The Bookcase Behind Me with Pastor Brandon Warr

Theology. Books. Culture. Conversation. Hosted by Pastor Brandon Warr, The Bookcases Behind Me brings Confessional Lutheran theology into dialogue with literature, culture, and the pressing questions of our time. Each episode blends solid biblical teaching with the exploration of classic and contemporary books, from the devotional works of Johann Gerhard to modern Christian fiction and cultural commentary. This isn’t just another Christian podcast. Here, you’ll hear: Confessional Lutheran theology—rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. Book discussions that range from timeless theological works to gripping pulp fiction and fantasy. Cultural analysis on topics like Artificial Intelligence, art, beauty, vocation, and the challenges facing Christians in a digital age. Practical encouragement for standing firm in Christ in a world full of shallow faith and empty stories. Whether you’re a lifelong Lutheran, a seeker of truth, or simply curious about how faith interacts with literature and modern culture, this podcast equips you with clarity, conviction, and courage. 📚 Why “The Bookcases Behind Me”? Because behind every conversation are the books, sermons, and stories that shape our faith and imagination. And through them, you’ll find connections that strengthen both heart and mind. 👉 Subscribe today and don’t miss an episode. New listeners can also download Pastor Warr’s free ebook Faith, Fiction, and the Fight by signing up for updates here: Substack.com/@bcwarr

Ep. 83: RazörFist on Lutheranism, Pulp Fiction, and Christian Nationalism 09/20/2025

Ep. 82: Are There Really No Tragedies? | A Lutheran Response to R.C. Sproul Jr. 09/06/2025

Ep. 82: Are There Really No Tragedies? | A Lutheran Response to R.C. Sproul Jr. Are there really no tragedies? In this episode of The Bookcase Behind Me, Rev. Brandon Warr takes on R. C. Sproul Jr.’s controversial claim that “ultimately there are no tragedies.” While this statement has circulated widely in Reformed circles, a Confessional Lutheran response uncovers a very different theological truth—one that is deeply biblical, historically rooted, and pastorally necessary. From the laments of the Psalms to Christ’s own tears at the tomb of Lazarus, Scripture does not erase tragedy. Instead, it teaches us to name evil for what it is, to cry out to God for deliverance, and to cling to the promise that one day He will wipe away every tear. In this episode, Rev. Warr explores: The Theology of the Cross: why Lutherans call sin, death, and suffering exactly what they are, rather than minimizing them. God and Evil: the Scriptural and Confessional teaching that God is not the author of sin. Luke 13 and the Tower of Siloam: how Jesus Himself forbids us from interpreting disasters as specific judgments on their victims. Romans 8 and Christian Hope: how tragedy is real in this fallen world, yet God bends all things toward the good of His people in Christ. Pastoral Care: why telling grieving Christians that “there are no tragedies” misses the comfort that the Gospel truly gives. This episode is rich with quotations from the American Standard Version (1901) of the Bible and from the Book of Concord, grounding the discussion in the authoritative sources of the Confessional Lutheran Church. Whether you’re Lutheran, Reformed, Catholic, or simply searching for biblical clarity, this episode offers a robust, faithful answer to Sproul’s claim—reminding us that tragedy is real, but so is Christ’s victory over it. 📖 Read the latest articles & get your FREE ebook "Faith, Fiction, and the Fight": ➡️ ☕ Support the work: ➡️ 👕 Hammer & Rose Merch: ➡️ 🎙️ The Bookcase Behind Me Podcast: ➡️ 📚 Books by Rev. Brandon Warr: ➡️ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for new videos every week. Join the fight — Word, Faith, and Fiction. /episode/index/show/thebookcasebehindme/id/38114930

Ep. 81: Christians, AI, and Understanding Theological Enthusiasm 08/23/2025

Ep. 81: Christians, AI, and Understanding Theological Enthusiasm In this episode of The Bookcases Behind Me, Pastor Brandon Warr dives deep into one of the biggest conversations happening today: What should Christians think about Artificial Intelligence (AI)? We begin with a brand-new segment—“What Pastor Warr is Reading”—where theology meets imagination. This month’s lineup includes: Theology Classics: Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard Two Sermons by Dr. Tilemann Heshusiusrich https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMJ6GWMN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title Fiction Highlights: The Best Construction by Lloyd R. Bailey (The Armed Lutheran) https://www.armedlutheran.us/product/the-best-construction-epub/ The Lives of Velnin: The Dark Empire by Brian Heming https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FKHKWKFZ?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_1&storeType=ebooks From there, Pastor Warr gives a quick update on his own novel Children of the Black Veil, a pulp-noir thriller set in Chandler City where corruption hides behind holiness and faith is tested in the shadows. Available now on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback. The main discussion asks tough, practical questions: What exactly is AI—and what isn’t it? Why do some people fall into AI “cults” and even psychosis? How should Christians think about AI as a tool of stewardship rather than an idol? What does the Parable of the Unjust Steward teach us about wisdom in using technology? Where do debates about AI, art, and beauty go wrong without a Christian worldview? How does Tolkien’s idea of “sub-creators” help us understand true art in relation to God, the only Creator? This episode calls Christians to honesty, clarity, and courage: to recognize AI as a tool—not a god—and to remain vigilant against those who would twist it into a weapon for false doctrine. 📖 Resources & Links: Free ebook: Faith, Fiction, and the Fight (sign up via Substack to get your copy) Children of the Black Veil on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) Links to all the books mentioned are in the episode notes 🎧 Whether you’re a theologian, a creative, or just a curious Christian trying to navigate faith in a digital age, this episode will challenge, equip, and encourage you to stand firm in Christ while engaging the questions of our time. /episode/index/show/thebookcasebehindme/id/37931480

Ep. 80: 5th Annual Synod and Colloquium Special! 07/07/2025

Ep. 80: 5th Annual Synod and Colloquium Special! Welcome to The Bookcase Behind Me — where books aren't just background, they're battlegrounds of faith, doctrine, and truth. This is the show where Confessional Lutheran voices speak boldly from behind the pulpit, the lectern, and yes — the bookcase — to equip today’s Church for tomorrow’s trials. In each theologically rich episode, we bring you uncompromising conversations with Lutheran leaders rooted in Scripture, shaped by history, and aimed at building up Christ’s Church for generations to come. 📚 This episode features: Pastor John Rutowicz on the Lutheran Rite of Exorcism — uncovering the biblical authority and liturgical depth behind this rarely discussed but deeply pastoral practice. Pastor Martin Jackson on Translation Work — a look into the sacred task of bringing the teachings of the Word of God into new tongues without losing its theological integrity. Deacon Anthony Oncken on the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea — exploring how the Nicene Creed still shapes the true Church amid modern heresies. Pastor Eric Stefanski tackling the Nature of the Being of God and Man — engaging with classical metaphysics to answer who God is and who we are before Him. Bishop James Heiser introduces his new book “A Time to Stand” — a call for Christians to reclaim their Christian vocation and identity as a means of forming a bold, faithful generation in an age of compromise. Buy it now on Amazon: Whether you're a pastor, seminarian, lay theologian, or curious listener with a worn-out Book of Concord and a shelf full of dogmatics, The Bookcase Behind Me delivers clear teaching, unapologetic Lutheranism, and serious discussion to strengthen your faith and sharpen your confession. 🎧 Subscribe now and rediscover what it means to stand firm — with the right books behind you and the truth before you. Subscribe ➜ Donate at Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Parler @RevBWarr Join "The Bookcase Behind Me" on Facebook: Disclaimer: I am a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America and, unless otherwise stated, my opinions are my own and I do not speak as a representative for my Diocese. That is what my Bishop is for. For more information on the ELDoNA visit eldona.org /episode/index/show/thebookcasebehindme/id/37327275