S2E18 Lent — "The Trouble With 'X'" with Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Part 1)

Exploring the 1948 article by C. S. Lewis, "The Trouble with 'X'" where he tells explores the all too relatable problem of what to do when we encounter people whose "fatal flaw" shipwreck all our best plans. The first thing to do, is realize that we now know a little of how God feels, for God sees all his plans spoiled too, by all these same people with their fatal flaws. Only, he sees even more fatal flaws than we could ever see. How frustrating it is that God, in his wisdom, has "made it a rule for himself that he won't alter people's character by force." Nevertheless, this means that we have to come to grips with the fact that no matter how well the rest of our lives go — even if we won the lottery — we would still have to face the hurdles of all the people around us, shipwrecking our plans. How will we deal with that? How does God deal with it? 

Lent is a good time to think about such things, and face such issues head-on. 

Our guest for this essay is Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett. 

To read this essay an version can be found online here: "The Trouble with 'X'," or audio version can be listened to on YouTube, "The Trouble with 'X'." 

Should you want to read ahead for the upcoming Lent essay: "On Forgiveness,"  or listen on YouTube: "On Forgiveness."

The music for this episode is a song called "Collect for Lent," performed by David Stroeve, composed by Jordan Duncan and David Stroeve, from the Collect for the Second Sunday in Lent from the Episcopal Prayer Book. David Stroeve's album The Cathedral Project, is on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Music. See especially "The Jesus Prayer," and "God of Mercy" as excellent meditative worship songs for Lent.

The lyrics for the song, "Collect for Lent" are: "Oh God, whose glory it is to have mercy, be gracious to all who've gone astray from Your ways, lead us again with penitent hearts, and steadfast faith to hold fast and embrace the unchangeable truth, Your Word: Jesus Christ, Your Son, who with You and the Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Have mercy, have mercy, have mercy."

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