Best Pencil Problems Podcasts (2024)

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#170 – Putting together a whole new Christian worldview

7h ago

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A retrospective that spotlights a provocative thread with huge theological and existential implications: the primordial cosmic ‘egg’ was fine-tuned, preprogrammed, and front-end loaded! In this Season Finale, we look back at an incredible series of episodes — most of them in the past few months, but many others from as far back as four years ago — …

1
THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 146: Harbour For the Heart 1:05:03

3h ago1:05:03

1:05:03

As the girls grabbed themselves an alcohol break in the local inn, an impromptu incorporeal interview bagged them a chef for their crew on the Shattered Moon. Back onboard the boat Ogvar, Otto, Erik and their creature companions were finally setting sail.

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#169 – Life starts shape-shifting

2h ago

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After life got a foothold on Earth, it immediately set about to filling the various emerging ecosystems with new organisms. If you compressed the 3.7 billion year march of life on this planet down to 24 hours: earth comes into existence at midnight, the first fossils of life appear in the wee hours of the morning, the first multicellular life forms…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 145: Ghostly Gastronomy 1:00:54

3h ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Last episode everyone awoke, some in a more sombre state than others. Orland got a bit of a buffing up, and a little water ingress into Elora's inventory were the precursors to a banana breakfast. The ladies took their leave of the vessel as they jumped ship, Rowan confirmed that ghoolish gambits were still going on in the graveyard, and a subseque…

1
#168 – Life from non-life?

8d ago

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Deep ocean hydrothermal vents may have been the stage for the biggest play on earth, preprogrammed into the Big Bang: the origin of life! Over the past few weeks, we’ve been exploring the fine-tuning of the universe to produce life … complex, intelligent life. This week and next, we’re going to look at how it seems that the appearance of life was b…

1
THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 144: Banana-Split-the-Party 1:06:54

2d ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Spent from the bloody battle in which Cuin fell and drained of magical energies, the crew inspected the vessel for remnant danger with the knowledge that they would be spending the night at sea. With the discovery of an immense hoard, important information, and sailing secrets to process, they settled in for uneasy sleep. We'll escort you through t…

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#167 – Fine-tuning without a “Tuner”

22d ago

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An atheist response to fine-tuning: a super intellect ‘monkeying’ with the physics, a cosmic computer simulation, the multiverse hypothesis, and “the Gambler’s Fallacy.” So far, we’ve heard from five different university-trained scholars with theistic worldviews about fine-tuning of the universe: a Christian astronomer, a Jewish mathematician/physi…

1
EP 57. Back from Vacation 37:06

23d ago37:06

37:06

This week, Urban is back from vacation and has been rather busy working on FPC Ink. At the time of release, I can already tell you that I regret the things I suggested in this episode. Sponsor: Pen Chalet: Go to Pen Chalet. Click on the Podcast link at the top of the page. Enter the code “2guys”, and take advantage of some amazing deals and a site …

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 143: A Bountiful Boatful 1:03:32

9d ago1:03:32

1:03:32

After the gifting of a golden feather from the Archangel Avacyn, the team moved forwards to search the ship. With the discovery of a push panel door, they stepped through into a storage space that seemed to be stuffed full of magical marvels, ledgers and logs. We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides of Stensia and the deep, wooded hinterla…

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#166 – What it takes to make a LIVING universe

22d ago

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It takes an incredibly finer level of fine-tuning to produce a universe that has carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, molybdenum and many other trace elements needed for life. Last week, we explored the first of three meanings of the term “fine-tuning of the universe”: the delicate precision and balanc…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 142: Into The Arms Of Avacyn 55:57

17d ago55:57

55:57

Last week the team suffered a terrible tragedy as Cuin their beloved companion was lost at the hands of a Lich. This week we pick up in the midst of their mourning as they stand in shock. We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides of Stensia and the deep, wooded hinterlands of Kessig, sail on the treacherous waterways of Nephalia and set cour…

1
#165 – What it takes to produce a universe

26d ago

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Getting twenty five fundamental constants and physical laws just right to produce a universe full of electrons, neutrons, and protons … all the way up to planets and stars Last week, we learned that “Fine Tuning” can mean three very different things. Today, we’re going to explore the first of those three: the exquisite precision needed to produce a…

1
#164 – Fine Tuning: getting the pencil to stand on its tip!?

27d ago

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“Fine Tuning” really means three very different things, two of which are recognized by astrophysicists of all stripes; but one of them … not so much. We have often looked closely at Creationism in all of its various forms, flavors and dimensions. Two particular aspects of Creationism are foundational for the faith of many Christians (not a tenet of…

1
THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 141: Evil is as Evil does! 46:48

1M ago46:48

46:48

With the boss battle in the bowels of the boat progressing, their enemy is taking a pounding. Join us as bottle continues in this 'do or die' situation. We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides of Stensia and the deep, wooded hinterlands of Kessig, sail on the treacherous waterways of Nephalia and set course for the Silver city of Thraben. …

1
#163 – Evolution, a “good” creation, and the problem of pain

2M ago

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Can we say God used evolution to produce a “good” creation if it involves so much pain, suffering, predation and death? Our listeners asked us to do an episode on how to rationalize Christian faith with all the pain and suffering that is brought on by the process of Evolution. We spoke to Dr. James Stump, whose recently released book — Sacred Chain…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 140: Vessel of Volatility 1:03:37

2M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Gathered in the galley, the team decide it's time to delve deeper into the bowels of the boat, and as their creature companion rapidly returns from his reccie it appears that what lurks beneath is shockingly sinister. We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides of Stensia and the deep, wooded hinterlands of Kessig, sail on the treacherous wate…

1
#162 – Bending the arc of the moral universe

2M ago

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Humans have been developing the toolkit needed to fulfill the Divine command: “learn to get along and take care of the planet”! Martin Luther King famously said: “We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” The popular political commentator and TV host Jon Stewart added something poignant to those …

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 139: A Hole New Problem 56:15

2M ago56:15

56:15

With Hell's kitchen in full swing, and the lamb sauce nowhere in sight (if you know what we mean), last episode we left the gang battling their foodie foes and their vegetable violence! With things heating up behind the galley doors, will this be a michelin-star massacre, or a haute-cuisine horror? We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides o…

1
#161 – Human evolution, morality, and our ultimate purpose

2M ago

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Human evolution is hard to take for some Christians, especially when we claim that humans have been climbing up the evolutionary ladder in the moral sense. It was only a few years ago that Pew Research found roughly one third of Americans believe that “humans have existed in their present form since the beginning of time” (and in case the obvious r…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 138: Menace on the Menu 1:06:33

2M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

After a severe skewering in last weeks episode, death came quickly to the demonic dog. A rapid breather from battle was achieved before our companions discovered the galley, with a. offensive greeting of graters, greenery and grill pans ! We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides of Stensia and the deep, wooded hinterlands of Kessig, sail on…

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#160 – Richard Dawkins v. Ayaan Hirsi Ali

2M ago

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The scientist poster-boy for atheism and an ex-Muslim, ex-atheist Christian have a conversation (not a debate) about worldviews (not God). One of our long-time listeners asked for our opinion on a ”debate” between Richard Dawkins and Ayaan Hirsi Ali: the conversation between the two of them raised many questions and points that resonated deeply wit…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 137: Caught in the 'Throws' of Battle 53:32

3M ago53:32

53:32

With the hounds of hell chomping at our champions, the final fiend is yet to be finished. With battle ongoing, it is high time that this malignant mutt was put in it's place. We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides of Stensia and the deep, wooded hinterlands of Kessig, sail on the treacherous waterways of Nephalia and set course for the Si…

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#159 – Answers-in-Genesis are getting a new leader …. and a Tower of Babel theme park!?

2M ago

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Recent developments in the YECist world, according to a scientist who’s been watching them closely for two decades In this episode, we talk to Dr. Joel Duff: a professor doing biological research at a secular state university, and teaching students that come from the Bible belt of the USA. He’s been a popular blogger for twenty years, and more rece…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 136: Unexpected Item in the Stabbing Area 1:05:14

3M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

When last we left, Episode 135 had taken the team below decks, and bathed in a grim greenish glow some hell like hounds had forced them into a fight. With weaponry plied into service, the most surprising piece of the action came from one Eric Shiblington the 3rd (Jenricks apprentice), who wasted no time in taking one of the disgusting creatures to …

1
#158 – A clash of wills in a Young Earth Creationist school system

2M ago

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Sparks fly when a Greek Orthodox evolution-accepting professor comes up against an Evangelical school headmaster bent on bringing in a Young Earth Creationist curriculum Why are we doing yet another episode on Young Earth Creationism? The biggest reason is because it’s still a very potent ideology in Christianity, especially within Evangelicalism. …

1
THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 135: A Textbook Takedown 1:06:10

3M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Occasionally things are difficult to sum up, and episode 134 was precisely that, but we shall try: Otto 'took one for the team' as he put on a self sacrificing performance in the form of a Druidic dive, which ultimately, in the fullness of time devolved into an unfortunate if not ludicrous rescue mission involving a spot of swimming and a lot of sw…

1
#157 – The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind

3M ago

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“The scandal of the evangelical mind is that there is not much of an evangelical mind” (opening sentence of chapter one) It’s no secret that modern Evangelicalism is not noted for its intellectualism. In fact, with groups in our midst like Young Earth Creationists, Flat Earthers, anti-vaxxers, and climate change deniers, and the constant criticism …

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EP 56. Indecisiveness and Carpal Tunnel 34:34

3M ago34:34

34:34

This week, the guys stick to their schedule, record an episode on time, and manage to get off topic so many times that it was both really easy and really hard to pick a title for this one. Sponsor: Pen Chalet: Go to Pen Chalet. Click on the Podcast link at the top of the page. Enter the code “2guys”, and take advantage of some amazing deals and a s…

1
THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 134: Plumage Plummet 1:04:34

3M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

A well oiled deck offered assistance, as our heroes hauled the hulking foe over to starboard side of the ship, and then deftly dispatched it overboard. Otto meanwhile, busied himself with 'pulling some birds' as he went all out to attract their attention, and after the Paladin took a wallop, Elora & Cuin elected to withdraw, as things were not goin…

1
#156 – An expert’s proposal for this religion-making software in my brain

3M ago

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In addition to enhancing hominid survival and reproduction, this software equipped us to become aware of and look for the Transcendent. Once again we’re asking the question: “why do we have this cognitive machinery in our head that predisposes humans to having spiritual experiences and religion-making?” But this time we talked to a scholar on the s…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 133: Muddy Mutiny 1:06:01

3M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

Popping into existence on the ship, it became immediately clear that this would not be 'plain sailing'! With their cover already blown, combat was a foregone conclusion as two very large lumbering Golems appeared, and began to advance. With spells and weaponry falling mostly flat, it was time to turn to a more tactical approach... We'll escort you …

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#155 – “Is it all just in my head?” 50:30

3M ago50:30

50:30

A retrospective journey through four years of episode releases had us asking this fundamental question. The short answer: of course it is! A few of the most recently released episodes prompted us to think back to about a dozen other episodes we’ve released in the past that focused on the cognitive machinery in our heads, and got us asking: are spir…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 132: Ship Happens ! 56:28

4M ago56:28

56:28

As the team slipped in via the back door to the church, they found little to arouse suspicions in what seemed to be a safe haven. The bell tower offered a room with a view, and plans were hatched high up in the holy house. Elora's bat went off on a bender and many magics were cast in preparation for what may come.... We'll escort you through the ro…

1
#154 – Eastern Orthodoxy, symbolism and mysticism 1:04:53

3M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

For some, the Bible takes on a deeper meaning when you read it less literally … exchanging certainty and rigidity for the fluidity of symbology, metaphor, and mysticism. If there’s one characteristic that sets Christian Fundamentalists apart from other forms of Christianity, it’s an over zealous commitment to a literal reading of the Bible. Exagger…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 131: Bat in the Belfry 1:04:19

4M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

With steeds now sidelined, everyone stealthed their way to the rear entrance of the abandoned church. Our heroes set about some interior investigations, whilst the wind whipped through the openings where the windows had once been, but the only thing of note was the feeling of emptiness, and a cracked shrine to the Archangel Avacyn. We'll escort you…

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#153 – A post-Christendom Christianity 1:14:14

4M ago1:14:14

1:14:14

A northern Irish philosopher (who grew up in the 30-year war between “Protestants” and “Catholics”) gives us a whole new perspective on this ancient religion. This week, we’ll hear from a very thought-provoking philosopher — Dr. Peter Rollins — who we guarantee will have you thinking about Christian faith in entirely new ways. Peter grew up in Irel…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 130: Raptor Reconnaissance 1:10:03

4M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

In episode 129 , Otto the Druid, had taken to the wing for an aerial view of Saltstone, and the suspect ship, in an attempt to assess the situation. Attempting to avoid the unwanted attentions of the many feathered foes circling above the floating fortress, he wisely kept his distance, before returning to his companions with news. We'll escort you …

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#152 – Awe and spiritual experience, pt 2 55:53

4M ago55:53

55:53

An experimental psychologist and a theologian with a PhD in psychology give us their perspectives on the emotion of awe and its role in the spiritual/religious experience. Last week, we explained why we decided to look more closely at the emotion of awe and its role in the spiritual / religious experience, as well as how scientists measure this emo…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 129: A Bird's Eye View 51:28

4M ago51:28

51:28

With the group of six, including Erik - Jenrick's protégé - having made their way across the empty grasslands and joined the old overgrown road that once led to Saltstone, an opportunity for some scouting soon showed itself. A brief diversion into the forest found a rocky plateau perfect for perusing the abandoned town below - all that's left to do…

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#151 – Awe, and the religious/spiritual experience 57:57

4M ago57:57

57:57

After a quick primer on this uniquely human phenomenon, we’ll hear from someone who had a profound, life-changing experience during a solar eclipse, and then relate all of this to religious/spiritual experiences. Humans seem to be unique among all other species on Earth when it comes to the emotion of awe. Whether it’s experienced while standing at…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 128: Of Sages Past 1:05:04

5M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

Following their crawl through the cavern, a sojourn in a stomach, and a trip up the tower, it was nice for the group to finally sit down and put their feet up - something that Esther had already beaten them to! Cuin engaged in his annual ablutions - washing the gullet grime from his battered body, as the rest of the gang caught Jenrick up to speed …

1
#150 – Human evolution and Christian theology 1:11:43

4M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

Many Christians can fully accept the idea of human evolution, but they use a language which betrays Young Earth Creationism. If we don’t update our language, we may lose a whole generation of Christians. Many Christians are perfectly fine with human evolution: descent over millions of years down a family tree we share in common with the chimpanzees…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 127: A Wizardly Welcome 1:03:00

5M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

After completing the ascent through the wondrous tower, the team finally reached the seventh floor where Elora's predictions regarding Esther's activities rang true. With feet perched on a pouffe, and toasting fork outstretched, they re-join their bubbly blade-master in a more comfortable setting. We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides of…

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#149 – Creating a new Christian worldview 1:05:08

5M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

A week after Easter 2024, and in response to questions from our listeners, we discuss a whole new perspective on who Jesus was, and what he gave the Jews, and the world, when he died on the cross. Several members of our private Facebook Discussion Group asked us to explain how we’ve been able to reject so much of our Evangelical faith, and yet stil…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 126: Prattle & Battle 43:33

5M ago43:33

43:33

Last week saw the crew begin their climb up the curving staircase. They ascended through the first four floors - each with its own flavour. From towers of teetering tomes, and a myriad of magical mysteries, to a ginormous greenhouse - what lurks in the coming layers? We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides of Stensia and the deep, wooded h…

1
#148 – Brian MacLaren: Life After Doom 59:15

5M ago59:15

59:15

Brian takes an entirely new and unexpected direction in this latest book: it’s not enough to talk about bringing heaven down to earth, we have to stop creating hell on earth. Brian MacLaren is widely recognized in the Evangelical community. In fact, in 2015, Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential Evangelicals in America! But he’s be…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 125: Magic Mussels 1:06:41

5M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

After a salty sojourn with a crusty corpse, the crew finally have a comically large key. Plodding across the plant-crust, will they finally be able to meet the fabled Jenrick ? We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides of Stensia and the deep, wooded hinterlands of Kessig, sail on the treacherous waterways of Nephalia and set course for the …

1
#147 – The “personal relationship” with the divine 1:07:06

5M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

A social anthropologist, with decades of scholarship on people striving to connect to another dimension, gives us her perspective on the Evangelical version of this phenomenon. “It’s not a religion … it’s a relationship!” Many Christians claim this is what separates their faith from all others. There was a time when I myself made this claim. I don’…

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THE SECRETS OF THE SILVER CITY - Episode 124: Salt & Sea Legs 53:19

6M ago53:19

53:19

With fishy foe finally finished, and the Paladin extracted from its palate, all that was left to do was to find the entrance to the tower - an easy task ... right? We'll escort you through the rocky mountainsides of Stensia and the deep, wooded hinterlands of Kessig, sail on the treacherous waterways of Nephalia and set course for the Silver city o…

1
#146 – Hell? or Purgatory? 1:08:29

6M ago1:08:29

1:08:29

We trace the evolution of the human construct “Hell” (Sheol; Hades; Gehenna; Dante’s Inferno), then talk about how hell may not be a place of eternal conscious torture by fire (the modern Evangelical version), but a transitional process intended to purify (Purgatory and Universalism). One of the most disturbing elements of the “Good News” preached …

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