Church Daze

So we have come to the end of Season 3! We want to say a big thank you to our listeners for joining us each week as we discussed topics that can sometimes be difficult to have in our society. We are honored to have space where we can come together and be ourselves and keep it real. And in honor of keeping it real, join us as we wrap up season 3 with some of our favorite Bible stories and how they parallel with reality television.

On Church Daze, we aim to explore the intersections of faith and culture from a variety of perspectives. Particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, and when we talk about issues and experiences that we haven't gone through personally, we try to make sure that we bring in someone who has those experiences. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we are honored to have Victoria Chavis, a member of the Lumbee Tribe. Victoria discusses her experiences as a Native American, how Western Christianity has treated people of Native decent, and what Western Christianity can learn from Indigenous worldviews. Guest bio: Victoria is a citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and grew up in Robeson County, NC. She currently works as a higher education professional and is pursuing her doctorate degree in Higher Education, Opportunity, Equity, and Justice from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Some of her favorite bible verses are Deuteronomy 29:29, Jeremiah 17:9, and Romans 8:32

Book Review: This week we are discussing Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into The Life Of My Dreams written by Yvonne Orji. Orji a Nigerian-American Actress and Comedian. Best known for her role as Molly on the hit HBO series Insecure. Through her book, Yvonne takes her readers on a journey throughout life lessons she has learned by practicing her faith. Join us as we discuss Bamboozled and how living a life of vision, purpose, and service can lead you to living the life of your dreams. Scriptures referenced: Habakkuk 2:2 Resources: Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams, First Gen trailer

Salt-N-Pepa said, “Let's Talk About Sex” so lets do that! Join us today as we discuss where we learned about sex, how this new term “purity culture” has affected us as women, why some church's teachings have been abstinence only, and what the Bible says about sex! Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:16-18; 1 Samuel 18:1; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; 1 Corinthians 7:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Galatians 5:19-21; Song of Solomon 8:4 Resources: Deconstructing Purity Culture on IG, 5 Purity Culture Myths, The Love Hour Podcast - The Broken Promises of Purity Culture

Movie Review! Come Sunday is a drama film based on the true story of Bishop Carlton Pearson. The movie follows Bishop Pearson as he risks his church, family and future when he questions church doctrine after hearing God tell him salvation was for everyone. This new belief in Universal Reconciliation, cost Bishop Pearson his influence in ministry with the Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops and was eventually declared a heretic by his peers. Join us as we share our thought's on the Bishops new outlook, how he was treated by his congregation, his close friends and family post his enlightenment. Scriptures referenced: 1 John 2:1-1-2; I Timothy 4:9; I Corinthians 15:22; Romans 10:9

What is your understanding of what an evangelical is? Although, we were familiar with the term, we didn't really have a good understanding of what it truly meant. So, we decided to dedicate this podcast to understanding the definition of Evangelicalism. Join us as we explore the history of Evangelical churches, people who identify as Evangelical, and the difference between Evangelicals and Mainline Protestants. Resources: What Is An Evangelical? (video), Buckets of Evangelicals (video), Defining Evangelical, Britannica--Evangelical Church, What Is An Evangelical Christian?, Are You An Evangelical? Are You Sure?, Evangelicals vs. Mainline Protestants, Did Donald Trump Make the Church Great Again?

Many of us are familiar with the landmark decision of the U.S Supreme Court Roe v. Wade, in which the court ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects a pregnant woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. However, in the most recent election, both parties expressed promises that either supported or opposed a woman's right to choose. Join us as we discuss how political agendas and church views have impacted freedom of choice. Scriptures referenced: Genesis 2:7; Exodus 20:13; Exodus 21:22-25; Jeremiah 1:5 Other resources: What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?; 'Life' According to the Bible and the Scientific Evidence; Why Won't Pro-Lifers Act Against America's Deadly Gun Culture?; Roe v. Wade; Understanding Why Women Seek Abortions in the U.S.; Abortion: How Do Trump and Biden's Policies Compare?; Biden's Budget Proposal Removes A Decades-Long Ban on Abortion Funding; Where Major Religious Groups Stand on Abortion

Have you had to allow for both faith and science lead you? Ever wondered how far science can take you before your faith has to take the wheel? Join us as we discuss some very important moments in history that helped mold Christian beliefs, and why there seems to be tension with between people who choose either faith OR science. Resources: The Enlightenment; Scopes Trial; Galileo Galilei; Reformation; The Reformation & Science; Christianity & Science; Religion Among Scientists in an International Context

Conspiracy Theories. How many have you heard? How many have you believed? Lifeway Research says “belief in a conspiracy theory may be born out of good desire to understand the situation but dissolves into finding quickly digestible answers,” Think of it as “fast food for the mind.” Join us as we discuss the various conspiracy theories we have heard, and how conspiracy theories have impacted the church and why proving them wrong can be so challenging. Resources: Popular Conspiracy Theories; Christians, Conspiracy Theories & Credibility; How QAnon Conspiracy Theory Is Spreading in Christian Communities Across the U.S.; Christians Are Increasingly Falling Victim to Online Falsehoods; When It Comes to Conspiracy Theories, Is Christianity Part of the Problem or the Solution; We Can Reach Conspiracy Theorists for Christ; The Best Way to Fight A Conspiracy Theory;

Have you ever wondered where does the money go after tithing at your church? Is it being used for outreach in the local community or sent to a a non profit organization that aids poverty stricken communities across the world? Or is it being used on lawyers and court settlements? Join us as we uncover approximately how much money the collective church brings in yearly and how that money has been allocated. Resources: Bible Verses About Money; Top 5 Reasons Churches Get Sued; Churches & Taxes-Pros & Cons; How Churches Really Spend Their Money;

Guest Alert! On this weeks episode we had the pleasure of talking with two amazing women related to Jasmine, her mom MJ and sister Dionne. Join us as we discuss how faith, values, and grace has helped influence their parenting styles and how much parents really do understand. Scriptures referenced: Proverbs 22:6; Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4; I John 2:15-16; Romans 12:1-2 Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

SZN 3 We are so excited to be back with you all! Starting off a new season is like stating a new year in school. Whether you attended public or private school growing up, the history of our education system is worth exploring. Join us as we discuss the role of Christianity in the American educational system, the link between segregation and Christian schools and what our own experiences with public and Christian Schools were. Resources/references: The American School: From the Puritans to the Trump Era by Joel Spring, Some Christian Schools Are Finally Grappling With Their Racist Past & Segregated Present, Voucher Schools Championed by Betsy Devos Can Teach Whatever They Want. Turns Out They Teach Lies., EXvangelicals #ExposeChristianSchools, Creating & Omitting History, Racism & the Evolution of Protestant Support for Private Education, Private Schools Curriculum Downplays Slavery Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Personality test can help you discover your thinking process, strengths, and possibly your over all character makeup. Join us for our final episode of Season 2 as we discuss our Myers Briggs, Enneagram and who we relate to the most in the Bible. Resources: What Biblical Character Are You?; Everyone Has A Biblical Character That Matches Their Personality; Which Bible Character Are You?; Which Bible Character Am I?; Enneagram Type Descriptions; The Enneagram According to Your Favorite Bible Characters; Which Bible Character Are You According to Your Enneagram? Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

If you listened to last week's episode you got to hear where we were this time last year. Join us on our part 2 episode as we discuss what has changed with the world around us, our views and our hopes for the future. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

It's crazy to think 2020 was only a year ago. Besides COVID-19, we witnessed an on going wave of civil unrest in the United States. Through all of that, we remained hopeful In our political leaders as well as our church leaders to speak up and speak out against the wrong doing. Join us on the first of a two-part episode as we reflect on where we were this time last year and where we are post 2020. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Transition music by Wataboi on Pixabay Cover art by Emaejai

The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. However, places of worship have become under attack more frequently, which has resulted in the injury and death of many. Join us as we discuss how free we really are to practice our religion in a country who made sure to make it our first Amendment right. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Christian privilege is a social advantage that is bestowed upon Christians in any historically Christian society. In the United States, Christianity is considered the principle religion of the vast majority of citizens. Join us as we discuss the history of Christianity in American politics, the benefits Christians enjoy, and the different denominations within Christianity. Featuring special guest, Caroline. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Join us this week as we examine the five part Netflix docu-series “The Family”. A book which was originally written by Investigative Journalist Jeff Sharlet, explores how powerful religious influence can be, and how political leaders have used Jesus to push their own agenda. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Loyalty: The ability to remain committed to a cause and/or person regardless of the circumstances. As believers, should we be loyal to a church? Or is church hopping acceptable? Join us as we discuss what causes believers to change church's and what to consider before leaving a church. Other resources: Choosing a New Church or House of Worship via Pew Forum, 7 Bad Reasons to Leave Your Church via Christianity Today, 8 Principles to Consider Before Leaving a Church You (Used to) Love via Christianity Today, Search #LeaveLoud on Twitter Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

The Bible, which contains the Old and New Testament is said to be about 2,700 years old. It has been translated into over 700 languages and comes in a variety of translations ranging from the King James Version to the New Living Translation. In a world, were many people struggle with understanding how the Bible can be relevant to their daily lives, join the three of us as we talk about why it's ok to struggle with the Bible and how important it is to keep the faith and to ask God to reveal what is meant for you. Scriptures referenced: Mark 9:45; Mark 9:47; Matthew 26:26-28 Other resources: Biblical literalism via Wikipedia, Four Common Struggles of New Believers Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Even though May is considered mental health awareness month, it is clear with today's episode that our own mental health is a priority year round. Join us and our special guest Ama Owusuaa, a Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in Charlotte, NC, as we discuss the importance of mental health and the stigmatizes that have been placed by society and the church. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Self-Care is defined as, the practice of taking action to preserve ones own physical, mental and emotional health. The media has often defined it as giving yourself more of what you want not necessarily what you need. Join us as we take it a step further to discuss selfishness vs selflessness and self-care vs squad care and what the Bible has to say. Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Philippians 2:3-4; Mark 6:31-32; Matthew 22:39 Other resources: How #SquadCare Saved My Life, Is #SquadCare the New Self-Care? Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Guest Alert! The Bible calls Jesus a wonderful counselor, but is Jesus all we need to live a holistic life? Join us and our special guest Matthew J. Kirk as we discuss men, masculinity, counseling, and how the church has helped influence men in seeking proper counseling. You don't want to miss this episode. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

SZN 2, We are back and have plenty to talk about! If you are not aware, May is Mental Health Awareness month. While everyone may not deal with a mental illness, managing our mental health can be challenging. Join us as we discuss the difference between mental health and mental illness, strategies on how to manage mental health, and what the church and culture has taught us about managing our feelings and emotions. Scriptures referenced: Romans 7:14-25; Luke 22:44; Psalms 51:16-17 Other resources: Mental Health by the Numbers, Learn about Mental Health--CDC, In the Light with Dr. Anita Phillips Podcast--"You Asked! About Therapy" Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

From hello to I do. Married at First sight doesn't give anytime to get to know who you are saying yes to. You might get lucky and meet your perfect spouse, or someone who has no business being married. Join us and our special guest Marcus Peoples as we discuss one of the couples on this season of Lifetime's Married at First Sight, Chris Williams and Paige Banks. We talk about why everybody hates Chris, why we've stopped rooting for Paige, and how some church teachings have encouraged unhealthy relationships. Music by Wataboi on Pixabay Cover art by Emaejai

Before 2020, the concept such as lockdowns, mask mandates and social distancing were unknown to must of us. One year later they are part of our everyday language as COVID 19 continues to impact our lives. Join us on our bonus episode as we discuss how COVID 19 has affected church services and followers of Christ. Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Romans 13:1-7 Other resources: SBA Faith-based Loans; Return America; South Bay church holds indoor services as COVID-19 fines reach $100K, criminal charge possible; Data shows clusters of COVID cases linked to church services; Churches Were Eager to Reopen. Now They Are Confronting Coronavirus Cases; Masks a sign of ‘Christlike love' during pandemic, apostle says; Latino churches push Covid vaccine enrollment, but some spread misinformation; Black churches have become indispensable in Covid-19 vaccination effort; Evangelical Doctors' Group Pleads With Churches To Stay Home Music by Wataboi on Pixabay Cover art by Emaejai

March is an exciting time for 68 Division 1 college basketball teams across the U.S. While these teams participate in a single-elimination tournament we the fans, place the teams in brackets to see who will play against each other and ultimately win the championship title. So in honor of March Madness, join us as we pick our top 16 church sayings place them in brackets and go head to head to see who is the top pick. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

The wilderness is defined as a tract or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings. Can anything good come out of the wilderness? Join us, as we discuss Sarah Jakes Roberts's message "Wild Woman" about how God prepared places in the wilderness for people that helped prepare them for their life's journey. Scriptures referenced: Revelation 12:1-6 Other resources: Wild Woman by Sarah Jakes Roberts Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

What is the nature and assignment of a woman? With Eve we see the first woman, wife, and mother on earth. Join us as we discuss the creation and purpose of a woman, and what that means to us today. Scriptures referenced: Genesis 1:27 ; Genesis 2:18, 2:22 ; Acts 9:38 ; Ephesians 5:25 ; Proverbs 31 ; Titus 2 ; Timothy 3 Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

We've heard a lot about the Proverbs 31 woman. What else does the Bible have to say about being a woman? Join us as we take a closer look at Bible verses that address womanhood and how these can be applied today. Scriptures referenced: Proverbs 31 ; Proverbs 11:32 ; Proverbs 14:1 ; Proverbs 19:13 ; Proverbs 21:9 ; 1 Peter 3:1-5 ; 1 Timothy 2 ; 1 Corinthians 14: 44-45 Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

It maybe safe to say that not setting proper boundaries can cause trouble in your life. Join us today, as we discuss our own struggles with setting boundaries in our personal life and with the church, and how we are learning to keep up gates and not walls. Scriptures referenced: John 2:24; Proverbs 25:17, 26:4, 4:23; Numbers 23:19 Other resources: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend; How Setting Boundaries Can Save Your Relationship by Maryann Stigen Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

“What about your friends? Are they gonna be low down? Will they ever be around? Or will they turn their backs on you?” --TLC, circa 1992. How many of you ask these questions before becoming friends with anyone? If you are anything like us, knowing the difference between a friend and an associate came with wisdom and maturity. Join us today as we discuss what the bible says about friends and how to pick them. Scriptures referenced: Proverbs 18:24; 1 Corinthians 13:1 Other resources: What About Your Friends by Dr. Dharius Daniels Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

"Do you like me: Yes or no?" How many of you remember when "going together" was as simple as this little note? Whether you said yes or no, dating is definitely not as simple as we once believed. Join us today as we discuss our personal dating journeys and how the church and the world have impacted our choices. Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 7:32-39 Other resources: Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage & Sex by Michael Todd Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

How much do we know about the continent of Africa and how it relates to the Bible? How much do we know about the origins of Black Church in America? Join us as we discuss Blackness and Christianity and how the two intersect. Other resources: PBS--The Black Church, Why the Enslaved Adopted the Religion of Their Masters & Transformed It, Christianity's African Roots, The Black Presence in the Bible, The 5 Black Bible Heroes that America Needs Today, Evidence of Black Africans in the Bible, Black History in the Bible, Bible Emphasizes Roles of Blacks, Africa in History Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Last episode, we discussed the different parts of identity. Understanding our identity helps us to understand our purpose. In this episode, we discuss what purpose is and how we have learned to figure out our purpose(s). Scriptures referenced: Jeremiah 1:5, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 16:9 Other resources: Dr. Dharius Daniels's Biblical Intelligence Masterclass--Day 3 Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Identity helps us to answer the question, "Who am I?" Identity can involve a person's gender, race, religion, culture, and so much more. Join us today as we discuss our social identities and what the the Bible says about our identity as Christians. Scriptures referenced: Genesis 1:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 6:31; 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 Other resources: Social Identity Wheel Activity, I Am Confessions Sheet Intro music by noahmakesmusic Transition music by Wataboi on Pixabay Cover art by Emaejai

Our first bonus episode! Many things make up who we are. One of those things is the culture we grow up in. Culture is the way the brain makes sense of the world; culture is the software for the brain's hardware. Join us as we dive into our church backgrounds and how these church cultures impacted our faith journeys. Resources: Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement & Rigor among Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta Hammond (Ch. 2 What's Culture Got to Do with It?) Transition music by Wataboi on Pixabay Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

You've accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior! Now what? Join us as we explore the challenges, needs, and new discoveries of life as a new believer. Scriptures Referenced: Galatians 1; Proverbs 4:7 Other Resources: Blue Letter Bible; Dr. Dharius Daniels's Biblical Intelligence Masterclass Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

What better way to start off this journey than discussing our "come to Jesus" moments? In this episode, we discuss our personal salvation stories, our first experiences with church, and how they have shaped us. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Welcome to the Church Daze podcast with your hosts Milena, Jasmine & Erica. This weekly podcast will explore questions and conflicts about the intersections of culture and Christianity in a judgment free zone. We are regular people trying to figure out how the Bible is relevant to our lives today. We recognize that faith is a process and not perfection and we invite you on this journey with us. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai