Podcasts about Puritans

Today on another encore edition of the Rarified Heir Podcast, we are talking to Dick Smothers Jr., son of, who else, comedian & musician Dick Smothers, one half of the comedy team, The Smothers Brothers. On this episode, we explore some pretty intense stuff as we get into what it was like growing up with a famous father and a famous uncle whose comedy was a touchstone for comedians of the 1960s. And while Dick Smother's was perhaps one of the best straight men in comedy, the story Dick Smothers Jr. tells us story is anything but rosey. We learn about the attention his dad craved and the strained relationship they have to this day. Moreover, we talk about heavy metal and Dick Jr's 80s band Kamikaze, his fascination with Alister Crowley as well as black magic and his one-time career choice to become an adult actor. Yes, this episode delves into another kind of celebrity, pornography. One we haven't spoken about this before or acter this episode first aired but we delve into it extensively here. We discuss why Dick Jr. chose to become a porn star, why Dick Jr. didn't change his name because…well….he already had the best name in blue movies and what it was like talking to the press knowing his famous name would draw attention. And therein lies the rub. Pun intended. This episode is a frank and serious discussion and we learn a lot about why Dick Jr. chose that career path, his relationship with his father, the challenges of being in ‘the industry' and much more. Puritans beware! So if black magic, pornography and heavy metal were on your Bingo card for this episode of the podcast, you are in luck! Because this is another episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast where everyone has a story. This one is likely one you have never heard before. Take a listen. Yo-Yo Man fans, hang onto your hats!

Molly Worthen is a professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a freelance journalist. She teaches courses on North American religion and politics, global Christianity, and the history of ideas. She writes on these themes for The New York Times and has contributed to The New Yorker, Slate, The American Prospect, Foreign Policy, and other publications. She has also created video and audio courses on the history of Christianity and the history of charismatic leadership for the Great Courses and Audible. Her new book is called Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump.  Check out the book Spellbound. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.

In a world where Christianity is often portrayed by critics as a force for oppression and intolerance, my guest Mark David Hall offers a different perspective.In this replay episode we discuss his book, Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans, which details how Christianity has played a significant role in advancing liberty and equality throughout the history of the United States.We Talk About:• How critical views such as those of the 1619 Project portray Christianity• Ways in which the Puritans helped set the stage for representational government• The role of Christians during the Revolutionary War era• How Scripture was misused in our history to support the evils of slavery• The impact of Christians on the abolitionist movement to end slavery• How followers of Christ should view their role in the public square todayListen as we discuss Christianity's important contributions to the founding and growth of the American ExperimentGet a free trial of Logos at ReasonableTheology.org/Logos Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

The complete audiobook is available for purchase at Audible.com: https://n9.cl/26n9d One Poet, One Poem Narrated by Evan and Marie Blackmore This collection includes favorite English-language poems by 178 favorite authors, beginning with Sir Philip Sidney and the Countess of Pembroke in Elizabethan times, and ending with T. S. Eliot and Marianne Moore in the twentieth century. Cavaliers and Puritans, a famous king and a pilloried criminal, soulful lovers and sharp-witted satirists, Shakespeare and Jonson, Milton and Marvell, David Garrick and Rabindranath Tagore, Paul Laurence Dunbar and Christina Rossetti—all are here, in one constantly changing kaleidoscope of brilliant verse.

Bridget Bishop was the first to hang during the Salem witch trials. This episode tells the story of her trial, execution, and legacy—walking from courtroom to gallows, from stone memorial to dark streets. She wasn't a witch. But her death opened the door to a season of terror.

Bob speaks with UNC-Chapel Hill historian Molly Worthen about her new book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Trump. Gary Fletcher edited this episode.

We're back with Part 2 of our conversation with Jane Borden, author of Cults Like Us, where we pick up right where we left off – with the Puritans, of course. Because what's more American than a doomsday cult in denial? In this half, we explore how their legacy of moral perfectionism, isolationism, and a rigid “us vs. them” worldview continues to shape American institutions, politics, and even pop psychology. Jane takes us through the cult wars of the '80s and '90s, the rise of deprogrammers and cult apologists, and the influence of Large Group Awareness Trainings (aka LGATs) like EST and Landmark on today's self-help landscape. We also dive into the concept of normative dissonance, how political architects like Newt Gingrich exploited division for power, and why bridging social gaps might be the antidote to modern-day culty chaos. Along the way, Jane reminds us why humor can be a powerful tool for understanding even the darkest parts of our culture. If you missed Part 1, hit pause and go back. We promise it's worth it! And be sure to check out Cults Like Us and more of Jane's work at janeborden.com. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Writer: Kristen Reiter Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  

Were the Puritans America's first cult? Our guest this week makes a compelling case for yes. Jane Borden is a journalist and the author of Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, she joins us to unpack how Puritan beliefs—think apocalypse prepping, chosen nation syndrome, and the worship of wealth—laid the groundwork for the kind of culty thinking that still thrives in America today. We dig into the legacy of American exceptionalism, the allure of authoritarian leaders, and the ways our pop culture heroes reflect Puritan values more than we realize. Jane also walks us through the tragic case of the Love Has Won cult and explains how power warps empathy, especially when paired with a doomsday mindset. It's a wild ride through history, psychology, and politics, with heavy cult undertones. Check out Jane's book Cults Like Us and more of her work at janeborden.com, and stay tuned for Part 2 next week. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Writer: Kristen Reiter Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  

We are making our way across the Atlantic this week to discuss one of the shortest lived, but undeniably most fun settlements on the New England Coast.When Lawyer, Thomas Morton, was left in temporary charge of a small group of indentured servants, he decided to try setting up his own communal utopia. Offering to free his charges (which he had no authority to do) he suggested they live as equals, engage on friendly terms with the locals and try to have as good a time as possible.But while the members of this newly-named colony of Merrymount were having a good time, their puritan neighbours to the south did not approve......and they just so happened to have access to an armed militia. Guest Host: Emma Heathcote Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Borden has written a book all about cults, the key thesis of which is that Pilgrims, Puritans, etc. were part of a doomsday cult and that manner of thinking was what founded the United States.You can find more from Jane Borden on Instagram: @janeborden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Tim interviews Molly Worthen, author of 'Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump.' They explore the concept of charisma, its historical significance, and its role in both religious and political leadership. Worthen shares her unique journey to evangelicalism and discusses how charisma has been a driving force in shaping American history, from the Puritans to contemporary figures like Trump and Rush Limbaugh. The conversation delves into the dual nature of charisma, its moral neutrality, and its impact on social movements and media. Molly's Faculty Page Molly's Author Page Chapters 02:49 Molly Worthen's Journey to Evangelicalism 09:07 The Evolution of Charisma Through History 14:55 Charisma in Political Leadership 27:12 Rush Limbaugh and the Age of Gurus 39:00 Trump's Charisma and Political Strategy 46:32 The Role of Storytelling in Politics 52:12 Navigating the Landscape of Christian Nationalism 01:01:18 Understanding the Complexity of Voter Behavior ____________________________________________________ ⁠⁠you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you've been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We've built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comIn an era where political figures command crowds with cult-like devotion, what role does charisma truly play in shaping public life? Historian and journalist Molly Worthen joins Faithful Politics to explore the deep history of charisma—from the revivals of Anne Hutchinson and Joseph Smith to the populism of Donald Trump. Worthen, author of Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, unpacks how this powerful force straddles the sacred and secular.She also shares her own remarkable journey from secularism to Christianity, explains why younger generations may be rethinking faith, and reflects on the prophetic burden Christians carry in a polarized democracy. From MAGA rallies to megachurches to TikTok gurus, we explore how belief, authority, and identity are being redefined in the 21st century.

Michael Wilkerson shares his newest book: Puritans, Pilgrims & Prophets: How the first generation of English settlers shaped the future of a nation (Why America Matters). More at: stormwall.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all have an opinion about charismatic leaders — but do we really know what “charisma” means? Molly Worthen, in her new book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, points out that charismatic leaders historically haven't always been distinguished for their charm or compelling oratory. Rather, charismatic leaders are those who enter into a mutual exchange with their followers, in which the leader “draws back the veil on an alternative world in which followers find that they have secret knowledge, supernatural promise, and special status as heroes.” Worthen, who is a professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is also a renowned writer on religion for the New York Times and other media outlets, further observes that charismatic leaders and their followers blur the line between politics and religion: “Even in contexts that seem to have nothing to do with religion, charisma describes something like a liturgical act, a drama performed together, in which the parties join to consecrate a new reality that all, for their own reasons, prefer to the old one.”Worthen distinguishes between five types of charismatic leaders who have appeared across the centuries of American history: Prophets, Conquerors, Agitators, Experts, and Gurus. Some were builders, who created new institutions and left enduring legacies; others were destroyers, who dismantled structures that stood in the way of the path they promised their followers would lead to salvation. Donald Trump, in Worthen's typology, is a Guru, one who channels the deeply rooted myth of the hero-entrepreneur, and who offers his followers the opportunity to take part in a story of America's return to greatness. “Trump was not, personally, a paragon of conventional religious devotion,” Worthen notes. “Yet his political career depended on a hunger among his most dedicated supporters that can only be called spiritual.”In this podcast discussion, Worthen discusses not only her studies of charismatic leaders but also her previous work on religious belief, the Grand Strategy program at Yale, and her own conversion to evangelical Christianity.  

Charisma is a word we hear all the time, but what does it really mean? Why are some leaders able to draw people in, while others push us away? I've been fascinated by this for years, wondering why we're drawn to certain people, what makes us follow, and how charisma shapes our lives in ways we don't always notice. In a culture where stories and leaders are constantly competing for our attention, understanding charisma feels more urgent than ever. That's why I'm excited to talk with Molly Worthen. Molly is a historian and journalist whose new book, Spellbound, digs deep into the history of charisma in America. She traces how charisma has played out from the era of the Puritans and prophets, through conquerors, agitators, and experts, all the way to today's age of gurus and influencers. Each era reveals something about what we long for—and what we risk—when we put our trust in charismatic leaders. In this episode, we explore what charisma actually is, how it both unites and divides, and how these waves of charismatic movements have shaped our culture and our faith. We'll talk about the stories that draw us in, the identities we build, and how to stay grounded as followers of Jesus when everything around us feels like it's shifting. If you're trying to figure out who to trust, how to stay rooted, or just want to make sense of all the noise, this conversation is for you.Molly Worthen is a professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a freelance journalist. She teaches courses on North American religion and politics, global Christianity, and the history of ideas. She writes on these themes for The New York Times and has contributed to The New Yorker, Slate, The American Prospect, Foreign Policy, and other publications. She has also created video and audio courses on the history of Christianity and the history of charismatic leadership for the Great Courses and Audible. Her previous books are Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism and The Man on Whom Nothing Was Lost: The Grand Strategy of Charles Hill.Molly's Book:SpellboundMolly's Recommendations:The SparrowChildren of GodSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Support the show

The Puritans, a group of English Protestants prominent in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, were known for their strictness. However, they held surprising views on sexuality that you might not expect! To explore further into Puritan's intimate beliefs, visit this article. #Puritans #sexuality #EnglishProtestants #intimacybeliefs See show notes: https://inlet.fm/weird-history/episodes/68309b9dbe2989eed9e20189 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Historian and journalist Molly Worthen explores the mysterious and potent force of charisma, and its power to shape American identity, culture, politics, and religion. She explains how storytelling, transcendence, and authority are used by America's most charismatic leaders. Drawing on her new book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, Worthen shares how charismatic authority reveals deep human desires for meaning, agency, and transcendence. The conversation explores themes of vulnerability, spiritual hunger, religious disaffiliation, and the evolving nature of belief and belonging in modern society. Worthen unpacks the often-overlooked distinction between charisma and charm or celebrity, examining the role of storytelling in cultivating authority and devotion. She also shares how researching this subject intersected with her own spiritual journey, culminating in her recent conversion to Christianity. Key Moments Molly Worthen discusses her latest book, *Spellbound.* Charisma: a relational, story-driven phenomenon, not mere charm or celebrity Our religious impulse persists despite declining traditional affiliation Worthen's personal spiritual journey: from intellectual agnosticism to Christian faith while writing the book Donald Trump's narrative charisma and religious-political appeal examined in depth Human longing for transcendence and meaning as the root of charismatic power Episode Highlights “Evangelism is just telling people what happened to you.” “The heart of charisma is the leader's ability to tell a story… that does a better job at explaining the chaos and the suffering.” “We want the comfort of knowing that some force larger than us is ultimately in charge—and yet we also seek agency.” “I came to realize I was writing a book that was fundamentally about spiritual hunger—and that I myself had that hunger too.” “Authenticity as a personal style has no necessary relationship with honesty.” “We kid ourselves if we think more sources solve the mystery of charisma—reality is an asymptote we never perfectly reach.” About Molly Worthen Molly Worthen is Associate Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in North American religion, politics, global Christianity, and the history of ideas. She is a contributing writer for The New York Times and author of several books, including Apostles of Reason and The Man on Whom Nothing Was Lost. Her most recent book is Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump. Show Notes Authority—who should we listen to? Internal battles within American evangelicalism The definition of charisma and its distinction from charm, celebrity, and power Charisma: “ the allure in a leader that gives him or her the power to move a crowd that is premised on a relationship. … you need two parties at least. It's not solely a quality of fluorescence that shines out from the individual without other people to interact with it.” The leader's ability to tell a story that explains the audience's experience of life Paradoxical quality: we want our decision to make a difference in our fate, but we also want some being or force larger than us to make it all okay. “ It's not just about looking at the one who is the special anointed one, but it's that somehow through that person, I too, or we too, see ourselves more clearly.” Special revelation and stories of experiencing God in particular ways “Capturing the ineffable” Role of charismatic leaders in American religious and political life Impact of Joseph Smith, Anne Hutchinson, JFK, and Adlai Stevenson Why institutional religion no longer captures spiritual impulse for many Americans Storytelling as the essence of charismatic authority Evolution of American individualism and the cult of authenticity How mass media, trauma, and cultural crises shape charismatic influence Coming to terms with the limits of your “source base”—”Reality is an asymptote.” “It's that sort of transcendent storytelling ability that is the heart of charisma.” Mormonism and the charisma of Joseph Smith Leaders like JFK and Adlai Stevenson offered different models of modern charisma “So much of my book is really about the fortunes of established institutions in American culture because charismatic figures always define themselves vis-a-vis institutions.” Routinizing charisma (cf. Max Weber) “The gap or the consistency between what our subjects are, are thinking and intending consciously and what they actually do.” Intuition vs analysis—steeping in cultural milieu and operating out of personal life experiences The Puritan heretic, Anne Hutchinson “Very few humans are out and out cynics.” Charismatic figures aren't always attractive or eloquent—they resonate through meaning-making “ The religious impulse is finding a place to land other than organized religion.” Protestant roots of American consciousness tied to authority and self-discovery Humanist psychology and positive thinking “The age of the gurus” Charisma and Contemporary Politics: Donald Trump Trump's story of victimhood, self-made success, and defiance of institutions as a charismatic myth Trump's stream-of-consciousness style perceived as authenticity by many followers. “For example, his rambling stream of consciousness, speaking style that actually is a core, is core to his appeal, I think for many Trump supporters because it comes across as a kind of authenticity—as a willingness to tell it how it is and speak off the top of his head. And authenticity as a personal style has no necessary relationship with honesty in terms of correspondence to, you know, empirically verifiable facts.” The alignment between his narrative and the prosperity gospel ”While Donald Trump is no one's idea of an Orthodox Christian, he grew up in Norman Vincent Peale's Church in New York City, Marble Collegiate Church, hearing the Prosperity Gospel, the gospel of positive thinking.” ”I think Trump has a, has a really acute spiritual instinct for. That picture of reality one in which we can really reshape reality with our minds.” Early support from independent charismatic church networks shaped his rise. Importance of positive thinking theology (e.g., Norman Vincent Peale) in his spiritual instincts. “I suppose I was about two thirds of the way through the rough draft of this book when I was rudely interrupted by the Holy Spirit. I have always studied Christianity as a very sympathetic and, frankly, envious outsider and never was entirely happy with my agnostic fence sitting, but also wasn't actively looking to resolve my metaphysical questions.” “ I've always had this conviction that humans are fundamentally religious creatures and they have this impulse to connect to a transcendent source of meaning to worship.” “I came to realize that I was writing a book that was fundamentally about spiritual hunger and how humans cope with it. But that I myself had had that hunger as well—that I'm not immune to that feature of the human dilemma.” “We want to be pulled into something transcendent, where we are more fully ourselves.” Praying for a mystical experience—at least being “strangely warmed” ”God had already done something to my desires—I was walking in the direction of Jesus already.” “ I always see every kind of historical problem as somehow having to do with contesting visions of human nature.” “There's this silly misconception that Christianity is intellectually stultifying—that to become a orthodox, traditional Christian is to shut off all kinds of questions and accept a black and white way of thinking. And that has not been my experience.” Research project on miracles “ Evangelism is just telling people what happened to you.” Conversion was driven by rigorous academic inquiry into the resurrection and New Testament Experience echoed themes in the book: story, vulnerability, and being seen Her analysis: “God had already done something to my desires before the arguments convinced me.” Post-conversion excitement about theological study, healing, and miracles Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.

Historian Molly Worthen joins Rebecca to unpack her journey from agnosticism to faith, the pull of charismatic leaders, and why Jesus—not political saviors—is the only one truly worth following. From Trump-era evangelicalism to the Spirit-led church, this episode asks: What kind of power really saves?Buy Molly's Book:Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald TrumpSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Confronting Christianity:Instagram | XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

One of Jane's most striking points in her book and our conversation is that cults aren't just something “other people” get involved in. Cults can deceptively recruit anyone and work in many different spheres of influence. “I just started pulling the thread,” Jane recalled, “and traced it back to the Puritans.” She explains how the theological worldview of early American settlers, particularly the Puritans, established a pattern of black-and-white/good-versus-evil thinking. The Puritans believed in things like divine judgment, righteous punishment, and the idea that only a few could be saved while the rest would suffer in the apocalypse. This religious idea was an organizing principle for our society and prevails today. For instance, the idea of an existential threat or ultimate salvation has bled into common culture. Whether it's climate doomism, political collapse, or even the rapture, American society is addicted to “the end is near” thinking. It is everywhere, embedded into our popular culture. Cultic control today has many faces: multilevel marketing schemes (MLMs), political cults, religious cults, therapy cults, “wellness” gurus, and even one-on-one abusive dynamics. These groups reflect and exploit the very same psychological patterns found in traditional cults—fear, isolation, obedience, and identity manipulation. And there are many cults in the Cult of Trump. Check out this fascinating interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textI'm back before you even had a chance to miss me!Today, a bit of a genealogy of a now little read mock epic -- Samuel Butler's Hudibras -- which takes Chaucer and Spenser and Jonson and Cervantes, mixes them all up into a gloopy goo, and sprays it all over lemon-sucking Puritans!Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPlease like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you!Email: classicenglishliterature@gmail.comFollow me on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and YouTube.If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting it with a small donation. Click the "Support the Show" button. So grateful!Podcast Theme Music: "Rejoice" by G.F. Handel, perf. The Advent Chamber OrchestraSubcast Theme Music: "Sons of the Brave" by Thomas Bidgood, perf. The Band of the Irish GuardsSound effects and incidental music: Freesounds.orgMy thanks and appreciation to all the generous providers!

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. J. Brandon Burks, pastor of Christ Reformed Church (URCNA) in Florence, Kentucky, to discuss his recent article published in The Confessional Presbyterian Journal (Vol. 20, 2024): The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials: Living According to God's Revealed Will. Together, they explore the theological context of the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692, uncovering how speculative theology and reliance on so-called “spectral evidence” reflected a deeper deviation from Scripture's clarity and sufficiency. Dr. Burks outlines the influence of figures such as William Perkins, Cotton Mather, and Richard Baxter, while also shedding light on how the distinction between God's secret and revealed will was tragically misunderstood. The conversation goes beyond history, offering timely insights into contemporary fascination with mysticism, the spiritual dangers of neglecting the ordinary means of grace, and the need for biblically grounded theology in facing spiritual warfare today. They conclude by considering the value of a redemptive-historical and confessional framework in pastoral ministry and theological education. Links Debunking the “Moldy Bread Theory” The Haunted Cosmos podcast Chapters 00:07 Introduction 02:11 Academic Background and Church Planting in Kentucky 07:36 Van Til's Theology of Christian Education 09:39 The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials 15:04 Speculative Theology 18:03 Williams Perkins' Theology as a Basis 24:00 Covenants with the Devil 26:14 Devil's Marks and Their Significance 29:52 Exploring the Explosion of Accusations in 1692 33:39 Debunking the Moldy Bread Theory 35:29 The Influence of Samuel Parris 39:21 The Dangers of Speculative Theology 44:26 Balancing Awareness of the Spiritual Realm 50:33 Misunderstandings of the Salem Witch Trials 53:35 Further Reading and Resources on the Trials 58:07 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, J. Brandon Burks

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. J. Brandon Burks, pastor of Christ Reformed Church (URCNA) in Florence, Kentucky, to discuss his recent article published in […]

The Adultery Act, passed into British law on 14th May, 1650, made having sex with a married woman a crime so severe it was punishable by death – but only for her.  Radical groups like the Ranters mocked Puritan prudishness, Royalists called the law joyless and tyrannical, and Presbyterians argued the law would be impossible to apply fairly. But the Puritans needed something everyone could rally around – and sexual sin was an easy target.  Those who thought the English Civil War had been divine punishment for a sinful nation believed only Old Testament-style legislation could stop society from descending into full-blown chaos. Yet, during the time the law was on the statue books, no one was actually executed. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly consider the practicalities of proving adultery in a time when no reliable records of marriage existed; explain why sex with your son's wife or daughter's husband was considered incest; and reveal how, in some form, adultery stayed on the books until 2022.... Further Reading: • ‘An Act for suppressing the detestable sins of Incest, Adultery and Fornication' (House of Parliament, 1650): https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/acts-ordinances-interregnum/pp387-389 • 'England's Culture Wars - Puritan Reformation and Its Enemies in the Interregnum, 1649-1660, By B. S. Capp' (OUP, 2012): https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/England_s_Culture_Wars/d42Z-58lIdcC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=7+Puritans+and+Sex&pg=PA132&printsec=frontcover • '60 Second Lecture Series- "The Puritans Had Sex? Why, Yes, They Did...!" - Kathy Cooke' (Quinnipiac University, 2013): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faHxWKgtkkw Love the show? Support us!  Join 

In this episode, Matthew Bingham shares why habits of spiritual formation are so important for the Christian faith by looking at the lives of the Puritans. ⁠⁠Read the full transcript of this episode.⁠⁠ ❖ Listen to “Disciplines of a Godly Man” with Kent Hughes: ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Where do we see traces of Puritanism in today's American religious landscape? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 9, we come to the end of this series to learn about the relationship of the Quakers to the Puritans, the founding of Harvard and Yale Universities, and where we see traces of Puritanism in today's American religious landscape. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

They didn't wait for Washington to fix it.When the Puritans landed in New England, they weren't petitioning Parliament. They were planting churches, building schools, raising crops, and electing elders. When Christian settlers carved towns out of the American frontier, they didn't wait for cultural permission—they brought the Book, the rifle, and the plow, and they built.Today, too many Christians are still acting like tenants in someone else's crumbling house—debating how to rearrange the furniture while the foundation splits in half.But the New Christian Right is done waiting.We're not trying to tweak the machine—we're walking away from it. We're not asking what can be salvaged from D.C.—we're asking what can be secured in our own counties, our own churches, our own homes. We're not retreating. We're fortifying.It's time to build Christian boroughs: worship-centered, economically linked, family-led, law-respecting communities that can survive the collapse and seed the next Christendom.If that sounds too ambitious, remember this: the future doesn't belong to the most powerful. It belongs to the most planted.This episode is brought to you by our premier sponsors, Armored Republic and Reece Fund, as well as our Patreon members and donors. You can join our Patreon at patreon.com/rightresponseministries or donate at rightresponseministries.com/donate.So how do we start? Where do we dig in? And which hills are actually winnable? Let's talk strategy.MINISTRY SPONSORS:Reece Fund. Christian Capital. Boldly Deployedhttps://www.reecefund.com/Private Family Banking How to Connect with Private Family Banking: FREE 20-MINUTE COURSE HERE: View CourseSend an email inquiry to chuck@privatefamilybanking.comReceive a FREE e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown": protectyourmoneynow.netSet up a FREE Private Family Banking Discovery call: Schedule HereMulti-Generational Wealth Planning Guide Book for only $4.99: Seven Generations LegacyWestern Front Books. Publishing for men on the right. Not churchy. Christian.https://www.WesternFrontBooks.com/Mid State Accounting Does your small business need help with bookkeeping, tax returns, and fractional CFO services? Call Kailee Smith at 573‑889‑7278 for a free, no‑obligation consultation. Mention the Right Response podcast and get 10% off your first three months. Kingsmen Caps Carry the Crown with Kingsmen Caps — premium headwear made for those who honor Christ as King. Create your custom crown or shop our latest releases at https://kingsmencaps.com. Squirrelly Joes Coffee – Caffeinating The Modern Reformation Get a free bag of coffee (just pay shipping): https://squirrellyjoes.com/rightresponse

durée : 00:55:03 - Very Good Trip - par : Michka Assayas - Hier soir, nous étions à Pompéi avec Pink Floyd, ce soir nous retournons dans le présent, un présent qui, une fois n'est pas coutume, ouvre des perspectives chatoyantes et poétiques. - réalisé par : Stéphane Ronxin

Who were Increase and Cotton Mather, and what happened with the Salem Witch Trials? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 8, we learn about the influence of both Increase and Cotton Mather (including how they got their names), the religious context in Salem, and what happened during the Salem Witch Trials. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We need strong families. An outside the Bible, one of the best books you'll find to build yours up is The Theology of the Family. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm discuss this treasure trove of biblical wisdom. Drawing from the Reformers and Puritans, it features rich biblical gems from 56 different authors on: (1) fatherhood and motherhood; (2) marriage; (3) childbearing; (4) bringing up children; (5) abortion; (6) modest apparel; (7) advice to young people, and more. Packed with hundreds of short, powerful articles you can read, as a family, in minutes, the book's already helped thousands of dads, moms, and children in their walk with God. And this expanded heirloom edition is one you'll want to go to, again and again, for foundational truths and practical insights in raising your family.

How did the fracturing of Christianity in Old England affect how churches were founded in New England? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 7, we learn about changes occuring in Old England affecting New England's religious landscape, the fracturing of Christianity in Old England, the secret Roman Catholic King of England and resulting secret partnership with France, Increase and Cotton Mather in New England, and the Church in Massachusetts. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Fervor for religious freedom and Biblical teaching started a great migration of believers to the American colonies during the 1600's.

We are witnessing the birth of a new priesthood. They wear cardigans instead of cassocks, quote Brené Brown instead of the Bible, and dispense diagnoses in place of absolution. And for millions of Americans, they've become the final authority on the soul.In just one generation, we've gone from 'God save a wretch like me' to 'my therapist says.' The modern language of self-care and self-love have replaced self-denial and love for God. All the while, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide have climbed—not fallen. The numbers are staggering. Nearly one in five U.S. adults is in therapy. Over 40 million are diagnosed with anxiety. Even children are being trained to identify as mentally ill.But here's the real crisis: it's not just that our nation is mentally unwell—it's that the church is copying the world's prescriptions. Christians now outsource the care of the soul to secular professionals who deny the soul even exists.Historically, the church called this affliction “melancholy”—a burden of body, yes, but also a trial of the conscience, a grief of the soul. The Puritans didn't dismiss this pain. But they also never called it neutral. They traced it back to disordered loves, guilty consciences, spiritual darkness—and then pointed people to Christ, not a couch.This episode is brought to you by our premier sponsors, Armored Republic and Reece Fund, as well as our Patreon members and donors. You can join our Patreon at patreon.com/rightresponseministries or donate at rightresponseministries.com/donate.Today we're asking a hard question: “What if our therapeutic age is not a solution to our suffering, but a refusal to see it rightly?” What if our feelings are not enemies, but signposts? And what if the Church still holds the cure—not in a padded office, but in Word, sacrament, and the communion of saints?Let's get into it.MINISTRY SPONSORS: Reece Fund. Christian Capital. Boldly Deployed https://www.reecefund.com/ Private Family Banking How to Connect with Private Family Banking: FREE 20-MINUTE COURSE HERE: View Course Send an email inquiry to chuck@privatefamilybanking.com Receive a FREE e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown": protectyourmoneynow.net Set up a FREE Private Family Banking Discovery call: Schedule Here Multi-Generational Wealth Planning Guide Book for only $4.99: Seven Generations Legacy Squirrelly Joes Coffee – Caffeinating The Modern Reformation Get a free bag of coffee (just pay shipping): https://squirrellyjoes.com/rightresponse

Described as 'perhaps the greatest British theologian of all time', John Owen was far more than a theoretician. As a pastor-scholar, Owen showed that his great concern was to promote holiness in his hearers and readers, to the glory of God and their lasting joy. This week's episode constitutes an introduction to Owen and many of his chief works which, it is hoped, will be of help to those new to him, as well as to confirmed and seasoned appreciators of this humble, profound Christian teacher.   Featured Resources: – 'John Owen: A Defeated Puritan?', Ian Hamilton, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 711 (December 2022). – 'John Owen on Spiritual-Mindedness', J. I. Packer, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 620 (May 2015). – 'Some Thoughts on Reading the Works of John Owen', Sinclair B. Ferguson, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 152 (May 1976). – Three testimonies about reading John Owen, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 57 (June 1968).   From the Pen of Owen:  The Works of John Owen (Goold edition, 16 volumes). Please note each volume can be purchased separately. Owen's Exposition of Hebrews (Goold edition, 7 volumes). Please note each volume can be purchased separately. Apostasy from the Gospel: Nature and Causes (Puritan Paperback, 176 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law) Communion with God (Puritan Paperback, 224 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law) The Death of Death in the Death of Christ (Large paperback, 440 pages, introduction and analysis by J. I. Packer) Duties of Christian Fellowship (Puritan Paperback, 96 pages, modernized) The Glory of Christ (Puritan Paperback, 184 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law) Gospel Life (Puritan Paperback, 256 pages, modernized) Gospel Ministry (Puritan Paperback, 208 pages, modernized) The Holy Spirit (Puritan Paperback, 216 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law) Indwelling Sin in Believers (Puritan Paperback, 176 pages, abridged and made easy to read) The Mortification of Sin (Puritan Paperback, 144 pages, abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing) Searching Our Hearts in Difficult Times (Puritan Paperback, 160 pages, abridged and made easy to read) The Spirit and the Church (Puritan Paperback, 208 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law) Temptation Resisted and Repulsed (Puritan Paperback, 128 pages, abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing)   Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

What happens when the church in New England grows and the Halfway Covenant is established? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 6, we learn about Roger Williams and Rhode Island, declension of the church, issues that start to arise in New England, and how the Halfway Covenant was established. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Raised by secularists, Justin Miller's family life was a wreck. While in the eighth grade, his parents divorced—a trauma worse than death—and Justin's mom looked to him to help raise his two younger siblings. Given a Bible at age 11, he read it every morning till age 23, but felt no peace. Newly married at the time, he was powerfully saved when he heard Adrian Rogers preach the true gospel on the radio. His wife came to Christ four months later, and they soon joined a church where the pastor taught through the Bible, verse by verse. As their faith grew, Justin was called to pastoral ministry. Moved by the Puritans' legacy, Justin has given his life to sound but heart-felt teaching and currently serves as lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Puxico, Missouri.

How was Rhode Island founded, and what was the religious landscape like in this colony? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 5, we learn about Anne Hutchinson and her religious beliefs, Thomas Hooker and his belief in Preparation, John Cotton and his religious beliefs, Roger Williams and his championing of religious liberty, and the founding of Rhode Island. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

We've been conditioned to believe that rest is optional—like guacamole on your burrito. You can have it, but you'll have to pay extra.Let's zoom out for a second and look at where this belief came from.The hustle mindset didn't just show up one day because Gary Vee started yelling about it. It's deeply rooted in industrial-age values—when your productivity on the factory line was literally tied to your worth and your wages. The more you produced, the more valuable you were. Full stop.Then came the Protestant work ethic, remember the Puritans from history class? They believed hard work was not just good, but godly. Resting? That was for the weak or the wicked. You're either grinding or backsliding. There was no in-between. If you've been listening to my show for more than 2 episodes, you know that when they're answering that “what were the values and beliefs you were raised with” question, most of my guests say hard work. We've all been ingrained with this belief and accepted it without question. Fast forward to the 1980s and '90s - Wall Street, power suits, "I'll sleep when I'm dead" culture. Burnout was a badge of honor. In fact, Bon Jovi released a song in 1992 called “I'll Sleep When I'm Dead.”Actually, as I was outlining this episode, I looked up when that phrase originated and found Benjamin Franklin supposedly said, “There will be plenty of time to sleep when you're dead.” Clearly it's been around for a while.We celebrate busy. We glorify “the grind.” We worship the to-do list like it's some kind of sacred scroll.And now the whole country humblebrags about how little they sleep or how slammed they are, as if being overworked makes you more important. (It doesn't. It just makes you more tired and cranky.)So when someone does stop and rest, or take a day off without needing a “valid” excuse, it feels rebellious. Almost irresponsible. But that reaction? That guilt? It's not truth - it's just programming. And it's overdue for a rewrite.Tune in now and discover for yourself:✅ My personal story of zooming to burnout at 200 miles an hour, when I went beyond being “fucking cranky” to “totally wiped out”✅ How to redefine and reframe “rest” and make it not only part of, but a catalyst, for your ability to achieve more✅ Practical tools that you can use to create a “permission slip practice” that breaks the hustle-and-grind circle for you✅ And much, much more!Resources:My Website: https://ZenRabbit.com/ LinkedIn: https://zenrabbit.com/linkedin/ Facebook: https://zenrabbit.com/facebook/ Instagram: https://zenrabbit.com/instagram/Visit the “FINE is a 4-Letter Word” store at https://zenrabbit.printful.me Invitation from Lori: This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real....

Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 4, we learn about the Puritans and Pilgrims settling into the New World colonies, the challenges they faced, the kind of church establishment they formed, what covenant congregationalist churches believed versus Presbyterians, and tensions between two wings of Puritans concerning the experience of grace in their lives. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

A few weeks ago, we covered the Blizzard of 1978. But what about the Blizzard of '88... 1888 that is? What about centuries before that? Snow storms are destructive enough in the modern era, but how did Puritans in colonial New England deal with them? We'll also jump 150 years forward to the Great White Hurricane of March 1888. Join Sarah and Jeffrey, your favorite Salem tour guides as they talk about more winter, more snow, and more cold. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/47082/47082-h/47082-h.htm https://marbleheadmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pp-187-260-331Winthrop_s_Journal_History_of_New_Englan.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Ice_Age https://www.colonialsociety.org/node/1742 https://www.dotnews.com/2017/oh-hunger-many-suffered https://www.brancatosnowremoval.com/history-snow-removal-first-snow-plow/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Blizzard_of_1888 https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/the-blizzard-of-1888-americas-greatest-snow-disaster Interested in Salem The Podcast Merch!?  CLICK HERE! Interested in supporting the Podcast? Looking for more Salem content? CLICK HERE! www.salemthepodcast.com NEW INSTAGRAM - @salemthepod Email - hello@salemthepodcast.com   Book a tour with Jeffrey at Salem Uncovered Tours  www.salemuncoveredtours.com  Book a tour with Sarah at Bewitched Historical Tours   www.bewitchedtours.com   Intro/Outro Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/unfamiliar-faces License code: NGSBY7LA1HTVAUJE

The vocation of a minister is unique. A minister does not leave his work behind, whether late at night or on vacation. A minister is a man who is always preparing; he never frees himself from his calling because everything he does finds relevance to his work. How then does a preacher organize his life in light of this reality? What are some practices that will aid the minster in his preparation for preaching? The key factor, says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, is for the minister to know himself. In this lecture on the preparation of the preacher, from the “Preaching and Preachers” lecture series, Dr. Lloyd-Jones articulates several points for ministers to consider as they labor to prepare for weekly preaching. Under this guiding principle of knowing one's own temperament and personality, he encourages pastors in the fundamentals of prayer and Bible reading. Also in this lecture, Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges pastors to other kinds of reading. Whether it is devotional reading of the Puritans, or more intellectual material such as theology, church history, or apologetics, the overarching goal is to prepare the minster for his pulpit ministry. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines a blueprint for personal preparation that will benefit the minister as well as the congregation.

The vocation of a minister is unique. A minister does not leave his work behind, whether late at night or on vacation. A minister is a man who is always preparing; he never frees himself from his calling because everything he does finds relevance to his work. How then does a preacher organize his life in light of this reality? What are some practices that will aid the minster in his preparation for preaching? The key factor, says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, is for the minister to know himself. In this lecture on the preparation of the preacher, from the “Preaching and Preachers” lecture series, Dr. Lloyd-Jones articulates several points for ministers to consider as they labor to prepare for weekly preaching. Under this guiding principle of knowing one's own temperament and personality, he encourages pastors in the fundamentals of prayer and Bible reading. Also in this lecture, Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges pastors to other kinds of reading. Whether it is devotional reading of the Puritans, or more intellectual material such as theology, church history, or apologetics, the overarching goal is to prepare the minster for his pulpit ministry. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines a blueprint for personal preparation that will benefit the minister as well as the congregation. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

Judith Shakespeare's life is a mystery. While history records her as the younger daughter of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, much of her story remains untold. In her new novel, The Owl Was a Baker's Daughter, author and Shakespeare scholar Grace Tiffany brings Judith to life—filling in the gaps with adventure, resilience, and rebellion. A sequel to My Father Had a Daughter, this novel follows Judith into later adulthood. No longer the headstrong girl who once fled to London in disguise to challenge her father, she is now a skilled healer and midwife. However, when she is accused of witchcraft, she must escape Stratford and navigate a world where Puritans have closed playhouses, civil war splits England, and even her father's legacy is at risk. Tiffany explores how she merged fact and fiction to reimagine Judith's life. From the real-life scandal that shook her marriage to the theatrical and political disturbances of her time, the author examines what it means to write historical fiction—and how Shakespeare's life and legacy continue to inspire new stories. Grace Tiffany is a professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama at Western Michigan University. She has also taught Shakespeare at Fordham University, the University of New Orleans, and the University of Notre Dame, where she obtained her doctorate. She is also the author of My Father Had a Daughter and The Turquoise Ring. From the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast. Published March 25, 2025. © Folger Shakespeare Library. All rights reserved. This episode was produced by Matt Frassica. Garland Scott is the executive producer. It was edited by Gail Kern Paster. We had help with web production from Paola García Acuña. Leonor Fernandez edits our transcripts. Final mixing services are provided by Clean Cuts at Three Seas, Inc.

Puritans are both wonderful and to be avoided. There are good authors and authors that are too introspective. How do we navigate this?

Are all Puritans good? Does every Puritan understand Law/Gospel? Mike answers this question from a keen listener.

For centuries, Christian education stood as a pillar of Western civilization. The Puritans, the Reformers, the Founding Fathers—all understood that education was more than the transmission of knowledge. It was about forming souls, shaping virtue, and training minds to discern truth from falsehood. Harvard's original mission statement put it plainly: "Let every Student be plainly instructed... to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life...and therefore to lay Christ in the bottome, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and Learning." Education wasn't only about making a living—it was preparing individual souls for earthly and heavenly good, and it was intended to preserve the soul of a nation.Fast-forward to today. America's public schools are a dumpster fire. The federal Department of Education, founded in 1979 as a political payoff to the teachers' unions, has failed in every possible way. Literacy and math scores are plummeting. Civics education is nonexistent. And instead of teaching students how to think, the public school system indoctrinates them with radical gender ideology, racial grievance politics, and historical ignorance. We are producing a generation that cannot read, cannot reason, and does not love their own country.Donald Trump is right: the Department of Education needs to go. Not just defunded—not just restructured—but abolished. It has no constitutional mandate, no biblical legitimacy, and no moral authority to dictate what children should be taught. The only path forward is the one laid out by Scripture and history: parents taking responsibility, churches stepping up, and local communities reclaiming education from the clutches of federal bureaucrats.This episode is brought to you by our premier sponsors, Armored Republic and Reece Fund, as well as our Patreon members and donors. You can join our Patreon at patreon.com/rightresponseministries or you can donate at rightresponseministries.com/donate.Today, we're going to expose the failures of the modern education system, trace the rich history of Christian education, and plot a course for the future. Because the answer is not more government intervention—it's a return to biblical principles and local control. It's time to take back education. Let's get into it*MINISTRY SPONSORS:**Private Family Banking*How to Connect with Private Family Banking:1. FREE 20-MINUTE COURSE HERE: ⁠https://www.canva.com/design/DAF2TQVcA10/WrG1FmoJYp9o9oUcAwKUdA/view⁠2. Send an email inquiry to ⁠chuck@privatefamilybanking.com⁠3. Receive a FREE e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown", by going to ⁠https://www.protectyourmoneynow.net⁠4. Set up a FREE Private Family Banking Discovery call using this ⁠link: https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min⁠5. For a Multi-Generational Wealth Planning Guide Book for only $4.99, use this link for my affiliate relationship with "Seven Generations Legacy": ⁠https://themoneyadvantage.idevaffiliate.com/13.html⁠*Reece Fund⁠https://www.reecefund.com/*Dominion: Wealth Strategists* is a full-service financial planning and wealth management firm dedicated to putting more money in the hands of the church. With an education focused approach, they will help you take dominion over your finances.https://reformed.money/

Will the redeemed fear God in heaven? Scripture surprisingly says yes. Yet this is news of unparalleled joy. Today, Michael Reeves explains that to quake with wonder at the grace of God is to taste heaven now. Request Michael Reeves' teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3910/donate Register today with the discounted rate for Ligonier's 2025 National Conference, I Will Build My Church: https://www.ligonier.org/2025 Meet Today's Teacher:   Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in the United Kingdom. He is the featured teacher for the Ligonier teaching series The English Reformation and the Puritans. He is author of many books, including The Unquenchable Flame, Delighting in the Trinity, and Rejoice and Tremble.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

As we come to see how glorious and majestic God is, we are compelled to praise Him and bow down before the Lord in dependent prayer. Today, Michael Reeves describes the vibrant life that a right fear of God produces in us. Request Michael Reeves' teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3910/donate Meet Today's Teacher:   Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in the United Kingdom. He is the featured teacher for the Ligonier teaching series The English Reformation and the Puritans. He is author of many books, including The Unquenchable Flame, Delighting in the Trinity, and Rejoice and Tremble.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The fear of God is the heart and soul of Christian holiness. How do we grow in delightful reverence for the Lord? Today, Michael Reeves shows how cultivating awe-filled adoration begins in the heart. Request Michael Reeves' teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3910/donate Meet Today's Teacher:   Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in the United Kingdom. He is the featured teacher for the Ligonier teaching series The English Reformation and the Puritans. He is author of many books, including The Unquenchable Flame, Delighting in the Trinity, and Rejoice and Tremble.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Jesus' work of redemption reveals the boundless love of God for His adopted children. Today, Michael Reeves explains how the gospel guides us to look to our heavenly Father with dependent wonder and adoration. Request Michael Reeves' teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3910/donate Meet Today's Teacher:   Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in the United Kingdom. He is the featured teacher for the Ligonier teaching series The English Reformation and the Puritans. He is author of many books, including The Unquenchable Flame, Delighting in the Trinity, and Rejoice and Tremble.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts