In this episode, we turn to Ursula Le Guin's novel *A Wizard of Earthsea.* Reading it alongside Matthew 4 and Genesis 45, we explore how fantasy can sharpen our interpretive imaginations, the scope and significance of Jesus's temptation in the wilderness, and what it means to face—and ultimately integrate—the darkness that bears our own name.

Up Next: *Jayber Crow* by Wendell Berry

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In this episode we discuss Cormac McCarthy’s brutally violent novel *Blood Meridian* with guest Dr. Brian Brock, Chair of Moral and Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Among many other things, we talk about the silence and absence of God, the dark side of Christian traditions and spaces, the interrelationship of violence and deception, and paternalistic forms compassion (touching on 1 Corinthians 1, Psalm 137, 2 Thessalonians 2, and Exodus 3 along the way).

Up Next: *A Wizard of Earthsea* by Ursula K. Le Guin

Connect with Us:

• Email: holywritpod@gmail.com
• Website: https://holywritpod.podbean.com/
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• Bluesky: @holywrit.bsky.social
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In this episode, we turn to Trenton Lee Stewart's novel *The Mysterious Benedict Society,* a story that follows four gifted children brought together for a secret assignment. Reading it in conversation with Matthew 18 and Proverbs 7–8, we explore the meaning of childlikeness, the relationship between play and mission, and the challenge of recognizing wisdom in a world of competing voices.

Timestamps:

• 1:19 – Experiencing *The Mysterious Benedict Society*
• 29:24 – Tommy on Matthew 18
• 1:03:48 – Emily on Proverbs 7-8
• 1:35:12 – Next month’s book

Up Next: *Blood Meridian* by Cormac McCarthy with guest Dr. Brian Brock

Connect with Us:

• Email: holywritpod@gmail.com
• Website: https://holywritpod.podbean.com/
• Instagram: @holywritpodcast
• TikTok: @holywritpodcast
• YouTube: @HolyWritPodcast