Is anxiety slowly destroying your spiritual life—and what if you could stop it before it’s too late? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell break down Dr. William Backus’s powerful “truth therapy” approach to defeating anxiety through biblical thinking, honest self-examination, and life-giving community. Drawing from Telling Yourself the Truth, they explain how anxiety is fueled by hidden misbeliefs (“I won’t be able to handle the future,” “If I don’t feel good, I shouldn’t do it”) and how replacing these lies with God’s truth brings freedom. Matt shares his own story of facing panic while joining their Protestant monastic order—and how trusting God and living in real Christian community carried him through the COVID lockdowns. If you’re struggling with fear, overthinking, or the pressure to control the future, this practical, faith-filled conversation will show you how to break the cycle of worry and live courageously in Christ.
What if the cure for modern weakness, loneliness, and nihilism isn’t “progress” but a return to chivalry? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell argue that the medieval chivalric ideal—rooted in courage, virtue, duty, honor, and self-sacrifice—is exactly what today’s men and women need. Drawing from Maurice Keen’s Chivalry, Brad Miner’s The Complete Gentleman, and C.S. Lewis’s classic essay “The Necessity of Chivalry,” they show how modern culture has flattened manhood into something soft, passive, and anxious, while historic Christianity called men to be both dangerous and good. The brothers break down how true chivalry forms a whole person—warrior, lover, monk, and citizen—and how recovering these virtues can strengthen marriages, restore community, and reshape the church. If you’re tired of modern decadence, confused masculinity, and the loss of noble ideals, this conversation will inspire you to reject modernity and reclaim a Christian vision of heroic virtue.
Is eating animals actually a moral good—not just “permissible”? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell dismantle the viral vegan documentary Christpiracy and offer a bold Christian, philosophical, and ecological case for why humans not only may eat animals, but in many cases have a moral duty to do so. Drawing on Roger Scruton’s On Hunting, the arguments of philosopher Nik Zangwill, biblical teaching (from Acts 10 to Old Testament sacrifice), and real ecological data, they explain why domesticated animals like cows, sheep, and goats only exist because humans steward them—and why good animal husbandry creates far more flourishing than suffering. They expose the flawed hermeneutics of “Jesus was vegan” claims, discuss consciousness arguments, factory farming vs. regenerative farming, and why treating animals like moral agents ultimately harms both animals and humans. If you’ve ever wrestled with ethical eating, vegan claims, Christian stewardship, or the meaning of dominion, this episode will give you a clear, compelling, and surprisingly compassionate framework for why eating meat is good.
What if UFOs aren’t demons—or aliens—but something far stranger? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell explore the exploding UFO/UAP conversation and ask what Christians should actually make of it. From Victor Davis Hanson’s surprising 50/50 stance, to Diana Walsh Pasulka’s research on UFO religion, to stories like the Varginha Incident and modern UAP sightings, they wrestle with whether these phenomena are physical beings, spiritual powers, government psyops, or all of the above. Instead of jumping to simplistic answers like “They’re just demons,” the brothers examine medieval angelology, spiritual-physical overlap, the re-enchantment of the modern world, and the dangers of building a new secular religion around UFOs. If you’re a Christian fascinated by aliens, conspiracy culture, or the supernatural—and want a grounded, thoughtful take—this episode will challenge your assumptions and strengthen your faith.
Is it immature for adults to love fantasy, anime, video games, or tabletop games—or is that a shallow view of maturity? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell respond directly to Matt Walsh’s claim that grown men should abandon “childish” hobbies like Warhammer, Star Wars, or video games and pursue only “serious” adult interests. Drawing from C.S. Lewis’s famous line—“When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up”—the brothers explain why Christianity affirms imagination, storytelling, play, and creative hobbies. They unpack the difference between being childlike and childish, why hobbies do not define your identity, and how art and fantasy can point us toward truth, beauty, and God. If you’ve ever felt shamed for liking “geeky” hobbies or wondered whether Christians should feel guilty for enjoying games, this thoughtful conversation offers a freeing, biblical perspective—and a gentle rebuttal to Matt Walsh.
Can revival really be planned—or is it only something God does spontaneously? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell of Life Mission Fellowship unpack Lecture 3 of Charles Finney’s classic Lectures on Revival of Religion to reveal the practical, biblical steps that ignite genuine renewal. Drawing on Hosea 10:12 (“Break up your fallow ground”), they explain how revival begins with the church itself—through repentance, self-examination, and obedience rather than emotional hype. The brothers walk through Finney’s process of spiritual bookkeeping, how to write a “sin list,” and why real change starts when believers stop waiting for a feeling and simply repent. They also share Finney’s remarkable conversion-retention results (from Getting Evangelicals Saved by Paris Reedhead and Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians by J. Gilchrist Lawson) and explore how disciplined holiness, not hype, brings lasting fruit. If you’ve ever prayed for revival or wondered why modern efforts fizzle, this episode will give you Finney’s time-tested roadmap for true transformation.
Is America actually experiencing a Christian revival—or just a spiritual awakening? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell of Life Mission Fellowship unpack the difference between a true revival and a cultural stirring of religious interest. Responding to the post–Charlie Kirk movement and the surge in Bible sales, church attendance, and online conversions, they draw on Charles Finney’s Lectures on Revivals of Religion to clarify what real revival looks like: repentance, reformation, and the church returning from her backslidings. The brothers discuss Finney’s 90% conversion retention rate, why modern evangelism often fails to produce lasting fruit, and how believers can begin genuine revival within their own congregations. If you’re a Christian pastor, leader, or layperson wondering how to tell hype from the Holy Spirit, this conversation will give you biblical clarity and practical direction for awakening the true church.
Did Christianity really shape everything we believe about morality, justice, and human rights? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell review historian Tom Holland’s landmark book Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World. They unpack Holland’s central claim—that every modern Western value, from equality and compassion to human rights and the separation of church and state, originates in Christianity, even among atheists and secular humanists. Along the way, they discuss pagan ethics, the moral inversion introduced by the crucifixion, and why thinkers like Richard Dawkins and the New Atheists can’t escape the Christian moral framework they reject. If you’re a Christian, historian, or seeker wondering what makes Western civilization unique—or why we can’t sustain its values without the faith that birthed them—this conversation will deepen your understanding of both history and the Gospel’s world-changing power.
What happens when Christians actually try to live together in real community? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers Podcast, Matt and Tim Krell—Protestant monks from Life Mission Fellowship—react to an article from Plough Quarterly titled “An Experiment in Common Living” by Jeffrey Wald. Wald describes starting a small intentional Christian community in North Carolina, and the Krell brothers discuss the blessings and challenges of such a venture. Drawing from their own experience in a covenanted Protestant monastic community, they explore the difference between casual association (Gesellschaft) and committed, covenantal life (Gemeinschaft), and why true Christian community requires shared purpose, structure, and sacrifice—not just proximity. If you’ve ever dreamed about living closer with other believers or wondered how to make Christian community actually work, this episode will give you honest insights and inspiration to start your own.
Why do Calvinists get so upset with open theists, Arminians, and those who emphasize God’s love as Father instead of only as Judge? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers Podcast, Matt and Tim Krell—Protestant monks with Life Mission Fellowship—explain why they are not Calvinists and why relational theology offers a more biblical and beautiful picture of God. They discuss moral government theology, divine sovereignty, and the watershed issue of whether God can truly be affected by His creatures. Drawing on John Sanders’ The God Who Risks and Clark Pinnock’s The Most Moved Mover and Unbounded Love, they contrast meticulous providence with general providence and show how your view of God shapes prayer, guidance, the problem of evil, and daily Christian living. If you’ve ever struggled with Calvinism, felt crushed by its determinism, or longed for a vision of God as a loving Father who partners with His people, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.
Is artificial intelligence really conscious—or are we projecting too much onto a glorified parrot? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell—Christian monks, programmers, and leaders in Life Mission Fellowship—cut through the hype and fear surrounding AI. Drawing on a lecture by Spencer Klavan, they explain why large language models are not reasoning beings but tools that mimic outer logos without the God-given inner logos that makes humans unique. Along the way, they expose the venture-capital bubble driving AI hype, warn about the idolatry of treating machines as gods, and offer practical advice for Christians on using AI responsibly without letting it dull creativity or faith. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by AI panic—whether about job loss, Skynet scenarios, or questions of consciousness—this thoughtful conversation will give you clarity, peace, and a renewed vision of what it really means to be human in God’s image.
Why do so many modern churches feel bland, sterile, or even ugly—and why does that matter for the Gospel? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell argue that beauty in worship is not a luxury but a necessity. Drawing from history, theology, and their own Protestant monastic practice, they explain why sacred spaces must reflect God’s glory through beauty, art, and symbolism. From Gothic cathedrals that inspire awe, to the power of pre-Raphaelite art and the paintings of James Tissot and William Bouguereau, they show how beauty breaks down defenses, opens hearts, and points people to the transcendent God. Along the way, they respond to objections about “wasting money” or “idolatry,” and make the case that investing in beauty is an act of worship and evangelism. If you’ve ever felt that something is off about worshiping in a strip-mall church, this conversation will confirm your instincts and call you to a higher vision of the church.
Why did God accept Abel’s sacrifice but reject Cain’s—and what does this story really teach us about faith, creativity, and obedience? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell dive deep into the story of Cain and Abel through the lens of Jewish philosopher Yoram Hazony’s The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture. Far from a simple tale about murder, this account reveals God’s desire for human beings to be creative co-laborers with Him, not just rule-followers. The brothers explore how Abel’s innovation as a shepherd contrasts with Cain’s rigid piety as a farmer, and why the Bible consistently elevates the shepherd model over empire-building conformity. They also connect this insight to open theism, Israel’s calling, and what it means to live as apprentices of Christ today. If you’ve ever been puzzled by this passage or felt torn between law and grace, this conversation will open your eyes to the deeper meaning of Genesis 4.
Can technology really solve humanity’s deepest problems—or is it quietly shaping our worldview in dangerous ways? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell—Christian monks, programmers, and leaders in Life Mission Fellowship—explore the blessings and dangers of modern technology from a biblical perspective. Drawing on insights from Jonathan Pageau, reflections on media addiction, EMFs, and social media, they show how technology can both help and harm our physical, spiritual, and communal health. From Sabbath practices and Lenten fasts to simple habits like keeping phones off the dinner table, the Krell brothers share practical ways to resist Silicon Valley’s worldview and reclaim technology as a tool rather than a master. If you’re a Christian pastor, leader, or believer who senses that smartphones and social media are shaping you more than Scripture and community, this conversation will give you both vision and practical steps to live more intentionally.
Is church membership outdated—or is it the very heart of the Gospel? In this thought-provoking episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell unpack why real Christian membership is not about joining an organization, but about entering into covenant relationships that reflect the love of the Trinity itself. From cultural objections about “exclusivity” to the biblical vision of Israel as God’s chosen people, they explore why membership is essential for discipleship, accountability, and true community. Drawing on insights from G.K. Chesterton, church history, and their own Protestant monastic practice, they show how boundaries, commitment, and spiritual formation are vital for becoming the family of God. If you’re a Christian pastor, leader, or layperson who feels dissatisfied with casual, consumer-driven church culture, this episode will challenge you to see membership as the path to real transformation and Christ-centered community.
Why does Shakespeare still matter today—and why should Christians care? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell explore the surprising depth, wit, and spiritual value of William Shakespeare’s plays. Far from being outdated, Shakespeare shaped the moral imagination of the West, influenced America’s founders, and continues to illuminate modern questions about politics, faith, relationships, and the human heart. From Hamlet’s struggle with life after death to the comedy of Much Ado About Nothing and the political intrigue of Coriolanus, the Krell brothers share practical tips for enjoying Shakespeare—including the best film adaptations to start with. If you’ve ever found Shakespeare confusing, boring, or irrelevant, this conversation will open your eyes to why his storytelling is not just timeless art but also a powerful resource for Christians seeking wisdom and depth.
Is the modern church too weak to withstand the pressures of secular culture? In this episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell discuss The Benedict Option by Rod Dreher—a bold call for Christians to form tight-knit, intentional communities rooted in prayer, discipleship, and distinct Christian culture. Drawing on the legacy of St. Benedict and medieval monasticism, they explore why small, committed groups may be the only way to preserve the Gospel in an increasingly post-Christian society. Along the way, they address common criticisms (like “retreating from the world”), unpack the loneliness and meaning crisis of our age, and challenge pastors and lay believers alike to embrace a deeper, costlier vision of the church. If you’re dissatisfied with “business as usual” Christianity and long for authentic Kingdom living, this conversation will inspire and equip you.
We are Life Mission Fellowship--a Protestant monastic order completely dedicated to Christ, His work, and His people. This is a podcast dedicated to the ins-and-outs of living the Benedict Option. You can learn more about us at https://life-mission.org.LINK TO THE FULL PLAYLIST:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMej6nRbT1w&list=PL7hIF0W9VbDiA6l2AxkeFz-46rppTs418 Facebook: Our Church's page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069547834823Our Abbot, Adam Krell: https://www.facebook.com/adam.krell.37X:Matt Krell: https://x.com/mattckrellTim Krell: https://x.com/timothykrellOur abbot, Adam Krell: https://x.com/adamkrell#podcast #christian #monastery #monasteries #benedictoption #faith #religion #spirituality #spiritualgrowth
What if C.S. Lewis embedded a cosmic secret into The Chronicles of Narnia—one that reveals the deeper spiritual structure of his beloved books? In this fascinating episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Tim Krell explore Michael Ward’s groundbreaking “Planet Narnia” theory, which proposes that each Narnia book aligns with one of the seven medieval planets—Jupiter, Mars, Sol, Luna, Mercury, Venus, and Saturn. Together they unpack how this hidden symbolic framework gives Narnia its mysterious depth and beauty, and why Lewis’s use of medieval cosmology can still inspire our walk with Christ today. If you're a Christian, storyteller, or Narnia lover who senses there's more beneath the surface, this episode will open your imagination to truth, transcendence, and the living God who fills all things.
Can a video game lead to a spiritual experience? In this special 4th of July episode of the Circle Dwellers podcast, Matt and Timothy Krell share five indie video games that deeply impacted them—not just as entertainment, but as vehicles for meaning, wonder, and even profound insight into God's nature. From the meditative puzzles of The Witness and time-warping beauty of Braid, to the metaphor-rich world of Hyper Light Drifter, the cosmic mystery of Outer Wilds, and the timeless influence of Myst and Riven, this episode explores how games can reveal deep truths about design, hiddenness, free will, and epiphany. Whether you’re a Christian, gamer, or parent seeking deeper experiences through media, this thoughtful conversation will show how digital art—when done well—can reflect spiritual truths.