Bombadil's Porch

In today's show we discuss a recent trip by the Martin family to Japan and some thoughts in the aftermath of a recent politically charged court case.

After a few months of sitting empty, the Porch resumes with discussions of what has changed in the world, and what remains the same.

In this episode we reflect on Christmas past and present and how the season grows sweeter year after year.

In this episode we consider the outcome of the recent election in Spokane County. What is the distinction between tribalism and liberalism, and how does that impact the Christian faith as well as local politics? How do we keep our eyes fixed on Christ and not end up in a ditch of over-correction while navigating the changing cultural landscape?

In this episode we consider how the command to rule the earth in Genesis finds fulfillment in Christ and application in everyday life.

In this episode we welcome guest Amanda Jarvis - mom, editor, communication coordinator, and youth leader. We discuss a recent Gallup pole indicating that the loneliest age group is 19-29. Why are the young so lonely, and what can we do to raise resilient and connecting families?

In this episode we discuss how diversity and unity are both expressed in the Christian faith and how that helps us think through the current issues of multi-culturalism and tolerance. We also consider how our testimony as believers can be the unique, but shared expression of Jesus Christ to all we interact with.

In this episode we discuss the tragic display of evil and death in the recent terror attacks against Israel. How should we as Christians respond compassionately, theologically, and biblically?

In this episode we discuss the value of working in The Trades. Caleb discusses his recent VIP hangout with traveling musicians. We investigate a recent meme involving the Roman Empire, and we affirm the power of narratives and the importance of having only one Hero in the story.

In this episode we discuss some of the proposed tourism taglines for Spokane Valley. Send us your favorite suggestions! We also consider how recent news and a popular mini-series have put a spotlight on the pitfalls of Christianity focused on appearances more than loving worship from the heart. And we give Caleb a hard time for missing today's recording.

In this episode we catch up after several weeks of being apart. Fall rhythms of life are kicking off, and there is a big change in the future for one Porch host. We also look at the decline of justice in the West and how to parent grateful children with integrity.

Today we discussed Douglas Murray's* interesting appeal to the moral vice of acedia in attempting to explain the ills of modern society. We also looked at the biblical command not to envy, and how profoundly important this command is for our country, and for our families. *Audio clip of Douglas Murray at the 2023 National Review Institute Ideas Summit in Washington D.C.

Today we discussed the unfortunate tale of a janitorial mishap gone very wrong. We also discuss whether proper parenting can guarantee the salvation of our children. Finally, we look at the 9th Commandment and discuss the importance of speaking the truth in an age of snap reactions.

In this episode we rejoice at the kindness of God on display in a recent car and pedestrians accident. We also consider the nature of stealing and how it erodes society from the illegal activities of an individual to the sometimes legal activities of governments.

We begin after a few weeks off by hearing from Caleb who is recently returned from a trip to Italy and the Balkans. We also discuss a recent interview with a movie actor famous for saying, "I'll be back," who, ironically, is afraid that he won't. Finally, we consider the prohibition against adultery and how that affects more of life than just marriage.

In this episode we discuss the nature of man and how that relates to science fiction's common theme of reducing consciousness to mere information. We also consider the next commandment in our series: do not murder.

In this episode we take instruction from the cautionary tale of two hapless drivers in Hawaii. Caleb fills us in on an upcoming adventure overseas. Finally, we discuss the 5th Commandment, its many applications, and the surprisingly central role it plays in the fabric of civilization.

In this episode we discuss the view that conservatives view children as property and use the role to impose authoritarianism. We also look at what Sabbath rest means for Christians today.

In this episode we discuss at length a lament over Generation Z and what are some of the unique challenges and unique strengths of this emerging population. We also discuss two letters, including one just recently published for the first time, in which JRR Tolkien discusses why Tom Bombadil doesn't quite seem to fit into the world of Middle Earth. Finally, we discuss, perhaps debate, how the i...

In this episode we discuss why UFO's (UAP's) are back in limelight recently, as well as the rise of pagan symbolism in pop culture. We then continue our study through What Matters Most by looking at the third commandment.

In this episode we give you twice the Porch as usual! In the first hour we discuss spiritual revival and what attends it. In our second hour, we look at the Second Commandment and get into a vigorous debate about popular depictions of Jesus in contemporary media.

In this episode we jump from paganism to intellectualism to the worldviews that entrench tribalism and thwart unity before looking to Jesus for the answer. We also continue with part 2 of our series on What Matters Most and discuss why we love the first commandment.

In this episode we get some feedback from the Scrub Club. We also discuss the role of emotions in political discourse and the likely return of Logos over Pathos . Finally, an outline is given for some ancient approaches to discipleship that never truly get old.

In this episode we reconnect after several weeks away. Recapping a vacation to Asia Minor serves as a good place to meander into our beloved rabbit trails.

In this episode we discuss our tendency to legalism, intellectualism, or a life ruled by the passions. We also consider how God calls us to live with head, heart, and hands all united in worship.