Icon (Close Menu)

Philip Yancey on John Donne, Undone

Subscribe:

Episode 121 • 21st March 2024 • The Living Church Podcast • The Living Church

No man is an island,

Entire of itself.

Each is a piece of the continent,

A part of the main.

If a clod be washed away by the sea,

Europe is the less.

As well as if a promontory were.

As well as if a manor of thine own

Or of thine friend’s were.

Each man’s death diminishes me,

For I am involved in mankind.

Therefore, send not to know

For whom the bell tolls,

It tolls for thee.

Welcome back podcast listeners. Quite a Lenten poem, eh? For Western listeners, we are in the last week of Lent before Holy Week, first week for our Eastern brethren.

Meeting here in Lententide, we thought it would be a good time for a conversation about someone who has reflected deeply on sin, suffering, pain, and the faithful presence of God. Well, two people actually. The 17th-century priest and poet, John Donne, whose famous poem we opened with, and author Philip Yancey.

The poem above is actually an excerpt from a longer work called Devotions that Donne wrote from his sickbed, in a time of plague, disorientation, and deep discouragement. Where and how did he find God with him?

TLC had the joy of talking with Philip Yancey about his new book, a modern paraphrase of Devotions called Undone, and about Phillip’s own story, particularly as it relates to a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Philip Yancey has explored questions and mysteries of the Christian faith for decades in best-selling works such as Disappointment with GodWhere is God When it Hurts?, and What’s So Amazing About Grace? Philip has written more than 25 books, and his latest release is Undone: A Modern Rendering of John Donne’s Devotions. Philip and his wife live in the foothills of Colorado.

Give to support the podcast.

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Top headlines. Every Friday.

Most Recent

Bishops in Bermuda with Wes Śpiewak and Nick Dill

Episode 134 • 10th October 2024 • The Living Church Podcast • The Living Church Two bishops in Bermuda...

Angels and Demons (but Mostly Angels) with Fr. James Brent

Episode 133 • 26th September 2024 • The Living Church Podcast • The Living Church What or who are...

Election Season and Cardinal Virtues with Elisabeth Kincaid

Episode 132 • 12th September 2024 • The Living Church Podcast • The Living Church How do humans share...

Figural Graffiti with Joe Mangina

Episode 131 • 29th August 2024 • The Living Church Podcast • The Living Church How can poetry teach...