<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier: Books]]></title><description><![CDATA[A place for sharing books (and documentaries).]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/s/books</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!1rCS!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F720e70ff-ac6c-4fe3-9185-564d5e7500a3_273x273.png</url><title>Paul L. Pothier: Books</title><link>https://www.ppothier.com/s/books</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 15:35:39 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.ppothier.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[ppothier@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[ppothier@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[ppothier@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[ppothier@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[North to the Orient]]></title><description><![CDATA[North to the Orient (with maps) by Ann Morrow Lindbergh.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/charles-lindbergh</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/charles-lindbergh</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 16:02:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S7JW!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdcae3d9b-f4ca-4b4b-b6b4-c5da0ac734ce_500x666.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>"'North to the Orient' is a travel memoir written by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, published in 1935. The book chronicles her journey with her husband, Charles Lindbergh, as they travel to the Arctic regions of Canada and Alaska.</p><p>The narrative combines personal reflections, observations of the landscapes, and insights into the cultures they encounter. Lindbergh's writing is noted for its lyrical quality and deep appreciation for nature. The book captures the beauty and harshness of the northern wilderness, as well as the challenges of travel in remote areas.</p><p>Themes:</p><p>1. Nature and Wilderness: Lindbergh expresses a profound connection to the natural world, highlighting its beauty and power.</p><p>2. Adventure and Exploration: The journey itself is an adventure, filled with the excitement and unpredictability of exploring uncharted territories.</p><p>3. Personal Reflection: Throughout the memoir, Lindbergh reflects on her life, marriage, and the role of women in society, offering insights into her thoughts and feelings during the journey.</p><p>'North to the Orient' is significant not only as a travel narrative but also as a reflection of the early 20th-century American experience, particularly in relation to exploration and the changing roles of women. Anne Morrow Lindbergh's eloquent prose and thoughtful observations have made this work a classic in American literature.</p><p>Charles Lindbergh was an American aviator, author, inventor, and activist, best known for making the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight. On May 20-21, 1927, he flew from New York City to Paris in his aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis, covering approximately 3,600 miles in about 33.5 hours. This historic flight made him an international hero and a symbol of the era's aviation advancements" GPT-4o (Duck.ai).</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S7JW!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdcae3d9b-f4ca-4b4b-b6b4-c5da0ac734ce_500x666.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S7JW!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdcae3d9b-f4ca-4b4b-b6b4-c5da0ac734ce_500x666.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S7JW!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdcae3d9b-f4ca-4b4b-b6b4-c5da0ac734ce_500x666.jpeg 848w, 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EKbi!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa333eb53-a752-45ef-a943-4ad435a8a028_960x640.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EKbi!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa333eb53-a752-45ef-a943-4ad435a8a028_960x640.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EKbi!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa333eb53-a752-45ef-a943-4ad435a8a028_960x640.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EKbi!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa333eb53-a752-45ef-a943-4ad435a8a028_960x640.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Reader&#8217;s note: The Lockheed 8 Sirus &#8220;Tingmissartoq&#8221; that the Lindberghs flew is now at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC. </p><p>See: https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/charles-lindbergh</p><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Cost: Trump, China, and American Revival]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Cost: Trump, China, and American Revival by Maria Bartiromo and James Freeman.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/the-cost</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/the-cost</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 01:58:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Despite Anthony C. Sutton&#8217;s<a class="footnote-anchor" data-component-name="FootnoteAnchorToDOM" id="footnote-anchor-1" href="#footnote-1" target="_self">1</a> later pulp non-fiction and the faultiness of his Magnum Opus, his early work is scholarly and important (e.g., &#8220;Western Technology and Soviet Economic Development&#8221; [3 vols.], and &#8220;Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution&#8221;). We shall get back to this shortly.</p><p>Interestingly, Maria Bartiromo is known to sometimes espouse a different view of the world than many of the other members of the two globalist organizations that she is a member of (the Council on Foreign Relations and the World Economic Forum) while James Freeman (a Yale graduate on the board of the William F. Buckley Jr. program) is also known to provide deep editorial and historical contexts to world affairs from her position.</p><p>Here the two have collaborated to produce a book with a thesis that the United States has reached a critical inflection point where the old approach of globalist cooperation, particularly with China that began in the Nixon and Kissinger era, has become a direct threat to American economic and national security.</p><p>They chronicle decades of Chinese Communist Party exploiting international trade rules they blame for America&#8217;s dangerous dependence and a hollowing out of the American middle class. </p><p>Of course, that view is too myopic. China&#8217;s trade practices were only one piece of the puzzle; other factors also converged to fuel foreign dependence and domestic denuding.</p><p>In fact; given the trade instruments and policies that began with President George H. W. Bush&#8217;s NAFTA vision (passed by Congress and ratified into law by President Bill Clinton), it is  fair to say that over the past decades U.S. politicians facilitated both the subsequent foreign dependence and domestic denuding at scale that far exceeds the scope of the 'China factor' alone. </p><p>Indeed, that perspective became <em>institutionalized.</em> Government and both political parties, academia, the media, the business sector and associated organizations, etc. advanced and advocated for it. </p><p>Students were indoctrinated with curricula universally validating these policies while the prevailing media consensus asserted that the U.S. could maintain primacy simply by transitioning into a wholesale service economy.</p><p>And so this book&#8217;s authors posit that Donald Trump&#8217;s presidency represents a necessary change aimed at dismantling this status quo through aggressive deregulation and nationalist economic policies to fix these problems. They frame the Trump administration&#8217;s trade policy and domestic tax reforms as a coherent strategy to restore American sovereignty and force a &#8220;re-shoring&#8221; of industry that would benefit the American worker and national interest over a global elite intent on increasing their personal wealth as fast as possible in a non-symbiotic manner.</p><p>Specifically, the authors argue for an end to turning over Western competitive advantages (e.g., technology, science, medicine, etc.) along with the jobs and work of U.S. citizens to build foreign nations into our greatest economic and military competitors in the world. </p><p>They outline various ways this is presently being accomplished (e.g., deregulation, tax cuts, tariffs, supply chain repatriation, etc.) which is explained in more detail.</p><p>While the authors offer valuable perspectives shaped by their specific worldviews, a comprehensive understanding of these complex topics requires broader analysis and deeper historical context.</p><p>As previously noted, one area of focus involves the long-term collaboration between U.S. political and financial elites to enrich themselves by fostering the growth of foreign powers whose ideologies directly conflict with American interests. Such analysis is desirable for it reveals a fault in Western international political economy behavior. </p><p>Although written decades apart and aimed at different adversaries (the Soviet Union then, China now); the earlier works of Anthony C. Sutton and similar scholars and contemporary like-minded authors such as Bartiromo and Freeman read like the prequel and sequel to a single story showing how the transfer of Western capital and technology via various means and mechanisms, the offshoring of jobs, the inward migration of foreign firms to compete with domestic companies, the importation of replacement labor, supportive political lobbying and campaign funding toward policy capture for this, etc. threaten Western economic and national security.</p><p>Setting aside a debate on specific individual and organizational culpability, it is evident that Western powers twice facilitated the rise of their primary geopolitical rivals into existential threats during the 20th and 21st centuries. Historical precedent suggests we were fortunate to emerge victorious from the first iteration and fortunate to remain resiliently intact during the second.</p><p>Other popular authors who&#8217;s publications echo Bartiromo and Freeman&#8217;s book include James Mann, Michael Pillsbury, Graham Allison, Stephen Walt, etc.</p><p>Maria Bartiromo has garnered significant professional accolades, including two Emmy Awards and a Gracie Award for her documentary work and financial reporting. She graduated from New York University in journalism and economics and was on the NYU Board of Trustees with tenure as an adjunct professor at the NYU Stern School of Business.</p><p>James Freeman graduated from Yale College where he serves on the board of the William F. Buckley, Jr. Program. His professional credentials bridge the gap between financial regulation and journalism.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg" width="750" height="1156" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1156,&quot;width&quot;:750,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:116134,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.ppothier.com/i/197434905?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ImGA!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0967854d-4c3e-4e17-b0c4-6d76737e4555_750x1156.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p><div class="footnote" data-component-name="FootnoteToDOM"><a id="footnote-1" href="#footnote-anchor-1" class="footnote-number" contenteditable="false" target="_self">1</a><div class="footnote-content"><p>Grokpedia: https://grokipedia.com/page/Antony_C._Sutton</p><p></p></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toastmaster's International Guide to Successful Speaking]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toastmaster's International Guide to Successful Speaking: Overcoming Your Fears, Winning over Your Audience, Building Your Business & Career by Jeff Slutsky and Michael Aun.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/toastmasters-international-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/toastmasters-international-guide</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 17:00:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Toastmaster&#8217;s International Guide to Successful Speaking: Overcoming Your Fears, Winning over Your Audience, Building Your Business &amp; Career (1997) by Jeff Slutsky and Michael Aun is a comprehensive manual designed to help people overcome anxiety and wield public speaking as a powerful professional tool. </p><p>This book covers: </p><p>1. <strong>Conquering Communication Anxiety</strong>: It provides practical, psychological strategies to channel nervous energy into enthusiasm; prepare thoroughly to minimize the &#8220;fear of the unknown&#8221;; and use visualization techniques to build confidence before stepping on stage.</p><p>2. <strong>Audience Engagement &amp; Persuasion</strong>: Analyze your listeners to tailor your message to their needs; use humor, storytelling, and &#8220;hooks&#8221; to keep people attentive; master non-verbal communication, such as body language and vocal variety.</p><p>3. <strong>Professional &amp; Career Growth</strong>: Use presentations to build your personal brand; master the &#8220;impromptu&#8221; speech (critical for meetings and networking); leveraging public speaking to gain leadership opportunities and &#8220;win&#8221; clients or promotions.</p><p>4. <strong>Technical Craftsmanship</strong>: How to write a compelling opening, a logical body, and a call-to-action conclusion; visual aids, best practices for using slides and props without letting them distract from your message; the logistics, handling Q&amp;A sessions and unexpected technical glitches with grace.</p><p>This book serves as a &#8220;mentor in print,&#8221; moving beyond simple tips to provide a structured roadmap for anyone looking to find their voice and lead through communication.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg" width="700" height="934" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:934,&quot;width&quot;:700,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:324853,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.ppothier.com/i/195577375?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ibNb!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7f8bf26-be9e-4f51-ac5c-5194cdf67322_700x934.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Note: Book summary provided by Gemini 3.</em></p><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Windows Server Inside Out]]></title><description><![CDATA[Windows Server Inside Out: Updated for Windows Server 2025 by Orin Thomas.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/windows-server-inside-out</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/windows-server-inside-out</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 06:06:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oHUF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F99ed8663-4602-48fc-80f7-a04ed06dac5a_750x930.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This book covers all core Windows Server 2025 roles and features so you don&#8217;t need multiple sources (comprehensive source); provides step&#8209;by&#8209;step configurations and real-world examples that apply concepts immediately; contains detailed diagnostics and best practices shorten mean time to resolution in troubleshooting; has command samples and scripts to enable automation and repeatable deployments; is useful for certification prep; and provides guidance on hybrid and Azure integration eases migration and hybrid management.</p><p>Windows Server 2025 is a robust platform for secure, scalable, and hybrid-ready infrastructure. This is Microsoft&#8217;s server operating system release focused on modern datacenter and hybrid cloud scenarios. It provides core services (Active Directory, DNS/DHCP, file/print, IIS), virtualization (Hyper&#8209;V), storage and software&#8209;defined networking, enhanced security features (Secured-core, TPM 2.0 integration, threat mitigation), and deeper Azure hybrid integration for management, backup, and identity. It&#8217;s designed for on&#8209;premises, cloud, and edge deployments and for running enterprise applications and virtualized workloads.</p><p>Common hardware manufacturers organizations prefer for running Windows Server 2025 include HPE (ProLiant, Superdome), Dell EMC / Dell Technologies (PowerEdge), Lenovo (ThinkSystem), Cisco (UCS) (common in enterprise/virtualized datacenters with Microsoft validation), Microsoft/Surface (for edge/SMB appliances) and OEM Microsoft-validated systems, and Microsoft OEMs for virtualization platforms (VMware-certified hosts (vSphere) are widely used to run Windows Server 2025 VMs). </p><p>Note: see servers certified in Microsoft&#8217;s Compatible Products List by preferred vendors offering validated firmware/drivers and Secured-core/TPM 2.0 support for stronger security. </p><p>Windows Server Release Information: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/windows-server-release-info</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oHUF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F99ed8663-4602-48fc-80f7-a04ed06dac5a_750x930.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oHUF!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F99ed8663-4602-48fc-80f7-a04ed06dac5a_750x930.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oHUF!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F99ed8663-4602-48fc-80f7-a04ed06dac5a_750x930.jpeg 848w, 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oHUF!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F99ed8663-4602-48fc-80f7-a04ed06dac5a_750x930.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oHUF!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F99ed8663-4602-48fc-80f7-a04ed06dac5a_750x930.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oHUF!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F99ed8663-4602-48fc-80f7-a04ed06dac5a_750x930.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oHUF!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F99ed8663-4602-48fc-80f7-a04ed06dac5a_750x930.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Orin Thomas is an author and IT trainer specializing in Microsoft technologies, particularly Windows Server, PowerShell, and system administration. He has written multiple books and course materials for Microsoft Press and other publishers, taught professional Windows Server and PowerShell classes, and produced video training. His work focuses on practical, hands&#8209;on guidance for IT pros and systems administrators.</p><div><hr></div><p>Reader&#8217;s note: Also good is &#8220;Windows Server 2025 Administration Fundamentals&#8221; by Bekim Dauti. </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2pb3!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2pb3!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2pb3!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2pb3!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2pb3!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2pb3!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png" width="960" height="136" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/bbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:136,&quot;width&quot;:960,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:20411,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.ppothier.com/i/196509981?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2pb3!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2pb3!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2pb3!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2pb3!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbac2591-fd91-4573-9fdc-12d85b98d369_960x136.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mastering Ubuntu Server]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mastering Ubuntu Server by Jay LaCroix.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/mastering-ubuntu-server</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/mastering-ubuntu-server</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 05:40:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UN55!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbee00deb-d379-4af4-af98-6d5be999375a_750x925.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Though published in 2022, this is a wonderful book for those looking to learn and work with Ubuntu server distributions right through the present Ubuntu Server 26.04 LTS version as of the date of this post.</p><p>This book can also benefit Microsoft Windows engineers and administrators in the following ways: expands job opportunities (cloud, DevOps); enables work with cloud VMs, containers, and IaC tools; reduces licensing costs and adds deployment flexibility; improves Windows&#8211;Linux integration and hybrid troubleshooting; Strengthens automation, scripting, and command&#8209;line skills; and enhances security, performance tuning, and collaboration with dev teams.</p><p>Mastering Ubuntu Server by Jay Lacroix offers practical, hands-on guidance: step-by-step tutorials for installation, configuration, and administration; Comprehensive coverage: core services (SSH, networking, storage, users/groups), server roles (web, DNS, mail, database), and containerization; Modern tooling &amp; cloud focus: coverage of cloud-init, snaps, systemd, LXD/LXC, and common cloud deployment patterns; Security and hardening: best practices for firewalling, user permissions, updates, and backup strategies; Troubleshooting and maintenance: diagnostic techniques, logs, and routine maintenance workflows; Targeted for admins: suitable for new and intermediate sysadmins seeking job-ready skills and real-world examples, etc.</p><p>Ubuntu Server is a Linux distribution focused on servers and cloud deployments. It provides a secure, stable, and regularly updated platform with long-term support (LTS) releases, package management via APT, and support for common server roles (web, database, file, DNS, container and virtual machine hosting). It includes cloud-init for cloud instance initialization, snaps for packaging, and broad hardware and cloud-provider compatibility.</p><p>Common hardware manufacturers organizations prefer for running Ubuntu Server include Dell EMC (PowerEdge), HPE (ProLiant and Apollo), Lenovo (ThinkSystem), Cisco (UCS servers), Supermicro, Fujitsu (PRIMERGY), Intel (reference platforms / server boards), and Oracle (SPARC and x86 servers for enterprise deployments).</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UN55!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbee00deb-d379-4af4-af98-6d5be999375a_750x925.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UN55!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbee00deb-d379-4af4-af98-6d5be999375a_750x925.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UN55!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbee00deb-d379-4af4-af98-6d5be999375a_750x925.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UN55!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbee00deb-d379-4af4-af98-6d5be999375a_750x925.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UN55!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbee00deb-d379-4af4-af98-6d5be999375a_750x925.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UN55!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbee00deb-d379-4af4-af98-6d5be999375a_750x925.jpeg" width="750" height="925" 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Jay LaCroix is a Linux systems author, trainer, and DevOps educator known for practical books and tutorials about Ubuntu and server administration. He writes guides, runs workshops, and produces hands&#8209;on content for sysadmins and DevOps engineers.</p><div><hr></div><p>Reader&#8217;s note: Other valuable books that aid with Ubuntu Server include &#8220;The Official Ubuntu Server Book&#8221; by Kyle Rankin &amp; Benjamin Hill (authoritative, broad server topics) and the &#8220;Ubuntu Linux Bible&#8221; by David Clinton (broad, practical sysadmin coverage; useful reference). </p><p>However, it is suggested to start with &#8220;Mastering Ubuntu Server&#8221; by Jay LaCroix for hands&#8209;on server administration and then supplement with the other two afterwards for deeper reference.</p><p>Official Ubuntu 26.04 release notes: https://documentation.ubuntu.com/release-notes/26.04/</p><p>Ubuntu 26.04 LTS summary (Ubuntu documentation): https://documentation.ubuntu.com/release-notes/26.04/summary-for-lts-users/</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PHXk!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PHXk!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PHXk!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PHXk!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PHXk!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PHXk!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp" width="182" height="182" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/edfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:182,&quot;width&quot;:182,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:6486,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/webp&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.ppothier.com/i/196507882?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PHXk!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PHXk!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PHXk!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PHXk!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fedfc4281-0cff-4caf-b1a3-d09bb893fc09_182x182.webp 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Decline of the West]]></title><description><![CDATA[The decline of the West (Vols. 1 and 2) by Oswald Spengler (1918, 1922).]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/the-decline-of-the-west</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/the-decline-of-the-west</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:01:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>An interesting book in two volumes written before the first World War, by a German philosopher and historian who believed that Western Civilization was headed for a &#8220;culture war&#8221; which would usher in a state of decay and ultimately lead to the civilization crumbling.  </p><p>Spengler felt that the West had already entered a protodecadent phase which was being celebrated by as &#8220;enlightened&#8221; that signaled the beginning of the end for the civilization. </p><p>Certainly Spengler had his critics, and likely still does; however, this is an interesting read from the perspective of the 21st century given the state and trends in Western Civilization today.</p><p>Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/declineofwest01spenuoft/page/n5/mode/2up</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg" width="750" height="787" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:787,&quot;width&quot;:750,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:142893,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.ppothier.com/i/182366402?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VQWC!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2174d5b-929b-4ee3-8e38-553df80776e6_750x787.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Case for Ancient Monotheism]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Case for Ancient Monotheism Documentary at InspiringPhilosophy]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/the-case-for-ancient-monotheism</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/the-case-for-ancient-monotheism</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:28:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/youtube/w_728,c_limit/b-bMgXQV7no" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Case for Ancient Monotheism Documentary at InspiringPhilosophy</p><p>Michael Jones holds a Master&#8217;s degree in Philosophy, is a prominent figure in Christian apologetics, and is the creator and owner of the YouTube channel <em>InspiringPhilosophy</em>. </p><p>This video doesn't make a case for original monotheism and omits much of the supporting evidence and reasoning for original monotheism; however, this presentation is well worth watching for its sourcing and treatment of ancient monotheism. </p><div id="youtube2-b-bMgXQV7no" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;b-bMgXQV7no&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/b-bMgXQV7no?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>This video&#8217;s sources:</p><p>Samuel Noah Kramer - The Babel of Tongues: A Sumerian Version (1968)</p><p>Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta - https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/section1/tr1823.htm</p><p>Andrew Lang - The Making of Religion</p><p>A. W. Howitt - The Native Tribes of South-East Australia</p><p>Wilhelm Schmidt - &#8220;The Origin and Growth of Religion,&#8221; and, &#8220;High Gods In North America&#8221;</p><p>Winfried Corduan - In the Beginning God</p><p>Mircea Eliade - The Quest: History and Meaning in Religion</p><p>Aboriginal &#8216;memories&#8217; of Australia&#8217;s coastline go back more than 7,000 years - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150917091401.htm</p><p>Early human occupation of southeastern Australia: New insights from 40Ar/39Ar dating of young volcanoes - https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article-abstract/48/4/390/581018/Early-human-occupation-of-southeastern-Australia</p><p>Alfred Radcliffe-Brown - Structure and Function in Primitive Society, Essays and Addresses</p><p>Lester Hiatt - Arguments about Aborigines</p><p>Lloyd Warner - A Black Civilization</p><p>Geza Rohiem -  Australian Totemism</p><p>Arthur Lehmann &amp; James Myers - Magic, Witchcraft, &amp; Religion</p><p>K. Langloh Parker - The Euahlayi Tribe</p><p>Blake Grangaard &amp; David Noss - A History of the World&#8217;s Religions</p><p>Edward Gifford - The Cultural Position of the Coast Yuki</p><p>Jay Miller - High-Minded High Gods in North America</p><p>Edward Curtis - The North American Indian, Vol 14</p><p>Roland Dixon - Maidu Texts</p><p>The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (1977)</p><p>C.R. Coulter &amp; P. Turner - Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities</p><p>Edward Lenik -  Making Pictures in Stone</p><p>Keith Carlson - The Power of Place, The Problem of Time</p><p>Mary A. Robison - Mi&#8217;kmaw Religion in Eskasoni, Nova Scotia</p><p>Terry Leblanc Lecture -  https:// www.youtube .com/watch?v=5UyMhwYN0jM</p><p>Edward Mann - The Aboriginal Inhabitants of the Andaman Islands</p><p>Pursenla Ozuku - Theistic &amp; Animistic Beliefs of the Supernatural</p><p>Gwinyai Muzorewa - African Origins of Monotheism</p><p>W.E. Abraham - The Mind of Africa</p><p>John Mbiti - Concepts of God in Africa</p><p>Rukwaro &amp; Maina - Transformation of Maasai Art and Architecture</p><p>W.S. &amp; K. Routledge - With a Prehistoric People</p><p>David P Crandal- The Place of Stunted Ironwood Trees</p><p>Michael Gelfand - The Shona Religion</p><p>Molefi Kete Asante &amp; Ama Mazama - Encyclopedia of African Religion</p><p>Tobias Haller - The Contested Floodplain</p><p>Steadman, Lyle B., et al. The Universality of Ancestor Worship - https://www.jstor.org/stable/3774025</p><p>Jordan Paper - The Deities Are Many</p><p>Edward Surman - Mobile People, Mobile God</p><p>Scott Littleton &amp; Peter Conner - &#8220;Inca&#8221; Gods, Goddesses, and Mythology, vol. 6</p><p>Gordon Brotherston - Latin American Traditional Religions</p><p>Juliet Clutton-Brock - The Walking Larder</p><p>J. Howland Rowe - Eleven Inca Prayers from the Zithhuwa Ritual</p><p>Tarmo Kulmar - On Supreme Sky God From the Aspect of Religious History</p><p>Jeremy Black - The Literature of Ancient Sumer</p><p>Jean Bottero - Mesopotamia: Writing, Reasoning, and the Gods</p><p>T.J. Meek - Hebrew Origins</p><p>Marvin Pope -  El in the Ugaritic Text</p><p>Karel Van Der Toorn - Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible</p><p>Henryk Simon - Wilhelm Schmidt&#8217;s Theory of Primitive Monotheism</p><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Return of the God Hypothesis]]></title><description><![CDATA[Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen C. Meyer]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/return-of-the-god-hypothesis</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/return-of-the-god-hypothesis</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:01:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/youtube/w_728,c_limit/pwL3ZKlwEoc" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Return of the God Hypothesis: Three Scientific Discoveries That Reveal the Mind Behind the Universe by Stephen C. Meyer.</p><p>In this book, Meyer argues that three major scientific discoveries of the last century point toward a &#8220;theistic&#8221; conclusion rather than a materialistic one, incorporating the inference to the best explanation and goes farther than just an unnamed intelligence. </p><p>The three major scientific discoveries discussed are:</p><p>1. The Beginning of the Universe</p><p>Meyer points to Big Bang cosmology and the evidence for a finite beginning to space and time. He argues that if the universe had a beginning, the cause must be &#8220;transcendent&#8221;&#8212;meaning it exists outside of space and time.</p><p>2. The Fine-Tuning of Physics</p><p>He explores the &#8220;Goldilocks&#8221; conditions of the universe. The fundamental laws and constants of physics (like the strength of gravity or the expansion rate of the universe) appear precisely calibrated to allow for life. Meyer argues that the probability of this happening by chance is so low that &#8220;design&#8221; is the most logical explanation.</p><p>3. Biological Information (DNA)</p><p>Meyer focuses on the &#8220;digital code&#8221; found in DNA. He contends that in our experience, complex, functional information always originates from an intelligent mind. Therefore, the presence of high-order information in the first living cell suggests an intelligent source rather than blind chemical evolution.</p><p>Meyer argues that theism provides the most "causally adequate" explanation for all three discoveries and that rather science being at odds with the God hypothesis, rather science is actually evidencing the return of faith in God. </p><p>Stephen C. Meyer is an American philosopher of science, author, and advocate for intelligent design. He is a senior fellow at the Center for Science and Culture (part of the Discovery Institute) and director of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute's Center for Science and Culture. His best-known books arguing for intelligent design include Signature in the Cell (2009) and Darwin's Doubt (2013). Meyer holds a Ph.D. in the history and philosophy of science from Cambridge University and has been a prominent figure in debates over evolution, arguing that certain features of biology are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than undirected natural processes.</p><p>Reader&#8217;s note: A movie has been made around this book titled &#8220;The Story of Everything&#8221; which should be released soon. Here is the movie&#8217;s trailer:</p><div id="youtube2-pwL3ZKlwEoc" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;pwL3ZKlwEoc&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/pwL3ZKlwEoc?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div><hr></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HnkA!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F276ae07c-a6c9-4193-9944-972343db1a51_750x1132.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HnkA!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F276ae07c-a6c9-4193-9944-972343db1a51_750x1132.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HnkA!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F276ae07c-a6c9-4193-9944-972343db1a51_750x1132.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HnkA!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F276ae07c-a6c9-4193-9944-972343db1a51_750x1132.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HnkA!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F276ae07c-a6c9-4193-9944-972343db1a51_750x1132.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HnkA!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F276ae07c-a6c9-4193-9944-972343db1a51_750x1132.jpeg" width="750" height="1132" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HnkA!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F276ae07c-a6c9-4193-9944-972343db1a51_750x1132.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HnkA!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F276ae07c-a6c9-4193-9944-972343db1a51_750x1132.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HnkA!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F276ae07c-a6c9-4193-9944-972343db1a51_750x1132.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HnkA!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F276ae07c-a6c9-4193-9944-972343db1a51_750x1132.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div 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stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Skill With People]]></title><description><![CDATA[Skill With People by Les Giblin.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/skill-with-people</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/skill-with-people</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:46:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Sqa0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abf741d-8e8f-47c5-93bb-061dd672f7bb_750x1158.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;Though originally published in the 1960s, Giblin&#8217;s approach remains powerfully relevant. His emphasis on respect, clarity, and non-manipulative influence stands out in today&#8217;s noisy, digital-first world. Now updated and modernized, his principles remain a roadmap for meaningful, effective communication.&#8221;</p><p>Leslie T. Giblin was awarded the 1965 Salesman of the Year. &#8220;Les was one of America&#8217;s most respected experts in the field of human relationships. With a background in sales and leadership training, his practical methods and engaging style helped generations of professionals connect, influence, and succeed.&#8221;</p><p>Skill With People website: <a href="https://www.skillwithpeople.com/">https://www.skillwithpeople.com/</a></p><p>Here is a summary of the core principles:</p><p>1. The Core Philosophy</p><p>The book operates on a &#8220;What&#8217;s In It For Me&#8221; (WIIFM) premise. Giblin argues that every person you meet is ten thousand times more interested in themselves than they are in you. Mastery of people skills comes from making others feel important and validated.</p><p>2. The Art of Listening</p><p>Listening isn&#8217;t just being quiet; it&#8217;s an active tool for influence.</p><p>    Don&#8217;t interrupt: Let people finish their thoughts.</p><p>    Ask questions: It proves you are paying attention.</p><p>    Focus entirely: Give the speaker your undivided attention to make them feel significant.</p><p>3. Making People Feel Important</p><p>Giblin suggests that the craving for appreciation is the deepest urge in human nature.</p><p>    Use their name: It is the sweetest sound to any person.</p><p>    Pause before answering: It shows you&#8217;ve actually considered what they said.</p><p>    Acknowledge them: Even a simple &#8220;thank you&#8221; should be specific to be effective.</p><p>4. How to Influence and Convince</p><p>Rather than arguing or &#8220;telling&#8221; people they are wrong, Giblin advises a more subtle approach:</p><p>    The &#8220;Yes&#8221; Technique: Get people saying &#8220;yes&#8221; to small things immediately to build a momentum of agreement.</p><p>    Let them take the credit: If you want someone to adopt an idea, make them feel as if they thought of it themselves.</p><p>    Avoid Arguments: You can&#8217;t win an argument; even if you &#8220;win&#8221; on logic, you lose the person&#8217;s goodwill.</p><p>5. Effective Praise and Criticism</p><p>    Praise: Must be sincere and public (when appropriate) to boost morale and reinforce good behavior.</p><p>    Criticism: Should be done in private, preceded by a kind word, and focused on the act rather than the person.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Sqa0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abf741d-8e8f-47c5-93bb-061dd672f7bb_750x1158.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Sqa0!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2abf741d-8e8f-47c5-93bb-061dd672f7bb_750x1158.jpeg 424w, 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stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kingdom Triangle]]></title><description><![CDATA[Kingdom Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit's Power by J.P. Moreland.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/kingdom-triangle</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/kingdom-triangle</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:01:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UO-L!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2651d047-5e66-46ef-b73e-365d51cc2a76_500x750.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>"&#8216;Kingdom Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit's Power&#8217; by J.P. Moreland is a thought-provoking book that addresses the challenges faced by contemporary Christianity. Moreland argues that the church has often neglected the intellectual, spiritual, and emotional dimensions of faith, leading to a weakened witness in the world.</p><h3>Key Themes:</h3><ol><li><p><strong>Recovering the Christian Mind</strong>:</p><ul><li><p>Moreland emphasizes the importance of intellectual engagement in faith. He advocates for a robust Christian worldview that integrates faith with reason and encourages believers to think critically about their beliefs.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Renovating the Soul</strong>:</p><ul><li><p>The book discusses the need for personal transformation and spiritual growth. Moreland explores practices that can help individuals deepen their relationship with God and cultivate a more vibrant spiritual life.</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Restoring the Spirit's Power</strong>:</p><ul><li><p>Moreland highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for effective ministry and personal transformation. He calls for a renewed emphasis on the work of the Spirit in the life of the church and individual Christians.</p></li></ul></li></ol><h3>Structure:</h3><p>The book is structured around these three main themes, with each section providing insights, practical applications, and theological reflections. Moreland draws on scripture, philosophy, and personal anecdotes to illustrate his points.</p><p>&#8216;Kingdom Triangle&#8217; serves as a call to action for Christians to engage their minds, nurture their souls, and rely on the Holy Spirit's power. Moreland's work is both a critique of the current state of the church and a hopeful vision for its future, encouraging believers to reclaim a holistic approach to their faith&#8221; GPT-4o (Duck.ai).</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UO-L!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2651d047-5e66-46ef-b73e-365d51cc2a76_500x750.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UO-L!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2651d047-5e66-46ef-b73e-365d51cc2a76_500x750.jpeg 424w, 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UO-L!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2651d047-5e66-46ef-b73e-365d51cc2a76_500x750.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UO-L!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2651d047-5e66-46ef-b73e-365d51cc2a76_500x750.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UO-L!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2651d047-5e66-46ef-b73e-365d51cc2a76_500x750.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UO-L!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2651d047-5e66-46ef-b73e-365d51cc2a76_500x750.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div 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stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Edge Induced Cohesion]]></title><description><![CDATA["A Historian's Eye View of the World"]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/edge-induced-cohesion</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/edge-induced-cohesion</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:45:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XN9g!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd10837fc-a708-4521-8772-f895fbee7b54_962x356.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A blog filled with many interesting articles from a person I do not know and whom I have never met.  Yet the articles offer real value to readers, with respect to the wide spectrum of topics the author competently investigates.  History, science, metaphysics, religion, etc. </p><p>And so, an introduction to <a href="https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/">Edge Induced Cohesion</a> is made: <a href="https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/">https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/</a></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XN9g!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd10837fc-a708-4521-8772-f895fbee7b54_962x356.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XN9g!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd10837fc-a708-4521-8772-f895fbee7b54_962x356.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XN9g!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd10837fc-a708-4521-8772-f895fbee7b54_962x356.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XN9g!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd10837fc-a708-4521-8772-f895fbee7b54_962x356.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XN9g!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd10837fc-a708-4521-8772-f895fbee7b54_962x356.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XN9g!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd10837fc-a708-4521-8772-f895fbee7b54_962x356.png" width="962" height="356" 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stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Books on Postmodernism]]></title><description><![CDATA[Summaries of a few books on postmodernism.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/books-on-postmodernism</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/books-on-postmodernism</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:19:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!WMnk!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58a14b0f-e8aa-4a4f-a252-1e80bea56b2a_1374x1005.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Summaries of a few books on the subject of postmodernism are shared below for those interested:</p><ol><li><p><strong>The gagging of God: Christianity confronts pluralism by D. A. Carson.</strong></p></li></ol><p>D. A. Carson&#8217;s &#8220;The Gagging of God&#8221; argues that many strands of modern Western thought&#8212;especially secular theology, biblical minimalism, and certain forms of modernism and postmodernism&#8212;have effectively silenced the Bible&#8217;s divine voice by treating Scripture as merely human, culturally conditioned, or ethically useful rather than as authoritative revelation; Carson critiques both liberal attempts to domesticate or revise doctrine and some evangelical accommodations to contemporary culture, insisting that genuine Christian faith requires taking the Bible&#8217;s claims about God, revelation, and truth seriously, resisting the reduction of theology to private piety or social critique.</p><ol start="2"><li><p><strong>Christian apologetics: a comprehensive case for biblical faith by Douglas Groothuis.</strong></p></li></ol><p>Douglas Groothuis&#8217;s &#8220;Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith&#8221; presents a systematic, philosophically informed defense of Christianity, covering classical arguments for God&#8217;s existence, the problem of evil, the reliability of Scripture, the historicity and resurrection of Jesus, and moral and experiential grounds for faith; Groothuis engages contemporary objections from naturalism, relativism, and pluralism, emphasizes the coherence of the Christian worldview, and argues that belief in the Bible and Jesus is rationally warranted, intellectually robust, and existentially meaningful.</p><ol start="3"><li><p><strong>Understanding postmodernism: a Christian perspective by James K. Dew Jr., and Stewart E. Kelly.</strong></p></li></ol><p>James K. Dew Jr. and Stewart E. Kelly&#8217;s &#8220;Understanding Postmodernism: A Christian Perspective&#8221; explains postmodernism&#8217;s skepticism toward metanarratives, objective truth, and fixed meaning, tracing its roots in late-modern philosophy and cultural changes; they assess how postmodern ideas (relativism, pluralism, emphasis on language and power) challenge traditional Christian claims, distinguish helpful critiques (e.g., humility about theological certainty and critique of oppressive grand narratives) from harmful relativism, and propose ways Christians can engage postmodern culture&#8212;holding to the truth of the gospel while using relational, narrative, and culturally aware apologetic methods that address postmodern sensibilities.</p><ol start="4"><li><p><strong>Postmodern times: a Christian guide to contemporary thought and culture by Gene Edward Veith Jr.</strong></p></li></ol><p>Gene Edward Veith Jr.&#8217;s &#8220;Postmodern Times: A Christian Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture&#8221; surveys the major features of postmodernism&#8212;skepticism toward objective truth, emphasis on language and interpretation, fragmentation of identity, and distrust of institutions&#8212;and traces how these developments shape literature, art, education, politics, and religion; Veith explains postmodernism&#8217;s roots and contrasts it with modern and premodern worldviews, critiques its ethical and epistemological consequences for faith while acknowledging valid cultural critiques, and offers practical counsel for Christians to respond faithfully by articulating a robust, narrative-shaped Christian worldview that engages culture critically and imaginatively without capitulating to relativism.</p><ol start="5"><li><p><strong>Truth decay: defending Christianity against the challenges of postmodernism by Douglas Groothuis.</strong></p></li></ol><p>Douglas Groothuis&#8217;s &#8220;Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism&#8221; argues that postmodern skepticism about objective truth, moral relativism, and the fragmentation of meaning undermines the intellectual foundations of Christian faith; Groothuis traces postmodernism&#8217;s philosophical roots, diagnoses how its epistemic and ethical trends erode public confidence in truth claims, and mounts a robust defense of truth&#8212;affirming objective moral and metaphysical truths grounded in the Christian worldview&#8212;while offering philosophical and apologetic responses to relativism, pluralism, and the cultural drift away from reasoned discourse.</p><ol start="6"><li><p><strong>Christian apologetics in the postmodern world by Dennis L. Okholm.</strong></p></li></ol><p>Dennis L. Okholm&#8217;s &#8220;Christian Apologetics in the Postmodern World&#8221; examines how postmodern sensibilities&#8212;skepticism toward grand narratives, suspicion of abstract rationality, and emphasis on story, community, and lived experience&#8212;reshape the context for defending the Christian faith; Okholm argues that traditional proofs must be retooled rather than abandoned, urging apologists to combine careful reason with humility, narrative and relational engagement, attention to cultural context, and an emphasis on the embodied witness of Christian communities so that apologetics remains intellectually credible and pastorally relevant amid pluralism and distrust of authoritative claims.</p><ol start="7"><li><p><strong>Is there a meaning in this text?: the bible, the reader, and the morality of literary knowledge by Kevin J. VanHoozer.</strong></p></li></ol><p>Kevin J. Vanhoozer&#8217;s &#8220;Is There a Meaning in This Text?: The Bible, the Reader, and the Morality of Literary Knowledge&#8221; argues that biblical interpretation must recover the authorial intention and the communicative act of Scripture, resisting both reader-centered relativism and reductionist historical criticism; he frames interpretation as a moral practice involving the triadic relation of author&#8211;text&#8211;reader, defends a theological hermeneutic that privileges the biblical author&#8217;s intended meaning as normatively binding for Christian faith and doctrine, and shows how responsible interpretation integrates grammar, rhetoric, historical context, and the church&#8217;s canonical and confessional traditions to yield objective, theologically relevant understanding.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!WMnk!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58a14b0f-e8aa-4a4f-a252-1e80bea56b2a_1374x1005.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!WMnk!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58a14b0f-e8aa-4a4f-a252-1e80bea56b2a_1374x1005.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!WMnk!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58a14b0f-e8aa-4a4f-a252-1e80bea56b2a_1374x1005.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!WMnk!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58a14b0f-e8aa-4a4f-a252-1e80bea56b2a_1374x1005.png 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><em>Note: Book summaries provided by GPT-5 mini. </em></p><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Complete Tales Of Washington Irving]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Complete Tales Of Washington Irving by Washington Irving.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/washington-irving</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/washington-irving</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:01:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yYgZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4740d6c9-6070-4871-9bf2-db26b7e6626e_500x783.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>"&#8216;The Complete Tales of Washington Irving&#8217; is a collection of stories by the American author Washington Irving, who is often regarded as one of the first American writers to gain international acclaim. His works are characterized by their humor, vivid descriptions, and exploration of American themes and folklore.</p><p>Some of the most notable tales in this collection include:</p><ol><li><p><strong>"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"</strong> - This story follows Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher who encounters the legendary Headless Horseman in the haunted village of Sleepy Hollow.</p></li><li><p><strong>"Rip Van Winkle"</strong> - A tale about a man who falls asleep in the Catskill Mountains and wakes up twenty years later to find that the world has changed dramatically.</p></li><li><p><strong>"The Devil and Tom Walker"</strong> - A story that explores themes of greed and moral corruption through the tale of a man who makes a Faustian bargain with the devil.</p></li><li><p><strong>"The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent."</strong> - A collection of essays and stories that includes some of Irving's most famous works, blending fiction with personal reflections.</p></li></ol><p>Irving's tales often reflect themes of nostalgia, the supernatural, and the tension between tradition and modernity. His writing style combines elements of romanticism with a keen sense of humor and irony, making his stories both entertaining and thought-provoking.</p><p>Washington Irving's influence on American literature is significant, as he helped to establish a distinctly American voice in fiction. His works have inspired countless writers and continue to be studied for their cultural and historical significance.</p><p>Washington Irving (1783&#8211;1859) was an American author, essayist, biographer, and historian, widely regarded as one of the first American writers to gain international fame&#8221; GPT-4o (Duck.ai).</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yYgZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4740d6c9-6070-4871-9bf2-db26b7e6626e_500x783.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yYgZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4740d6c9-6070-4871-9bf2-db26b7e6626e_500x783.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yYgZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4740d6c9-6070-4871-9bf2-db26b7e6626e_500x783.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yYgZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4740d6c9-6070-4871-9bf2-db26b7e6626e_500x783.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yYgZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4740d6c9-6070-4871-9bf2-db26b7e6626e_500x783.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yYgZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4740d6c9-6070-4871-9bf2-db26b7e6626e_500x783.jpeg" width="500" height="783" 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Universe, Visual Encylopedia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Universe, Visual Encyclopedia (DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias)]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/universe-visual-encylopedia</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/universe-visual-encylopedia</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 16:00:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!pp-V!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0300503e-73cb-4a66-a88c-3f4f334bad83_500x595.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>"&#8216;Universe&#8217; is part of the DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedia series, which is known for its visually engaging and informative content. This edition provides a comprehensive overview of the universe, covering topics such as the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the fundamental principles of astronomy.</p><p>Key features of this encyclopedia include:</p><ol><li><p><strong>Visual Appeal</strong>: The book is filled with stunning photographs, illustrations, and infographics that make complex astronomical concepts more accessible and engaging.</p></li><li><p><strong>Comprehensive Coverage</strong>: It includes detailed information about various celestial bodies, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, as well as phenomena like black holes and supernovae.</p></li><li><p><strong>Educational Value</strong>: The content is designed to be informative for readers of all ages, making it suitable for both casual readers and those seeking a deeper understanding of astronomy.</p></li><li><p><strong>Updated Information</strong>: The third edition typically includes the latest discoveries and advancements in the field of astronomy, reflecting the ongoing research and exploration of the universe.</p></li></ol><p>This encyclopedia serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the cosmos, whether for educational purposes or personal interest.</p><p>The DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedia series is a collection of visually rich reference books published by Dorling Kindersley (DK). These encyclopedias are designed to provide comprehensive information on a wide range of topics, making them accessible and engaging for readers of all ages&#8221; GPT-4o (Duck.ai).</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!pp-V!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0300503e-73cb-4a66-a88c-3f4f334bad83_500x595.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!pp-V!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0300503e-73cb-4a66-a88c-3f4f334bad83_500x595.jpeg 424w, 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stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Astronomy A Self-Teaching Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide by Dinah L. Moch&#233;.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/astronomy-a-self-teaching-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/astronomy-a-self-teaching-guide</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 17:00:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>"'Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide' by Dinah L. Moch&#233; is a comprehensive resource designed for individuals interested in learning about astronomy at their own pace. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole.</p><p><strong>Key Features:</strong></p><p>Self-Teaching Format: The book is structured to facilitate self-study, with clear explanations, illustrations, and review questions to reinforce learning.</p><p>Topics Covered:</p><p>The solar system, including planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.</p><p>The life cycle of stars and the different types of stars.</p><p>Galaxies and the structure of the universe.</p><p>Fundamental concepts in physics that relate to astronomy.</p><p>Illustrations and Diagrams: The book includes numerous illustrations and diagrams that help visualize complex concepts, making it easier for readers to understand.</p><p>Review Questions: Each chapter typically concludes with review questions that test comprehension and encourage further exploration of the material.</p><p>Accessible Language: Moch&#233; uses clear and accessible language, making the content suitable for beginners as well as those with some prior knowledge of astronomy.</p><p>Dinah L. Moch&#233; is an accomplished author and educator known for her contributions to the field of astronomy. She has written several books aimed at making complex astronomical concepts accessible to a general audience&#8221; GPT-4o (Duck.ai).</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg" width="500" height="616" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:616,&quot;width&quot;:500,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:121536,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.ppothier.com/i/168107253?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!p8ym!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec975ae2-0b29-48ae-b1f5-5b3aed4e6b21_500x616.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dynamics of Spiritual Life]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dynamics of Spiritual Life: An Evangelical Theology of Renewal Paperback by Richard F. Lovelace and Timothy Keller. (2020).]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/dynamics-of-spiritual-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/dynamics-of-spiritual-life</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:02:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Bl-D!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffd6ab3e1-7c5b-465a-b0d0-cd2945aaf88e_750x1125.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This book integrates biblical exegesis, a historical analysis of Protestant renewal movements, and pastoral insights to articulate a comprehensive framework for spiritual renewal and revival within Christian evangelicalism.</p><p>The book is divided into theoretical and practical sections. It begins with a survey of revival movements since the Reformation before exploring biblical paradigms of both cyclical and continuous renewal. </p><p>The latter section addresses applied theology, covering topics such as the renewal of local congregations, the &#8220;sanctification gap&#8221; in evangelical practice, common pitfalls that derail revivals, the pursuit of &#8220;live orthodoxy,&#8221; evangelical contributions to ecumenical unity, Christian engagement with the arts (termed &#8220;the evangelical muse&#8221;), the spiritual underpinnings of social concern, and forward-looking prospects for renewal.</p><p>Key chapters include:</p><ul><li><p>Jonathan Edwards and the Jesus Movement</p></li><li><p>Biblical Models of Cyclical and Continuous Renewal</p></li><li><p>Preconditions of Continuous Renewal</p></li><li><p>Primary Elements of Continuous Renewal</p></li><li><p>Secondary Elements in Renewal</p></li><li><p>The Renewal of the Local Congregation</p></li><li><p>The Sanctification Gap</p></li><li><p>How Revivals Go Wrong</p></li><li><p>Live Orthodoxy</p></li><li><p>Unitive Evangelicalism</p></li><li><p>The Evangelical Muse</p></li><li><p>The Spiritual Roots of Christian Social Concern</p></li><li><p>Prospects for Renewal</p></li></ul><p>Regarded as a classic, the work is commended for its biblical fidelity, theological equilibrium, historical depth, and pastoral relevance. </p><p>Richard F. Lovelace (1930&#8211;2020) was an American theologian and historian of church renewal movements who served as professor of church history at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary from 1969 until his retirement in 1996, continuing thereafter as professor emeritus.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Bl-D!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffd6ab3e1-7c5b-465a-b0d0-cd2945aaf88e_750x1125.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Bl-D!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffd6ab3e1-7c5b-465a-b0d0-cd2945aaf88e_750x1125.jpeg 424w, 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Bl-D!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffd6ab3e1-7c5b-465a-b0d0-cd2945aaf88e_750x1125.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Bl-D!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffd6ab3e1-7c5b-465a-b0d0-cd2945aaf88e_750x1125.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Bl-D!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffd6ab3e1-7c5b-465a-b0d0-cd2945aaf88e_750x1125.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Bl-D!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffd6ab3e1-7c5b-465a-b0d0-cd2945aaf88e_750x1125.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Great Dechurching]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Great Dechurching: Who&#8217;s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by by Jim Davis, Michael Graham, and Ryan P. Burge. (2023).]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/the-great-dechurching</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/the-great-dechurching</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:02:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This book presents findings of the largest and most comprehensive study conducted on the present phenomenon of dechurching in the United States. The authors estimate that approximately 40 million American adults have dechurched over the past 25 years representing the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history; numerically surpassing the combined impacts of the First and Second Great Awakenings and all major revivals but in the opposite direction.</p><p>The book addresses who is leaving, why they are departing, and what strategies might encourage their return. The work has been widely discussed in religious and mainstream media for its empirical rigor and pastoral insights.</p><p>Recent data as of late 2025 underscores the ongoing trend:</p><ul><li><p>Nearly 30% of American adults identify as religiously unaffiliated, marking a 33% increase since 2013 (Public Religion Research Institute).</p></li><li><p>About 57% of Americans seldom or never attend religious services, up from 40% in 2000 (Gallup).</p></li><li><p>Among young adults aged 18&#8211;29, 38% are religiously unaffiliated.</p></li><li><p>Church attendance has declined to around 30% weekly or nearly weekly participation nationwide.</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg" width="750" height="1156" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1156,&quot;width&quot;:750,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:142294,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.ppothier.com/i/182669052?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lbTB!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03070027-60a7-4c5b-88e9-1eb2cfd62e56_750x1156.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Reader&#8217;s note: In addition to the book shared above, the Journal of the European Economic Association published a study on 11/28/2025 titled &#8220;<em>Deaths of Despair and The Decline of American Religion</em>&#8221; by researchers Tyler Giles, Daniel Hungerman, and Tamar Oostrom. </p><p>The journal study demonstrates correspondence between the &#8220;the great dechurching,&#8221; which is to say the massive percentage of people who no longer attend church in the U.S. (and Western Europe); with the serious rise in suicide, drug overdose, alcoholic liver disease (which increased even in areas where alcohol use overall declined among the populace demonstrating a heavier use of alcohol among many who were still drinking), and clinical depression.  </p><p>Key Findings:</p><ul><li><p>A significant decline in organized religious participation (measured by church attendance and religious affiliation) occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, primarily among the same demographic group.</p></li><li><p>States experiencing larger drops in religious participation during this period saw correspondingly greater increases in deaths of despair.</p></li><li><p>The authors estimate that the decline in religiosity during the 1990s could account for approximately 40% of the unexpected rise in mortality rates by 1996.</p></li></ul><p>Abstract: &#8220;In recent decades, death rates from suicides, drug poisonings, and alcoholic liver disease have dramatically increased in the United States. We show that these &#8216;deaths of despair&#8217; began to increase relative to trend in the early 1990s, that this increase was preceded by a decline in religious participation, and that both trends were driven by middle-aged white Americans. Using repeals of blue laws, we find that a shock to religious participation has significant effects on these mortality rates. Our findings show that social factors such as organized religion can play an important role in understanding deaths of despair.&#8221;</p><p>Journal Article: https://academic.oup.com/jeea/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jeea/jvaf048/8351096</p><div><hr></div><div id="youtube2-6722t7Be2Vw" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;6722t7Be2Vw&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/6722t7Be2Vw?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Merry Christmas 2025!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Wishing you a very Merry Christmas "anno Domini nostri Jesu Christi" for 2025 AD.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/merry-christmas-2025</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/merry-christmas-2025</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:01:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/177801246/82d1212c507c5301e6e111f4a55fd67c.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Reader&#8217;s note: The song is &#8220;Deck the Halls&#8221; by Thomas Oliphant (1862).</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nDX8!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nDX8!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nDX8!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nDX8!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nDX8!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nDX8!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg" width="750" height="750" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:750,&quot;width&quot;:750,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:535877,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.ppothier.com/i/177801246?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nDX8!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nDX8!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nDX8!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nDX8!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41b00527-9732-41c0-84f2-4669b057b713_750x750.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mystery of Life's Origin]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mystery of Life's Origin (2nd ed.) (2020) by James Tour, et al.]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/james-tour</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/james-tour</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/46352e64-4ef3-4f9b-9f71-ec637b26ea2b_750x1124.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>This Discovery Institute published book explores origin of life research in chemistry, physics, astrobiology, biochemistry, etc. A number of authors were involved including Charles Thaxton, Walter Bradley, Roger Olsen, James Tour, Brian Miller, Guillermo Gonzalez, Jonathan Wells, and Stephen C. Meyer; however, the focus of this post will be on James Tour.</p><p>&#8220;James M. Tour is a prominent American synthetic organic chemist and nanotechnologist. He serves as the T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, with additional appointments as Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering and Professor of Computer Science at Rice University in Houston, Texas&#8221; (xAI, Grok 4, 2025).</p><p>He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Syracuse University and his Ph.D. in synthetic organic and organometallic chemistry from Purdue University. He completed postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin&#8211;Madison and Stanford University.</p><p>&#8220;Tour has authored over 800 research publications, holds more than 130 patents, and has an h-index exceeding 170, with citations surpassing 140,000. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including election to the National Academy of Engineering in 2024 and recognition as one of the world&#8217;s most influential scientists&#8221; (xAI, Grok 4, 2025).</p><p>Links:</p><ol><li><p>James Tour Group: https://jmtour.com/</p></li><li><p>James Tour journal publications page: https://jmtour.com/publications-dr-james-tour/</p></li><li><p>James Tour Evolution/Creation page: https://jmtour.com/evolution-creation/</p></li><li><p>James Tour personal statement: https://jmtour.com/hello-world/</p></li><li><p>James Tour on the origin of life: https://inference-review.com/article/animadversions-of-a-synthetic-chemist <em>and</em> https://inference-review.com/article/two-experiments-in-abiogenesis</p></li></ol><div id="youtube2-I0InjvwBXTg" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;I0InjvwBXTg&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/I0InjvwBXTg?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div><hr></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!TZmj!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fafd6971b-c684-426d-987c-51368bf1a888_750x1124.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!TZmj!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fafd6971b-c684-426d-987c-51368bf1a888_750x1124.jpeg 424w, 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Reader&#8217;s note update: I couldn&#8217;t resist sharing this interesting discussion between PhD chemist and nanotechnologist James Tour and PhD biochemist Sy Garte. These two very likeable experts share the same Christian worldview but view God&#8217;s creation through a somewhat different lens: </p><div id="youtube2-cqfPJQg8m5U" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;cqfPJQg8m5U&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/cqfPJQg8m5U?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ancient Christian Worship]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ancient Christian Worship: Early Church Practices in Social, Historical, and Theological Perspective by Andrew B. McGowan]]></description><link>https://www.ppothier.com/p/ancient-christian-worship</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ppothier.com/p/ancient-christian-worship</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul L. Pothier]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:02:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Andrew B. McGowan is an Australian scholar of early Christianity, Anglican priest, and academic administrator with a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame. He is presently the J. L. Caldwell McFaddin and Rosine B. McFaddin Professor of Anglican Studies and Pastoral Theology at Yale Divinity School.</p><p>His scholarly work centers on the ritual practices, social history, and liturgical traditions of early Christian communities, with particular emphasis on food, meals, and worship which make it an interesting addition for those researching the history of Christian ritual practices in their earliest recoverable settings.</p><p>A few interesting key points of this book which examines Christian worship during the 1st century AD through the early 5th century AD include:</p><p>1. Early worship was diverse, domestic, and centered on real communal meals rather than a separate mass.</p><p>2. Distinct Eucharistic rites, fixed liturgies, church buildings, and the normative practice of infant baptism emerged only gradually, mostly in the 3rd&#8211;4th centuries.</p><p>3. The book treats major practices thematically: meal/Eucharist, Scripture and preaching, music and prayer, baptismal initiation, gesture and space, and the shaping of Christian time (daily, weekly, annual).</p><p>Reader&#8217;s note: McGowan wrote an interesting article on July 10, 2025 titled &#8220;How December 25 Became Christmas&#8221; published at the Biblical Archaeology Society: <a href="https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/how-december-25-became-christmas/">https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/how-december-25-became-christmas/</a></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg" width="750" height="1124" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1124,&quot;width&quot;:750,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:369280,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.ppothier.com/i/179842444?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fUpo!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb747d4a0-8867-46a2-a1d5-0be6c87523d8_750x1124.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Reader&#8217;s note: For those interested in the topic of asserted pagan dependencies, Patrick Zukeran wrote an accessible article published at Probe Ministries: <a href="https://probe.org/the-pagan-connection-did-christianity-borrow-from-the-mystery-religions/">https://probe.org/the-pagan-connection-did-christianity-borrow-from-the-mystery-religions/ </a></p><p>Readers interested in a more scholarly examination may start with Ronald H. Nash&#8217;s &#8220;Christianity and the Hellenistic world&#8221; and &#8220;The gospel and the Greeks: Did the New Testament borrow from pagan thought?&#8221; Note that there is an abundance of scholars from the 20th (and now early 21st) century who wrote many accessible scholarly works rebutting the modern assertion of secularists with respect to the topic.  </p><div><hr></div><p>Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act in 1976; Allowance is made for &#8220;Fair Use&#8221; for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statue that might otherwise be infringing. All rights and credit go directly to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.</p><p>Notice: Content on this page (including reviews, business, theology, and technology commentary) is provided for informational and opinion purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or pastoral advice. Reviews may include quotations or summaries under fair use. All views expressed are those of the author alone. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided. Use and rely on this content at your own risk. For important decisions, consult qualified professionals. For copyright takedown requests or corrections, please email ppothier@substack.com with the subject &#8220;Takedown/Correction&#8221; and include full details. Effective: 2026-05-08.</p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>