Tuesday, January 11, 2011

What Podcasts do I listen to?

Some may be surprised to find that I do more listening than I do reading.  This is because it takes me a very long time to get through a book, given that I want to digest as much as I can get as possible.  This means that I take notes on what I read and make sure I get the information down before proceeding.

But I would say the bulk of my learning comes from listening to podcasts.  In fact, I would say at least 80 percent of what I know in the realm of theology and apologetics has come from podcasts.  So, if you're like me and in your car a lot, why not listen to a podcast and get as much out of your ride as you can?  Here's the listing of what i'm currently listening to:

THE DIVIDING LINE This is my favorite podcast and the first one that I ever subscribed to.  It is run by James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries.  White is an avid debater on a wide range of topics and is quite the expert in defending the Christian faith.  One things I really like about his show is his interactions with the other side; a lot of playing their recordings and interacting with it.  Topics regularly discussed: Reformed Theology (Calvinism, predestination, etc.), Roman Catholicism, Islam, presuppositional apologetics, and liberal theology.  Occasionally he will delve into Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and atheism which was once the focal point of his ministry.

INTELLIGENT DESIGN AND THE FUTURE This is a podcast whereby I can keep up with what is going on in the Intelligent Design/Evolution controversy.  Lots of interesting interviews and news as it relates to ID.  Most of the podcasts are less than 15 minutes in length, which I really appreciate since this issue is far from my expertise.

KING AND SERVANT This is a bit less on the apologetic side and more on the theological/devotional side of things.  Eschatology (The study of "last things"), covenant theology, and the "two kingdom" model are regularly discussed.  I like this podcast because Jonathan discusses topics that i'm interested in but never have the time to read up on.

THE NARROW MIND This is definitely the most entertaining apologetics podcast around.  Its a shame that there are rarely any shows any more.  Gene Cook is pretty much a lay version of James White.  He is very good at explaining complex issues in a practical way in addition to interacting with your everyday skeptic.  I've learned a great deal from Gene and couldn't recommend his podcast more.  Gene focuses a lot on Reformed Theology, Presuppositional apologetics, Atheism, Covenant theology, eschatology, and basically everything under the sun.

THE PRETERIST PODCAST Another one of those topics that I don't have as much time to read up on.  Dee Dee is pretty much an expert in all things eschatology; in particular, preterism.  If you hold to any form of "end times are here" eschatology, prepare to be challenged!

PROVIDENCE BIBLE CHURCH This is my pastor's sunday sermons, so I have to plug it :-)

REAL APOLOGETICS Its hard to say exactly what Jamin's podcast is devoted to.  Its more inclined towards theology and apologetics broadly speaking.  Its a fairly new podcast, but I really do enjoy listening to what it has covered thus far.  I guess you could say its in a "trial run" for me.

SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND The podcast of philosopher Glenn Peoples.  If you want some deep philosophical stuff, this is it.

STAND TO REASON Greg is one of the sharpest apologists out there.  Extremely keen on philosophy, theology, and apologetics; Greg can give a sharp answer to almost anything.  If you're looking to be well rounded in all areas of apologetics, listen to this podcast.  Greg is also one of the most level headed, gentle, and respectful apologists around.  His approach has made such an impact for me in learning how to approach unbelievers in everyday conversation.

A PIECE OF MY MIND Another podcast by Greg.  Nothing fancy; just a few words from Greg here and there.

THEOPOLOGETICS The podcast of my friend, Chris Date.  This podcast has a lot of very helpful interviews and discussions on a very wide range of issues.  Chris is very articulate and good at breaking things down in an understandable manner.  Heck, I like the show so much that I even joined him for a discussion of Jehovah's Witnesses.

UNBELIEVABLE This show is truly one of a kind.  Every show is a debate between Christians and non-Christians.  Sometimes, two Christians will participate in an "internal" debate.  If you want a "listen to both sides and come to your own conclusion" show, this is it.  There have been some truly classic debates on this show, as I have referenced several times on this blog.  Though the participants are sometimes too "politically correct" for my taste (they're British, what do you expect?), this podcast is an absolute joy to listen to.

WILLIAM LANE CRAIG DEBATE FEED Though I don't always agree with Craig, I have always enjoyed his debates.  Craig debates the best of the best when it comes to the other side.  So this is very valuable for me to hear, as I like to listen to these debates in seeing how I would respond to the same challenges.

 

3 comments:

Christie Gee said...

Thank you for posting this Mike.e! I am excited to check these out. The UNBELIEVABLE one sounds pretty interesting! :)I somehow stumbled upon DEE DEE's podcast before. I can't remember how I found it but it was pretty cool. I need to listen to it some more. :)

I see from your post that you post American Vision videos. Do you ever listen to their podcast?

Thank you so much again! YOU and your blog are a total blessing!

Mike Felker said...

You're very welcome Christie! Yeah, I tried out the American Vision podcast. Its good, but deals a lot more with politics, which i'm not quite as interested in.

Chris said...

I listen to most of these shows, too, Mike. I'll check out the other ones you recommend. And thanks so much for including mine in the list!