(SIS S1 E10) The Wrackturn Method (w. Dr. Brian Melton)

By: Brian G. Chilton and Curtis Evelo | September 12, 2021

Through the summer, the Bellator Christi Podcast features a new series entitled the “Summer Interview Series” which engages the top Christian scholars and experts in their chosen fields. On the 10th episode of our Summer Interview Series, we interview Dr. Brian Melton. Dr. Melton has been a professor for years and teaches at numerous schools. He is the author of The Wrackturn Method, published by Moral Apologetics Press.

The Wrackturn Method parodies C. S. Lewis’s classic tale, The Screwtape Letters. As the demon Screwtape writes to his underling named Wormwood in Lewis’s work, so likewise a demon named Wrackturn writes to his student Nobshank. Wrackturn trains Nobshank on how to devise a destructive educational system to undermine Sardis Christian University, a bastion of Christian learning. What emerges is a sophomore entry-level textbook for Tempters Training University on how to combat Christian education. Even though Melton’s book is fictional, the concepts he expresses speaks volumes to the real life problems that threaten to unravel Christian higher education. Melton discusses his book with Brian and Curtis on this enjoyable and insightful episode.

Tell us about how you came to faith.
What was your intended purpose for your book “The Wrackturn Method,” and who is your intended audience?
In your chapter on online learning, you mentioned the dangers of adopting a business model that lowers the educational standards. What dangers do you see coming from this model?
In your chapter on Taming the Faculty, what lessons do you hope your reader will learn?
What did you mean and hope to teach in your chapter on Christians without Chests?
What are the biggest dangers you see facing Christian higher education?
Could you tell us how people can access your ministry and resources?

About our Guest: Dr. Brian Melton

Dr. Brian Melton serves as a professor for numerous schools and has taught for many years. He studied at Texas Christian University. Brian, his wife Kami, and his children live in Ellaville, Georgia. Dr. Melton recently wrote the book “The Wrackturn Method” plays off the C. S. Lewis tale, “The Screwtape Letters.” In “The Wrackturn Method,” a demon named Wrackturn writes to his minion named Nobshank about how to undermine the educational system at a local university called Sardis Christian University. Though his tale is a fictional account, he reveals real-life issues that threaten to unravel Christian higher education.

Brian Chilton: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries

Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com, the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast, the author of the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics, and a Ph.D. Candidate of the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Brian has served in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years and currently serves as a clinical chaplain, an editor for the Eleutheria Journal, and an Associate Editor for MoralApologetics.com.

https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104

Curtis Evelo: Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast

Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. Curtis is the Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He often teaches and speaks at his church Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country.

Dive Deeper with These Resources

(Article) Brian G. Chilton, “No, Wormwood, Empathy is Not a Sin,” https://bellatorchristi.com/2021/09/09/no-wormwood-empathy-is-not-a-sin/

(Article) Michelle Johnson, “What is ‘Doctrine,’ and Why Do We Need It?,” https://bellatorchristi.com/2021/06/21/what-is-doctrine-and-why-do-we-need-it/

(Article) Brian G. Chilton, “Checking the Fruit of Your Spiritual Walk with God,” https://bellatorchristi.com/2019/08/20/checking-the-fruit-of-your-spiritual-walk-with-god/