Doctrines and Dragons

Stephen and T.J. finish up their discussion of Gaara vs Naruto. What is it the nature of man and why does knowing that we can be monstrous help us to be Christ-like and meek in our walks. Well, Naruto and Gaara give us some manga-nificent help in illustrating this idea.

Stephen and T.J. are back with more anime as they explore the ninja filled action of Naruto and his faceoff with the infamous (and sandy) Gaara. Listen as Stephen explains the similarities and key differences between these two young ninjas and how they remind us about our own natures and how to have compassion for those who have not known the love of God.

T.J. and Stephen finish talking about Haikyu!! and what it shows about the importance of discipline, diligence, and a community of teachers, mentors, and peers in building up one's character and skills. Fly high as they talk communication, encouragement, and maturity while in the context of Christianity and Kurasuno.

Get ready for some high octane volleyball action as T.J. and Stephen introduce you to one of their favorite anime, Haikyu!! a story about some high school volleyball team on a quest for nationals. Listen as they explore the story and characters of Haikyu!! and examine how this story offers thoughts on church, growth, discipleship and more.

T.J. and Stephen resume and conclude their discussion of A Silent Voice with a discussion on the climax of the film. They cover the importance of repentance, reconciliation, atonement and more as they observe the dramatic resolution to the story. Finally they answer some questions on guilt, the Gospel, and how Christ transformed how the world sees the disabled.

T.J. and Stephen finish their four weeks of advent with discussing faith and the Hall of the Faith in Hebrews 11. Listen in as they talk about some faithful heroes and how to combat doubts in a world full of hard questions. Come and see where the answers are hoarded here at Doctrines and Dragons.

T.J. and Stephen discuss joy in their series of Advent Sunday. Please listen in as they discuss Joy and happiness and how Joy is tied to the celebration of victories throughout Scripture as well as a catalyst for perseverance.

T.J. and Stephen continue through the advent season with their exploration of Peace. And what better place to explore the idea of peace than on the mighty ocean with a disney princess and a demi-god as they explore Moana and how to make peace with God. We hope you enjoy this christmas episode and you're welcome.

T.J. and Stephen interrupt our regular scheduled podcast with an interjection of the Advent Season. Listen as they talk about the first Sunday, Hope and give you a far better Star Wars holiday special while they are it. They discuss the meaning of the Messiah, the importance of the Messiah, and just how easily we mistake the real Messiah for all our hoped for messiahs.

T.J. and Stephen begin a discussion about Kyoto Animation's movie "A Silent Voice" which tells the story of reconciliation between two Japanese youths amidst bullying and disability. T.J. and Stephen explore the issue of disability, shame, and prejudices as they start to peel back the layers of this beautiful and poignant film.

Content Warning: Suicide and Self-harm are discussed. T.J. and Stephen continue their discussion of anime and Japanese culture as they explore some more themes of anime and some things often encountered that pose challenges to the Christian and western worldview. T.J. and Stephen attempt to help you navigate these complex waters while encouraging you to wield the Gospel well in the midst of the se...

T.J. and Stephen start with a discussion on japanese animation, popularly known as anime, as they set you all up for a series of episodes following some of their favorite themes and ideas from the Land of the Rising Sun and how it both challenges and embraces the Faith of the Rising Son.

In this is short episode T.J. and Stephen wind up this round of Lord of the Rings introspection with a discussion of three leaders of men and their qualities and brief reflection on one of Tolkien's main triumphant themes, the power of Hope.

T.J. and Stephen discuss the most important of hobbitses, Mr. Frodo Baggins and his faithful gardener, Sam Gamgee and their journeys through Mordor and through faith, hope, and despair as they attempt to destroy the One Ring. Join in as they explore these themes and more as they reveal the need for fellowship and hope in the midst of the fire.

T.J. and Stephen discuss the maturation and character growth of the some very important people of intelligence, the young hobbits Merry and Pippin. Enjoy as they discuss the goofs, gags, and growth that accompany the hobbits as they learn just how big Middle-earth is and the skills need to save their own home and how it can mirror our own growth.

In this short episode, T.J. and Stephen discuss baptism, the Holy Spirit, and the nature of spiritual maturity as it pertains to well... themselves. Slightly less LotR and still plenty of Doctrines. Don't worry next week we cover a certain fool that we all know and love.

T.J. and Stephen talk about the most unlikely duo of the Lord of the Rings as they explore the story, history, and rivalry of Legolas and Gimli. As they explore the two characters unlikely friendship, T.J. and Stephen also draw parallels to another unexpected union, that between the Jews and the Gentiles into the Church of Jesus Christ.

T.J. and Stephen discuss the one and only returning king of Gondor, Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Son of... you get the idea. As well as ideas of Christ types vs Christ figures, Book Aragorn vs. Movie Aragorn, and why, like Boromir, the Ranger got caught all the shafts.

T.J. and Stephen discuss the three types of men displayed in Aragorn, Boromir, and Faramir in this episode of Doctrines and Dragons. Listen as they fanboy over Aragorn, learn to empathize with Boromir, and discuss why realistically, Faramir should be your ride-or-die as they continue exploring the Lord of the Rings.

On this Episode Stephen and T.J. discuss the biggest, bestest, and baddest Elf to ever Elf in Middle-Earth, the infamous Feanor. Listen as T.J. and Stephen reflect on the rashness of the greatest smith to ever live and how his very human nature brings about his and peoples downfall and its effect on another mighty Noldor, the Lady Galadriel.

T.J. and Stephen begin their series on the Lord of the Rings with the recent trauma of the Rings of Power and then reminisce through growing up with Lord of the Rings and all the ways they got to experience Tolkien's formative epic both excellent and not so excellent.

T.J. and Stephen finally wrap up their exploration of Angels, Eldritch beings, and Dungeons and Dragons with T.J. explaining how he utilizes celestial beings in his writing. We discuss angels, deities, beholders, and so how to build yourself some angelic beings.

T.J. and Stephen finish their comparison between Cthulhu and Christianity with a fun little story of curses, kings, and a charismatic donkey, and how they tie into the power of revelation and how it transforms us and renews our minds and not just makes us vegetables.

T.J. and Stephen continue talking about Lovecraft and the Bible as they break down the visions of Daniel and the incredible importance of relation between God and humanity in understanding his Holiness.

T.J. and Stephen begin their comparison between biblical accounts of the Lord's holiness and the works of a different author who enjoyed blowing people's minds, H.P. Lovecraft. If you're need of some more biblically accurate angels and cosmic horrors from beyond the stars then give us a listen instead of the eldritch voices in your head. You will thank us later.