Happy anniversary! In our 52nd weekly episode of Cage-Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brandon celebrate one year of the podcast by returning to the basics: Tolle Lege (Take up and read).

While we love reaching you through your headphones, we believe the best way to grow in your faith is by diving directly into the Word and deep theological texts. In this episode, we break down:

• Bible Reading Strategies & Reading Plans
• Top Book Picks
• 2026 Reading List

Whether you are a new believer or a seasoned student, this episode will give you a roadmap for a more disciplined and intellectually rich 2026.

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👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
[00:00:50] – A Special Milestone: 52 Weeks of Cage-Free Theology
[00:01:33] – "Tolle Lege": The Story of St. Augustine’s Conversion
[00:03:20] – Why Books are Better than Podcasts for Learning Theology
[00:05:04] – The Grant Horner Bible Reading System (10 Chapters a Day)
[00:09:16] – Seeing Connections: Why Syncing Your Bible Reading Matters
[00:11:32] – Tips for Beginners: The "Date of the Month" Reading Method
[00:12:41] – The 30-Day Immersion Plan: Mastering One Book at a Time
[00:13:54] – Highlighters & Color Coding
[00:15:47] – The 60-Day Bible Sprint: A High-Intensity Challenge
[00:18:15] – Systematic Theology Recommendations: Grudem vs. MacArthur
[00:22:01] – Deep Dives: Providence, Heaven, and the Nicene Creed
[00:30:18] – The Controversy
[00:37:24] – Beyond Theology: Non-Fiction Picks for 2026
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Resources mention in today’s episode:

· Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem

· Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth by John MacArthur, Richard L. Mayhue

· Providence by John Piper

· Christ's Prophetic Plans: A Futuristic Premillennial Primer by John MacArthur, Richard L. Mayhue

· Heaven by Randy Alcorn

· Guarding the Faith: Understanding the Nicene Creed edited by Al Mohler is a forthcoming collection of essays from the faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

· Paul and the Gift by John M.G. Barclay

· Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

· Church History in Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley

· 2,000 Years of Christ's Power: The Age of the Early Church Fathers - Volume 1 by Nick Needham

· An Introduction to Early Judaism by James C. VanderKam

· Daily Scripture Guidebook: A 52-Week Journey Through the Bible by Tim Wildsmith

· The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Michael S. Heiser

· The Nicene Creed: A Scriptural, Historical, and Theological Commentary by Jared Ortiz, Daniel A. Keating

· Every Moment Holy, Volume III: The Work of the People by Douglas Kaine McKelvey

· Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All by Michael Shellenberger

· Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

In this whimsical episode of Cage Free Theology, hosts Clint Archer and Will Brannon explore the age-old question of whether it's acceptable to perpetuate the myth of Santa Claus with children. Spoiler alert, they also mention the tooth fairy and Easter Bunny. They also consider how this beloved holiday tradition aligns with Christian values. Through engaging dialogue, they discuss the potential impacts on trust, the spirit of Christmas, and the development of faith in young minds. Tune in to join the conversation and ponder how to navigate this festive conundrum with grace and wisdom.

In this first Christmas episode of Cage Free Theology, hosts Clint Archer and Will Brannon shoot to answer the question "who would win a game of horse; Michael Jordan or Jesus?" Actually the episode is on Jesus' humanity. But they do tackle that question. The two also explore the theological implications of Jesus being both fully human and fully divine, a cornerstone of Christian belief. Through deep discussion, they examine how the humanity of Jesus is portrayed in the scriptures and what it means for believers today. This episode offers some valuable insights into one of the most profound mysteries of the Christian faith; Jesus' human nature and its relevance to our spiritual lives.