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The Brothers Zahl

The Brothers Zahl

Written by: Mockingbird
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About this listen

Welcome to The Brothers Zahl podcast, a collaboration between John, David and Simeon Zahl, three siblings engaged in "the God business"--one as a writer, one as a professor, one as a priest. Each episode is devoted to a single topic of spiritual or religious interest in the hopes of sketching an overarching picture of grace and everyday life. The music is pretty good, too. Brought to you by Mockingbird Ministries.© 2023 Mockingbird Ministries Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Relationships Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Episode 19: Parenting
    Jul 29 2024

    For the bonus-length finale of season three, the brothers delve into the monumental topic of parenting, exploring how they were raised as well as how they're trying to raise their own kids. Thankfully, a very special guest is on hand to help them.

    To respond to the opening appeal and support the work of Mockingbird, please click here.

    Recommended and referenced resources include:

    • Books: Grace in Practice by Paul Zahl, Listening by Anne Long, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist, Augustine's Confessions

    • Articles: "Me, My Father, and Russell Wilson" by Mina Kimes

    • Television: Bluey, Parenthood (2010-2015), Love on the Spectrum, Lonesome Dove

    • Movies: Parenthood (1989), The Ice Storm (1997), Forrest Gump (1994), Friendly Persuasion (1956)

    • Talks: Grace in Family Relationships by Mary Zahl

    • Songs: "Mr. T's Commandment" by Mr T, "Mama Say" by Kwame, "Son of Your Father" by Elton John, "Problem Child" by The Beach Boys, "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" by The Breeders, "Rebel Without a Clue" by Bonnie Tyler, "Shine Jesus Shine" by Graham Kendrick, "Rubberneckin" by Elvis Presley, "Listen to the Band" by The Monkees, "Phone Home" by Johnny Chingas, "God's Children" by The Kinks, "Save Me" by Nanette Workman, "Suedehead" by Morrissey, "Come Back Home" by Tom Hooker, "No Matter What" by Badfinger, "Love Will Never Die" by Paul Lowe featuring Peace Train

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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • Episode 18: Easter
    Jul 8 2024

    Time to talk about the biggest day in the Christian year! Resurrection is the theme of this episode--physical, spiritual, metaphorical, ecclesial, musical, you name it. Note: this one was recorded live, so the sound is a little less sharp.

    Recommended and referenced resources include:

    • Poetry: "Seven Stanzas at Easter" by John Updike, "Descending Theology: The Resurrection" by Mary Karr, "Easter" by George Herbert

    • Art: "Resurrection" by Piero della Francesca (1463), "The Resurrection" by Otto Dix (1949), "Easter Morning" by Caspar David Friedrich (1835), "The Resurrection, Cookham" by Stanley Spencer (1924-7), "Travoys Arriving with Wounded at a Dressing-Station at Smol, Macedonia, September, 1916" by Stanley Spencer (1919), "Risen Christ and Soldiers" by Germain Pilon (1572), "Isenheim Altarpiece" by Matthias Gruenewald (1516)

    • Television and Movies: Rev Season 3 Episodes 5&6, The Passion of the Christ

    • Articles: "Finitude and Death" by Katherine Sonderegger in The T&T Clark Companion to the Doctrine of Sin

    • Songs: "Love Is Stronger Than Death" by The The, "Sunrise" by Pulp, "How a Resurrection Really Feels" by The Hold Steady, "He's Alive" by Dolly Parton, "Resurrection Shuffle" by Tom Jones, "Photograph" by Ringo Starr, "Candy" by 1910 Fruitgum Company, "Don't Worry About Death" by Melon, "Back to Heaven" by Number One Ensemble, "I Don't Wanna Be a Solider Mama" by John Lennon, "I Am the Resurrection" by The Stone Roses, "Dance or Die" by Kool Rock Steady, "Get Up and Boogie" by Silver Convention, "Revenge" by The Eurythmics, "Death Is Not the End" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, "Sing Hallelujah" by Bob & Karin

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Episode 17: The Holy Spirit
    Jul 1 2024

    John, Dave, and (mainly) Simeon do their best to bring the third person of the Trinity into view. Recommended and referenced resources include:

    • Movies: Red Beard, Rising Son, Rize, 10 Things I Hate About You, She’s All That, Pride and Prejudice

    • Books: The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience by Simeon Zahl, The Holy Ghost: A Spirited Comic by John Hendrix, Make Way for the Spirit by Christoph Blumhardt, Theophilus North by Thornton Wilder, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    • Poetry: "Whitsunday" by George Herbert

    • Paintings: "The Pentecost" by El Greco, "Pentecost" by Jean Restout, Duccio's Maesta

    • Music: A Love Supreme by John Coltrane, "Let the Wind Blow" by The Beach Boys, "Wind Chimes" by The Beach Boys, "Cool, Cool Water" by The Beach Boys, "Feel Flows" by The Beach Boys, "Tears in the Morning" by The Beach Boys, "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys, "Handle with Care" by The Traveling Wilburys, "Holy Ghost" by The Bar-Kays, "Faith and Fire" by Vivian Reed, "Strange Changes" by Lyndsey Paul, "Revival Day" by Savage Rose, "Yahweh" by U2, "Somebody Tell Me Where's the Beef?" by Britten, "Unchained" by Van Halen, "Touched by the Hand of God" by New Order, "Full of Fire" by Al Green, "Holy Spirit" by Limousine

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    1 hr and 29 mins
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