframeministries.org/en-us/tc-movie-club

    The Mandalorian Gets Religion

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2023 36:41


    With Season 3 delving even more deeply into The Way of Mandalore, Josh, Claude, and JR. discuss the ideas of redemption, community, and calling that are at play. Get your free copy of our Theology of Star Wars ebook here: https://thinkchristian.net/starwars Read JR.'s post on The Mandalorian Season 2 here: https://thinkchristian.net/the-merciful-way-of-the-mandalorian Listen to Josh and Sarah Welch-Larson discuss The Mandalorian Season 1 here: https://thinkchristian.net/podcast/a-theology-of-star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-the-mandalorian Read Claude's post on My Hero Academia Season 6 here: https://thinkchristian.net/my-hero-academia-and-confession-as-a-liberating-act

    Superhero Theology (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Superpowers and the Glory)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 40:56


    How do the themes in superhero movies relate to Christ's teachings? How do believers reconcile superhero violence with Jesus' message of peace? In his new book, The Superpowers and the Glory, Joe George considers these questions and more. Joe joins Josh to discuss the project, as well as the latest MCU installment — Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Get Joe's book here: https://wipfandstock.com/9781666731057/the-superpowers-and-the-glory/ Find a roundup of TC articles on the MCU here: https://thinkchristian.net/god-in-the-mcu

    Oscars 2023 (TC Movie Club)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 51:44


    Listen in as TC's Josh Larsen and Roslyn Hernández lead a conversation with Movie Club members about four faith questions relating to the 2023 Best Picture nominees. (To join the club, sign up at https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub)

    Witness (Bono's Surrender, Belle and Sebastian's Late Developers)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 54:14


    How might Christian artists hold their faith while moving in mainstream circles? Josh and Aarik - critics who work in both faith-based and secular media - discuss, using the new memoir from U2's frontman and the latest album from Belle and Sebastian to guide their conversation.

    Best Movies of 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2023 45:25


    From Everything Everywhere All At Once to Fire of Love to Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Josh, Abby, and JR. celebrate their favorite movies of 2022.

    Best TV of 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 32:35


    From Abbott Elementary to Severance to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Josh, Kathryn, and Joe celebrate their favorite television of 2022. Plus, listener picks too!

    Best Music of 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 38:39


    Saba. Carly Rae Jepsen. Wild Pink. Madison Cunningham. Beach Bunny. Josh, Claude, Sarah, John, and Aarik celebrate their favorite music of 2022. Plus, listener picks too!

    Royalty (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Crown)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 42:43


    The concept of royalty drives much of the action in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. It's also the reason for being in Netflix's The Crown. How do these depictions of royalty stand alongside those in the Bible — including the King of Kings?

    Antiheroes (Andor, Taylor Swift's Midnights)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 45:06


    On Midnights, Taylor Swift adopts the persona of an antihero (especially on “Anti-Hero”). On Andor, Disney Plus' latest Star Wars series, Diego Luna plays one. Are either of these antiheroes reminiscent of those we find in the Bible? What can we learn from antiheroes about the human condition — and how does the gospel respond to that condition? Josh, JR., and Kathryn discuss.

    Transcendent Spielberg (TC Movie Club)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 52:08


    Listen in as TC's Josh Larsen and Robert Rivera lead a conversation with Movie Club members about signs of transcendence in the films of Steven Spielberg. (To join the club, sign up at https://www.thinkchristian.net/movieclub)

    A Christian Defense of Horror IV (Barbarian, 1978's Halloween)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 39:27


    Our annual Halloween show applies a theological lens to horror both new (Barbarian) and old (1978's Halloween). Josh, Joe, and Abby discuss what Christians might appreciate about movies designed to scare us. Show Notes Sign up to receive email updates about Josh's forthcoming book, Fear Not! A Christian Appreciation of Horror: fuller.edu/fearnot Read Joe's TC post on 1978's Halloween: thinkchristian.net/looking-for-good-samaritans-in-john-carpenters-halloween Read Abby's TC post on Five Films to Help You Observe Advent: thinkchristian.net/five-films-to-help-you-observe-advent-at-home

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