Collin Hansen and Russ Ramsey explore the profound relationship between art, suffering, and hope. They discuss Ramsey's book, Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart, and how art reflects our struggles and the beauty that emerges from pain, using examples from Van Gogh and Norman Rockwell. Ramsey emphasizes the importance of understanding art as a means of storytelling and a companion in our experiences of grief and joy. And he offers practical advice for engaging with art in museums, highlighting the accessibility of art beyond high culture.

In this episode of Gospelbound, Collin Hansen and author Allen Levi discuss the themes and inspirations behind Levi's debut novel, Theo of Golden. They explore the writing process, character development, and the importance of conversation and connection in storytelling. They also touch on art's ability to evoke emotions and they way it helps us understand our place in the world.

In this special episode of ‘Gospelbound,’ Collin Hansen revisits the significant events surrounding March 11, 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its profound impact on churches, society, and our collective trust in authorities. He discusses the lessons learned from the pandemic, the cultural shifts that have occurred, and reflects on his 2020 predictions for the post-COVID world, emphasizing the continued importance of faith and community in navigating these challenges.

In this episode of Gospelbound, guest host Kendra Dahl interviews Collin Hansen about his new book, Where Is God in a World With So Much Evil? Collin shares how his background in European history and cultural apologetics shaped his approach to one of Christianity's hardest questions, particularly in light of historical tragedies like the Holocaust. 

They discuss the post-World War II shift in morality, the rise of Hitler as a moral standard, and how modern comparisons often lead to self-justification. Drawing from Job and the Psalms, Collin highlights the importance of presence, silence, and crying out to God amid suffering.

Collin Hansen is joined by his good friend, Kevin DeYoung, to discuss DeYoung's newest book, Daily Doctrine. They explore the book's blend of devotional and systematic theology, and discuss some of its key themes, like Christology, antinomianism, and the doctrine of God. They reflect on David Wells’s influence, the mission of Clearly Reformed, and the role of family devotions in shaping faith. DeYoung also shares insights into the creation of The Biggest Story, a children’s Bible storybook designed to engage both kids and adults. The conversation touches on Old Princeton’s legacy, John Witherspoon’s contributions, and the balance between conferences and local church ministry.

Collin Hansen sits down with Nicholas Carr to discuss his book, Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart. They explore the rise of fake news, the unintended consequences of social media, and how new communication technologies have historically shaped major conflicts. Carr examines AI’s growing role in media and the challenges of critical thought in a fast-paced digital world. Despite these concerns, the conversation seeks hope for community and meaningful connection in an era of digital overload.

Collin Hansen interviews Ross Douthat about his book, Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, exploring the cultural shift toward religion and the importance of religious institutions. Douthat critiques the idea that intelligence leads to meaninglessness and discusses the dangers of a purely spiritual approach without structure. The conversation considers how suffering can strengthen faith and examines the modern spiritual crises of isolation and despair, highlighting the enduring relevance of the Gospels.

In this Gospelbound spring season preview, Collin Hansen and Kendra Dahl announce the spring season's upcoming guests, including Ross Douthat, Nicholas Carr, Kevin DeYoung, and others—covering topics from media criticism to theology and history.

Join Collin Hansen and Melissa Kruger for their annual discussion as they look back on the top theology stories of 2024. They also share their favorite books from 2024, updates on personal projects, and what they're each looking forward to in life and ministry in 2025. 

They discuss: 

• The rise in Bible sales in 2024
• Declining fertility rates worldwide
• Big changes for the United Methodist Church and the role of the Global South
• The advance of assisted suicide in the UK
• The Cass Report and the truth about transgender treatments
• Encouraging signs among Gen Z
• Trump’s election victory and a GOP shift
• Anticipating the 2025 Gospelbound season
• Book highlights from 2024
• Personal projects and updates
• Don Carson’s legacy and an important update about his life and ministry

Mentioned on this episode:

"My Top 10 Theology Stories of 2024" by Collin Hansen (article)

Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

In this episode of Gospelbound, Collin Hansen takes the interviewee seat, diving into the abiding value of reading fiction. Guest host Kendra Dahl asks Collin about his favorite genres to read, from historical to Scandinavian, Russian, and Southern fiction, and how each offers unique perspectives on humanity and culture. Hansen shares personal connections to these genres, recommending books that have deeply affected him, from his personal faith to his evangelism.

They also discuss how fiction can cultivate empathy, deepen our understanding of others, and help us appreciate the complexities of human nature—all through the art of storytelling.

Check out Collin Hansen's fiction novel recommendations.

Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together