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Theology, Politics, and a Little Bit of Banjo
They say there’s two subjects never to bring up in polite conversation - religion and politics. Well, that’s exactly what this podcast is going to cover - my two favorite subjects. Throw in a little bit of banjo music and you’ve got a great listening experience coming your way.
I urge you to learn along with me. I don’t claim to be an expert in any field, but I do desire to explore exciting concepts and ideas that shape our lives, culture and relationship with God. That’s why I seek to bring on a variety of different guests, even a few folks I’m going to have sharp disagreements with from time to time. We might talk about anything ranging from reformed theology to the electoral college. My hope is that God might use this podcast to deepen your faith, broaden your mind, and have a little fun while doing so.
Episodes
Jan 1, 2026
Jan 1, 2026
32 min
Happy New Year! We're starting off the new year with a new series. I can't tell you how excited I am to start airing this series, which I began recording before Covid! In this first episode, we chat about how the ancient creeds helped shape our beliefs and how they are still applicable to us today. We start this series with quite the heavy hitter, the one and only Dr. Carl Trueman.
Recommended Resources:
The Creedal Imperative by Carl R. Trueman
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl R. Trueman
The Apostles' Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Dec 20, 2025
Dec 20, 2025
17 min
Across the country and even right here in Rock County, WI - new data centers are popping up and with them come quite a bit of controversy. Its tempting to dismiss these arguments as just the typical "not in my backyard" conjecture, but these are real people in real communities. They have a voice. Among those opposing this particular data center are my friends Pastor Ray Jewell and Janesville City Council candidate Reese Wood. Listen in we recorded a live interview at the Roxstar Bar in Janesville as Reese met with voters signing his petition.
Recommended Resources:
Reese Wood for Janesville City Council
Dec 12, 2025
Dec 12, 2025
33 min
This week it was a thrill to have David Varnam on the program. David is running for Lieutenant Governor here in Wisconsin. You will want to hear his story of how he went from a theology major in Bible college in California to the mayor of a rural town in Wisconsin and along the way bumps into James Dobson! He's a great candidate with a great message.
Recommended Resources:
Dec 4, 2025
Dec 4, 2025
26 min
Merry Christmas! But, wait, do we really understand what Christmas is about? Is it possible to know the story of Christ's birth front and back but still "miss the plot"? Joining me on the Podcast this week is Pastor Allen Nelson, IV who is going to chat with us about his new book, The Gospel According to Christmas. Check out our Facebook group in order to for a chance to win a free copy!!!
Recommended Resources:
The Gospel According to Christmas by Allen S. Nelson IV
Nov 26, 2025
Nov 26, 2025
18 min
Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode three of my boys join me on the podcast to not only tell us what they are thankful but to read a few things you all said you were thankful on our social media pages.
Recommended Resource:
Gobble Gobble by Matthew West
Nov 22, 2025
Nov 22, 2025
18 min
Today's episode was recorded on National Adoption Day while waiting in the drive through line at Chick-Fil-A! I wasn't really planning on an episode this week as I am struggling with a really bad man cold, but my son Davontae really wanted to be a guest on the podcast. So, you'll hear a lot of background noise, but you'll also hear a fourth grade understanding of the gospel and a few thoughts about adoption sprinkled into Davontae's insights on life.
Recommended Resources:
Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches
by Russell Moore
Nov 8, 2025
Nov 8, 2025
36 min
In this edition of the podcast we resurrect the Reigning in Ray format, in which Pastor Ray Jewell and I answer your questions. This week we talk about a book idea Ray has for the both of us then spend the rest of the podcast talk to Ray about what living life with Parkinson's Disease is like. If you have a question (theological, political, person or random) you would like us to chat about in a future episode, leave a comment on one of our social media posts or email it to amputatedbaptist@gmail.com.
Recommended Resources:
Unity in Weakness as the Body of Christ: The Message of the first Letter to the Corinthians by Ray Jewell
Nov 3, 2025
Nov 3, 2025
15 min
This week's episode was recorded at the Stateline Youth Conference last week. As I manned my booth, right across from me was cartoonist Paul Cox of Reftoons, a fascinating ministry. Where else would you find a graphic novel describing the Reformation or even Calvin's Institutes? His website tells us that their goal is to "preserve the legacy of theologians of the past by producing humorous and thought-provoking comic strips that bring clarity to various biblical teachings through visual storytelling."
Recommended Resources: