We live in an age that glorifies science and rationalism. While these are good things in the right context, idolising either can blind us from true knowledge and can lead to brokenness and death.

When faced with persistent physical suffering, it can be easy to view our bodies as a prison, but traditional Christianity teaches something far more beautiful. Holly discusses feeling trapped in her own body and how Christian practice has helped her value the material world as well as the spiritual.

[0:22] Life Update (changing podcast schedule)

The life of the world to come is impossible to imagine, and often difficult to even think about, yet we're called to set our minds on such things. Doing so can keep this life with all its pains in perspective and encourage us to persevere towards a wondrous future. 

[0:22] Life Update

All of us, and especially the chronically ill, need to be careful about what we eat if we want to be reasonably healthy. Many view dietary restrictions as a burden, but thousands of years of religious tradition teaches something else: that fasting can be a source of transformation that leads to joy and celebration.

[0:22] Intro (knowing your limitations)

Our hopes and dreams naturally change over the course of a lifetime. In this episode, Holly reflects on how her own career goals have been shaped over the years by societal pressures, chronic illness, and self-awareness.

Continuing with our unofficial series on finding joy in suffering, Holly discusses how chronic illness helped her move past apathy and distraction and live more in the moment. 

[0:22] Intro (new Facebook page, the Amon Sûl podcast, and DoxaMoot Online: Tolkien, Enchantment and the Christian Life)

Humility tends to be vastly underrated, yet it is the foundation for every other virtue. Through humility we are able to seek God, our only hope of becoming fully human and fully alive, free from the brokenness and death that plagues each of us. Continuing last episode's discussion on joy in suffering, Holly reflects on how chronic illness has been humbling her, and why this is a source of celebration.

What are we to make of the Bible's commands to take joy in suffering? Holly discusses the transformative power of suffering in her own life, and how her understanding of these kinds of Bible verses deepened with life experience.

Happy anniversary of two weeks to flatten the curve! We've been in lockdown for a full year now. While there is much to complain about, God is still in control and working through these odd times. Holly reflects on the good in her own life that has resulted from the lockdown.

[0:22] Intro

Modern storytellers are increasingly painting villains in a more sympathetic light, such as by recasting them as the hero or by giving them relatable motivations. Holly reflects on how this trend has shaped her own way of interacting with evil.

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