In This Issue:
Podcast: Charlie Peacock on Switchfoot & Chemistry
Essay: Dr. Kevin Gary in The Raised Hand
Music: Aaron Espe (and Storyhill)
Hi friends! We will be sending a proper January newsletter within the week, but for now we thought we share a few recommendations to stir your soul during these cold and cloudy days.
What’s Christian About Chemistry?
This is the first episode of Charlie Peacock’s new podcast, Music & Meaning. It’s only about 15 minutes long, but packs a tremendous punch. Peacock tells the story of how he signed Switchfoot, raising questions about the so-called sacred-secular split along the way.
Rediscovering Beauty in the Classroom
Dr. Kevin Gary spoke at Alcuin Study Center this past September. The topic of his lecture then was the title of his most recent book, Why Boredom Matters.
More recently, Dr. Gary has written the latest essay in the series What has the University to do with the Good Life published in The Raised Hand, the substack newsletter of the Consortium of Christian Study Centers. His essay is entitled, Rediscovering Beauty in the Classroom: Going Beyond Educational Standards.
New Indy Music (at least to me)
I’ve recently discovered Aaron Espe. I think I’m late to the game. He got his start opening for Storyhill (previously Chris & Johnny), a band that I’ve followed for years and sang their tune If I Could in my wedding. Aaron’s latest album is a concept album about growing up in northern Minnesota in the 80s. My favorite is Court Report, a tune that subtly warns us against pharisaism. Paper Route is pretty fun, too.
Enjoy,
