Listen Now

Why do we make resolutions to change something about ourselves, our bodies, our lives, as we approach a new year? Elane and Benton discuss the problematic nature of new year’s resolutions and propose a new way of approaching 2023. Cocktail: French 75 Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

The things we do at Christmas—the ways we celebrate, the symbols we revere, the expectations we try to meet, even the date itself—come from a hodge-podge of places, from Constantine to Nordic folklore to good advertising. This episode is dedicated to those who think there is a “war on Christmas.”  Cocktail: Hot Buttered Rum Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

December is a month full of celebrations, observances, and traditions. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are all objectively significant, while being extraordinarily different. Elane and Benton chat about each and why trying to make them somehow the same isn’t a great idea.   Cocktail: Cranberry Party Punch Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Ever feel like you’d rather be on the Island Of Misfit Toys than sitting at Aunt Matilda’s Christmas dinner table? We have too! Sometimes old ideas, traditions, and family dynamics are more than you want to deal with. Elane and Benton chat about what to do if the holiday season feels like an itchy, ill-fitting sweater to you this year.  Cocktail: Rye Manhattan Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Why does the church have its own calendar? What is the Lectionary and why do some churches follow it while others don’t? Elane and Benton chat about the seasons of the liturgical calendar, starting at Advent, and why paying attention to them matters. Cocktail: CT Bourbon Apple Sipper Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Gratitude is one of those things many of us think we’re pretty good at. I mean, how hard can it be to be grateful? Turns out, pretty darn hard sometimes. As important as counting blessings is, the practice of gratitude is about a lot more than that. Elane and Benton discuss.  Cocktail: The Bensonhurst Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Elane and Benton look at the various parts of the Jesus Prayer—also known as the Lord’s Prayer—and discuss what we can learn from what Jesus was teaching his disciples about how to pray. Cocktail: Martini Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

All of us Christians know that we are supposed to confess our sins. But what does that mean exactly? To whom do we confess, and what happens after? Elane and Benton explain and demystify confession in this episode from their series on reclaiming spiritually confusing and abusive language Cocktail: The Summitt Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

We all know the measure of holiness we should aspire to is Jesus. But it’s hard not to notice the spiritual chutzpah—or lack thereof—of others. And it can get us into trouble. Elane and Benton chat about getting (and keeping) our egos in check where our spiritual lives are concerned. Cocktail: The Editor Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Many of us have difficult relationships with our bodies—our urges, needs, and desires—because of we’ve been taught that God thinks flesh is bad. [Spoiler alert: God doesn’t think that at all.] Benton and Elane take part the word ‘flesh,’ another in their series on reclaiming shame-promoting language for post-evangelical and queer Christians. Cocktail: Autumn In Manhattan Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Most of us probably grew up with the notion that God is an old white man, with flowing hair and a beard, who we refer to as Father. Elane and Benton talk about God as paternal figure, and why it’s useful to try on new ideas.   Cocktail: Boulevardier Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

What is home for you? Is it where you grew up? Where your family is? Where your friends are? Is home a place or a state of mind? Benton and Elane discuss the complicated ideas we have about home in front of a live audience. Recorded October 10, 2022 in Nashville. Cocktail: Steeple Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

What makes a protestant protestant? Why are there so many denominations, categories, labels and sub-labels of churches in the US? Join Elane and Benton for a church history lesson.  Cocktail: The Smoldering Orange Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Benton and Elane discuss the word ‘repent’—what it is and what it isn’t and why it shouldn’t be followed with an “or else.” Another episode in their series on reclaiming Christian-ese language.  Cocktail: Key Lime Matcha Cocktail Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Elane and Benton chat about the meanings—the Latin, the Hebrew, and the English—of the word “abomination.” What qualifies as an abomination? Why would someone use the word at all, especially in reference to another person? And what are the things God considers abominable? Cocktail: Lemon Drop Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Suppose the Bible is a living, transformative bunch of books meant to be read with the purpose of learning something new each time you read it? How crazy would THAT be?? Enter Lectio Divina, a meditative way of reading Scripture that invites the Holy Spirit into the experience with you. Elane and Benton discuss this enlightening spiritual practice. Cocktail: Sidecar Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! In some churches, evangelism is a primary mission, focused on saving souls and getting people in pews. In others, evangelism is a rarely-mentioned by-product of serving the local community. Benton and Elane take a closer look at what it means to evangelize, another episode in their series on reclaiming language.    New episodes every Thursday. Listen wherever you stream podcasts! Cocktail: White Negroni  Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! Elane and Benton discuss the doctrine of substitutionary atonement--the idea that Jesus had to die to satisfy God’s wrath toward humankind. Spoiler: there are problems with this concept. New episodes every Thursday. Listen wherever you stream podcasts! Cocktail: Benton’s White Sangria  Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! What is deconstruction anyway? It’s a popular term for taking apart religious beliefs when they no longer work for you. But what happens if you take a sledgehammer to everything you believed about God, church, and yourself without building something new from the rubble? Elane and Benton talk about what comes next. #progressivechristian #queerchristian #lgbtq+ #cocktails #spirituality #spiritual #exvangelical #postevangelical #religioustrauma #churchabuse #deconstruction #reconstruction  Cocktail: Amelia Earhart Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Benton and Elane talk about one of their favorite topics, the Holy Spirit. She can be dramatic and unpredictable. She can be a quieting, awe-inspiring Presence. (They also talk about why they refer to Her with feminine pronouns.) But what does it mean to be “Spirit-filled?” Another episode in their series on reclaiming Christian-ese language. Cocktail: Gin & Tonic  Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.