Redeeming Reads

Redeeming Reads

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Redeeming Reads episodes

  • 15. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

    Merry Christmas from Redeeming Reads! We Hope you will join us in celebrating the season with this classic ghost story from Charles Dickens. Taylor and Dylan discuss hope, redemption, and greed through this parabolic story about Ebenezer Scrooge. We also answer questions like--why is A Christmas Carol still so compelling in our culture today? How should we be generous in this season? How should we think about the consequences of our actions? Find out on this episode of Redeeming Reads.

    Intro: 0:55

    Book Discussion: 6:30

    Gospel Reflection: 25:33

    36 min
  • 14. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

    Dylan and Taylor discuss Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic American novel “The Scarlet Letter” in this episode. They discuss the Hawthorne’s fascination and dissagreement with his Puritan heritage and consider various interpretations (and misinterpretations) of this novel. They discuss the themes of sin, guilt, and confession. On one hand, this is a classic work of literary Romanticism, but can it also be —as Dr. Leland Ryken upholds—considered a “Christian” Classic? Find out in November’s episode of Redeeming Reads.

    Intro: 1:25

    Book Discussion: 8:55

    Gospel Reflection: 42:55


    1 hr 9 min
  • 13. At The Mountains of Madness by H.P. Lovecraft
    Just in time for spooky season, the guys read a classic 1930's horror novella by HP Lovecraft—At The Mountains of Madness. They discuss this Providence-local’s use of multiversal world-building, mythos, and fictional lore. They also discuss Lovecraft's unique ability to create tension and fear of the unknown through the medium of literature. They talk about Lovecraft's concept of “cosmicism” or “cosmic” horror, as well as this story's unsuccessful movie adaptation. Beyond the story itself, the guys wrestle with how to reconcile Christian ethics with horror entertainment. How should Christians reflect on the dark aspects of the Halloween season? Other random topics of discussion (somehow) include Tom Cruise, John Piper, Monster's Inc, and Guillermo del Toro. As a bonus, find out what costumes Dylan and Taylor plan to wear this Halloween, in this episode of Redeeming Reads.
    Intro: 1:30
    Book Discussion: 10:34
    Gospel Reflection: 46:47
    1 hr 13 min
  • 12. The Old Man & The Sea by Ernest Hemingway

    In this episode, Taylor & Dylan discuss the second nautical novella on the podcast: "The Old Man and the Sea". They discuss the meaning of trials, suffering, and aging. Other such considerations include: What is the benefit of reading a novella? How do we endure in tribulation? Is Ernest Hemingway really just Ron Swanson? What type of fruit is a pomelo? Find out in this episode of Redeeming Reads.

    Intro: 1:12

    Book Discussion: 5:24

    Gospel Reflection: 37:15


    56 min
  • 11. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

    The guys dive into the prim & proper world of Jane Austen in this episode on the classic “Pride and Prejudice”. Why did Dylan & Taylor choose to read a romance novel? Is it what they expected? Taylor’s coffee tree makes an appearance. Enjoy this episode’s relaxing summer nighttime ambiance because Dylan forgot to shut his window while recording.

    Intro: 00:50

    Book Discussion: 7:15

    Gospel Reflection: 37:50

    49 min
  • 10. Saint, Sinner, & Skeptic (Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky)

    Travel to late 19th Century Russia in this episode on Dostoyvesky’s magnum opus. A murder mystery that dabbles in both theology & philosphy, this classic explores concepts of free will, athiesm, suffering, & human responsibility. The Devil himself makes an appearance. Dylan confesses to shattering his Chemex. Taylor rates Dunkin Donuts’ coffee. Also find out the most legendary single origin coffee they’ve ever had, in this episode of Redeeming Reads.

    Intro: 01:05

    Book Discussion: 07:11

    Gospel Reflection: 42:40

    58 min
  • 9. That Was Epic (The Odyssey by Homer)
    What could be redemptive about cyclops, cannibals, sirens, and sea monsters? Taylor & Dylan discuss the oldest classic to yet appear on the podcast—the ancient epic Greek poem, The Odyssey by Homer. They talk translation theory, narrative form, and share how this work stands apart from more modern works of classic literature. Also, Taylor educates Dylan about hard cider.
    Intro: 00:52
    Book Discussion: 06:55
    Gospel Reflection: 32:20
    52 min
  • 8. Famine to Flood (The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck)

    This episode, Taylor & Dylan discuss the American classic by John Steinbeck. Topics of discussion include theological deconstruction, transcendentalism, homelessness, Christian nationalism, & civil war battle hymns. Why does God move toward those who are poor? How should Christians approach social justice? Larger questions include - What is an espresso blend? Do people eat coffee cherries? Why does instant coffee even exist?

    Intro: 00:01:10

    Book Discussion: 00:06:55

    Gospel Reflection: 00:42:55

    1 hr 4 min
  • 7. Tyranny Without A Tyrant (The Castle by Franz Kafka)
    On this episode, Taylor & Dylan enter the mind of Kafka with The Castle, exploring his manipulation of time, logic, and consciousness. They talk about God’s sovereignty over convoluted and incompetent bureaucratic systems and the purpose behind the frustrations we face in life. Ties are made to Ecclesiastes and Job. Taylor forgets Salvador Dali’s name. Dylan fails to summarize the story. What makes something “Kafkaesque”? Are pink starbursts better than yellow? What even is coffee “mouthfeel”? Find out in this episode of Redeeming Reads. Listen to the end for a sneak peak into the book that is next up on the podcast.
    Intro: 00:00:50
    Book Discussion: 00:08:12
    Gospel Reflection: 0042:08
    1 hr 1 min
  • 6. Four Legs Good, Two Legs Bad (Animal Farm)

    Dylan & Taylor read a banned book. But what's with the talking animals? Do biological traits predestine our future? What does Jesus say about totalitarian regimes? Richard Wurmbrand & Bonhoeffer make an appearance. Do Dylan & Taylor spill the beans on their own political views? In this single-part episode the guys discuss George Orwell's novella Animal Farm. Animal Farm by George Orwell Intro: 00:00:45 Book Discussion: 00:04:44 Gospel Reflection: 00:39:48

    1 hr 5 min

About Redeeming Reads

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A podcast interpreting classic novels through the light of the gospel.