Cocktail Theology

Progressives of any kind are generally thought of as forward-thinking non-traditionalists who dare to question conventionality and work at cultivating and spreading new ideas. Some of that is true of some progressive Christians. But ancient ideas, Biblical context, history, and lived experience are all vital to a healithy, progressive Christian life. Elane and Benton discuss what makes a progressive Christian progressive in the first episode of Cocktail Theology's fifth season! Cocktail: Manhattan Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Jesus and Hercules? Well, we can think of a few. Elane and Benton close out Season 4 with a conversation about the Incarnation. Cocktail: Evan Williams (Extra Noggy) Eggnog Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

What is moral authority and where does it come from? Do we as a society care about moral authority? And where should Christians look for moral authority (besides Jesus, of course)? Benton and Elane discuss while sipping a Prohibition Era cocktail, the Scofflaw. Cocktail: Scofflaw Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Should Christians vote for Christians to represent them in government? If the answer is “yes,” then the next question is “why?” Elane and Benton discuss, among other things, the qualities and qualifications that cause people of faith to vote for one person over another. Cocktail: Pressure Drop Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Power—and the desire each of us has for it—is the concern God confronted when They handed Moses the Ten Commandments. Bottom line: Power is at the root of sin. Elane and Benton have a (rather philosophical) conversation about the pitfalls of power. Cocktail: Stokes's Sidecar Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

God moves--and speaks--in mysterious ways. Benton and Elane chat about the ways they have (and haven't) heard God speak, and pose the question: "How do you know it's God?" Cocktail: The Ford Cocktail  Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton discuss the meaning and misunderstandings around the word ‘godliness' as it appears in the Bible and in fundamentalist ideology—while drinking bourbon, as one does.  Cocktail: The Preakness Manhattan Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Who do you trust? What does “trust” even mean? Benton and Elane delve into trust while sipping a cilantro-laced cocktail. Cocktail: Cilantro Fields Forever Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton point out some of the really funny things in the Bible in response to a listener's question, while sipping another delicious fall cocktail.

What makes a day “holy?” Within our many faith traditions, we may mark some days as holy, but what about as a culture, a society? Elane and Benton chat about holidays and hoy days while sipping a festive fall cocktail. Cocktail: Calabaza Borracha (Drunk Pumpkin) Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Why are there so many denominations? If we all worship the same God, why can't we all do it together? Should we all be working together to find common ground, or is it okay that we have 10,000 different ways to do it? Elane and Benton start an exploration of denominations while sipping a fall cocktail. Cocktail: The Dusty Apple Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Contentment, at least the kind the Apostle Paul wrote about, is more than just happiness. More than the absence of pain or disappointment. More than the glow of health, wealth, or success. Elane and Benton talk about what contentment is (and isn't), and how we get it (and keep it). Cocktail: The Perfect Rye Manhattan Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

We know what happens to our bodies when they die, but what about our souls? And what bearing—if any—does what we do with a body after its death have on its companion soul? Elane and Benton have a conversation about cremation while sipping cocktails.

Have we lost our moral compass—assuming we ever had one? Elane and Benton discuss where our morals come from as a society, what counts as “truth,” and our one hope—hint: Jesus taught it—of ever living as a moral society. Cocktail: Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

NEW EPISODE! When we sing our worship songs, gather in worship services, enter into worship, what does all that mean to God? And what does that mean for us? Benton (a worship leader) and Elane (a preacher/teacher) discuss what worship is and why it's important. Cocktail: Elane's Tequila Sunrise Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

NEW EPISODE! Where do our ideas about faith come from? Is there such a thing as “biblical” faith? Is faith something you earn, keep, lose? (And what was George Michael singing about exactly?) Benton and Elane talk faith over drinks. Cocktail: My Tailor Is Rich Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

If I tell you that I'm a Christian, what does that say to you? Does it make you want to ask questions? Run for the nearest exit? Punch me in the face? The term “Christian” is loaded, for sure. And many of us who seek God in the way of Jesus have concerns. Elane and Benton discuss. Cocktail: El Diablo Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

If we each have a soul, where do souls come from and where do they go when our bodies die? Are souls bad by nature or created good? How does God feel about our souls? Benton and Elane talk about souls and depravity while sipping a great cocktail, as usual. Cocktail: I'll Have What She's Having Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Who is Satan and where did he come from? Are Satan worshippers the threat some Christians believe them to be? Benton and Elane have a chat about the Ringmaster of Hell. Cocktail: Satan's Whiskers Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton discuss what the term “pro-life” means these days—politically, philosophically, and spiritually. WARNING: Some of the content in this episode could be upsetting or triggering to some listeners. Discretion is advised. Cocktail: September In Maine Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

What do you do when Aunt Bea wants to talk about the QAnon theories she believes at Thanksgiving dinner…again?? How does a Jesus-follower respond to Christian nationalism? And is Christianity actually Christendom? Elane and Benton discuss. Cocktail: Name TBD Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Is smoking a sin? What about drinking or gambling? Just because an activity or behavior might be deemed unhealthy, is it also necessarily considered sinful? Benton and Elane discuss.  Cocktail: Black Currant Spritz   Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

God has traditionally been known as a “He” (thanks, King James Version). But because we understand that—though God is a person (listen to our last episode!)—God is not, in fact, human and does not have an actual body, God cannot have a singular gender. Also: God was Father to Jesus, but what feelings does God as Father conjure up for you? Elane and Benton discuss. Cocktail: El Presidente Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Theologians and philosophers have posed the question, “Who is God?”, for thousands of years. Elane and Benton won't answer it in 20 minutes. But they will share a few things they've learned (and are continuing to learn) about God--that maybe you haven't considered--that are foundational to their theology. Cocktail: Beachcomber Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Nature has been the subject of more poems, songs, and documentaries than any of us can count. Our natural environment—and humanity's impact on it—is in the news daily. I think most people would agree that nature can be wild, vast, mysterious, beautiful, and awe-inspiring. But is nature…holy? Elane and Benton discuss.  Cocktail: Tinto Verano   Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Humans are complicated creatures. And our complexities show up unmistakably when we are under stress. Elane and Benton talk about their upcoming SFS course, The Various Parts Of A Miraculous You, which discusses the six parts of us that make us us: mind, spirit, soul, body, will, and environment. For more information: www.wearesfs.com Cocktail: Elane's Boozy Dole Whip   Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane chats with Jesuit priest, best-selling author, and well-known LGBTQ+ advocate Fr. James Martin. They talk about why many Christians are intolerant of queer people, what makes a Jesuit a Jesuit, and why the story of Lazarus is still so compelling.  Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton chat about values—what they are and what they aren't. Also: the truth about beliefs. And integrity might come up too.  Cocktail: The Greek Baby Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

The Southern Baptist Convention recently voted to oust Saddleback Church, one of the first megachurches in America, from its denomination, not because of moral or ethical issues, but because Saddleback was allowing women to preach and serve in leadership roles. What would cause a religious giant like the SBC to make such a bold—or boneheaded, depending on who you ask—decision? Elane and Benton discuss what happens when culture and church collide. Cocktail: Lingonberfig Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

There is a pervasive, perpetual cheerfulness present in many (maybe most) churches. Why is that? Are church-going Christians always happy? Is it all a show? Benton and Elane discuss. Cocktails: Kentucky Mule and Perfect Martini Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Here's a shocker: Jesus asked questions! In the Gospels, we know Jesus asked questions of God, of Pharisees and Scribes, of his disciples, and of the crowds that followed him around. He taught by using parables, which often created more questions than answers. Elane and Benton discuss questions and the important part they play in the life of a Jesus-follower. Cocktail: The Mayday Theme song is "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you stream music.

If you believe in fate, can you also believe in luck? And what about karma? And how do these concepts co-exist with a worldview that is influenced by the life and teachings of Jesus? So many questions! Benton and Elane discuss. Cocktail: Basil Berry Gimlet Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you stream music!

A worldview is basically how you see and experience the world around you and beyond you. The Bible is, well, the Bible--66 books written over multiple centuries by a large number and diversity of authors for a wide range of audiences. Is it possible to see and experience the world through the lens of...the Bible? And who is saying we should all have a Biblical worldview...and why? Elane and Benton discuss. Cocktail: The White Lady Theme song is "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. You can find it and all of Benton's music wherever you stream your tunes online.

Elane talks with writer (and longtime friend) John Birdsall about professional cooking, the AIDS Crisis, strawberries, holiness, life in a upscale deli, and much more. John is the author of author of The Man Who Ate Too Much: A Biography Of James Beard. Cocktail: Brown Derby Theme music: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes, available wherever you stream music.

As we try to make sense of things that make no sense in our lives, sometimes the question arises: "Why me?" What is it we are really asking? What if the answer is, "Why not you?" Elane and Benton discuss.   Cocktail: Pineapple Margarita Theme Song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find the full version wherever you stream music.

We pick up ideas that shape our worldview from all kids of places—like adages our grandmother used to say, proverbs from Eastern sages, or pop psych from the latest guru. But what happens when a Jesus-follower adopts ideas that come from Hinduism, or secularism, or other non-Christian sources? Elane and Benton (who both think the Dalai Lama is a pretty cool guy) discuss. 

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.