The Anti-Doors of Durin
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“The Banned Books Podcast was my enchanted entryway into the beautiful halls of a lost freedom.
It first appeared miraculously, like a hidden door that only reveals itself in a full-moon. After typing “C.S. Lewis” into the search bar of Spotify, a curious greeting at the top of the queue beckoned me onward into a labyrinth of peace previously unknown and only imagined: “Piss Off, Athanasian Ghost!”
I entered through the door.
I wish I could explain the beauty of what I found beyond that mantle, but sometimes mortal words fail us.
Rather than a Balrog-dwelling, goblin-infested prison of death, I found myself in a haven, a garden of peace, grace, forgiveness, and life that seemed to only stretch its roots deeper and deeper into the fabric of existence, showing me things I had only dreamt possible in the fairy-stories of Tolkien and Lewis.
It was through this door that I discovered the “Great Hall of Dwarrowdelf” itself - 1517.
Ushered in by those sweet and gracious words “Christ for You,“ I marveled at the beauty of true freedom. Then I began exploring.
Through one corridor, I discovered the catacomb of the Thinking Fellows who became a type of home for me the following year. Then came “40 Minutes in the Old Testament” with Chad Bird, “30 Minutes in the New Testament,” “Let the Bird Fly,” “Freely Given,” “Outlaw God,” “The Craft,” and the “Christian Historic Almanac.”
2 1/2 years after stumbling through the doorway, opened by sentinels Riley and Gillespie, I am still mining away, discovering as much freedom as I can, but not for myself. No, I was freed immediately. Now, I mine these halls to free others and bring them home. I’m a regular dwarf in these halls, though an elf by appearance. It’s only because of the grace given me that I am welcome here, and I never want to leave.
Before, I searched tirelessly for self-actualization before I came to terms with it’s futility. Now, Christ’s actualization, given 2000 years ago on a cross, has loosed the self-imposed chains of a law-based spirituality. Buried in this cavern, my voice has been added to the beckoning call of “Christ for you.”
Thank you, Pastors Riley and Gillespie, for delivering the good news to me and so many others. (And for making such good coffee!)
I give a 5 star rating if for no other reason than their gospel proclamation. However, the good news is that their content is also amazing. If you’ve read all the way to the bottom of this review, don’t waste any more time - walk through the doors.
And remember, “the rumors of grace, forgiveness, and the redemption of all things are true. Everything is going to be okay.” - (Dan Van Voorhis, The Christian History Almanac)”
The Inklings 2.0 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/19/20
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“Pastors Gillespie and Riley give thoughtful and consistent critique of various theological works, illustrating how they point to Christ and His Work, or else fail to do so. An excellent listen, and full of Insight - hopefully causing their listeners to boldly seek out all kinds of teaching, and...”Read full review »
P.J. Snell via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
12/13/18
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“I have followed your podcasts since Higher Things. Those were good but for me, this format is even better. The nuances of theology are emergent by nature, and a narrative style also helps with memory. Please keep going but can I ask for more Lewis, but not the ususal ones. My choices would be The...”Read full review »
Chris Scattergood via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
03/05/19
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“Pastors Riley and Gillespie apply cultural expertise and humor in a very accessible balance. Give it a try, maybe start with an author you have some experience with. Not for Lutherans only, but with an extra relevance for Lutherans.”
kevncarlin via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/07/19
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