This is a follow up discussion about the interview we did with author, Brian Recker. In his new book, Hell Bent, Recker argues that the fear of hell is the "black hole" warping Christian spirituality. He re-examines scripture to assert that hell is not real and that God's universal love is radically inclusive, inviting readers to replace fear with a spirituality rooted in love.

Each episode, we discuss a different book. Brian, with eight years as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church in St. Paul, MN, provides thoughtful theological insights. His older brother, Matt, has many questions about God, the Bible, mysticism, and theology. Expect candid conversations ranging from Matt's personal recovery journey to their shared experiences as preacher's kids.

You can reach us at brotherandwhatnot@gmail.com

In this episode, brothers Brian and Matt Silver discuss Thomas Merton's book Contemplative Prayer. Merton describes contemplative prayer as the highest expression of spiritual life: a wordless, imageless, and intuitive awareness of God's presence. It is a gift of grace that moves beyond analytical thought to find one's true self in the divine mystery, leading to union with Christ and deeper love.

Each episode, we discuss a different book. Brian, with eight years as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church in St. Paul, MN, provides thoughtful theological insights. His older brother, Matt, has many questions about God, the Bible, mysticism, and theology. Expect candid conversations ranging from Matt's personal recovery journey to their shared experiences as preacher's kids.

You can reach us at brotherandwhatnot@gmail.com

Brian Recker joins us to discuss his new book, Hell Bent. Recker argues that the fear of hell is the "black hole" warping Christian spirituality. He re-examines scripture to assert that hell is not real and that God's universal love is radically inclusive, inviting readers to replace fear with a spirituality rooted in love.

Each episode, we discuss a different book. Brian, with eight years as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church in St. Paul, MN, provides thoughtful theological insights. His older brother, Matt, has many questions about God, the Bible, mysticism, and theology. Expect candid conversations ranging from Matt's personal recovery journey to their shared experiences as preacher's kids.

You can reach us at brotherandwhatnot@gmail.com

In this episode, brothers Brian and Matt Silver discuss N.T. Wright's book Surprised By Hope. Wright challenges the common Christian view of "going to heaven" and argues the biblical hope is the bodily resurrection and the redemption of the whole creation (a new heaven and new earth).

Each episode, we discuss a different book. Brian, with eight years as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church in St. Paul, MN, provides thoughtful theological insights. His older brother, Matt, has many questions about God, the Bible, mysticism, and theology. Expect candid conversations ranging from Matt's personal recovery journey to their shared experiences as preacher's kids.

You can reach us at brotherandwhatnot@gmail.com

In this episode, brothers Brian and Matt Silver discuss Tim Keller's booklet, "The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness." Tim Keller defines true humility as not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. Finding your identity secured by God's love frees you from constant self-assessment, comparison, and the relentless need for human approval.

Each episode, we discuss a different book. Brian, with eight years as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church in St. Paul, MN, provides thoughtful theological insights. His older brother, Matt, has many questions about God, the Bible, mysticism, and theology. Expect candid conversations ranging from Matt's personal recovery journey to their shared experiences as preacher's kids.

You can reach us at brotherandwhatnot@gmail.com

In this episode, brothers Brian and Matt Silver discuss Ruth Haley Barton's book, Strengthening The Soul of Your Leadership. Based on the life of Moses, Barton explores the inner struggles spiritual leaders face, such as burnout, loneliness, and the loss of connection with God. The book emphasizes the importance of spiritual disciplines and practices, like solitude and self-reflection, to cultivate a life-giving relationship with God.

Each episode, we discuss a different book. Brian, with eight years as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church in St. Paul, MN, provides thoughtful theological insights. His older brother, Matt, has many questions about God, the Bible, mysticism, and theology. Expect candid conversations ranging from Matt's personal recovery journey to their shared experiences as preacher's kids.

You can reach us at brotherandwhatnot@gmail.com

In this episode, brothers Brian and Matt Silver discuss Gerald May's book, Addiction and Grace. May redefines addiction as a universal human struggle rooted in attachments to things, people, or behaviors—not just substances. He argues that this "addiction" is a spiritual problem that displaces our innate desire for God. True healing, May suggests, comes not from willpower alone but from surrendering to divine grace and embracing contemplative practices.

Each episode, we discuss a different book. Brian, with eight years as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church in St. Paul, MN, provides thoughtful theological insights. His older brother, Matt, has many questions about God, the Bible, mysticism, and theology. Expect candid conversations ranging from Matt's personal recovery journey to their shared experiences as preacher's kids.

You can reach us at brotherandwhatnot@gmail.com

In this episode, brothers Brian and Matt Silver discuss John Dickson's book, A Doubters Guide to Jesus. Dickson presents a historical investigation into the life of Jesus, drawing on both biblical and extra-biblical sources. It's written for skeptics and believers alike, aiming to uncover a credible portrait of Jesus that challenges common assumptions.

Each episode, we discuss a different book. Brian, with eight years as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church in St. Paul, MN, provides thoughtful theological insights. His older brother, Matt, has many questions about God, the Bible, mysticism, and theology. Expect candid conversations ranging from Matt's personal recovery journey to their shared experiences as preacher's kids.

You can reach us at brotherandwhatnot@gmail.com