Shows
Getting WisdomBeauty, Civility, and Other Things of the PastMyron and Martin reflect on aesthetics, justice, and manners in a world shaped by novelty and transgression, grounding their conversation in classical virtues, theology, and the transcendent beauty of God."The work of divine justice always presupposes the work of mercy; and is founded thereupon."—Summa Theologica, Prima Pars, Q2100:34 Beauty in the Post-Christian World27:36 Roadside Attraction: Royal Gorge33:40 Rules of Civility: Giving advice1:00:50 Aquinas's Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q21)1:08:41 Calvin's Institutes (1.7.2)
2025-10-151h 13Getting WisdomGod, By Whom the Meek are GuidedMyron and Martin explore how God leads us—challenging the popular idea that divine direction always comes through personal signs—and instead highlight wisdom, community, and Scripture as the ordinary means of discerning God’s will. They reflect on the nature of God’s justice and mercy in Aquinas and the authority of Scripture in Calvin.“Mercy does not destroy justice, but in a sense is the fullness thereof.”—Summa Theologica, Prima Pars, Q2102:06 God's voice06:23 Anglican prayer for guidance22:18 Roadside Attraction: Revolving restaurants27:49 Aquinas's Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q21)41:40 Calvin's Institutes (1.7.2)
2025-10-0752 minGetting WisdomTemperate in the ReprimandMyron and Martin reflect on hiking etiquette, the marvel of God’s image in humanity, and offer a book recommendation and the next rule of civility. In today’s readings, Aquinas teaches that love is found in God’s will, and Calvin argues that the authority of Scripture rests not on the Church, but on the Holy Spirit."My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"—Psalm 22:103:38 Hiking in Santa Ana12:06 Angels and humans20:43 The Psalm on the Cross by David Roseberry25:28 Rules of Civility: Be...
2025-09-301h 00Getting WisdomDiscipline and DistractionMyron and Martin take a thoughtful detour from Aquinas and Calvin to reflect on the long walk of wisdom—exploring how habit, curiosity, and introspection shape a virtuous life in a culture that idolizes ease and novelty."Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind."– Romans 12:202:44 Roadside attraction: Laguna Beach walk20:24 Curiosity, habit, distraction44:04 Knowing your limits
2025-09-2354 minGetting WisdomLead Us Not into TemptationMyron and Martin reflect on Samson and temptation, a hike through Trabuco Canyon, the enduring value of wisdom over novelty, and a surprising roadside attraction: the Colorado River Inspection Tour. In today’s readings, Aquinas explores God’s will to permit evil, and Calvin turns to Psalm 19 to show how Scripture completes what creation begins."The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."—Psalm 19:701:17 Trabuco Canyon hike07:36 Samson's temptations19:35 Novelty and wisdom31:05 Roadside attraction: Colorado River Inspection Tour36:12 Rules of civ...
2025-09-161h 09Getting WisdomCorn Maze WisdomMyron and Martin reflect on wisdom that comes with age, the resolution to pursue excellence, and a new roadside attraction: the Frederick Douglass House in Washington, D.C. In today’s readings, Calvin urges Scripture as our reliable guide beyond nature, and Aquinas explores the will of God."How prone the human mind is to lapse into forgetfulness of God, how readily inclined to every kind of error, how bent every now and then on devising new and fictitious religions..." —Calvin's Institutes, 1.6.301:04 Wisdom with age06:01 Joy as a virtue11:57 Rules of civility: pursuing excellence 2...
2025-09-0953 minGetting WisdomChronological SnobberyMyron and Martin discuss the nature of God’s leading, St. Augustine’s Advent homilies, and Washington, D.C.’s little-known C&O Canal. In today’s reading, Calvin writes on the necessity of Scripture to ground our knowledge of God."It is impossible for any man to obtain even the minutest portion of right and sound doctrine without being a disciple of Scripture."—Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1.6.202:09 Eight postulates for God's leading35:26 Augustine's Advent homilies40:53 Roadside Attractions: C&O Canal52:39 Calvin's Institutes (1.6.2)
2025-09-021h 03Getting WisdomDiscernment and CivilityMyron and Martin discuss God's leading through trials, civility rules for the dining table, and the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C. In today's chapters, Calvin writes on the need for scripture to understand God while Aquinas writes on the relationship of God to life. “All things in Him are the divine life itself.” — Summa Theologica, Prima Pars, Q1800:35 Discernment24:05 Rules of Civility: Conversation at the table35:33 Roadside Attractions: Theodore Roosevelt Memorial40:30 Calvin's Institutes (1.6)49:09 Aquinas's Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q18)
2025-08-2654 minGetting WisdomGold or Tin?Myron and Martin reflect on the virtues of peacemaking and curiosity and discuss today's roadside attraction: a seminary in Wisconsin older than the state itself. They continue to study John Calvin and Thomas Aquinas, exploring how God reveals Himself through creation and truth."Those external accidents, which resemble things other than themselves, are said to be false with respect to those things; thus gall is falsely honey; and tin, false gold." —Summa Theologica, Prima Pars, Q1700:53 Blessed are the peacemakers4:31 Curiosity 16:26 Roadside Attractions: Nashotah House20:22 Rules of Civility: Six ai...
2025-08-1945 minGetting WisdomVintage TechnologyMyron and Martin discuss old methods of communication and the question of predestination. In our readings for this week, John Calvin critiques the folly of the wise in missing God’s handiwork, while Thomas Aquinas considers the nature of truth itself and its grounding in God.“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:600:34 Fax machines, snail mail, and telephones41:24 Rules of civility: A prayer for the pursuit of God53:44 Free will1:00 Calvin's Institutes (1.5.12)1:10 Aquinas's Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q16)
2025-08-121h 20Getting WisdomOrdinary BlessingsIn this episode, Myron and Martin reflect on divine providence and the many failings of human perception. John Calvin reminds us how blind we can be to God's glory, while Thomas Aquinas walks us through the nature of divine ideas.How few of us are there who, in lifting our eyes to the heavens, or looking abroad on the various regions of the earth, ever think of the Creator? - Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1.5.1100:37 God's providence on a foggy hike15:37 Calvin's Institutes (1.5.11)26:08 Aquinas's Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q15)33:13 Angels on the head of...
2025-08-0539 minGetting WisdomThe Anti-Therapeutic ChurchMyron and Martin discuss the modern church’s therapeutic tendencies in light of Ephesians 3, reflect on the devotional value of worship when we're not in the mood, and explore themes of divine justice and omniscience in Calvin and Aquinas."God knows contingent things not successively, as they are in their own being, as we do but simultaneously." - Summa Theologica, Prima Pars, Q1400:42 Ephesians 3 and The Therapeutic Age12:11 Roadside Attractions: The Old Absinthe House23:18 Calvin's Institutes (1.5.10)30:04 Aquinas's Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q14)
2025-07-2935 minGetting WisdomThe Drowning PigeonFrom Rudyard Kipling to General Patton to John Calvin, this episode traces the virtues of fortitude and faith amid modern distractions."The knowledge of God which we are invited to cultivate is not that which, resting satisfied with empty speculation, only flutters in the brain, but a knowledge which will prove substantial and fruitful wherever it is duly perceived." –Calvin's Institutes, Book 1, Chapter 5, Paragraph 9.00:24 If— by Rudyard Kipling24:00 Maps32:56 Roadside Attraction: General Patton Museum40:53 Calvin's Institutes (1.5.9)57:02 Aquinas's Summa Theologica (Prim...
2025-07-221h 06Getting WisdomA Preacher on Bourbon StreetMyron and Martin reflect on New Orleans hotels, history, and street preaching. They have a conversation about Calvin’s view of divine providence—God’s care revealed through timely blessings—and Aquinas’s account of God’s perfect knowledge as the cause and comprehension of all things."God, in a wondrous manner, often brings sudden and unexpected succour to the miserable when almost on the brink of despair, whether in protecting them when they stray in deserts, and at length leading them back into the right path, or supplying them with food when famishing for want." - Insti...
2025-07-1540 minGetting WisdomToo Noble for AngerMyron and Martin explore Calvin’s reflections on God's blessings in hardship, examine Aquinas’s teaching on God’s name as “He Who Is,” and introduce the first of Myron’s thirty-one life principles: to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear."He is the protector, and even the avenger of innocence, by shedding blessings on the good, helping their necessities, soothing and solacing their griefs, relieving their sufferings, and in all ways providing for their safety." - Calvin's Institutes (1.5.7)00:27 Roadside Attractions: Old Faithful in...
2025-07-0844 minGetting WisdomThe Light Within: Creation As ProofMyron and Martin reflect on customs and civility, then turn to John Calvin and Thomas Aquinas for insights on how creation reveals God's power and how the human intellect is illumined to know Him."By this light the blessed are made 'deiform'—i.e. like to God, according to the saying: 'When He shall appear we shall be like to Him, and we shall see Him as He is' (1 John 3:2)."- Summa Theologica, Prima Pars, Q1200:38 Customs & civility22:45 Calvin's Institutes (1.5.6)29:30 Aquinas's Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q12)
2025-07-0142 minGetting WisdomStamp of ImmortalityMyron and Martin conclude their series on Christian living with a conversation about proclaiming the gospel in today’s cultural landscape. They also reflect on John Calvin’s argument for the soul’s divine origin and Thomas Aquinas’s teaching on the unity of God."Man bears about with him a stamp of immortality which can never be effaced." - Calvin's Institutes, 1.5.500:48 Christian living: Proclamation23:30 Roadside attraction29:03 Calvin's Institutes (1.5.5)37:13 Aquinas's Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q11)
2025-06-2440 minGetting WisdomEvangelism in the Florida KeysMyron and Martin welcome guest Bill Welzien to share stories from nearly four decades of street preaching in the Florida Keys, his marathon swims around Key West, and reflections on gospel witness in an increasingly secular age.03:13 Swimming in the Florida Keys20:24 Street preaching in Mallory Square26:00 Evangelism over time37:31 Four major worldview questions44:58 J. Sidlow Baxter55:40 Closing question
2025-06-171h 03Getting WisdomAcross the AgesMartin and Myron reflect on cultivating wisdom across life stages, career changes, and asking for advice. They discuss Calvin’s writing on the human body and mind as evidence of God’s design and Aquinas's teachings on the nature of God's eternity."Can any thing be more detestable than this madness in man, who, finding God a hundred times both in his body and his soul, makes his excellence in this respect a pretext for denying that there is a God?" - Calvin's Institutes, 1.5.400:41 The nature of wisdom19:03 Asking for advice34:27 Calv...
2025-06-131h 02Getting WisdomMan as MicrocosmMartin and Myron discuss joy as an aspect of Christian living, the church’s role in public life and politics, and the curious unincorporated community of Amboy, CA. They continue their discussion of John Calvin and Thomas Aquinas with reflections on human nature as evidence of God’s design and on God’s immutability."Certain of the philosophers have not improperly called man a microcosm (miniature world), as being a rare specimen of divine power, wisdom, and goodness." - Calvin's Institutes, 1.5.300:32 Christian living: Joy19:02 Church & politics31:57 Roadside Attractions: Amboy, CA40:45 Calvin's Institutes (1.5.3)48:40 Aquinas's Summa...
2025-06-0657 minGetting WisdomCultural Erosion and RevivalWe explore the battle over children’s books in public schools, the boundaries of free speech and how cultural shifts are eroding civil values. Featuring reflections on Calvin, Aquinas and the pursuit of wisdom."In attestation of his wondrous wisdom, both the heavens and the earth present us with innumerable proofs." – Calvin’s Institutes, I.5.200:27 Free speech11:20 Congress17:21 Christian basis of our culture30:15 Sharing the Gospel38:08 Christian living: Growing in knowledge41:04 Calvin’s Institutes48:27 Aquinas’s Summa Theologica
2025-06-0359 minGetting WisdomCourage to Question with Dr. Hoby Wedler (#3)In this final part of our conversation with Dr. Hoby Wedler, we explore objective truth, scripture, and the moral questions that often divide us—including those surrounding homosexuality and alcohol. We reflect on how upbringing and technology shape the way we see the world, and why honest, respectful conversation remains essential in times of rapid change.
2025-05-2048 minGetting WisdomMemory and Faith with Dr. Hoby WedlerDr. Hoby Wedler, a PhD chemist and entrepreneur, joins us to explore how creativity, technology, and mentorship can reshape limitations into strengths. We discuss accessible innovation, the impact of AI on communication and learning, and the role of sensory design in business. From his work in chemistry and inclusive branding to his reflections on faith and purpose, Dr. Wedler offers insight into how adversity can fuel vision. Part two of a three-part guest series.
2025-04-301h 01Getting WisdomAcademia, Technology & Mentorship with Dr. Hoby WedlerDr. Hoby Wedler—chemist, entrepreneur, and accessibility advocate—kicks off a three-part series on turning life’s constraints into innovation. Join us as we dig into the mindsets that fuel wisdom.
2025-04-2337 minGetting WisdomWisdom, Faith & Calling: A Conversation with Michael SchuttIn this special episode, Myron Steeves talks with Michael Schutt, author of Redeeming Law, to explore wisdom, faith, and calling. They discuss how work shapes us, the books that shift perspectives, and why true wisdom requires community. We hope you enjoy this thought-provoking conversation.
2025-02-041h 00Getting WisdomFrom Ranches to Reason: Working Hard and Seeking GodIn this episode of Getting Wisdom, Martin Isreb and Myron Steeves delve into the profound connections between work, maturity, and the pursuit of God. Drawing from personal stories, philosophical insights, and theological reflections, they explore how early responsibilities—like working on family ranches—build character and wisdom. The episode also examines John Calvin's passionate arguments about the innate knowledge of God and Thomas Aquinas. With practical takeaways and deep reflections, this discussion invites listeners to consider how hard work, lifelong learning, and faith shape a meaningful life.
2024-12-101h 14Getting WisdomTruth in a Secular WorldThis week's episode of Getting Wisdom we dive into the contemporary struggle of the modern evangelical church as it seeks harmony in an increasingly secular world. Revisiting foundational texts from Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion and Aquinas’s Summa Theologica, they explore why metaphors in Scripture are vital, the implications of truth as a self-evident principle, and the cultural shift from a God-centered to self-centered worldview. With perspectives on why “whatever you win them with is what you win them to,” we question whether the church’s drive for relevance may risk diluting the essence of the gospel. Th...
2024-11-0740 minGetting WisdomGrow Up: Embracing Wisdom and MaturityExploring the importance of growing up and embracing maturity as part of the pursuit of wisdom. Reflections on the Baby Boomer generation's impact on societal values, contrasting the idealization of youth with the benefits of adulthood. Discussion on the relevance of ancient texts like Homer's "Odyssey," the significance of religious belief in personal contentment, and the pitfalls of contemporary cultural shifts, including the rise of groups like the Satan Club in San Clemente. Encouraging listeners to appreciate their blessings and strive for a deeper understanding of life and faith.
2024-05-2246 minGetting WisdomTraditions and TheologyExplore the interplay between cultural customs and divine wisdom in this episode of "Getting Wisdom." The discussion centers on the philosophical significance of customs in shaping identity, paired with an analysis of John Calvin's and Thomas Aquinas's theological insights. Delve into how traditions influence personal growth and community cohesion, and how they relate to deeper theological understanding. This episode invites reflection on balancing cultural heritage with individual expression in the pursuit of wisdom.
2024-05-0855 minGetting WisdomNavigating Hardship and Divine InsightIn this episode of "Getting Wisdom," hosts Martin Isreb and Myron Steves continue their exploration into John Calvin's Institutes and Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica. They delve into the themes of divine providence and the unity of sacred doctrine, discussing how challenges enrich our philosophical and spiritual insights. The conversation covers how the pursuit of wisdom involves both understanding and experiencing the divine intricacies laid out by historical theologians. Join them as they connect profound theological concepts with practical understanding, emphasizing the transformative power of grappling with complex spiritual truths.
2024-04-3044 minGetting WisdomCustoms and CommunityIn this enlightening episode of "Getting Wisdom," hosts Martin Isreb and Myron Steeves discuss Steeves' travels in New York and Washington D.C. Steeves shares his observations on the vibrant life and unexpected normalcy in New York City post-COVID, challenging the prevalent media narratives. The discussion delves into the importance of community sensibility in urban settings compared to suburban isolation, the role of tradition in fostering wisdom, and the delicate balance between following customs and personal autonomy. Join us as we explore how embracing community traditions and questioning modern perceptions can lead to a richer, wiser life.
2024-04-2352 minGetting WisdomCynicism v. WisdomExplore key topics that deepen our appreciation of divine goodness. Tune in to discover how historical theology intersects with modern life, fostering a deeper understanding of self-knowledge and divine understanding.
2024-04-1640 minGetting WisdomWelcome to Getting WisdomIn our inaugural episode, "Foundations of Wisdom: Aquinas and Calvin," we embark on a journey through the intellectual legacies of Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin. Host Martin Isreb, alongside Myron Steeves, explores the profound contributions of these thinkers to our understanding of wisdom, ethics, and the human quest for knowledge. Delving into Aquinas's synthesis of faith and reason and Calvin's impactful theological insights, we uncover their relevance in today's world, from law to personal morality. Join us as we lay the groundwork for a series dedicated to bridging historical wisdom with contemporary insights.
2024-03-0550 min