When The Stars Disappear

Over the years, I have invested much time and concerted effort searching, reading, and applying myself in order to understand the reasons for the pain and suffering I endured in my formative years. In my most recent iteration of this search I landed at the conclusion that in my creaturely finite-ness there will always be unresolved questions and a deep sense that there is something more (than what meets my eye). Then I discovered Dr Talbot's podcast which has helped me to break down anew and reshape my understanding of this problem of pain -- allowing me to unearth some of my faulty theology and presumptions about what constitutes the good life. Having listened to the podcasts I recognize now that the settled happiness and security that I long for can point me to and reflect a greater reality than my present one, creating a deeper communion and dependence on God. These longings will one day be fulfilled but for the moment, adopting, as C.S. Lewis put it, an attitude of "cheerful insecurity" may be just the ticket. I am grateful for this podcast and usually listen to each of the episodes several times. I expectantly await each new episode. Thank you, Dr Talbot.

Since reading Mark Noll’s popular book on Church history “Turning Points,” I have begun to apply the concept of examining history through critical turning points not only to broader history but also to my own life. Without a doubt, one of the critical turning points in my life was taking Philosophy 101 with Dr. Talbot at Wheaton College. In a culture where it feels like we’re always in rush, Dr. Talbot presents a more methodical, careful approach to life. Instead of focusing on the volume of things I could read, I shifted to focusing on the quality of the material and how well I could actually understand it. It seems like a change that should have been obvious, but the pressure to consume (even good things) seems to be relentless in this day and age. I am grateful to have had the privilege of being a student of Dr. Talbot’s, and I am thrilled that this resource is available to the public. Dr. Talbot combines a high level of academic scholarship with genuine pastoral care. This rare trait of his is evident in this podcast, and I cannot recommend this resource highly enough.

This material got me through the hardest season of my life. Dr. Talbot is gifted and anointed in bringing serious issues and concerns about suffering in the Christian faith to the light. His teachings completely changed the way that I thought about what God was bringing me through and gave me the strength to carry on to wait for the beautiful fruit that has come since.

Dr. Mark Talbot takes a topic that has been addressed repeatedly and does what few are able to do: provide a fresh, insightful perspective. Driven not only by his keen philosophical and theological insights into the suffering, Talbot also derives insight from direct, personal experience with suffering. These days it seems that many serious issues are given short shrift and trite explanations, this podcast (and the book!) is must-reading for anyone wanting to grow in their understand suffering and pain.