Man vs. Machine is a three part series on the effects of our interactions with technology. Are we managing our relationship with our machines, or have the machines become our masters? 

In the third and final episode, May I Be  Excused, we report on our own digital media fasts. Each member made a different attempt to shrink the role of screens and the internet in their lives, and it brought up some valuable lessons for us personally about what really matters and what freedom from digital addiction can look like. We hope sharing our own experiences can inform others on how we can push back against the rise of the machines. Join us for the conversation.

This month on The Book Nook, we discuss the social effects of the internet on our behavior, and how our movement from a text culture to a digital culture has physically changed the structure and functions of our brains! When we change the technology that shapes how we see the world, it turns out to reshape us in the process. What if the things we watch and the way we use our time are actually reshaping our brains so that we think about everything differently? If the internet can rewire our brains, can we take back our minds, or have we lost our marbles forever? Find out as we journey through books that matter in The Book Nook!

Man vs. Machine is a three part series on the effects of our interactions with technology. Are we managing our relationship with our machines, or have the machines become our masters? In this second episode, Modern Monsters, we discuss the technologies that scare us! What do we do as Christians in a world of A.I., deep fakes, nuclear power, social media brainwashing tools, and other potentially problematic powers? Are all new and terrifying technologies inevitable? If it is, how can Christians walk wisely in the aftermath of opening pandora's box? Join us for the conversation.

The Book Nook: Frankenstein

Man vs. Machine is a three part series on the effects of our interactions with technology. Are we managing our relationship with our machines, or have the machines become our masters? In this first episode, we discuss the difference between TV Trays and Dining Tables. Our tech tends to drive us toward comfort and convenience rather than meaning, quality, and purpose. How can we as Christians evaluate the technologies that clamor for our attention and our wallets? What does our tech teach us about the value of our attention, time, and effort? How has this cult of comfort invaded our churches, perhaps using online worship as an opportunity to make church about "me" rather than the Messiah? Join us for the conversation.

The Book Nook series is dedicated to discussing books that matter. We think Christians have some reading to do if they want to stay informed and effective. The books we talk about, both fact and fiction, are important for helping us all think better and inspire our imaginations.

In this month's episode we discuss a scarily accurate piece of cultural analysis called "Amusing Ourselves To Death" by Neil Postman. This short and accessible discussion of how television has changed the way we think was written in 1985, but it feels like it was ripped right out of today's headlines! Follow along as Postman tracks how each change in technology has reshaped our cultural conversations, and how modern media has turned information into entertainment. Is the way we get our news killing us? How has the church become a place for entertainers instead of truth tellers? How can Christians cut through the static and find out what really matters in an age of trivial news? Join us for the conversation.

"'Tis the Season: The Empty Stocking"

The Book Nook: A Christmas Carol 

The Book Nook series is dedicated to discussing books that matter. We think Christians have some reading to do if they want to stay informed and effective. The books we talk about, both fact and fiction, are important for helping us all think better and inspire our imaginations. 

In this month's episode we discuss the classic Christmas ghost story by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Everyone knows the greedy, grumpy Scrooge, but have they really caught all the wonderful lessons of this 150 year old treasure? Why did Dickens need Scrooge to encounter ghosts for Christmas? Why did the ghosts come from the past, present, and future? What does this book teach us about the true meaning of Christmas? How can we keep Christmas well? Is this really a Christian story at all? We tackle these tough questions and celebrate this literary gift that keeps on giving.

The Holidays are here! Each comes laden with meaning and memories. How might we as Christians celebrate them well? This episode of our holiday series focuses on the contrast between Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Is there perhaps a common thread of consumption baked into both holidays? How does our culture view and teach gratitude? What are the ways that we can cultivate real appreciation for the gifts of God and how can we avoid the pitfalls of a consumer culture obsessed with the next big thing? Join us for the conversation!

In this month's episode we discuss the controversial bestseller by Rod Dreher, The Benedict Option. Dreher claims that the way forward might be the way back, and that the current church can learn from the lessons of medieval monks about how to build culture, thrive in community, and provide a counter-cultural witness to the power of the gospel. Does the church today need a refresh on how to build true fellowship and engage a hostile culture? Can the next key to community and missions be found in the monastery? How can Christians create homes and churches that develop a distinctly Christian culture? How are we passing the faith on to the next generation? When the church integrates with the world does it shine a light or just become like everyone else? Let this bold book make you uncomfortable and face hard ideas! Join us as we investigate The Benedict Option!

The Book Nook series is dedicated to discussing books that matter. We think Christians have some reading to do if they want to stay informed and effective. The books we talk about, both fact and fiction, are important for helping us all think better and inspire our imaginations.