Bombadil's Porch

Today we shared about some of our favorite Christmas traditions and experiences, and also discussed how to make the most of the Gospel opportunities in the Christmas season.

In this episode we learn more about one Porch host's dedication to the smelly arts and discuss the nature of societal ingratitude.

In this episode we discuss two voicemails related to the issue of public education and give our perspectives.

In this episode, the Porch reprises its annual coming to fisticuffs over the best way for Christians to think about Halloween. It gets a little scary.

In this episode we hear a report from a recent conference about black robe regiments. We also discuss a recent school board meeting about new curriculum and the chance for local parents to make their voices heard.

In this episode we discuss concern over a recent almost-policy of a major financial institution. We then look at the advantages and disadvantages of establishing parallel institutions in a society. Finally, we consider how Christians can navigate the injunction to be in the world but not of it in a land of Gospel opportunities and crumbling culture. P.S. We also forget to congratulate Nate on his...

In this episode we reflect on the recent wedding and offer thoughts on helpful principles for early in marriage. We also consider how to intentionally love our neighbors with the right kind of agenda, and without the wrong kind of agenda.

In this episode we glean some wisdom for husbands from 1913, discuss the stakes of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and consider the lessons of Camp Hope in Spokane.

In this episode we discuss an act of bravery in an unlikely place. We consider how to encourage similar courage in our own families.

In this episode we discuss how the principles of wisdom are inescapable in the course of world events. We also discuss how we can encourage wisdom in the decisions made by those in our own homes.

In today's episode we catch up after a couple weeks away on various family vacations. We discuss the fun of music concerts on a perfect So-Cal summer evening, parenting in the age of social media influencers, and observations made in the mountains of Switzerland.

In this episode we discuss a biblical framework for evaluating civilization. How should Christians think of their place in a civilization, especially one like the present, in which old norms are giving way to new challenges and Gospel proclamation remains a paramount urgency?

In this episode we talk through the three most prominent options for education today (public, private, home) and evaluate some relative strengths and weaknesses.

In this episode we discuss a new study declaring the minimum income needed for happiness in the state of Washington. We also look at new policies from the mayor of Spokane attempting to curtail the homeless encampments in the city and how homelessness can be most effectively combatted before it starts.

In this episode we consider the advice of a psychologist regarding the having of children. We also discuss thoughts on how to evaluate successful or unsuccessful adulting.

In this episode we discuss the recent case of an A.I. that at least one expert believes has become sentient. What is a Christian view of A.I., how does that relate to authentic relationships, and how do we prepare for a future in which simulated souls compete with real people for the affection of our children.

The Porch welcomes Nate back to the USA after a trip abroad to Israel. We discuss some of his many adventures abroad in the land o the Bible.

In this episode we consider a question about the difference in purpose and meaning for infant baptisms vs. baby dedications. We also respond to another question about how our theology accounts for evil such as seen in Uvalde, TX.

In this 100th episode we start by following up on our previous discussion about marriage and meander from there to a variety of related topics. Also, do you know what sound frogs make in Japan?

In this episode we discuss the unexpected outcome of the recent Kentucky Derby, and the double standards regarding the alternative use of "horse" medicines. Finally, we consider the steady delay of marriage in our culture and what advice we would give to those who are marriage themselves.

In this episode we discuss the recent leak of a preliminary Supreme Court decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade. What is the significance of this nearly half-century old legislation, and how should Christians be thinking about it today?

In this episode we consider the curious case of accordion-wielding gangsters in Africa and the wide-ranging reaction to Elon Musk's acquisition of social media giant Twitter.

In this episode we discuss a viral church message from a prominent Senator delivered on Easter. We also note a recent observation that Disney movies have slowly eclipsed the notion of a villain in their movies and consider the implications.

In this episode we address a supposed Spokane-style pizza going viral online as well as consider Will Smith's slap heard round the world and how it has brought discussions of masculinity back to the forefront of the cultural conversation.

In this episode Chris welcomes his wife Izumi to the podcast for a discussion on how we can glorify God in the parts of life that don't seem particularly glorious.