The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 002 — Authorial Intent & Reading Well
Welcome to Episode 2 of The Thinklings Podcast!
This week the Thinklings discuss recent reading, why The Chronicles of Narnia should be read in publication order, the importance of cultivating a lifelong reading habit, and Andy introduces one of the foundational principles of biblical interpretation: authorial intent. The episode concludes with a meditation from Isaiah 5, reminding believers to discern good from evil by reading God’s Word according to the meaning God intended.
⏱️ Chapters
0:00 — Introduction
1:00 — Books & Business
2:21 — Reading The Chronicles of Narnia
5:14 — Why Narnia Should Be Read in Publication Order
7:25 — Wordsmithy & Growing as a Writer
11:16 — Main Discussion: What Is Authorial Intent?
21:07 — Final Meditation: Isaiah 5:20–24
📚 Books & Business
Thinkling Little
📖 The Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature — Roland Murphy
Tim shares his thoughts after reading Murphy’s work on biblical wisdom literature, explaining why the book ultimately fell short of expectations despite a few helpful sections on Proverbs.
Thinkling Carter
📖 The Chronicles of Narnia — C.S. Lewis
Charlie reflects on revisiting Narnia, the wonder of first encountering Aslan, and why readers should experience the series in the order Lewis originally published it rather than chronological order.
Thinkling Stearns
📖 Wordsmithy — Douglas Wilson
Andy recommends Wordsmithy as an encouraging resource for aspiring writers and discusses why consistent reading and writing strengthen one another over time.
🌿 Final Meditation
Isaiah 5:20–24
Tim closes the episode by examining Isaiah’s warning against calling evil good and good evil. Christians must allow God’s Word—not culture or personal preference—to define truth, goodness, and righteousness. Reading Scripture according to the author’s intended meaning brings clarity, while imposing our own meanings only produces confusion and darkness.
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