Mythic Mission
By Michael T Jahosky
Welcome to Mythic Mission with Professor Michael Jahosky, a podcast which explores J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis's understanding of myth as "narrated worldview" and its intersection with the various disciplines of the Humanities from a Christian perspective. Subscribe to listen to interviews with scholars from around the world and from me on subjects which participate in the Truth, Goodness, and Beauty which God has woven into the "sacramental tapestry" of the world. Learn more about me and my book at: www.mythicmission.com and on Patreon: www.patreon.com/mythicmission
Mythic MissionJan 20, 2023
S2 E11: "The Sweet Science of 'Philoxophy'" with Dr. Gordon Marino
You heard it first! I coined a new word! The title says it all folks. I pray you are blessed by (and enjoy) this informal, Italian kitchen table-like Socratic dialogue between my guest and I, who have quite a lot in common. Okay, see ya--I'm flying out to study under Dr. Marino both inside and outside of the ring!
https://wp.stolaf.edu/philosophy/gordon-marino/
https://www.amazon.com/Existentialists-Survival-Guide-Authentically-Inauthentic/dp/0062436007/ref=asc_df_0062436007/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=375302224058&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2294339463859405426&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012142&hvtargid=pla-801565926664&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=79623292787&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=375302224058&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2294339463859405426&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012142&hvtargid=pla-801565926664
S2 E10: "The Road Goes Ever On": A Second Interview with Dr. Paul Gould
My second interview with Dr. Paul Gould of Palm Beach Atlantic University is about his most recent book, A Good and True Story, which you can find here: http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/a-good-and-true-story/407320 or on Amazon. Learn more about PBA's Program which Gould is the director of here: https://www.pba.edu/
Please consider supporting our show! Thank you for listening!
S2E9 Mythic Mission: An Interview with Dr. Sharon Dirckx about her book "Am I Just My Brain?"
First academic interview of the new year! Listen in to my discussion with Dr. Sharon Dirckx about the mind/body problem, the question of identity, and why the view that we are JUST our brains does not convince. Find her book here!:
https://www.amazon.com/Am-I-Just-My-Brain/dp/178498275X
S2E8 Fighting the Good Fight with Tommy Duquette
My comeback episode! In this episode, I get personal and give my audience a status report on how I've been doing before introducing my guest. If you're part of the Mythic Mission Facebook group (by becoming a Patreon member--go to www.mythicmission.com to learn how), then you've probably already heard this update...but for those of you who haven't, in the first few minutes, I give you an update on what I've been dealing with the last 6 months. Then, I connect this to why I invited Tommy Duquette, co-founder of the at home fitness and boxing program called Fight Camp. I am hoping to encourage all of you, especially if you are engaged in education apologetics like I am, to take good care of ALL of you. God created us as complex beings: soul, body, heart, imagination, and intellect. C.S. Lewis scholar Alister E. McGrath put it this way: "Lewis would remind us that apologists need to be looked after. They get spiritually drained." In the rest of the episode, I explain how Fight Camp has significantly improved my health and well-being and has begun to help me "fight back." If you're looking to get into great shape, battle anxiety and depression, deal with stress, or lose weight, Fight Camp can help you get there. Check them out here:
https://joinfightcamp.com/
I also mention J.P. Moreland's excellent book about his personal battle with anxiety in today's episode--I can't tell you how much it's helped me. The book is called Finding Quiet.
It's good to be back!
S2E7 Mythic Mission: "Be Holy, Because I am Holy": An Interview with Dr. Christopher Yuan
On today’s show, I am interviewing Dr. Christopher Yuan, who graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2005 and received a master’s in biblical exegesis in 2007 and a doctorate of ministry in 2014.Christopher taught the Bible at Moody Bible Institute for twelve years and his speaking ministry on faith and sexuality has reached five continents. He speaks at conferences, on college campuses, and in churches. Dr. Yuan has co-authored with his mother their memoir, Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God, A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope, which has sold over 100,000 copies and is now in eight languages. Dr. Yuan’s newest book ,Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story, was named 2020 Book of the Year for Social Issues by Outreach Magazine. He has been interviewed in many media outlets, including Christianity Today, In the Market with Janet Parshall, The Eric Metaxas Show and The Christian Post.
Visit christopheryuan.com for more information.
Follow him on Twitter/Instagram @christopheryuan, fb.com/christopheryuan, and youtube.com/christopheryuan
Learn more about Mythic Mission and Mythic Mission Tabletop Apologetics at: www.mythicmission.com and consider supporting us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/mythicmission
**Make sure to check out: https://holysexuality.com to learn more about Dr. Yuan's forthcoming curriculum for parents and youth!**
S2E6 Mythic Mission: "I Wonder What Sort of a Tale We've Fallen Into?": An Interview with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson
Hello everyone! Welcome to S2E6 of Mythic Mission with Professor Michael Jahosky, a podcast which explores J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis's understanding of myth as "grand narrative" and its relationship with various disciplines of the Humanities from a Christian perspective. On today’s show, I am interviewing Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson who is the Louise Cowan Scholar in Residence at the University of Dallas. She is the author of several books, but most recently, The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Saints. She has received numerous fellowships, grants, and awards, including a Fulbright Fellowship to the Czech Republic, an NEH grant to study Dante in Florence in 2014, and the Biola Center for Christian Thought sabbatical fellowship. In 2018 she received the Emerging Public Intellectual Award given by a coalition of North American think tanks in collaboration with the Centre for Christian Scholarship at Redeemer University College, and in 2019 she received the Hiett Prize in Humanities from The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture.
You can learn more about her at her website here: https://jessicahootenwilson.com
Learn more about Mythic Mission at: www.mythicmission.com and consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mythicmission
S2E5 Mythic Mission: Mythic Mission Tabletop Apologetics--and More Important Updates!!!
Exciting announcements, including a new branch to our ministry! Never a better time to support our ministry on Patreon--go to www.mythicmission.com and find a link to our Patreon page there.
JUST FYI, there are two edited portions of this episode because I had someone ring my doorbell. Happens about 30 minutes in--I just wanted to once again say, I owe such a huge debt to Drs. Paul Gould and Louis Markos (part of my thanks got cut off) and then to also remind you that if you've read my book, PLEASE leave a REVIEW AND RATING on Amazon.com!
"He Descended to the Dead...On the Third Day he Rose from the Dead": Mythic Mission Holy Week 2022
In this special Holy Week 2022 Mythic Mission episode, I once again return to the topic of Holy Saturday (with visual aids this time!) and explore what it means that Jesus "descended to the dead." Then, I address the argument that Easter, like Christmas, is a pagan holiday that the Church borrowed from surrounding pagan cultures/myths and finish with a lesson on the relationship between the true myth of Jesus Christ and all the others.
S2E4 of Mythic Mission: The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis: An Interview with Dr. Jason M. Baxter
Jason Baxter is an associate professor of fine arts and humanities at Wyoming Catholic College, a speaker, author, and college professor. He writes on the relevance of medieval thought, literature, and art, especially, as it relates to medieval mysticism, Dante, and C.S. Lewis. He is the author of The Infinite Beauty of the World: Dante’s Encyclopedia and the Names of God, and A Beginner’s Guide to Dante’s Divine Comedy. Learn more about our guest today at his website:
https://www.jasonmbaxter.com/--where you can also buy a signed copy of the book
Buy his book here also: https://www.ivpress.com/the-medieval-mind-of-c-s-lewis
Please consider joining us on the Mission by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/mythicmissionand get access to our private Mythic Mission group, live q and a’s with me, mythic mission merchandise, the possibility of live zoom classes with me, and much more. Your monthly support also helps us keep up with the costs of preparing and conducting these shows and interviews, as well as updating our equipment from time to time. Thank you for your consideration!
S2E3: "The King Lives Within Us All": J.R.R. Tolkien and the Issue of Allegory, Dedicated to my Aunt Dale
My Aunt Dale wrote this about my book, sending out a big email to our family..."Boy oh boy, I have I’ve been enjoying this fabulous book by our wonderful family member, Michael T. Jahosky — “The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle-earth”. Michael has worked for five years to produce this work, and it is fabulous in every way"
www.mythicmission.com
www.patreon.com/mythicmission
S2E2 Mythic Mission: "Tom is Master": An Interview with C.R. Wiley about his book "In the House of Tom Bombadil"
Who is Tom Bombadil? Why should you care? Tune in to find out!
Join us on the Mission here and get cool Mythic Mission merch AND an opportunity to collaborate with us: www.patreon.com/mythicmission
Learn more about us here: www.mythicmission.com
More about our guest here: https://crwiley.com/
Where to buy Wiley's book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09LSCR7LT/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
S2E1 of Mythic Mission: Join us on the Mission!
This is a REVISED version of the first episode some of you may have already listened to. It's worth another listen, as I've created even more opportunities for you to join us on the Mission, unlock really cool perks (I hope you'll think so!) and get awesome Mythic Mission merchandise even at the lowest $3 tier! The coffee mugs are now available even at the $5 monthly tier! Please listen to learn more about our new private Facebook Group you'll gain access to if you become a Patreon supporter of ours and some general updates to our website and more! See you on the Mission!
www.patreon.com/mythicmission
www.mythicmission.com
Mythic Mission #34: "Investigating the Incarnation": An Interview with Detective J. Warner Wallace about his book Person of Interest
Our final episode of 2021 and the end of Season 1 for Mythic Mission! Don't miss this INCREDIBLE interview with Detective J Warner Wallace about his book, Person of Interest! We talk about reasonable doubt and possible doubt, Christianity as myth (understood as true story about reality/"grand narrative"/"narrated worldview" NOT untrue story!), Christianity and other religions, the alleged borrowing from other religions by the Church and so much more!
Link to buy the book!: https://www.amazon.com/Person-Interest-Jesus-Matters-Rejects/dp/B08QDTF8TZ
https://personofinterestbook.com/
https://coldcasechristianity.com/
www.mythicmission.com
https://anchor.fm/michael-t-jahosky
Mythic Mission #33: Mama and Papa Bears Unite! An Interview with Amy Davison
Amy Davison is a former Air Force veteran-turned-writer and podcast cohost for Mama Bear Apologetics®. She received her MA in Christian apologetics from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and loves helping parents raise their children to be warriors in the faith. She specializes in biblical sexuality, how to incorporate apologetics into parenting, and cultural challenges to the faith. Amy is co-author of Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality with Hillary Morgan Ferrer, which we will be discussing today!
Subscribe to MythicMission on your Favorite Podcast Platform and here on YouTube!: Follow us also at www.mythicmission.com
Ferrer and Davison's book can be purchased here: https://www.christianbook.com/apologetics-guide-sexuality-empowering-understand-design/hillary-ferrer/9780736983815/pd/983811
Mama Bear Apologetics Website is here: https://mamabearapologetics.com/
Mythic Mission #32: "Art is the Signature of Man": An Interview with Professor Miguel Benitez Jr.
Miguel Benitez Jr lives in South West Florida where he is an instructor of humanities. He is also a PhD candidate in Humanities at Faulkner University. Miguel’s research focuses on GK Chesterton’s philosophy of art and beauty. His goal is to point people to goodness, truth, and beauty, which is ultimately to point people to Jesus. On today's episode, I talk to Miguel about G.K. Chesterton, art, beauty, religion, and more! Check it out!
http://www.miguelbenitezjr.com/
www.mythicmission.com
Mythic Mission #31: Science and the Mind of the Maker: An Interview with Dr. Melissa Cain Travis
Dr. Travis earned a Ph.D. in Humanities with a Philosophy concentration from Faulkner University, where her dissertation research focused on the natural philosophy and natural theology of Johannes Kepler. She earned a Master of Arts in Science and Religion from Biola University and a Bachelor of Science in general biology from Campbell University. She has taught courses in philosophy, ancient culture, and science & faith since 2013. She is also a member of the writing team at Worldview Bulletin.
Mythic Mission: www.mythicmission.com
The Society for Women of Letters: https://societyforwomenofletters.com/
Science and the Mind of the Maker Book: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Mind-Maker-Conversation-Between-ebook/dp/B07DYCGYV4/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=god+and+the+mind+of+the+maker&qid=1633720103&sr=8-2
Worldview Bulletin: https://worldviewbulletin.substack.com/
Mythic Mission #13: Tolkien's Sacramental Vision of Reality
In today's surprise episode, I discuss what Sacramentalism is and how it is related to "Tolkien's art of the parable," the difference between "Looking at" and "Looking Along," and religious pluralism, among other things.
Mythic Mission #30: "Christianity Cross-Examined": An Interview with Professor Ken Samples
Philosopher and theologian, Kenneth Richard Samples is a senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe. Ken is an experienced educator who has taught courses in philosophy and religion at several schools and is currently an adjunct instructor of apologetics at Biola University. Kenneth seeks to encourage Christians to develop a logically defensible faith and challenges skeptics to engage Christianity at a philosophical worldview level. His books include Christianity Cross-Examined, Classic Christian Thinkers, and God among Sages.
Book Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Christianity-Cross-Examined-Rational-Relevant-Good/dp/1886653984/ref=sr_1_3?crid=4WD4WXEL36VU&dchild=1&keywords=christianity+cross+examined&qid=1631893385&sprefix=christiantiy+cross+%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-3
YouTube Link for Video Version: https://youtu.be/qBC41BqdRVk
Mythic Mission #29: "Surprised by Agape": An Interview with Justin Wiggins
A conversation with my friend Justin Wiggins about his autobiography, Surprised by Agape. This is a members-exclusive episode! Please subscribe!
Buy Justin's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Surprised-Agape-Justin-Wiggins-ebook/dp/B07GQZB5LY/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=surprised+by+agape&qid=1626827323&sr=8-2&asin=B07GQZB5LY&revisionId=9efd44c2&format=1&depth=1
Mythic Mission #28: "Apologists, Assemble!": An Interview with Timothy Fox
Today I speak with my friend Timothy Fox about discernment in the arts from a Christian perspective!
Timothy Fox has an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. He loves to talk about apologetics, theology, superheroes, and Star Wars, especially how to use story to explain the Christian worldview. Tim blogs for FreeThinking Ministries and Summit Ministries’ Reflect pop culture blog. He lives on Long Island, New York with his wife and two children.
FreeThinking Ministries: https://freethinkingministries.com/
Summit Ministries: https://www.summit.org/resources/reflect/
Mythic Mission #27: "Come Further Up, Come Further in!": A (Second) Interview with Dr. Louis Markos about his book, From Plato to Christ
Today, my friend Dr. Louis Markos returns for his second interview. For those that do not know, Dr. Markos was our inaugural guest here on Mythic Mission back in January— although all of our guests and topics have been incredible, it seems Episode #1 is still our most viewed and listened to interview, even 7 months later! Dr. Louis Markos is a Professor of English and Scholar-in-Residence at Houston Baptist University where he holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities, and he’s here today to speak to us about his new book, which was just released this week, From Plato to Christ: How Platonic Thought Shaped the Christian Faith.
Please buy his new book directly from the publisher if you can here: https://www.ivpress.com/from-plato-to-christ
Or here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QMV9PC7/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
For those of you who do not know, Dr. Markos endorsed and wrote a review of my book The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle-earth here: https://www.reformation21.org/blog/the-good-news-of-the-return-of-the-king
Subscribe to Dr. Markos's excellent YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mcYKcQaJDA_a7sFVsHSgg
Don't forget to sign up for our website's blog and for an all-in-one place where you can learn about me, my book, the podcast, and more!: www.mythicmission.com
Mythic Mission #26: “If fate is kind or cruel, man still must try”: An Analysis of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and The Green Knight Film
In this episode, I give an in depth look at the Medieval Chivalric Romance, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and compare it to The Green Knight (2021, David Lowery) film adaptation that was just released. In addition, I explore whether the poem is an allegory or a sacramental story, what the "Kappa element of Romance" is and how it's on full display in both poem and movie, how J.R.R. Tolkien's concept of "eucatastrophe" is present in the poem (and not, in my opinion, in the film!), and more! *SPOILER ALERT! PLEASE DON"T LISTEN if you want to read and/or watch the poem/movie without things being ruined!*
Remember to check out our website, www.mythicmission.com and please consider supporting our show here on Anchor.fm if you're enjoying the great content we're putting out there for you! Thanks for listening! If you sign up for the blog on our website, you can follow me on Social Media and also leave comments if you want to interact with me!
Mythic Mission #25: Stronger Spells: An Interview with Dr. Justin Ariel Bailey
In this episode, Dr. Bailey and I speak about his book, Reimagining Apologetics, and the importance of the imagination and myth in doing apologetics. Also, lots of Tolkien (and Lewis) references!
Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Reimagining-Apologetics-Beauty-Faith-Secular-ebook/dp/B085G2D2TS
Follow Justin and check out his series, Tolkien Tuesdays on his website here: https://pjustin.com/
Mythic Mission #24: "This is the Way": An Interview with Dr. Michael Ward
In this episode, I interview the English scholar Dr. Michael Ward about his new book, "After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man" and C.S. Lewis's Abolition of Man. Above all, this is a conversation about one of the most important topics of all: the doctrine of objective value; whether our thoughts and speech about reality are really true or really false, or simply a matter of taste and opinion ("to each his/her own". The doctrine of objective value affects Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
If you want to learn more about Dr. Michael Ward, please go to his website: https://michaelward.net/
If you want to buy Dr. Ward's book, After Humanity (*and get a copy of The Abolition of Man free with purchase of After Humanity*) go here: https://www.wordonfire.org/humanity/
Mythic Mission #23: "Why I Still Believe": An Interview with Professor MaryJo Sharp
A former atheist who came to faith, Professor Mary Jo Sharp has experienced two worlds of American culture: the post- Christian culture of the Pacific Northwest and the evangelical culture of the Bible Belt. She first encountered apologetics in her own spiritual search while seeking answers. Mary Jo is now an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University and the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry. She has been featured in Christianity Today’s cover story “The Unexpected Defenders” and is an international speaker on apologetics, focusing on love and logic to uncover truth. She lives with her husband and family in Portland, Oregon. You can connect with MaryJo on social media and on her website, which will all be in the show notes below.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Why-I-Still-Believe-Mary-Jo-Sharp-audiobook/dp/B07Q22RBD7
Web Site: www.maryjosharp.com
Facebook: @confidentchristianity
Twitter: @MaryJoSharp
Instagram: @maryjosharp
Mythic Mission # 22: “Estel” (Hope): Kingship and Incarnation in Middle earth with Dr. Brad Birzer
This episode was streamed on Facebook LIVE as well. Today, I talk with Dr. Brad Birzer about the "central explanatory text" of Tolkien's mythology, "The Debate of Finrod and Andreth," which you can find in Volume X, Morgoth's Ring, of the History of Middle earth series edited by Christopher Tolkien. We also discuss Tolkien's views on monarchy, how it intersects with his theology, and how the theme of God as king--a very prominent theme in the Bible-- permeates his mythology.
You can learn more about Dr. Birzer here: https://bradbirzer.com/
His book, which we also discuss in today's episode, J.R.R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth: Understanding Middle earth can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K5EBJ2O/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Mythic Mission #21: The Cross and the Purple, Christianity and Stoicism in Dialogue, with Donald Robertson
In this episode, I interview one of my favorite authors, Donald Robertson, who is a Cognitive Behavioral Psychologist and a student of Greco-Roman Philosophy, especially Stoicism. This is a topic special to me because I spent 6 weeks in Rome for a study abroad program where I not only crystalized my decision to study Greco-Roman and Biblical history, philosophy, religion, and the arts, but met my best friend and future wife (and the co-host of Mythic Mission!), Sarah. Marcus Aurelius's Meditations has always been a part of my life, and today we discuss, among other things, what the Cross has to do with the Purple (a reference to the robe of the Roman emperor). How are these traditions similar and dissimilar? Can Christians learn anything of value from non-Christian worldviews (yes!)? In earlier episodes of Mythic Mission, I discuss (Episode #13 on Anchor, for example) how Christians can practice discernment wisely. Don and I also discuss Marcus Aurelius's alleged persecution of Christians, the 12th Legion miracle, and other fascinating topics. Enjoy!
Mythic Mission Main Page/Donations: https://anchor.fm/michael-t-jahosky *Please consider supporting our show by clicking "Support" at this above link!*
Donald's Website: https://donaldrobertson.name/
Book of the Show Link: https://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Like-Roman-Emperor-ebook/dp/B07D2C5NNV/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+think+like+a+roman+emperor&qid=1621011853&sr=8-1
Mythic Mission #20: Kierkegaard and the Art of Indirect Communication with Dr. Aaron Simmons
MYTH, epistemology, faith, indirect communication, apologetics, and Kierkegaard oh my! All of these subjects and more come up in today's AWESOME episode with my new friend, Dr. Aaron Simmons. There's a lot to love from today's show, so be sure to take notes.
*I hope you'll consider going to the main page of Mythic Mission today and click the "Support" button to help support the release of more great episodes that we have been offering for free. I will continue to offer these for free, but we are asking for you to consider supporting our lay ministry here and, if we get enough support, to help us support the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Your support will help us with the costs incurred to keep great content coming and get some new equipment, which is sorely needed. Lastly, if we get enough support, we will be starting a monthly giving to the Make a Wish Foundation.*
Go here: https://anchor.fm/michael-t-jahosky and click "Support"
*ALSO...look forward to May 14's interview with Donald Robertson on Stoicism and Christianity, June 4, Dr. Brad Birzer on Tolkien, and sometime in July, an interview with Dr. MaryJo Sharp!
BUT WAIT, there's more! I've also registered mythicmission.com as a domain for our website! Please don't forget to subscribe to alerts from our site, where I occasionally blog and send updates out. All of my professional work, interviews, and information on MY book are on this website!*
Mythic Mission #19: "Fine Fabling": Tolkien's Modern Reading with Dr. Holly Ordway
On today's 19th episode, I speak with Dr. Holly Ordway about her new book, "Tolkien's Modern Reading: Middle earth Beyond the Middle Ages" and the diverse array of literary influences which helped fertilize Tolkien's rich and deep imagination, and which ultimately had an impact on the writing of his Middle earth legendarium. Not all the influences had an equal impact, and none of them invite "this equals that" correspondences between the works which influenced Tolkien and his legendarium. Nevertheless, Tolkien was influenced by modern literature and did read beyond the Middle Ages, and these modern authors' works did exert an influence upon the creation of his hobbits, geography of Middle earth, and major characters such as Galadriel and Eowyn, just to name a few examples. Tolkien was NOT just a Medievalist, and he was not out of touch with modernity. Follow Holly at the links below, where you can also buy her new book:
http://www.hollyordway.com/
https://www.wordonfire.org/author/dr-holly-ordway/
https://store.wordonfire.org/collections/books/products/tmr
Mythic Mission #18: Tolkien, Lewis, and Sayers Walk into a Pub...A Conversation with Dr. David Downing and Dr. Crystal Downing
On the 18th episode of Mythic Mission, Sarah and I interview Dr. David and Crystal Downing who are co-chairs and co-directors of the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College in Illinois. Join us as we discuss the writings of C.S. Lewis, Dorothy Sayers and J.R.R. Tolkien and the impact that their Christian faith had on their fictional writings! Enjoy the show, and if you want to learn more about the Downings or the Wade Center, go here:
David Downing: https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/academic-centers/wadecenter/about/staff/david-c-downing/
Crystal Downing: https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/academic-centers/wadecenter/about/staff/crystal-downing/
Marion E. Wade Center: https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/academic-centers/wadecenter/about/history/biographies/marion-e-wade/
Mythic Mission #17: "He Descended to the Dead"
A special Holy Saturday podcast episode covering the topic of Holy Saturday, different conceptions of Purgatory, and an exploration of the ideas of Matthew Emerson and Jerry Walls in their respective books, "He Descended to the Dead": An Evangelical Theology of Holy Saturday and "Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory."
Mythic Mission #16: "The Crownless Again Shall be King": A Special Easter Message 2021
In this episode, I give an argument that appeals to the mind and the heart for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. And yes, there are Tolkien references, of course.
Mythic Mission #15: Chesterton and Tolkien on Myth, Imagination, and the Gospel with Joseph Pearce
For Mythic Mission's 15th episode, I interview Joseph Pearce, author of Frodo's Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of the Lord of the Rings (among many other excellent books) about G.K. Chesterton's philosophy of myth, why the Christian story--and the Incarnation--is the "master key" to understanding reality, and Chesterton's influence on both Tolkien and Lewis. To learn more about Joseph Pearce, please visit his website here:
https://jpearce.co/about/
Mythic Mission #14: My Pints with Jack Interview
On today's 14th episode of Mythic Mission, I am very grateful for my friend David Bates @ Pints with Jack (https://www.pintswithjack.com/) who has graciously allowed me to share his interview with me about my book, "The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle earth" that I did on his show in early March 2021. This was one of my favorite interviews! Enjoy!
Mythic Mission #12: Middle-earth is a Real Place
Today, I discuss two letters of J.R.R. Tolkien--Letter 181 and Letter 211--which have to do with the alleged "historicity" of Middle-earth and whether this does or does not affect the argument that the Incarnation is present in Middle-earth that I have presented in my book, The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle-earth.
Mythic Mission #11: "The Mind of Zeus was Moving Toward its End" with Dr. Matthew Sims
This quote from Homer's Iliad sums up my interview with my good friend and colleague at St. Petersburg College, Dr. Matthew Sims, who is also the author of the forthcoming book: Ancient Greeks on the Human Condition: Themes in the Writings of Homer, Aristophanes, Euripides and Thucydides
https://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Greeks-Human-Condition-Aristophanes/dp/1476675783/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=matthew+sims+greek&qid=1613761310&sr=8-1
Dr. Sims and I discuss his forthcoming book, myth, and what Christians can learn from reading the Greek classics particularly about the human condition. Dr. Sims presents in his book four views for examining the human condition: The Heroic, The Tragic, the Comedic, and the Absurd. You can learn more about Dr. Sims here: https://web.spcollege.edu/instructors/id/sims.matthew
Mythic Mission #10: Why Narnia Might be More Real Than We Think
Yes, you read the title of today's 10th episode of Mythic Mission correctly! Narnia IS a real place--indeed, it is MORE real than the reality we are currently living in. The realms of Narnia and Middle earth are portraits of reality as it OUGHT to be, and as it will be, according to the Christian worldview. One day, all things will be made new and the New Heaven and New Earth which God began to prepare in Eden, and which came to fruition in the Incarnation (Jesus Christ) will be complete. Narnia and Middle earth are sacramental visions of this "true country," which will one day be our home. Here and now, we get foretastes and glimpses of our true country now and again, just over the horizon, but we are still pilgrims in a foreign land. Today's special guest is Dr. Brian Williams who is the author of C.S. Lewis: Pre Evangelism in a Post Christian World: Why Narnia Might be More Real Than We Think. Dr. Williams speaks to us about our longing for our true country, among other things with me, and walks us through the 5 main chapters of his new book. Enjoy and God Bless! You can find a link to his Amazon Author Page and the Book below:
https://www.amazon.com/Brian-M-Williams/e/B08TVT9GCH/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
Mythic Mission #9: Cultural Apologetics and Myth with Dr. Paul Gould
What is Cultural Apologetics? What does it have to do with myth? How we can we draw on culture to point people toward Christ? What does it mean to be disenchanted? Re-enchanted? What does it mean to see the world as Jesus does? What does Dr. Gould think of Tolkien and Lewis? Check out our newest episode to find out!
https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Apologetics-Conscience-Imagination-Disenchanted/dp/0310530490
https://www.pba.edu/directory/gould-paul.html
Mythic Mission #8: Am I a Roman Catholic?
Today, I address this question that I've been asked a lot since the publication of my book where in the Preface, I said that I was returning to the Catholic Church as of Summer/Fall 2020. I explain in today's show that I have not yet made the full transition and that my family and I are still wrestling over this decision. I also bring up several points of agreement that I have with the RC and some concerns about others. Prayers appreciated--I will keep everyone apprised of our decision once it's made, as I know many are interested. Enjoy today's very personal show.
Mythic Mission #7: Is The Lord of the Rings an Allegory? With Dr. Devin Brown
Is The Lord of the Rings an Allegory? The answer we give in today's episode might surprise you. Most people are familiar with Tolkien's "cordial dislike of allegory," but few are familiar with what else he said in his letters about allegory. In Letter 186, he identifies LOTR as one kind of allegory, but not the type he disliked in Letter 131, which he called "the conscious and intentional" kind of allegory. Joining me to discuss this and to help put our finger on why we love Middle-earth so much is Dr. Devin Brown, who is a Lilly Professor at Asbury University and the author of many books about Narnia and Middle earth. Don't miss this episode! Relevant links for Dr. Brown are below:
Dr. Brown's Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Devin-Brown/e/B001JS67MW%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Dr. Brown's Website: https://www.asbury.edu/about/directory/devin-brown/
Mythic Mission #6: Myth and Typology with Dr. Owen Anderson
What is typology? How are the concepts of myth and typology related? How do these concepts illuminate our understanding of the relationship between the "Pagan Christs" and Jesus Christ? What role do other non-Christian myths have--or do not have--in our coming to Christ? What about those who have not heard of Christ, have not accepted Christ today? What about those who lived before him? What role in myth and typology play in C.S. Lewis's writings? All these questions and more will be addressed today in my interview with Dr. Owen Anderson, who is professor of philosophy and religious studies in Arizona State University's New College. In 2013-2014, he was the William E. Simon research fellow in the James Madison Program at Princeton University and a visiting scholar at Princeton Seminary. He has published seven books including "The Declaration of Independence and God" (2015) and "The Natural Moral Law" (2013) with Cambridge University Press. His areas of research include epistemology, the ethics of belief, intellectual history and the problem of evil.
https://drowenanderson.com/
Mythic Mission #5: Parables are Incarnational Stories
For this week's midweek episode, the title says it all! In this podcast, I argue that parables are incarnational stories, that they are perfect vehicles for communicating the central truth of the Christian worldview: that God has become human. Parables are in their literary form what they wish to communicate in content: God becoming king on earth as in heaven! In this episode, I talk about the relationship between myth, allegory, parable, and fairy story (content from my book, The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle earth) and argue that many Tolkien scholars have overlooked some important nuances about Tolkien's view of allegory because they have not read widely enough on this subject in biblical scholarship, and because parables have not been a central part of their theology. Parables are not the same thing as the "conscious and intentional" allegory which Tolkien disliked, but they could be said to be a subset of allegory (as many scholars have argued). I also point out that in a letter, Tolkien does, in fact, call The Lord of the Rings an allegory--but obviously not the kind which he "cordially disliked" (the conscious and intentional kind). Finally, I argue for the resemblance between fairy stories and parables as one of Tolkien's good friends Father Robert Murray began to do in his 1992 essay "Tolkien and the Art of the Parable," and develop his argument further (which is what I do in my book). Fairy stories/parables are a type of allegory, but distinct from the type Tolkien disliked! The way this kind of story reflects truth, and how it is "incarnational" is the final topic of this podcast, and I think you're really going to enjoy it!
Mythic Mission #4: The Faun's Bookshelf with Dr. Charlie W. Starr
"Is Man a Myth"? is one question we try to answer in tonight's episode with my special guest, Dr. Charlie W. Starr, author of The Faun's Bookshelf: C.S. Lewis on Why Myth Matters. In addition to delving into Starr's take on Lewis's understanding of myth, meaning, truth, and reality, I also ask him to share his expertise on C.S. Lewis's handwriting (Dr. Starr is the world's leading expert on Lewis's handwriting!), his own definition of myth, and the value of myth in Christian apologetics and discipleship. We may have raised more questions than we did answer them in this episode, but it was great fun and I got to meet another one of my theological heroes (Dr. Markos and Dr. Starr in one month!?).
Mythic Mission #3: Myth, Meaning, Truth, and Reality
This mid week episode deals with the concepts of myth, meaning, truth, and reality as it relates to Christian apologetics and discipleship. In my book, The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle earth, I argue that myth ought to be understood as a "narrated worldview," an understanding that has been established by some top apologists today such as Alister E. McGrath. Moreover, myth is a sacramentally unitive experience, a holistic story that is in form what it is trying to say in content.
Mythic Mission #2: "My Road into Jerusalem"
Welcome back to Mythic Mission! This week's episode has my beloved best friend and wife, Sarah, interviewing me about the Preface of my book, The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle earth and my journey (my "road into Jerusalem") to become a Christian and Tolkien's role in that journey. We also discuss what a myth is, what it has to do with Christianity (and other religions!), apologetics, and future interviews and episode content to look forward to!
Please subscribe to our podcast, website, and YouTube channel!
https://lastdunadancom.wordpress.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Good-News-Return-King-Middle-earth/dp/1725263165/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=jahosky&qid=1610936364&sr=8-1
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsg55A9HSzSwfU6qUKsvz7g
Mythic Mission #1: Dr. Louis Markos and the Myth Made Fact
In this episode, Dr. Markos and I talk about his new book and the concepts of myth, meaning, truth, and reality. We also discuss that the commonly heard argument against Christianity being "just another myth" is in actuality an argument FOR the complete truth of Christianity AND a great opportunity for Christian apologists. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Wordpress page, and check out the audio version of this podcast on Spotify and Anchor (Will be on ITunes soon!).