60. Why "The Pilgrim’s Progress" Still Matters

Neil Postman warned that a culture consumed by entertainment would eventually struggle to think deeply about serious things. In this episode, we revisit his prophetic book "Amusing Ourselves to Death" and consider its relevance in our age of smartphones, social media, and endless digital content. How are our habits shaping our minds? What happens to our capacity for sustained attention, critical thinking, and discernment when we are constantly entertained? And how should Christian parents approach technology and cultivate healthy digital habits in their children?ResourcesBrave New World by Aldous Huxley1984 by George OrwellDigital Liturgies by Samuel JamesThe Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtFirst ThingsWorld News

In this episode, Lydia shares a talk she recently gave at a women’s brunch at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Winston-Salem. Drawing from the life and writings of Hannah More, an influential Christian writer and reformer, Lydia explores the contrast between a biblical vision of womanhood and the ideals of modern feminism. She considers the authority of Scripture in shaping our understanding of womanhood, the value of the home, and the significance of motherhood in the Christian life.Resources:The Letters of John Newton

Titus 2:3–5 calls women to invest in relationships across generations, yet cultivating a culture where these friendships flourish can be challenging. In this episode, we explore why intergenerational relationships are worth pursuing, how women of different ages can encourage and disciple one another, and what common obstacles keep these connections from taking root. How can we move beyond simply sharing a church community to building meaningful relationships that help us grow in Christ?ResourcesThe Trellis and the Vine By Colin Marshall and Tony Payne

We believe poetry is for everyone—and that learning to appreciate it can enrich our lives in profound ways. In this episode, we explore why poetry is worth our attention, from the rich poetry woven throughout Scripture to the ways poetry instructs our souls, shapes our affections, and helps us better understand and express what is true and beautiful. We also discuss how reading and studying poetry can strengthen us as writers and communicators. Whether you consider yourself a lover of poetry or someone who has never quite known what to make of it, we hope this conversation will encourage you to give poetry a place in your life.ResourcesThe Quality of Mercy by ShakespeareSimply Charlotte Mason The Eagle by Lord Alfred TennysonIn Vital Harmony by Karen GlassMark Antony’s Speech by ShakespeareRobert FrostEmily DickinsonThe Soul in Paraphrase by Leland Ryken30 Poems to Memorize (Before It’s Too Late)World War One PoetryEveryman Pocket LibraryEdgar Allen PoeThe Four Quartets by T.S. EliotThe Lovesong for J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. EliotThe Wasteland by T.S. EliotAnna AckmatovaJane KenyonGeorge HerbertJohn DonneThe BrowningsW.H. AudenGerard Manley HopkinsA.E. StallingsMary OliverStopping By Woods On a Snowy Evening by Robert FrostIf by Rudyard KiplingLove III by George HerbertThe Church Floor by George HerbertHow Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barret Browning

What does it look like to cultivate a home and church culture where children are known, loved, and encouraged to grow in their faith? In Part 2 of our parenting series, we talk about the importance of taking a genuine interest in the lives of children, delighting in them, and intentionally pursuing their spiritual growth. We share simple, practical ways to engage with children, discuss why children should be included in Sunday worship and the life of the church, and consider how our homes can become places where children experience both the joy and the richness of family life. We also talk about cultivating traditions, making memories, and—perhaps most importantly—learning to genuinely enjoy the children God has given us.Resources:Parenting: A Biblical Vision for Raising Children — Part 1Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley

What is the goal of parenting? In Part 1 of this two-part series, we explore a biblical philosophy of parenting and consider what should shape the way Christians think about raising their children. We discuss the heart of discipline, the importance of loving authority, some of the pitfalls of modern “gentle parenting,” and the biblical truths that should remain at the center of our approach to parenting.ResourcesDon’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger HubbardWise Words for Mom by Ginger HubbardEpisode 32: Authority with Jonathan LeemanEpisode 56: Why You Should Read Paradise LostEpisode 38: Digital Liturgies with Samuel JamesSpiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney The Duty of Parents by J.C. RyleParenting by Paul David TrippShepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted TrippHabits of the Household by Justin Earley

The Pilgrim’s Progress is one of the most printed and translated books in history, second only to the Bible. But what is it about John Bunyan’s timeless allegory that has made it such an enduring classic?In this episode, we talk about the ways The Pilgrim’s Progress encourages and challenges Christians as we walk through the joys, struggles, temptations, and trials of the Christian life. We also share some of our favorite editions and adaptations—including several wonderful versions for children—and talk about how you can introduce this beloved story to your family.ResourcesThe Pilgrim’s Progress by John BunyanThe Dangerous Journey by Oliver HunkinLittle Pilgrim’s Big JourneyLittle Pilgrim’s Progress

Lydia is writing a book! In this episode, she shares the story behind her upcoming book on Hannah More—a remarkable eighteenth-century writer, educator, and abolitionist whose life and faith continue to offer much for us to learn from today.Lydia talks about what drew her to Hannah More, what the writing process has looked like so far, and the joys and challenges of researching and writing a book. She also offers encouragement for aspiring writers and shares about her upcoming research trip to England, where she’ll be tracing Hannah More’s life and gathering material for the book.Resources:Fierce Convictions by Karen Swallow PriorThe Sacred Flame by Kevin BelmonteLydia’s BlogLydia’s Blog instagramCourier Publishing

In our last episode, we talked about the philosophy behind home education and what it means to build a culture of education in the home. This time, we’re getting practical.What does homeschooling actually look like when you have multiple children at different ages and stages? How do you keep teaching when you have a new baby, a toddler underfoot, or a day that simply doesn’t go according to plan? How do you establish rhythms and routines without becoming a slave to a schedule?In this episode, we share a glimpse into our own homeschool days—from morning routines and lessons to managing little ones, fitting in read-alouds, and adapting our routines through different seasons of family life. We also talk about the resources and curricula we’ve found helpful along the way.Resources:Sing a Song of SeasonsThe Peaceful PressSimply Charlotte MasonBeautiful Feet Books

In this first episode of what will likely be an ongoing conversation about homeschooling, we’re talking about how we got here—and what homeschooling actually looks like in our homes.We share what first led us to homeschool, how the Charlotte Mason philosophy has shaped our approach to education, and some of the books and resources that have been especially helpful along the way. We also get practical: building a culture of education in your home, creating routines without becoming slaves to a schedule, and how our days and rhythms have changed through different seasons of family life.We talk about what a typical homeschool day looks like for us, what has worked (and what hasn’t), and some of the things we wish we had known when we were just beginning.Whether you’re considering homeschooling, are brand new to it, or have been doing it for years, we hope this conversation encourages you to see education not simply as something that happens during “school hours,” but as a way of life in the home.ResourcesDumbing us Down by John GattoConsider This by Karen GlassIn Vital Harmony by Karen GlassBooks and Ideas by Charlotte MasonHome Education by Charlotte MasonTeaching from Rest by Sarah MackenzieSimply Charlotte MasonAmbelside OnlineKnow and Tell by Karen GlassLaying Down the Rails by Simply Charlotte Mason