Masters Of Divinity

THIS WEEK... JP and Father Chuck talk about "fan ownership" and the nature of entitlement that is inherent in fandom. From demanding that certain characters are forced to have a romantic relationship, to insisting that certain head canon is official canon. Where does one draw the line? We talk about the fun that can be found in critical analysis, theories, and individual interpretation as it relates to the "death of the author" theory. It's a fun episode where JP and Father Chuck let loose on a couple of their own ideas in certain fandoms and films. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/masters-of-divinity/message

First and foremost, we are deeply saddened by the events that took place in Las Vegas on October 1st. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we continue to keep those affected by this tragedy in our prayers. This week, JP and Matt are joined by Amanda Young, a colleague of JP's from their film school days! Amanda just wrapped her first short film, LOVE, GWEN, a deeply personal crime-thriller that was written and directed by her in order to attend the American Film Institute's Women's Directing Workshop. The project began to take a life of its own however, and became something more than an application, and became an astonishingly moving debut. Amanda tells us her story, how she became a filmmaker, the origins behind LOVE, GWEN, her personal connection to the characters and events in the film, and the subject matter of addiction and co-dependency. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: h

Matt returns! This week, Matt joins JP and Father Chuck as they have another riff-tastic episode about...stuff! Father Chuck checked out The Orville, Seth McFarlane's "send up"(?) of Star Trek (or is it??), Matt watched a couple of underwhelming movies and we're all just doing our best to get by, man. Matt also tells us what it was like to be an on-duty officer during Hurricane Irma and how life On The Streets is treating him. We have fun with this one, so just come hang out with us, you'll float too! If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/masters-of-divinity/message

JP and Father Chuck are back together again after Father Chuck endured the wrath of Irma. Then our duo tells the tale of The Rise and Fall of Devin Faraci, a film critic that JP and Father Chuck followed closely until controversy arose, and why he is suddenly in the news. It's a discussion that leads to musings on forgiveness, redemption, and the ol' Internet Witch Hunt. Then they get into some arguments about pineapple on pizza, how to properly pronounce Gif, and "soda" vs "pop." Yeah, it's one of those episodes. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/masters-of-divinity/message

JP and Father Chuck talk hurricanes, natural disasters and whether or not Harvey and Irma is God's vengeful wrath. The duo geek out a little over the upcoming Halloween Horror Nights, reminisce and share stories of experiencing hurricanes in the past (both JP and Chuck were living in South Florida during the marathon of hurricanes in 2004, and also Wilma!), and Father Chuck assures us all that he will be safe as Irma approaches Florida - also keep in mind this was recorded before Irma made landfall in Florida. Spoiler Alert: Father Chuck, Matt, and their family & friends are all safe. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/master

JP and Father Chuck are back for another episode about "Christian curiosities." This is one of those episodes where we talk about weird Christian ephemera, whether it be a book about how a prayer can grant you anything you want, a harmless bracelet with roots in social justice, or an emblem on a car that became the most recognizable modern day Christian symbol that isn't a cross. This episode is of course about the latter, as JP and Father Chuck discuss the history of the Ichthys, or as what some refer to as the "Jesus Fish." The symbol does have a pretty rich history, and it may just blow your mind where it exactly came from. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a

In American society the idea of a hero is pretty much the ultimate ideal a human being can achieve. But what does that mean, exactly? Does anyone truly personify the idea of being a hero, or is being a hero acting on heroic moments that happen upon us? The Masters of Divinity discuss heroism and what exactly it means to be a hero, and even get into some philosophical/theological musing on nothingness. It ties in. I think. Also, Father Chuck is none-too-happy about DC's dual Joker films coming down the pipeline. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/masters-of-divinity/message

In this edition of Masters of Divinity, JP and Father Chuck spew their triggered SJW liberal snowflake propaganda about why Nazi's and white supremacy is bad. We get it. It's a low bar. We wondered why we should even address something as obvious as "don't be a white supremacist," and yet, here we are. They address the many issues and concerns surrounding the Charlottesville incident and attempt to get to the root of the kind of hatred that spawns white supremacy. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/masters-of-divinity/message

Steven Spielberg is responsible for many things. A fantastic output of films for all ages in the 80s, a resurgence in optimism and hope in cinema, traumatizing Matt Wells so that he'll never step foot in to the ocean, and of course Poltergeist. We wrap up our creator series with a creator who needs no introduction: Steven Spielberg. JP talks about Steven Spielberg's most personal film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, his overall influence and cinema and why he is a truly legendary creator. The gang reflect on some of their favorite Spielberg movies and the most iconic moments from some of those movies, and of course Chuck wraps up his Avatar saga. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber

In the second part of our snazzy title-less creator series, Father Chuck submits Shigeru Miyamoto as the focus of discussion. You may not know his name, but you probably know his work like the back of your hand. Miyamoto created three of the most iconic video games of all time: Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros., and The Legend of Zelda. His work is also tied into the creation and evolution of Nintendo. Basically, he's a huge deal, and if you're not acquainted with the man behind the games, you will be after listening to this episode! Also, Father Chuck gives us another update on his continued spiral into Avatar fandom. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice messa

Rob Bell is a controversial figure in the realm of modern day Christianity, but the Masters of Divinity are huge fans (it should go without saying, we had him on the show!). However, there is no bigger Rob Bell fan than our very own Matt Wells. This week in the first part of our series on our favorite creators, Matt tells us why Rob Bell's work is so important to him and how it influenced his own spiritual journey (and continues to, to this day). Also, Father Chuck reveals that prior to recording the episode he became an Avatar fan while visiting Disney World. Yeah. You gotta hear it to believe it. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor

In preparation for an upcoming series about creativity and favorite creators, the Masters of Divinity discuss the fundamentals of creation. What is creation? Why do humans need to be creative? There's also some mention of Dan Harmon, Bob Ross and Joseph Campbell, influential creators in their own right and how they inspire deep, provocative meditations on the act of creating. Plus, we talk about some nerdy Star Wars stuff and our reactions to Spider-Man: Homecoming! If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/masters-of-divinity/message

This week, after catching up on 4th of July shenanigans, Father Chuck and JP sit down to discuss the topic of forgiveness. How does one purely forgive someone? What is expected of you once you are forgiven? Has our society lost the concept of forgiveness as evident by many an Internet fiasco? They also start the episode with a brand new segment, where JP and Father Chuck discuss what they've been watching and reading, or in JP's case, what he's being missing out on. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/masters-of-divinity/message

In another edition of Masters of Divinity, our trio unites to share their thoughts and experiences on what they've been watching, reading, and thinking. JP has a bone to pick with The Mummy (the title of this episode is supposed to be ironic) and the studios making big blockbuster tentpoles, Father Chuck has been challenging himself by reading a book by Rod Dreher, and Matt thinks it's a good idea to read Stephen King's IT before falling asleep every night. Listen to the riff-tastic episode, and for God's sake, don't see The Mummy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/masters-of-divinity/message

As you all know by now, The Masters of Divinity love to dive in and explore "Christian curiosities," whether it's the Prayer of Jabez, the Satanic Panic, or even small movements in music-driven culture such as Christian Punk, we're there, we're talking about it, and we love it. This week we talk about Christian Punk and how Father Chuck was a pretty active member of the scene back in the day. This of course leads to attempting to define punk, asking ourselves and Christianity and punk rock truly belong together, and we even dabble a little bit in metal. This may seem like a lost Music MAY-hem episode at first, but trust us, it's not, it's just a couple of dudes talking about punk, and why it works in Christianity (or doesn't. whatever. do what you want.) If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivini

Wonder Woman has taken the world by storm and has become a phenomenon, so of course ya boys JP, Father Chuck and Matt are gonna talk about it. Turns out, they loved it too. It was a perfect superhero movie, but the Masters of Divinity are also pretty over the moon that WB/DC were actually able to deliver a good movie for once, and to prove we aren't a bunch of Marvel shills, we talk about why it worked, and why we're hopeful for the future of DC's cinematic universe. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/masters-of-divinity/message

This week, JP and Father Chuck address the representation of Christians in films and television. Christians don't often find characters in media that represent what they believe or their lifestyle, and sometimes they're often portrayed in a negative or a less empathetic light. But JP and Father Chuck have discovered plenty of characters who represent Christians positively, and have found that as entertainment evolves, religion is being used to create more nuanced characters. If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/masters-of-divinity/message

It's the last installment of this month's theme, Music May-hem, and the guys go all out on the explosive album, "Who's Next" by legendary band The Who. This week, Father Patrick Funston (aka "Father Fun") joins us with his all-time favorite album, and takes us all to church on everything there is to know about The Who's greatest album. There's plenty of talk about the hits like Baba O'Riley, Behind Blue Eyes, and Won't Get Fooled Again, as well as some deep diving into deeper cuts, the origin of the album, and much, much more. Join us for this episode as we play out Music May-hem, and make way for a brand new month full of Masters of Divinity goodness! If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5erwpiogcBXfuA274OaFA?view_as=su

This week on Masters of Divinity's latest installment of Music MAY-hem, WE ARE GROOT! Keeping with the theme of the month, and also in the spirit of mixing things up, JP, Father Chuck, and Matt talk about this month's cinematic treasure, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2. Chuck finds interesting gnostic parallels in the relationship between Ego the Living Planet and Chris Pratt's character Peter Quill. They talk about their favorite musical numbers in the movie, their favorite relationships and character moments, and go all in on analyzing and critique the important themes and supposed metaphors the movies espouses. It's about time we geek out over the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe masterpiece! If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com/mastersdivinity https://www.facebook.com/mastersofdivinity Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/

In this short but sweet episode, Father Chuck and JP discuss Paul Simon's "Graceland," that album Father Chuck chose for this latest installment of Music MAY-hem. JP had to go outside his wheelhouse for this one as this wasn't punk or alternative or New Wave, but luckily he was very much rewarded for his faith in Paul Simon. They talk about the history of the album, the impact it had on Paul Simon's career, its hand in possibly ending apartheid in South Africa, and of course revealing to the world that is the incredible vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. "Graceland" is a fascinating story and even more fascinating album with its poetic lyrics and beautiful addition of Ladysmith's music. You Millennials may THINK you won't get anything from it, but trust us, you'll love it, just like you'll love this episode! If you'd like to support the show, become a patron by visit our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/MastersOfDivinity Follow us on social media: http://instagram.com/mastersofdivinity https://twitter.com