26 Letters
A podcast where we use the alphabet to explore the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement and the quirky traditions within it.
Episodes
June 30, 2023 • 63 mins
That's it! Join Sam and David as they discuss the conclusion to the Amazon Prime docu-series Shiny Happy People with episode 4, "Arrows Activated". They also discuss a little surprise at the end ;)
Mark as Played
June 23, 2023 • 62 mins
This week, Sam and David dissect the third episode of the Shiny Happy People docuseries. It's a heavy episode that covers all topics of IBLP including authority, abuse, and scandal.
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June 16, 2023 • 57 mins
It's part 2! Join Sam and David as they discuss the 2nd episode of the Amazon Prime docu-series "Shiny Happy People" - Growing up Gothard.
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June 9, 2023 • 56 mins
We're back! Join Sam and David as they give their first impressions and breakdown of episode 1 of the Amazon Prime docu-series "Shiny Happy People" covering the life and secrets of the Duggar family.
Mark as Played
July 22, 2022 • 63 mins
All good things must come to an end, and this is the end for 26 Letters. Don't worry, Sam and David leave you with a rapid-fire episode spanning many topics they didn't get to cover during the show. Listen until the end for the last top 5; it's spicy!
Mark as Played
June 24, 2022 • 53 mins
Hey friend! Look up in here! It's preaching time! On this episode, David and Sam are honored to be joined by fellow alumnus Pastor Jason Riddle to talk about preaching! The IFB world has all sorts of takes on preaching, but what can we glean from it? What should we adopt, and what should we reject? Tune in to find out!
Mark as Played
May 27, 2022 • 36 mins
This week Sam and David - mostly David - review a book titled The Forgotten Preface by Joshua Barzon. This books talks about the preface that was in the front of KJV Bibles when they were first printed and it answers the question: What did the original KJV translator think about their own work?
Book Link:
The Forgotten Preface
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May 13, 2022 • 60 mins
Welcome to B is for Baptist Distinctives, a Distinctively Baptist Episode! This week Sam and David discuss the irony of the IFB movement being so dogmatic on denominational titles, yet very few would be able to give any insight on their own Baptist history, core beliefs, and identity.
Can you name the distinctives?
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April 29, 2022 • 35 mins
Ooooo, Flannelgraph! You know that flannelgraph is the go-to visual for all good fundies, but did you know they were also used in both world wars? Join David and Sam as they jump back in time to the beginning of the flannelgraph.
Sources:
https://bydesignvisuals.org/our-history/
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4374&context=theses#:~:text=The%20first%20time%20the%20flannelgraph,Marjorie%20East%20and%20...
Mark as Played
April 15, 2022 • 47 mins
Just when you think nothing good could come out of Vegas, you learn about Southern Hills Church. This week Sam and David interview the pastor of Southern Hills - Josh Teis. Discipleship in the IFB doesn't really exist, so Sam and David bring in an expert to give some good insight.
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April 1, 2022 • 76 mins
One day you're growing up in the church youth group with activities all the time, then the next thing you know you're stranded and left with nothing to do as a "College and Career" aged individual. Why is it that the church neglects this group of people that could add valuable insight and resources to their local church? This week, Sam and David are joined by their friends Jacob and Sage Bouvier who work with the young adults in t...
Mark as Played
March 18, 2022 • 48 mins
Whether you like 'sharing from a chair' or pre-gaming the sermon with another sermon. this episode will accommodate all sorts of preferences! This week, join Sam and David as they compare the modern new fangled "small group" to the oldie but a goodie "Sunday school."
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March 4, 2022 • 45 mins
According to the Bible, the will of God is for us to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God; but in the IFB, the will of God isn't as straightforward. Join Sam and David as they discuss how the will of God can be sometimes scary and crippling.
Source Notes
Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach To Finding God's Will by Kevin DeYoung
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February 18, 2022 • 42 mins
Prep those prophets' chambers and take up that love offering! It is time to welcome the MOG. Join David and Sam as they discuss the nuanced interpretation of a man of God. It's not quite what you would think.
Sources
The Baptist Story: From English Sect to Global Movement
The Biblical, Historical, and Practical Implications of Plural Eldership Within Congregational Polity Within Souther Baptist Congregations - by Jeremy Butl...
Mark as Played
February 4, 2022 • 38 mins
No, we're not actually going away. We just had some trouble finding a word for the letter Z. What didn't have trouble finding was a fun conversation around the podcast and this first season of 26 Letters. Thank you to all you dear sweet listeners who have stuck with us thus far. We look forward to many more episodes to come!
Mark as Played
January 28, 2022 • 46 mins
If you have ever left a movement, there is a phrase you are sure to have heard a time or two from people. "You're just bitter!" But at you? Can there possibly be more to it than that?
Mark as Played
January 21, 2022 • 43 mins
This is not one of those bonfires you attend for fun. At this bonfire, we mean BUSINESS. Join David and Samantha as they jump into the history of burning things you don't agree with and how the IFB uses it for revival.
Show Notes:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/brief-history-book-burning-printing-press-internet-archives-180964697/
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/goebbels-burnings/
Mark as Played
December 24, 2021 • 23 mins
Merry Christmas Eve from 26 Letters Pod. Thanks to the fantastic listeners who gave Sam and David some of their Fundie Christmas stories to share. Stay til the end for a very special rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas!
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December 17, 2021 • 54 mins
Get your Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays outta here! Just kidding actually, this week Sam and David explore the history of 'Xmas' and then the history of the evangelical world hating on 'Xmas'. Is Xmas against your religion?
Show Sources
https://aleteia.org/2017/07/28/the-miraculous-story-behind-the-chi-rho-symbol/
https://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2012/12/xmas-the-ancient-and-grand-abbreviation/
https://www.vox.c...
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December 10, 2021 • 65 mins
Rounding out their series on women, David and Sam interview Patricia, David's mom. Patricia tells about her time in the IFB movement as a Hispanic woman - not entirely different but not entirely the same either.
Mark as Played
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