Episode 104: Why Tolkien Still Matters for Christian Faith

Episode 104: Why Tolkien Still Matters for Christian Faith

In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the journey into Tolkien’s world this time joined by longtime friend and guest Walter Rogero. Together, they explore why The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien’s broader legendarium continue to matter for Christian faith today. Walter brings both pastoral experience and deep familiarity with Tolkien’s writings, offering insight into how Middle-earth functions not just as a story, but as a world shaped by a distinctly Christian imagination stepped in the virtues and values of the Middle Ages. The conversation also explores the role of imagination, story, and myth in shaping a mature and resilient faith. Derek and Walter reflect on their shared spiritual journeys from Pentecostal/charismatic roots into a deeper appreciation for liturgical traditions and how Tolkien’s work has brought them both enjoyed and helped form a richer imagination for the work of God in the world. This episode is an invitation to see Tolkien not as an escape from reality but as a way of seeing reality more clearly. Key Takeaways • Tolkien’s work reflects a deeply Christian vision without relying on direct allegory. • Imagination, myth, and story play a vital role in shaping mature faith. • Tolkien helps recover a sense of mystery, beauty, and moral depth often missing in modern faith expressions. • Spiritual formation is shaped not only by doctrine, but by the stories we inhabit. Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood: Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0 Check out the Merch Store: derekvreeland.com/merch Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook

Episode 103: Questioning the Just War Assumption

In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland reflects on the ongoing reality of war and offers a thoughtful critique of Just War Theory, a framework long embraced by both Catholic and Protestant traditions. Beginning with the classical principles of Just War as articulated by Thomas Aquinas and developed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Derek acknowledges the theory’s historical role in restraining violence. At its best, Just War thinking treats war as tragic but permissible only under strict conditions. But Derek raises a critical question: even if it limits war, does it also legitimize it? Drawing from Scripture, church history, and personal experience, Derek explores how the coming of Jesus reframes the conversation about violence. Jesus’ teachings to love your enemies, turn the other cheek, and put away the sword radically reorient how with think about war. The question is no longer “When is war justified?” but “What does faithfulness to Jesus look like in a world shaped by war?” This episode challenges listeners to reconsider long-held assumptions and to take seriously the possibility that the way of Jesus calls us beyond justified violence toward a life shaped by nonviolence, peacemaking, and costly love. Key Takeaways • Just War Theory has historically functioned to limit violence but may also legitimize it. • The criteria for “just war” are often interpreted by those who benefit from war. • Jesus reframes violence through the perspective of enemy love and nonviolence. • The early church consistently leaned away from violence in its witness. • Just War Theory can shrink our moral imagination by keeping war as an available option. • Christian discipleship calls us to ask what is faithful, not merely what is justifiable. Scriptures Mentioned • Galatians 3:24 • Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount) • Isaiah 2 Resources Mentioned Article: Questioning the Just War Assumption by Derek Vreeland https://missioalliance.org/questioning-the-just-war-assumption/ Safeguarding Peace from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/war-and-peace/excerpts-from-catechism-of-the-catholic-church-safeguarding-peace-1997 A Field Guide to Christian Nonviolence edited by David C. Cramer & Myles Werntz Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood: Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0 Check out the Merch Store: derekvreeland.com/merch Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook

Episode 102: The Kingdom of God Is Not What You Think

In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland takes a fresh look at the central theme of Jesus’ ministry, the kingdom of God. While the phrase is familiar to many Christians, it is often misunderstood, reduced, or distorted. Jesus proclaimed, taught, and demonstrated the kingdom by announcing good news, explaining its implications, and embodying its power through healing. But the kingdom is not what many assume. It is not merely a future reality in heaven, nor is it simply good works, church activity, or private spirituality. It is not aligned with political ideologies or national agendas. Instead, the Kingdom of God is the rule of God in Christ on the earth through the church. Derek challenges both common misunderstandings: the idea that the kingdom is only future (held by many evangelicals) and the idea that it is something we must build through human effort (held by many progressives). The truth, he argues, is found in the tension—what theologians call the “already and not yet.” This episode also explores the political nature of the kingdom, not partisan, but deeply political in the sense that it confronts and reshapes how power is understood and exercised. Rooted in the Sermon on the Mount, the kingdom calls followers of Jesus into a new way of living, one that resists both cultural polarization and ideological captivity. The invitation of Jesus is not simply to believe in the kingdom but to enter it, live under its authority, and bear witness to it in a divided world. Key Takeaways • The kingdom of God is the central message of Jesus’ ministry. • The kingdom includes proclamation, teaching, and demonstration. • The kingdom is not heaven, good works, or private spirituality. • It is the rule and reign of God through King Jesus on the earth. • The kingdom is both present (“already”) and future (“not yet”). • The kingdom is political—but not partisan. • Followers of Jesus are called to live under God’s rule, not build their own version of the kingdom. • Allegiance to political ideologies can distort our understanding of the kingdom. Scriptures Mentioned • Matthew 9:35 • Matthew 3:2 • Isaiah 2:2–4 • Hebrews 12:22–24 Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood: Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0 Check out the Merch Store: derekvreeland.com/merch Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook

Episode 101: The Elves of Middle Earth

In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland returns to Middle-earth for one final “dip into Tolkien,” reflecting on the Elves of The Lord of the Rings—ancient, wise, and quietly powerful figures who stand at the fading edge of an age.   Though not the central heroes of the story, the Elves serve as keepers of memory, bearers of wisdom, and guardians of beauty. Derek explores how characters like Elrond and Galadriel function as guides rather than rulers, offering clarity, provision, and encouragement to those tasked with carrying the future. Their presence echoes something familiar in Scripture. They are like angels as they illuminate truth, bring comfort, and point others toward courage without seeking power for themselves.  Through the Council of Elrond and the gifts of Galadriel, we see a different kind of leadership marked by wisdom, restraint, and the ability to recognize where true responsibility lies. The fate of Middle Earth is not entrusted to the strongest or the wisest, but to the humble. And the Elves are wise enough to let that happen.  In the end, the Elves remind us that true greatness is not found in holding onto power, but in preparing others, playing your part faithfully, and knowing when to let go.    Key Takeaways  • The Elves are not the central heroes, but essential to the story’s unfolding.  • They serve as keepers of memory, wisdom, and beauty in Middle-earth.  • Elrond models leadership through listening, guidance, and historical awareness.  • Galadriel embodies spiritual insight, testing, and provision.  • True wisdom resists the temptation to seize power.  • The future is shaped by humility, not dominance.  • Faithful leadership prepares others rather than controlling outcomes.  • Knowing your role—and embracing it—is a mark of maturity and wisdom.    Books Mentioned  The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien    Resources Mentioned  Malcolm Guite YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@MalcolmGuitespell [https://www.youtube.com/@MalcolmGuitespell]    Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by:  * Leaving a review  * Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app  * Sharing this episode with a friend  Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood:  Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs [https://amzn.to/42jSZAs]  Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk [https://amzn.to/459bNUk]  Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0 [https://amzn.to/40T0sp0]  Check out the Merch Store: derekvreeland.com/merch [https://derek-vreeland-shop.fourthwall.com/]   Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: derekvreeland.com [https://derekvreeland.com/]  Interact with Derek on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/derekvreeland], Twitter [https://x.com/derekvreeland], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/derekvreeland.bsky.social], or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/derekvreeland]

Episode 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes

In this milestone episode, Derek reflects on the journey of Peaceable and Kind, 100 episodes exploring what it means to follow Jesus in a way marked by peace and kindness. Rather than introducing a new topic, this episode looks back at the themes, questions, and conversations that have shaped the podcast so far, from spiritual formation and Scripture to politics, reconciliation, and the life of Jesus. At the heart of it all is a vision of becoming people who reflect the character of Jesus in a fractured world. Derek revisits key movements in the podcast, including early teachings on prayer and formation, thoughtful engagement with cultural and political tensions, and a deep theological dive into the cross and resurrection especially through the atonement series and engagement with The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge. He also highlights the importance of the Nicene Creed, the rhythms of the Christian calendar, and the formative power of stories, literature, and imagination. A major highlight of the podcast has been its 23 interviews, conversations with pastors, authors, and theologians that embody humility, curiosity, and a shared pursuit of truth. These dialogues reflect the core heartbeat of the podcast: listening well and learning together. As the episode looks ahead, the direction remains clear: continue exploring Scripture, engaging culture, and pursuing the way of Jesus with depth and honesty. The goal is not easy answers, but faithfulness to the way of Jesus Key Themes Christlikeness as the goal of spiritual formation Scripture as a formative story, not a weapon Faithful engagement with politics and culture Reconciliation, justice, and the church as a place of belonging The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as central The value of historic Christian faith and sacred time The role of imagination and storytelling in spiritual growth Read Derek’s Essay “Questioning the Just War Assumption”: https://missioalliance.org/questioning-the-just-war-assumption/ Check out the Merch Store: https://derek-vreeland-shop.fourthwall.com/ Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood: Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0 Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook