Challenging Christianity

You may think you know about the life and times of Jesus Christ, but did you know that Christmas almost didn't exist?! Pastor Gina and Rebecca go in-depth into the who, when, where and why of these cornerstone books of the New Testament.

What makes a Messiah and why do we think Jesus is THE Messiah or is he? Turns out there's been a lot of them.

The Book of Daniel is about more than the lion's den. Come take a journey into this ancient political protest and see how it applies to your life today.

New guest Pastor Gina takes us through the book of Job. What lessons does this simple man with a hard life have for us? Where else can you turn within biblical writings to find solace during a hard time?

What are the differentiating factors between Christian religions? What draws you to a theology? Hillary Haden is with us to discuss her journey from fundamentalism to Lutheranism.

Do you need Lent this year? Maybe not, but some day you will. Pastor Katy breaks down the who, what, when, where and why of Lent.

How does a society's culture affect the teachings in the bible over time? Is God against our culture, and our world, or working within it?

Has Christianity sold its soul for power and influence?

: Does life in somewhat-post-pandemic-but-not-really have you confused? Us too. Pastor Katy brings her wisdom and discusses recent sermons and other biblical passages that bring context and meaning to this time in global life.

Does life in somewhat-post-pandemic-but-not-really have you confused? Us too. Pastor Katy brings her wisdom and discusses recent sermons and other biblical passages that bring context and meaning to this time in global life.

Is taking children to church indoctrination? Join the conversation about why, when, and how to engage children in spiritual life.

This episode digs into the differences between spiritually seeking as an individual and dwelling as a part of a group. Rebecca and Danielle look into the growing group of the "religiously non-affliated."

“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.”C.S. Lewis. Join Pastor Rita Anderson as we discuss this overwhelming emotion.

t Your Childhood Christmas Story What are we really waiting for during Advent? (hint, it's not the baby). And, isn't Christmas just a stolen pagen solstice holiday? Pastor Katy spills the secrets about the radical heart of Christmas.

Apolocalypse might not mean what you think. Pastor Mike is back to reveal the hope in this oft mis-characterized book. https://www.hslckirkland.org/crossways-recordings

Let's combine two explosive topics and see what happens. What does the bible say about it? Oh yah, and please exercise your right to vote.

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, Rebecca, Danielle, and Pastor Katy are back in the (online) studio. We all agreed that this is a HARD time. Come join us in our cathartic, re-inaugural episode.

Join Danielle and Rebecca as they discuss what it means to label yourself as non-religious, but still have connections and ties to an inner life. They discuss a Vox.com survey of Americans in this category and tell personal stories of their own.

Pastor Mary-Alice joins us to talk about her journey from an evangelical background to becoming a Lutheran Pastor. Here about the theology and spiritual moments that moved her to make that decision.

Is Thanksgiving secular? What is the dream of Christmas? Just in time for the holidays, Pastor Mike, Rebecca and Danielle explore the mysteries of the season.

Pastor Mike lays out his 12 principles for reforming the church in the 21st century. Has the Christian message become distorted? Do you think we need another Martin Luther moment? You don't want to miss this one.

This episode we tackle listener questions that ask about Mother Mary, Doubt, and what happens if/when Christianity fades away? Pastor Mike proclaims church decline may be an opportunity to reclaim Christianity away from the emphasis on doctrine. Hear what else he has to say in answer to listener questions.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America just announced it is a Sanctuary Church. What does that mean? Where did the idea of sanctuary come from and how is it being used today?

The printing press really was the original Twitter. Pastor Mike gives us the lowdown on the Reformation.

Join us as we discuss different Bible translations and what it all means when ancient Hebrew and Greek get modern language updates.

Is sex really a sin outside of marriage? What’s the deal with all the repression? Where do we get our ideas on sex as it relates to religion? Oh yes we did. We went there and it’s the episode you know you don’t want to miss.

What is the difference between a cult and a religion?

Danielle is our local youth minister, whatever that means. Find out her take on teaching kids religion and hear stories on youth in the church.

Abraham, Sarah, Hagar… who are these characters? Find out why is this story referenced so often and what it means to modern life. It’s part of our series on Bible basics.

Do we all have it? Do we all secretly like it? What the heck is sin anyway? This is not an episode you want to miss!

“We yearn for the divine, but in Christianity the most fundamental way that happens is not in other worldly beings but a flesh and blood Palestinian Jew who is born into a poor family and becomes a refugee, and has zero access to the power structure and is eventually executed as a terrorist.” Don’t miss Pastor Katy preaching truth!

What does Jesus and the Bible say about social justice? Join Pastor Katy and the Challenging Christianity hosts as we explore what Cornel West calls, “what love looks like in public.”

Much of what we believe about Hell is not even in the Bible.

Does prayer “work?” Learn what makes your hosts uncomfortable as they try to figure out just what is prayer anyway? Guest: Pastor Katy McCallum Sachse.

Pastor Katy McCallum-Sachse joins us to discuss why women would choose to be Christian or join a Christian church. We take on the patriarchy of the Bible and discuss feminism within its stories.

Rebecca, Danielle, and Pastor Katy McCallum-Sachse discuss fear, it’s role in our life, and how to rid yourself of it’s debilitating effects.

Laugh along with Rebecca and Danielle as they talk about research on what young(er) people are looking for in organized religion.

Join this provocative conversation as Rebecca, Danielle, and Pastor Mike take on old and new meanings of just what is heaven and hell and why it matters to you now.

Listen to a crash course about the history of this city. It’s existence informs us about the nature of tribalism which is prominent in today’s cultural discourse.

Architecture of a church flows out of the theology of the community that is gathered. In this episode, we talk about the history of the space that shapes worship and how worship shapes the space.

Dive into the parting of the red sea and listen to our take on what it means to be led to freedom.

Think you know the story of Noah’s ark? We talk about it’s apocalyptic theology, leaning into kindness, and just what is “God’s will” anyway? Join us for a challenging take on this famous children’s story.

Pain is a problem. A big theological problem. If God is all good, why is there suffering? Join us as we tackle this very difficult question with very personal stories.

We reveal the world’s most intimidating question. Have you ever been asked it? How are you supposed to react?

Our inaugural episode sheds light on this misguided debate. Prepare to leave your assumptions behind as we reveal our thoughts on walking on water, evolution, and science.